SPORT Wednesday 18 October 2017

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 31 PAGE | 36 Maxwell hopes Tiger Woods SparksSpa bound to fly in new technique cleared to resume crucialc Al Sailiya, Al leads to Ashes practice Rayyan QSL clash

Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (centre) shoots during the UEFA Champions League Group E match against NK Maribor at the Ljudski vrt Stadium in Maribor, Slovenia yesterday.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE YESTERDAY’S RESULTS GROUP E NK Maribor 0 - 7 Liverpool Spartak Moscow 5 - 1 Sevilla GROUP F Feyenoord 1 - 2 Shakhtar Donetsk Manchester City 2 - 1 Napoli GROUP G Monaco 1 - 2 Besiktas RB Leipzig 3 - 2 FC Porto GROUP H Apoel Nicosia 1 - 1 Borussia Dortmund Real Madrid 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur Reds hit seven as Spurs hold Real

Maribor opposition penalty area to demol- Hotspur as they held European Napoli 2-1 yesterday to UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE With three wins in AFP ish woeful Maribor. champions Real Madrid 1-1 at the tighten their grip on TODAY’S FIXTURES three games, City are Firmino opened the scoring Santiago Bernabeu yesterday. Champions League GROUP A firmly on track for the last iverpool eased the pres- and Philippe Coutinho increased Both sides remain unbeaten Group F. Benfica vs Manchester United 16, while Napoli, who have sure on Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool’s lead before Salah’s in this season’s Champions In a much-hyped CSKA Moscow vs FC Basel won all eight of their Roberto Firmino and brace put the Reds four up by League and well placed to clash of the highest-scor- GROUP B domestic league matches Mohamed Salah half-time at Stadion Ljudski Vrt. progress to the last 16. They each ing teams in Europe’s Bayern Munich vs Celtic to date, face a battle to inspired a 7-0 thrash- Firmino netted again after the have seven points after Cristiano five major leagues, City RSC Anderlecht vs Paris Saint Germain progress after their second Ling of Maribor in the Champions break, with Alex Oxlade-Cham- Ronaldo’s penalty cancelled out swiftly went 2-0 up GROUP C defeat of the campaign. FK Qarabag vs Atlético Madrid League yesterday. berlain and Trent Raphael Varane’s own goal in the through Raheem Sterling Chelsea vs Roma It was only City’s sec- After drawing their first two Alexander-Arnold also on the first period. and Gabriel Jesus at the GROUP D ond win in nine games European fixtures and splutter- scoresheet as Liverpool’s goal The sides meet again with top Etihad Stadium and Barcelona vs Olympiakos against Italian sides, but ing in the Premier League, blitz moved them into first place spot in Group H on the line at looked set for another Juventus vs Sporting Lisbon although they preserved Liverpool arrived in Slovenia with in Group E with three matches Wembley on November 1. breezy win. their 100 percent record critics questioning Klopp’s sign- left. Elsewhere, Manchester City But Napoli hit back, in Europe this season, the ings and tactics. A pair of stunning second-half conceded two penalties -- one Ederson having to save a penalty in the 73rd minute, and City man- way they let Napoli back into the But, for once, Klopp’s team saves from Hugo Lloris salvaged that was squandered, one that from Dries Mertens before Ama- ager Pep Guardiola will have been game suggested they are not quite showed a ruthless touch in the a precious point for Tottenham was scored -- as they edged dou Diawara netted from 12 yards grateful for the final whistle. the finished article yet. Chelsea have no margin for error: Alonso

London AFP

helsea defender Marcos Alonso admitted yesterday that the Premier League cham- Cpions cannot afford to lose another match if they want to successfully defend the title. Antonio Conte’s side are lagging nine points behind leaders Manchester City after losing their last two league matches. The Blues, who host Roma in the Champi- ons League today, crashed to a shock 2-1 defeat at lowly Crystal Palace on Saturday, an embar- rassing setback that followed a damaging 1-0 loss to City at Stamford Bridge. With title contenders Manchester United and Tottenham also in good form, Alonso knows Chelsea are in danger of losing touch with the early pace-setters. Recalling Chelsea’s 13-match winning streak which followed losses to Liverpool and Arsenal early last season, Alonso said he believes the Blues need to be even more consistent if they are to catch City. “We’ve lost a lot of points already. We can- not lose any more games,” Alonso told reporters yesterday. “It’ll obviously be very hard. There are teams playing very good football and there are so many games still to come. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER 2017 Frylinck gets Under-pressure Maxwell hopes call-up to SA T20 squad

Cape Town new technique leads to Ashes Reuters

ll-rounder Robbie Melbourne things creeping into my game. the second Test in Chittagong. axed after three matches of the at 26.07 after seven Tests. Frylinck has been Reuters “I had a very one-day tech- “I’ve really honed a tech- one-day international series in Top order batsman Shaun Ahanded a first call-up nique where I was able to work nique that can bat a long period India but former Australia cap- Marsh, who has an average of 36 to ’s ustralia all-rounder the ball sidewards with my of time and I changed a few tain Steve Waugh has backed from 23 Tests, and discarded squad for the two-match Glenn Maxwell (pic- hands. I basically got rid of that things technically to make sure him to make an impression in opener Joe Burns (37.95 from 13 series against Bangladesh tured) is well known and made sure I was holding my I had a solid defence and some- the Ashes if selectors stick with tests) are two players seen push- next week. for his batting pyro- shapeshape a lot longer.” thing that could sustain long him. ing for selection. resumes the technics but hopes a TheThe cocorrectionrrection ffailedailed periodsperiods of pressure,” he said.said. “He’s inconsistent but he’s a “There is some good, healthy captaincy after missing the defensiveA tweak to his technique to bring a big score “Unfortunately the way I match winner and there are not rivalry for it and whoever plays team’s last series in England can be key to locking up the con- duringduriingn laslastt got out was a bit disap-disap- too many of them around,” well, hopefully they play well but spinner and tentious number six spot for the month’smonth’s tourtour ofof pointing, to have the ball Waugh told local media. “If he’s during the Ashes,” said quick bowler Kagiso Rabada Ashes. BangladeshBangladesh just sort of crawl over my managed the right way he can Maxwell. have both been rest, Since scoring a mature and butbut MaxwelMaxwelll body and get to the be a force in test match cricket, “I think it would be a huge South Africa said yesterday. composed century against India saidsaid itit hadhad keeper was a bit frus-frus- there’s no doubt about that. personal accomplishment to “The selection of Robbie in the Ranchi Test in March, the already trating, but the work I “With him he looks like a hold my spot in the Australian provides another opportunity man nicknamed ‘the Big Show’ helped soaksoak did throughout that confidence player so if he gets test team after I’ve had a fair few to explore our depth in the has failed to surpass 50 in seven upup minutes periodperiod showed me that picked I would say to him ‘you doubters, especially in the long important all-rounder posi- Test innings and his selection for out in the mid- was I was doing was the are playing every test match’ and form of the game. tion,” said selector Linda the upcoming series against Eng- dle, as shown by right thing.”thing.” then you will get the benefit.” “So if I could hold my spot Zondi. land is far from assured. a 98-ball Maxwell’s While a handy offspin for that period of time and “Apart from his Australia coach Darren Leh- knkknockock ofof leanlean rrunun bowler and an excellent fielder, beyond, that would be strengths he has a proven mann has said Maxwell’s number 3388 in saws aw Maxwell’s batting average stands exceptional.” record as a finisher with the six spot is up for grabs, leaving him bat. the 29-year-old righthander in “Imran remains our first- a shoot-out with other hopefuls choice spinner in both the in the domestic Sheffield Shield limited overs formats but we in the lead up to the first Test in also need to develop depth in Brisbane on November 23. I had a very one-day technique where I this important area which is Maxwell’s faltering output was able to work the ball sidewards why we have given further prompted a self-analysis and he with my hands. I basically got rid of that opportunities to (Tabraiz) was not impressed with what he Shamsi and (Aaron) saw on video review. and made sure I was holding my shape a Phangiso.” “It was a little bit frustrating lot longer: Glenn Maxwell South Africa host the T20 watching myself back and going internationals in Bloemfon- ‘I don’t like what I see there’,” he tein on October 26 and told local media. Potchefstroom on October 29. “I looked back at a lot of footage and I just noticed a few SOUTH AFRICA T20 SQUAD Faf du Plessis (), , , , Pakistan’s Amir back AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Robbie Pakistan eye series win Frylinck, Beuran Hendricks, David Miller, Mangaliso Mosehle, Dane Paterson,

Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, in Twenty20 squad as SL seek turnaround Tabraiz Shamsi Lahore Abu Dhabi AFP Agencies akistan recalled pace Middlesex have akistan will be looking to spearhead Mohammad seal the five-match series PAmir (pictured) in the their appeal Pwhen they will meet Sri 16-man squad for the three- Lanka today in the third ODI at match Twenty20 series against dismissed the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Sri Lanka starting next week. Dhabi. The 25-year-old suffered a AFP Babar Azam scored a succes- shin injury during the second sive hundred while Shadab Khan Test in Dubai but is included in iddlesex failed yester- gave his career best bowling and the squad after rehab in the day in their appeal batting performance to help Paki- hope that he will recover in three-match Twenty20 series Magainst a two-point stan thump Sri Lanka by 32 runs time. against a World XI revived penalty for slow over rates, in the second game. Pakistan won The first two matches will international cricket in the which means they will be rel- the first match by 83 runs. be played in Abu Dhabi on country. egated just a year after One-drop batsman Babar October 26 and 27 before teams Also staging a comeback in winning the county knocked a fighting 133-ball 103 fly to Lahore for the final game the squad is spinning allrounder championship. while Shadab scored a career on October 29. Mohammad Hafeez who was The club, who play at best 52 not out to lift Pakistan Sarfraz Ahmed will lead the dropped for the World XI series, Lord’s, were docked the from a struggling 79-5 before Pakistan side. while pace allrounder Amir points during their match Shadab the bowler returned with Sri Lanka Cricket on Mon- Yamin has also been recalled against Surrey in August -- a his best figures of 3-47 to dis- day confirmed their team will after his performance in game that was abandoned miss Sri Lanka for 187 all out in tour Lahore in a ‘fly in, fly out’ domestic matches. when a crossbow bolt was 48 overs. arrangement for just one day Yamin played his last inter- fired into The Oval. The 23-year-old Babar and -- eight years after their team national match, against England They were subsequently Shadab, who turned 19 earlier this bus was attacked by gunmen in in the UAE, in 2015. relegated by a single point month, were engaged in a match- the same city. after losing their final match turning 109-run seventh The attacks, which left eight PAKISTAN T20 SQUAD of the season to Somerset. stand which helped Pakistan people killed and seven visit- The Cricket Discipline reach 291-9 on a sluggish Sheikh ing players and their staff Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Za- Commission chairman Tim Zayed Stadium. injured, forced international man, Ahmed Shahzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib O’Gorman said: “I do not “Our batting collapsed but the Pakistan’s Shadab Khan (left) and Babar Azam run teams to stay away from Paki- Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim, accept that Middlesex only way they batted after that on a between the wicket during the second ODI against Sri stan over security fears. Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem agreed to the abandonment difficult pitch was brilliant. Can’t Lanka at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Pakistan successfully Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Amir Yamin, Mohammad of the match on condition that praise the bowlers enough for Both were engaged in a match-turning 109-run seventh hosted the final of the Pakistan Amir (subject to fitness clearance), Rumman their slow over rate in the first defending this 220,” Sarfraz said wicket stand. Super League in Lahore earlier Raees, Usman Shinwari, Umar Amin innings would be over- after the victory. this year and last month’s looked,” he said. The victory gave Pakistan a 2-0 lead and a win will secure series win for Sarfraz Ahmed’s men. The loss, however, was Sri Lanka’s ninth defeat in a row. A defeat today will take the Indian court reinstates Sreesanth fixing life ban tally to double figures and the Islanders are desperate to avoid that. New Delhi in August to review an order “This is the worst decision along with scores of bookies as Skipper Upul Tharanga who AFP that acquitted Sreesanth due to ever..special rule for me?what part of a probe into allegations became the first Sri Lankan and lack of proof. The court in a about real culprits?What about that players had under-per- 11th batsmen in the one-day his- life ban on Indian fast fresh verdict overturned its pre- chennai super kings ? And what formed in return for cash. tory to carry his bat through a bowler Shanthakumaran vious judgement. But Sreesanth, about Rajasthan ?,” Sreesanth Criminal charges were later complete innings with a fight- ASreesanth (pictured) for 34, vowed to keep fighting wrote on Twitter. He and two dropped, but the players ing 144-ball 112 not out, will match-fixing was reinstated by against what he called “injus- other Rajasthan Royals players remained banned for breach- remain the key for his side as a court yesterday following an tice” against him. were banned for life over ing the BCCI’s code of conduct. they seek the turnaround in the appeal by the country’s cricket “All I have is my family and alleged involvement in betting Sreesanth, who is 13 short of series. board. lots of dear ones who still and spot-fixing following a 2013 100 Test , has played 27 Pakistan are likely to field the The Board of Control for believes in me... I will keep scandal in the IPL Tests and 53 one-day interna- same XI, giving Ahmed Shehzad Cricket in India (BCCI) had fighting and make sure I don’t Sreesanth, Ankit Chavan tionals since making his debut another run despite scores of 0 moved the Kerala High Court give up,” he said in a Tweet. and Ajit Chandila were arrested in 2005. and 8 so far. WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 31 Woods cleared to resume practice

New York August 31 hitting pitch shots. Stein- AP berg said doctors last week allowed Woods “to proceed with no restric- iger Woods is swinging a tions,” which is when he began driver without pain, and posting video of fuller golf shots. We haven’t even addressed when he his agent says doctors “He has started to hit balls at a comes back to play again. We have not have cleared the former more aggressive rate,” Steinberg Tworld No. 1 to practice said. addressed one thing: Mark Steinberg, without limitations. “He feels really good, but he’s Woods’ agent at Excel Sports Management Still to be determined is when going to take it very slowly. I think Woods can play in a tournament. he’s excited that he’s not feeling “We haven’t even addressed pain. That’s what gets him excited, when he comes back to play again. being able to bend down and pick We have not addressed one thing,” up his kids. said Mark Steinberg, Woods’ agent “He’s taking it from wedges and at Excel Sports Management. “He short irons to the longer clubs. But wants to play this so he’s still doing it in a really cautious conservatively.” manner.” Steinberg said Woods received Woods was an assistant cap- a “good report” last week from doc- tain at the Presidents Cup two tors who performed fusion surgery weeks ago, and he said then his on his lower back in April. Woods priorities were to get his health in posted a video on Twitter on Octo- order, make sure he is pain-free ber 7 of him hitting a smooth iron and then wait on word from his shot. Then on Sunday, Woods doctors. posted another video — in a red “I’m still training. I’m getting shirt, no less — hitting a driver. stronger,” he said on September “Making progress,” he tweeted. 27. “But I certainly don’t have my Woods, whose last victory was golf muscles trained.” four years ago at the Bridgestone Woods last year returned after Invitational for his record 18th 15 months to play in his Hero World World Golf Championships title, has Challenge in the Bahamas, where not played since he withdrew from he finished 15th in an 18-man field. the Dubai Desert Classic on Febru- The tournament is a week after Former World No.1 Tiger ary 3 because of back spasms. Thanksgiving. Two spots are still Woods can resume Two months later, he had a available for sponsor exemptions practice but when will fourth surgery on his back in 19 to players in the top 50 in the he return to competitive months. world, or to the tournament host, action, is remain to be Woods first posted a video on which is Woods. seen.

Baldwin feared losing hand after lion bite IOC ‘disappointed’ by

Glasgow match against the Cheetahs in through the other side of the Reuters Bloemfontein. hand,” Baldwin added. Innsbruck snub, still “The infection was the major “But I was really lucky it ales hooker Scott Bald- issue,” the 29-year-old told the didn’t hit any tendons or liga- win (pictured) has BBC. “The next day it started ments. The surgeon said it was hopes for good bids W said he feared losing tracking up my arm. The surgeon like winning the lottery... it was his left hand to an infection after said there was a chance I could the best possible outcome con- being bitten while petting a lion lose my hand.” sidering I had been bitten by a Zurich exploratory talks with inter- in South Africa last month. Baldwin underwent two lion.” Reuters ested NOCs and cities from The 29-year-old was operations in South Africa before With his stitches out, Bald- America, Asia and Europe described as “stupid” by Ospreys flying to Swansea to consult a win hopes to return to training he International Olym- within the framework of its coach Steve Tandy after suffer- plastic surgeon and said he was in the coming week but will pic Committee new candidature process,” ing the wound, which needed extremely fortunate not to have make a final call after meeting Tyesterday said it was the IOC official said. stitches, during a pre-match visit sustained a worse injury. with his coach and medical disappointed by the referen- “We are certain that an to a game park ahead of a Pro14 “The bite went straight teams. dum defeat of Innsbruck’s excellent host city for the plan to bid for the 2026 Win- Olympic Winter Games 2026 ter Olympics, with some in will emerge from this Gold medalist Simone the movement saying process.” Olympic queen Biles Biles of the USA another dual Games award Bids from Switzerland, could be on the cards. Kazakhstan, Turkey, Japan, celebrates on a podium The IOC has been strug- Canada and the United States after winning the gling in recent years to are still likely for 2026 with chooses new coach women’s balance beam convince potential hosts of the candidacy process to start final at the 45th FIG the benefits of hosting the in 2018 and a decision to be Artistic Gymnastics Games and about a dozen cit- taken in 2019. Los Angeles took a sabbatical from gymnas- World Championships in ies have pulled out of bidding However, the Austrian AFP tics following her performances Nanning, China, in this file for the 2022, 2024 and 2026 refusal is a further slap in the at the Rio de Janeiro games last photo. Olympics. face for the IOC’s Agenda lympic gymnastics queen year, where she won four gold In an effort to secure the 2020, a set of reforms intro- Simone Biles has medals and a bronze. long-term future of the duced in 2014 and aimed, Oappointed a new coach as The change of coach comes Games the IOC in September among other things, at reduc- she begins her comeback to the after former mentor Aimee awarded the 2024 and the ing the size and cost of the sport after a year-long break, US Boorman, who worked with Biles 2028 Summer Olympics to Games to make them more media reported yesterday. for more than a decade, relo- Paris and Los Angeles after attractive to potential hosts. Biles, the reigning all-around cated to Florida from Houston. they were the only remain- It has so far failed to Olympic champion and 10-time Biles said she was drawn to ing bidders. deliver on that front with four World Championship gold med- Landi through his work with USA “The IOC would have cities pulling out of the 2022 allist, has hired France’s Laurent team-mate Madison Kocian, who liked to continue its prelim- campaign and two more bids Landi as she begins her journey won a silver medal on the une- inary exploratory talks with killed off at referendum towards the 2020 Tokyo Games. ven bars in Rio. Innsbruck,” an IOC spokes- stage. Four cities stopped The 20-year-old superstar The uneven bars was the man said. their bids in mid-race for only event in which Biles failed “The IOC shares the dis- 2024 before Innsbruck’s to reach the final in Brazil. appointment for the Austrian refusal for 2026. “That is his speciality, so Olympic Committee, the “Auf Wiedersehen Inns- hopefully I will become a better many supporting athletes and bruck and Austria,” IOC bars swinger, and confidence- the promoters of the project member Richard Peterkin Hopefully, I will wise, I will improve,” Biles told who worked on it with so posted on Twitter. become a better the Houston Chronicle. much energy and “Another Olympic bid Biles said she had also been commitment. falls by the wayside follow- bars swinger, and impressed with the Frenchman’s “This would have been a ing a referendum rejection. confidence-wise, I ability to put athletes at ease dur- solid foundation to develop Not even close. Disruptive.” ing competition. an excellent candidature for The outspoken Peterkin, will improve. “Laurent Landi does a good sustainable Olympic winter who has repeatedly urged the Laurent Landi does job not letting pressure get to the Games.” IOC to take stronger action athletes,” she told the Chronicle. The Austrian Alpine city, against the flagging interest in a good job not “You can see some coaches get venue of the 1964 and the the Games, said a dual award- letting pressure stressed but he doesn’t.” 1976 Winter Games as well ing such as that for the 2024 Biles’ 14 months off since the as the 2012 winter youth and 2028 Olympics was an get to the athletes: Olympics has included travel, Olympics, saw its 2026 plans option, even if it was supposed Simone Biles sponsorship work and a stint on 2018.“The time off has been and the time off was good men- derailed on Sunday when 53 to have been a one-off. reality television competition really good,” said the star tally and physically. “But I am percent of voters in a local “Dual award now look- “Dancing With the Stars.” Olympian. committed to going back to the referendum voted against the ing possible for 2026 if two She told the Chronicle she is “It’s been exciting to get to gym and starting the entire planned candidacy. strong bids remain in the looking forward to returning to do things that I never would process and working back up to “The IOC will continue its running,” he added. competition, most likely in July have had the opportunity to do, where I was.” 32 SPORT WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER 2017 WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 33

2018 Tour de France: Key stages TOUR ROUTE

STAGE 3 CHOLET - CHOLET: 35KM TEAM TIME-TRIAL Stage 1: Noirmoutier-en-l’Ile to Fonte- Chris Froome’s team Sky wilted at last month’s Bergen world team Tough test awaits Froome as Tour nay-le-Comte, 189km time-trial as the 2017 Giro d’Italia winner Dutchman Tom Dumoulin led Stage 2: Mouilleron-Saint-Germain to La Sunweb to victory over the 45km route. This one is shorter, but Sky will Roche-sur-Yon, 183km have to think long and hard about the make up of the team they select in a tactical balance between the power for here and the lightweight Stage 3: Cholet to Cholet, team time trial, climbers they’ll need for the slog though the mountains. 35km Stage 4: La Baule to Sarzeau, 192km STAGE 9 ARRAS - ROUBAIX: 154 KM Pure climbers will be fretting about their eventual place on the podium organisers spice up the route Stage 5: Lorient to Quimper, 203km when they look at this one with 15 cobbled sections, the longest section Stage 6: Brest to Mur de Bretagne, 181km of cobbles since the 1980’s from the fabled Paris-Roubaix classic which Stage 7: Fougeres to Chartres, 231km require power and endurance with middleweight riders doing well. It Paris island of Noirmoutier off the tially decisive, gruelling mountain endish said he was not looking to Title holder Britain’s Chris Froome poses in front of a map of the official route Stage 8: Dreux to Amiens, 181km starts and ends early to avoid clashing with the World Cup final. AFP Vendee coast on July 7, lacks a climb. Another tester will be stage the hilly challenge. of the 2018 edition of the Tour de France cycling race during its presentation in Stage 9: Arras to Roubaix, 154km long, flat individual time trial nine, which follows a cobbled “There’s lots of sprint oppor- Paris yesterday. STAGE 12 BOURG SAINT-MAURICE - ALPE D’HUEZ: 175 KM hris Froome could face where four-time winner Froome road to Roubaix, echoing the tunities early on but the second Rest day in Annecy Not one, not two but three feared climbs as this Alpine stage tackles his toughest Tour de often pulverises opponents. Paris-Roubaix one-day classic. bit, I’m not really sure I’ll get that It’s a massive Stage 10: Annecy to Le Grand Bornand, the Col de La Madeleine, the Col de la Croix de Fer and the Alpe d’Huez’s France challenge so far Six mountain stages and four “It’s a massive challenge with far,” said the Quick Step rider with challenge with a lot 159km 21 mythical turns to an eagerly awaited summit finish. With almost 71km in 2018 after organis- hilly stages are packed into the a lot of windy dangerous stages, 30 Tour de France stage wins to in total of climbing, defending champion Chris Froome thinks the Tour ers yesterday unveiled latter part of the Tour before it I wasn’t counting on racing Paris- his name. of windy dangerous Stage 11: Albertville to La Rosiere, 108km can be won or lost here. Ca route and format that are poten- ends on the Champs-Elysees in Roubaix this year but I’ll have to The much lighter Briton stages, I wasn’t Stage 12: Bourg-Saint-Maurice to L’Alpe tially unfavourable to the reigning Paris on July 29. re-evaluate that now,” Froome Simon Yates, the 2017 winner of counting on racing d’Huez, 175km STAGE 17 BAGNERES-DE-LUCHON - SAINT-LARY-SOULAN, COL champion. “It’s different every year and it’s joked. the white jersey for riders under- DE PORTET: 65 KM The race, which difficult every year,” Froome said. “It’s going to be a very nerv- 25, had other concerns. Paris-Roubaix this Stage 13: Bourg d’Oisans to Valence, A short, sharp shock which Tour organisers believe is thoroughly starts on the “I like the look of the Alpe ous race until we reach the Alps,” “I’m a very light man, so I’m year but I’ll have to 169km attackable terrain with a stunningly beautiful backdrop and summit fin- d’Huez stage, for me that’s the he said not looking forward to the wind re-evaluate that now, Stage 14: Saint-Pauol-Trois-Chateaux to ish at 2,215m where the oxygen is rarefied and the pure climbers will ‘Queen’ stage on this Tour,” he Such relentless hill and moun- in the Vendee,” said Yates, who says Froome Mende, 187km thrive. added, referring to tain terrain may well grind down rides for Orica. the poten- Froome’s protective entourage On top of that, teams will be Stage 15: Millau to Carcassonne, 181km STAGE 20 SAINT-PEE-SUR-NIVELLE - ESPELETTE: 31KM (INDI- who have so successfully snuffed allowed just eight riders in 2018 Rest day in Carcassonne VIDUAL TIME-TRIAL) out attacks in recent Tours. rather than the usual nine, leav- Stage 16: Carcassonne to Bagneres-de- Froome and Dumoulin, both good climbers and good time triallists British sprinter ing Froome less protected by his if they can get this far, are already on many people’s minds Mark Cav- Sky teammates than he has been prestigious cycling race is basi- Luchon, 218km when they look at this penultimate stage where a 31km, on- used to. cally split into two sections. Stage 17: Bagneres-de-Luchon to Saint- your-own, uphill slog faces all pretenders to the title, the The 2018 route for the The first is largely flat but fea- Lary-Soulan, 65km podium and the top ten. world’s most tures a series of potentially Stage 18: Tries-sur-Baise to Pau, 172km punishing challenges. They include a 35-kilometre Stage 19: Lourdes to Laruns, 200km Tour de France (22-mile) team time trial on Stage 20: Saint-Pee-sur-Nivelle to Espe- 2017 winner day three on wind- lette, individual time trial, 31km Chris Froome swept of Britain poses Stage 21: Houilles to Paris Champs- with the Velo d’Or Elysées, 115km award (Golden bike trophy) he received during plains, then a Brittany run to the stages, four hilly stages and three the presentation pretty seaside town of Quimper Pyrenean mountain stages inside of the itinerary on day five featuring 10 hills. a breathless 12 days. of the 2018 Tour The route designers have also But the two key mountain de France cycling built in two ascents of the feared challenges are a brutal, uphill Cav’s daughter wants race in Paris , Mur de Bretagne while on stage 31km individual time trial and a France yesterday. eight and the day after comes the short 65km 17th stage featuring cobbled road to Roubaix. 38km of climbs to a summit fin- When asked if the 2018 route ish at the Col de Portet. the flowers, not record Froome wins would be tough for Sky captain Portet is the highest summit, Froome, Tour de France director at 2,215 metres, ever to feature on Christian Prudhomme said all the a Tour de France. Paris wants the flowers,” said stages for Cavendish to close in on riders taking part were “And there are a few other AFP Cavendish. Merckx, who was known as the Velo d’Or award champions. surprises hidden in there along the The 32-year-old was realistic Cannibal because of his desire to “But the winner will need the way,” Gouvenou promised. ark Cavendish over his chances of bridging the win everything. stamina to roll through windy revealed at yester- echelon, to use a cycling term, There are also five hilly stages, plains and do well in the team day’s Tour de France between himself and the legendary six mountainous stages, two time- for 3rd time time-trial, he’ll need to be able to 2018 route presen- Belgian this time around. trials and, crucially for heavily built resist the cobbles and have tation that his bid to “There are plenty of sprint sprinters considering giving up enough steam to get through all Mreach Eddy Merckx’s record of 34 stages in the first week,” said Cav- before the mountains, two rest Paris the mountains,” Prudhomme told The winner will need stage wins comes second to the endish, who suffered a fractured days. AP reporters. the stamina to roll flowers winners get on the podium, collarbone in a bunch finish in In 2017 the giant German “I know of a few such speci- through windy plains at least for his daughter. stage 4 this year when he fell after sprinter Marcel Kittel, who weighs our-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome mens from the Netherlands and and do well in the Cavendish has 30 Tour de being elbowed by Peter Sagan, who 87 kilogrammes (192 pounds) won has capped his season by winning the Velo d’Or award from Britain,” he joked, without team time-trial, he’ll France stage wins and makes no was disqualified over the five stages before pulling out half- Fas the best rider of 2017. referring to Froome or the 2017 need to be able to bones about his ambition to one incident. way because of a fall. The Team Sky leader succeeded three-time world Giro d’Italia winner Tom Dumou- day pass Merckx, but for his daugh- “There are sprints in the sec- “I might need a miracle to get champion Peter Sagan. lin by name. resist the cobbles and ter Delilah Grace it’s all about the ond and third weeks, but I just to Paris,” Cavendish said, and while Froome enjoyed a spectacular year, becoming the Route designer Thierry Gou- have enough steam to flowers. don’t know if I’ll get that far,” said there are no miracles in cycling, third man to complete the Tour-Vuelta double in the venou said the switch between the get through all the Cavendish was filmed with the Cavendish, who is on the Dimen- the 2018 Tour does pass through same season, after Jacques Anquetil in 1963 and Bernard two sections “is perhaps the great- mountains: Tour five-year-old on his lap answer- sion Data team, which features 13 the town of Lourdes, where mira- Hinault in 1978, when the Vuelta was still held in the est challenge of this Tour”. Director Prudhomme ing a question over what the Tour African riders. cles have been said to occur since spring before the Tour. After a rest day on which the de France meant to him, from “I’ll have to go into it further, a child claimed to have seen what Froome was awarded his trophy on Tuesday dur- riders fly from the north coast to career-defining stage wins to glory have a much better look at exactly is now known as “Our Lady of ing the presentation of the Tour de France route. He Annecy, there follow three visu- and peak moments. where the climbs are.” Lourdes” and from where stage 19 says “it’s obviously a season I will remember all my ally stunning Alpine mountain “None of that for her, she just In fact there are eight flat begins. life.” Froome will be chasing a record-equaling fifth Tour victory next year to move level with Anquetil, Hinault, Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain.

The pack of riders, including Team Sky rider Chris Froome of Britain (right) wearing the race leader’s yellow jersey, ride near the Arc de Triomphe during the 109.5- km (68 miles) final stage of the 102nd Tour de France cycling race from Sevres to Paris Champs-Elysees, France in this July 26, 2015 file photo. The itinerary of the 2018 edition of the world’s greatest cycling event was revealed during a ceremony yesterday. The event will start from Noirmoutier-en-L’Ile on July 7 and will finish at the Champs Elysees in Paris on July 29, 2018. 34 SPORT WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER 2017 Socceroos warned Italy to meet Sweden in to expect the worst tricky World Cup play-off against Honduras Hong Kong Reuters Paris AFP ormer Australia coach Pim Verbeek has warned the Socceroos to expect the worst when they travel to Hon- our-time winners Italy will play Swe- Fduras for the first leg of their intercontinental qualifying den in a play-off for a place in the match for next year’s World Cup finals in November. 2018 World Cup while the Republic Ange Postecoglou’s team face off against the Hondurans, of Ireland take on Denmark, follow- who finished fourth in North and Central America’s qualify- ing the draw yesterday. ing campaign, having narrowly defeated Syria in an Asian FNorthern Ireland will tackle Switzerland playoff last week. and Croatia and Greece will contest the other The winners over two legs will go into the December 1 two-legged Europe zone play-offs to be played draw for Russia and Verbeek, who took Australia to the finals between November 9 and November 14. in 2010, believes the challenge facing the Socceroos will be Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon’s Italy, unlike any they have previously encountered. who were seeded for the draw in Zurich, will “The Australians will find it very different to many of the travel to Sweden for the first leg of their tie as places they’ve been,” Verbeek, who is currently coaching they seek a ticket to Russia. Oman’s national team, said. Gabriele Oriali, the Italy team manager who “The closest comparison is to Uruguay, when they went attended the draw in place of coach Gian Piero there in 2005, but it’s worse. Ventura, said: “I think it could have been bet- “It’s a long journey too, they’ll probably have to fly to ter. But we accept this draw. We are Italy and Miami and then down to Honduras. Then they have to go we shouldn’t be afraid of anyone. back, so it’s going to be a tough challenge with no real time “Sweden are a very strong team, who qual- for preparation because the distances are so big. ified in a difficult group. They beat France and “It’s going to be hard.” Spanish player Fernando Hierro displays the name ‘Italy’ during the FIFA World Cup eliminated the Netherlands. Football Federation Australia (FFA) are reported in local European play-off draw in Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday. “We have optimism and history (on our media to be looking at hiring a charter plane to get the team side). Imagine a World Cup without Italy.” to and from Central America, as they did for the trip to Syria. The Italians were condemned to the play-offs after finishing runners-up to Spain Euro play-offs draw Verbeek has first-hand experience of taking a team to in their qualifying group, but they have not San Pedro Sula, where the first leg will be played on Novem- missed a World Cup finals since 1958. Republic of Ireland meet Denmark, ber 10, having travelled with the Netherlands Antilles to the Sweden coach Janne Andersson (pictured) Northern Ireland will tackle Honduran capital to play a World Cup qualifying match in said he expected “two tough games”. Switzerland, while Croatia and 2004. “But it would have been the same with other Greece will contest the two-legged The Caribbean side lost that game to the Bora Miluti- countries. I’m happy we know now. Now we Europe zone play-offs between novic-coached Hondurans to exit qualifying for Germany can start work,” he told Sky Sports News. November 9 and November 14. 2006. Northern Ireland coach Michael O’Neill Then, as now, the situation in the country was fraught admitted he faced an uphill task against the with security issues. Swiss as he bids to steer his country to the finals the form they showed at the end of qualifying Honduras currently boasts the highest murder rate in for the first time since 1986. when they eliminated Wales to reach the play- the world, according to the Central Intelligence Agency, The Northern Irish will play at home in the offs, their coach Martin O’Neill said. while Australia’s department of foreign affairs advises first leg. They have the advantage of hosting Den- travellers visiting the country to “exercise a high degree “Switzerland had a great campaign though mark in the second leg. of caution”. their group was one of the easiest. Our job is “We have momentum and that’s impor- “Honduras is not the safest place,” said Verbeek. to make their life as difficult as possible,” he tant,” O’Neill said. “We won the last two games “I was there quite a few years ago when I was coach of said. to get here. I’m now concerned with the next the Dutch Antilles, we played a World Cup match there and “Having played Germany twice in the group couple of weeks and making sure my players it was dangerous. it will set us up nicely for the match,” O’Neill don’t get injuries at club level.” “We had a truck in front of our team bus and one said. Croatia will host surprise Euro 2004 win- behind with heavily armed guards every time we trav- “Our aim is to take a lead to Switzerland ners Greece in the first leg of their playoff. elled and we were told that we were never to leave the and we had seven clean sheets in our qualifi- Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalic said the tie hotel.” ers so we need a tight five when we go there.” would be “a difficult job”, but added: “I’m The second leg will be played at Sydney’s Olympic Sta- The Republic of Ireland need to keep up optimistic.” dium on November 15.

Bayern Munich’s German defender Jerome Boateng attends a press conference on the eve of the Champions League group B match against Celtic Glasgow in Munich, southern Germany, yesterday. Bayern regroup for Celtic challenge under Heynckes

Munich, Germany weeks ago, Heynckes came out We need to go forward together AFP of retirement to return as head as a team and have fun.” coach until the end of the Lewandowski is Bayern’s ayern Munich are looking season. most successful foreign goals- to regroup in the Champi- After four years out, Celtic’s corer, with a total of 24 goals, Bons League at home to visit to Allianz Arena is Hey- and has scored 10 times in his Celtic today as Jupp Heynckes nckes’ first real test as Bayern last twelve Champions League coaches his first European game look to show reaction from their matches. since winning the 2013 final. thrashing in Paris. The striker has made no The 72-year-old steered Polish striker Robert secret of his desire to win the Bayern to the Champions Lewandowski, who has scored Champions League title this League title four years ago by six goals in five matches at the season. beating Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Arena this season, said With three points from their Wembley to complete the tre- Heynckes has already made first two games, Bayern need a ble of European, Bundesliga and an impact after just a week home win to get them back on German Cup titles in the 2012/13 back. “He wants us to focus on track in Group B. season. the details. In training ses- “It’s a very important game However, after Carlo Ance- sions, every pass and every for us,” admitted Lewandowski, lotti was sacked in the wake of shot is important,” said who scored in Saturday’s 5-0 Bayern’s 3-0 hammering at Lewandowski. thrashing of Freiburg in the Paris Saint-Germain three “We have to remain focused. Bundesliga. WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 35 Frazier, Judge power Yankees past Astros

New York New York Yankees third baseman Chase Headley (12) hits an struggled -- Jose Altuve and Car- AFP RBI single during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros los Correa were a combined during game three of the 2017 ALCS playoff baseball series at 1-for-8 at the plate -- Houston ome runs from Todd avoided being blanked when Yankee Stadium on Monday. Frazier and Aaron they posted their lone run in the Judge powered the ninth on a bases-loaded walk by New York Yankees Alex Bregman. to an 8-1 victory “CC was really good Hover the Houston Astros on Mon- because he didn’t make a lot of day and back into their American mistakes,” Astros manager A.J. League Championship Series. Hinch said. After dropping the first two “He can pitch with the ele- games of the best-of-seven series vated fastball. He’s got a pretty in Houston, the Yankees bounced good breaking ball, especially back before a sell-out crowd of when he gets you in the swing 49,373 at Yankee Stadium to trim mode. the Astros’ series lead to 2-1. “We were a little swing Aaron Judge, the rookie sen- happy tonight against him and sation and AL Most Valuable he took advantage of being able Player candidate, broke out of to pitch to the outer parts of the his playoff slump with a two-out, strike zone.” three-run home run off of Astros The Yankees will try to level relief pitcher Charlie Morton that the series when they host game highlighted a five-run fourth four. inning. The winner of the series will Judge came up big defen- face either the Los Angeles Dodg- sively as well, with a leaping ers or Chicago Cubs in the World catch into the right field wall in Series. the top of the fourth that denied The Dodgers lead the reign- Yuli Gurriel at least an extra base ing champion Cubs 2-0 in the hit and possibly a home run. National League Championship Judge’s diving catch of a ball Series with game three in hit by Cameron Maybin gave the Chicago. Yankees their first out of the fifth. Judge came into the game in those extra couple of runs was scoreless playoff outing. “It’s the two-out rally with an infield Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia a 4-for-31 slump in these play- huge for us.” weird,” he said. “Me being 37, single. Aaron Hicks followed with Bounce back pitched six gritty, scoreless offs -- including 19 strikeouts Sabathia allowed three hits smoke and mirrors, getting a a single to left-center before innings. -- said he was pleased to provide in six scoreless innings, striking shutout. third baseman Frazier smacked After dropping first Frazier gave Sabathia some support for Sabathia. out five. He’s 10-0 this season “I wanted to come out and a fastball that was down and out- two games of the early breathing room with a two- “It felt good to put a couple when pitching following a Yan- try to give it everything I could side into the right field stands. best-of-seven series, out, three-run homer off of more runs on the board for CC,” kees defeat. to throw strikes and have a good “That home run I hit, it was the Yankees bounced Astros starting pitcher Charlie Judge said of his home run. “He The 37-year old pitcher was performance.” unorthodox, but I’ll take a hun- back to trim the Morton in the bottom of the sec- was working his butt off, did a making his 22nd post-season New York took the lead in the dred like it,” he said. Astros’ series lead. ond inning. great job tonight, and just to add start, and produced his first second. Starlin Castro sparked While the Astros’ big bats

NHL: Kucherov Titans finally find scored twice as Lightning tame a way past Colts Red Wings New York Nashville, Tennessee pass of the third quarter and returned it Reuters AP 26 yards for a TD. But the Titans forced the Colts to go ikita Kucherov arcus Mariota threw a 53-yard three-and-out on three of their first four scored twice, touchdown pass to Taywan Tay- drives of the second half, and Avery Wil- including the Mlor with 5:29 left , helping the liamson stripped tight end Jack Doyle of game-winner in Tennessee Titans beat the Indianapolis the ball after a catch. the third period, Colts 36-22 on Monday night to end an Tennessee kicker Ryan Succop went Nas the Tampa Bay Lightning 11-game skid tied for the NFL’s longest 5 for 5 to break the NFL record for most defeated the Detroit Red active losing streak against one team. consecutive successful field goals inside Wings 3-2 on Monday. Mariota didn’t move around much of 50 yards. He connected from 48, 32 Kucherov slammed the on a cool night after missing a game with and 40 yards in the first half and then hit rebound of a Steven Stamkos a strained left hamstring, but still man- from 23 and 48 yards in the third. shot past Detroit goalie Jimmy aged to throw for a season-high 306 Succop began the day tied with Matt Howard 1:47 into the third to yards. He completed each of his three Bryant, who connected on 46 straight snap a 2-2 tie. passes on the drive that ended with Tay- field goals inside 50 yards between 2013 Kucherov has now lor’s tiebreaking score. and 2015 for the Atlanta Falcons. scored in all six games this The Titans (3-3) also ended a two- Adam Vinatieri, the Colts’ accom- season, the first NHL player game skid with the win. plished kicker, got three field goals to do that since Keith Tka- Jacoby Brissett tried to rally the Colts himself, including a 52-yarder. But he chuk of the St. Louis Blues (2-4) to a second straight overtime. But missed an extra point off the left upright. in 2008-09. The Tampa Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard The Colts’ team message got a prime- Bay winger has seven goals forced Brissett out of bounds shy of the time audience with outside linebacker in all. first down marker on fourth-and-inches Jabaal Sheard wearing a black T-shirt The Lightning (5-1-0) beat with 2:19 left. Coach Chuck Pagano lost with the message “We Will” over his jer- the Red Wings (4-2-0) for the his challenge. sey during the coin toss. On the back were eighth consecutive regular- Derrick Henry then clinched the win the words “Stand For: Equality Justice season meeting. for Tennessee with a 72-yard TD run with Unity Respect Dialogue Opportunity.” Tampa Bay opened the 47 seconds left. Henry, the 2015 Heisman The Colts have been wearing these scoring 9:15 into the game Trophy winner, finished with a career- T-shirts during pregame warmups for while killing a penalty. high 131 yards on 19 carries. DeMarco the last couple of weeks. Lightning forward Tyler Murray also scored. A handful of Titans, including defen- Johnson pounced on a turn- The Titans looked like the NFL’s worst sive lineman Jurrell Casey, raised a fist over, burst past Red Wings scoring defense in the first half instead into the air after the national anthem defenseman Trevor Daley Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) drops back to pass during of Indianapolis, with Brissett directing ended. Wide receiver Rishard Matthews into the clear and slid the the Colts to a 13-9 halftime lead. John stayed off the field during the anthem for the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium during their NFL puck between Howard’s Simon then intercepted Mariota’s first a third straight game. game on Monday. pads. LeBron’s status for opener vs Celtics still unclear

Independence, Ohio While Smith may be giving Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and out given the attention with Irv- from you guys,” Lue said when started playing, he’s never AP James the green light, Lue and Jeff Green. ing coming back following this pressed about his superstar’s missed a first game. I’m prepar- other team officials remained James has been slowed by a summer’s blockbuster trade availability. “I really don’t know, ing for him to play.” ollowing Cleveland’s final unsure of James’ status for the sprained left ankle suffered in between the teams — and the I mean, just depends on how he The Cavaliers have struggled practice before a season game against the Celtics and practice on September27. He All-Star guard’s recent swipe at feels after today. ... I’m prepar- mightily when James has been Fopener against Boston with former Cavs guard Kyrie Irving, played in only one of Cleveland’s Cleveland. ing that he is (playing).” out of the lineup, losing 11 playoff-level hype, Cavaliers whose ballyhooed return to five exhibition games, and his Just so he’s protected, Lue Smith, who is beginning his straight regular-season games coach Tyronn Lue still wasn’t Cleveland is expected to be part absence has kept a starting has made a contingency lineup third full season with Cleveland, and going 4-23 without him since sure if LeBron James was play- homecoming, part hate-fest. lineup that now includes Dwyane in case James doesn’t play. Smith knows it will take a lot more than 2014. With a revamped roster ing today. James didn’t speak to report- Wade and Derrick Rose from will take his spot in the Cavs’ “B’’ a sore ankle to keep James off and more offensive options than “Oh, he’s gonna go,” Smith ers following Monday’s practice, getting much floor time together. lineup. the floor. ever, Lue believes the Cavs are said of his celebrated teammate. but the three-time champion was The 32-year-old James hasn’t Lue has said for days that he “Just because he loves the more equipped to compete when “He’s gonna go, trust me that. I in a playful mood while engag- missed an opener in his previ- doesn’t know for sure if James game,” he said. “We were talk- James is on the bench. don’t care what he’s gotta do, ing in a competitive outside ous 14 seasons, and it would be will be ready. ing about it, he’s never missed, “We’ll be a lot better off,” he he’s gonna play.” shooting contest with teammates hard to imagine sitting this one “You know I never hide stuff since he was 8 years old and he said. 36 SPORT WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER 2017 QFA and Uzbekistan Football Federation sign agreement

The Peninsula memorandum of collaboration between the UFF and QFA, and he Qatar Football Associ- I hope our fruitful collaboration ation (QFA) and the will continue further in the next TUzbekistan Football Fed- period.” eration (UFF) signed a He added: “The agreement memorandum of collaboration is an extension of our existing yesterday at QFA’s headquar- bilateral relations as we have a ters at Al Bidda Tower. longstanding history of joint The agreement, which work, and this agreement will focuses on areas of cooperation undoubtedly have a great between the two parties, was impact in strengthening the signed by Sheikh Hamad bin relations between us and the Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, QFA. Qatar has great sports President of the QFA and Umid infrastructure and facilities, and Ahmadjonov, President of the it is a pioneer in this field. I am UFF. proud of what I saw at during The signing ceremony was my visit at Aspire, which is a sign also attended by Saoud Al that this cooperation will Mohannadi, Vice President of develop our football at all the QFA, Mansoor Al Ansari, levels.” General Secretary of the QFA. He also said: “I have also The upcoming period will seen the tremendous prepara- witness the establishment of a tions undertaken for hosting the joint working group which will 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, study the legal frameworks in and I am confident that Qatar detail in order to activate the will organise a unique tourna- agreement. ment, which is a great honor to A plan of action will also be all of us as Qatar represents prepared, which will include a Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of Qatar Football Association (QFA) hands over a memento to Asia.” report on the most important Umid Ahmadjonov, President of Uzbekistan Football Federation (UFF) after signing a memorandum of collaboration at QFA’s Other key areas covered by achievements, schedule of headquarters at Al Bidda Tower yesterday. the agreement include transfer activities and events that will of knowledge at the technical bring together the two associa- The memorandum signed exchanges of information and The establishment of train- Ahmadjonov said: “I am very and administrative level of both tions in the coming period. will see both federations share technical material to serve the ing camps and benefitting from happy to be here in Qatar and associations and attention will The purpose of this agree- expertise and experiences in the development of football in both the exceptional expertise of thank Sheikh Hamad bin Kha- be given to the exchange of ment is for both associations to areas of training of technical countries which acts as a mile- Aspire Academy and Aspetar lifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, expertise on the use of techni- invest in the brotherly and bilat- personnel, sports science, and stone aimed at facilitating the will also be an aspect of the President of the QFA for the cal experts, coaches and eral relations between the two sports medicine. growth and development of agreement. warm welcome. This is not referees through organizing dif- countries and further explore Additionally, the memoran- football in Qatar and Commenting on the occa- strange to Qatar and its people. ferent workshops, training areas of interest between them. dum will also focus on Uzbekistan. sion, President of the UFF, Umid I am also happy to sign this camps, and seminars.

Schumacher’s Sparks bound to fly in crucial teenage son dreams of F1

Berlin Al Sailiya, Al Rayyan QSL clash AFP ichael Schumacher’s Armstrong Vas from his display over Al 18-year-old son Mick The Peninsula Kharaitiyat in their previous Mmay not have stood game. out in his first season of For- ifth-placed Al Sailiya will The Al Sailiya team manage- mula Three but his sights aim for full points - which ment hailed the Brazilian remain firmly set on Formula Fwill help them to leapfrog playmaker, who came up with a One. over Al Rayyan - when the two delightful display during their “Yes, my goal is always teams clash in Round Five of victory over Al Kharaitiyat on F1,” Mick Schumacher told the QNB Stars League (QSL) at Saturday. German sports agency SID, the Al Ahli Stadium on Friday. Al Sailiya players are keen to after finishing the F3 season Both the teams are prepar- build on their victories in the in 12th place with one podium ing hard for their tough match previous two rounds and have finish, coming third at Monza and sparks are bound to fly in been training under the watch- in April. the clash as both are tied with ful eyes of Tunisian coach Sami “I am concentrating on same number of points (9) and Trabelsi. myself and I do not look at also on goal difference but Al The fifth round will kick off the other drivers. Everyone Rayyan are placed fourth hav- tomorrow with matches set for progresses at their own pace, ing scored more goals. Friday and Saturday. Al Markhiya’s Rebin Ghareeb it’s not comparable,” he said Moroccan forward Abder- Al Kharaitiyat will open the Solaka (left) and Al Sailiya’s after a question about young razzak Hamdellah is leading proceedings by taking on Al Temurkhuja Abdukholikov vie for F1 drivers like Lance Stroll, 18, The Lions’ charge while Al Gharafa at the Al Khor Stadium the ball possession during their and Max Verstappen, who Sailiya should take heart from tomorrow. QNB Stars League match. drove in his first Grand Prix the fact that Brazilian Wagner On Friday, besides the Al at the age of 17. Ribeiro has sort of regained his Sailiya-Al Rayyan clash, Al Khor “I take one step after original form, as was evident will meet Al Markhiya and Al Arabi face Al Sadd. The round’s for both sides. The presence of The fourth-round action saw another and try to prepare action will conclude on Satur- top players on both sides will be the maximum number of goals myself for my future,” Schu- day, with Umm Salal taking on the icing on the cake. (27) scored for a week so far in macher said. “When I feel I’m Action from last week’s QNB Al Duhail and Qatar SC facing Al Duhail’s game against this season’s league. Obviously, ready, I will take the next Stars League match between Al Al Ahli. Umm Salal will also have all there were many high-scoring step, but first I have to prove Rayyan and Al Markhiya. Elsewhere, Al Sadd will be ingredients of a thriller. games and outstanding individ- myself.” looking to take forward their The Red Knights will be ual performances. “I attacked my first F3 impeccable performance into bolstered by the presence of There was not a single drawn season with the aim to learn Round five when they take on Al coach Djamel Belmadi back on result too. All these factors augur as much as possible,” he said. Arabi in the derby match on the touchline as he was ordered well for the competition and fans “This is what happened this October 20 at Al Arabi to be on the stands for their last can look forward to more and year, and I’m really pleased. Stadium. two league matches due to a more exciting contests in the I try to improve myself in all The Al Arabi-Al Sadd derby disciplinary action taken after coming weekend. areas.” is part of the Qatar football leg- their Round 2 fixture against Al Meanwhile, Robert end and it always evokes a keen Arabi. Kubica, bidding to return to interest among all The face-off between two in- QATAR STARS Formula One after a seven- stakeholders. form strikers, Youssef El Arabi LEAGUE year absence, completed a Both the teams go into the of Al Duhail and Yannick Sagbo ‘productive’ test with Wil- match at back of contrasting of Umm Salal, will be the sub- Tomorrow liams in Hungary yesterday. records against their name. plot of this encounter. Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Gharafa at It was the 32-year-old’s Al Sadd go into the Match of Both players performed cru- the Al Khor Stadium 19:35 second test with the former the Week on the back of a strong cial roles, with hat-tricks, in their Friday’s matches champions, who conducted performance against Qatar SC Round 3 victories. El Arabi is Al Sailiya vs Al Rayyan at Al the session in secrecy and while Al Arabi had lost to Umm leading the top scorers’ chart Ahli Stadium 17:25 gave little away about it. Salal in the previous round and with eight goals. Al Khor vs Al Markhiya at Al A spokeswoman said sim- must find motivation ahead of Al Graham will also be on a Khor Stadium 17:25 ply that he had “completed the derby. high, having scored their first another productive day run- Al Arabi vs Al Sadd at Al Al Sadd and Al Duhail are victory in the league, when they ning with the team” in a 2014 Arabi Stadium 19:35 moving neck and neck atop the face Al Kharaitiyat. Promoted specification FW36 car. standings, the latter leading the Al Markhiya and Al Ahli will Saturday’s matches There were no timings or table on goal difference, while have to raise their game by a Umm Salal vs Al Duhail at Al details about the number of Al Arabi are ninth with three few notches to move up from Gharafa Stadium 17:25 laps completed. Kubica’s pre- points that they gained from the bottom when they play Al Qatar SC vs Al Ahli at Al vious test at Silverstone on their victory over Qatar SC in Khor and Qatar SC Duhail Stadium 19:35 October 11 was described Round 3. So there is a lot at stake respectively. merely as a ‘successful day’.