TTENNISENNIS | Page 4 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 7 Nadal Woakes saves ‘hopes’ to England’s be fi t for blushes with ATP Finals inspired spell

FOOTBALL Saturday, November 11, 2017 Safar 22, 1439 AH Neymar, Brazil roll aside Japan GULF TIMES with video help SPORT Page 2 GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR Qatar ExxonMobil Qatar to take on ATP event declared Czech Republic world’s best again today in friendly he Qatar ExxonMobil Open has been again atar will get a fine declared best ATP 250 chance to test their Zanotelli trumps TTournament of the Year mettle against one of for 2017, it was announced yester- Qthe strongest teams in day. the world when they take on the The Qatar event had earlier Czech Republic in a friendly in- claimed the accolade in 2015. The ternational at Al Duhail Stadium award marks another success for tonight. The match begins at tournament which will celebrate 7.30pm. its twenty fifth anniversary for the The Czech Republic are ranked Smolders again 2018 edition. 46th on the FIFA rankings, while The tournament has attracted Qatar are 50 spots behind, on 97. some of the biggest name in tennis Interim coach Felix Sanchez will down the years and is usually held use the match to test some of the in the first week of January. younger players as the country Marlon Modolo Zanotelli jumps clear with his horse Tennis greats like Boris Becker, prepares to host the Gulf Cup in Extra van Essene en route to victory in the Global Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy December and the all-important Champions Tour at Al Shaqab arena yesterday. Murray and Novak Djokovic are FIFA World Cup in 2022. PICTURE: Mohamed Tinakicht among those who have won the Qatar beat Singapore 3-1 in an tournament. The 2017 edition was October friendly but lost 1-2 to the won by Serbian star Novak Djoko- Caribbean island nation of Curacao. vic who defeated top seed Andy After playing the Czechs today, Qa- Murray in three sets. tar will meet Iceland on Tuesday. In the doubles competition, the French duo of Jérémy Chardy and Fabrice Martin prevailed over third United send scout seeds Vasek Pospisil & Radek to Iceland but Štěpánek. The next edition of the event will match was in Doha begin on January 1, 2018.

Manchester United tal- ent scout travelled all Xavi confirms he the way to Reykjavic to will quit playing A watch Iceland play the after this season Czech Republic in a friendly only to realise that the match was be- ing played in Qatar. The premier league club applied to the Icelandic Football association for a match ticket, which was hap- pily issued to them. But when the scout arrived at the stadium to collect his accreditation he was shocked to see the gates locked and the lights off . Consequently the scout had to spend a freezing night in the Ice- landic capital when he should have been in sunny Doha. For the record, the Czech Republic beat Iceland 2-1. ormer and midfielder Xavi Bayern Munich Hernandez is set to retire set for winter Fat the end of the season By Sahan Bidappa Panthers and defending champi- and is keen to pursue a coaching camp in Doha Doha ons Valkenswaard United heading the career. pack of 18 teams. The 37-year-old, who won eight “We are in the best position,” said La Liga titles and four Champions erman champions and arlon Modolo Zanote- Henrik von Eckermann of the Mex- Leagues trophies at Barcelona, is current Bundesliga lead- lli and his long-striding ico Amigos after their pole position. currently captain of Qatari club Al ers Bayern Munich have horse Extra van Essene “Both horses jumped really well. If we Sadd. announced that they will Mclinched their second win win, we are third (in the overall cham- Xavi, renowned for controlling play G of the week after the pair won the fea- pionship) so that is what we are try- travel to Qatar for their annual from a central position, said his winter training camp. ture class of yesterday’s Global Cham- ing for.” His teammate Evelina Tovek ability to recover after a game was The Bavarian club, who won the pions Tour. added: “I’m really happy to produce a declining. title five consecutive times, said that Under the lights at the magnifi - clear round for the team.” “I’ve had luck not to be injured they plan to hold the training camp cent Al Shaqab arena, Zanotelli and Coming in to the fi nal leg, it was the and I think my career has come at Aspire from January 2 to 7. his 13-year-old gelding Extra van Es- Hamburg Diamonds who held the best towards its end, there’s been a de- The camp is shorter than the club sene made it two in a row clinching the cards and just need to fi nish in the top scent,” he told Spanish newspaper is usually accustomed to due to CSI5* 1.45/1.50m, to go with Thurs- eight today to claim the title. However, Sport. the fact that the winter vacation is day’s win in the 1.45 two-phase com- a surprise nine-fault total puts them in “Qatar allowed me this. Now I see shorter this year. petition. 11th place with a fi ght on their hands myself being more tired, it’s harder The Bundesliga will resume after The pair once again pushed the if they are to soar ahead of their rivals to recover, it will surely be my last the break on January 12 with Bay- Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders and United to be crowned GCL champions year of being a footballer. ern Munich meeting rivals Bayer Zinius to second palce, who had also of 2017. “I have the idea of getting my Leverkusen. fi nished runner-up the previous day. The Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders astride Zinius receives his second place prize Bassem Hassan Mohamed for the coaching license next year and Lauren Hough of USA and the 14-year- from Qatar Equestrian Federation President Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah. host team Doha Fursan Qatar, who being a coach.” Xavi collected 133 old Waterford, took third spot. PICTURE: Lotfi Garsi were sitting seventh in the overall caps for Spain during a 14-year Tunisian Zanotelli was the last to go in the championship, boosted his team’s international career, winning the Al-Bayawi to 11-strong jump-off , who made the night, fi nishing 39th with Armstrong GCL Champions Valkenswaard United, chances with a clear on the scopey 2010 World Cup and the European cut from 40-rider fi eld. The Brazil- van de Kapel. the battle for the overall League title Gunder after Sheikh Ali’s six-fault Championship in 2008 and 2012. coach Al Khor ian had a mountain to climb after the The big one – CSI5* 1.60m Global has reached a new intensity. round on First Devision. They sit one 2017 GCT overall champion Smolders Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha On Thursday, the big guns came ahead of the Lions in ninth. NB Stars League side Al had thrown down the gauntlet with a will be held tonight, with the feature out in full force for the fi rst round of Qatar win Arab Khor have appointed 50.75secs round with his 13-year-old class carrying a total prize money of the GCL at Al Shaqab, with Mexico Results beach volleyball Tunisian Nassif al-Baya- gelding Zinius. €400,000. Despite Smolders’ title tri- Amigos taking pole but there was high Class CSI5* 1.45/1.50m (Table A: wi as their new coach. But Zanotelli was immaculate with umph, the riders are set for a captivat- drama in the battle between cham- Against the Clock with Jump-Off ) championship Q his jump as Extra van Essene seemed to ing battle for the overall ranking places pionship contenders Diamonds and The decision was taken by the 1. Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (Brazil) club management, headed by have taken the liking to the Al Shaqab in the last stop of GCT season. United. Horse: Extra van Essene; Time: atar’s beach volleyball Hassan Juma al- Mohannadi. arena, clearing the hurdles with ease. Only 15 points split the second to Setting up an unmissable fi nale to 50.42secs. Prize money: €30,360 team won the 26th Al Bayawi previously coached Saudi The winning time was 50.42secs, just sixth-placed rider. Italy’s de Luca the GCL season, both the Diamonds 2. Harrie Smolders (the Netherlands); Arab Championship in Arabian team Al Qadisiya. .033secs better than Smolders, who had is currently in second place on 260 and United pulled out all the stops to Zinius; 50.75secs; €18,400 Qthe Sultanate of Oman Al Khor had parted ways with a wry smile after being pipped for the points just three ahead of Germany’s keep their title dreams alive. United 3. Lauren Hough (USA); Waterford; for the third time in a row. Qatar, French coach Laurent Banide fol- second time in two nights by Zanotelli. Christian Ahlmann. Italian Alberto rider Bertram Allen - who teamed up 52.22secs; €13,800 Oman, Sudan, Iraq, Jordan, Bah- lowing a series of negative results, “The horse is jumping amazingly. Zorzi is two points away on 255 points, with Alberto Zorzi in Thursday night’s rain, Morocco, Yemen and Leba- culminating in their loss to Umm He’s fantastic and so careful, and he while Dutch rider Maikel van der fi rst round said: “We’re delighted with Today’s schedule non participated in the champion- Salal in Round 6 of the QNB Stars can really gallop. He makes my life Vleuten and two-time GCT champion our horses’ performance today and 9am: Hathab National Class ship. League. They had suff ered a shock easier!,” said Zanotelli, who pumped Scott Brash of Britain are on 247 and knew we had to go double clear to be 1.20/1.30m Two Phase (QR25,000) Qatar A, comprising Cherif You- defeat to newcomers Al Markhiya in his fi st repeatedly in delight after the 245 points respectively. in with a chance. The Diamonds are 11:30am: Hathab National Class nousse and Ahmed Tijan, won the the previous week. triumph. strong but for sure we’ll be fi ghting 1.30/1.40m Two Phase (QR35,000) final match 21-19, 21-18. In between, Banide’s assistant Omar “Harrie (Smolders) is one of the GCL SET FOR THRILLING until the end.” 2pm CSI5* 1.55/1.60m Global Cham- The Qatar Volleyball Association Najhi had guided Al Khor in their fastest riders in the world – to see him FINALE TODAY Thursday night’s competition pions League Final (€160,000 to (QVA) President and chairman of 2-4 loss to Al Duhail in the seventh go was a chance for me to watch, and Meanwhile, the second season of the hinged on clear rounds and three individual class winner + €200,000 to the technical committee of the round and also in their 2-1 victory then I just hoped for the best,” added Global Champions League team event teams produced double clears under team winner) championship Ali Ghanem al- over Al Sailiya in Round 3 of the the 29-year-old. is set for a nail-biting fi nish today. the lights at Al Shaqab. Mexico Amigos 6pm CSI5* 1.60m Longines Global Kuwari praised the performance of QSL Cup. Qatar’s Olympic rider Sheikh Ali bin With just 17 points diff erence between lead the way into today’s fi nale as the Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha the team, QNA reported. Khalid al-Thani had a disappointing the Hamburg Diamonds and defending fastest of the faultless trio, with the (€400,000) Gulf Times 2 Saturday, November 11, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FALLOUT ‘Karate kick’ Evra leaves , Neymar, Brazil banned until June 30

AFP Marseille roll aside Japan atrice Evra parted ways with Marseille yesterday after his infamous karate kick on one of his own fans, just moments af- Pter being banned from European tour- naments until June 30, 2018. Marseille said they and the 36-year- old defender had both agreed the with video help former Manchester United and French international would leave by “mutual Neymar was joined by PSG teammate Thiago Silva in the Brazil line-up as coach consent”. “The player’s contract is offi cially Tite picked a strong side despite playing in front of a sparsely-filled stadium terminated with immediate eff ect,” said the club. Moments earlier, Evra was banned by UEFA from all European tournaments until June 30 and fi ned 10,000 euros “Finally, for the club, whose reputa- ($11,650). tion is tainted.” Evra was widely condemned for The ban handed down by UEFA mir- the assault on a Marseille spectator rored that given to Evra’s French com- which took place during the pre-match patriot Eric Cantona for his fl ying kick warm-up of a Europa League tie at in 1995. Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes last Cantona, who was playing for Man- week. chester United at Crystal Palace when He had been suspended by Marseille the attack took place, was banned for in the wake of the controversy while the eight months by the English FA. club’s fanatical followers made it abun- Evra had attempted damage limita- dantly clear that he was no longer wel- tion at the weekend. come at the Stade Velodrome. “Great result tonight well done guys “This Game is Over” said a banner I’m really proud of you. Thanks to all unfurled at the ground at last week- real Olympique Marseille fans... I’m end’s 5-0 win over Caen. receiving so much support from them,” Another banner read: “We don’t he wrote on his Instagram account after want you in our colours anymore. Evra the win against Caen. get lost.” Marseille’s American owner Frank Marseille president Jacques-Henri McCourt said that Evra’s moment of Eyraud said yesterday that it was a madness was “unacceptable” but had sombre day for the 1993 European also pointed the fi nger at the fans in- champions. volved. “Today, there is sadness, fi rstly for “This was unacceptable behaviour, Patrice Evra, who obviously under- from both the player and the support- stood the consequences of his actions ers,” McCourt told La Provence news- and who will no longer be able to dis- paper. play his passion at Marseille,” said “It’s not something that we can tol- Eyraud. erate at Marseille, it’s as simple as that. “Then, for the supporters of Mar- “It’s a very regrettable incident and seille, who are stigmatised because of it is really a pity to see a great player like the irresponsible behaviour of a hand- Patrice pushed to a point where he be- ful of them. haves like that,” McCourt said.

FRIENDLY Brazil’s Neymar in action with Japan’s Hiroki Sakai during their friendly international in , , yesterday.

AFP 17 minutes, with Manchester City’s Europe-based players for the double- Fernandinho at a corner. Mitrovic on target as Lille, France Gabriel Jesus rounding off a clinical header with Brazil and , but Neymar calmly converted for his counter-attack before half-time to experienced trio Shinji Kagawa, Shinji 53rd international goal — eight of make it 3-0. Okazaki and Keisuke Honda were all which have come against Japan — and Serbia win 2-0 in China eymar scored a penalty and Tomoaki Makino nodded in a con- overlooked for selection. the 25-year-old should have added to missed another as Brazil solation from a corner on 62 minutes Japan were thrashed 4-0 by a his tally fi ve minutes later after Gabri- signalled their intent ahead but Japan remain winless against Bra- Neymar-inspired Brazil in their last el Jesus was barged over by Hotaru AFP past Yan after a Dusan Tadic eff ort was Nof next year’s World Cup by zil after losing for the 10th time in 12 encounter in 2014 and again quickly Yamaguchi. Guangzhou blocked. outclassing Japan 3-1 in yesterday’s meetings. found themselves under threat from But this time Kawashima dived low That sparked a reaction from China international friendly in Lille. Neymar was joined by PSG team- the world’s most expensive player. to his right to deny Neymar, although and their fi rst eff ort of note arrived in The Paris Saint-Germain star rolled mate Thiago Silva in the Brazil line- He slipped Giuliano through down Brazil surged further ahead from the ewcastle United forward Ale- the 25th minute when Zhao Yuhao had in a 10th-minute spot-kick following up as coach Tite picked a strong side the right-hand side after carving open resulting corner through a thunder- ksandar Mitrovic was on tar- his shot from outside the box parried consultation with the video assistant despite playing in front of a sparsely- space, with captain Yuto Nagatomo bolt from Marcelo. get as clinical Serbia stepped away by Vladimir Stojkovic. referee, although Neymar saw a sec- fi lled Stade Pierre-Mauroy in north- forced to produce a vital sliding block. Yosuke Ideguchi’s poor clearance up their preparations for the Winger Wu Lei, China’s most dan- ond penalty saved shortly after by Eiji ern France. Brazil were soon in front as referee trickled invitingly into the path of the NWorld Cup with a hard-earned 2-0 gerous player on the night, then fi red Kawashima. Japan boss Vahid Halilhodzic, Benoit Bastien belatedly awarded a Real left-back who hammered friendly win in China yesterday. over the bar after a good run. Marcelo rifl ed in a magnifi cent sec- who served a four-year spell as Lille penalty after the video offi cial spot- a right-footed strike into the top cor- Serbia, under caretaker coach Mlad- Serbia should have doubled their ond as Brazil doubled their lead on coach over a decade ago, called up 12 ted Maya Yoshida tugging the jersey of ner from 20 yards. en Krstajic after they parted company lead four minutes before the break with Slavoljub Muslin last month even when beefy striker Mitrovic, who has though he had just guided them into failed to convince at Newcastle, rose the World Cup fi nals, will need to play unmarked from close range. His header better if they are to make an impression however was too close to Yan and the Tearful Neymar blasts ‘false’ PSG rift stories next summer. goalkeeper dealt with it easily. China, who will not be in Russia China, who scored just eight goals in Lille, France: An emotional Neymar bothering me at my club. agreement of my coach (Emery),” said is unsettled in the French capital. but are slowly improving under Ital- 10 games as they bowed out of World yesterday called for an end to “false “I’m here because I asked to be here. Neymar. “When I arrived here we had Neymar, who scored a penalty but ian World Cup winner Marcello Lippi, Cup contention in the last qualifying stories” about his alleged frosty It’s going really well (in Paris), I’m really a meeting. I told him I wanted to help also missed a spot-kick in the win over were again left to refl ect on their lack round, came out for the second half relations with Paris Saint-Germain happy here and motivated. I’m a player him and he told me he would help me Japan, admitted he had also spoken of fi repower as they drew a blank in with intent. coach Unai Emery and striker Edinson who wants to give everything on the to achieve my goals in my career and to national team coach Tite about the Guangzhou. Wu twice went close as China Cavani. pitch. What bothers me is everyone the team’s objectives.” matter. The game came to life in the 19th cranked up the pressure, but then “I want to ask you to stop creating sto- creating stories about me, with my Neymar and strike partner Cavani “I just want to be happy, I’m not here to minute when the highly-rated Lazio Serbia broke away and an unmarked ries which are not true,” Neymar told coach and with Cavani. These things reportedly fell out over penalty- make or create trouble with anybody. midfi elder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic Mitrovic rammed in a trademark head- a press conference following Brazil’s are not real, it’s not true.” taking duties in September after the I know my role on the pitch and I do fi red straight at Yan Junling in the home er to bury the game on 69 minutes. 3-1 international friendly victory over Neymar moved from Barcelona in Au- Uruguayan refused to let the former what my coach asks me to do,” he said. goal. China host Colombia in another Japan in Lille, before leaving in tears. gust for a world record 222mn euros take a spot-kick in PSG’s 2-0 win over “I had a chat with (team co-ordinator) A minute later, Serbia took the lead friendly on Tuesday and Serbia travel “I want to say what I think. I’m totally ($264mn) and said he immediately sat Lyon. Both players subsequently Edu and Tite because these things are as Torino’s Adem Ljajic lashed the ball to South Korea. realistic and what I don’t like is these down with Emery to plan their future played down the incident, but rumours hurting me, every day there are these false stories about me, there is nothing together. “I came to Paris with the continue to swirl claiming the Brazilian stories.” Chelsea’s Hazard dreams of playing under Zidane BOTTOMLINE : Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard says it “would be a dream” to play under French great and cur- ‘Wilshere’s exclusion due to wrong Arsenal position’ rent Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane in the future. Reuters are in a position in March where we Hazard has been instrumental to London can pick him.” Chelsea’s success since joining the Wilshere, whose contract expires club in 2012, winning two Premier at the end of the season, has scored League titles, a League Cup and the rsenal midfi elder Jack twice in eight appearances for Arse- Europa League, and has scored three Wilshere was excluded nal but is yet to start in the Premier goals and provided four assists in 13 from the England squad as League. The playmaker expressed his appearances this season. he plays in the wrong po- love for the London club, saying he Media reports have repeatedly linked sitionA for the Premier League club, would like to extend his 10-year stay the Belgian with the Spanish champi- Three Lions’ manager Gareth South- at the Emirates and fi ght for his spot ons and the 26-year-old did not rule gate said yesterday. in the starting XI. out a future move to Real Madrid. Wilshere has won 34 caps for Eng- “I’ve been here 10 years, I love this “Everyone knows the respect I have land, including in the 2014 World club and feel like I have a special rela- for Zidane as a player, but also as a Cup, but has not featured for South- tionship with the fans,” Wilshere told manager. He was my idol,” Hazard at league rivals Manchester United. gate’s side since they were eliminated Standard Sport. “Of course I want to told Belgian TV channel RTL. “I do “Of course (I would enjoy working from the 2016 European Champion- stay. not know what will happen in the fu- with Mourinho again). I like facing ships. “At the moment I’m concentrating ture. However, for sure, to play under him also as an opponent. If we were The 25-year-old spent last sea- on getting into the Premier League Zidane would be a dream. to work together in the future it son on loan at Bournemouth before team. I’ve been playing quite a lot of “I am enjoying life at Chelsea. I still would be with pleasure,” Hazard said. sustaining a season-ending injury in football and I’m happy with where I have a lot of things to achieve with Hazard has been called up for Bel- April but has returned to the Arsenal am fi tness wise but I want to be play- them. I am focused on playing for gium’s friendlies against Mexico and starting line-up during their Europa ing. When we have played with a 10, ing deeper. ing for Arsenal in the league.” Chelsea.” Japan and will reunite with Chelsea, League fi xtures this campaign. we have had Dele (Alli) and (Adam) “But I want to be clear: I really like England play Brazil on Tuesday be- Hazard said that he would also enjoy who are fourth in the league, ahead “Jack played as a number 10 all of Lallana. Jack Wilshere as a player. I think he fore the league resumes with Arsenal a reunion with former Chelsea man- of their trip to West Bromwich Albion last season...,” Southgate told report- “I don’t think Jack is a 10. I think he is a talent and I really respect him as hosting Tottenham Hotspur in the ager Jose Mourinho, who is currently on Nov. 18. ers. “That is not the way we are play- is a deeper player, but he is not play- an individual. And I’m hoping that we north London derby on Nov. 18. Gulf Times Saturday, November 11, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SHOWJUMPING Line-up of activities Mubarak, Haya win attract families to Al Shaqab in Hathab series Mubarak and Vivaldi K came home in 57.82 seconds to clinch the 130/140 cm class

By Sports Reporter Doha

On the sidelines of Global Champions Tour and Hathab national ubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi equestrian series Al Shaqab, the organisers have added a new and his 15-year-old Vivaldi dimension to the events in Doha by including fun-filled K put in a brilliant show to recreational activities targeted at family audiences. Tailored win the feature event at the especially for families and children, a line-up of activities such as MNational showjumping series Hathab at pony rides, jumping castles, horse riding simulator, face painting Al Shaqab arena yesterday. Mubarak, the and roaming magician are on off er. younger brother of Olympian rider Ali al- Rumaihi, took out strides with Vivaldi K as pair came home clear in 57.82 seconds to clinch the 130/140 cm class. The vic- tory was so comprehensive that Mubarak was 4.23 seconds clear of second-placed Salmen Sultan al-Suwaidi. Salmen astride Guilder’s Empire of the Sun, an eight-year-old chestnut, needed 62.05secs for the same routine to fi nish runner-up. In third place was Nasser al- Ghazali on Quel Homme, with the pair clearing the course in 64.77secs. In the Small Tour 1.00/1.15m class, Haya al-Marri emerged triumphant on her 19-year-old mare Vrome van de Ro- shoeve. The winning time was 53.30secs and it fetched Haya a prize money of QR2,500. Coming in a close second was Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi on rode Fudine, a chestnut, just .49secs behind the winner at 53.79. Rakan al-Hasawi on Ziezo took the last podium spot clocking 55.56secs. On the fi nal day, today, there will be two more class competition of Against the Clock with jump off in the national series. The third competition of Hathab Haya al-Marri en route to victory with her ride Vrome van de Roshoeve in the Small Tour class during the National showjumping series is being held concurrently with the series Hathab at Al Shaqab arena yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi Global Champions Tour. There are twelve legs to Hathab and top seven results of each rider will count towards the eventual Qatar national champion. The series is being conducted jointly by Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) and Al Shaqab and will run till the next April over 12 legs. HATHAB RESULTS Big Tour – Table A, One round against the clock, Art. 238.2.1, 130/140 cm, 1. Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi (Vivaldi K) Time: 57.82 secs. Prize money: QR7,500 2. Salmen Sultan al-Suwaidi (Guilder’s Empire of the Sun) 62.05 secs. QR6,000 3. Nasser al-Ghazali (Quel Homme) 64.77secs. QR4,500

Small Tour: Class 1.00/1.15m (Table A: Against the Clock) 1. Haya Mohamed al-Marri (Vrome van de Roshoeve) Time: 53.30secs Prize Money: QR2,500 2. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi (Fudine) 53.79secs; QR2,000 The magnificent Al Shaqab arena in all its glory as it hosts the 3. Rakan al-Hasawi (Ziezo) 55.56secs; Podium winners of Big Tour class at Hathab series pose with Qatar Equestrian Federation President Hamad bin Abdulrahman showjumping events yesterday. QR1,500 al-Attiyah (left) and Event Director Ali al-Rumaihi yesterday.

WORLD CUP PLAYOFF FOCUS Kiwis eye Peru upset in qualifi ers Scotland football association AFP ponder Hampden Park exit Wellington AFP England. Today, regulations are and Georgia, and of course Mur- Glasgow more stringent and the capacity rayfi eld, where we’ve seen Hearts ew Zealand believe is 52,000. Both Celtic Park and hosting their home matches in they can spring a mas- Murrayfi eld can hold more than recent times,” Regan said. sive upset and down he Scottish Football As- 60,000. “Those are the three stadia Peru to reach the 2018 sociation is consider- The SFA are tenants at Hamp- capable of holding qualifi ers be- NWorld Cup fi nals, even if no one ing leaving the historic den, which is owned by Scottish cause we have had an average at- else shares their faith, coach Glasgow ground Hamp- League One club Queen’s Park, tendance of over 31,000 for our Anthony Hudson said yester- Tden Park, chief executive Stewart and the current lease expires in qualifi ers over the last 10 years, day. The New Zealanders host Regan has said. Glasgow is also 2020. The SFA have a renewal so those are the only stadia ca- “Los Incas” in Wellington today home to Celtic’s Parkhead and option to remain at Hampden but pable of satisfying that type of for the opening leg of a two- Rangers’ Ibrox but the sectarian Regan told the BBC yesterday: demand,” added Regan, an Eng- match qualifi cation tie with a feeling surrounding the Old Firm “We’re exploring the plusses and lish sports administrator who berth at the fi nals in Russia next duo means Hampden has been minuses of going.” was previously chief executive of year up for grabs. the preferred “neutral” venue for Regan said it would cost the county cricket club Yorkshire. Peru are ranked 10th in the cup fi nals and Scotland interna- SFA “many, many millions of Three group-stage matches world, while Hudson’s side are tional matches. pounds” to stay at Hampden. and one round-of-16 match at 122nd and hail from a nation Hampden has hosted Scotland He said playing more matches the Euro 2020 fi nals will be held best known globally for the matches since 1906. The ground at Murrayfi eld, the at Hampden. Those could prove All Blacks rugby union team. holds the European record for at- home of the Scottish Rugby Un- to be the last internationals Hudson said his side had been tendance at a club game, set in ion, and the other two big Glas- played at the stadium. written off but it was Peru that 1937 when more than 147,000, gow football grounds, were pos- “We know it will cost many, was desperate to end a 36-year the vast majority standing on sibilities. many millions of pounds to stay absence from football’s show- huge terraces, crammed in to see “The go option will involve for another term of a lease similar piece tournament. “They’ve the Scottish Cup Final. Twice in exploring Celtic Park and Ibrox, to what we have now and we need had some unbelievable results the late 1930s crowds offi cially both fantastic stadia where we’ve to know that we can aff ord to stay in the last year against some big just under the old safety limit of played matches in recent times if that’s the option the board goes teams, the pressure really (is on 150,000, watched Scotland play against the Republic or Ireland down,” Regan said. them),” he said. “The whole footballing world New Zealand players train at Westpac Stadium in Wellington yesterday, ahead of their World Cup expects Peru to win, we know qualifying game against Peru. (AFP) that. Everyone in this (media) ‘Kevin’ was a birth certifi cate mistake: Boateng room expects Peru to win.” that now, we’re good enough.” Americans would cope with- made the fi nals twice before and The Englishman said the New Peru coach Ricardo Gareca out captain and goal-scoring Hudson said this campaign had Berlin: Ghana midfielder Kevin- top name: Kelvin-Prince. That Boateng, has played all 11 Zealanders had the skills to acknowledged his team were talisman Paolo Guerrero, who been running smoothly. Prince Boateng has revealed was a mistake on the birth cer- Bundesliga games for Eintracht match Peru but could not aff ord considered favourites but in- is serving a suspension over an He said he had a full-strength that he dislikes his colourful tificate — no one knows that. since joining in August after a to be overawed by the occasion. sisted they would not be taking “abnormal result” from a drugs squad with a strong mental- first name because of a small “I wouldn’t have had to play hurried departure for family “What we need to do tomor- New Zealand lightly. test. “Every time the team has ity and good spirit. “(It’s) why mistake on the birth certificate football then, because that reasons from Spanish club Las row is just completely believe “In reality, both teams start been in an adverse situation it we’re so calm and confi dent which stopped him being called name alone is already stellar, Palmas. Boateng has played for in ourselves and not be afraid from zero and the match is so has responded... we’re not that in this scenario, because the Kelvin-Prince. “I don’t like my and then they wrote it wrong AC Milan, Portsmouth, Totten- of the task,” he said. “Play the important for both teams that concerned about Guerrero not preparation’s good,” he said. first name,” the Eintracht Frank- in the hospital. That’s why I am ham Hotspur, Hertha Berlin and game rather than getting car- you just never know,” the Ar- being on the fi eld,” he said. “I’m happy with the staff , really furt midfielder told local station called Kevin and it stayed that Schalke in a colourful career. ried away with the occasion, gentine said via an interpreter. He said the players had re- pleased with the attitude of the HIT Radio FFH while explain- way. My mum had surgery right He made the last of his 15 ap- stick to the game plan and trust Gareca said Peru’s players covered after the 14-hour fl ight players, they’ve been fantastic.” ing why he only has the name after the birth and couldn’t pearances for Ghana at the 2014 each other. That’s the only thing were buoyed by their “incredi- from Lima and were well placed Today's match will take place ‘Prince’ on his shirt. intervene.” World Cup, but left the tourna- that’s probably standing in our ble” welcome at Wellington air- to maintain Peru’s quest to in front of 38,500 fans at, with “I should have been called The 30-year-old, the half- ment under a dark cloud after a way of getting to Russia. We’re port by hundreds of vocal fans. reach the World Cup fi nals for the return leg on November 15 Kelvin, that would have been a brother of Germany star Jerome row with the then coach. good enough, I’m telling you He was confi dent the South the fi fth time.New Zealand have at the Estadio Nacional in Lima. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, November 11, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS RUGBY SA hits back at 2023 Nadal ‘hopes’ to be World Cup doubters Reuters both commercially and for the coun- Cape Town try’s image. “Even during the 2010 FIFA World Cup bidding process, our competitors outh Africa sports minister and their fellow detractors had mount- Thulas Nxesi has strongly de- ed a concerted smear campaign to be- fended his country’s bid to host smirch and malign South Africa’s bid,” fi t for ATP Finals the 2023 Rugby World Cup Nxesi said. followingS criticism of the evaluation “They alleged that our country was Spaniard faces Goff in on Monday in the last of the first batch of matches process by its rivals. grossly ill-prepared to host such a big South Africa was announced as the event. They further declared our coun- AFP preferred candidate to stage the tour- try to be the crime capital of the world. London nament ahead of France and Ireland They prophesised impending doom after an evaluation by the Rugby World and gloom that would befall the tour- Cup Board that scored the bids on a nament, and to tourists and fans com- afael Nadal said yesterday he range of criteria. ing to our shores. “hopes” to be ready for his The 1995 hosts emerged as the clear “All of the prophecies indeed came to opening match at the ATP Fi- winner, but the results were disputed nought. These latter day prophets and nals but admitted he has not by French federation president Bernard naysayers will again be proven wrong.” beenR training at 100 per cent after an Laporte, who called them “nonsense”, Other than England, South Africa is injury scare. and his Irish counterpart Philip Browne. the only country to host a soccer, crick- The 16-time Grand Slam champion “It would be understandable if those et and rugby World Cup. pulled out of the Paris Masters last sentiments were largely informed by “We have a long history of major, week with a knee problem, sparking disappointment,” Nxesi said in a state- incident-free mega events and we have fears that he would miss the season- ment. “It is our fi rm conviction that developed expertise over many years in ending fi nale in London. World Rugby has run a rigorous and our security services to ensure that re- When asked whether his knee would professional process of unimpeachable mains so,” Nxesi said. be ready for his fi rst match against integrity.” “Our fi nancial guarantee to World Belgium’s David Goffi n on Monday, The fi nal decision will be made fol- Rugby is irrevocable, the bid team’s the Spaniard told a pre-tournament lowing a vote in London on Wednesday. ticketing plan will ensure minimum press conference “I’ll try my best,” Nxesi said the criticism of the coun- capacity of 91 percent over the tourna- but admitted he had been wary during try’s ability as hosts was not unlike the ment with some tickets provided free to practice in recent days. scepticism ahead of the 2010 Soccer communities and others costing as lit- World Cup, which proved a success tle as R55 (US$3.85) for some matches.” I hope. And if I didn’t believe I can be ready, for me, I wouldn’t be here,” said Nadal. “I’m working every day, Fiji beat Italy to clinch quarter-fi nal practising well and just trying to be ready for the action. berth in Rugby League WC You cannot predict what’s going to happen” Fiji secured a place in the Rugby take his tournament tally to eight from League World Cup quarter-finals with three pool games. Italy needed to win “I hope. And if I didn’t believe I can a lively 38-10 victory over Italy in by 46 points to progress to the last be ready, for me, I wouldn’t be here,” Canberra yesterday. The Fijians pulled eight but they could not match the fly- added the world number one. “I’m away from the Azzurri after leading ing Fijians in the second half despite a working every day, practising well and 12-10 shortly after the interval and strong start to the match. Fiji top Pool just trying to be ready for the action.” finished seven tries to two winners. D with three wins and will face either He said it was impossible to predict Melbourne Storm winger Suliasi New Zealand or Tonga in the quarter- whether his knee would be close to its Vunivalu scored a hat-trick of tries to finals next week. best by the time of next week’s fi nal, adding that he was focusing on each day. “You cannot predict what’s going to happen,” he said. ATHLETICS “You work every day without think- ing too much about what’s going to happen.” Nadal insisted he had made no schedule demands on the organisers Spain’s Rafael Nadal during a press conference ahead of the ATP World Tour Finals in London yesterday. (Reuters) UK offi cials wait to to gain additional time to recuperate from his injury. to be back in London for the year-end play in a round-robin format before on Sunday and end on November 19. “I didn’t have any request. I didn’t event after he missed out last year. semi-fi nals and a fi nal. On the prospect of playing Federer ask anything,” he said. Nadal faces Goffi n on Monday Nadal is guaranteed to end the year in the fi nal, Nadal said: “It would be see how Farah fares The Spaniard, who has never won evening in the last of the fi rst batch of as world number one, irrespective of his great to fi nish the year playing against the ATP Finals, said it was satisfying matches. Two groups of four players performance at the fi nals, which begin him again.” in marathons AFP ing in the marathon at the 2020 Olym- Vandeweghe to open Aryna Sabalenka, Belarusian number Belarus have never won a Fed Cup hopes of squeezing into the last four London pics in Tokyo. one for the first time this year, championship while the United ended when Coric battled to a 3-4, But British Athletics performance against Sasnovich in will face US Open winner Sloane States won the last of their record 17 2-4, 4-2, 4-0, 4-2 win. director Neil Black said much could Fed Cup fi nal Stephens in the second rubber be- titles in 2000. Khachanov’s defeat means that ritish athletics chiefs are look- happen between now and then. fore the reverse singles tomorrow. Russian compatriot Daniil Medvedev, ing forward to seeing track “It will be Mo’s fi rst year committing CoCo Vandeweghe will open the Stephens, the world number 13, will who earlier defeated Jared Donald- great Mo Farah runs in inter- to performances on the road, and he is United States’ bid to win the Fed Cup start as favourite despite failing to Top seed Rublev into son in four sets, will make up the national events on the road, still exploring options of how this will nowB he’s switched to competing in the progress,” Black explained Friday. for the first time in 17 years when win a single match since her victory NextGen semis semi-final line-up. she takes on Belarussian Aliaksandra at Flushing Meadows in September. “It was a really, really tough match,” marathon. “There is the possibility that he Sasnovich in the first rubber today. Should the tie go to a decisive fifth rub- Top seed Andrey Rublev reached the world number 37 Rublev said. “I’m re- Farah, a four-time Olympic gold could represent the British team at a It will be a first meeting between ber tomorrow, Vera Lapko and Lidziya ATP NextGen semi-finals on Thurs- ally happy that in the end I made it.” medallist, is returning to base himself major championship over the mara- Sasnovich and Vandeweghe, who are Marozava will take on US pair Shelby day, edging out Canadian shot-maker Thursday was a first career meeting in Britain after splitting with longtime thon distance in the future, so we will both unbeaten in Fed Cup competi- Rogers and Alison Riske in doubles. and third seed Denis Shapovalov 4-1, for Rublev and Shapovalov and the US coach Alberto Salazar. monitor the fi rst year and continue to tion this year. Belarus’s chances of success suff ered 3-4 (8), 4-3 (2), 0-4, 4-3 (3). Russian is confident that there will be But the 34-year-old has denied the support him in his ambitions.” The winner of their match will have a a blow when former world number Russian star Rublev became the third many more. split is related to doping allegations chance to become the first player to one Victoria Azarenka said on Tues- semi-finalist of the inaugural tourna- “I hope so. I hope I will be at a good surrounding the Oregon-based guru. record a spotless year in Fed Cup sin- day that she would miss the final due ment after Hyeon Chung of South level to fight with all the guys, with Farah, who retired from the track gles rubbers since Petra Kvitova went to an ongoing custody battle with Korea and Croatia’s Borna Coric. Denis, with all the other guys,” Ru- earlier this year after a glittering ca- unbeaten for Czech Republic in 2011. her baby son’s father. Later Thursday, Karen Khachanov’s blev told atpworldtour.com. reer including 10 gold medals at the Olympics and world champion- ships, is switching his attention to road racing. GOLF He has been retained on British Athletics’ World Class Perform- ance Programme for the forth- coming season. Kizzire shoots career low 62 to lead OHL Classic Farah, who will run the 2018 London Marathon, will be AFP coached by Gary Lough — the hus- Playa del Carmen, Mexico band of women’s marathon record holder Paula Radcliff e. The former 5,000 and 10,000 metre atton Kizzire shot a nine- star is coming home to London because under-par 62 to grab the fi rst- he and his family missed living in the round lead at the PGA Tour’s city where his eldest daughter Rhi- OHL Classic on Thursday. anna was born. PThe 31-year-old American rolled It has long been thought that in 10 birdies and had his only blemish Farah made the switch in race with a bogey at the 18th hole to leave events with a view to compet- him with a two-shot lead over Vaughn Taylor. Kizzire, who is seeking his fi rst win on the Tour, fi nished tied for fourth China’s Feng holds one-shot LPGA lead last week in Las Vegas, closing with a fi nal-round 64 that included birdies AFP a one-over-par 73 and captured last on four of the last fi ve holes. Shanghai week’s TOTO Japan Classic title, told Kizzire stormed up the leader- LPGA.com. board Thursday with six straight “Obviously I made a lot of mistakes birdies from Nos. eight to 13 and hina’s Feng Shanshan is on and I had a lot of recovery shots as needed 25 putts in his career-low course to become the first well. But overall I’m happy with the round. Cback-to-back winner of the past three days’ performance.” He tied the tournament record 2017 season as she battled swirling Feng was at seven-under par for the held by Fred Funk for the lowest winds to take a one-shot lead in the tournament, a one-stroke lead over first-round score. Blue Bay LPGA yesterday. Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn, who Taylor had fi ve birdies and an eagle Roared on by her home crowd on the is looking for her first LPGA Tour in his bogey-free round to grab sole southern Chinese island of Hainan, victory. possession of second place. He is one victory in the final round on Saturday Her third-round four-under-par 68 stroke ahead of four-time PGA Tour at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Club could put her alone in second, with South winner Rickie Fowler and Brandon also propel the world number three Africa’s overnight leader Ashleigh Harkins. to the top of the rankings, depend- Buhai another shot back. Fowler, who is competing for the ing where current number one Park Buhai struggled yesterday, shooting fi rst time since the Presidents Cup, is Sung-Hyun finishes. a 76, but is still very much in the run- the highest ranked player in the fi eld South Africa’s Retief Goosen, a two- Among the players bunched with Defending champion Pat Pe- “Given that today was actually very, ning. “It was quite a frustrating day,” at No. 10. He had three birdies on each time US Open champion, led a group Goosen was rookie Keith Mitchell, rez opened with a 67 and was in a very windy, I really held up ground, she said. side in his bogey-free round, while of six players in a tie for fi fth place at who started his round with a fl ourish 10-player tie fi ve shots off the pace. especially with my approach shots The South Koreans Choi Na-Yeon and rookie Harkins closed with four bird- fi ve-under 66. Goosen is looking for with a hole-in-one on his fi rst shot at John Huh, the 2012 tournament win- to the greens,” the Chinese, who shot number one Park are tied fourth. ies over his fi nal six holes. his fi rst win since 2009. the par-three 10th hole. ner, also carded a 67. Gulf Times Saturday, November 11, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA PREVIEW Kings of the road Rams seek Harden triple-double home comforts AFP of the week following his dis- Los Angeles play in the Giants rout, said the team were taking the plau- dits in their stride. he Los Angeles Rams “We were the worst team helps Rockets beat will aim to tighten ever last year and now every- their grip on a playoff one loves us,” he remarked. berth on Sunday as “It doesn’t make any dif- Tthey return to California after ference to us. We’re 6-2 at an unbeaten month-long stint the halfway point and happy on the road. about a lot of things we’ve The Rams face the Houston done so far, but a lot of work Texans at the Los Angeles Me- to do.” Cavaliers 117-113 morial Coliseum after a run of dazzling away displays that ‘We’re a connected team’ ‘It’s going to be a lot of games like this throughout the season and postseason’ have seen them surge to the Gurley’s return to form top of the NFC West. meanwhile has helped give the AFP Last Sunday’s 51-17 demo- Rams a threatening ground Los Angeles lition of the New York Giants game. After amassing just 885 was just the latest in a remark- yards last year, Gurley has al- able sequence of results for ready rushed for 686 yards ames Harden produced a the Rams, who have not lost this season after eight games. triple-double as the Hou- a game on their travels this The Rams’ off ense has put ston Rockets found their season. The only two defeats them fi rmly on course for their off ence with a 117-113 vic- in a 6-2 record have come at fi rst winning regular season toryJ over the Cleveland Cavaliers the Coliseum, underscoring since 2003, when they topped on Thursday. the remarkable transforma- the NFC West with a 12-4 Harden tallied a game-high 35 tion the team has undergone record. They have not reached points with 11 rebounds and 13 since last season, when they the playoff s since 2004. assists, including a brilliant feed fi nished 4-12. “We’ve got a connected to Clint Capela for an alley-oop The catalyst for change has team right now,” McVay said. dunk after forward P.J. Tucker been the arrival of new head “Our team’s got a lot of con- did the dirty work by digging out coach Sean McVay, who at just fi dence but we know that it’s a a loose ball on the fl oor late in the 30 years old was the young- week-to-week business.” contest. est head coach in NFL his- The Rams are one of three Harden snagged the pass from tory when named to the job in 6-2 NFC teams in action this the seated Tucker, tossed the ball January. weekend. at the basket, and Capela added McVay has turned the worst The New Orleans Saints the fi nishing touches for a four- off ense in the NFL into the travel to the Buff alo Bills hop- point lead with 70 seconds to most potent, helping Jared ing to extend their lead in the play. Goff emerge as an authentic NFC South while the Minne- “We found another way to franchise quarterback while sota Vikings travel to Wash- win the game,” Harden said. “It’s revitalising the form of run- ington aiming to maintain going to be a lot of games like ning back Todd Gurley after a their buff er in the NFC North. this throughout the season and disappointing 2016. With the 8-1 Philadelphia postseason.” The statistics tell the story. Eagles enjoying a bye week, It marked the second triple- Last season the Rams averaged the Dallas Cowboys (5-3) face double of the year for Harden just 14 points per game; this a tricky trip to the Atlanta Fal- and the Rockets’ fourth consec- year they lead the NFL with cons hoping to stay in the hunt utive NBA win. 32.9 points per game. in the NFC East. LeBron James led Cleveland Goff has been pivotal in that The AFC meanwhile has de- with 33 points and seven as- transformation. A wretched veloped a familiar look about it sists, though he committed nine rookie season saw him throw as the second half of the regu- turnovers. Jeff Green scored 27 more interceptions (seven) lar season gets under way. points on 11-of-15 shooting off than touchdowns (fi ve), fuel- The reigning Super Bowl the Cavaliers’ bench. ling gleeful speculation that champion New England Pa- “Things just didn’t go our way the Rams’ No.1 pick may turn triots head the AFC East with tonight,” said James. out to be a bust. McVay how- a 6-2 record while Pittsburgh Eric Gordon scored 20 points ever says he never doubted Steelers, who are also 6-2) lead for Houston, and Capela added that Goff , 23, had the talent the North. 19 points and 13 boards. – and the temperament – to The Patriots head to Colo- In Denver, Emmanuel Mu- prove the critics wrong. rado to face 2015-2016 Super diay scored a season-high 21 “I got a chance to spend a Bowl champions Denver, with points while Paul Millsap tallied little bit of time with him when the Broncos desperate to halt a 17 points and seven assists in I was actually interviewing for four-game losing streak which the Denver Nuggets’ 102-94 de- the job and you come away has seen them fall to 3-5, prop- feat of the Oklahoma City Thun- confi dent just with his de- ping up the AFC West. der. meanour, his disposition, the Patriots quarterback Tom Millsap also tied a career high fact that he doesn’t make any Brady however is advising with six blocks. Nikola Jokic excuses for what happened caution against a Broncos de- contributed 15 points and 11 re- that rookie year, takes full ac- fense that roughed him up at bounds, while Will Barton and countability,” McVay said. the same venue in their Janu- Mason Plumlee scored 13 each “I think those are good traits ary 2016 AFC Championship off the bench for the Nuggets, that you’re looking for from meeting. “There’s little mar- who earned their sixth win in your leader.” gin for error when you go out eight games. Houston Rockets guard James Harden (right) attempts to dribble the ball past Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jeff Green during the second quar- Goff , who was named player there,” Brady warned. Carmelo Anthony led Okla- ter at Toyota Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports homa City with 28 points to tie a season high, moving him into fully some needed confi dence three-game home losing streak Ball, who entered shooting 29 many as 21 points. Patriots claim Bennett off waivers 24th place on the NBA all-time with a 111-95 win over the Los during which they allowed an percent from the fl oor, fi nished Washington shot 60 per- scoring list, passing Allen Iver- Angeles Lakers. average of 122 points per game. three of 12 overall and one of cent from the fi eld and scored Martellus Bennett was claimed off waivers by the New England son. Otto Porter contributed 20 Brook Lopez and Jordan Craw- seven on three-point tries. its most points in any fi rst half Patriots, just one day after the Green Bay Packers released the Russell Westbrook had 13 points and 11 rebounds for the ford each had 15 points as seven Ball wasn’t alone as Los Ange- this season for a 69-56 halftime veteran tight end. Bennett, who signed a three-year, $21-million points, seven rebounds and a Wizards, who had lost fi ve of Lakers scored in double fi gures. les shot 36 percent from the fi eld lead. contract in the off season, rejoins the club he won a Super Bowl season-low fi ve assists for the seven starting with a 102-99 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and and committed 19 turnovers in with last season. The 30-year-old Bennett had just 24 recep- Thunder, who have lost four road loss against the Lakers on Kyle Kuzma each scored 13, their second road game in as RESULTS tions in seven games with the Packers but had not played since straight. October 25. while Julius Randle had 11 for the many nights. Rockets 117 Cavaliers 113 October 22. He was inactive for Monday night’s loss to Detroit Elsewhere, John Wall and Bra- struggling Lakers. By comparison the Wizards Nuggets 102 Thunder 94 after being listed with a shoulder injury last week. dley Beal combined for 45 points Stop losing streak The team’s rookie guard Lonzo drained 51.8 percent of their Kings 109 76ers 108 Last month, Bennett posted on Instagram that he was “pretty as the Washington Wizards Washington, who improved to Ball had another poor shooting fi eld-goal attempts, scored 50 Wizards 111 Lakers 95 sure” he would retire at the end of the 2017 season. gained some revenge and hope- 6-5 on the season, also stopped a night while running the off ense. points in the paint and led by as Raptors 122 Pelicans 118

NFL Seahawks top Cards, Sherman likely out for season AFP and limped around for several plays twisted his way out of a heavy pass Phoenix before fi nally heading to the locker rush and connected with Doug Bald- room. win for a dramatic 54-yard omple- The game was marred by injuries tion. ussell Wilson threw for two and penalties as Seattle had nine “I don’t think anyone can cover touchdowns as the Seat- players leave the game for various Doug one-on-one,” said Wilson. tle Seahawks defeated the reasons. On the next play, Wilson found Arizona Cardinals 22-16 on The list of injuries includes, de- Graham for a two-yard score to ThursdayR but the victory was costly fensive tackle Jarran Reed (ham- make it 22-10 with 12:49 remaining. as cornerback Richard Sherman string), running back C.J. Prosise Graham fi nished with six recep- sustained a ruptured Achilles. (ankle) and linebacker Michael Wil- tions for 27 yards while Baldwin Sherman was the biggest name hoite (calf), each of whom did not made fi ve catches for 95 yards. hurt but not the only one to go down return. Left tackle Duane Brown also As for penalties, the Seahawks as the Seahawks and Cardinals both sustained an ankle injury. were fl agged 12 times for 108 yards suff ered a rash of injuries in the bat- The Cardinals are also hurting, and the Cardinals were penalized tle of attrition for second place in the losing starting left tackle D.J. Hum- nine times for 58 yards. NFC West Division. phries and safety Tyvon Branch in The Seahawks easily contained Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said the fi rst quarter because of what Cardinals running back Adrian Pe- Sherman needed surgery and likely looked to be serious right knee in- terson who had just 29 yards on 21 would be out for the year. juries. carries. The 32-year-old Peterson “We defi nitely lost some of our The Seahawks improved to 6-3 was coming off a 150 yard perform- top players,” quarterback Wilson on the season as Wilson connected ance just four days ago but failed to said. “It is a tough sport we play. You twice for TDs with tight end Jimmy fi re and even fumbled on Arizona’s get a little emotional because guys Graham and kicker Blair Walsh hit a fi rst off ensive play on Thursday. like him work so hard to be great. He pair of fi eld goals. Arizona got a 43-yard fi eld goal (Sherman) deserves it all, unfortu- Wilson was sacked fi ve times but from Phil Dawson in the third quar- nately that happened.” completed 22 of 32 passes for 238 ter and a one-yard TD plunge by Sherman appeared to injure his yards. running back Andre Ellington with heel in the third quarter after mak- He engineered one of the key plays 28 seconds left. ing a tackle in front of the crowd of of the game during a mad scramble Quarterback Drew Stanton was 24 64,600 at the University of Phoe- in the fourth quarter. On second- of 47 for 273 yards and one touch- Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (No 25) ruptured his Achilles tendon as he tackles Arizona Cardinals wide receiver nix stadium. He stayed in the game and-21 from the Seattle 44, Wilson down. John Brown (No 12) in the second-half at University of Phoenix Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Saturday, November 11, 2017 SPORT

BOXING Joshua will fi ght Wilder in 2018, says Hearn The Guardian we want the fi ght. It will happen in 2018 un- “Sips tea, continues to read tweets & refreshes London questionably. e-mail ... Still No Off er.” Wilder was next on “We have to respect [Wilder] but we also Joshua’s hitlist, with the Watford-born fi ghter need to do great business for Joshua. If we posting a YouTube video of a lengthy interview nthony Joshua will fi ght Deontay off ered Wilder his true worth, the meeting during which he urged the American to set up a Wilder next year, according to the would last two minutes. So we have to com- title fi ght. An accompanying tweet said: “A lit- British fi ghter’s promoter, Eddie promise between reality and fantasy.” tle word on the @BronzeBomber fi ght. Ready Hearn, who has started talks over a “The major issue in these negotiations is to & waiting for the off er.” worldA title unifi cation bout. deal with egos. You have two world champi- Joshua and Wilder have appeared certain ons – one is the biggest star in world boxing Tyson barred from entering Chile to meet since the former beat Wladimir Kl- and one, if you walk the streets of Manhat- Former Boxing great Mike Tyson was itschko at Wembley in April to add the WBA tan and ask if people know the name Deontay barred from entering Chile on Thursday be- title to his IBF version. Wilder is the WBC Wilder, the answer will be no. Walk down the cause of his criminal record, airport police champion and, in what is a limited division, streets in the UK and ask if people know the said. Immigration police at Santiago in- it feels not only inevitable but also necessary name and they will know his ternational airport tweeted a photo of the that the pair fi ght. That became even more life story.” 51-year-old former heavyweight champion the case after Joshua and Wilder won their Despite his confi dence over Joshua and being escorted by offi cers “re-embarking” bouts against Carlos Takam and Bermane Wilder meeting next year, Hearn cautioned him. It said he was being deported for “not Stiverne. After knocking out Stiverne in un- that the Briton could fi rst meet the WBO complying with immigration law.” der a round in New York last weekend, Wilder champion, . “The instructions The police force explained it had the power declared “war” on Joshua and accused Hearn from AJ is: ‘I want to be the unifi ed cham- to “prohibit the entry into the country of of delaying negotiations. pion by the end of 2018,’ so that means going any foreigner who has negative records and/ Reacting on Thursday and also speaking in through Wilder and Parker,” Hearn said. “We or convictions in their country of origin.” In New York, Hearn confi rmed talks with Wild- would fi ght Wilder in the US. We’d love the 1992, Tyson was convicted of raping a teen- er’s team. “Deontay Wilder is doing a great fi ght in the UK. Maybe we do two of them.” aged beauty pageant contestant in his hotel job of convincing people that AJ is running Hearn spoke shortly after Joshua had taken room in Indianapolis. He was sentenced to from this fi ght,” Hearn told Sky Sports News. to social media to goad not only Wilder and six years in prison but released on parole after “Our job to deliver but it doesn’t happen Parker but also Tyson Fury. The 28-year-old’s serving three. The American had travelled to overnight. This fi rst meeting today may go opening salvo – aimed at Parker – was a gif of Chile at the invitation of a TV channel and to well, it may go terribly, but fans need to know Kermit the Frog drinking tea. The tweet said: take part in an advertising campaign.

NHL BASEBALL Otani, ‘Japanese Babe Ruth’, poised Ducks’ power-play for Major League

Agencies and threw one of only two Tokyo no-hitters in postseason his- tory, was killed when his small plane crashed off the west hohei Otani, the coast of central Florida. clicks in victory 23-year-old right- The Halladay family said in handed pitcher and statement released by Major left-handed hitter League Baseball the ceremony dubbedS the ‘Japanese Babe would be at Spectrum Field in Ruth’ by US media, will head to Clearwater, Florida and open Major League Baseball in 2018, to the public. his team Hokkaido Nippon- “Our family is heartbroken Ham Fighters said yesterday. in confi rming that Roy passed over Canucks 4-1 Otani hit.322 with 22 home away in a plane crash Tues- runs and 67 runs-batted-in day afternoon,” the statement ‘It’s been a long wait for our power play to awaken. Tonight we were determined to get pucks in 104 games and had a 1.86 said. earned run average and 174 “While many will remember back on our entry. We moved the puck eff ectively and got the puck directed towards the net’ strikeouts in 140 innings for him for his success as a major the Nippon Ham Fighters last league pitcher, we remember season. him as an amazing father, lov- He missed two months ing husband and loyal friend. early this season and another “While we mourn the loss stretch in July and August of the core of our family, we with injuries to his ankle and choose to celebrate him and thigh – but has still batted.332 remember the man we knew with eight home runs and 31 privately on and off the eld.fi RBIs this season, according to We hope that he serves as an the latest update on the team’s example of professionalism, website. integrity and hard work for all The team “decided to post who knew him.” him, allowing him to pursue Investigators are trying to his dream of playing in the determine what caused the Major League Baseball”, Nip- crash of Halladay’s ICON A5 pon Ham president Kenso single-engine amphibian air- Takeda told reporters. craft in the Gulf of Mexico, less “The sky’s the limit for than a mile off shore from the Shohei Otani,” team manager city of New Port Richey. Hideki Kuriyama said, adding Video from witnesses that he expects Otani to “de- showed the plane making a light Japanese fans” with his turn at low altitude as it de- performances in the United scended toward the water. States. The footage was posted on- The 6-foot-4-inch (1.93m) line by celebrity website TMZ, player, whose fastball ap- which reported witnesses said proaches 100mph (161km/h), the plane repeatedly went inked a one-year $2.37 million from an altitude of about 100 contract with the Fighters in feet (30 metres) to fi ve feet December. (1.5m). He will not become eligible Halladay became a certi- for free agency until after the fi ed pilot in 2013, the year he 2021 season, and therefore retired from Major League needed the team’s approval to Baseball. negotiate with Major League Known as Doc among base- teams. ball fans, he pitched a no-hit- ter for the Philadelphia Phillies Halladay family to in Game One of the National commemorate pitcher’s League Division Series against life with public the Cincinnati Reds. A public service to com- He also pitched just the memorate the life of baseball 20th perfect game in MLB his- pitcher Roy Halladay, who tory in May, 2010 against the was killed earlier this week in Florida Marlins. a plane crash, will be held on He won a Cy Young Award November 14, his family said as the best pitcher in both yesterday. the American and National Andrew Cogliano (No 7, Chris Wagner (No 21), Hampus Lindholm (No 47), and Dennis Rasmussen (No 22) congratulate Jakob Silfverberg (No 33) of the Anaheim Ducks on his goal Halladay, who twice won Leagues and was named an during the third period of the NHL game against Vancouver Canucks at Honda Centre in Anaheim, California. (Getty Images/AFP) the game’s top pitching award eight-time All-Star.

By Mike Coppinger “We were more tenacious. We just might be fi nding their game. ance) came against the team he another key player will be side- Los Angeles Times were hungrier for the puck.” “We kind of told ourselves that jettisoned this summer after lined for an extended period of And the Ducks were again we gotta go out and play with seasons in Canada. time. Cancellara could face mechanical shorthanded, with John Gibson confi dence,” said Silfverberg, He swatted away 13 of 14 Miller already missed the doping probe, says UCI he Anaheim Ducks can and Ondrej Kase unavailable af- who scored an even-strength shots, but exited the game mid- team’s fi rst 10 games with a left breath easy. ter they suff ered head injuries in goal 35 seconds after his PP way through the third following wrist injury. If he and Gibson are Former world champion Fabian Cancellara could be investigated Their four-game los- Tuesday’s overtime setback to tally to make it 4-1. Both goals a collision and was replaced by both unavailable going forward, over accusations that he used a hidden motor in his bicycle, ing streak is over. the Kings. came in the fi rst two minutes of Reto Berra. the Ducks will be in crisis mode. world governing body the UCI told AFP on Thursday. TAnd the power play fi nally But the players who did suit up the third period, and eff ectively Carlyle said Miller suff ered a But that’s a problem for an- “We can’t rule out opening an investigation if new elements come broke out of its season-long skated at a frenetic pace. crushed the Canucks’ resolve. lower-body injury and he’ll be other day. For at least a night, into our possession,” a UCI spokesman said, confirming com- slump in a massive way. Hampus Lindholm (bank shot “A little bit too much early in reevaluated Friday. So for now, the Ducks were fl ying high in all ments also made by UCI president David Lappartient to the Cy- Anaheim’s 4-1 victory over the off Markstrom’s skate), Brandon games we’ve been slapping the with Gibson also hurt, it’s Berra’s facets of the game. clingnews website. “We need to know exactly what is behind this. Vancouver Canucks on Thursday Montour (wrister from the slot) puck away and kind of shoot- crease. Since Miller was facing They can let out a collective Of course, I heard all the rumours, like everybody, and I just want snapped the team’s longest skid and Jakob Silfverberg (one-tim- ing it from bad angles. Tonight his former squad, he was sched- sigh for now, and hope the suc- to know exactly. So we will investigate, that is our job,” Lappar- since they opened the 2016-’17 er) scored man-advantage goals we played with that confi dence uled to receive the start anyway, cess carries over with three more tient said. “I hope that this (mechanical doping) never happened season with four consecutive to bring the 30th-ranked unit and it kind of showed. It opened but he’s making a case for more games on the home stand. in professional Cycling. If this was the case, it would be a disaster setbacks. out of the doldrums. up more space. Three (power- playing time – if the injury isn’t for the image of Cycling and that’s why we have to fight.” “It’s been a long wait for our The Ducks’ power play wasn’t play) goals is a good confi dence serious. RESULTS Lappartient was reacting to accusations made against Swiss star power play to awaken,” said just ineff ective heading into the boost.” He’s been superb during his Lightning 5 Kings 2 Cancellara by former cyclist Phil Gaimon in a new book. Ducks coach Randy Carlyle. “I game. It was downright dread- Silfverberg was the star of the three starts, and even at 37, its Wild 3 Canadiens 0 “When you watch the footage, his accelerations don’t look natural think tonight we were more de- ful, with the team converting on game, but the man who might clear the former Vezina Tro- Oilers 3 Devils 2 (OT) at all, like he’s having trouble staying on the top of the pedals,” termined to get pucks back on just 10.6 percent of its 47 oppor- have enjoyed the victory most phy winner possesses plenty of Blues 3 Coyotes 2 (SO) American rider Gaimon wrote. Cancellara, who quit the sport in our entry. We moved the puck tunities (four goals in 15 games). was in net, until he wasn’t. game. Flames 6 Red Wings 3 2016, faced accusations that he was using a hidden motor follow- eff ectively and got the puck di- So if this outburst is a harbin- Ryan Miller’s fi rst home start But with the Ducks’ injury Flyers 3 Blackhawks 1 ing his wins at the 2010 Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. rected towards the net. ger of what’s to come, the Ducks of the season (16,038 in attend- luck, surely there’s worry that Ducks 4 Canucks 1 Gulf Times Saturday, November 11, 2017 7 SPORT

CRICKET / ENGLAND’S TOUR OF AUSTRALIA MOTOGP Marquez sixth; Lorenzo Woakes saves tops Valencia practice AFP Valencia, Spain

onda rider Marc Marquez, who needs only an 11th-place fi nish to secure a fourth Mo- England’s blushes toGP title this weekend, re- cordedH the sixth best time in practice yesterday for the Valencia Grand Prix. In the second session, the Spaniard crashed for the 26th time this season, coming off on the second turn but with- out suff ering any serious consequences. Marquez fi nished the day 0.603 of a with inspired spell second behind compatriot Jorge Loren- Marquez’s closest title rival and 21 zo. The Ducati rider recorded a best points adrift, recorded the third best time of one minute and 30.64 seconds time on his Ducati. Warwickshire’s Woakes captures four for 17 to leave CA XI innings in tatters with another Spaniard, Dani Pedrosa of Conditions improved during the day Honda, second best, 0.122sec back. and the best times were recorded in the Italian Andrea Dovizioso, who is afternoon.

FORMULA 1 Four-star Hamilton on record pace in Brazil

Reuters Sao Paulo

ewis Hamilton, with four world championship stars now painted on his race helmet, smashed the Interlagos track Lrecord as Mercedes dominated yes- terday’s opening Brazilian Grand Prix practice. Showing no sign of letting up de- spite clinching his fourth world title in Mexico at the end of October, Hamilton lapped the anti-clockwise track with a best time of one minute 09.202 sec- onds. “There are two races to go. It is a bet- ter time than ever to apply even more pressure, just because you can,” the “Obviously, both cars have got bits Briton had told reporters on Thursday. that they (the engineers) are having a Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas, look at for future events,” said Red Bull who is bidding to end the season as boss Christian Horner, whose team runner-up to the Briton, was second have won two of the last four races with fastest in 1:09.329. Verstappen. The previous track record of 1:09.822 “These sessions are so valuable now. was set by Brazilian Rubens Barrichello They are the last opportunities this in 2004 qualifying for Ferrari. year to try a few things out for future Hamilton, who also accused Re- car development.” nault’s Nico Hulkenberg over the radio Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, who was of dangerous driving in forcing him fi fth fastest, will have a drop of at least wide onto the runoff , was half a second 10 grid places due to power unit chang- faster than Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen. es while Toro Rosso’s Brendon Hartley England’s Chris Woakes (right) bowls against XI’s Ryan Gibson on the third day of a four-day tour match in Adelaide yesterday. (AFP) The Finn was the best of the non- and Pierre Gasly will also pick up en- Mercedes rest, with Red Bull’s Dutch gine penalties. AFP Ashes tour continued, making 32 from 20-year-old Max Verstappen fourth on New Zealander Hartley, who won Adelaide Anderson named England vice-captain 85 balls. the timesheets on a sunny morning in the world endurance championship for Cook began his tour with a second- Sao Paulo. the second time last weekend, failed to AFP ball duck against a West Australian XI Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who had set a time on the morning of his 28th aceman Chris Woakes Adelaide, Australia and made only 15 in the fi rst innings in an early spin, was sixth. birthday thanks to an engine blowup claimed four as Eng- Adelaide. Mercedes have clinched the con- while French rookie Gasly also stopped land roared back to the verge The veteran’s dismissal triggered structors’ championship for a fourth early on. of victory against the Cricket ngland’s record bowler James England’s slide — he was soon fol- successive year and have said they will “I don’t know the track so for me it PAustralia XI after the third day of the lowed to the changeroom by his open- use practice at the last two races to ex- was really important to get some run- Anderson was named as four day-night tour match at Adelaide Evice-captain for the Ashes ing partner Mark Stoneman, who periment with processes and parts for ning,” said Gasly. “But there is nothing Oval yesterday. series against Australia yester- made 51, his third consecutive half- 2018. we can do, we just need to wait.” The tourists scrambled to 207 in their day, replacing Ben Stokes who is century on tour. With none of the top four teams able to British driver George Russell, the second innings on the back of Jonny suspended and under investigation Lancashire great Anderson Captain Joe Root (one), Dawid Ma- improve their placings or in any danger 19-year-old GP3 champion, made his Bairstow’s unbeaten 61 off 66 balls leav- over a nightclub brawl. is embarking on his fourth Test tour lan (fi ve), (29), Woakes of dropping down the order, others were grand prix weekend debut with Force ing the CA XI 268 runs to win. Anderson, 35, who has 506 Test of Australia, and he looks likely to (two) and Craig Overton (0) fell in rap- also turning their thoughts to next year. India and was an impressive 12th fastest. But Warwickshire’s Woakes led a wickets, was promoted as under- play a key role as England’s bowlers id succession as England plummeted spirited England fi ghtback, capturing study to captain Joe Root ahead of hit injury problems. to 124 for seven. four for 17 off 10 overs to leave the CA fellow paceman Stuart Broad and Nottinghamshire speedster Jake Bairstow hit a six to reach his half- XI innings in tatters. ex-skipper Alastair Cook. Ball is to have a scan after he century coming off 61 balls. Cricket star Gayle seeks to cash in on England tried to wrap up victory, Coach Trevor Bayliss previously injured his right ankle on Thursday Meanwhile, Ball will miss the rest of opting for an extra half hour of play said he was planning for an Ashes during England’s warm-up game CA XI match as he continues his re- Australia court win on the third night under lights, but series without Stokes, who is run- against a Cricket Australia XI in covery from an ankle injury. were thwarted by Matt Short (28 not ning out of time ahead of the first Adelaide. It follows a knee injury The Nottinghamshire paceman fell West Indies cricket superstar Chris “It’s about what transpired in court out) and Gurinder Sandhu (17 ) Test in Brisbane from November 23. which ruled paceman Steven Finn awkwardly while bowling his fourth Gayle is seeking to cash in on a court and behind the scenes in Australia, through to stumps at 70 for seven. Stokes remains at home awaiting out of the tour. over on Thursday. case win against an Australian media how they went to bigger heads to Tall Somerset quick Craig Overton the outcome of a police probe Surrey all-rounder has Ball was forced to withdraw from group, promising a tell-all interview get me ban... also pressed his Test claims with an into his involvement in the brawl arrived as Finn’s tour replacement, the day-night warm-up match and — but only if the price is right. “How they want to use me as a impressive two for 10 off seven overs. outside a Bristol nightclub on Sep- while all-rounder Moeen Ali contin- had a scan on Friday to determine the The all-rounder was accused by Fair- scapegoat over a interview — I’ll tell “I’ve been very impressed with tember 25. ues to recover from a side strain. damage to his right ankle. fax Media, publisher of The Sydney you what I do every day after court, Craig. He’s a big lad, gets plenty of The tourists have already lost pace- Morning Herald and The Age, in a believe me, when I break this down bounce and he’s very skilful too,” said man Steven Finn, who has fl own home series of stories last year of exposing to y’all it will be like a movie! No Jimmy Anderson, named Friday as Joe Root’s tourists, stumbling to 124 When Anderson became Simon because of a knee injury and his re- himself to a massage therapist and holding back! England’s new vice-captain. for seven at one stage. Milenko’s fi fth England’s sec- placement Tom Curran arrived in Ad- indecently propositioning her. “Biding (sic) starts at US$300K for this “He can swing the ball, seam the England tumbled from 79 without ond innings was over, with injured elaide on Friday. But a NSW Supreme Court jury ruled interview! So much to say & I will!” ball and he brings something diff erent loss to lose seven wickets for 45 in a unable to come to the wicket And spinning allrounder Moeen a defamation case in his favour late Fairfax published the allegations in to the team. He’s settled in really well.” spectacular crash before Bairstow and on his injured ankle. Ali is yet to feature in the warm-up last month, finding the articles were the wake of an uproar after Gayle Up until Woakes’s superb bowling leg-spinner Mason Crane (18) helped Former England captain and opener matches as he struggles with a side motivated by malice. attempted to flirt with an Australian spell it looked an embarrassing day for boost the innings in a 70-run stand. Alastair Cook’s scratchy start to his strain. A hearing on damages will be held presenter on live TV, asking her out at a later date, but Gayle is already for a drink and telling her: “Don’t off ering his story for a starting blush, baby.” BOTTOMLINE price of US$300,000. “I have a very Speaking after the trial, Gayle said interested (sic) successful story to the case had been “very emotional”. tell!! It can be an exclusive 60mins “I’m a good man. I’m not guilty,” he interview or y’all just have to wait said. on my next book!,” he tweeted to his Fairfax has yet to announce whether India’s Pandya rested for Sri Lanka Tests 3.75mn Twitter followers yesterday. it will appeal the ruling.

AFP Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.” and his hard-hitting batting. Indian board rejects dope tests by New Delhi Pandya has become a key member of He has played just three Tests since the Virat Kohli-led side since making making his debut with a half-century national body his limited-overs debut last year. He has against Sri Lanka at Galle in June, but ndia’s rising star Hardik Pan- played in 30 of India’s last 33 matches. his 29 ODI and 24 T20 appearances India’s cricket board yesterday BCCI is not a national sports federa- dya yesterday pulled out of a Once shunned by selectors because speak volumes of his allround ability. heightened a battle with the tion. Accordingly, NADA does not have Test series against Sri Lanka with of his exuberant onfi eld celebrations India are the top Test nation in the country’s anti-doping agency over jurisdiction to conduct dope testing the cricket board saying the all- and swagger off the pitch, Pandya is International Cricket Council ratings who has the right to test players for of Indian cricketers in any domestic Irounder needs a break. now being considered a possible all- and second behind South Africa in one banned drugs. Although two players or international event organised or The 24-year-old is to head for reha- time great. day matches. have failed tests carried out by the under the aegis of BCCI,” Johri wrote bilitation instead of being part of the The right-arm medium pace bowler As well as three Tests, India and Sri World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to NADA chief Navin Agarwal. 16-man squad for the fi rst two of the injured his hand trying to stop a shot Lanka will play three one day games in three years, the Board of Control “The BCCI already has a robust three-match series which starts next from New Zealand batsman Colin de and three T20s in December. for Cricket in India has refused to dope testing mechanism which is Thursday in Kolkata. Grandhomme in the series-deciding allow tests by India’s National Anti- employed for both during competi- “Considering Mr Pandya’s heavy international in Thiru- India squad for first two Tests: Virat Doping Agency (NADA). tions and out-of-competitions,” Johri recent workload, the decision was vananthapuram on Tuesday. Kohli (capt), Lokesh Rahul, Murali BCCI chief executive Rahul Johri wrote wrote to the sports ministry. made to negate any possibility of a India clinched the T20s 2-1 to stay Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar to NADA and the sports ministry reaf- The International Cricket Council is major injury concern,” said a Board unbeaten at home in any format since Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, firming the refusal to cooperate, which a signatory to the WADA code and of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) losing to South Africa in one-day Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravichandran the governing body says is a threat to Johri said that as an ICC member the statement. games in 2015. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Ya- India’s compliance to WADA’s code. Indian body has implemented the Pandya is to “undergo a period of Pandya was played a big part in the dav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, “It is relevant to mention here that ICC anti-doping code since 2011. strength conditioning at the National team’s success with his seam bowling Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma.

Saturday, November 11, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

VOLLEYBALL Al Rayyan rally to lift Super Cup at fourth attempt ‘We were determined to make it to the finish line this year and for that we have put in hard work in the preseason’

By Yash Mudgal Doha

hree times they were denied, but Al Rayyan are not brides- maids anymore. Emir Cup champions Rayy- Tan, who wore the Tamim Al Majd mu- ral on their shirts, rallied to beat QVL champion Police 3-1 to lift Super Cup volleyball yesterday. “It’s a good beginning for the new season,” Rayyan coach Carlos Schwanke said. For three successive years, Super Cup, the season-opener, featured do- mestic powerhouse Al Arabi against Al Rayyan and on all the three occasions, the former did not allow latter to win the title beating them 3-0, 3-1 and 3-1, respectively. It was Rayyan’s hard work which paid off yesterday at the renovated in- door hall of the QVA headquarters and Schwanke gave full credit to the boys’ preseason hard work. “We were determined to make it to the fi nish line this year and for that we Police’s Mads (left) goes for a smash against Al Rayyan during their Super Cup have put in hard work in the preseason. match yesterday. Our preparations started in August for the title which was eluding us since last three years,” the Brazilian said, while celebrating with his boys. Schwanke also admitted his team had some chinks in their armour and they have to repair them before the league Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) president Ali Ghanim al-Kuwari presents the winners’ trophy to Al Rayyan after they won starts. the Super Cup title at the QVA Indoor Hall yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram “I know we have some issues to deal with before we are fully ready for the season. We are lacking in the skill, but I hope this win will boost our belief and we will be ready for the competition soon,” he said. Police won the fi rst set 25-20 in 30 minutes, but Rayyan regrouped and came back strong in the second. Rayy- an started off the set on a positive note, and after staying neck and neck at 19- all, they inched forward to a one-point led at 22-21, before clinching it 25-23. In the third set, Rayyan took the three-point lead for the fi rst time in the match at 17-14 and from there on gave no chance to the cops by winning third and fourth sets 25-22, 25-23 respec- Al Rayyan players celebrate their win with the trophy after the prize distribution tively. ceremony yesterday. For Rayyan, Marcus scored 18 points, while their professional player Ivan the fi rst time and we knew it will be a with new rules. Earlier, the teams were Borounjak added 17. tough one for us. As we all know Rayy- allowed to fi eld one professional and Borounjak hailed the morale-boost- an is a big team with so many titles and four resident players, apart from the ing victory ahead of the QVA league, Police players pose with their medals and QVA off icials after the Super Cup final yesterday. they played well at the crucial points locals. Starting this season, the number which starts from November 20. and won the title.” of resident players is being reduced “It is a very big win for us. I am happy ion that they need to improve a lot for a should not be overconfi dent as we know Police coach Damian Arredondo also For Police, Mads scored the match- to three and it is expected to be two in to be part of the title win,” Ivan said. good result in the season. we have to address some issues urgently gave credit to Rayyan players. high 22 points. the next term, with an aim of grooming But he also echoed his coach’s opin- “We won our fi rst title today. But we to get better results,” the Serbian said. “We were playing the Super Cup for The one-off Super Cup was played more local players.

IBSF WORLD BILLIARDS 150UP CHAMPIONSHIP Unbeaten Advani faces Sitwala in quarters

By Sports Reporter Mike Russell (England) beat Rupesh Doha Shah (India) 3-2 Ihab al-Salih (Iraq) beat Abdulkarim Maksoud (Syria) 3-0 efending champion Pankaj Siddhart Parikh (India) beat Steve Advani stayed unbeaten in Mifsud (Australia) 3-0 the round robin stages, with- Aidna Murray (Ireland) beat Yazan out dropping a single game, Alhadad (Syria) 3-0 toD reach the quarter-fi nals of the 2017 Robert Hall (England) beat Khamis IBSF World Billiards 150Up Champion- al-Obaidli (Qatar) 3-0 ship as the top seed. Pankaj Advani (India) beat Brijesh Yesterday, Advani overcame a resistant Damani (India) 3-0 rival, in compatriot Brijesh Damani, in Chit Ko Ko (Myanmar) beat Peter the last of his round robin stage matches Gilchrist (Singapore) 3-2 for a clean record in the tournament. Aung Htay (Myanmar) beat Ab- The second game especially was dulkarim Maksoud (Syria) 3-0 crucial where Damani countered the Dhvaj Haria (India) beat Yazan 32-year-old from the Indian city of Alhadad (Syria) 3-0 Bengaluru with two worthy breaks of Dhruv Sitwala (India) beat Khamis 54 and 61 points to score 147. But miss- al-Obaidli (Qatar) 3-0 ing an easy cannon cost Damani dearly, Nay Thway Oo (Myanmar) beat India’s Dhruv Sitwala beat compatriot Dhvaj Haria (not in the picture) in the last 16 as Advani made the most of the oppor- Sourav Kothari (India) 3-2 to set up a clash with Pankaj Advani (not in the picture) in the quarter-finals. tunity to walk away with the game and Brijesh Damani (India) beat Ihab eventually the match. al-Salih (Iraq) 3-0 Advani will now face compatriot Mike Russell (England) beat Aidan Dhruv Sitwala in today’s quarter-fi nal. Murray (Ireland) 3-0 Former champions Mike Russell of KNOCKOUTS England and Peter Gilchrist of Singa- Siddharth Parikh (India) beat Aung pore, along with Nay Thway of Myan- Htay (Myanmar) 4-2 mar too advanced to the quarter-fi nals Sourav Kothari (India) beat Brijesh with a round of bye in the fi rst stage of Damani (India) 4-3 the knockouts. Singapore’s Peter Gilchrist advanced to the quarter-finals with a bye in the first Dhruv Sitwala (India) beat Dhvaj Apart from Advani, the remaining stage of the knockouts. PICTURES: Ram Chand Haria (India) 4-2 six players of the Indian contingent — Rupesh Shah (India) beat Robert Dhvaj Haria, Sitwala, Rupesh Shah, with a break of 119, but couldn’t fi nish England’s Hall in the seventh game to Hall (England) 4-3 Siddharth Parikh, Sourav Kothari it, with Htay making full use of the op- snatch the quarters spot 4-3. and Damani — also had made it to the portunity with two breaks of 96 and 56 While Kothari takes on Russell today, QUARTER-FINALS (TODAY, 10AM) knockouts, and so did Robert Hall of to go one up. Shah will face Thway in the last eight. Pankaj Advani (India) vs Dhruv England and Aung Htay of Myanmar. The Indian then went 3-1 up af- In another all-Indian duel, Sitwala Sitwala (India) However, these eight were paired ter stitching together breaks of 92, 67 beat Haria 4-2 to set up a quarter-fi nal Rupesh Shah (India) vs Nay Thway down to four by the end of the fi rst and 102, before losing the fi fth. How- clash with Advani. Oo (Myanmar) round of knockouts last evening. ever, armed with a 90-point break, he Peter Gilchrist (Singapore) vs Sid- Parikh knocked out Myanmar’s booked his spot in the next round. DAY TWO RESULTS (150-Up) dharth Parikh (India) much-experienced Htay 4-2 to set up a In two of the closest games of the ROUND ROBIN Sourav Kothari (India) vs Mike Rus- clash against Gilchrist. evening, Kothari beat compatriot Dam- Peter Gilchrist (Singapore) beat sell (England) Parikh began in scintillating form ani 4-3, while Rupesh Shah blanked Dhruv Sitwala (India) 3-2 Semifinals start at 4pm today India’s Rupesh Shah will face Nay Thway Oo (not in the picture) of Myanmar today.