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Friday, November 30, 2018 FOOTBALL Rabia I 22, 1440 AH Neymar inspires GULF TIMES PSG to leave Reds in danger of exit SPORT Page 2 SPOTLIGHT Bach says IOC committed to aiding Korean peace eff orts

Reuters would be involved in further Tokyo discussions to “strengthen peace efforts”. “We have committed our- he International selves to this,” the German Olympic Commit- said. tee remains com- “At the very beginning of Tmitted to helping next year, there will be new the Korean Peninsula find talks to get together with lasting peace with its chief the two NOCs of the Korean Thomas Bach praising the states and the two govern- role his organisation and the ments, to see what we can Pyeongchang Winter Olym- do there to strengthen these pics had in easing tensions. peace efforts that are un- Held at the South Korean derway on the political level resort in February, the Winter now.” Games were seen as a turning Relations between the na- point in relations between tions have greatly improved the neighbours, who are still this year, with South Korean technically at war, after a President Moon Jae-in meet- unified Korean team com- ing his North Korean coun- peted in women’s ice hockey. terpart Kim Jong-un at three As their relationship con- different summits. tinues to thaw, the Koreas “I refer to President Moon agreed in September to pur- from the Republic of Korea, sue a bid to co-host the 2032 who has said that we have Summer Games. opened the door to peace Speaking at the General talks with our initiatives on Assembly of the Association the Korean Peninsula and of National Olympic Com- who has that there the IOC Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani speaks with International Olympic Committee President Dr Thomas Bach on the sidelines of the Association mittees (ANOC) in Tokyo deserves a lot of credit for of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly in Tokyo yesterday. yesterday, Bach said the IOC this,” Bach added.

FOOTBALL Xavi, Sadd coach Ferreira hail Abdelkarim’s success ‘Abdelkarim has been amazing this season and this great achievement is a victory not only for Al Sadd but also for Qatar football. He is a source of great pride for Asian football’

By Sports Reporter has been a remarkable journey and there is Doha still plenty of room for him to grow because he has great potential to perform even better. Abdelkarim was warmly received at the FC Player of the Year Abdelkarim Hamad International Airport by club offi- Hassan is a source of pride not only cials and teammates when he arrived from for Qatar but also for the whole of Muscat. A Asia, Al Sadd captain Xavi Hernan- He also attended Al Sadd’s training where dez said yesterday. the entire team congratulated him and posed Spain and Barcelona legend Xavi was ef- with him for personal photographs. fusive in his praise for his 25-year-old team- Qatar captain Hassan al-Haydos, who is mate who beat some of the best players in Abdelkarim’s colleague at Al Sadd, was also Asia to clinch the continent’s top football all praise for the player. award at Wednesday’s AFC gala in Muscat. “Congratulations to him. His victory is a “Abdelkarim has been amazing this season great achievement for the club too. We hope and this great achievement is a victory not that he will continue to sparkle in the future only for Al Sadd but also for Qatar football. and reach greater heights,” said al-Haydos He is a source of great pride for Asian foot- For his part, Abdelkarim said he was ball,” said Xavi who won eight La Liga titles thrilled with the well wishes he received from with Barcelona. everybody. “I am proud that Abdelkarim is the best “I am very happy and proud to win this player in Asia, this is a great honour for him award. Every player dreams of winning such and fantastic for his future. We wish him all a prestigious award and I thank my fellow the best, his win is a historic moment and we players at the club because without their are extremely pleased for him,” added Xavi. support I wouldn’t have won it,” he said. Xavi’s glowing commendation of Hassan “Football is a team game and without the was further echoed by Al Sadd’s head coach team’s support nothing is possible. I am in- Jesualdo Ferreira, who added: “Abdelkarim credibly happy. It gives me the feeling that continues to display incredible tactical dis- I have contributed something. Even if I had cipline not only in matches but also during not won the award, I would have been happy training. with just my nomination.” “He is one of the most important and Abdelkarim said while he hopes to win reliable players in my team. He has great further accolades with Al Sadd, his ultimate strength and contributes significantly to the ambition is to play for a top European club. team’s success and his performances have “I’m still at the beginning of my career. I continued to grow from strength to strength. am ambitious but I have to continue train- “I am deeply honoured to train the best ing and develop myself further so that I can player in the Qatar League and now in Asia,” win the QNB Stars League with Al Sadd, the said the former FC Porto and Panathinaikos Asian Cup in January and next season’s AFC manager. Champions League. “On behalf of the Al Sadd family, I congrat- Al Sadd captain Xavi (sitting, centre), coach Jesualdo Ferreira (standing, centre) and other team members pose with Abdelkarim Hassan’s AFC Player “But playing in Europe is also one of my ulate Hassan for another outstanding year. It of the Year trophy during a training session yesterday. Abdelkarim is standing next to coach Ferreira. priorities.” Gulf Times 2 Friday, November 30, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Mertens, Hamsik lift Napoli but battle Neymar inspires for knockouts goes down to the wire

AFP Naples League winning coach Ancelotti PSG to leave Reds had warned his team they would be “proper idiots” not to qualify ries Mertens bagged a for the last 16 of this year’s com- brace to add to Marek petition. Hamsik’s early goal as They came out fi ring with DNapoli beat Red Star Mertens almost scoring the Belgrade 3-1 on Wednesday to go opener after fi ve minutes at the top of their Champions League Stadio San Paulo, with a clever in danger of exit Group C but the battle for a place back-heel fl ick from a Jose Calle- in the knock-out rounds will jon assist denied by Red Star go down to the wire in the fi nal goalkeeper Milan Borjan. ‘Everyone was ready to suff er for each other. That was necessary against Liverpool’ round of games mid-December. But minutes later captain Carlo Ancelotti’s Serie A club Hamsik broke through with a AFP have to wait to advance to the close range volley as the club’s Paris knock-out rounds after French record all-time goal scorer fi nd- champions Paris Saint-Germain ing the net for the fi rst time this beat Liverpool 2-1 in France. season. iverpool manager Jur- Hamsik got the hosts off the Veljko Simic had a chance for gen Klopp hit out at the mark after 11 minutes in Naples Red Star but was denied by Na- referee and Neymar as with Mertens adding two more poli goalkeeper David Ospina his side slumped to a 2-1 either side of half-time to lift the with one hand. Ldefeat to Paris Saint-Germain Italians before the fi nal game at And Senegalese centre- on Wednesday that leaves last Anfi eld. back Kalidou Koulibaly almost season’s runners-up dangerous- “I said it wasn’t going to be a grabbed the hosts’ second af- ly close to an early Champions decisive match,” said Ancelotti. ter 28 minutes racing to pick League exit. “We’ve done what we needed up a Jose Callejon cross but his Juan Bernat and Neymar to. We’re top of the group so you header was tipped over by Mi- scored to put PSG in control in have to be positive.” lan Borjan. the fi rst half in the French capi- Napoli now have nine points, Fabian Ruiz sent in a cross for tal, before a James Milner penal- one more than PSG with Liver- Mertens with the Belgian tap- ty on the stroke of half-time en- pool back on six. ping in his fi rst after 33 minutes, sured this pivotal game remained That means a point at Anfi eld completing his brace six minutes in the balance until the death. would be enough for Napoli to after the break to bring his tally PSG knew a defeat here cou- reach the round of 16 at the ex- to 100 goals in the Napoli jersey. pled with an unfavourable re- pense of Liverpool. Red Star were not bowed with sult in the night’s other Group Red Star are fourth on four Camorian forward Ben Nabou- C game could see the ambitious points, but they will fi nish third hane pulling a goal back for the Qatar-owned club eliminated if they win at home to PSG in visitors after 57 minutes. already. their fi nal fi xture and Liverpool The goal could have an impact But instead it is Liverpool — lose at home to Napoli. on the standings with all still up beaten in each of their last fi ve The Italians are unbeaten in for grabs between Napoli, PSG games away from Anfi eld in the this year’s competition and wel- and Liverpool. Champions League — who now comed Red Star Belgrade after “Liverpool are tough, but seem the more likely to miss out playing a 0-0 draw in Belgrade. we’ve proved we can beat them on the last 16. Ancelotti’s side were reeling and I think it’ll be a spectacular “When you saw their line-up, after being held 0-0 by bottom game at Anfi eld,” Hamsik told the approach they chose was full Serie A club Chievo at the week- Sky Sport Italia. risk, especially in the beginning, end to fall eight points behind Napoli beat Liverpool 1-0 in to try everything as long as your Juventus. their home leg, thanks to a 90th- legs carry you. The quality they And three-time Champions minute Lorenzo Insigne goal. have meant it was obviously Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar (R) celebrates with Dani Alves after scoring against Liverpool at the Parc des Princes quite intense to deal with,” ad- stadium in Paris on Wednesday. mitted Klopp. He acknowledged that his With Napoli beating Red Star Thomas Tuchel. Verratti’s challenge on Gomez the game in fi rst-half stoppage team had not been good enough, Belgrade 3-1, in a tight group “Everyone was ready to suff er came midway through the fi rst time. but hinted that a “clever” Ney- Liverpool must now win either for each other. That was nec- half, but PSG survived that and Di Maria brought down mar had play-acted to break the 1-0 or by two clear goals at home essary against Liverpool and it went on to double their lead Sadio Mane just inside the area. game up. He was also unhappy at to the Italians in a fortnight if was a big step forward for us.” thanks to a clearly wound up The referee did not initially Polish referee Szymon Marciniak they are to progress. PSG had only won one of their Neymar. give a penalty but then rightly for his decision not to send off Such a regression in Europe previous seven games in the He had been drawing fouls changed his mind, and Milner Marco Verratti for a challenge on would be a big blow to Liver- competition. However, Klopp’s from opponents and whipping beat Gianluigi Buff on from 12 Joe Gomez in the fi rst half. pool, even if it could conceiv- side were completely overrun in up a fervent home crowd before yards. Understandably given the “For me it’s a red card. I look ably help them in the Premier the opening stages at the Parc he burst down the left in the high stakes, PSG sat back more like a bad loser, but I don’t care,” League. Meanwhile, PSG head des Princes. 37th minute, combining with and more in the second half, al- said Klopp. to Belgrade for their last game Angel di Maria had forced a Mbappe. though they still came closest to “Tonight we looked like still needing to win to be certain fi ne save from Alisson with a The France star crossed low scoring again from a Marquinhos butchers when you look at how of advancing, but at least they dipping volley before Paris went for Cavani, whose attempt was header, and their win was fully many yellow cards we had. It have their fate in their hands. in front in the 13th minute. saved by Alisson, but Neymar deserved. was clever from PSG, especially “It was our last chance to Kylian Mbappe tried to square converted the rebound. “We were not worried about Neymar, but a lot of others went show that we are capable of for Edinson Cavani, but the ball That should have ensured playing at home. We know down like it was something seri- competing with a team like Liv- broke to Bernat, and the Span- a comfortable cushion for the how strong we are and we al- ous and we were not that calm erpool, a team with an incred- iard swept home his second goal hosts at the break, but Liverpool ways knew we could do it,” said anymore.” ible mentality,” said PSG coach in this season’s competition. were gifted a route back into Mbappe.

RESULTS CHECK Group A At Eindhoven pool 1 (Milner 45+1-pen) At Madrid PSV Eindhoven 1 (L. de Jong 83) Barcelona 2 (Messi 61, Atletico Madrid 2 (Koke 2, Griezmann 24) Monaco 0 Pique 70) Group D At Moscow At Dortmund Group C Lokomotiv Moscow 2 (Krychowiak 43, Ignatyev 54) Borussia Dortmund 0 Club Brugge 0 At Naples Galatasaray 0 Napoli 3 (Hamsik 11, Mertens 33, 52) Red Star Belgrade Group B 1 (Nabouhane 57) At Porto At Wembley Porto 3 (Militao 52, Corona 55, Marega 90+4) Schalke 1 Tottenham 1 (Eriksen 80) Inter Milan 0 At Paris (Bentaleb 89-pen) Paris Saint-Germain 2 (Bernat 13, Neymar 37) Liver- Napoli’s Dries Mertens celebrates scoring their second goal on Wednesday night.

BOTTOMLINE Eriksen’s late show keeps Spurs in the hunt

AFP avoid an early exit against PSV Eind- side,” he added. point would send them through meant London hoven earlier this month. “We need to approach the game in the they approached their fi rst competitive And this latest act of European esca- best way and believe that we can win. match at Wembley with extreme cau- pology means second placed Tottenham What Barcelona is going to do is not in tion. auricio Pochettino backed are now level on points with third placed our hands. In the Champions League Content to defend deep for long pe- Tottenham to complete Inter. no one is going to give a present and not riods, Inter’s safety-fi rst game-plan their Champions League They head to Barcelona to face the care about the result.” was almost undone when Harry Winks escape act in Barcelona after group leaders on December 11 knowing Inter boss Luciano Spalletti still ex- curled a superb eff ort against the bar MChristian Eriksen’s late strike kept alive they will reach the last 16 as long as they pects they will advance if they beat from 25 yards. their last 16 hopes with a 1-0 win over match Inter’s result against PSV on the PSV because Barca are so formidable at Pochettino introduced Eriksen in the Inter Milan. same night. home. 70th minute and it proved an inspired Pochettino’s side were 10 minutes That won’t be easy against Lionel “As long as we do our job I think we move as the Denmark playmaker turned away from being eliminated at the group Messi and company, but Pochettino has will go through. It is about what we do,” the game in Tottenham’s favour. stage as they laboured to break down the faith. he said. Hugo Lloris made a fi ne save to deny massed Inter defence at Wembley. “All is possible in football. We have “They have got some top class players Ivan Perisic and Tottenham fi nally broke But Eriksen, surprisingly dropped to big respect to Barcelona, they are one at Barcelona, they haven’t lost at home through in the 80th minute. the bench by Pochettino, came to Tot- of the best teams in Europe, it will be so in the last fi ve years in the Champions At last unlocking the stubborn In- tenham’s rescue when the substitute tough. But we have belief and faith that League and they will want to keep that ter defence, a sweeping move featured fi red home to take their Group B qualifi - we can win,” Pochettino said. record.” Moussa Sissoko and Dele Alli exchang- cation bid down to the fi nal game. “We need fresh legs, fresh mind and Faced with a do-or-die situation, Po- ing passes before Eriksen was teed up It was a dramatic end to a hard- no injuries.We need to arrive that way in chettino had claimed it was “massive for a cool fi nish from 10 yards out. fought clash that Tottenham had to win Barcelona.” Barca may rest players given motivation” for Tottenham to silence Pochettino’s relief was clear as he to avoid bowing out at the group stage they are already through, but Pochet- the critics who said they had blown looked to the heavens and pumped his for the second time in three seasons. tino is not expecting any favours. their chance to make the last 16. fi sts, but Tottenham still have one last After taking one point from their Tottenham Hotspur’s Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen exults after scoring the “I expect that they are going to play His players seemed to have taken that daunting hurdle to overcome in Barce- opening three matches, Tottenham had opening goal of the UEFA Champions League group B football match against with all the best players, but I don’t message to heart as they dominated lona before they can celebrate a last 16 scored twice in the last 12 minutes to Inter Milan at Wembley Stadium in London on Wednesday. know how they are going to prepare the the fi rst half. Inter’s knowledge that a berth. Gulf Times Friday, November 30, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PROGRESS Dortmund into last 16 aft er goalless More magic by draw with Brugge

AFP group, if they beat Monaco away Dortmund in a fortnight and Atletico fail to beat Brugge in Madrid in the fi nal round of matches. orussia Dortmund eased “We had two big fi rst-half Messi seals Barca into the last 16 of the chances and then things got Champions League with more and more diffi cult — we a goalless draw at home just couldn’t fi nd the gaps,” Bto Brugge on Wednesday, but said Dortmund sports director Axel Witsel suff ered a knee in- Michael Zorc. jury for the Bundesliga leaders. “But qualifying for the last 16 After leaders Atletico Madrid was the priority.” had earlier secured their last 16 Dortmund dominated at Sig- victory at PSV passage from Group A with a 2-0 nal Iduna Park, enjoying 75 % win against Thierry Henry’s Mo- possession and making nearly naco, second-placed Dortmund three times as many passes as the Barca have 13 points from their five matches and an unassailable lead at the top got the point they needed to also Belgians, but there were precious reach the knock-out stages. few clear chances for either side. However, the draw may have Captain Marco Reus squan- come at a price as Dortmund’s dering Dortmund’s best fi rst- Belgium midfi elder Witsel half chance when he fi red mil- limped off with a knee injury in limetres wide with half an hour the dying stages. played, then Raphael Guerreiro Brugge can not now qualify had a shot snuff ed out. and will go into the knock-out Dortmund’s fl eet-footed at- stages of the Europa League with tack combined at the start of the a guaranteed third place. second-half and repeatedly came Dortmund can still win the within a whisker of scoring.

SPOTLIGHT Henry happy to take inspiration from Simeone

Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League football match between PSV Eindhoven and FC Barcelona at Philips stadium in Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Reuters lead at the top of the pool. PSV will fi n- though, as Barca had two eff orts cleared the post. The visitors took the lead just Reuters middle. That intensity which he Eindhoven ish bottom. Captain Luuk de Jong scored off the line within the space of a minute, past the hour mark, thanks to a typical Madrid brings to the team, which he used a late consolation for the home side as with Arturo Vidal the unlucky player on piece of Messi magic as he picked up the to have as a player, is incredible.” they matched Barcelona for much of the both occasions. ball on the edge of the box and, with four While Henry now can focus ionel Messi scored an excellent in- contest at the Philips Stadion, striking His hooked eff ort from 12 yards was defenders around him, managed to drive ledgling coach Thi- on trying to steer struggling Mo- dividual goal and laid on another the woodwork three times in the fi rst cleared by Pablo Rosario before Angelino forward and provide a thunderous fi nish. erry Henry admitted naco, who are second-bottom as Barcelona beat PSV Eindhoven half alone and missing a number of other blocked the Chilean’s goal-bound header It was 2-0 with 20 minutes remain- he could learn a lot from of Ligue 1, to safety, Simeone is 2-1 to secure top spot in Group B chances. In a bright start, PSV forward from the resulting corner. ing when the Argentine’s free kick was Atletico Madrid’s sea- setting his sights on maintaining Lof the Champions League on Wednesday. Gaston Pereiro latched onto a poor pass It was Barcelona thanking their lucky guided into the PSV net by an unmarked sonedF manager Diego Simeone as Atletico’s push for the La Liga Messi provided an assist for defender from Ivan Rakitic but his low drive came stars just before halftime, though, when Pique. De Jong set up a frenetic fi nish he marvelled at the Argentine’s title and plotting a possible path Gerard Pique to score the second for the back off the post, and minutes later he De Jong’s header from a free-kick came with his headed goal but Barcelona were boundless energy during his AS to the Champions League fi nal, Spanish side, who have 13 points from shot over the crossbar from fi ve yards. off the crossbar and the follow-up from able to hold on under heavy home pres- Monaco side’s 2-0 defeat to the which will be held at their shiny their fi ve matches and an unassailable PSV had some good fortune, too, close-range by Denzel Dumfries struck sure. Spaniards on Wednesday. Wanda Metropolitano stadium Goals from Koke and Antoine next June. Griezmann clinched Atletico’s And after seeing Simeone and BUNDESLIGA place in the last 16 of the Cham- his tireless team up close, Henry pions League and ensured strug- believes Atletico are more than gling Monaco will fi nish bottom capable of winning Europe’s elite of Group A, ending their slim competition for the fi rst time af- Internal strife hurts Bayern as rivals capitalise hopes of qualifying for the Eu- ter losing two fi nals in agonising ropa League. circumstances to Real Madrid in Reuters title fading with each passing week. growing gap to Dortmund in the standings. But Arsenal and France great 2014 and 2016. Berlin Kovac, who took over this season, knows their 5-1 “It sounds strange but when we play in the Cham- Henry, whose team have won just “He is so passionate about win over Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday pions League or the Bundesliga against the big teams, once and lost fi ve of their eight football, he seems like he is still that carried them through to the knockout stage, was then I can see that we are capable,” the Croat said. games since he took up his fi rst a player. ayern Munich’s slump in form has opened up merely a temporary reprieve and a slip-up at Werder “But against the seemingly smaller teams, we think managerial job after a spell as For me Simeone is a reference a Pandora’s box at the German champions this Bremen would likely cost him his job. maybe we can do it with half the strength. These are assistant coach of Belgium, was point for all coaches,” Henry season, with players turning against coach His team twice squandered a two-goal lead at home the points we are missing now.” most in awe of Simeone’s touch- added. “Why couldn’t they win Niko Kovac, a team mole leaking stories to the against promoted Fortuna Duesseldorf last week, the The problem, however, is more than just one con- line antics. it? They were a second from win- Bmedia and club bosses struggling to contain the esca- 3-3 draw prompting a reported meeting between club fined to the pitch, with sports director Hasan Saliha- “I have a lot to learn from ning it (in 2014) and they lost an- lating crisis. president Uli Hoeness and several players seen as not midzic vowing to expose the mole, whose details of an Simeone. Look how he always other fi nal. The Bavarians, who have won the last six Bundesliga backing their manager. uneasy dressing room atmosphere has provided com- acts. His team were winning With the team and the coach titles, have slipped to fifth in the standings this sea- Kovac’s predecessor Jupp Heynckes spoke of players pelling headlines but angered club bosses. 2-0 and he never left his players I saw today I say they certainly son after failing to win any of their last three league acting like “divas” adding extra pressure to an already “There are some people who are well-connected alone. can. The fi nal is at their place, matches. difficult task. with some others,” Salihamidzic said when asked about He kept on shouting at them too. Their once dominant attacking style has been re- “The talk was about four who are allegedly against the informant. “But we will deal with that. You can im- to stay focused and run back,” “Of course, you have to think placed with a timid, inaccurate passing game that ap- me,” Kovac told reporters after the Benfica win. “But agine what it would mean if I caught him.” Henry told a post-match news about Juventus, Barcelona or pears to be regularly accompanied by poorly thought there was no talk at all about those who are on my side. Dortmund, who also advanced to the Champions conference. Real Madrid. There are many out tactics. Leaders and usual rivals Borussia Dort- It is clear there are many of them in the team.” League knockout stage with a 0-0 draw against Club “That was why we saw Griez- teams that could win the Cham- mund have already forged nine points ahead of them Kovac has blamed a lack of focus in games against Bruges on Wednesday, will hope to continue their mann stop counterattacks on pions League, and Atletico are with Bayern’s hopes of securing a seventh consecutive sides considered as weak domestic opponents for the strong start at home to Freiburg on Saturday. the right wing and through the one of them.”

BOTTOMLINE Parma on course for Europe three years aft er playing in fourth tier

Reuters Instead, Roberto D’Aversa’s team the 31-year-old returning to Serie A on that has already taken him to Greece, keeping regular places in the side. Lizhang, bought a 60 % stake in the Milan have climbed to sixth despite having a free transfer after two years in China. Turkey, Russia and Scotland. Parma’s last Serie A season in 2014-15 club, however Nuovo Inizio took back spent only 13mn euros ($14.77mn) in the The Ivorian has scored fi ve goals in Handed the captaincy, he has been ended in ignominy as the club’s owner- by control by regaining a majority stake transfer market. nine games including a magnifi cent solo ever-present and is partnered at the ship twice changed hands. Players had last month. nly three years after being de- On Sunday, they visit AC Milan, the eff ort against Cagliari, but his striking centre of the defence by 19-year-old to pay for their own laundry and fi xtures Parma have scored only 14 goals clared bankrupt and demoted team immediately above them, and a partner Roberto Inglese, a 27-year-old Alessandro Bastoni, on loan from Inter were called off because the club could in their 13 games but D’Aversa has to the fourth tier of Italian win at San Siro — where they have al- journeyman on loan from Napoli, has Milan. not aff ord to provide security. shrugged off suggestions that they play Ofootball, a re-born Parma ready beaten Milan’s neighbours Inter been arguably an even more astute sign- Other signings have included wing- They were allowed to enter the fourth “Catenaccio” style football, emphasis- are on course to return to the European this season — will take them up to fi fth. ing. er Jonathan Biabiany, who previously tier of the Italian league in 2015-16 after ing defence. stage where they excelled in the 1990s. So far, it has been a classic case of a “Gervinho and Inglese are two top played for the club before their bank- a group of local businessmen, under the “I don’t engage in Catenaccio tactics Having risen from the ashes with team making the most of limited means. players, I’m very lucky to have them ruptcy, as did Massimo Gobbi, who name Nuovo Inizio, came forward to re- or anything. I’d say I’m eff ective,” he three successive promotions, Parma Unable to aff ord marquee signings, available: the more they know each has returned at the age of 38. Both are found the club. said. “But I don’t take off ence — as long — twice winners of the old UEFA Cup Parma focused on bringing in young- other, the more they produce,” said examples of what Italian football calls They won promotion that year and as this run continues, I’m happy with and once winners of the Cup Winners sters with promise or veterans who they D’Aversa. “reheated soup”. two more promotions in the subsequent that label.” Cup — were expected to face a battle for felt still had something to give. Portugal defender Bruno Alves is an- There has certainly been no room for two seasons under D’Aversa to return to He added: “Each coach must make survival this season on their return to Former AS Roma and Arsenal forward other familiar name, the 37-year-old sentiment, with only three survivors the top fl ight. Last year, Chinese inves- the most of what he has — so what in- Serie A. Gervinho was the best known name, making Parma the latest stop in a career from last season’s Serie B campaign tors Desports, led by businessman Jiang terests me is to try to get results.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, November 30, 2018 SPORT

BOXING SPOTLIGHT Fowler hoping Sparks fl y as Fury major success and Wilder face off begins at 30 ahead of title fi ght ‘I’m looking to drop him like a tree... And he’s going to get the best Tyson Fury’

AFP see what can happen. Nassau, Bahamas “I would say the 40s is a lit- tle bit more of where we’d look at prime would be kind of in the efending Hero World rear-view mirror. Challenge champion “So, I’m looking forward to Rickie Fowler is hop- these next fi ve to 10 years of tak- ing that hitting 30 will ing advantage of them and mak- signalD an overdue era off success ing them count.” at golf’s highest level. Fowler arrives in the Bahamas The American, who turns 30 off of a tie for fourth place in the on December 13, has three run- Shriners Hospitals for Children ner-up fi nishes and fi ve other and a share of 16th at the Maya- top-fi ves in his 36 major cham- koba Classic earlier this month. pionship appearances since his Unlike those events, this debut at the 2008 US Open. week’s tournament is not part of While he’s not about to panic, the offi cial US PGA Tour 2018-19 Fowler would dearly like to see season. But the elite fi eld, world his name crossed off the “best rankings points on off er and host players never to win a major” list. Tiger Woods give the event plen- “I’ve always heard that 30s ty of prestige. were your prime, so we’re just Last year when Woods pre- getting into it,” he said Wednes- sented the trophy to Fowler the day as he prepared to defend his 14-time major champion’s re- title in the elite 18-player unof- turn to competition was still fi cial event on the Albany course, shrouded in uncertainty. where Fowler stormed to victory Although Woods has proven last year with a blistering fi nal- himself able to win again, Fowler round 61. said he doesn’t think Woods is as The win was Fowler’s eighth far ahead of the pack as he once since turning professional in was. 2009. It was his last trip to the “He’s someone that we want Tyson Fury (right) squares up with Deontay Wilder during the press conference ahead of their WBC heavyweight title fight in Los Angeles on Wednesday. (Reuters) winner’s circle, but Fowler re- to go beat up on, he wants to beat mains confi dent he’ll be hoisting up on us,” Fowler said. “I feel like DPA off the canvas in the seventh to fi ght. This is normal to me.” to do.” “But if I don’t beat Deon- more trophies. it’s a lot more of a level playing Los Angeles round to claim a 10th round vic- The heavyweight giants Fury disappeared for three tay Wilder, I obviously ain’t no “There’s no urgency, and I fi eld now. tory. clashed at their fi nal press con- years after beating Klitschko good. I think I can beat Wilder don’t see any kind of rush or “You look at the kind of late Fury, who outboxed Wladimir ference on Wednesday, lead- into a dark world of drug abuse, comfortably. If I win against anything like that,” said Fowler, the ’90s, early 2000s when he yson Fury has vowed to Klitschko to become a four-belt ing Fury to believe the reigning suicidal depression and exces- Wilder in a close fi ght, I would whose two runner-up fi nishes in was 30% win percentage and all become the fi rst man to heavyweight world champion in WBC title-holder is nervous. sive weight gain. class that as a loss.” 2018 included a second place at that, he stepped on the tee and it knock out World Box- 2015, is aiming for a more thrill- However, Wilder claims he He was stripped of his titles as Wilder has a relaxed attitude the Masters. was a diff erent presence. He still ing Council (WBC) ing and spectacular fi nish to his sensed a weakness in Fury when punishment for his actions. towards a possibility of los- “I look at the next fi ve to 10 carries that presence. He’s still Theavyweight champion Deontay second championship contest. they came face to face. However, the unbeaten ing because he backs himself years as the time to take advan- won 14 majors, 80 wins, so it’s Wilder when they meet in the “I’m going to box his face off “I’ve beat every man by former champion says he will to come back like some of the tage of things and make sure that got to count for something. ring at the Staples Center in Los and then I’m going to knock him knockout. You’ve seen it every not go back down that road, former greats. we’re not sitting back and just “But no, we’re not scared to go Angeles tomorrow. out,” Fury said. fi ght. And I can see the fear in even though anything less than “I’m not afraid to lose my relaxing, go out and take care of toe to toe and go have some fun The 30-year-old Briton is “I’m looking to drop him like a him,” Wilder said. an emphatic triumph over Wild- record or my reputation,” Wilder what we want to take care of and out there with him.” unbeaten in 27 fi ghts and has 19 tree. He will be known as the guy “The thing about fear is you er will not satisfy him. said. “I don’t plan for the idea to knockout victories but his last who got knocked out by Tyson can sense it and you can smell it. “What I’ve been through and stay undefeated because I know stoppage win came against Joey Fury after this fi ght. And he’s I know what fear looks like. I can the state I got myself in, it’s a I can lose and come back. Mu- GOLF Abell in 2014. going to get the best Tyson Fury identify it. victory in itself just to be here,” hammad Ali was the greatest of Wilder has claimed 39 knock- there’s ever been. “He’s scared and he should said Fury. all time and he lost fi ve times. outs in 40 fi ghts but was almost “You’re going to see a diff erent be. I’m very dangerous. The “Losing is not an option for “Everyone gets tired of a win- knocked out in his last fi ght Wilder. He knows he’s going to most dangerous in the sport. me because I need to keep win- ner eventually. Everyone wants McLeod, Jager share against 39-year-old Cuban Luis lose but if he wants a scrap, let’s I’ve never doubted myself or not ning to inspire people out of to see me lose but they will be Ortiz in March, when he climbed go to war, no problem. I was born done what I’ve said I was going their struggles. waiting a long time.” lead at Australian BOTTOMLINE PGA Championship

Reuters cused on the shot and have a Sydney bit of a laugh out there and just stay relaxed,” said McLeod, who got off to a fl ying start with four ‘Exhausted’ Woods to adjust ake McLeod continued his birdies in six holes after teeing strong home season with a off from the 10th. six-under-par 66 to take a Jager also started brightly in share of the lead alongside brilliant sunshine from the 10th, compatriotJ Matt Jager after the grabbing eagles at the par-fi ve schedule aft er hectic season fi rst round of the Australian PGA 12th and 15th holes to make the Championship on the Gold Coast turn at four-under before adding Reuters “It was just hard for me to too much. I have to make sure yesterday. three birdies and a lone bogey to Toronto maintain my strength and my that doesn’t happen again.” Queenslander McLeod, who close out his round. weight through all that. I tend to Woods, whose tally of 14 claimed his maiden professional John Senden, twice a win- lose a lot of weight when I play. I major championships is sec- title at the New South Wales ner on the US PGA Tour, was iger Woods plans to was exhausted by the time I got ond only to the 18 held by Jack Open earlier this month, rolled in left fuming with offi cials at the modify his tournament to the Ryder Cup. I was worn out Nicklaus, may play fewer tour- six birdies in a bogey-free round ninth when his driver’s shaft schedule next year af- mentally, physically, emotion- naments next season but he is to upstage a slew of bigger names snapped mid-swing at the tee ter admitting being ex- ally.” hopeful that will allow him to be at the European Tour co-sanc- and pinched his hand. Thausted during a busy close to Woods, who turns 43 on Dec. nothing short of his best when- tioned event. Although the big-hitting his comeback season following 30, is no longer able to train like ever he plays. He and Western Australian Australian had not made con- injury. he did in his prime, and the hec- “Being physically in better Jager ended the day one stroke tact with the ball, it was ruled a The 14-times major winner tic end to the season ultimately shape going into next season is ahead of South Korea’s Eom Jae- stroke. enjoyed a strong fi nish on his took its toll. very important in being able to woong and Dimitrios Papadatos, Lacking another driver in his return to golf following spinal- Still, Woods was able to pro- handle the condensed schedule who came second at the Austral- bag, the 47-year-old removed fusion surgery in 2017, playing in duce good enough form to tri- and all the big events we play ian Open two weeks ago, at the the tee and hit his second shot 18 PGA Tour events — the most umph at the season-ending Tour every month,” said Woods. Royal Pines Resort. with an iron before going on to he has been involved in since Championship and cap a stretch “There’s literally a big event Australian number two Marc bogey the hole. 2012. in which he posted fi ve top-10 every single month, so physical- Leishman was a stroke further Senden fi nished with an even- But he admitted it was a mis- fi nishes over eight tournaments. ly I’ve got to be in better shape adrift on four-under in a group par 72, one better than playing take to take on such a heavy “I played all my good tourna- than I was last year.” fi ve players that also featured partner Geoff Ogilvy, the 2006 schedule, participating in seven ments when I had time off and The Hero World Challenge, Spain’s Adrian Otaegui. US Open winner. events in the fi nal nine weeks. I felt rested,” said the former which begins on Thursday and McLeod fi nished third at Defending champion Cam- “I was not physically prepared world number one. benefi ts Woods’ foundation, the Australian Open at The eron Smith, who won last year’s to play that much golf at the end “If I didn’t feel rested, I didn’t features an elite fi eld of 18 top- Lakes course in Sydney and the tournament in a playoff , opened of the year,” Woods said ahead play well. Maybe that’s just be- ranked golfers, including four of 24-year-old credited his recent with a 70 to be four off the pace of this week’s Hero World Chal- ing a little bit older, but I think the top fi ve players in the world, good form to the help of a new on two-under, in a huge group lenge in the Bahamas, an event it’s important, and playing seven at the Albany course on the is- psychologist. that included Briton Andrew he hosts. of the last nine last (season) was land of New Providence. “I just need to stay really fo- Johnston. Gulf Times Friday, November 30, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Avs top Penguins despite Crosby’s Westbrook fuels natural hat trick

AFP Denver

abriel Landeskog broke a tie with a goal at 10:05 of the Thunder, Harden third period, and the Colorado Avalanche recovered from blowing a three-goal lead to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 in Denver on Wednesday night. GNathan MacKinnon had a goal and three assists for his sixth straight multi-point game, and Mikko Rantanen had two assists to extend his NHL-high point total to 42. MacKinnon ranks second in the NHL with 41 points. Samuel Girard, Erik Johnson, Colin Wil- son and Carl Soderberg scored goals for Colorado, which has won fi res but Rockets fall six in a row and eight of nine. Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby put on a show with his fi rst ‘We haven’t really been playing well on the road this year. So it’s good to get a win’ hat trick of the season – a natural hat trick tallied in a span of just 5:35 – but it wasn’t enough. He has 11 hat tricks in his career. AFP Crosby’s third goal came 4:43 into the third to wipe away Colo- Los Angeles rado’s lead, but Landeskog got the winner when his shot went off the stick of defenseman Juuso Riikola and past goalie Tristan Jarry midway through the klahoma City Thunder guard third period. Russell Westbrook celebrated Jarry stopped 20 RESULTS another triple-double mile- shots in his second Detroit 4-3 St. Louis stone and an NBA victory start of the season. Wednesday,O while Houston star James The Penguins (10- Anaheim 3-2 Florida Harden’s fi rst triple-double of the season 9-5) pressed for the Toronto 5-3 San Jose spelled only frustration in a loss to the equalizer after that, Colorado 6-3 Pittsburgh Dallas Mavericks. but goaltender Philipp Westbrook’s 23 points, 19 rebounds and Grubauer made big 15 assists propelled the Thunder to a 100- saves down the stretch to preserve the win. Pittsburgh pulled Jarry 83 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. for an extra skater with 2:14 left, but MacKinnon scored an empty- With the 107th triple-double of his net goal with 29 seconds left, and Soderberg tacked on another 13 career Westbrook tied for third on the seconds later with Jarry back in the net. Grubauer fi nished with 22 all-time list with Jason Kidd, the former saves. Girard got the Avalanche on the board with his second goal Dallas Mavericks star who needed 1,247 of the season midway through the fi rst period. Johnson made it 2-0 games to reach 107 while Westbrook in the second period when he scored his second goal at 5:13, which reached the mark in just 760 games. held up after Pittsburgh challenged for goaltender interference. Westbrook, who seized the single-sea- Wilson put the Avalanche up by three just 2:39 after Johnson’s son record for triple-doubles from Oscar goal when MacKinnon drew the defense to him and slid a pass Robertson with 42 in the 2016-17 cam- across to him. It was Wilson’s seventh goal. paign, remains a long way from Robert- Crosby then took over late in the second period when he scored son’s record career total of 181. twice in a span of 42 seconds. He got the fi rst one when he knocked Former Los Angeles Lakers great Magic in the rebound of his breakaway attempt, and then made it 3-2 with Johnson is second on the list with 138. his 12th goal just fi ve seconds into a power play at 19:50. Westbrook said he continues to relish The Avalanche played their second consecutive game without every opportunity to chase the greats who Tyson Barrie, the team’s top-scoring defenseman who is out due came before him, saying the triple-dou- to a lower-body injury. bles – the achievement of double-digit totals in three key statistical categories – RITCHIE’S LATE GOAL LIFTS DUCKS OVER PANTHERS are something to celebrate “as long as we Nick Ritchie scored two goals – including the game-winner with win.” 1:28 left in the third period – as the Anaheim Ducks defeated the For Harden, a superb all-around eff ort host Florida Panthers 3-2 on Wednesday night. Ritchie has four of 25 points, 17 assists and 11 rebounds – goals this season, doubling his production in one night. along with six steals – wasn’t enough in John Gibson made 42 saves to earn the win for Anaheim while a 128-108 home loss to the Dallas Maver- Florida goalie James Reimer took the loss, making 22 saves. Josh icks. Manson also scored for Anaheim. Florida received goals from Dallas took full advantage of the injury Aaron Ekblad and Evgenii Dadonov. It was the fi fth goal this season absence of Houston point guard Chris for Ekblad, passing Keith Yandle for the top spot among Panthers Paul, leading by as many as 21 in the third defensemen. For Dadonov, it was his 10th goal, second best on the quarter before the Rockets cut the defi cit team. The Panthers, counting Dadonov’s goal, have scored on the to fi ve late in the period. power play in 13 of their past 14 games. The game was a matchup Dallas, who had 20 points each from between two teams with shared history as the Panthers and Ducks rookie Luka Doncic and reserve Devin Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook reacts after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at entered the NHL as expansion teams in 1993. Harris, opened the fourth quarter on a Chesapeake Energy Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports 10-2 scoring run to regain full control. The Mavericks notched just their sec- pointer with 5.2 seconds remaining to se- coach Gregg Popovich said the foot injury ond road win of the season while the cure the hosts’ 116-113 victory. RESULTS that has sidelined veteran Pau Gasol for Rockets, who led the league with 65 victo- The Bulls were unable to corral two 12 games has been diagnosed as a stress ries last season, endured a fourth straight loose balls just prior to Middleton’s shot, LA Clippers 115-99 Phoenix fracture. defeat. and Justin Holiday missed a potential Utah 101-91 Brooklyn There’s no timetable for the 38-year- “It’s really good,” said Harris. “We game-tying three-pointer just before the Portland 115-112 Orlando old Spaniard’s return. haven’t really had too much success buzzer. The Philadelphia 76ers never trailed in against this team in the last couple of The Portland Trail Blazers edged the Dallas 128-108 Houston a 117-91 victory over the New York Knicks. years. We haven’t really been playing well Orlando Magic 115-112, aided by a fran- Milwaukee 116-113 Chicago Joel Embiid notched his league-leading on the road this year. So it’s good to get a chise record and career-best 10 three- Minnesota 128-89 San Antonio 21st double-double of the season with win and play the way we did tonight.” pointers from Damian Lillard. 26 points and 14 rebounds as the Sixers The Los Angeles Clippers, the surpris- It was far from close in Minneapolis New Orleans 125-104 Washington notched their sixth victory in seven games ing Western Conference leaders, survived where the Minnesota Timberwolves led Oklahoma City 100-83 Cleveland and improved to 11-1 at home. 21 turnovers to beat the Phoenix Suns 115- by as many as 48 points on the way to a Charlotte 108-94 Atlanta In contrast, the Utah Jazz rallied from a 99. 128-89 rout of the San Antonio Spurs. double-digit third-quarter defi cit to beat The Timberwolves improved to 11-11, Philadelphia 117-91 New York the Brooklyn Nets 101-91. ANTETOKOUNMPO LEADS BUCKS reaching .500 for the fi rst time since Oc- Donovan Mitchell scored 10 points in The Bucks won a close one in Milwaukee, tober 31. nesota, who out-scored the Spurs 29-9 a 15-4 Utah scoring run to end the game, where Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 Robert Covington led the Timberwolves in the second quarter and never looked Rudy Gobert contributing the other fi ve Colorado Avalanche’s Gabriel Landeskog (right) fights for control points with 11 rebounds and eight assists with 21 points. Karl-Anthony towns and back. points in the run as the Jazz handed the of the puck against Tanner Pearson of the Pittsburgh Penguins in and Khris Middleton drained a three- Derrick Rose added 16 apiece for Min- In more bad news for San Antonio, Nets a fourth straight defeat. the second period in Denver. (Getty Images/AFP)

NFL Panthers attempt to right ship at Buccaneers Reuters comeback at Philadelphia the lone went on. He took the sure thing when Los Angeles success away from home. it was there.” A playoff berth is within reach, but The Panthers faced quarterback quarterback Cam Newton said there’s Ryan Fitzpatrick in the fi rst meeting. he Carolina Panthers appear no sense in looking at the big picture. With 79 career touchdown passes, in a freefall. They’re count- “We need one win. Let’s start with Winston is one shy of Josh Freeman’s ing on getting it together by one win,” he said. “We have a lot of franchise record. visiting the Tampa Bay Buc- possibilities and a lot of potential, “It has been a diffi cult road and he Tcaneers. but I’ve said it before, potential has sees what that looks like,” Koetter A three-game losing streak has never (meant anything).” said. “If he can play like that, he can pushed the Panthers out of the play- The Buccaneers (4-7) are aiming be one of the best.” off picture and with a fl urry of des- for back-to-back victories for the The Buccaneers have reached peration Carolina enters Sunday af- fi rst time since the fi rst two games of the four-sack mark in the past two ternoon’s game at Raymond James the season. “In the NFL, part of win- games, showing an ability to be a dis- Stadium in Tampa, Fla. ning is not losing, not beating your- ruptive defense. “We still have fi ve games left to go,” self,” Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter The Panthers placed receiver Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. “We said. “All we can do is hang in there.” Damiere Byrd on injured reserve with control it. Go out and play. You have But Koetter doesn’t put much stock an arm injury. In a move that shows to play to win.” in results without seeing a trend de- the concern about the defensive The Panthers (6-5), who have four spite last week’s 27-9 whipping of the backfi eld, Byrd was replaced on the games remaining against NFC South visiting San Francisco 49ers. roster by cornerback Lorenzo Doss. rivals, don’t want to look at it as a lost “It’s a week to week league,” he Carolina will have to fi nd ways to re- cause. They’ve dropped their last two said. “We had a good week. We played place Byrd’s role as a returner on spe- games by a total of four points. well in all phases. Carolina this week cial teams. The latest snags have come with a brings a whole set of challenges. The Panthers have relied on sec- limping secondary giving up crucial Three of the Buccaneers’ victories ond-year running back Christian third- and fourth-down plays and have come at home. McCaff rey, who set a franchise record shortcomings with red-zone off ense. Jameis Winston is in line for his with 237 yards from scrimmage in “We’ve got guys who have to step fi fth start of the season as Tampa last week’s Seattle game. He gained up and make plays,” Rivera said. Bay’s quarterback. It will be his sec- 125 rushing yards and 112 receiving In the fi rst meeting with Tampa ond start in a row, showing improve- yards. “He’s a smart player, excep- Bay, the Panthers delivered. The 42- ment since earlier this season. tional quickness and vision and cut- 28 victory marks the most points of “He made decisive decisions,” ting,” Koetter said. “As a halfback the season for Carolina. Koetter said. “He didn’t hold it too you’re not going to fi nd many route But the Panthers are 1-5 on road long and he didn’t wait for plays to runners like that. He’s a good route this season, with a fourth-quarter develop that might happen as time runner, that’s for sure.” Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera. Gulf Times 6 Friday, November 30, 2018 SPORT

HOCKEY WORLD CUP Argentina clinch 4-3 thriller against Spain IANS again tied at 3-3. Bhubaneswar In the 49th minute, Peillat scored again for Argentina after placing a shot between two defenders which the Spanish goal- races from Gonzalo Peillat and keeper Fred Soyez failed to save. Agustin Mazzilli guided Argen- Both the sides then failed to score in the tina to a narrow 4-3 win against last 10 minutes of the game and Argentina Spain in their campaign opener clinched the nail-biting contest 4-3. ofB the Hockey World Cup 2018 at the Kalinga stadium yesterday. NEW ZEALAND DEFEAT FRANCE 2-1 In a see-saw Pool A contest, Enrique New Zealand pipped France 2-1 in its Gonzalez handed Spain an early 1-0 lead opening game of the Hockey World Cup in the 3rd minute of the game before Maz- 2018 at the Kalinga stadium yesterday. zilli defl ected a right wing cross perfectly After a goalless fi rst quarter, Kane Rus- to the net in the next minute to level the sell scored for New Zealand in the 17th score. minute and as France failed to convert Spain took a 2-1 lead after Josep Romeu opportunities in the later part of the sec- found the back of the net in the 14th ond quarter, the Kiwis enjoyed a 1-0 lead minute however, within 45 seconds of at half-time. conceding the second goal, Argentina re- Later, a long pass from midfi eld was plied back as Mazzilli struck again, level- well controlled by Stephen Jenness, who ling the contest at 2-2. Soon, the South made no mistake in fi nding the back of the American nation extended the lead to 3-2 net, making the scoreline read 2-0 in New as drag-fl icker Gonzalo Peillat converted Zealand’s favour with just four minutes a corner in the 15th minute. of play left. It seemed France wouldn’t be However, Vincenc Ruiz brought Spain able to open its account but Victor Char- back into the contest after a fi eld goal in let converted a penalty corner in the 59th the 35th minute as the scorecard was once minute to make the score 2-1. Argentina players celebrate a goal during their group stage match against Spain at the 2018 Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar yesterday. (AFP)

RUGBY FOCUS Rugby Australia hang up on White aft er Argentina coach Wallabies coach bid

AFP Sydney

ake White has off ered pushes back against to replace under-siege Michael Cheika as Wal- labies coach and was due toJ have a phone hook-up with Rugby Australia yesterday, but it was cancelled after news of the call was leaked. The South African, who scrum rule change steered the Springboks to the 2007 World Cup title, ap- ‘More than to me in particular, (the rule) is detrimental to all Argentine rugby’ proached the governing body after Australia won just four of their 13 Tests this year. Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle has repeatedly said Cheika continues to have her backing to is currently in Europe, and his take the team to the World Cup coaching team are set to be dis- in Japan next year, which is when cussed. his contract runs out. Castle said she understood But mounting pressure came there was intense interest after to a head after their 37-18 defeat “a challenging year”. by England last weekend, with “We acknowledge and under- calls intensifying for a change of stand the frustrations of Walla- guard. It followed a tryless loss bies fans over recent results and to Wales and an uninspiring win we are completing a thorough over Italy. review ahead of an important The phone call was to assess year for the team which culmi- what White – a former ACT nates with the rugby World Cup Brumbies coach – had to off er in Japan,” she said in a statement, as a possible alternative, but it without mentioning White. was hastily called off after being “The outcomes of the full re- leaked to the media. view will be presented at the “Jake White approached Rug- December meeting of the Rugby by Australia and asked to have Australia board with Wallabies a conversion,” a RA spokesman head coach Michael Cheika in told AFP. “Rugby Australia has attendance.” decided not to proceed with the Several former Wallabies have call.” called for change in the Test set- White has previously ex- up after their worst year since pressed a desire to coach Aus- 1995, including fullback Matt tralia after being overlooked for Burke who said the team was no the job in favour of Ewen Mc- longer well-regarded by their Kenzie in 2013. rivals. The Rugby Australia board is “I reckon that respect factor’s due to meet on December 10 for gone. We’re down at (sixth) in a regular end-of-season review the world, we started at No.3 at where the future of Cheika, who the start of the year,” he said.

Wales fl anker Jenkins to undergo surgery

Wales flanker Ellis Jenkins will have surgery after suff ering a serious knee injury in last Saturday’s 20-11 win over South Africa, his club Cardiff Blues said yesterday. “Further specialist reviews are needed to establish an accurate prognosis following surgery,” the club added. A general view of a scrum during Argentina-Scotland match at Murrayfield, Edinburgh, on November 24, 2018. (Reuters) The player told the BBC he was still hoping to be part of next September’s World Cup. “That is still my goal at the moment unless Reuters and the professional Jaguares they had not suff ered more than successful World Cup side that defi nitely have to have a good someone tells me otherwise,” he said. London Super Rugby franchise recruit average in Argentina. won the bronze medal in France defence and that’s what we’re Jenkins was injured when he was cleared out of a ruck and his leg players. “I’d say that in Australia in 2007. working on,” he said. got stuck. Ledesma, who took charge of there are quite a few more (seri- “The cohesion you achieve in “With the work we’ve started He received treatment on the pitch for several minutes after the fi- umas coach Mario Argentina before the southern ous injuries) than in Argentina,” a team with a solid scrum and now with these kids who are nal whistle with players from both sides going over to check on him. Ledesma says a rule hemisphere’s mid-year Rugby added Ledesma, who spent the psychological boost (you 19, 20 years old, it’s going to Wales coach Warren Gatland said at the time that it looked like an introduced in Argen- Championship, told Reuters that two years working as an assist- get) from that is immeasurable.” take two to three years to reach anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. tine rugby two years the Pumas’ scrummaging cul- ant to Wallabies coach Michael a very good standard. I’m sure “It would be nice if the game had finished thirty seconds earlier,” Pago following a spate of serious ture had been severely impacted Cheika. DEFENSIVE FLAWS we’ll get there, they have the Jenkins, a late inclusion in the side after Dan Lydiate suff ered an injuries has emasculated their and it would take two years of “Not only does it weaken Ar- Argentina won two out of six physical and mental strength elbow injury, told Wales Online. once-feared scrums and poten- hard work to recover the full gentine scrummaging culture, tests in the Rugby Champion- for us to work on,” Ledesma tially weakened their World Cup power of Argentina’s scrum. which is part of our DNA, but ship and have suff ered three said. Argentina had a very good ENGLAND WINGER NOWELL FACES TWO MONTHS challenge. The Pumas, however, have it’s also part of a forward’s soul.” defeats in three tour matches in World Cup in England in 2015 OUT WITH HAMSTRING INJURY When San Isidro Club prop less than a year until the 2019 Ledesma said the rule change November. under Ledesma’s predecessor Exeter Chiefs winger Jack Nowell has been ruled out for up to eight Jeronimo Bello was left severely World Cup in Japan where Ar- had left Argentina’s emerging Ledesma said that results Daniel Hourcade, reaching weeks with a hamstring injury but could return in time for England’s disabled from a collapsed scrum gentina share a pool with Eng- talents unprepared for the de- had depended on how well the the semi-fi nals for the sec- Six Nations campaign early next year, the Premiership team has in a Buenos Aires fi rst division land, France, Tonga and the mands of top-level rugby. forwards had peeled away from ond time. said. match in September 2016, the United States. “Today scrums in Argentina rucks into defensive positions, To help them in Japan, the Nowell featured in England’s November internationals against fourth serious injury in a year, “More than to me in particu- last fi ve or six seconds which with the Pumas having on oc- UAR has relaxed their ban on South Africa, New Zealand and Japan but the 25-year-old missed the governing body of Argentine lar, (the rule) is detrimental to all is why the kids who come to us casions left themselves thin calling up foreign-based play- the win over Australia after sustaining the injury in training. Rugby (UAR) took action. Argentine rugby,” said Ledesma, from their clubs are surprised defensively on one fl ank or the ers, allowing Ledesma to pick “Jack’s got a pretty significant hamstring tear. It’s one of those inju- The UAR ruled that teams in who will use his team’s fourth by the hardness of a scrum and other. He singled out victories experienced props like Sara- ries which is likely to be around the eight-week mark, give or take a Argentine domestic competi- European tour match against if it lasts more than 10 seconds over South Africa and Aus- cens’ Juan Figallo and Ramiro week depending on how his rehab goes,” Exeter rugby director Rob tions would be penalised for the Barbarians at Twickenham it discomforts them in a manner tralia in the Rugby Champion- Herrera of Stade Francais. Baxter told the club website https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/ pushing more than one and a tomorrow to give his young for- of speaking,” he said. ship and last Saturday’s 14-9 “A World Cup year is diff er- nowell-out-for-eight-weeks. half metres, except at fi ve-me- wards more experience against “You have to be able to enjoy loss to Scotland, which Argen- ent,” said Ledesma. “He should be back in time to fight for a place in the Six Nations,” tre scrums. top opposition. that kind of wrestling and (un- tina could have won with better “In the meantime, it’s been Baxter added. The rule change aff ected all Ledesma said he understood derstand) the bearing it has on place kicking from the normally more important to go develop- England made a poor defence of their Six Nations title this year top-fl ight domestic competi- why the measure was taken other areas of the game,” said reliable Nicolas Sanchez. ing our kids by putting them up when they could only finish fifth after a string of poor displays and tions, which are amateur in Ar- due to the injuries that had oc- the 45-year-old former hooker, “If we want to get past the against the hardness of north- begin next year’s campaign against Ireland in Dublin on February 2. gentina, from which the Pumas curred, although he feels that a member of Argentina’s most Pool round at the World Cup we ern hemisphere scrums.” Gulf Times Friday, November 30, 2018 7 CRICKET

FOCUS INDIA’S TOUR OF AUSTRALIA First Root, now Kohli: Australian giantkiller Bangladesh eye strikes again

AFP the air in celebration. Sydney Hardie, who ended with 4-50 off 13 overs, is one of Western Australia’s most exciting pros- ustralian teenager Aar- pects, having captained the state rare Test series win on Hardie snared the at under-17 and under-19 level, wicket of India captain and earned a rookie contract for Virat Kohli yesterday, 2018-19. Hosts beat WI by 64 runs in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series hisA latest high-profi le victim af- After torrential rain scup- ter dismissing England skipper pered the opening day of play at Joe Root in a similar warm-up the Sydney Cricket Ground on match last year. Wednesday, India were keen to The 19-year-old paceman had get in the middle for some bat- Kohli caught and bowled for 64 ting practice in their only game as the tourists prepared for next ahead of the four-Test series. week’s opening Test by scoring Impressive young opener 358 all out against a Cricket Aus- Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pu- tralia XI on day two of the four- jara and Ajinkya Rahane all also day match. managed half-centuries, with Kohli had smashed seven fours KL Rahul the only one of India’s and a six against an inexperi- main batsmen to fail, scoring enced attack before English- three. born Hardie dismissed him, The CA XI were on 24 without nonchalantly tossing the ball in loss at stumps.

SPOTLIGHT Mithali ‘saddened’ as World Twenty20 row escalates

Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam (left) celebrates with captain Shakib Al Hasan (centre) and another teammate after the dismissal of West Indies’ Devendra Bishoo on the third day of the first Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Saturday. (AFP)

AFP 2014 when they triumphed over did in Chittagong,” he said. Though Shakib did not rule merit points in the fi rst. Dhaka Zimbabwe 3-0 at home. “It will be very special for us out Mushfi qur playing the game, Gabriel was the pick of the AFP Raj hit two straight half- Bangladesh came close to if we can win the series 2-0... the home side had recalled Liton West Indies bowlers in an spin- New Delhi centuries at the tournament in winning series twice in the past whatever it requires we are pre- Das as a back-up option. oriented pitch, claiming four the West Indies before missing angladesh will be look- two years, respectively against paring to do that,” he said. West Indies captain Kraigg wickets in a short spell in the India’s last group game against ing for a rare Test se- Australia and Sri Lanka but on “If it is not possible to win, Brathwaite said he remained fi rst innings that had nearly ndia cricket star Mithali Australia due to a knee injury. ries win when they take both occasions they stumbled at our target will be taking series optimistic despite the challenge swung the game to their way. Raj said yesterday she was She was declared fi t on the eve on the West Indies in the fi nal hurdle. 1-0, because the ultimate target ahead. “Staying positive on this Brathwaite said he was “back- “deeply saddened” by ac- of the England semi-fi nal but theB second and fi nal Test at the Skipper Shakib Al Hasan said is winning the series.” type of wicket is key. The bounce ing both spin and pace to do a cusations that she threw selectors declined to bring her Sher-e-Bangla National Sta- his team has the ability to over- Shakib promised positive varied a lot in the fi rst Test,” said good job” unsettling Bangladesh. Itantrums and threatened to quit back. T20 captain, Harmanpreet dium in Dhaka today. come the odds. cricket. “But we don’t want to Brathwaite. “There will obviously be a before being controversially Kaur, said selectors opted to stay The home side lead the two- “We have a challenge and we win series by playing defen- “The onus is on ourselves to balance. Spin did most of the dropped during the Twenty20 with the “winning combination”. match series 1-0 thanks to their believe we can overcome this,” sive cricket. We will go into the trust our defence and attacking damage in the fi rst Test but it World Cup. Raj, 35, sent a fi ery letter to In- 64-run win the fi rst Test in Shakib said at the pre-match match with a positive frame of methods. I think the key is to be doesn’t mean pacers can’t take Raj, the highest run scorer in dia’s cricket board singling out Chittagong when their spinners press conference yesterday. mind,” he said. light in your feet, and treat each wickets,” he said. the women’s international game Powar and other offi cials, accus- accounted for all 20 West Indies “Naturally, West Indies will Bangladesh’s chances, how- ball as it comes.” The West Indies will also play and still India’s one-day captain, ing them of bias and claiming they wickets. also go into the match more ex- ever, got a blow when wick- The visitors will miss pace three one-day internationals was left out of the squad for last were trying to destroy her career. A win in Dhaka will give Bang- cited. They will give their best to etkeeper-batsman Mushfi qur bowler Shannon Gabriel, who and three Twenty20 interna- week’s semi-fi nal loss to Eng- Powar briefed the Board of ladesh only their fourth Test se- win. We have to perform better Rahim hurt his fi nger during a was banned from the second tionals against Bangladesh dur- land, triggering a high-profi le Control for Cricket in India ries win in history and fi rst since than them, more than what we training session on Wednesday. Test after being handed two de- ing their month-long tour. row with team staff . (BCCI) on Wednesday about the Coach Ramesh Powar blast- behind-the-scenes tumult at the ed the veteran batswoman for T20 tournament. Bangladesh to send cricketers to Pakistan aft er safety assurances “blackmailing” offi cials, amid “I hope Mithali stops black- reports she had demanded to mailing, pressurising coaches AFP Pakistan and Sri Lanka are co- slowly returning, with Zimba- by the Pakistan Cricket Board,” matches in Colombo, which will choose her own batting position and putting her interest fi rst than Dhaka hosting an Asian Cricket Coun- bwe and the West Indies among said Bangladesh Cricket Board also host the semis and final. earlier in the tournament. the team,” Powar wrote in a 10- cil tournament next month, countries to visit Pakistan in boss Nizamuddin Chowdhury. “I’m deeply saddened and hurt page post-tournament brief for with Bangladesh playing all recent years. The board would also sent a SQUAD: Nurul Hasan (Capt), by the aspersions cast on me. My the BCCI, seen by AFP. angladesh will send a their group matches in Karachi. The Bangladesh squad being security detail with the squad, Mosaddek Hossain, Nazmul commitment to the game and “I was saddened by her atti- cricket squad to Pakistan Most cricket nations have sent for the Emerging Teams he added. Hossain, Mizanur Rahman, 20yrs of playing for my country,” tude and it gave me an impres- Bfor the first time in three steered clear of Pakistan since Asia Cup starting December Bangladesh are in Group B Shafiul Islam, Zakir Hasan, Saif Raj tweeted yesterday. sion that Mithali Raj comes fi rst years, off icials said yesterday gunmen attacked Sri Lanka’s 6 is the first since 2015 to visit alongside hosts Pakistan, Hong Hassan, Yasir Ali, Tanvir Islam, “The hard work, sweat, in vain. and then India. She threw a lot after receiving assurances team bus in 2009, killing sev- Pakistan. Kong and the UAE. Afif Hossain, Nayeem Hasan, Today, my patriotism doubted, of tantrums and created a lot of from their counterparts about eral people. “We agreed to the tour following Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, India and Shoriful Islam, Qazi Onik, Kha- my skill set questioned and all chaos.” security. But international cricket is assurance of adequate security Oman in Group A will play their led Ahmed, Mohor Sheikh the mud slinging – it’s the dark- The BCCI is yet to comment est day of my life.” on the issue.

OUTBURST Clarke slams ‘headline-chasing coward’ as war-of-words heats up

AFP caught “blatantly cheating” and that ate that I am responsible for the ball- Sydney “our behaviour is a big part of that”. tampering issue makes him nothing Current skipper Tim Paine, who has more than a headline-chasing coward,” advocated a more nice-guy approach, Clarke wrote. ormer Australian captain also weighed in, saying the team’s “If you think that the current No.1 Michael Clarke has angrily friendlier way of playing was not so team in the world in cricket right now rejected suggestions he helped much about being liked, but knowing puts being liked as of higher impor- create a culture that led to the when to ease up on the aggression. tance than being respected and play- ball-tamperingF scandal, slamming a But it was the reaction from Mel- ing to win inside the rules of our game leading broadcaster as a “headline- bourne-based sports broadcaster and than you’re as delirious as you are ill- chasing coward”. writer Gerard Whateley that sparked informed.” The war-of-words stems from com- a scathing Instagram response from The cheating scandal involved Aus- ments Clarke made on Wednesday Clarke late Wednesday. tralian players using sandpaper to al- criticising attempts to improve the “Clarke’s interpretation of the pre- ter the fl ight of the ball in a Test match cricket team’s image in the wake of dicament the Australian men’s Test against South Africa last March in Cape the cheating row in South Africa this team fi nds itself in is breathtaking,” Town. year, insisting they “won’t win a game” said Whateley. Coach Darren Lehmann quit in the without their infamous abrasive atti- “That he would continue to rely on wake of the controversy and then-cap- tude. the line — the fi ction his and subse- tain Steve Smith, deputy David Warner “Australian cricket, I think, needs quent teams used to excuse all manner and batsman Cameron Bancroft re- to stop worrying about being liked and of boorish behaviour — might be the ceived lengthy bans. start worrying about being respected,” single greatest piece of nonsense over The aff air also claimed the scalps of he told commercial radio. the past nine months.” Cricket Australia chief executive James “Play tough Australian cricket. Clarke said he would not stand by Sutherland and chairman David Peever. Whether we like it or not, that’s in our while “my leadership, my integrity” The Australians have endured a dire blood.” were attacked, insisting his conduct as run of form since losing 17 matches out Long-time Clarke rival Simon Kat- an honest and rules-based captain had of 24 in all formats, ahead of a home ich blasted him for “once again... miss- never been questioned. Test series against top-ranked India ing the point”, saying the team were “For Gerard Whateley to insinu- starting on December 6.

Friday, November 30, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Younousse-Tijan enter Aspire beach volleyball SFs Last Samurai on top

By Sports Reporter of the Doha Darts Doha League standings op-seed Qatari pair of Cherif Younousse and By Sports Reporter Rebels, with GCC Rebels having Ahmed Tijan marched Doha the points of the board but Who into the semi-fi nals of Darted having the game in hand, Tthe Asian Volleyball Confedera- so positions could change on a tion (AVC) Aspire Qatar Master eigning Doha Darts weekly basis. yesterday. League champions Last With just one more scheduled Younousse and Tijan, who Samurai will go into game before the New Year break are looking for a title hat-trick, the end-of-year break on December 12, all teams will be defeated the Australian pair atR the top of the standings, even looking for a good result before of Chris McHugh and Zachery though some of the other teams the league returns on January 9. Schubert 2-1 (21-17, 19-21, 23- have games in hand. Also in January are two special 21) in an hour-long match. The Doha Darts League is one events being hosted by the Doha The Qatari team has won the of the oldest continuously run- Dart League, the fi rst welcomes Asian Beach Volleyball Champi- ning sport competitions in Qa- two professional dart players onship title in Satun, Thailand, tar and has been active since the from the PDC on January 24, in September and the Jakarta early 1970s. In its current format, 2019 — Jamie Caven from the UK Asian Games gold in August and the league plays every Wednes- and Devon Peterson from South are now eyeing for the third title day evening from September to Africa — who will be demon- in front of the home crowd. April each year and consists of strating their exceptional dart Earlier in their last Group A eight teams. skills to the Doha dart commu- match, the top seeds defeated Last Samurai captain Graham nity. Omani pair of Ali and Hooda. ‘The Finisher’ Matthews was Members of the Doha Dart The hosts will take on Japan’s quoted as saying, “Our posi- League will also test their ability Yuya Gottsu and Ageba Ishijma, tion looks comfortable 10 games against the professionals hoping who defeated Asia Champion- in but it is a 21-game season, so for a win. The second event takes ship runner-up Iran’s Arash Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan in action during the Aspire Qatar Master beach volleyball yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram there is a long way to go. We can- place the following day (January Vakili and Bahman Salemiin- not be complacent and with the 24) and is the annually held Qatar jeboroun 2-0 (21-17,21-11), in the Championship, defeated Iran’s Mahmoud-Tamer Abdelrasoul to increase their chances of The second seed-pair from teams below us having games in Darts Open, a knockout compe- semi-fi nals today. Rahman Raoufi and Abolhamed failed to win any of their group qualifying for World Champion- Australia Damien Shuman and hand nothing is certain.” tition open to all Qatar residents. In the third quarter-fi nals, Mirzaali 2-0 (23-21, 21-19). matches. ships, which has just four slots Cole Durant defeated Oman’s At the bottom of the table, it The Doha Dart League secre- Kazakhstan’s Alexandr Dy- The other Qatar teams of A total of 16 teams are tak- from Asia. Mazin al-Hashmi and Nouh al- looks like a two-horse race for taries may be contacted via social achenko and Alexey Sidoranko, Nasser Ahmed al-Meer-Ha- ing part in the tournament with The semi-fi nals and fi nal will Jalboobi 2-1 (18-21, 21-14, 15-7) the dreaded wooden spoon be- media channels (Facebook and who fi nished third in Asia mad al-Kuwari and Assam players eyeing maximum points take place today. in the last quarter-fi nal. tween Who Darted and GCC Twitter) for further details.

HORSE RACING Prepare For Battle stars in Guineas; treble for al-Malki Golam helms Prepare For Battle in Gr3 race; Pedroza rides three al-Malki winners — Abercrombie, Nahaab, Could Be

Argentina’s ambassador to Qatar Carlos Hernandez (fourth from right), QREC general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (third Argentina’s ambassador to Qatar Carlos Hernandez (centre), QREC general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (third from from right) and QREC Racing manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) with the winners of the Thoroughbred Guineas (Gr3) right) and QREC Racing manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) with the winners of the Purebred Arabian Guineas after after Prepare For Battle won the mile-long race at the Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Abercrombie won the mile-long race yesterday.

By Sports Reporter Doha

eborah Mountain-sad- dled Prepare For Battle made a winning debut in Qatar in the Group 3D Thoroughbred Guineas, even as Ibrahim al-Malki registered three winners including the Lo- cal Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian Guineas at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Having shed his maiden status in Ireland in September, yester- day, under a fantastic ride by Sal- eem Golam, Prepare For Battle held a slender lead on the back straight coming off Gate 4 in the miler. However, going on to the home straight, the Hassan Ali al- Abdulmalik-owned colt pulled away and built a healthy lead one and a half furlong out. The lead was too much for the rivals to make up, even as Al Saleem Golam rides Prepare For Battle to victory in the Thoroughbred Guineas (Gr3) yesterday. Eduardo Pedroza (foreground) rides Abercrombie to victory in the Purebred Arabian Guineas yesterday. Shaqab Racing’s Al Adaid and Al- hazm, both saddled by Alban de Osama Omer al-Dafea’s Evolu- third in the Qatar Arabian World oughbred Handicap yesterday. JP naim), 3. Woodkid (Pier Con- Trainer: Stefano Ibido. Lukasek). Won by: ¼, 2 ¼, 3 ¾. Mieulle, picked up pace to push the tion Du Croate, with Carlo Fioc- Cup at Longchamp in October, Guillambert rode four-year-old vertino), 4. Noble Masterpiece Race 5: 1. Daloob (Faleh Bugha- Time: 1:40.20. Owner: Mohamed leader but had to settle for second chi in the saddle, by a head at the but got a nice little prep win at fi lly to a comfortable victory in (Harry Bentley). Won by: ¾, Shd, 1 naim), 2. Tabouk (Jean Baptiste Abdulla Abdulmalik. Trainer: and third under Ronan Thomas post after the two were locked in the start of the home season. the miler. ¾. Time: 1:37.47. Owner: Abdulatif Hamel), 3. AJS Moaddie (Tomas Ibrahim al-Malki. and Faleh Bughanaim respectively. duel for the last furlong or so. Ladjadj rode the fi ve-year- Stefano Ibido-schooled Cour- Hussain al-Emadi. Trainer: Ibra- Lukasek), 4. Gtnah (Ronan Tho- Race 8: 1. Abercrombie (Eduardo Eduardo Pedroza helmed all Nahaab led a one-two for the old to a fi ne victory over Jassim ageux and Hadi Nasser al-Ram- him al-Malki. mas). Won by: Hd, ½, 2 ¾. Time: Pedroza), 2. Evolution Du Croate three winners for al-Malki, with trainer with Jimmy Quinn riding Mohamed Ghazali-trained Car- zani-trained Holy Shambles won Race 3: 1. Holy Shambles (Ronan 2:07.36. Owner: Al Shaqab Racing. (Carlo Fiocchi), 3. Meelad (Math- Abercrombie topping the mile- Surra Man Raa to a close second, ab, with a little more than two Thoroughbred Plate events under Thomas), 2. Strategist (Harry Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. ieu Pelletan), 4. AJS Dhabi (Tomas long Purebred Arabian Guineas a quarter of a length behind the lengths to spare at the post. Fiocchi and Thomas respectively. Bentley), 3. Random Decision (To- Race 6: 1. Ebraz (Stephan Lukasek). Won by: Hd, 1 ¾, 3 ¼. and Nahaab winning the Local winner. De Mieulle had a winner in the mas Lukasek), 4. Beckton (Marco Ladjadj), 2. Carab (Marco Casa- Time: 1:47.01. Owner: Abdulatif Thoroughbred Guineas. In the His Highness Sheikh Moham- Purebred Arabian Plate event RESULTS Casamento). Won by: Nk, 1 ¾, Hd. mento), 3. AJS Anfowan (Faleh Hussain al-Emadi. Trainer: Ibra- second race of the day, Abdula- ed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Ebraz, for three-year-olds with Qatari Race 1: 1. Al Khazileah (JP Guil- Time: 1:12.79. Owner: Mubarak bin Bughanaim), 4. Lucky Sand (Ray him al-Malki. tif Hussain al-Emadi’s Could Be His Highness The Amir’s Sword jockey Faleh Bughanaim notch- lambert), 2. Zuzi (Saleem Golam), Saeed Aljafai al-Naimi. Trainer: Fuentes). Won by: 2 ¼, 1, No. Time: Race 9: 1. Prepare For Battle won the Class 4 Thoroughbred winner last year, was back to ing his eighth victory of the sea- 3. Al Watan (Gerald Avranche), Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. 1:45.92. Owner: His Highness (Saleem Golam), 2. Al Adaid (Ro- Handicap event for horses rated winning ways in impressive fash- son astride Al Shaqab Racing’s 4. Mister Lal (Eduardo Pedroza). Race 4: 1. Courageux (Carlo Fioc- Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al- nan Thomas), 3. Alhazm (Faleh 85 and below for al-Malki. ion after Julian Smart’s ward won Dalaab in the 1850m race. Won by: 2, 3 ½, ¼. Time: 1:40.19. chi), 2. Mixi Charm (Ronan Tho- Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. Bughanaim), 4. Che Bella (Jean In the penultimate race of the the Purebred Arabian Handicap Muraikh Cup-winning trainer Owner: Meshaal bin Ali al-Attiyah. mas), 3. Izzer (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Race 7: 1. Nahaab (Eduardo Baptiste Hamel). Won by: 1 ½, 2, ¾. day, al-Emadi’s Abercrombie for horses rated 90 and above. on Wednesday, Mohamed Riyaz, Trainer: Mohamed Riyaz. High Horse (Marco Casamento). Pedroza), 2. Surra Man Raa Time: 1:38.19. Owner: Hassan Ali went one better than his last out- Ebraz had to settle for places saddled the winner in the nine- Race 2: 1. Could Be (Eduardo Won by: 2 ¼, ½, ½. Time: 1:13.15. (Jimmy Quinn), 3. Latamah (To- al-Abdulmalik. Trainer: Deborah ing four weeks ago, edging out on his European swing, fi nishing race card-opener, a Local Thor- Pedroza), 2. Hajaj (Faleh Bugha- Owner: Abdulhadi Mana al-Hajri. mas Lukasek), 4. Qate’e (Tomas Mountain.