Kuwait coach apologises to fans for exit “The fans came and gave all the support, and I thank them all . I apologize for this exit. Things went wong.” WEDNESday, December 4, 2019 - Kuwait coach Thamer Enad It’s raining goals! Gulf Cup sees a record breaking 39 in group stage
The previous two edi- That’s an average tions of the Gulf Cup saw 22 goals scored each in the 3.25 goals group stage, with the one be- fore them seeing a total of 25 per match! goals in the group stage. All of them are close to half QNA/TNN the number of goals scored in Doha the current tournament. The third round of the cur- The exciting action at the on- rent edition is also the highest going 24th Arabian Gulf Cup scoring round in the history of is keeping fans on their toes. the competition, breaking the And the thrilling goal-scoring previous record of 13 scored spree is only adding to their during the 17th edition. delight. With the line-up for the semi-finals being drawn, Ali Mabkhout leading the end of the group stage goal-scorer, Qatar stars on Monday saw a record 39 Hassan, Afif in race goals (3.25 goals per game) having being scored during Meanwhile, in the golden the first 12 matches. boot show UAE’s Ali Mab- The khout emerged as the lead- first ing goal-scorer so far having round scored five in this edition of had Gulf Cup, and 13 in all Gulf much fewer number of Cups. goals at 10. A total of three He is five goals away of those goals were in Iraq’s from equaling the record set 2-1 win over Qatar, another by Kuwait’s Jassim Yaqcoub. three in UAE’s 3-0 win over Qatar’s 2018 Asia Play- Yemen, and four came in Ku- er of the Year Abdulkarim wait’s 3-1 victory over Saudi Hassan and just crowned Arabia. 2019 Asia Player of the Year The second round’s goal Akram Afif are joint second tally, however, rose to 13, with three goals each. mainly thanks to Qatar’s Six players have two goals whopping 6-0 triumph over in total: Iraqi Mohammed Yemen. The ascendency Qassem Majid, Omani Ab- continues, with 16 goals in dulaziz Al-Muqbali, Kuwaiti the third round of the group Qatar’s 2019 Asia Player of the Year Akram Afif (left), and 2018 Asia Player of the Year Abdelkarim Hassan have both scored three goals each so far in the tournament. Yousef Nasser, Bahrain’s stage. Again Qatar were in- Thiago Augusto Fernandes, volved in a high-scoring over UAE. Bahrain matched over Kuwait, in addition Saudi Arabia’s 3-1 win over The 39 goals scored in among 25 players. Only the and Saudi Firas Al-Braikan match in their 4-2 victory the scoreline in their win to the four goals scored in Oman. this tournament were divided Yemeni team failed to score. and Hattan Bahabri. FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be a Nasser al Khater praises catalyst for great change: Zanetti excellent organisation
QNA It was amazing to see top-class FIFA World Cup Doha facilities in Qatar and that au- gurs well for the further de- 2022 CEO says Former Argentine star and velopment of the game in this current vice-president of Inter country. The people involved more activities Milan Javier Zanetti believes in football are great profes- await fans that the FIFA World Cup 2022 sionals as well.” in Qatar will certainly be a cat- Javier Zanetti won almost alyst for great change. everything with Inter Milan Tribune News Network “The 2022 FIFA World during a career that spanned DOHA Cup in Qatar will certainly be almost two decades. a catalyst for great change. I’m He achieved remarkable FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 eagerly looking forward to the successes during his Inter stint LLC CEO Nasser al Khater ex- tournament. It’ll be a fantastic during which he won the UEFA pressed his delight at the well- experience for all those associ- Former Argentine star and current vice-president of Inter Milan Javier Champions League, UEFA Cup, coordinated arrangements for ated with the game,” opined Zanetti while speaking at a seminar titled ‘Managing A Successful Club World Cup, Italian Cup the ongoing Gulf Cup. He was the 46-year-old while speak- Career in Football’ organised by the Qatar Stars League, in partnership four times, Italian League five also happy with the number ing at a seminar titled ‘Man- with Josoor Institute. times and Italian Super Cup of tickets sold during the first aging A Successful Career in four times. He also represented phase of the prestigious re- Football’ organised by the Qa- “It was very positive and I their retirement as players.” Argentina in two World Cups gional championship. tar Stars League, in partner- could meet up with footballers With regards to local com- before retiring in 2014. Addressing the media in ship with Josoor Institute. and many members of Qatari petitions, Javier Zanetti add- Such was the popular- Doha on Tuesday, Khater said, Zanetti spoke about his clubs. The aim was to share ed: “There’s a remarkable rise ity and influence of Zanetti at “In terms of organization of beginning, successes, difficul- some of the experiences I had in professionalism in the QNB Inter that the club retired his the Arabian Gulf Cup, we are FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC CEO Nasser al Khater while addressing ties and challenges with Inter as a football player during my Stars League, both on and off No.4 jersey and named him very happy with the level of co- the media in Doha on Tuesday. Milan. On his participation career. I hope to help the play- the pitch. It’s great to have ex- as its vice-president after his ordination between ourselves, to the seminar, Zanetti said, ers during their career or after cellent infrastructure in place. playing career. traffic police and the security passengers,” he informed. just because they were bigger. agencies. We have been seeing About the double treat But they were all important from the opening match on- of the Gulf Cup and yet to be steps towards organising a suc- wards that there has been an held FIFA World Club Cup Qa- cessful World Cup. We are very Iraq players gear up for Bahrain clash increase in efficiency, which is tar 2019, Khater said the two satisfied with all the measures, normal in every mega event. tournaments together make and all the organisational part “The opening match is for the exact length of the of the tournament.” always the most challenging 2022 World Cup. On the FIFA Club World one. We did not get any com- “For us, we are not look- Cup 2019, which begins on De- plaints from the teams and ing at these tournaments as cember 11, Khater said, “We are delegations. We think overall two tournaments back-to- working together with Qatar Na- the organisation has been a back. We are looking at them tional Tourism Council (QNTC), success and now we have three as one tournament with three Qatar Airways, Katara Cultural more matches to go. days in between. That’s almost Village, Ministry of Sports and “During the group stages, the length of the World Cup Culture. There is a fully inte- 150,000 tickets were sold, which in 2022. For us it’s good. The grated plan for fans that will be represented around 69.2 per- venue teams are the same, the attending the Club World Cup. cent of the total available tickets, planning stage was one.” It’s similar to what we are doing which is a very good number.” On the ease of access and for the Gulf Cup. There are a lot He also praised Qatar fans’ comfort, Khater said, of activities and events happen- Rail for smooth travel of fans “There is definitely very, very ing in Katara and Souq Waqif. through Doha Metro. “The good crowd control organiza- And for the Club World Cup too Metro has been very success- tion. In terms of efficiency, we will have these cultural and ful. For the opening match, people entering the stadiums traditional activities and events. we had 9,000 passengers. through the security gates and But we will also make sure that For the match between Qatar other things. Some matches we have something for all the Iraq players during their training session, ahead of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final against Bahrain, at the Aspire Academy on Tuesday. and the UAE, we had 14,000 were a little more challenging fans that will be attending.” Sports Wednesday, December 4, 2019 13 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Qatar | Oman | Kuwait | Saudi arabia | UAE | Bahrain | Iraq | yemen Sanchez thanks Qatar fans for their big support
Tribune News Network DOHA
Coach Felix Sanchez on Monday thanked fans after the hosts Qatar beat UAE 4-2 in their winner-takes-all clash in the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup last group stage match.
It was a special match with a great atmosphere. I say The Khalifa International Stadium, one of the eight venues for FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar, is aglow during the opening ceremony of the 24th ‘thank you’ to the Qatar fans Arabian Gulf Cup. from the bottom of my heart. The stadium was full of Qatar support from our fans. Staying ahead of time, Qatar proud – Felix Sanchez of progress for FIFA World Cup 2022 More than 40,000 fans turned up for the key battle at the iconic Khalifa Internation- xactly nine years Qatar and the region. We’re launches in 2017 and 2019 al Stadium. have passed since Qatar leading the way on workers’ were major moments on the “It was a special match Ewon the right to host welfare, including various road to 2022. with a great atmosphere,” the FIFA World Cup 2022 health, safety and wellbeing Khater said: “Launching Sanchez said soon after the and preparations are in full initiatives. Our football for Khalifa International Stadi- resounding win. “I say ‘thank swing for the tournament’s development programme, um was very important to us you’ to the Qatar fans from the first visit to the Middle East Generation Amazing, is because it was the first World bottom of my heart. The sta- and Arab world. changing lives in underprivi- Cup stadium to open. We also dium was full of Qatar support Two stadiums have been leged communities around opened Al Janoub Stadium from our fans. launched, while the remain- the world. And we’re inspir- earlier this year – which was “The fans kept roaring ing six are in the final stages ing young entrepreneurs in the first venue to be built throughout the match,” the of construction. Currently, the Qatar and the region through from scratch. There are many Spaniard added. Coach Felix Sanchez greets skipper Hassan al Haydos after Qatar country is hosting the 24th our Challenge 22 programme. milestones that make us feel “In the first half, we did not stormed into the semi-finals of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup at the Arabian Gulf Cup, before the The benefits of our tourna- we are drawing closer and play for the draw and not for Khalifa International Stadium on Monday. (AFP) FIFA Club World Cup kicks off ment are already being felt Incredible closer to the World Cup. If one second did we did think on 11 December 11. years before the big kick-off.” you had told me in the early about it,” Sanchez said. played well and the players 2019 Asian Player of the Year Hosting two events back- Meanwhile, for Nasser al Launching Khalifa 2000s that Khalifa Stadium “Our performance was gave their full energy. In the Akram Afif, Sachez said, “It to-back is seen as perfect Khater, the SC’s Chief of Expe- International Stadium was would one day host World attacking and we wanted to first game, we were unlucky was a special day for Akram preparation for Qatar 2022, rience & Tournament Readi- very important to us Cup matches, I would never win, but unfortunately we and in the second and third Afif, he deserves what he got. I according to Hassan al Tha- ness, December 2, 2010 holds because it was the first have imagined it.” conceded one goal in the first games, we showed our true know from 2006, he deserves wadi, Secretary-General of the special memories. Along with Khater also praised the half, and in the second half, we strengths especially in the at- this award. He has worked a Supreme Committee for Deliv- Thawadi and the Qatari del- World Cup stadium to open. progress of Qatar’s national scored two more goals and the tack and scored many goals. lot in the past years, and all ery & Legacy (SC). egation, Khater was in Zurich We also opened Al Janoub team and expressed immense opponent added one goal, but We will continue to work Qatar players love football. “We’ve come a long way when Qatar was announced as Stadium earlier this year pride that Al Annabi will enter in the end we won,” he added. hard,” Sanchez said. You saw what Qatar did in since 2010,” said Thawadi, the host country for 2022. – which was the first venue the next FIFA World Cup as “In the three games we On the star of the day and Asian Cup earlier this year.” who led Qatar’s bid to host Khater said: “It’s not just to be built from scratch. champions of Asia. the 22nd edition of world the day of the bid win I re- There are many milestones “Now that Qatar are the football’s showpiece event. member, it’s the 18 months Asian champions, other teams “Tremendous progress has before when we were working that make us feel we are pay more attention to us. I FIFA Club World Cup trophy comes to Qatar Foundation been made when it comes to on the bid book. It was a dif- drawing closer and closer to hope the progress the national infrastructure – including the ficult phase because we had a the World Cup. If you had team is making – as well as the launch of two stadiums, new short period of time and a huge told me in the early 2000s great work the Qatar Football Tribune News Network roads, the Doha Metro and challenge as we were bidding that Khalifa Stadium would Association and Aspire Acade- Doha various other projects.” against the USA, Australia, Ja- my are doing – continues well Thawadi continued: “At pan and South Korea. Until the one day host World Cup after the World Cup. I hope Young people who partici- the moment we’re proud to be very last moment we were far matches, I would never have part of the World Cup legacy pate in an array of sporting hosting the Arabian Gulf Cup from certain that we’d won.” imagined it. is having successful football competitions at Qatar Foun- while simultaneously prepar- In the end, Qatar won by teams on a national and re- dation have had the chance ing for the 16th edition of the 14 votes to eight in a run-off FIFA World Cup 2022 LLC gional level.” to get a close-up look at one FIFA Club World Cup. Both against the USA to spark wild CEO Nasser al Khater Khater went on to say that of football’s most glittering tournaments will test our celebrations in Zurich, Qatar everyone would be welcome to pieces of silverware – the FIFA readiness for 2022 while giv- and across the Middle East. makes me proud. Of course, visit Qatar in 2022 and enjoy Club World Cup. ing fans a taste of what to ex- “That feeling of winning it’s not entirely due to the the most prestigious interna- The 2019 edition of the pect in three years’ time. We’re was indescribable,” said Khat- World Cup but undoubtedly tional tournament in the world. international football tour- determined to take the lessons er. “It’s a moment in history the World Cup has played a “To all football fans, I say nament will be held in Qatar learned from these events and that I will never forget.” role in speeding things up. this: we welcome you to Doha, from December 11-21, with ment, the trophy arrived at “To have a major football apply them to the World Cup.” Like Thawadi, Khater is It has encouraged everyone we welcome you to Qatar. As Qatari Stars League cham- Education City at the weekend. trophy at Education City is a Thawadi went on to say immensely proud of the pro- to focus on completing pro- the Grandfather Amir, the late pions Al Sadd being joined The trophy was also on dis- real motivation for the young the legacy of Qatar 2022 was gress made to-date – less than jects so they are ready before Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad by the champions of Europe, play at the Torba Farmers Mar- people who play in our junior already benefitting people’s three years before the tourna- the tournament – not just in al Thani, said at the opening South America, Asia, Africa, ket and the EC United event football league, and for those lives – in Qatar and around ment kicks off on 21 Novem- terms of the infrastructure and of the Gulf Cup, ‘Everyone, North America, and Oceania – organized by students from who participate in the sport- the world. ber 2022. facilities, but in all aspects, welcome to Doha; everyone’s to officially decide soccer’s QF universities to mark Qatar ing competitions we organize,” “We’ve worked tirelessly “Every day, as I drive whether it be political, social Doha’. We always use this club world champions. National Day – at Education said Alexandru Rosca, Head of to ensure this World Cup around, I see the progress in or economic.” quote to welcome people to And ahead of the tourna- City’s Ceremonial Court. Sports Programming, QF. leaves a lasting legacy for Qatar and it’s something that Khater said the stadium our country.” Messi wins sixth Ballon d’Or as Rapinoe takes women’s prize
afp of old rival Cristiano Ronaldo. ing very quickly. as he did in the voting for Paris “It is 10 years since I won “I hope to keep enjoying FIFA’s equivalent prize, The my first Ballon d’Or here in my football, my family, facing Best, in September. Lionel Messi said he hoped Paris and I remember coming my rivals and all of this life “Unfortunately there are a to carry on undimmed by age here with my three brothers, I that I have.” couple of players like him who after claiming a record sixth was 22 and it was all unthink- are a bit unnatural. Six times men’s Ballon d’Or award at the able for me what I was going Van Dijk second Ballon d’Or -- you need to re- age of 32 in Paris on Monday, through,” Messi said on stage The Barcelona number 10 won spect greatness as well,” said while USA World Cup super- after receiving the award from this year’s prize — organised Van Dijk. star Megan Rapinoe took the last year’s winner Luka Modric. by France Football magazine Van Dijk was one of four women’s prize. “I hope I have several and voted for by a panel of Liverpool players in the top Rapinoe was not at the years left to keep enjoying my journalists from around the 10, with Sadio Mane fourth, Chatelet Theatre in the French football. I am aware of the age world – ahead of Liverpool Mohamed Salah fifth and goal- capital, unable to make the trip I have and these moments defender Virgil van Dijk, with keeper Alisson seventh. The lat- back to the country where she are all the more enjoyable Ronaldo third. ter won a new prize for the goal- led the USA to victory in July. because the moment when I It is the first time since keeper of the year, named after However, Messi was there have to retire is getting closer 2010 that Ronaldo has failed former USSR icon Lev Yashin. with his wife, Antonella Roc- and that is difficult. to rank in the top two. Messi has scored 46 goals cuzzo, and two of their chil- “All going well I’ll have Having starred in the in 54 matches so far in 2019, dren. It is Messi’s first Ballon several years left but at the A combination of photographs show Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi receiving the Ballon d’or Liverpool team that won the and netted 36 times in total in d’Or since 2015 and his sixth moment time seems to be fly- football trophy (clockwise) for the year 2009 in Boulogne-Billancourt, outside Paris; 2010 in Zurich; 2011 Champions League, Van Dijk 34 La Liga matches last season overall as he moves one ahead ing and everything is happen- in Zurich; 2012 in Zurich; 2015 in Zurich; and 2019 in Paris. (AFP) finished second to Messi just as Barcelona won the title. 14 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 Sports
Hashim Hashim Amla to lead stars in Amla Qatar T10 Cricket League Six teams to compete in the inaugural edition, hosted by QCA and promoted by International Pro Event
Tribune News Network DOHA
A rich and dazzling assembly of stars is waiting to thrill fans as the ambitious Qatar T10 Cricket League starts at the Asian Town Cricket Sta- dium in Industrial Area from December 7. The League, fielding six QCA President Yousef Jeham al Kuwari and International Pro Event CEO Sajjad Chaudhry with franchise owners, local players and officials dur- franchise teams, has been a ing the launch of the Qatar T10 Cricket League in Doha. The league is scheduled to begin December 7 and end on December 16. long-cherished dream by the Qatar Cricket Association un- big crowd to the venue include terms of players and follow- der the presidency of Yousef Salman Butt, Sohail Tanveer, “The league will also showcase Qatar’s passion for ers. This league will help us Jeham Al Kuwari. The QCA is Kamran Akmal, Khurram sports and its capacity as a big hub of international establish this fact further and hosting event, fully recognised Manzoor, Hussain Talat, Mo- sporting events. Everything is well set and we’re keen to enable us to elevate the stand- by the International Cricket hammad Shahzad, Moham- get going now” ard of the sport in the country. Council, with the assistance of med Sami, Sharjeel Khan, Im- — QCA President Yousef Jeham al Kuwari We’ll try our best to leave an International Pro Event. ran Nazir (all from Pakistan), enduring impression on the The 10-day razzmatazz, to Luke Wright (England), John- players and fans all over the conclude on December 16, will son Charles, Andre Fletcher, a very big occasion for Qatar we’ll host a feast of cricket for world through this league. feature Falcon Hunters, De- Krishmar Santokie, Kennar cricket in particular. We’re its fans all over the world.” “The QCA will like to thank sert Riders, Flying Oryx, Swift Lewis (all from West Indies), fully prepared to start the Qa- Kuwari also highlighted the ICC, promoters, franchise Gallopers, Heat Stormers and Shahadat Hussain, Moham- tar T10 Cricket League at the Qatar’s credentials as a big owners and players to make Pearl Gladiators. South African med Naeem Islam (from Asian Town Cricket Stadium organiser of international this event possible for us,” Ku- near future, the world will see of us,” Chaudhry added. batting star Hashim Amla of Bangladesh), Aftab Alam (Af- on December 7. sports. “The league will also wari concluded. and admire our cricket host- Also present at the launch Falcon Hunters leads the star- ghanistan), Manpreet Singh “It was a big task for us to showcase Qatar’s passion Sajjad Chaudhry of Inter- ing capabilities. were team owners, QCA of- studded list, which has also (India) and Ajantha Mendis findthe suitable time for this for sports and its capacity national Pro Event comment- “We’ve also planned a ficialE issa al Yacoub, QCA players from Pakistan, India, (Sri Lanka). league between the Arabian as a big hub of international ed: “We planned and executed dazzling opening ceremony. Operations Manager Manzoor South Africa, the West Indies, QCA President Yousef Je- Gulf Cup and the FIFA Clubs sporting events. Everything is everything within 20 days. I don’t wish to disclose any- Ahmad, QCA Domestic Crick- Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghan- ham Al Kuwari, feeling proud World Cup. We’ll now have well set and we’re keen to get This year, we’re treating it as thing right now but there are et Head Gul Khan Jadoon, lo- istan and England, besides re- at the launch of the league, the opening on December 7, going now.” the stepping stone. There have lots of celebrities coming to cal senior and junior players, gional and local cricketers. said: “Today is a big day for a day before the Arabian Gulf He also added, “Cricket been many challenges but we take part and make the occa- who have been drafted into Other faces that will draw Qatar sports in general and Cup final and then for 10 days, is a major sport in Qatar in worked our way through. In sion truly memorable for all the six teams.
Zainal elected as member in Williamson, Taylor save second Test Five teams to battle ATF Board for the Kiwis, win series vs England for last two Ooredoo Tribune News Network afp Scoreboard lie Pope and then Denly spilled DOHA Hamilton (New Zealand) simple chances from William- Cup QF berths New Zealand (1st innings): 375 Total (for two wkts, 75 overs) 241 son. Qatar’s Centuries from Kane Wil- England (1st innings): 476 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Raval), 2-28 (Latham) The New Zealand skipper Tennis, liamson and Ross Taylor en- New Zealand (2nd innings, overnight Bowling: Broad 9-0-28-0, Curran 16-2-56-1 was on 39 when wicketkeeper Squash and sured New Zealand drew the 96-2): (2w), Archer 12-1-27-0, Woakes 11-4-12-1, Pope put down a regulation of- Badminton rain-hit second Test against T. Latham c Root b Woakes 18 Stokes 14-1-58-0 (1w, 1nb), Denly 9-1-27-0, fering off the gloves, much to J. Raval lbw b Curran 0 Root 4-1-23-0. Federation England in Hamilton on Tues- K. Williamson not out 104 Toss: England bowler Ben Stokes annoyance, (QTSBF) day, sealing a 1-0 series win. R. Taylor not out 105 Result: Match drawn and on 62 Denly inexplicably Secretary- New Zealand batted the fi- Extras (b2, lb3, w3, nb1, pen5) 14 Series: New Zealand win 1-0 dropped an even easier chance. General nal day needing a substantial Williamson gently chipped Tareq Zain- innings to avoid defeat and way “we still couldn’t have 21st Test century with a four off a slower delivery from Jo- al has been elected as one of were helped by sloppy England forced a result.” Joe Root in the third over after fra Archer straight to Denly at the 14 members in the Board fielding. Heavy rain arrived soon lunch, while Taylor reached short midwicket and, as the of Directors of the Asian Ten- Williamson, who had three after lunch to end play on the century number 19 with a flour- bowler leapt in celebration and nis Federation during the An- lives including a howler of a fifth day whenN ew Zealand ish in Root’s next over when he Williamson made an apolo- nual General Assembly meet- dropped catch by Joe Denly, were 241 for two in their sec- smacked a four and two sixes in getic gesture to Taylor, the ball ing held in Bangalore, India described it as a “good effort” ond innings, 140 ahead with consecutive balls. popped out of Denly’s hands. on Monday. to end up with a draw. Taylor on 105 and Williamson Two balls after Taylor had “It was a one-off goober,” Tribune News Network Zainal secured 39 votes. Kit- “A lot of hard work had to on 104. raised his bat and poked his said Root using cricketing DOHA Al Khor (10 points), Qatar sombat Euammongkol of Thai- go into saving the match when It ensured the spoils went tongue out in his signature slang for a shocking error. SC (10 points) and Al land became the ATF President time didn’t allow us an oppor- to New Zealand after their in- celebration, the rain arrived There were comparisons The fifth and final round of for the 2020 to 2024 term. tunity to win it,” he said. nings victory in the firstT est, to wash out England’s faint drawn on social media to the group matches in the 2019- Arabi (six points) have Zainal pointed out that his However, England captain and improved their record to hopes. widely regarded worst dropped 20 Ooredoo Cup is expected also progressed to the election has proved the signifi- Joe Root felt the Test was al- eight wins, a draw and one loss New Zealand resumed the catch in Test history when Eng- provide plenty of fireworks as quarter-finals from Group cant confidence that Qatar en- ways heading for a draw, say- to South Africa in their past 10 day at 96 for two with England land’s Mike Gatting put down five teams chase the remain- B after the fourth round. joy in both international and ing even if the weather and Test series. hunting early wickets but their a sitter off the gloves of India ing two spots in the quarter- Al Gharafa (two points), Al continental sport arenas. fielding had goneE ngland’s Williamson brought up his plans went off track when Ol- batsman Kiran More in 1993. finals. Duhail (two points) and Al The Round 5 fixtures will Sailiya (one point) are all be played on Friday (Decem- ber 6) and Saturday (Decem- in contention for the ber 7) with each group having remaining slot. three clashes, scheduled to Obaidli wins GCC 6-Red gold medal start at 18.10. Rayyan 1-0 and Al Sadd played Al Ahli face Al Wakrah at out a 2-2 draw with Umm Salal to win. The audience sat spell- the Al Shamal Stadium, Umm in Round 4 action. Al Annabi finish runners-up in 8-ball bound to witness the players Salal are pitted against Al Al Khor (10 points), Qa- bring out their best techniques Shahania at the Al Khor Sta- tar SC (10 points) and Al team event in Muscat as both players had equal dium and Al Rayyan will take Arabi (six points) have also chances to win. on Al Sadd at the Al Wakrah progressed to the quarter- Tribune News Network counts. It was not my best but “Whatever the game, the Stadium in Group A. Al Saili- finals from Group B after the DOHA I am grateful that at the end I important factors are to be a ya and Al Gharafa will play at fourth round. Al Gharafa (two got it. Everything was okay but good potter, break the build- the Al Wakrah Stadium, Qatar points), Al Duhail (two points) Ali al Obaidli did not play his just to finish the match was er and a good safety player,” SC visit Al Khor and Al Arabi and Al Sailiya (one point) are best but still the Qatari snook- difficult.” said Subah. will tackle Al Duhail at the Al all in contention for the re- er player clinched the GCC Talking about his tourna- The 6-red is considered Shamal Stadium in Group B maining slot. Men’s 6-Red title after beat- ment experience, he said, “It tougher because there is less games. Al Khor beat Al Sailiya ing Bahrain’s Habib Subah in is my first time in Oman and chance for recovery and at Al Ahli (nine points), Al 2-1 and Qatar SC defeated Al a best of 11 frames at Levatio I love it! Everything is well times never a chance to re- Wakrah (eight points) and Al Duhail 1-0, while Al Gharafa Hotel, Muscat on Sunday. organised and I would like to cover, explained Shoaib Khan, Rayyan (seven points) have played out a 1-1 draw with In GCC Men’s 8-Ball Team express my gratitude to the Tournament Director. Ref- already booked their berths Al Arabi in Round 4 Group B Championship held from No- Oman Billiard and Snooker eree Mohammed Motaz from in the quarter-finals from matches, recently. vember 30 to December 1, Committee.” Oman supervised the match. Group A. The fight is between The Ooredoo Cup, former- Kuwait won the gold medal The 6-Red final match The GCC Men’s 8-Ball Al Sadd (four points) and ly QSL Cup, provides young and Qatar claimed the silver lasted nearly three hours and Team 2019 in Billiards saw Ku- Umm Salal (three points) players with more playing medal, while the United Arab Obaidli beat Subah by 6-4 wait take the top honours ahead for the remaining last eight time and exposure. The tour- Emirates and Bahrain secured frames to emerge the cham- Qatar’s Ali al Obaidli in action. of Qatar (2nd) and the United berth from this group. Al nament, which has a league- the bronze medals. pion. He was the only player Arab Emirates (3rd). Bahrain Shahania (one point) are out cum-knockout format, offers After winning the event in the championship to have Subah, a regular at GCC of 6-Red, said: “Ali is a very got the fourth spot, while Saudi of contention. new opportunities for spon- Obaidli said, “There was a lot stayed unbeaten and got the Championship tournaments talented player. I have played Arabia finished fifth and hosts Al Ahli defeated Al Sha- sors, partners and supporters of pressure and every shot highest break of 75. and the defending champion him many times taking turns Oman were sixth. hania 2-1, Al Wakrah beat Al to highlight their brands.