TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 07 I had a bit of a breakdown. It was Roger Federer TODAY’STO ACTION not going to be the dream match it admits he suffered a “bit of a was supposed to have been and I At Khalifa International Stadium, Doha breakdown” after his could feel it all falling apart at the MatchMa for fifth place: exhibition match against end. When I came back (to the locker Al Sadd vs Espérance de Tunis (17:30) Alexander Zverev got cancelled. room) I was emotionally wasted. Semi-final:Se Flamengo vs Al-Hilal (20:30) Al Maadeed, Al Abdulghani shine in opener THE PENINSULA RACE 1 DOHA 1: Ghanim Al Maadeed (Lotus Elise) 22:19.191 Ghanim Al Maadeed and QTCC 2: Ibrahim Al Abdulgahni (Honda Ibrahim Al Abdulghani won the S2000)+0.960 opening races of the Qatar Touring Car Championship held 3: Nasser Al Ahbabi (Toyota at Losail International Circuit on GT86)+22.580 Saturday. RACE 2 A total of 23 drivers joined 1: Ibrahim Al Abdulgahni (Honda the opening round of the QTCC, S2000) 24:46.225 forming the Championship’s 2: Abdulla Ali Al Khelaifi (Honda biggest grid ever. With all the S2000) +13.131 grid formed of Qatari drivers 3: Ghanim Al Maadeed (Lotus Elise) except for Ireland’s John Ralph, +24.351 the sole Foreign entry in the championship. In the first race, the victory although there was a tough was for Ghanim Al Maadeed, battle with the champion Al driving a Lotus Elise and a total Khelaifi. I would like to thand time of 22:19.191. Although Al to AMSOIL for their support,” Maadeed started from the 17th Abdulghani added. position on the grid, after the The second place in the second lap he managed to reach standings is for Ghanim Al the fourth place, taking the lead Maadeed with 27 points. in the fifth lap until the “The race 1 was fantastic. We checkered flag. started the grid on 17th position The second place was for the Ibrahim Al Abdulgahni (right) and I finished on first place so Honda S2000 driver, Ibrahim taking the chequered flag to win it was a good start for us in the Al Abdulghani, who started from Race 2 of the opening round of the new season. Race 2 I started the first place on the grid and Qatar Touring Car Championship also from back and finished on completed the race with a total at Losail International Circuit. third place, so it is a podium and time of 22:20.151. Friday’s pole The top three finishers of Race 1 posing for a picture on the podium. RIGHT: The podium winners hope we can keep this car the position was for Saadon Al of Race 2. whole season,” Al Maadeed said Kuwari but he had a problem after the races. with the engine and couldn’t fix Abdulghani took the victory “We replaced the engine for too high so I decided to cool “It was a great and strong Trophies were presented by it to take part on the races. starting from the eight position on the first race but we didn’t have down and keep my third weekend. I was lucky I didn’t Abdulrahman Al Mannai, Pres- Nasser Al Ahbabi completed the grid. Abdulghani lead the race time to enter the race as the car position. I would like to thank have any mechanical issues, no ident of the Qatar Motor & the podium with a total time of from the second lap and had an has to be checked,” said Al QMMF, Qatar Scientific Club problems. I tried to keep the Motorcycle Federation (QMMF); 22:36.181 on his Toyota GT86. intense battle with the defending Khelaifi. (QSC), and AMSOIL for their first place on the first race but I Khalid Al Remaihi, Vice-Pres- Hamad Al Asam driving a champion Abdulla Al Khelaifi. “It was a tough weekend for support,” Al Khelaifi said. let down too easy in the middle ident and General Manager of Honda DC5 and Mohamad Al Al Khelaifi, who couldn’t us. At the start of the second Nasser Al Ahbabi and and Al Maadeed caught me at Losail Circuit Sports Club; and Khaiat with a Toyota GT86, fin- participate in the first race as his race, in the beginning we had a Abdulaziz Al Jabri finished the end,” Al Abdulghani said. Abdulrazak Al Kuwari, QMMF ished fourth and fifth Honda S2000 was not ready at really good start, the car was fourth and fifth respectively. “In the second race, I started General Secretary. respectively. all, finished in second place on performing good until fourth lap Ibrahim Al Abdulghani is from 8th place and got the first The second round of Qatar With the reverse grid on the the podium. The third position when I started to feel it was leading the championship with place by the first lap. I managed Touring Car Championship will second race, Ibrahim Al was for Al Maadeed. pulling power and temperature 29 points. to keep the first position be held on January 10-11, 2020. Nets snap Sixers’ winning Lebron’s Lakers streak with 109-89 rout AGENCIES NBA RESULTS down Hawks for NEW YORK Houston 107, Detroit 115 Spencer Dinwiddie scored 24 Dallas 118, Miami 122 (OT) seventh straight win points as the Brooklyn Nets Milwaukee 125, Cleveland 108 capitalized on Joel Embiid’s Toronto 110, Brooklyn 102 AGENCIES Atlanta rookie Cam Reddish missed ATLANTA absence and led most of the way Denver 110, Oklahoma City 102 a 3-pointer that would have tied the in a 109-89 victory over the Chicago 109, LA Clippers 106 game with 10 seconds remaining, and Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday Memphis 128, Washington 111 LeBron James scored 32 points to lead the Lakers’ Danny Green grabbed the night in New York. Phoenix 119, San Antonio 121 (OT) the visiting Los Angeles Lakers to a rebound, was fouled and made two free The Nets led for the final 101-96 win over the Atlanta Hawks on throws to nail down the win. 41:54 in the first meeting Sunday and extend their road winning The Lakers also got 27 points and between the teams since the first The Magic, who made 17 of streak to 14 games. 13 rebounds from Anthony Davis, who round of last spring’s postseason. 34 3-pointers, ended a three- James made 12 of 21 from the field, picked up his 12th double-double. Embiid averaged 24.8 points in game losing streak. Jrue Holiday four of them 3-pointers, and added 13 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Rajon Los Angeles Lakers’ the four games he played in that scored 29 points, JJ Redick rebounds, seven assists and three blocks Rondo both added 11 points. forward LeBron series but sat out with an upper added 23, Brandon Ingram had to help the Lakers extend their overall The Hawks got 30 points from Trae respiratory illness and missed 21 and Josh Hart had 20 for the James dunks the ball winning streak to seven. Young, who was 9-for-22 from the field, his sixth game of the season. Pelicans, who haven’t won since to score against the The Lakers’ road winning streak is including three 3-pointers. It was the Dinwiddie helped the Nets a 124-121 victory at Phoenix on Atlanta Hawks. the longest by the club since they won 13th time Young has scored at least 30 improve to 10-5 without Kyrie Nov. 21. 18 straight away from home during their points this season. Atlanta, which has Irving (right shoulder NBA record 33-game winning streak in lost four straight, also got 12 points from impingement) by shooting 9 of Indiana Pacers 107 - 1972-73. Their only road loss this season Jabari Parker. 21 from the field and adding six Charlotte Hornets 85 was in their own building in their first Atlanta led 25-24 after one quarter, assists. It was Dinwiddie’s fourth Aaron Holiday scored 23 regular-season contest, when the but Los Angeles outscored the Hawks straight 24-point game and 13th points off the bench as Indiana Clippers were the “home” team at by eight in the second quarter and took game scoring at least 20 since rode a dominant fourth quarter Staples Center, which the teams share. a 55-48 halftime lead. The Lakers led being elevated to the starting to a victory over Charlotte in The Hawks, who lost to the Lakers by as many as 11 points in the third lineup to replace Irving. Indianapolis. by 21 last month in Los Angeles, were quarter when JaVale McGee made one Joe Harris added 16 for the Indiana’s Domantas Sabonis in the game until the end. Atlanta got of two free throws with 5:40 remaining. Nets, who led by as many as 23 recorded his 12th consecutive as close as 98-96 when De’Andre Atlanta lost shooter Kevin Huerter and shot 45.7 percent. Garrett double-double after collecting Hunter hit a pair of free throws with to a left shoulder contusion. It is the Temple added 13 while DeAndre 12 points and 12 rebounds to 19.8 seconds, but James made one of same shoulder Huerter injured in Jordan had 13 points and 11 propel the Pacers to their 11th two free throws with 15.2 seconds left Denver on November 12, and his status rebounds as the Nets scored 64 win in 14 games. to extend the lead to 99-96. is day-to-day. points in the paint and outre- Myles Turner added 14 bounded Philadelphia 51-38. points and 10 boards as Indiana outscored Charlotte by a 35-19 Orlando Magic 130 - margin in the fourth quarter to Turkey likely to grant citizenship to NBA star New Orleans Pelicans 119 avenge a 122-120 overtime loss Eight Orlando players scored on November 5. REUTERS feel this is more like a home for me. Turkey’s passport, but Erdogan’s support means that in double figures in handing host ANKARA jersey would look pretty good on me too,” the paperwork can be a formality. New Orleans its franchise-worst Denver Nuggets 111 - Larkin said in an interview on Turkish tele- “We will do what we need to do about it. 12th consecutive loss. New York Knicks 105 Turkey is looking to grant citizenship to US vision in September. We would like to see such a successful bas- Jonathan Isaac led the Magic Nikola Jokic had game highs national former NBA star Shane Larkin so The 27-year-old had an unstable career ketball player in our national team. Larkin can with 21 points and 11 rebounds. of 25 points and 10 rebounds, that the player can join the national side, at the NBA, playing one season each for the take our national team to very good results”, Nikola Vucevic, returning from Will Barton scored 16 points and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Dallas Mavericks (2013-14), New York Knicks Erdogan said during a TV interview on Sunday. an 11-game absence due to a grabbed nine rebounds, and host said. (2014-15), Brooklyn Nets (2015-16). Later, he Last month, Larkin broke the EuroLeague sprained ankle, scored 20. D.J. Denver beat New York. Larkin, who is on his second season with joined the Spanish side Baskonia (2016-17), record by scoring the most points in a single Augustin scored 17, while Evan Jokic has recorded double- Anadolu Efes, himself had also expressed and went back to Boston Celtics (2017-18), game by netting 49 points against Bayern Fournier had 16. Terrence Ross doubles in six straight games, interest in playing for the Turkish national before joining Turkey’s Anadolu Efes last Munich in Istanbul. added 14, Mo Bamba 13 and including a triple-double against team, echoing Turkish national team coach year. Anadolu Efes is paying $2.6m net to Larkin, Michael Carter-Williams and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Ufuk Sarica. Sarica had complained about possible who will get $2.8m net for the 2020-21 season Markelle Fultz had 10 each. Saturday night. “It would be a great offer, if it comes. I difficulties of the player getting a Turkish if he stays in Istanbul. 08 SPORT TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2019 Cup winner Stokes takes BBC award

AP Stokes. “The best thing about that In this file photo taken on May 30, 2019, England’s Ben Stokes celebrates after taking a catch ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND is you get to share special to dismiss South Africa’s for 24 during the 2019 World Cup group moments with team-mates, Cricket World Cup winner Ben backroom staff, management stage match at The Oval in London. Stokes ended a sensational 2019 who make days like we had in by claiming the BBC’s Sports the summer possible. I’m up here Personality of the Year prize. He receiving this award not just by promptly thanked those who had myself but without the efforts helped him through a 2018 to that you put in this summer, I forget. wouldn’t be up here doing that,” Stokes’ performances in the Stokes added. World Cup final, which England Stokes’ attendance at the won on an unprecedented prizegiving means that he will boundary countback against miss England’s first two-day New Zealand, and the third Ashes warmup match in Benoni which test helped him seal the public starts today, but that was seen as vote for the award, ahead of six- a price worth paying for the ECB time Formula One world as they attempt to return the champion Lewis Hamilton and game to public consciousness world 200-meter champion ahead of its return to free-to-air Dina Asher-Smith at Sunday’s television next summer. ceremony in Aberdeen. “It’s been huge,” said Jason Stokes is the fifth player to Roy - who attended the cer- have claimed the title since its inception in 1954, following Jim Laker (1956), David Steele (1975), Ian Botham (1981) and Freddie Flintoff. In 2018 Stokes was keep getting mes- Tom Harrison, the ECB’s No-one who was at Lord’s on cleared of affray sages... to inspire CEO, said that the award “con- July 14 will ever forget that charges fol- people like we did firms (Stokes’) place in the hearts extraordinarily dramatic win lowing an was incredible.” of the British public”. over New Zealand.” incident outside Ashley Giles, “It’s wonderful news that Ben The award ceremony got off a Bristol England’s managing has been named the winner of to a poignant start as former nightclub in Sep- director, said yes- Sports Personality of the Year,” Scotland rugby international tember of the terday: “I’m so Harrison said. Doddie Weir was presented with previous year. pleased for Ben. His “This is richly deserved and the Helen Rollason award. “Two years A photo posted exploits this summer it puts the finishing touch to an The 49-year-old Weir was ago was a tough on Twitter handle showed he is one of amazing year for Ben and for diagnosed with motor neurone time for me in @GMCricket, the official the finest cricketers English cricket. He is not just one disease in 2016, and he has spent my life. I’ve had equipment provider to in the world. I played of the greatest cricketers we have the time since then working to so many people Ben Stokes. alongside Andrew ever had, but someone who has raise awareness of the help me through Flintoff when he won shown what it means to face into condition. that,” the the award in 2005 adversity and come through it. Weir, who won 61 caps for 28-year-old Stokes said as he emony alongside white-ball “For us to work so hard for and Ben’s feats this year place “We’re also thrilled that the Scotland, said yesterday: “It’s accepted the award on stage. Eoin Morgan - of the the four years and for it to come him in the same bracket as England team who won the quite ironic. Being a Scottish “It’s an individual award, but World Cup win’s significance for down to that moment, and to Freddie, and Ian Botham before men’s World Cup for the first rugby player in the ’90s, this is I play in a team sport,” said the game’s public standing. wake up the following day and him.” time have been honoured too. the closest I ever got to a trophy!” ‘Never seen New-look South that before’: Africa name six Angry Kohli slams late uncapped players umpire call for England Tests on run out AFP CHENNAI REUTERS CAPE TOWN India skipper Virat Kohli slammed a controversial South Africa have named six uncapped players in their 17-man on-field decision to rule squad for the first two Tests of the four-match series against Ravindra Jadeja run out after a England as new coach Mark Boucher seeks to revive the fortunes belated TV referral in the of the ailing side. opening one-day international Having lost stalwarts and to against the West Indies. retirement, and with injuries ruling out fast bowler Shimron Hetmyer hit a and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, Boucher faces a rebuilding job career-best 139 to lead West Australia’s players celebrate beating New Zealand on day four of the first match at the for a side who have lost their last five tests. Indies to an eight-wicket win Perth Stadium in Perth on Sunday. Batsmen Pieter Malan and Rassie van der Dussen, fast bowlers but the match saw controversy Dane Paterson and , all-rounder Dwaine Pre- during India’s innings. torius and wicketkeeper Rudi Second will all hope to make their In the 48th over, Roston debuts in the first test starting in on December 26. NZ’s Ferguson out for series; Chase hit the stumps at the “The high number of uncapped players coming into the squad bowler’s end where Jadeja was is a reflection of our policy of acknowledge players who do well running and South African at franchise level and have put their hands up for selection,” Boult likely for MCG Test umpire Shaun George ruled not independent selector Linda Zondi said in a out. statement yesterday. But replays suggested “Van der Dussen, who is third on the current four-day batting REUTERS included being denied a maiden “That was a risk that we Jadeja was short of his crease, averages, and Pretorius, who has established himself as the PERTH test wicket when Tom Latham weren’t prepared to take given prompting the on-field official leading all-rounder, are clear examples of this. dropped Australia talisman Steve the length of the season and to refer it to the third umpire “Following the same trend Paterson has been the second New Zealand quick Lockie Smith at slip. what was left to come.” who then gave it out, as an leading wicket-taker in four-day cricket this season and we want Ferguson has been ruled out of The fast bowler, who will New Zealand also have angry Kohli shook his head in to go into the Test series will a full arsenal of fast bowlers who the remaining two tests against need five to six weeks to recover, headaches with their misfiring disapproval in the dressing have always provided one of our traditional strengths.” Australia, but the embattled is returning to New Zealand and batting order after being scuttled room. Two notable absences from the squad that suffered three tourists are confident spearhead a replacement for him will be for tame scores of 166 and 171 “The thought is simple, the heavy losses in India in October are batsman Theunis de Bruyn Trent Boult will be fit to provide named today, coach Gary Stead against an undermanned Aus- fielder asked ‘how is that’ and and fast bowler . The squad will be captained by a spark in the pivotal Boxing Day told reporters yesterday. tralia attack without quick Josh the umpire said ‘not out’. The , and contains experienced players in Dean Elgar, Test. Ferguson had himself been Hazlewood for the majority of dismissal ends there,” Kohli , Vernon Philander and . The hapless Black Caps a replacement for Boult, who the match. said after his team’s loss. South Africa suffered a surprise 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka in their struggled against an in-form was ruled out of the Perth day- Struggling opener Jeet Raval “The people sitting on the previous home series in February, and were well beaten in India, Australia in the first Test at Perth nighter by a rib injury. is under pressure having made TV outside cannot tell the losing two matches by an innings. Stadium and were blown away New Zealand manfully just 66 runs in his last nine Test fielders to then tell the umpire Former wicketkeeper Boucher, a veteran of 147 Tests, will by 296 runs inside four days. battled on in fierce heat through innings, including scoring just to review it again. I’ve never led the side for the first time in Pretoria, while it will also be the New Zealand have won only tireless bowling from quicks Tim one in both innings in Perth. seen that happen in cricket. first series under CSA’s new director of cricket, Graeme Smith, one Test in Australia since their Southee and Neil Wagner but “These are some hard “I don’t know where the the most successful captain in Test history. sole series triumph across the clearly missed Boult’s penchant lessons for him and great expe- rules are, where the line is South Africa’s last series success on home soil against the Tasman Sea in 1985-86 and their for swing with the pink ball. riences as well,” New Zealand drawn. English was in 1999. In the 13 Tests played since, England have prospects of winning a second The prognosis for the second captain Kane Williamson said. “I think the referee and the won five, South Africa three and there have been five draws. nose-dived when debutant Fer- Test starting Dec 26 in Mel- “In terms of looking forward, umpires have to take that up, Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Temba Bavuma, Quinton de guson suffered a calf strain on bourne was more encouraging, just having finished this game, see that incident again. And Kock, Dean Elgar, Beuran Hendricks, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden day one and he was unable to however. it’s important we reflect on it and figure out what needs to be Markram, Zubayr Hamza, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Andile bowl. “Trent’s going really well, he any selections will be based done in cricket.” Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, , Kagiso The 28-year-old bowled just was probably three or four days upon the surfaces and the squad The second ODI is to be Rabada, Rudi Second, Rassie van der Dussen. 11 overs at a cost of 47 runs on short of being ready for the first that we have at the time,” he played tomorrow in day one and his horror debut Test match,” Stead said. added. Visakhapatnam. TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 09

‘Pakistan batsmen must focus on playing regular four-day cricket’ Specialists are key to success: Salman

RIZWAN REHMAT their money back any talent that we come Salman Butt poses with THE PENINSULA into the game. They across is God’s gift. I the Qatar National Day treat all format think we need to appre- Pakistan’s batsmen must play T20 Clash trophy which players equally. You ciate everything that he regular four-day cricket to will be presented to the don’t see a top IPL has done recently. He overcome their technical defi- winners. Butt is set to star or a T20 player needs to keep going the ciencies at the Test level, former lead the International taking a lead in any- way he has been going. skipper Salman Butt said in an XI which will take on thing. Cheteshwar I think he will be the interview. Qatar’s national team Pujara is as big a star number one batsman in Australia crushed Pakistan’s in a one-off clash at Asian as others are and the world for long, if he inexperienced batting line-up in Town Cricket Stadium they have given him carries on like this. He the two-match Test series last tomorrow. the A grade contract. should not be brought month as the visitors struggled The BCCI appreciates down by pressure, on bouncy pitches Down Under. people for their people need to start sup- Butt, who played 33 Tests genuine skills. If you porting him. He can’t be and 78 One-Day Internationals, start laying emphasis the one scoring runs yesterday said: “The players on a particular alone and be under (representing the national team) format, then young- pressure always. Not just should play first-class cricket sters will start paying captaincy, any pressure. regularly. And the ones doing attention to that If you are the only one well in first-class cricket should (format). So what scoring in a team sport, be given chances to perform (at India are doing is Salman Butt is seen with QCA President Yousef Jeham Al then there’s always the international level).” giving value to Test Kuwari at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters in pressure on you. If the The former Pakistan Test cricket. They are Doha. Former Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis is also players around him start skipper added: “You can’t start giving value to first- seen. BELOW: Salman Butt in action during a domestic supporting him in terms building your team with players class cricket. Their cricket match in Pakistan’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. of runs and perform- doing well in T20 or One-Day players are well ances, the team would International cricket. Nowhere looked after. So the start winning and the around the world does this difference among players from cricketer. You have to be a full- pressure on Babar will reduce. happen. You need to have format England, South Africa, Australia time cricketer. Then he will score big freely. specialists. You have to go for and New Zealand is that players in-form people.” in Indian domestic cricket are Question: In the 80s, Sunil Question: What advice looked after really well. Any Aus- Gavaskar said Mohammad would you give QCA to develop Q&A with Salman Butt: tralian player in domestic cricket Azharuddin was ‘God’s gift to the game in Qatar? earns around A$300,000 to Indian cricket’. Do you think Answer: Any cricket playing Question: Will you tell us 400,000 a year. Whereas Babar Azam is the same to nation has to have a very good why Pakistan is struggling to asking too much of the players Answer: It all depends on Pakistan first-class structure. You can produce quality Test batsmen? who are not that experienced. various factors. I am playing players, there’s have as many T20 leagues or Answer: I haven’t seen much domestic cricket for the last three a huge gap (on T20 league but unless you of the Test (against) Sri Lanka but Question: Former player years. I have done well. I have earning have a signature four-day obviously Pakistan’s batsmen Aqib Javed recently said Pakistan been in top three (among capacity of a competition, you can’t go far. should have a habit of playing should give debuts to players on batsmen) and it is the same this player). Unless Remember four-day compe- long and true. The players (rep- home soil. Do you think that year. I have scored 800 plus runs it (the pay- titions can’t be earned, you resenting the national team) would help? with a match less against the ments) are have to invest into this. That’s should play first-class cricket Answer: All countries do ones leading the batting charts. brought close to the real production house of regularly. And the ones doing that. Unfortunately we got inter- It is up to the selectors if they the interna- players. The rest of the plat- well in first-class cricket should national cricket back just now. I want to pick me. I have scored tional forms are there to show the be given chances to perform (at suppose we will see that happen plenty of runs. I am fit. It all standards, you talent at hand. To have better the international level). You can’t now because we got cricket back depends on what the captain, can’t ask young teams, you have to have better start building your team with in Pakistan. Having said that, chief selector and the coach want players to beat four-day cricket. In terms of players doing well in T20 or when we played cricket in the to do. Apart from the captain the world’s best help, Pakistan has always One-Day International cricket. UAE, batting over there was easy (Azhar Ali), the rest is one person players. You been helpful to teams to Nowhere around the world does but it was tough for the bowlers, (Misbah Ul Haq who is the coach don’t want to develop their game. Pakistan that happen. You need to have especially the fast bowlers. Since and selector) so it all depends have people have hosted Afghanistan for format specialists. You have to we got cricket back, there will be what he thinks (smiles). thinking of years and their players have go for in-form people. And unless improvement. You will see side cricket in the developed a lot in recent you do so, then things won’t matches also for visiting teams Question: The gap between morning and years. Their families come and improve. Lately this is what has and that would help PCB to give India and the rest of the interna- going in the reside in Pakistan. Regionally been happening. We all want more exposure to local players. tional cricket teams is huge. How evening for a Pakistan and India have sup- quick fixes and good results but You will see the benefits of has India come thus far? part-time job to ported teams mas- it won’t happen like that. The hosting games on our soil. Answer: Firstly Indian look after sively. Pakistan is very close players who are doing well in cricket has no financial issues. themselves. to Qatar at all levels and the domestic cricket should be Question: Where do you see They have grown so big finan- That will make them part-time Pakistan cricket? players who play for Qatar are backed and if you don’t utilise yourself in the next two, three or cially that everything has been cricketers. You don’t become Answer: What a fantastic mainly are from Pakistan and their performances, then you are even six months? taken care of. They have invested world number one as a part-time player Babar Azam is. As you said, India. Patient Abid Ali cuts his way into cricket history at age 32

AP RAWALPINDI World Cup in England. enthralled fans under perfect batting But Abid didn’t lose heart and con- conditions. tinued to polish his skills at the National Abid, now the oldest Pakistani player Nobody can accuse 32-year-old Abid Ali Cricket Academy in Lahore. to score a century on debut, said he didn’t of not seizing his chances when given He was among the 16-man squad want to be compared with the greats of them. which toured Australia for the recent the game. Pakistan drew its first Test at home two-test series, but couldn’t fit in new “I am an ordinary player and I can’t in 10 years against Sri Lanka at the Pindi coach Misbah-ul-Haq’s plans. match great players,” he said. “I am Abid Cricket Stadium after rain washed out Pakistan returned home after heavy Ali and please see me as Abid Ali only.” more than half of the match, but not losses at Brisbane and Adelaide, where Abid is the 11th Pakistani batsmen to before Abid had smashed a century on Abid watched from the sidelines. score a century on Test debut. debut. Abid’s hopes were raised once again “I don’t have words to thank the He was batting at the same venue when he was selected for the home series Almighty,” said Abid of his feat. where Pakistan great Younis Khan against Sri Lanka, but there were still “My plan was to see off the new ball scored a century on his Test debut in pundits who didn’t believe he’d get a and then I gradually built the innings 2000 -- also against Sri Lanka. chance in Rawalpindi. with plans for every five overs. So I kept Abid completed a unique double, “I had never grumbled whenever I trying to keep that up, and Babar gave becoming the batsman in the history of was ignored,” Abid said. me confidence in 90s. the sport to score a century in both his “I have patience. I believed that my But one of those greats has already ODI and Test debuts. time will come... acknowledged that a star is on the rise More than 12,000 cricket-starved “Thankfully I got my chance and in the Pakistan team. fans -- popularly known as ‘The Pindi what else you could ask for than a “We call him Legend’’ in the dressing Boys’ -- enjoyed every moment of the hundred on debut. room, Pakistan bowling coach Waqar opener’s innings under bright “I waited a long for this very day and Younis tweeted after Abid’s century. sunshine. here I am.” “We’re all very happy today, the sun He hit an unbeaten 109, featuring 11 Only 5.2 overs could be bowled on came out, special congratulations to fours. Six of those boundaries were his the third day and the entire fourth day Abid,” Pakistan captain Azhar Ali said. favourite cut shots. was washed out due to wet conditions. “It’s a totally different experience (to Abid has long been knocking at the Bright sunshine welcomed players play at home) and I want to thank the Pakistan’s Abid Ali celebrates doors of international cricket, but had on the last day and Abid seized the crowd. after scoring a century (100 to wait patiently until he got his chance opportunity Sunday after Sri Lanka “Everyone knew there wouldn’t be runs) during the fifth and in March this year during the limited- declared its first innings at 308-6 once a result but they all came out. As a team final day of the first Test overs series. Dhananjaya de Silva had scored his sixth we’ve not had this kind of support for cricket match between A scintillating ODI century against test hundred. 9-10 years.” Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Australia in the United Arab Emirates Together with Pakistan’s most But Abid and Azam received loud Rawalpindi on Sunday. was not enough to convince the selectors reliable batsman Babar Azam, who appreciation from a big crowd before that he was ready for the all-important scored his third test hundred, Abid the match was called off. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2019

Promotional activities launched ahead of annual tennis extravaganza Doha gears up for Qatar ExxonMobil Open THE PENINSULA Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 picture while trying one of the DOHA with our partner the Qatar Tennis three activities at the mall stands: Federation,” said Al Mana. Air Tennis, Batak, and LED Run, ExxonMobil Qatar and the Qatar “These activities will give the post it on their account using the Tennis Federation (QTF) have general public an opportunity to hashtag #e_ activation and tag launched a series of promotional learn more about this outstanding three friends. Every week, one activities at a ribbon cutting tournament that we bring to lucky winner will be announced. ceremony that was held at Doha Qatar every year, what activities The second competition is a Festival City yesterday. it includes, how they tie into our STEM quiz. Every week, a The event marks the launch overall mission of supporting the question will be asked on Exxon- of activities for the Qatar Exxon- Qatar National Vision 2030, and Mobil Qatar’s Instagram and Mobil Open 2020, which will take highlight Qatar’s position as a Twitter accounts. Followers will place at the Khalifa International center for mega sporting events.” need to follow the accounts, give Tennis and Squash Complex on “We look forward to wel- their answer on the post and tag January 6 - 11, 2020. coming thousands of tennis fans three friends. There will be a The event was attended by to this wonderful event that fea- winner announced weekly during senior officials from ExxonMobil tures some of the biggest names the duration of the competition, Qatar and Qatar Tennis Feder- in tennis,” he added. which will run from December 8 ation, including Saleh Al Mana, Zeinal said, “We are very Saleh Al Mana, Vice President and Director of Government and Public Affairs for ExxonMobil Qatar, to January 11. Vice President and Director of proud of our strategic partnership takes a selfie with Tareq Zeinal (centre), Secretary General Assistant of Qatar Tennis Federation; The Qatar ExxonMobil Open Government and Public Affairs with ExxonMobil Qatar, which and Karim Alami, Tournament Director during the launch of the promotional activities at Doha is the first ATP World Tour tennis for ExxonMobil Qatar; Tareq has continued to produce positive Festival City yesterday. tournament of the year, and a Zeinal, Secretary General impact on tennis in Qatar over the much-anticipated sporting event Assistant of Qatar Tennis Feder- years. The relationship between that hosts some of the biggest ation; and Karim Alami, Tour- the two noble organizations, QTF All the promotional activities with the National Vision 2030. sensor pressure pad – LED Run. names in tennis, and attracts nament Director. and ExxonMobil Qatar, has been planned for this year’s tour- Stand visitors can take part in ExxonMobil Qatar has also thousands of tennis enthusiasts ExxonMobil Qatar is inviting growing in leaps and bounds and nament fall under ExxonMobil various activities and games , planned two competitions for its from around the world. the general public to visit its we are very grateful to them for Qatar’s Energy in Motion cam- including Air Tennis, which social media followers on Twitter The Qatar ExxonMobil Open stands and take part in the pro- their continuous support.” paign – a campaign, which aims allows them to play tennis in a and Instagram that will launch 2020 will bring together some of motional activities at Doha Fes- Alami said, “It has always been to raise awareness on the science virtual experience where they can before the start of the tour- the world’s top players to tival City, Novo Cinemas, The a pleasure to host each edition of behind sports and tennis in par- feel an invisible ball as they hit it nament. The first competition will compete for the trophy and a Pearl and Villaggio from the Qatar ExxonMobil Open par- ticular, and supports ExxonMobil with their bare hands, and Batak run from December 8 to January share of the prize money. Con- December 15. Visitors can take ticularly with the great support Qatar’s broader efforts to help Challenge - a light chaser type of 6, giving followers the chance to firmed tournament participants part in some exciting and fun we’ve enjoyed from our great build human potentials through game where players have to hit win exciting prizes by taking part include: defending champion, Jo- activities that have been partner and premier supporter of education programs. Through a button that lights up as fast as in the activities at the stands in Wilfried Tsonga, Stan Wawrinka, developed around science, tech- tennis in Qatar – ExxonMobil these efforts, ExxonMobil Qatar possible before the next button Novo Cinemas, The Pearl, Doha and Andrey Rublev. nology, engineering and mathe- Qatar. We are grateful for the tre- is developing the scientists, engi- illuminates. Festival City, and Villaggio. Tickets for the six-day event matics (STEM) concepts. mendous support over the years neers and innovators that will Additionally, visitors can Participants will first need to are available to the public online “We’re delighted to launch and we are delighted to have them help support Qatar’s future experience an incredible virtual follow @exxonmobil_qa on at www.qatartennis.org, as well as promotional activities for the has our major sponsor.” knowledge-based society, in line running challenge using a Instagram and Twitter, take a at various locations across Doha. Holders Liverpool to meet Atletico in CL last 16 AFP French side Lyon, who lost captain UEFA Champions League’s NYON, SWITZERLAND Memphis Depay to a season- ambassador Hamit Altintop ending injury Sunday. Holders Liverpool will return to holds the slip of Liverpool FC Tottenham Hotspur, beaten the scene of last season’s Cham- during the UEFA Champions 2-0 by Liverpool in last season’s pions League triumph after they League Round of 16 draw final in Spain, will lock horns with were drawn against Atletico ceremony in Nyon, yesterday. Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig, Madrid in the last 16 of the compe- who are through to the knockout tition yesterday and Manchester stages for the first time. LAST 16 FIXTURES City face 13-time winners Real Spurs can count on the expe- Madrid. rience of new coach Jose FIRST LEGS Jurgen Klopp’s side will travel Mourinho -- a two-time winner February 18 to the Wanda Metropolitano, of the competition, with Porto in Borussia Dortmund (GER) vs Paris Saint- where Liverpool lifted the trophy 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010. Germain (FRA) in June, for the first leg of their tie The Portuguese is one of five Atletico Madrid (ESP) vs Liverpool (ENG) against three-time runners-up managers appointed by clubs who February 19 Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) vs RB Leipzig Atletico. made it through to the knockout (GER) “Madrid is the place where rounds who were not in charge Atalanta (ITA) vs Valencia (ESP) we only have fantastic mem- when the draw for the group stage February 25 ories, all of us, so that’s great, but was made. Chelsea (ENG) vs Bayern Munich (GER) this time we play Atletico there Champions League debutants Napoli (ITA) vs Barcelona (ESP) and it’s their home ground,” said Atalanta continue their adventure February 26 Klopp. against two-time former finalists Real Madrid (ESP) vs Manchester City (ENG) “It’s a tough one, but if you Valencia, who knocked out Ajax Lyon (FRA) vs Juventus (ITA) go through all of the draws, there in midweek to finish top of their are pretty much four or five group. SECOND LEGS potential finals already in the last This is the first time since the March 10 16.” current Champions League format Valencia (ESP) vs Atalanta (ITA) Pep Guardiola’s City, who are they are the best,” City director of 2012 final won by the Blues. five-time European champions, was introduced in 2003 that every RB Leipzig (GER) vs Tottenham Hotspur trying to win a first Champions football Txiki Begiristain told BT Bayern forward Robert attempt to move on from last sea- club through to the last 16 has (ENG) League crown, face a tough task Sport. Lewandowski is the competition’s son’s painful semi-final loss to come from Europe’s biggest five March 11 against Real, the record winners “We want to be the best so we leading scorer this season after Liverpool. domestic leagues. Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) vs Borussia of Europe’s top club prize, for a want to beat them.” netting 10 times in five group stage Napoli appointed Gennaro The first legs will be played over Dortmund (GER) place in the quarter-finals. The clash is a first competitive games. Gattuso as coach last week after February 18-19 and February 25-26 Liverpool (ENG) vs Atletico Madrid (ESP) The two clubs met in the meeting between Guardiola and Paris Saint-Germain, who Carlo Ancelotti was sacked just with the return fixtures scheduled March 17 2015-16 semi-finals, the furthest Zinedine Zidane, who won the impressed in the group stage and hours after a 4-0 win over Genk for March 10, 11, 17 and 18. Manchester City (ENG) vs Real Madrid (ESP) City have progressed in the tour- Champions League three times in will be trying to avoid a fourth which sent the Italian side into the The final is on May 30 at the Juventus (ITA) vs Lyon (FRA) nament. That tie was won 1-0 on a row with Real from 2016. successive last-16 exit, will take last 16. Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul, March 18 aggregate by Real. on 1997 champions Dortmund. Italian champions Juventus where Liverpool won a thrilling Bayern Munich (GER) vs Chelsea (ENG) “It is a difficult one, of course. Chelsea face German giants Barcelona will play Napoli for and Cristiano Ronaldo will fancy 2005 final on penalties against AC Barcelona (ESP) vs Napoli (ITA) Real Madrid have won 13 times so Bayern Munich in a repeat of the the first time as the Catalan giants, their chances of overcoming Milan. Record-breakingRecord-b Ronaldo puts Juventus back on top

in all competitions in each of the last 15 They needed just nine minutes to find REUTERSREUTERS In-form Ronaldo, who has five MILMILANAN seasons. The Portuguese struck twice in the breakthrough when Dybala’s deflected the first half before Leonardo Bonucci goals in his last four games, took shot fell into the path of Ronaldo, who CristianoCristiano Ronaldo scored twicetw to set yet headed in Juve’s third on the brink of his tally for the season to 11 in fired in a low finish from the edge of the anotheranother goagoalscoringlscoring llandmarkandma and help halftime. 19 appearances, becoming the box. JuventusJuventus to a 3-1 hhomeome win oover Udinese Ignacio Pussetto netted a consolation only player in Europe's top five After Dybala looked to have made it on SundaySunday that sent them bbacka to the top for the visitors late in the game. leagues to hit double figures in 2-0 with a sublime lob only for it to be ofof thethe Serie A table.table. Juventus suffered their first defeat of all competitions in each of the ruled out for handball in the build-up, In-formI n the season at Lazio last weekend to sur- last 15 seasons. Ronaldo scored again after 37 minutes, Ronaldo,Rona who has render the lead to Inter Milan, but the latching on to Higuain’s through ball to fivefive goals in his champions put pressure back on Antonio hovering just two points above the drop smash a shot into the bottom corner. lastlast four games, Conte’s side by moving one point clear at zone. The game was over as a contest by tooktoo his tally for the top with victory at the Allianz Stadium. Gianluigi Buffon started in goal for half time after Merih Demiral rose to head thethe sseason to 11 in Maurizio Sarri’s side have 39 points, Juventus to match Alessandro Del Piero’s a corner towards the six-yard box, where 1919 appearances,ap but Inter can regain first place by beating club record of 478 Serie A appearances, Bonucci was on hand to nod in off the becomingbecom the only Fiorentina away in the late game on while Ronaldo was given the rare oppor- crossbar. playerplayer in Europe’s Sunday. tunity to start in an attacking trident The excellent Buffon was denied a top ffiveiv leagues to Udinese remain in relegation trouble alongside Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo clean sheet at the death when Pussetto hit ddoubleo figures after falling to 17th place on 15 points, Higuain. prodded in from close range. Cristiano Ronaldo TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 11

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (centre) training with team-mates at the Aspire Zone in Doha ahead of the semi- final match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2019 yesterday. CENTRE: Liverpool’s coach Jurgen Klopp is greeted by a fan . RIGHT: Fans take selfies with Liverpool players following a training session yesterday. Flamengo, Al Hilal target spot in Doha finale

ARMSTRONG VAS “There is always pressure. It THE PENINSULA is a club that demands the most and has set high goals. It’s a year Having ‘inside knowledge’ of of pressure, but with a lot of sat- VS your opponents will count for isfaction. It is a year of pleasure nothing but the collective and that is what we will try to do. performance on the play field Have a great joy of playing, will matter in the end results, provide a good show and try to FLAMENGO VS AL HILAL agreed coaches of Flamengo and win. Al Hilal ahead of their FIFA Club “The pressure counts for At Khalifa International Stadium World Cup semi-final which nothing. Success leads teams to Kickoff at 8.30pm kicks off today at the Khalifa have moments of great pressure. International Stadium at 8.30pm. Who doesn’t want to put pressure South American champions to bring success? Flamengo, coached by former Al “Want to live my whole life Hilal trainer Jorge Jesus, take on like this,” said Jesus. their Asian counterparts, trained The Brazilian side is on a roll by Romanian Razvan Lucescu, this season having won their with the teams eyeing a place in second Copa Libertadores after the final with the winner of the a 38-year wait, and also won this other semi-final between Liv- year’s Brazilian league title to erpool and Monterey. their collection and are keen to Al Hilal coach, who had keep the good times rolling in earlier coached Al Jaish in Qatar, Qatar. was repeatedly asked about the The Brazilian team will try to impact of having a former coach win the third title of the season of the Saudi club in the rival but the Portuguese however, camp. The Romanian said it will played down the talk of a third not matter much but the per- title this season saying now the formance of the day which will focus is on the semifinal and not Flamengo players in action during a training make the difference. on the likely clash with session at the Al Duhail Stadium in Doha, yesterday. “I don’t get frustrated about Liverpool. the questions (relating to Jorge “The focus is on the semi- Jesus, the former coach of Al final. In Brazil, there is a lot of talk with the players of his former spring a surprise and reach the Hilal). I am very happy for eve- of facing Liverpool in the final, but club Al Hilal, he said: “It’s a mix final and one thing which gives rything I have achieved,” said they forget that we have to play of feelings. Today I am coach of them a slim hope is the first loss Lucescu. a semi-final before that. And they Flamengo. on the final day of the season “The game will be very dif- forgot it is a Saudi team, which is I have the affection of my which ended a 28-game ferent; we are a different team to not well known (in Brazil) and players who helped me win the unbeaten run of the the one which played under Jesus. there is always a tendency to two most important titles in Brazilians. We are motivated. Flamengo is devalue. Brazil. I helped Al Hilal to be a Flamengo defender Rafinha strong, represents South America. “It is a team I know well, and strong team; the four forwards said: “We want to win this trophy I just hope my team gets to the the team that will play with only were all hired upon my arrival. for the fans, because not only are final. They talk a lot about Jesus one player who was not recruited I have nothing to do with the Al we representing our club and being here, but it doesn’t matter. during my time at Al Hilal. All the Hilal team now.” Brazil but the whole South The style of play is totally dif- others players worked with me Jesus said clubs from GCC American continent, we want to ferent, it does not influence much. and I know the team well,” countries can win the Club World make them proud.” Al Hilal’s coach Razvan Lucescu (left) and Flamengo’s coach Jorge Jesus It is a game of 11 on each side and Jesus said the Club World Cup Cup in the near future. “It’s a very big title, the will be decided on the pitch, is an important event of the “I believe so and I will biggest club tournament in the according to the decisions we football calendar for all teams and final. There are now several con- games played, Liverpool have 27. explain why. Since the World world. I had the pleasure of com- match on the pitch,” he added. with a changed format it will be tinents and, perhaps, from next So, you can see the level of com- Cup has no limit on foreigners, peting in 2013 with Bayern, and His counterpart Jesus said he become increasingly difficult for year, will be 24 clubs. To be world petition differs from one team to it is a matter of having a good I won. We can play a good game loves the pressure and his players teams to win the title. champion will be much harder. the other. This is the hardest and structure and financial capacity and play in the final. It has a great having played in top leagues of “This Club World Champi- Today the European teams look most important trophy for clubs, to hire the best players in Europe. value. It would be a great gift for the world under strenuous situ- onship is going to be more at this competition with different as is Libertadores and Cham- You can reach the World Cup all Brazilians to crown our ations where under no pressure important. In the old days you eyes. The season is still halfway pions League.” final and win. season with this title,” Rafinha going into the semi-final match. would come here and play the there, Flamengo already has 74 Asked about his relationship Al Hilal will be looking to added. FIFA Strategic Development Workshop opens in Doha

THE PENINSULA representatives of the Qatar started with QFA’s strategy and FROM LEFT: Mansoor Al Ansari, Qatar Football Association (QFA) Secretary-General; Sanjeevan DOHA Football Association (QFA). plans presented by Al Ansari. Balasingham, FIFA Director, Member Associations Asia & Oceania; Véron Mosengo-Omba, FIFA The workshop was opened by This was followed by a lecture Chief Member Associations Officer; Hani Ballan, Member of the Executive Office of QFA, during the FIFA Strategic Development Hani Ballan, a member of the from the Bridges Institute on FIFA Strategic Development Workshop in Doha, yesterday. Workshop yesterday opened in Executive Office of QFA, who how to build strategies and Doha with more than 20 federa- delivered a speech welcoming the development plans presented by tions from Asia, Africa and participants. Gerard Akindes. The participants Oceania. Mansoor Al Ansari, Secretary- then moved to Al Bidda Tower The two-day workshop - General of QFA, gave a detailed for a visit to the headquarters of being held on the sidelines of the explanation of QFA’s plans, the Supreme Committee for 2019 FIFA Club World Cup - ends strategy and vision 2021, in the Delivery & Legacy. today. presence of Ahmed Al Abbasi Today, the participants at Yesterday’s session was Director of Competitions and the workshop will watch FIFA attended by members of the Asian Development at Qatar Stars Club World Cup semi-final Football Association (AFC), CAF League, and Khalifa Al Haroon, match 2019 between the Bra- and Oceania OFC with partici- Advisor to the zilians Flamengo and Saudi pation of selected federation Secretary-General. giants Hilal at the iconic Khalifa presidents, several FIFA CEOs and The day’s proceedings International Stadium. SPORT PAGE | 09 PAGE | 10 Specialists are key Record-breaking to success, says Ronaldo puts Pakistan’s Juventus back Salman Butt on top

Tuesday 17 December 2019

Al Sadd keen to sign off with a win as ES Tunis eye fifth place

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA VS Al Sadd’s narrow defeat to Monterrey at the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final still bothers Xavi Hernandez and it appears only a AL SADD VS ES TUNIS Abdelkarim Hassan victory against Espérance Sportive de Tunis today can console the Al Sadd’s coach At Khalifa International ‘Wolves’ head coach. Xavi Hernandez The Qatar Stars League title- speaks during a Stadium holders will lock horns with the press conference Kickoff at 5.30pm We made mistakes but African champions at the Khalifa held in Doha on the this is part of football. International Stadium, hoping to eve of his team’s Al Sadd opened their FIFA seal fifth place and finish the pres- We will go into the match FIFA Club World World Cup campaign with tigious tournament on a winning for a victory. Al Sadd Cup match against a commanding 3-1 victory note. Espérance Sportive over Oceania champions players are working The match will kick off at de Tunis which will Hienghene Sport before hard and hopefully we 5:30pm today. be played today being edged out by will start getting the Al Sadd opened their FIFA at the Khalifa CONCACAF Champions World Cup campaign with a com- International League winners Monterrey desired results: Al Sadd’s manding 3-1 victory over Oceania Stadium. 2-3 in a cliff hanger. Abdelkarim Hassan champions Hienghene Sport before being edged out by CONCACAF Champions League winners controlled football and had a will start getting the desired Monterrey 2-3 in a cliff hanger on better share of ball possession, results,” he said. Saturday. and Xavi felt his ‘Wolves’ are not Al Sadd will be miss the services “We were better than very far away from best clubs in of goalkeeper Saad Al Dossari who African teams are not Monterrey in the last match, but we the world. has been ruled out of action for 10 didn’t have luck on our side,” Xavi “I am happy with the per- days due to an injury he suffered winning against the Arab said on the eve of the match. formance of my players. I am proud during the match against clubs for a long time. “We wanted to reach the semi- of them. We are at the same level Monterrey. The reason may be they finals of this tournament but we with Monterrey. We were better Meanwhile, fifth position will each have five to six couldn’t win the last match so we than them in the quarter-final. I not be the only target for ES Tunis professional players in have to play for the fifth place. But think we are competing really well, today as they seek an end of Arab we are still excited to finish this we have to adjust some things and clubs domination over the African the side, and then they competition in the best way,” said we are not away.” sides. have good infrastructure. the Barcelona legend. Esperance Sportive de Tunis “African teams are not winning But,we are looking to In both their previous matches went out of the title race after they against the Arab clubs for a long break this record against against Hienghene Sport and suffered a 1-0 defeat to Asian time. The reason may be they each Al Sadd (today): ES Tunis Monterrey, Al Sadd played champions Al Hilal, following a have five to six professional players 73rd minute goal by French in the side, and then they have good Assistant coach ES Tunis Assistant forward Bafetimbi Gomis, and Xavi infrastructure. But we are looking Majdi Traore coach Majdi Traore said toppling the African players to break this record against Al Sadd will be a tough task. (today),” ES Tunis Assistant coach We were better than “They (ES Tunis) have good Majdi Traore said yesterday. players like we have at Al Sadd. “Al Sadd are a very strong side Monterrey in the last They are fighters and warriors, and but we will play for victory. We match, but we didn’t have a very good coach. They are played this match last time and we have luck on our side. We working very well and that is why won,” he said. wanted to reach the semi- they are here. They are the cham- “We played a good last match pions of Africa and we will have to technically and only lost after a late finals of this tournament work hard to beat them,” said Xavi. goal. The players are in good state but we couldn’t win the Al Sadd star Abdelkarim Hassan mentally and are determined to win last match so we have to yesterday said the players will give this match to win fifth place,” said play for the fifth place. their best to delight home fans after Traore. the loss to Monterrey. ES Tunis goalkeeper Rami Jridi But we are still excited to “We made mistakes but this is said: “Al Sadd are a tough side and finish this competition in part of football. We will go into the it will be a difficult match. Al Sadd ES Tunis players in action during a training session the best way: Xavi match for a victory. Al Sadd players have a good history but we are also in Doha yesterday. are working hard and hopefully we the African champions.”

Al Sadd’s players during a training session yesterday. Coach Xavi (second right) speaks to players and officials during a training session at the Al Sadd training pitch yesterday.