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Friday, November 29, 2019 Rabia II 2, 1441 AH GULF TIMES SPORT

PREVIEW YEMEN VS QATAR (8PM) Al Annabi look to bounce back against Yemen today ‘The outcome of the Iraq match was disappointing... But we are determined to get back to winning ways’

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

emen are yet to get past the group stage of the Gulf Cup, in fact they have not tasted a single victoryY in nine editions of the tournament. Ideally, they are an opponent Asian champions Qatar would be expected to beat on any given day. But as Qatar found out on Tuesday, when you are not at your best, no team can be taken lightly. The hosts had a forgetta- ble night in their opening match against Iraq, going down 1-2 to a second string side. The loss to Lions of Mesopotamia has fi rmly put the pressure on Felix Sanchez’s men. In a short tournament like Gulf Cup, a defeat in the very fi rst match can have a severe impact. Sanchez, though, will hope that it was just a minor blip for a side who have been impressive for the most of 2019. The maiden Asian Cup win in the UAE at the beginning of the year announced their arrival on the big stage, while another gutsy show in the Copa Amer- ica against the South American teams showed Sanchez’s men can stand up to big guns. Yet it was an indiff erent per- formance by Qatar against Iraq. While they looked short in con- fi dence, they also seemed to be overawed by the expectations. There is no doubt though that Qatar will start as the over- whelming favourite against Yem- Qatar players take part in a training session on the eve of their match against Yemen in Doha. en in the Group B match at the Khalifa International Stadium today. But performances clearly have to improve. Before Tuesday, Qatar had not lost a single match since September, when they started Qatar head coach Felix Sanchez directs his players during a training their World Cup and Asian Cup session yesterday. PICTURES: Fadi al-Assaad qualifi ers campaign. Even though they lead the Group E, their per- formances in the qualifi ers against lowly sides like Afghanistan, India and Bangladesh have been ordi- nary, if not poor. Sanchez, however, felt that Qatar’s performance has not been in decline. “I do not think our performance is going down,” the Spaniard said yesterday. “We played tough games at the Asian Cup and Copa America. We are on the right track,” he added. Today’s match against Yemen looks easy on paper for Qatar, but Sanchez, still smarting from the defeat to Iraq, warned his side not be complacent. “There is no easy match in the tournament. We expect a highly competitive game tomorrow, but the players are motivated and prepared. We tried our best against Iraq but things didn’t go according to our plan. We will continue to work hard and put Qatar player Abdulkarim Hassan (right) greets teammate Bassam our best against Yemen,” he said. al-Rawi who is recovering in the hospital after getting injured on The lack of goals will be a ma- Tuesday during the opening Gulf Cup match against Iraq. Qatar goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb during practice yesterday. Yemen coach Sami al-Na’ash addresses a press conference yesterday. jor worry for Sanchez. Almoez Ali has failed to reach the heights of fi nd the net. to get back to winning ways. We We did not appear tensed against war-torn Yemen. It will be a lot to Yemen has had a direct impact on my team will be in the best shape Asian Cup, where he was MVP Afi f, who is in running for the know it won’t be easy and are Iraq. We played the game calmly expect from a side, whose players all national teams,” said Yemen and the defenders will be more of the tournament. Against Iraq, Asian player of the year award, aware of our responsibilities,” the and we lost only because we and coach are without a profes- coach Sami al-Na’ash, who side focused. We expect Qatar to at- Almoez wasted few easy chances said the team is determined to striker said. could not take advantage of the sional contract. A league game had lost to the UAE 0-3 in their tack, so I hope we do not make and lacked control with the ball. put a better show against Yemen. He also dismissed the claims opportunities we had,” Afi f said. has not been played in the coun- opening match. any defensive mistakes. I hope Akram Afi f has often put a spec- “The outcome of the Iraq match that pressure of playing at home Meanwhile, a victory today try in the last fi ve years. “A very diffi cult game awaits that the team will be mentally tacular performance but the Al was disappointing and we spoke has aff ected the players’ per- against a strong side will be “The suspension of sports ac- us because both the teams have strong against the Asian champi- Sadd player has also struggled to about it. But we are determined formance. “No, this is not true. nothing short of historic for a tivity for more than fi ve years in lost their opening game. I hope ons,” he added. Gulf Times Friday, November 29, 2019 2

PREVIEW UAE VS IRAQ (5:30PM) UAE aim to continue run ‘Iraq has improved a lot recently, but we trust ourselves and will against Iraq today give our best to win’

Buoyed by opening win, Iraq ready to face UAE

By Amjad Vanimal unperturbed by the task at at the start of the tournament. UAE national team and is aware Doha hand, perhaps due to the confi- As many as eight of his players of the challenges involved with dence the opening win over the arrived in Doha on Tuesday as taking Iraq back to the top their Asian Cup champions gave him. they were playing the Arab Club game, something that saw them fter securing a surprise “We want to play our own game. Championship second-round win three Gulf Cup titles — in 2-1 victory against hosts We create our own style. That’s match for Al Shorta against 1979, 1984 and 1988. AQatar in the 24th Arabian what we are training for every Mauritanian side Nouadhibou. However, he is satisfied with the Gulf Cup opener, Iraq will be day,” Katanec told at a pre-match The win over Qatar would have “pleasant headache” of younger hoping to carry the momentum press conference yesterday. given Katanec a welcome boost, players competing for places in into the Group A clash against The Slovenian said he was happy given his depleted side. the team. the United Arab Emirates at the with the performance of his When asked about Iraq’s “The quality of our players is Khalifa International Stadium players in the opening match, but chances of winning against the improving with every session, today (kick-off 6.30pm). spilt little about the team that he UAE, Katanec said, “We know and for me as a coach, this is Both Iraq and the UAE are would field against the UAE. tomorrow is a diff icult match perhaps the best thing as I can locked in at three points, hav- “We select them based on our for us. Whether it is winning or look at various game plans and ing notched victories in their training today. It depends on losing, it’s important for each strategies in my approach dur- respective campaign openers how they perform and their fit- player to show the best and I ing matches. with the latter on top with bet- ness level,” Katanec said. believe they can deliver the best “We’ve nothing to change. I tell ter goal diff erence. He would, however, be much as I expect.” players what I want. I hope they On the eve of the match against more relaxed this time round, Katanec is a well-known figure will show the best perform- the two-time champions, Iraq considering he only had 13 play- in the region after a previous ance against the UAE as well,” coach Srecko Katanec seemed ers, including two goalkeepers, stint as the head coach of the Katanec concluded.

UAE head coach (left) and player Mohamed Marzouq address a press conference on the eve of the Gulf Cup match against Iraq in Doha. PICTURES: Anas Khalid

By Yash Mudgal cannot do much in two days and every game in the tournament. Doha we rely on fi tness,” said Van Mar- We need time to develop and up- wijk, who guided the Netherlands grade the players.” to the 2010 World Cup fi nal. Commenting over his plan for he United Arab Emirates However, he said, his side is the Iraq tie, he said: “We train will want to maintain physically and mentally ready for daily in a special way and I like to their tempo in their sec- the upcoming matches. attack, but sometimes we have to ond match of the 24th “I said earlier that no matter change some things, and we will TArabian Gulf Cup against Iraq what happens, after the World start to face Iraq in a way that today. Cup qualifi er against Vietnam leads us to a win.” The Emiratis are at the top of game, I prepared the team for this The 30-year-old UAE defend- Group A after defeating Yemen in tournament and we will try to fo- er Mohamed Marzouq, who plays the group opener on Tuesday and cus on performance which is very for Dubai club Shabab al-Ahli, are ready for former champions important in terms of the level of also said they want to keep the Iraq, who shocked the hosts Qa- development.” winning momentum going. tar 2-1 in the fi rst match. Talking about Iraq, he said, “Iraq has improved a lot re- “We have the momentum with “Iraq is a very strong team. They cently, but we trust ourselves and us and will try to carry it tomor- have a game plan. I have played will give our best to win and con- row into the Iraq match also,” against Iraq when I was the coach tinue the journey in the tourna- UAE coach Bert van Marwijk said of Saudi Arabia and I know their ment,” Marzouq said. yesterday. strengths, but assure you we are Marzouq has also expressed “We only had two days to heal ready for them.” concern over defender Hamdan and I used to take part in other The 67-year-old Dutchman Kamali’s injury as he said: “I wish competitions where there is more added: “Everyone knows that we a speedy recovery to Hamdan and time to prepare and get back, but started months ago and we have we hope he will return to action Iraq coach Srecko Katanec (centre) addresses a press conference on the eve of the Gulf Cup match against the UAE in Doha. this is the case for all teams and we young players. We want to win soon.”

SPOTLIGHT We played as a unit, says Kuwait’s al-Mutawa

By Sports Reporter Doha

ader Ahmed al-Mutawa, who put in a man-of- the-match performance in Kuwait’s upset 3-1 win overB Saudi Arabia in their Gulf Cup opener on Wednesday, said it was vital for his team to get off to a winning start. “This is a very important three points for us. We played as a unit on the pitch and we followed the coach’s instructions,” the striker said after the match. Al-Mutawa had a key role in Kuwait’s fi rst two goals, with his pass and vision resulting in Ahmad al-Dhefeery and Sami al-Sanea scoring at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. The stunning win has put Ku- wait in driver’s seat in Group B, as they lead the table with three points ahead of Oman and Bah- rain, who played a goalless draw on Wednesday. Al-Mutawa thanked the vocif- erous fans for their support and was looking forward to Kuwait’s second match against defend- ing champions Oman tomorrow. “I want to thanks the fans, who cheered for us. Oman are a tough Kuwait players celebrate a goal during the Gulf Cup match against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. (Left) Kuwait’s Bader Ahmed al-Mutawa (left) vies team and we haven’t beaten them for the ball with a Saudi player during the match. PICTURES: Anas Khalid and Ram Chand in the last few games. But we will give our best,” he said. loss. “The result is not good. We tage of their chances in front of pions League title last Sunday, ing setback and focus on their Kuwaiti coach Thamer Enad got a lot of opportunities that we the goal. If we scored at the be- reported to national duty only a next match against Bahrain. “We said his side means business as did not take advantage of. We had ginning of the match, the whole day before the Kuwait. They also came with the group that can they look to add to their 10 Gulf our chances in the fi rst ten min- game would have changed,” he had to tinker their squad at the win, but there may have been a Cup titles. “I congratulate our Oman and Bahrain and we must all teams are good here and can utes of the match, but in the end lamented. eleventh hour after Al Ahly goal- negative impact on the late ar- players and our fans their incred- do well against both the team to qualify for the fi nal. We are here I take full responsibility for the Renard said lack of preparation keeper Mohamed al-Owais and rival of the players. In fact, I am ible support. We deserved to beat progress in the tournament.” to compete and win the title,” the loss,” the Frenchman said. and injuries to key players has Al Nasr defender Abdullah Mado concerned about qualifying for Saudi. But that’s past now and “Oman are the defending 49-year-old added. “What happened is that we hurt his side. Eight of his play- were forced out due to injury. the World Cup. I do not deny the our focus is to continue to play champions. They’re are a strong Saudi Arabia coach Herve Re- got opportunities that we did not ers, who were part of the Al Hilal But Renard was hopeful his importance of this tournament, well in the tournament. We play side. We will prepare well. But nard took the blame for his side’s exploit, while they took advan- squad which won the AFC Cham- side can recover from the open- but this is football,” he said. Gulf Times Friday, November 29, 2019 3

PICTURES: Ram Chand, Anas Sights from the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup al-Samaraee, Noushad Thekkayil, AFP Gulf Times 4 Friday, November 29, 2019 CRICKET

FOCUS PREVIEW Buttler doubtful for England as Mitchell Brooks, spinners makes debut for NZ

Reuters straining a muscle above his Wellington ribs, although it was unclear whether Matt Henry or un- capped fast bowler Lockie Fer- ngland could be guson would replace him. put WI on top in forced into follow- Ferguson has played for New ing New Zealand Zealand in limited overs in- Eand make an injury- ternationals and was brought enforced change to their side into the test squad for the for the second test starting England series, but released tomorrow at Seddon Park in for the fi rst match with Boult, Hamilton with wicketkeeper Tim Southee and Neil Wagner Jos Buttler under a cloud. the pace-bowling trio. Afghanistan Test New Zealand were com- Taylor said the decision on pelled into at least two chang- the composition of the pace ‘ALWAYS A GOOD THING TO GET A TEST CENTURY IN MY CAREER’ es to their side from that which attack would not be made un- won the fi rst test of the two- til the team turned up at Sed- AFP match series by an innings and don Park today and assessed Lucknow, India 65 runs, as all-rounder Co- the conditions. lin de Grandhomme and pace “I think the is drying bowler Trent Boult were both out a lot at the moment — it’s maiden Test century by ruled out on Wednesday. changed a lot since we’ve been Shamarh Brooks and Daryl Mitchell will make his here so it’ll be interesting with wily spin bowling put test debut for New Zealand the overhead conditions in the the West Indies in fi rm in place of de Grandhomme, morning and what the toss will commandA of their one-off Test who suff ered a torn abdominal be,” Taylor said. against Afghanistan yesterday. muscle while fi elding in the “I think they both would Brooks made 111 as West In- fi rst match in Mt. Maunganui. do very well. They’re slightly dies managed a lead of 90 after “Daryl Mitchell is making diff erent bowlers but they’ve they were 277 all out in the sec- his test debut, so that is very both got their strengths.” ond session of day two in the exciting for him” batsman England spent 201 overs in northern Indian city of Lucknow, Ross Taylor told reporters at the fi eld in the fi rst game at which has been hit by heavy air Seddon Park yesterday. Bay Oval and Buttler appeared pollution over the past month. “Colin de Grandhomme has to have aggravated his back Spinners Rakheem Cornwall (left) some very big shoes to fi ll during a workout in the gym, and Roston Chase then took but he (Mitchell) has had some captain Joe Root said, with three each to leave Af- experience at level middle-order batsman Ollie ghanistan tottering at 109 for and had a very good campaign Pope on standby to take the seven at stumps on day two. The on the fi rst class scene.” gloves. Afghans lead by just 19 runs in The 28-year-old Mitchell “We’ll have to fi nd out a lit- their second innings. has played nine Twenty20 in- tle bit more information on Opener Javed Ahmadi made ternationals since making his that throughout today and to- 62 before falling to Chase’s off debut earlier this year and was morrow and see where he’s at,” spin on the fi nal delivery of the a like-for-like replacement Root said of Buttler’s injury. day dominated by West Indies, for de Grandhomme, having Chris Woakes could come who resumed on 68 for two in scored seven fi rst class cen- in as a third seam bowling all- response to Afghanistan’s 187. turies and averaged 35.65 with rounder alongside Ben Stokes Afghanistan slipped from the bat and 33.57 with the ball. and Sam Curran to replace none for 53 to stare down the Boult was ruled out after Buttler if required. barrel, losing seven wickets for 56 runs in a dramatic collapse. “Once they were 50 for no loss, we thought we had to hang in there and get one wicket and you never know,” Brooks said at the end of day. Cornwall, the heaviest man in — weighing 140 kilogrammes (300 pounds), and 1.96 metres (six feet fi ve inches) tall — rattled the Afghanistan top-order and improved his match haul to 10 so far. West Indies’ Shamarh Brooks plays a shot during the second day of the only cricket Test match against Afghanistan at the Ekana Cricket Sta- The 26-year-old Cornwall, dium in Lucknow, India, yesterday. (AFP) who returned fi gures of 7-75 with his off spin on day one, struck in three successive overs. Scorecard England’s Ben Stokes (centre) catches a ball as captain Joe Root He trapped Ibrahim Zadran for Afghanistan 1st innings 187 (J. Ahmadi 39; J. Warrican ...... 4 Rahmat Shah c Brooks b Cornwall ...... 0 (right) and Dom Sibley look on during a team training session at 23 after a brisk start by the Af- R. Cornwall 7-75) Extras: (lb12, nb1) ...... 13 Asghar Afghan c Brooks b Cornwall ...... 0 Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday. (AFP) ghan openers and then got Rah- Total: (all out, 83.3) ...... 277 Nasir Jamal b Chase ...... 15 mat Shah and Asghar Afghan West Indies 1st innings (overnight 68-2, Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Brathwaite), 2-34 Amir Hamza c Cornwall b Chase ...... 1 back in the pavilion for scores of Brooks 19, Campbell 30) (Hope), 3-116 (Campbell), 4-137 (Hetmyer), Afsar Zazai not out ...... 2 zero. K. Brathwaite lbw b Amir ...... 11 5-150 (Chase), 6-224 (Dowrich), 7-243 Extras: (lb4, nb1) ...... 5 Australia cricketers pay Chase also took three wickets J. Campbell c Ihsanullah b Amir ...... 55 (Holder), 8-260 (Cornwall), 9-270 (Brooks), Total: (7 wickets, 36 overs) ...... 109 tribute to Hughes in his three overs. S. Hope c Ihsanullah b Rashid ...... 7 10-277 (Warrican) To bat: Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zahir S. Brooks b Amir ...... 111 Bowling: Yamin 10-3-24-0, Amir 28.3-4-74-5 Khan Australia’s cricketers have His death stunned Australia CRUCIAL PARTNERSHIPS S. Hetmyer lbw b Rashid ...... 13 (nb1), Rashid 32-5-114-3, Zahir 13-2-53-2 Fall of wicket: 1-53 (Ibrahim), 2-55 (Ihsan- paid moving tribute to and the world cricket Air quality in Lucknow was poor, R. Chase c Ibrahim b Zahir ...... 2 ullah), 3-55 (Rahmat), 4-59 (Afghan), 5-96 Phillip Hughes on the fifth community, sparking an with the local measure for PM S. Dowrich lbw b Zahir ...... 42 Afghanistan 2nd innings (Nasir), 6-98 (Amir), 7-109 (Javed) anniversary of his death, outpouring of grief and 2.5 particles — the fi ne particles J. Holder st Afsar b Amir ...... 11 Ibrahim Zadran lbw b Cornwall ...... 23 Bowling: Roach 4-2-5-0, Holder 3-0-18-0, gathering on the Adelaide ushering in stronger protocols of dust that can penetrate lungs R. Cornwall lbw b Rashid ...... 5 Javed Ahmadi c Cornwall b Chase ...... 62 Warrican 12-3-31-0, Cornwall 14-3-41-3 (nb1), Oval pitch to remember him around concussion and better and pass into the bloodstream — K. Roach lbw b Amir ...... 3 Ihsanullah run out (Hope/Dowrich) ...... 1 Chase 3-1-10-3 after his death in a freak on- player safety equipment. at 11 times the World Health Or- field accident. David Warner and Nathan ganization safe limit. Hughes, who played 26 Tests, Lyon, part of the team that will But Brooks, who started the utant spinner Amir Hamza who Playing just his third Test after raised my hand for the team to- Amir combined with skipper died from bleeding on the play Pakistan in the second day on his overnight score of 19, took fi ve wickets. making his debut against India in day. I thought today was much Rashid Khan to mop up the tail as brain on November 27, 2014, Test starting today, were seemed undaunted as he piled on Brooks was involved in two August, he also put together 74 harder than yesterday,” said the umpires called for early tea. after being hit on the neck by on the field when Hughes the runs without getting much crucial partnerships including runs with Shane Dowrich, who Brooks. Rashid Khan claimed three a rising ball while batting in a collapsed, while Steve Smith support from his fellow bats- an 82-run third-wicket stand made 42. “The idea was to keep Rashid wickets with his while domestic match at the Sydney was also a teammate and men. with overnight partner John “Always a good thing to get a out as much as possible, and left-arm wrist spinner Zahir Cricket Ground. friend of the 25-year-old. He was fi nally bowled by deb- Campbell, who made 55. Test century in my career. I just keep picking it off .” Khan took two.

SPOTLIGHT Drowsy Smith looking to solve sleep problems and Yasir Master batsman Steve Smith someone who’s wired the way Pakistan recall Abbas for second Test is consulting experts on how Steve is.” to get a better night’s sleep Paine confirmed Australia AFP Azhar would not say who Abbas would before cricket matches, but will would have an unchanged Adelaide, Australia replace, but Imran Khan is a candidate be fully alert when facing his lineup at Adelaide Oval after failing to fi re in Brisbane. Naseem Brisbane nemesis Yasir Shah after thrashing Pakistan by Shah, 16, could also be rested with Paki- in the second test in Adelaide, an innings and five runs in akistan were set to recall paceman stan keen to manage the workload of the according to Australia captain Brisbane to take a 1-0 lead in Mohammad Abbas yesterday for teenager, whose mother died recently. Tim Paine. the two-match series. the second Test against Australia Pakistan desperately need their bowl- Smith, a brand ambassador The Tasmanian was thrilled as they look to add consistency to ers to perform in Adelaide, having lost 13 and investor in an Australian how the rejigged top six Ptheir bowling attack under lights at Ad- consecutive Tests in Australia. mattress company, revealed he performed at the Gabba, with elaide Oval. They will be facing an Australian was “an awful sleeper” during all the specialist batsmen Skipper Azhar Ali will also drop down team that has won all fi ve of its pink- the Ashes series in England, getting runs except Smith, the order to bat at number three in the ball matches and with David Warner, Joe saying his mind would race who was bowled for four by day-night Test starting today, with Im- Burns and Marnus Labuschagne in fi ne with thoughts about where legspinner Yasir. am-ul-Haq set to get the nod to open the form after big scores at the Gabba. to hit the ball and how to play Smith’s cheap dismissal was a innings alongside Shan Masood and Haris Azhar acknowledged Pakistan have various bowlers. Months later, rare highlight for Pakistan in Sohail dropped. long laboured in Australia, with their in- on the eve of the pink-ball test Brisbane, and Yasir celebrated Seamer Abbas has taken 66 wickets at ability to bowl the opposition out twice against Pakistan at Adelaide by holding up seven fingers just 18.86 in his 14 Tests but was a surprise their biggest problem. Oval, Smith was still tossing to show the amount of times omission for the opening clash in Bris- “A lot of our tours to Australia we have and turning, Paine said. he has taken the Australian’s bane, where Pakistan were crushed by an struggled to pick up wickets. We have to “I know he’s working with wicket. innings and fi ve runs. control the rate, bowl in good areas for a people at Cricket Australia and The gesture prompted jokes “Defi nitely there will be some changes,” long time,” he said. elsewhere on trying to find from Smith’s team mates that Azhar said of the team line-up, which “Wickets in Australia, a lot of people a better night’s sleep,” Paine Yasir had “woken up the beast”, will be announced today. Asked if Abbas say it is bounce, it is pace. But equally it told reporters in Adelaide and the batsman remarked would be one of those changes, he replied: is good for batting as well, so if you can’t yesterday. that he looked forward to his “Yes.” bowl well for a long period of time, you “It’s not a great endorsement next battle with the 33-year-old “He’s (Abbas) done well in Test match- can’t put teams under pressure.” for his Koala mattress spinner. es, he can defi nitely bring a lot of control He added: “If we want to pick up 20 company but he’s working Paine said it was rare for and he has worked a lot since the last Test wickets we have to execute our plan per- on trying to get better at that Smith, who scored 774 runs at match on his rhythm and he is feeling bet- fectly.” and trying to relax a bit more an average of 110.57 against ter,” he said. Pakistan have played one pink-ball fi x- between games. England in the recent Ashes, to “Obviously a bowler of his class, you ture in Australia — three years ago in Bris- Pakistan’s Mohamed Abbas (right) and teammates take part in a training session on the “I don’t think it’s an easy fix for fail twice in a row. feel he has something to off er.” bane, when they lost by 39 runs. eve of the second cricket Test against Australia in Adelaide yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, November 29, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Pats defense returns to form ahead Lakers’ Davis nets 41 of facing Texans

Reuters with a groin injury. New York The New England second- ary is anchored by shutdown cornerback Stephon Gilmore, ith their stifl ing who is making a play for De- in triumphant return of the Cowboys fensive Player of the Year hon- last Sunday, the ors. Gilmore (34 tackles, four New England interceptions) silenced Cow- ‘I just tried to play through WPatriots pushed their aber- boys receiver Amari Cooper rant defensive performance and is sure to draw the as- it and calm my nerves against the Ravens deeper into signment against Texans two- the recesses of their collective time All-Pro receiver DeAndre and play basketball’ memory. Prior to surrender- Hopkins (81 receptions for 839 to New Orleans ing 37 points to Baltimore in yards and six touchdowns). their lone loss of the season in “He’s got really good size, Week 9, the Patriots (10-1) had length, speed,” Texans coach allowed a total of 34 points Bill O’Brien said of Gilmore. over the previous four games “Very smart. He’s been play- combined. ing for a long time. Very in- In recording consecutive stinctive, good ball skills, does wins over the Eagles and Cow- a good job of being patient. boys, New England allowed 19 He’s patient, he never panics, total points and seemingly re- he’s got a lot of confi dence in established its reputation as himself.” the best defense in the NFL, Still, even in a relatively doing so just prior to another down year for the Patriots of- stiff test on Sunday night in a fensively, quarterback Tom visit to face the AFC South- Brady remains the focal point leading Houston Texans (7-4) for any opposing defense. at NRG Stadium. New England has struggled There is plenty of nuance with consistency on off ense baked into any analysis of this season, sometimes fl ash- what makes the Patriots so ing past brilliance, other times stout defensively. Yet some- struggling to mount drives. times, the simplest answer of- That fact doesn’t dimin- fers the steadiest path to seek- ish Brady or his eff ectiveness. ing clarity. O’Brien and Texans defensive “Good players,” Patriots coordinator Romeo Crennel coach Bill Belichick said. “A have extensive coaching his- lot of good players on that tories with the Patriots, and group and we’ve played quite both enter this game armed a few guys. I’d say 18-20 are with the knowledge of what it involved there with signifi - takes to disrupt Brady and, by cant play time. But we have proxy, slow the Patriots. good depth and players that Countless teams over the have been productive and years have come to discover consistent and good with their that task is much easier said assignments and their tech- than done. nique, fundamentals.” “Our coaches will do a good Supporting the theory of job of giving us the right game the Patriots thriving based on plan, put us in the right posi- superior depth is the fact that tion,” Texans linebacker Bren- four players have recorded nan Scarlett said. “Obviously between 40 and 58 tackles they know (Brady) very well this season: linebackers Jamie and that coaching staff very Collins (58) and Dont’a Hight- well. It will be up to us to exe- ower (47), and linemen Law- cute, give him diff erent looks, rence Guy and Danny Shelton make sure we’re disguising (40 each). Cornerback Jason and not give him answers to McCourty has 39 tackles de- the test and we’ll go from Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball over Jahlil Okafor of the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Getty Images/AFP) spite missing the Dallas game there.”

AFP it 111-109 with 1:07 to play. “They made free agent in the off season. But he missed RESULTS Los Angeles shot after shot, big shots,” said Davis, who a seventh straight contest with a shoulder was booed by Pelicans fans in the opening injury – an absence greeted with skepti- Pirates turn to fi rst-time manager Lakers 114-110 New Orleans introductions and every time he touched cism by many Boston fans who chanted to end playoff woes os Angeles forward Anthony Davis the ball thereafter. “We showed our resil- Golden State 104-90 Chicago “Where is Kyrie?” and “Kyrie Sucks!” shrugged off the boos that greet- iency tonight and we were able to get the Minnesota 113-101 San Antonio as the contest got underway. Around the The Pittsburgh Pirates, who Charged with the rebuilding ed his return to New Orleans on win.” Toronto 126-98 New York arena, fans carried signs comparing Irving haven’t won a Major League task was Shelton, a 49-year- Wednesday, scoring 41 points to Davis, who had been booed by Pels fans unfavourably with Walker – who was back Baseball playoff series in 40 old former batting coach for Lpower the Lakers to a 114-110 NBA victory last year when he tried to engineer a trade Portland 136-119 Oklahoma in action fi ve days after he was stretchered years, named Minnesota Cleveland and Tampa Bay over the Pelicans. from the club – a move that fi nally hap- Washington 140-132 Phoenix off with a neck injury after a scary colli- Twins bench coach Derek who joined Toronto as a qual- “Man it feels so good,” said Davis, who pened in the off -season, said he was pre- Houston 117-108 Miami sion in a loss at Denver. Shelton as their new manager ity control coach in 2017 and fi nished his night by grabbing an attempt- pared for the reaction. Walker, who took over Irving’s job in on Wednesday. spent the past two years with ed inbounds pass from New Orleans’ Jrue “I just tried to play through it and calm Clippers 121-119 Memphis Boston, scored a season-high 39 points. Shelton, a first-time major- the Twins, who went 101-61 Holiday with 4.2 seconds left and then my nerves and play basketball,” he said. Milwaukee 111-102 Atlanta That included 13 in the third quarter, league manager, replaces this season for their best sinking two free throws to close out the He had plenty of support from his Lak- Boston 121-110 Brooklyn when Boston rallied from an eight-point Clint Hurdle, who was fired in record since 1965. come-from-behind win. ers teammates and that included James. defi cit with 10:05 to play in the period. September after the Pirates “It’s going to be an exciting Charlotte 102-101 Detroit Los Angeles had trailed by as many as “We understood,” said James, who “I was making some shots,” Walker missed the playoff s for the change of culture in our club- 16 early in the third quarter but opened scored 15 of his 29 points in the fourth Orlando 116-104 Cleveland said. “My teammates did a great job of fourth consecutive season. house,” Shelton said. the fourth on a 9-0 scoring run as they quarter and handed out 11 assists. “Any Indiana 121-102 Utah getting me open. It was a great night.” At 69-93, it was the club’s “It’s going to be a fun environ- trimmed the defi cit to one point. time you go back to a place where you Jaylen Brown scored 22 points and worst campaign since drop- ment in which we will all be Philadelphia 97-91 Sacramento Kyle Kuzma’s three-pointer knot- made a mark... you want to come back and pulled down 10 rebounds and Jayson ping 105 games in 2010. held accountable to each ted the score at 91-91, but the Pelicans play well and you want to win.” back to Boston for a scheduled rematch Tatum added 16 points for the Celtics, Pittsburgh won a one-game other. It will be a player- pushed their lead back to four points be- In doing so, the Lakers won their ninth with his former team. He cast a long shad- who remained unbeaten in seven home wildcard playoff game in 2013 centric culture built on strong fore Davis returned from treatment on his straight and improved their league-lead- ow at TD Garden, but it was Boston guard games this season. The Nets led 83-82 but has not taken a post- communication and relation- right elbow and stuff ed a dunk off a pass ing record to 16-2. Kemba Walker who starred in the Celtics’ with 3:13 remaining in the third, but Bos- season series since defeating ships with our players, our from LeBron James. 121-110 triumph. ton scored the next nine points. The Celt- Baltimore in the 1979 World staff and the entire organisa- The Lakers took the lead for good when CELTICS TRIUMPH The game would have been Irving’s fi rst ics took a 104-101 lead into the fourth and Series. tion.” Kuzma drained a three-pointer to make Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving didn’t make it in Boston since he departed the Celtics as a ruthlessly pulled away.

NHL Penguins score six in 3rd in wild rally past Canucks Reuters his sixth of the year, to make it 6-3. During Pittsburgh RESULTS four-on-four play, Kahun knocked a bounc- ing puck past Demko, cutting it to 6-4 at Penguins 8-6 Canucks 6:16, and on an ensuing power play, Malkin’s ris Letang’s one-timer from the Flames 3-2 Sabres slap shot made it 6-5 at 7:24. Aston-Reese right circle with 3:06 left in regula- Bruins 2-1 Senators tied it at 10:30 with his fi rst goal in 12 games tion broke a tie for good Wednesday on a rebound from the slot. to give the Pittsburgh Penguins a Maple Leafs 6-0 Red Wings Kwild 8-6 win over the visiting Vancouver Ca- Rangers 3-2 Hurricanes LINDHOLM’S OT GOAL LIFTS nucks. Evgeni Malkin had two goals, includ- Golden Knights 4-3 Predators FLAMES PAST SABRES ing an empty-netter, and three assists. Jake Elias Lindholm scored 1:17 into overtime as Guentzel had two goals and two assists, Bry- Kings 4-1 Islanders the Calgary Flames salvaged the fi nale of an Rust a goal and three assists, and Dominik Flyers 3-2 Blue Jackets their four-game road trip with a 3-2 victory Kahun and Zach Aston-Reese also scored for Blues 4-3 Lightning against the Buff alo Sabres on Wednesday. Pittsburgh. The Penguins erased a three-goal The Flames, who went 2-1-1 on their road Coyotes 4-3 Ducks defi cit in the third, a period that featured a swing, were without coach Bill Peters, who total of eight goals, six by Pittsburgh. Capitals 4-3 Panthers is being investigated by the team and the Matt Murray gave up four goals on 14 shots Avalanche 4-1 Oilers NHL after allegedly using racial slurs against before being pulled. Tristan Jarry made six Jets 5-1 Sharks one of his players a decade ago in the minor saves on eight shots. leagues. Associate coach Geoff Ward took JT Miller and Adam Gaudette each scored of the second with his 11th goal, on a three- command of Calgary’s bench. TJ Brodie and twice, Elias Pettersson and Jake Virtanen on-two. At 18:20 of the second, Virtanen got Matthew Tkachuk also scored for the Flames, each had a goal and assist and Quinn Hughes behind Letang, moved to his backhand and who won for just the second time in their past had three assists for Vancouver. Thatcher beat Murray for a 3-2 Canucks lead. Gaud- nine games (2-5-2). Goaltender David Rit- Demko, who played because expected start- ette extended that to 4-2 and chased Murray tich made 34 saves.Jimmy Vesey and Victor er Jacob Markstrom was ill, made 32 saves with 58.2 seconds left in the second when Olofsson scored for Buff alo, which lost for on 39 shots. Guentzel made it 1-0 at 2:29 of he scored on a third rebound. At 1:01 of the the fi fth time in its past six games (1-4-1). Li- the fi rst, after Malkin won a faceoff , for his third, Guentzel cut it to 4-3. He carried the nus Ullmark stopped 26 shots. Tkachuk and team-leading 13th goal. At 12:53 of the fi rst, puck behind the net before slicing a back- Brodie assisted on the winner, Lindholm’s Rust lifted the puck past Demko’s glove for a hand in off a post. On a power play at 2:31, team-leading 12th goal of the season. Tka- power-play goal and a 2-0 lead. Miller scored the Canucks regained their two-goal lead, at chuk passed to Lindholm behind the Buff alo on a three-on-one at 16:42 of the fi rst to 5-3. Miller’s shot knuckled in off defenseman net. Lindholm skated out in front, held onto make it 2-1, starting a string of four straight Jack Johnson for his 12th of the season. Gau- the puck while Ullmark went down and put a Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (left) moves the puck ahead of Vancouver Canucks right Canucks tallies. Pettersson tied it 2-2 at 7:17 dette beat Jarry glove side 35 seconds later, shot just inside the left post. wing Jake Virtanen during the third period at PPG PAINTS Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Friday, November 29, 2019 SPORT

GOLF ATHLETICS Olympic hopeful Cheruiyot pushed by Mixed reaction to fellow Kenyan

Reuters third time in a row and in October Nairobi took his fi rst 1,500 metres world championships gold in Doha. He had hamstring tightness hen Kenyan runner and was missing friend Manangoi, shorts ruling as Timothy Cheruiyot is whose injury meant he was unable sprinting to the fi n- to defend his title. ish at the world’s top He put that out of his mind to racesW he knows one man can stand focus on the goal. between him and gold: his best No pacing. No tricks. No part- friend. ner. Just run. Fast. The shy 24-year-old trains In the lead from the gun, alongside fellow Kenyan Elijah Cheruiyot fi nished in 3 minutes new Tour tees off Manangoi, 26, who was the 1,500 29.26 seconds, more than two metres world champion until seconds ahead of Algeria’s Taoufi k ‘IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO AND A VICTORY FOR COMMON SENSE’ Cheruiyot took the title this year. Makhloufi . The pair’s coach Bernard Ouma “I got the gold but it’s not the AFP loves their “sibling rivalry”, prais- end of everything,” said Cheruiyot, Malelane, South Africa ing Manangoi’s speed, Cheruiyot’s whose new dream is next year’s endurance and their drive to out- Tokyo Olympics. perform each other. The worst day of his career was any golfers opted to “Tim is working extra-hard in 2016 when he missed qualify- play in trousers yes- to catch up with him. And this is ing for the Rio tournament by half terday despite be- putting Elijah on his toes — ‘ah! a second. ing allowed to wear This young boy should not catch The eldest of four siblings, he Mshorts because of intense heat up with me!’” said coach Ouma, was born to tea and maize farmers when the 2020 European Tour channelling his elder protege. in a west Kenyan village. season teed off in South Africa. Cheruiyot was already coming He started running to-and- With temperatures set to reach close by 2017, taking silver 38 sec- from primary school, was compet- 40 degrees Celsius (104 fahren- onds behind Manangoi at the 1,500 ing at regional level by high school, heit) during the Alfred Dunhill metres world championships. but returned to the farm in 2011. Championship, the organisers “My toughest athlete (has been) Fortunately, friends encouraged said shorts could be worn for the my partner Manangoi … I love how him to keep running. fi rst time at an EPGA event. he trains,” Cheruiyot told Reuters One was neighbour and local While golfers wear shorts at his training camp at the Rongai coach Jonathan Bellion, who de- during practice rounds and at Athletics Club, located on the out- veloped a programme and pushed pre-tournament pro-ams, they skirts of Nairobi. him to rest between races and eat a were not permitted during com- This year, Cheruiyot won the balanced died. “He taught me how petitions until the searing heat Diamond League trophy for the to run,” Cheruiyot said. brought a change of heart this week. Females can wear shorts on the various professional circuits, India’s Mirza set for tennis including Europe, Asia and the comeback in Hobart United States. Among those who donned shorts for the fi rst round of the Dunhill at Leopard Creek Coun- try Club beside the Kruger Na- tional Park wildlife reserve was four-time major winner Ernie Els. “It is the right thing to do and a victory for common sense,” said the 50-year-old South Af- rica, ranked 424 in the world and in the twilight of his illustrious career. “Wearing shorts in extreme heat has been talked about for so long on all of the tours around the world. “I think this could be a game- changer for golf that will end up South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel (left) and Christiaan Bezuidenhout playing in shorts during the first day of the Dunhill Championship Golf Indian tennis star Sania Mirza We will see, but Hobart and enhancing the product,” added tournament at Leopard Creek in Malelane yesterday. (AFP) yesterday announced her return Australian Open (for sure).” the two-time winner of both the to competitive tennis at the She added that she had British and US Open champion- director David Williams said the Another who preferred trou- opened at a blazing hot Leopard SCORES Hobart International in January, experienced “a lot of change” after ships. decision was made to protect sers was Spaniard Pablo Lar- Creek Country Club. (After first round) two years after taking a maternity having a baby. Dane Thomas Bjorn, captain player health. razabal, who shared the early The 33-year-old Dutchman, 65 - Wil Besseling (NED) break. “Your routine and sleep pattern of the 2018 Europe and Ireland “The temperatures will in- clubhouse lead on 66 with Gar- who usually competes on the 66 - Keith Horne, Pablo Lar- The 33-year-old, who last played at changes. I (now) feel fit, my body Ryder Cup team, was another crease as the week goes on and rick Porteous of England and Challenger Tour, set the pace as razabal (ESP), Garrick Porteous the China Open in October 2017, is where it used to be before I had competitor to wear shorts at the a lot of players were concerned Will Besseling from the Nether- players battled with tempera- (ENG) will team up with Ukraine’s Nadiia the baby,” Mirza said. stunningly picturesque course in about it,” he said. lands. tures as high as 40 degrees at 67 - Alejandro Canizares (ESP) Kichenok — ranked 38 in the WTA The Hobart WTA takes place northeastern South Africa. “In these temperatures it can Golf is a sport steeped in tra- the course on the border of the 68 - Thomas Aiken, Jack Singh doubles chart. between January 11-18 and is a be pretty uncomfortable out dition with European Tour com- Kruger Park in the east of South Brar (ENG), David Drysdale Mirza, who married former key lead-in tournament to the ‘COMFORTABLE’ there in trousers, so the feedback petitors wearing shoes, trousers, Africa. (SCO), Grant Forrest (SCO), Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Australian Open. “Golf has been moving in this from the players has certainly a golf shirt and, usually, a cap for Besseling leads South African Branden Grace, Robin Roussel Malik, gave birth to her first child Mirza, regarded as India’s best- direction and because of the ex- been positive.” decades. Keith Horne, Pablo Larrazabal of (FRA), Daniel van Tonder — a son the couple named Izhaan. ever women’s tennis player, will treme heat we need to make it as The relaxed rules on shorts Additional clothing, like a Spain and England’s Garrick Por- 69 - Rhys Enock (WAL), Matthew “I am playing in Hobart, then I partner American Rajeev Ram comfortable for the players as we will apply only to the Alfred jacket, is added when the weath- teous, who qualifi ed for the Tour Jordan (ENG), Adrian Meronk am playing the Australian Open,” for the mixed doubles at the can. Dunhill Championship tourna- er turns cold or wet. last week. They all carded 66, (POL), Adrian Otaegui (ESP), Mirza was quoted as saying by the Australian Open. “There are traditions in golf ment for now, a European Tour with another Spaniard Alejandro Martin Rohwer, Connor Syme Press Trust of India news agency. Mirza in 2005 became the first that will always be upheld, but statement said. BESSELING SETS PACE Canizares a stroke back on 67. (SCO), Jaco van Zyl “I am planning to play a Indian to win a WTA tournament we also need to try and make it Daniel Greene was fi rst to tee Wil Besseling carded a seven- Former Masters champion Selected tournament in Mumbai, which is a singles title. She reached the easier for kids to get involved off yesterday, at 0620 local time under 65 to take a one-shot fi rst- Charl Schwartzel returned after 70 - Charl Schwartzel $25,000 (ITF women’s event) next fourth round of the US Open in in the game and move with the (0420 GMT), and opted for trou- round lead at the Alfred Dun- a lengthy layoff with wrist prob- 71 - Eddie Pepperell (ENG). month, but I am 50-50 about it, so the same year, and by 2007 was times.” sers, unlike most of his South hill Championship yesterday as lems to card a 70 in his fi rst com- 74 - Thomas Bjorn (DEN), Ernie let’s see how my wrist behaves. among the women’s top 30. European Tour tournament African compatriots. the new European Tour season petitive round in seven months. Els.

MOTORSPORT SPOTLIGHT Brazilian GP collision won’t Russia hits back at ‘political’ doping happen again, says Leclerc ban threat Reuters season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. AFP ing doping claims so they don’t Abu Dhabi “I was there (in Maranello) for the Moscow have to face off against Russian simulator. We also took the day to dis- athletes. cuss a little bit and I’m pretty sure it “This is about the politicisation harles Leclerc said yesterday won’t happen again.” ussia yesterday hit back of this issue in order to squeeze he and Ferrari teammate Se- The collision happened as the pair at a proposed four-year Russia out. There is a term for such bastian Vettel remained free to raced side by side and Vettel, more or ban on the country’s a thing: unfair competition. This race each other after clearing less clear of Leclerc, appeared to move athletes, denouncing ac- is a battle without rules, maybe theC air following their Brazilian Grand over on the Monegasque who stood his cusationsR of a doping cover-up as even already a war,” she said. Prix collision. ground. a politically motivated attempt to “The issue of doping... focuses The two Ferraris touched wheels as Leclerc said the responsibility for block its athletes from competing. exclusively on Russia, the prob- Vettel tried to pass Leclerc for the fi nal the incident lay with both drivers, and A committee of the World Anti- lems of other countries are not podium spot in the closing stages of the added that no rules of engagement had Doping Agency on Monday made discussed at all.” race at Sao Paulo’s Interlagos track two been imposed or any sanctions threat- a bombshell recommendation for The scandal has tainted Russia’s weeks ago. ened by the team. Russia to be barred from all sport- sporting reputation since the rev- The contact, which put both the Ital- He and Vettel had, however, agreed to ing competition for four years. elation of large-scale state-spon- ian team’s cars out of the race, had no give each other a wider berth when rac- It accused Moscow of falsifying sored doping aimed at improving consequence in terms of the construc- ing each other. laboratory data handed over to in- its medal performance at the 2014 tors’ standings with Ferrari already as- “Apart from that I don’t think there vestigators as part of a probe into Winter Olympics in Sochi. sured of second. is much we can do,” said Leclerc. the doping allegations that have Russian track and fi eld athletes It marked, however, the latest fl ash- “I think probably Seb shouldn’t have plagued Russia for years. were barred from competing at point in an increasingly tense relation- gone to the left and he knows it, I prob- If WADA chiefs adopt the com- the Rio Olympics in 2016 although ship between 22-year-old Monegasque ably could have done a better job of mittee’s recommendations at a Russians competing in other Leclerc, in his fi rst season with Fer- avoiding him going to the left. meeting in Paris on December 9, events were allowed to take part. rari and second in Formula One, and his “The most important (thing) is that Russia faces exclusion from key The ban was widened to include four-times champion team mate. everything is clear with Seb now and sporting events including the all events at the 2018 Pyeongchang “We looked at it, and I personally we move forward.” 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Winter Olympics, though Russian looked at it to try and understand how Vettel did not attend the offi cial FIA Speaking to reporters in Mos- competitors who could prove they we could have made things better,” news conference, having delayed his cow yesterday, foreign ministry were above suspicion were able to Leclerc, who has won two races to Vet- arrival in Abu Dhabi due to the birth of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc arrives for a press meet ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the spokeswoman Maria Zakharova compete as neutrals under the Ol- tel’s one this year, told reporters at the his third child. Yas Marina circuit yesterday. (AFP) accused other nations of pursu- ympic fl ag. Gulf Times Friday, November 29, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Messi fi res Barcelona into last 16, Leipzig hold Benfi ca The Argentina striker marks his 700th game for Barcelona by scoring his 613th goal as the Catalans beat Dortmund

AFP looked in peril of not qualifying at all Paris from Group G after the loss but Leip- zig’s last gasp eff orts mean they will go through with a win over the Lionel Messi-inspired Bar- side on December 10. celona booked their place Liverpool and Napoli were made in the Champions League to wait for their spots with a tense 1-1 knockout stages on Wednes- draw at Anfi eld. Dries Mertens opened dayA by crushing a desperate Borussia the scoring with a sweetly struck open- Dortmund 3-1, while RB Leipzig made er midway through the fi rst half, before the last 16 for the fi rst time with an in- Dejan Lovren’s header salvaged a point credible stoppage time comeback. to keep the Reds top of Group E. Lucien Favre’s position as Dortmund However the European champions coach looks increasingly in peril fol- still need to get at least a point away lowing the thumping at the Camp Nou, to Salzburg next month to secure their orchestrated by a sensational Messi, passage into the last 16, while Napoli that ensured Barca’s progress to the last need a draw with bottom side Genk to 16 as Group F winners and leaves the claim their spot. Germans in danger of not qualifying. Ajax also need a point to go through The Argentine scored one and set up thanks to a 2-0 win at Lille that fea- the other two for Luis Suarez and An- tured the fastest goal of this year’s toine Griezmann to infl ict a punishing competition to open a two-point lead defeat on Dortmund and move up to at the top of Group H. 11 points, four ahead of the Germans Hakim Ziyech netted after 94 sec- and Inter Milan, who won 3-1 at Slavia onds at eliminated Lille with Quincy Prague. “He (Messi) was incredible,” Promes hitting his fourth of the tour- said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde. nament on the hour mark. Four-time “It’s all about what he does and when European champions Ajax have 10 he does it. It was a performance to put points from fi ve games, two more than us through.” Valencia and Chelsea who fought out a Messi got the ball rolling with a neat hugely entertaining 2-2 draw in Spain pass which allowed Suarez to open the earlier in the day. scoring in the 29th minute, before the Ajax host Valencia in their conclud- Uruguayan returned the favour four ing fi xture next month, while Chel- minutes later to lay on Messi for his sea welcome Lille to Stamford Bridge 613th Barca goal on his 700th appear- knowing a win would be enough to en- ance. Messi, who has scored 10 times sure their place in the draw. in his last nine games, was also at the heart of the goal which extinguished CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS Dortmund’s hopes of a result in the Group E: At Genk, Belgium: Genk (BEL) 67th minute, slipping a wonderful 1 (Samatta 85) Salzburg (AUT) 4 (Daka through ball for Griezmann that the 43, Minamino 45, Hwang 69, Haaland Frenchman could happily stroke fi rst 87); At Liverpool, England: Liverpool time past Roman Burki. Dortmund slip down to third be- (ENG) 1 (Lovren 65) Napoli (ITA) 1 hind Antonio Conte’s Inter side, who (Mertens 21) roared to a fi ne win which keeps alive Group F: At Barcelona, Spain: Barce- their hopes of a place in the next lona (ESP) 3 (Suarez 29, Messi 33, Griez- round. Romelu Lukaku’s fi rst Cham- mann 67) (GER) 1 pions League goal for Inter and a Lau- (Sancho 77); At Prague: Slavia Prague taro Martinez double saw off a spirited (CZE) 1 (Soucek 37-pen) Inter Milan Slavia side that had levelled in the 37th (ITA) 3 (Martinez 19, 88, Lukaku 81) minute through a VAR-awarded Tomas Group G: At Leipzig, Germany: RB Leip- Soucek penalty after Lukaku thought zig (GER) 2 (Forsberg 90-pen, 90+6) he had doubled his side’s lead. Benfica (POR) 2 (Pizzi 20, Carlos Vini- Lukaku had another strike ruled out for off side by VAR in the dying mo- cius 59); At Saint Petersburg, Russia: ments, but it made no diff erence to the Conte. “We are expecting a tough, great them back from two goals down in the spot in the 90th minute before hitting and moving in the right direction. I’m Zenit Saint Petersburg (RUS) 2 (Dzyuba result and now a win over Barca at the match, but we know that we can count fi nal minute to draw 2-2 with Benfi ca. the leveller six minutes later, sparking just so proud,” said Forsberg. 42, Ozdoev 84) Lyon (FRA) 0 San Siro next month will guarantee on 80,000 people who will come to the The Germans needed a point to qualify wild celebrations. The draw gave Lyon a big let-off after Group H: At Lille, France: Lille (FRA) them a place in the last 16. stadium to push us on.” but looked down and out as the match “Reaching the knockout stages they failed to snatch a knockout spot 0 Ajax (NED) 2 (Ziyech 2, Promes 59); “We’ve given meaning to the match Leipzig made the knockout stages in dragged towards added time, but Fors- for the fi rst time in the club’s history when they fell to 2-0 defeat at Zenit Valencia (ESP) 2 (Soler 40, Wass 82) with Barca by winning tonight,” said dramatic style after Emil Forsberg fi red berg pulled a goal back from the penalty means that we’re doing the right things Saint Petersburg. Rudi Garcia’s team Chelsea (ENG) 2 (Kovacic 41, Pulisic 50)

EUROPA LEAGUE OOREDOO CUP Astana fi ght back to Rodrigues strike helps Qatar SC beat Duhail By Sports Reporter beat youthful United Doha

Reuters cause I think they deserved it.” Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan United’s team was packed with atar SC overcame Al Duhail academy products, including 1-0 in the Ooredoo Cup fourth three starters playing at senior round match at the Al Wakrah azakhstan’s Astana level for the fi rst time, and they Stadium yesterday. The match fought back to beat a took the game to Astana as Lin- wasQ settled via a solitary strike from youthful Manchester gard delighted the 1,000 away Kayke Rodrigues in the 51st minute. United side 2-1 at home fans with a scorcher into the bot- Qatar SC raised their points to 10, the Kyesterday, earning their fi rst tom left corner of the net. same as Al Khor who beat Al Sailiya 2-1 points in the Europa League’s Tahith Chong was guilty of in another match, but are second in the Group L this season. an astonishing miss in the 54th group on goal diff erence (+8 as against Al United captain Jesse Lingard minute when he fi red over a gap- Khor’s +10). fi red them ahead in the 10th ing goal from fi ve metres and Coming into the match, Qatar SC were minute with a fi zzing low shot United were punished shortly perceived as the favourites, thanks to from 20 metres before Dmitri afterwards as Astana scored two their superior form in the Ooredoo Cup Shomko and a Di’Shon Bernard quickfi re goals. this season. However, they did not have own goal turned the match on its Shomko equalised barely 30 it easy against a resilient Al Duhail side. head shortly after halftime. seconds later when he steered The fi rst half was evenly contested and United, who had already a low shot from 10 metres past neither side did enough to fi nd that cru- booked their place in the last-32, United’s 36-year-old goalkeeper cial early breakthrough. stayed top on 10 points from fi ve Lee Grant, who also made his full A good half-time team talk from coach games, but second-placed AZ debut for the club. Wesam Rizik was suffi cient for Qatar SC Alkmaar, who have eight from Roared on by their fervent to immediately get on top in the second four, can leapfrog them if they fans, the home side completed half. Brazilian forward Kayke was on hand beat Partizan Belgrade at home the comeback in the 62nd minute to grab what turned out to be the match- later last night. Third-placed when Bernard diverted an Anto- winning goal within minutes of the re- Partizan have four points and nio Rukavina cross from the right start. His determination for the goal, and Astana three. into his own net. throughout the contest, was a key sign of United manager Ole Gunnar Astana keeper Nenad Eric kept why The Kings are doing so well in the Solskjaer, who left the bulk of them ahead with a pair of acro- tournament this season. A spirited come- his fi rst-team players at home batic saves in the 78th minute, back was not enough for Al Duhail as they ahead of a busy Premier League tipping over an Angel Gomes continued to probe and ask questions of schedule, was upbeat despite the free kick before he denied Mason the Qatar SC defence, but to no avail. defeat. “ Greenwood from close range. Meanwhile, Al Khor defeated Al Sailiya You’ve got to put (the young- United will complete their 2-1 at the Al Shamal Stadium yesterday. sters) on the pitch before you group stage campaign at home to Abdulla Nasser al-Moraisi (fi fth minute) know if they’re good enough,” Alkmaar while Astana visit Par- and Said Brahimi (sixth minute) scored Action from the Ooredoo Cup match between Qatar SC and Al Duhail at the Al Wakrah Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Ram Chand the club’s former striker told tizan on Dec 12. for Al Khor. Captain Majdi Siddiq was Al Manchester United television. Sailiya’s scorer (63rd minute). a result of a fl urry of attacks initially. Ab- Sailiya made three substitutions soon In another match, Al Gharafa and “At times we were excellent EUROPA LEAGUE RESULTS Al Khor have 10 points, from three wins dulla and Brahimi struck when Sailiya had after the second half started, with Ab- Al Arabi played out a 1-1 draw. Reign- and the short spells we let them and a draw to have an unbeaten record. not even settled into their stride. The fi rst dulrahman Mohammed, Abdulqadir Il- ing champions Al Gharafa now have two push us back cost us in the end Group C: Krasnodar (RUS) 1 (Ari They started their campaign with a 1-1 goal was a bolt from the blue and the sec- yas and Hadi Ali coming off the bench. Al points and Al Arabi six. Hamdi Harbaoui because it was a big 10-minute 72-pen) Basel (SUI) 0; Trabzon- draw with Al Arabi, but then defeated Al ond goal made matters worse for Al Saili- Sailiya’s eff orts bore fruit past the hour took Arabi ahead in the 35th minute, but spell they had in the second half. spor (TUR) 0 Getafe (ESP) 1 Duhail by a whopping 7-0 margin and Al ya, who slowly came back into the game. mark, with the captain fi nding the tar- Sofi ane Hanni put Gharafa on level terms These boys have learnt a lot and (Mata 50) Gharafa 3-1. Al Sailiya, who drew 2-2 with Not long after, Sailiya’s Bilal Saidani get. But that was all they could do as they in the 41st minute. The Cheetahs have have given me food for thought Group L: Astana (KAZ) 2 (Shom- Al Duhail in the third round, lost 0-4 to had a good chance, but he sent his shot had a goal ruled out for off side in the 84th only one draw (2-2 against Al Duhail whom and I’m very pleased with many ko 55, Bernard 62-og) Manches- Qatar SC and 1-2 to Al Arabi earlier. They wide. The fi rst-half injury time saw Al minute. Al Sailiya attacked more in the they defeated in the fi nal of last edition) to of them. I’m just sorry they ter United (ENG) 1 (Lingard 10) stood on one point. Khor captain and goalkeeper Baba Djibril second half. However, they failed to fi nd their credit and lost two matches (0-3 to couldn’t go away with a win be- Al Khor were two goals up in no time as parry Majdi Siddiq’s curling free-kick. an equaliser. Qatar SC and 1-3 to Al Khor).

Friday, November 29, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Guineas double for al-Malki as Al Gazi, Black Pearl win Umm Qarn’s Marid wins Purebred Arabian Guineas in thrilling fashion

By Sports Reporter Doha

atari Horse Trainer of the Year Ibrahim al- Malki saddled the two Thoroughbred Guineas winnersQ yesterday with Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim al- Thani’s Al Gazi winning the Qa- tar Group 3 feature at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park turf track yesterday. Al-Malki, who was recently honoured at the Qatar Sports Ex- cellence Awards, is also the han- dler of Black Pearl, the winner in the Local Thoroughbred Guineas earlier in the evening. While Anas al-Seyabi rode Al Gazi in the mile-long fi nale to the horse’s second straight course and distance victory this season, it was Eduardo Pedroza in the saddle for Black Pearl. Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Malki (centre) and QREC Board member Ahmed Abdulmalik (right) with the winners of the Purebred Arabian Guineas after Umm Qarn’s Marid won the 1600m race yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Black Pearl was the second winner on the day for the train- er-jockey combine of al-Malki and Pedroza, with the son of Footstepsinthesand topping the Local Thoroughbreds Guineas in breezy fashion. Having made a winning debut in April this year, the Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi-owned geld- ing stayed unbeaten fi nishing a little more than three lengths ahead of the competition for a comfortable win. Alban de Mieulle-trained Marid bounced back from a mut- ed run at the Qatar Arabian World Cup at Longchamp in Paris to win the Purebred Arabian Guin- eas on his Qatar debut yesterday. However, the highly-rated TM Eduardo Pedroza rides Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi’s Black Pearl to Fred Texas colt had three impres- victory in the Local Thoroughbred Guineas yesterday. sive wins in France under his belt and his ability was never in ques- Mana al-Hajri. Trainer: Stefano Mohamed Hussain. tion. Ibido. Race 7: 1. Black Pearl (Edu- Yesterday, over the mile, he Owner Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani and trainer Ibrahim al-Malki lead in Al Gazi, with Anas al-Seyabi astride, after the colt’s win Race 4: 1. Return To Senders ardo Pedroza), 2. Ifreet (Luca beat Qatar-bred AJS Moaddie, in the Thoroughbred Guineas (QA Group 3) yesterday. (JP Guillambert), 2. Think Big Maniezzi), 3. Al Khor Surprise ridden by Tomas Lukasek for (Adrie de Vries), 3. Forced (Ryan (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Aafreen Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani, by half- after she won the Purebred Ara- The day’s proceedings began tacular season so far having won 4. Lawainah (Ronan Thomas). Curatolo), 4. Flash Henry (Harry (Ronan Thomas). Won by: 3 ¼, 1 a-length in a scintillating fi nish bian Plate event for three-year- with two Thoroughbreds notch- last month for the fi rst time since Won by: ¾, ¾, ½. Time: 1:38.47. Bentley). Won by: ½, 3 ½, Nk. ¾, No. Time: 1:38.72. Owner: Ab- to the QR150,000 race. old horses yesterday. The fi lly, a ing their respective hat-trick of 2015, moving up the distance on Owner: Sheikh Khalid bin Jassim Time: 1:11.93. Owner: Nasser dulatif Hussain al-Emadi. Trainer: Qatari apprentice rider Rashid winner in France on debut, made victories with Pedroza riding al- each of his three outings — from bin Thani al-Thani. Trainer: Ibra- Saeed al-Eida. Trainer: Jassim Ibrahim al-Malki. Ali al-Marri rode his second win- a similar start to her Qatar stint, Malki-trained Admiral to a close 1200m to a mile yesterday. him al-Malki. Mohamed Ghazali. Race 8: 1. Marid (Ronan Thomas), ner of the season when he guided with Tomas Lukasek riding her victory in the Local Thorough- Another Thoroughbred to Race 2: 1. Beach Samba (Ryan Race 5: 1. Mon’nia (Tomas 2. AJS Moaddie (Tomas Lukasek), Al Thumama Racing’s Qassy to to an almost three length victory bred Handicap event by three show an amazing turn of foot on Curatolo), 2. Gangland (Saleh Lukasek), 2. Minstrel (Ryan 3. Fuwairat (Eduardo Pedroza), 4. victory in the Purebred Arabian over 1850m on turf yesterday. quarters of a length, and Ryan the home straight was Stefano Salem al-Marri), 3. On The Front Curatolo), 3. Mkayns (Faleh Husam (Soufiane Saadi). Won by: Handicap event for horses rated After opening his Qatar tenure Curatolo riding his 14th winner Ibido-trained Dark Pursuit. Un- Line (Carlos Henrique), 4. Al Bughanaim), 4. Ginkeau (Anas ½, 1 ¼, Shd. Time: 1:47.32. Owner: 90 and below. The victory, which with a runner-up fi nish, Return of the season — Ahmed Kobeissi- der Luca Maniezzi, the gelding, Hasnaa (Harry Bentley). Won al-Seyabi). Won by: 2 ¾, 1 ¼, Nk. Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de saw the nine-year-old gelding To Senders went one better on saddled Beach Samba — in the who had some creditable fi nishes by: 1 ¼, ¾, 1. Time: 1:36.15. Owner: Time: 2:03.24. Owner: Al Shaha- Mieulle. fi nish one-and-a-half lengths his second outing under JP Guil- Thoroughbred Handicap event. this year, continued pushing on Hassan Ali al-Abdulmalik. Trainer: nia Stud. Trainer: Julian Smart. Race 9: 1. Al Gazi (Anas al-Seya- ahead of Osama Omer al-Dafea’s lambert to win the Thoroughbred Hassan Ali al-Abdulmalik- the home straight to win by one- Ahmed Kobeissi. Race 6: 1. Qassy (Rashid Ali bi), 2. Markhor (Luca Maniezzi), 3. Evolution Du Croate, was also Plate event for two-year-olds. owned Beach Samba showed and-a-half lengths. Race 3: 1. Dark Pursuit (Luca al-Marri), 2. Evolution Du Croate Arabic Channel (Tomas Lukasek), trainer Mohamed Hussain’s fi rst Jassim Mohamed Ghazali’s some exceptional pace going Maniezzi), 2. Hadeer (Pier Con- (Anas al-Seyabi), 3. Djelamer 4. Julius Limbani (Adrie de Vries). of the season. ward led from pillar to post even from the back of the pack to tak- RESULTS vertino), 3. Southernmachoman (Carlos Henrique), 4. She’ris Won by: ½, No, 1 ¼. Time: 1:36.48. Al Shahania Stud’s Mon’nia as Adrie de Vries-ridden Think ing his third straight win this Race 1: 1. Admiral (Eduardo (Ronan Thomas), 4. Life Of Riley (Eduardo Pedroza). Won by: 1 Owner: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad was the second winner of the Big ran out of real estate, coming season on the home straight. The Pedroza), 2. Qate’e (Harry Bent- (Gary Sanchez). Won by: 1 ½, ¼, ½, ¼, 4. Time: 1:44.28. Owner: bin Jassim al-Thani. Trainer: season for trainer Julian Smart threateningly close. gelding has been enjoying a spec- ley), 3. Faris (Rashid Ali al-Marri), ¾. Time: 1:11.74. Owner: Abdulhadi Al Thumama Racing. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Al Shaqab horses to participate in Salon Du beIN SPORTS agrees exclusive Cheval De Paris 2019 from today broadcast rights deal for next two he Arabian horses of World Arabian Championship Al Shaqab, member of held in France, with Kaheel Al editions of FIFA Club World Cup Qatar Foundation, will Shaqab crowned world champion compete in the World in 2014. eIN MEDIA GROUP Sport), Asia (Al Hilal) – as well and facilities in Doha, as well as TArabian Championship – the Sheikh Hamad bin Ali al-Thani (beIN) and Dentsu, on as host nation champions Al our experienced staff and tal- prestigious Salon Du Cheval De added: “Al Shaqab is no stranger behalf of FIFA, have to- Sadd, competing in Qatar for ent, beIN SPORTS will proudly Paris 2019. The event, scheduled to top titles, having bred three day announced a two- the title of best football club in broadcast this prestigious in- to take place from November 29 generations of world champions yearb media rights agreement the world. ternational club football tour- to December 1 in France, com- since its inception in 1992. This that will see beIN SPORTS Taking place from Decem- nament to millions of viewers prises competitions in various year, too, we look forward to the exclusively broadcast the FIFA ber 11 to 21, the FIFA Club across the region,” Yousef al- categories, including for the cov- best results, especially as all our Club World Cup in 24 countries World Cup Qatar 2019 will be Obaidly, CEO of beIN MEDIA eted title of ‘World Champion’. participating horses have been across the Middle East & North played in three stadiums. With GROUP, said. Participation will be limited bred and raised at Al Shaqab. Africa (Mena) region. Education City Stadium and FIFA Chief Commercial Of- to horses that have won notable Our well-established and proven Set to take place in Qatar for Khalifa International Stadium fi cer Simon Thomas said: awards at international horse breeding programme refl ects our the fi rst time in history, both set to host FIFA World Cup “Naturally we are thrilled to shows in 2019. This year, Al ability to present some of the fi n- the 2019 and 2020 editions matches in three years’ time, have beIN SPORTS on board Shaqab will be represented by est and most resplendent horses of the FIFA Club World Cup beIN SPORTS and global foot- for both of the next two edi- Fahad Al Shaqab and Zuhayr Al at horse shows. will be broadcast live and ex- ball fans can look forward to tions of the FIFA Club World Shaqab (yearling colt category) “We recognise the value and clusively on beIN SPORTS to an advance glimpse of these Cup. They are already an im- and Kashef Al Shaqab (junior colt importance of participating in millions of viewers across the spectacular state-of-the-art mensely important broadcast category: 2 and 3-year-old colts). diverse settings. The upcoming region. venues. partner of FIFA’s, being the Additionally, Hariry Al Shaqab, Show Department at Al Shaqab, world’s leading breeder for the championship will be another The FIFA Club World Cup is “We are delighted to have se- premier broadcaster in the host a former world champion, will said: “Al Shaqab’s participation most beautiful purebred Ara- opportunity to compete along the crowning global club com- cured the exclusive media rights country of the FIFA World Cup compete in the platinum cat- in Salon Du Cheval De Paris 2019 bian horses. “Over the years, Al with some of the top owners and petition, with the champions for the FIFA Club World Cup 2022, with unrivalled reach in egory. This magnifi cent stallion will mark our fi nal international Shaqab has competed in sev- breeders from around the world. from each continent – Europe across 24 countries of the Mid- a region that represents one of has sired several horses that par- event for this year. We have high eral international Arabian Horse Al Shaqab is honoured to partic- (Liverpool), South America dle East and North Africa, once the key markets in the world ticipates in Arabian horse shows expectations that our horses will championships and has repeat- ipate in leading Arabian Cham- (Flamengo), North and Cen- again showing our commitment today. We thank them for their around the world. lead the list of winners, rein- edly achieved success.” pionships and to represent Qatar tral America and the Caribbean to broadcasting the best sport- commitment and look forward Sheikh Hamad bin Ali al-Tha- forcing Al Shaqab’s leadership Al Shaqab has emerged trium- at such prestigious international (C.F. Monterrey), Africa (ES ing competitions on the planet. very much to continuing our ni, Manager of the Breeding & and its ability to remain atop the phant in previous editions of the equestrian events.” Tunis), Oceania (Hienghene With our world-class studios valued partnership.”