SPORT 07 It Is a Dream Come True for Any Pakistan’S Batsman to Score 100 Against Yasir Shah TODAY’S ACTION Australia

MONDAY 2 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 07 It is a dream come true for any Pakistan’s batsman to score 100 against Yasir Shah TODAY’S ACTION Australia. I was very excited. I’ve after scoring his maiden QATAR VS UAE: At Khalifa International Stadium,17.30 never got a hundred before, Test century during the KUWAIT VS BAHRAIN: At Khalifa International Stadium, 20.00 second Test against anywhere, so I felt a little bit of YEMEN VS IRAQ: At Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, 17.30 Australia. pressure on 99. OMAN VS KSA: At Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, 20.00 Hamilton wraps up season with a dominant win F1 ABU DHABIDHABI GRGRANDAN PRIX RESULTS AFP claiming a 19th start-to- was 1.6 seconds clearlear after Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton 1.1. ((1)1) Lewis Hamilton, GGreatreat BBritain, Mercedes, 1:42.866 ABU DHABI finish triumph. one lap and 3.3 by lap six as celebrates his victory at the Yas Marina Circuit 2. (2)(2) MaxMax Verstappen, NetherlNetherlands,a Red Bull Racing Honda, 55, +16.772 secs Hamilton’s Mercedes Leclerc launched hishis pursuit, in Abu Dhabi, after the ﬁnal Formula 1 race of 3. (3)(3) CharlesCharles Leclerc,Leclerc, Monaco,Monac Ferrari, 55, +43.435 Lewis Hamilton delivered team-mate Valtteri Bottas, moving two secondsds clear of the season, yesterday. sumptuous confirmation of who had started from the the Dutchman in a bidbid to 44.. (20)(20) Valtteri Bottas, FinlaFinland,n Mercedes, 55, +44.379 his title-winning supremacy back of the grid after taking overhaul him and take ththirdird 5. (4)(4) SebastianSebastian VettVettel,el, G erGermany,m Ferrari, 55, +1:04.357 yesterday when he claimed a new engine, came home in the drivers’d rive r s ’ 66.. (5) Alexander Albon, Thailand,Thaila Red Bull Racing Honda, 55, +1:09.205 his 84th career victory and fourth ahead of four-time championship. 7. (10)(10) SergSergioio PerezPerez,, MeMexico,xico, Racing Point BWT Mercedes, 54, +1 lap 11th in 21 races this year by champion Sebastian Vettel in After a typicallyy hhotot dday,ay, 8. ((6)6) LLandoando NorNorris,ris, Great BBritain,r McLaren Renault, 54, +1 lap dominating the season- the second Ferrari and Alex the sun went downn anandd tthehe 99.. (13) Daniil Kvyat, Russia, SScuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 54, +1 lap ending ‘twilight’ Abu Dhabi Albon in the second Red Bull. floodlights came onon around 110.0. (8) Carlos Sainz Jr, SpaSpain,in McLaren Renault, 54, +1 lap Grand Prix. It was a welcome morale the track. 111.1. (7) Daniel Ricciardo, AustAustralia, Renault, 54, +1 lap. Starting from a record boost for the competitive Despite his complaints,mplaints, 12.12. (9) Nico Hulkenberg, Germany,Ger Renault, 54, +1 lap. 88th pole position, the Finn, three days after Verstappen had greatreat speed 13.13. (17) Kimi RaikkoRaikkonen,nen, FinlaFinland,n Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 54, +1 lap. 34-year-old Briton was announcing the end of his and he passed Leclercclerc with 14.14. (14) Kevin Magnussen,Magnussen, Denmark,De Haas Ferrari, 54, +1 lap. unchallenged from lights to three-year marriage to a dazzling move at Turn 15.15. (15)(15) Romain Grosjean, France,Fra Haas Ferrari, 54, +1 lap. flag as he cruised to an Emilia. Eight, which he defendeddefended untroubled triumph 16 Sergio Perez took stoutly, to take secondond and FORMULAFORMULA 1 DRIVERDRIVE STANDINGS seconds ahead of Red Bull’s seventh for Racing Point on delight his ‘orangee army’ 1. Lewis HamiltoHamilton,n, GGreatreat Britain, Mercedes, 387 points. Max Verstappen and Charles the final lap, Lando Norris in the grandstands.s. 22.. Valtteri BottasBottas,, Finla Finland,n Mercedes, 314. Leclerc of Ferrari, who faced was eighth for McLaren, Bottas then brokeoke 33.. Max Verstappen, NeNetherlands,t Red Bull Racing Honda, 260. a post-race investigation for Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso the track lap record,d, 44.. CharlesCharles Leclerc,Leclerc, Monaco,Mon Ferrari, 249. fuel irregularities. ninth and Carlos Sainz, in the set by Vettel forr 5. SebastianSebastian Vettel, GGermany,er Ferrari, 230. The six-times world second McLaren, took 10th. Red Bull in 2009, 6. Pierre GaGasly,sly, FraFrance,nce, ScuderiaS Toro Rosso Honda, 95. champion’s success extended The race was preceded with a 1:39.715. He 7.7. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain,Spain, MMcLaren Renault, 95. his points-scoring run to a by drama for Ferrari when was sixth andd 8.8. Alexander Albon, ThailThailand,a Red Bull Racing Honda, 84. record-equalling 33 races, Leclerc’s car was discovered, chasing downn 9.9. Daniel Ricciardo,Ricciardo, AustralAustralia,i Renault, 54. levelling with his own record, during a pit-lane inspection, Albon with 19 laps ttoo 10. Sergio Perez, Mexico, RaRacingc Point BWT Mercedes, 46. and brought him his 50th to have a fuel irregularity go. 11. Lando Norris,Norris, GreatGreat Britain,Britai McLaren Renault, 45. victory from pole position. that revealed “significant dis- The closing stagesges 12. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 43. “That was an absolute crepancies” and required a were punctuatedd by 13. Nico Hulkenberg,Hu Germany, Renault, 37. master-class,” Hamilton’s planned post-race stewards drama as Bottas closed 14. DaniilDa Kvyat, Russia, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 35. race engineer Peter Bon- investigation. down Leclerc to fightfight forfor nington told him on team It was embarrassing for third and Hamilton,n, on cue, MANUFACTURERSM STANDINGS radio. “You didn’t even break the team, in one of Ferrari’s clocked a new lap record in 1.1 Mercedes, 701. into a sweat!” key markets and close to the 1:39.283, setting himselfmself up 22. Ferrari, 479. The winner, who secured Ferrari World theme park, to claim anotherr cleanclean 33. Red Bull Racing Honda, 391. title number six with two but this seemed to have no sweep of pole position,osition, 44. McLaren Renault, 140. races to go in Texas last effect on the Monegasque fastest lap andd race 55. Renault, 91. month replied: “I can assure who made a strong start and victory. 6. Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 83. you, I am definitely passed Verstappen for It was the thirdd timetime 7.7. RacingRa Point BWT Mercedes, 67. sweating.” second at Turn Eight on the Hamilton had scoredored 11 His fifth win at the Yas opening lap. wins in a season,ason, 8.8. Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 57. Marina circuit drew him level Hamilton made a perfect equalling his recordsrds setset 9.9. Haas Ferrari,F 28. with Ayrton Senna in start to his 250th F1 race and in 2014 and last year.ear. 10.10. WilliaWilliams Mercedes, 1. Harden ties Jordan for third most Joshua taking tips from 60-point games in NBA history Klitschko ahead AFP Houston Rockets guard James LOS ANGELES Harden (right) dribbles the ball of Ruiz rematch during the NBA game against James Harden tied Michael Jordan the Atlanta Hawks at Toyota for the third most 60-point perform- Center in Houston on Saturday. REUTERS ances in NBA history on Saturday as 60+ LONDON the Houston Rockets blasted the last- Harden and place Atlanta Hawks 158-111. Britain’s Anthony Joshua has been taking advice on Harden finished with 60 points Michael Jordan his training regime and diet from former heavyweight to reach the mark for the fourth time have both champion Wladimir Klitschko ahead of his title and tie Jordan. Only two players, reached the rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr. in Saudi Arabia on Kobe Bryant (six) and Wilt Cham- December 7. berlain (32) have more. mark on four Mexican-American Ruiz produced one of box- “That’s greatness right there. occasions. Only ing’s biggest upsets when he dethroned the previ- Those guys are something that I’m two players, ously undefeated world champion Joshua with a trying to get to,” said Harden, who seventh-round stoppage at New York’s Madison finished one point shy of his career Kobe Bryant Square Garden in June. high of 61. (six) and Wilt Klitschko was defeated by Joshua in 2017 at “Hopefully when I am done, I can Chamberlain Wembley Stadium with a technical knockout and be mentioned in that group forever.” the two boxers have stayed in touch even after the Harden made 16 of 24 field-goal (32) have more. Ukrainian retired later that year at the age of 41. attempts, including eight of 14 from “He said loads of stuff to me, Wlad was definitely three-point range, and connected on ahead of the game. He’s more disciplined than me, 20 of 23 free-throw attempts. He he’s more diplomatic,” Joshua told British media. played just 31 minutes and also had “He was giving me dietary and training advice eight assists. and that is maybe what people are talking about now He is the fourth player to score when they see a difference in my body. Maybe that’s 50 or more points on 20 occasions, why -- because I’ve adapted some of his teaching -- trailing Chamberlain (118), Jordan (31) my weight may fluctuate.” and Bryant (25). Joshua was dropped to the canvas four times in “It’s like everything else he does the June bout by Ruiz and the 30-year-old Briton is -- unbelievable,” coach Mike looking for redemption having triggered a rematch D’Antoni said. clause, admitting his first defeat had made him a The two-time reigning league smartermarter fighter. scoring champion came into the past four games with the hapless and shot 11 of 19 from the field. “I changed my mindset,” Embiid TheThe secondsecond WBA,WBA, IBF and game averaging 37.7 points per Hawks, who are the last place team His was the longest such streak said. “I hadn’t been as aggressive, so WBOBO titletitle showdownshowdown hashas beenbeen game and has now scored 40 or in their conference with just four since Bill Walton recorded 34 straight I’ve been more aggressive creating dubbedbbed thethe ‘C‘Clashlash on tthehe more points eight times. wins in 20 games. in 1976-77. contact and causing other people to Dunes’unes’ bbutut Joshua,Joshua, a formerformer His offense has been boosted “We came locked in and we The Eastern Conference-leading foul me.” Olympicympic champion, said the this season by the addition of guard didn’t get a great start but we rode Bucks closed November 15-1 for the Tobias Harris scored 22 points, beltslts wouwouldld not ddefineefine hhisis Russell Westbrook in the backcourt. it out,” Harden said. month. Al Horford added 15 points in the legacy.gacy. Opponents have tried without Elsewhere, Giannis Antetok- The Hornets cut the deficit to win. “There’s“There’s nothingnothing I’veI’ve success to slow him down by ounmpo scored 26 points as the Mil- three points early in the second T J Warren led the Pacers with missedssed aboutabout beingbeing worldworld double-teaming him. waukee Bucks breezed to their 11th quarter but that was as close as they 29 points while Malcolm Brogdon champion,”ampion,” Joshua said.said. Harden sat for the full fourth consecutive victory with a 137-96 would get. added 28. “I’veve alwaysalways said the beltbelt quarter with Houston up 127-73 at rout of the Charlotte Hornets. In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid had Ben Simmons had three steals in shouldould nneverever dedefinefine the the end of three. Despite his superb performance, 32 points, 11 rebounds and nailed all the final 13.9 seconds to seal the win man.an. I walkedwalked as “What he’s doing has not been Antetokounmpo’s double-double 15 of his free throws as the Phila- for the Sixers. a chchampionampion seen,” teammate Austin Rivers said. streak to begin the season was halted delphia 76ers edged the Indiana “I love being able to get steals beforefore I “My man had 60 and didn’t play the at 19 games. Pacers 119-116. and turn guys over,” said Simmons, evenven fourth quarter. Name another player The reigning NBA most valuable It was Embiid’s 12th double- who finished with 15 points and 13 hadd a who could do that right now.” player finished just shy of the double as the Sixers won their third assists. “I take pride in it and it gives belt.lt. The Rockets have now won the double-double with nine rebounds in a row. us energy.” Anthony Joshua 08 SPORT MONDAY 2 DECEMBER 2019

Australia’s Bowlers lift Australia on day 3 Warner is

REUTERS his maiden Test ton. He batted blast Mitchell Starc through the unfazed after MELBOURNE superbly in partnerships with covers. world record Pakistan’s Yasir Shah hits century Azam and tailender Mohammad A fired-up Cummins ended Australia edged toward a Abbas but was all nerves when Yasir and Abbas’s brave ninth bid cut short dominant victory and a series on the brink of his hundred. wicket rearguard at 87 runs with whitewash yesterday after Stuck on 99 with Hazlewood a brute of a short ball that pinged REUTERS leaving Pakistan wobbling at 39 steaming in, hearts were in off Abbas’s glove and went to MELBOURNE for three in their second innings mouths as he threw his bat at a Warner at gully. on day three, still 248 runs short fuller delivery, with the lofted Starc earlier dismissed Azam of making the hosts bat again in shot sailing close to a man at and Shaheen Afridi in consec- David Warner’s brilliant, the second Test. mid-on. It just evaded the out- utive balls before Abbas survived unbeaten 335 in the second Opener Shan Masood was 14 stretched hand of a back- the fierce hat-trick ball. Test against Pakistan on not out, with Asad Shafiq on eight tracking Pat Cummins, allowing Australia’s hopes of rattling Saturday thrilled the when rain brought stumps early the 33-year-old to scamper through the tail were hurt by a Adelaide Oval crowd but a in the day-night test at a floodlit through for a single. sloppy day in the field. pragmatic declaration by Adelaide Oval. Yasir, whose previous high Part-time legs-pinner Australia captain Tim Paine After bowling Pakistan out score in Tests was 42, gave David Marnus Labuschagne put down crushed hopes of a tilt at for 302 before dinner, Australia Warner a run for his money with a simple caught and bowled Brian Lara’s world record. enforced the follow-on and Josh his exuberant celebrations as he chance to reprieve Yasir on 43 Warner became the Hazlewood duly rewarded knelt down to touch his forehead and dropped him again on 106 seventh Australian batsman skipper Tim Paine with two early to the turf before rising to when fielding at short leg. But to bring up three figures on wickets, with Mitchell Starc brandish his bat like a sword. Paine’s team strode off the day two and finished with chipping in one. Following a 104 in the sodden Adelaide Oval turf sat- the 10th highest score of all Hazlewood trapped opener Brisbane Test, Azam missed out isfied with their work, with the time after his 418-ball epic. Imam-ul-Haq lbw for a duck on on a second consecutive century, luxury of time to knock off the The lefthander moved the cusp of dinner and later falling for 97 when he tried to seven wickets for victory. just past the 334 scored by returned to have Babar Azam Don Bradman in 1930 and caught behind for eight. SCOREBOARD matched by Mark Taylor’s Starc, who took 6-66 in the unbeaten 334 away to Pakistan batsman Yasir first innings, later yesterday Australia 1st innings ...... 589-3 dec (Azhar), 3-20 (Azam) Pakistan in 1998. Shah celebrates after grabbed his seventh wicket for Pakistan 1st innings ...... 302 Still to bat: Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Among Australians, the Test by dismissing Pakistan scoring his century Warner now ranks second against Australia in Pakistan 2nd innings Rizwan, Yasir Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Mu- captain Azhar Ali for nine, with S. Masood not out ...... 14 hammad Musa, Mohammad Abbas only to Matthew Hayden’s Steve Smith diving for a fine Adelaide yesterday. 380 against Zimbabwe in Imam-ul-Haq lbw Hazlewood ...... 0 Bowling: Starc 4-1-10-1, Hazlewood 8-3- catch in the slips. 2003. Having thrashed Pakistan by A. Ali c Smith b Starc...... 9 15-2, Cummins 4.5-2-14-0 With Warner scoring at an innings and five runs in the side declared their first innings on day three as Yasir Shah dug B. Azam c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 8 Toss: Australia a rapid strike-rate of 80.14, Brisbane opener, Australia closed at a mammoth 589 for in for an unlikely century. A. Shafiq not out ...... 8 Umpires: Richard Illingworth (ENG), Lara’s 400 against England appear well set to sweep the three on day two and then The stocky leg-spinner was Extras ...... 0 Michael Gough (ENG) in 2004 seemed there for the series 2-0 unless weather reduced Pakistan to 89 for six in eventually caught in the deep for Total (three wickets; 16.5 overs) ...39 TV Umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) taking as the man nick- intervenes. the evening session. 113 but not before warming named ‘Bull’ punished a Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Imam-ul-Haq), 2-11 Match Referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL) Anchored by a magnificent Australia were made to work hearts from Peshawar to Karachi demoralised Pakistan attack. 335 by David Warner, the home hard for the remaining wickets as he defiantly clung on to record Batting partner Matthew Wade was providing good support at the other end and Root, Burns hit centuries there were seven wickets in the bank. Yet with rain forecast in the coming days, sentimen- as New Zealand hit back tality was shoved aside as Paine declared the innings AFP pressure of captaincy was closed at 589 for three, HAMILTON “The run out got us affecting his form. giving his bowlers a few going. We hung in To that end, he was in no overs before the dinner Despite centuries to Joe Root and there for long enough mood to take risks as he faced break. Rory Burns, England expressed and we were able to 258 deliveries in six hours to Warner, himself, said he disappointment at stumps on get those rewards reach 99, before his century had no regrets but admitted day three of the second Test came on a surprise mistiming he was thinking about Lara’s against New Zealand after losing late in the day for all that saw an inside edge fly past record as he motored past late wickets in Hamilton the toil we put in.” the wicketkeeper to the 300. yesterday. boundary. “If the boundaries were England captain Root ended Tim Southee of His 17th Test hundred was a little bit shorter, I might his run drought with an New Zealand his first in 15 innings since the have taken them on a bit unbeaten 114 while Burns rode West Indies in February. more,” Warner told broad- his luck to post 101. Burns lead a charmed life on caster Fox Sports. But after they took England the way to his second century England cricket captain Joe Root celebrates his century on day “Wadey kept on saying to 201 for two, the tourists were despite the 63 overs it took to when he was dropped on 10 and three of the second cricket Test between England and New Zealand to me at the other end, let’s 269 for five at stumps and still break the Root-Burns 19 and on 87 survived a run-out at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday. not run too hard and run trailing New Zealand by 106. partnership. opportunity when New Zealand ourselves out.” “I enjoyed the fact I got it “We hung in there for long botched the return throw. SCOREBOARD He said he had more (hundred) but at the same time enough and we were able to get But two balls after reaching regrets when dismissed for New Zealand 1st innings ...... 375 disappointed me and Rooty those rewards late in the day for three figures he ambled through 253 in Perth against New England 1st innings (overnight 39-2) couldn’t stretch our partnership all the toil we put in. the first single when Root called R. Burns run out (Raval/Watling) ...... 101 Zealand in 2015, having and get us deeper into the game,” “If things aren’t happening for two and although he accel- D. Sibley lbw Southee ...... 4 been in rollicking form with Burns said. you keep on trying.” erated on the return leg he was J. Denly c Watling b Henry ...... 4 a fast outfield. He now holds “We’re disappointed to lose With Root and Burns putting a centimetre short when BJ J. Root not out ...... 114 the distinction of being one a couple of wickets at the back on 177 for the third wicket, Watling broke the stumps. B. Stokes c Taylor b Southee ...... 26 of only three Australians to end as well.” England found the “bat-long” Stokes strayed from the Z. Crawley c Watling b Wagner ...... 1 score more than 250 twice, With only five wickets partnership they had been “bat-long” script when he O. Pope not out ...... 4 the others being Bradman remaining and 16 overs washed searching for in their attempt to replaced Burns and compiled a Extras: (lb14, nb1) ...... 15 and former captain Michael Total: (five wickets; 99.4 overs) ...... 269 out by rain in the final session, follow the same recipe New brisk 26 before Southee Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Sibley), 2-24 (Denly), Clarke. England’s vision of building a Zealand used to win the first extracted slight movement off 3-201 (Burns), 4-245 (Stokes), 5-262 (Crawley) It is exalted company for healthy lead was rapidly fading. Test. the wicket and found an edge for To bat: S. Curran, C. Woakes, J. Archer, S. Broad a man fingered as the mas- The tempo swung away from But following the dismissal Ross Taylor to hold. Bowling: Southee 26-3-63-2, Henry 21.4-5-56- termind of the ball-tam- England when Burns was run out of Burns, Ben Stokes was gone Crawley’s maiden Test 1, Wagner 23-3-76-1, Mitchell 12-4-28-0 (1nb), pering scandal at Newlands and New Zealand followed up for 26 while Zak Crawley made innings only lasted six balls Santner 17-4-32-0 last year, which scandalised with the quick wickets of Ben one on debut. when he was caught behind to Toss: England a nation and saw him Stokes and Zak Crawley. Root was under added give Neil Wagner his first wicket. Series: New Zealand lead 1-0 banned for 12 months along Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI), Paul Wil- “The run out got us going,” pressure to not only guide For New Zealand, Southee son (AUS) with former skipper Steve said Tim Southee who accounted England to a position of strength has taken two for 63 while TV Umpire: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) Smith. for Stokes, adding that New but also to end his own run Wagner and Matt Henry have a Match Referee: Javagal Srinath (IND) Smashing 154 in the first Zealand never gave up hope dearth amid suggestions the wicket each. test in Brisbane, Warner now has 489 runs for the Pakistan batsman Babar Azam series, an outrageous reacts after being dismissed by rebound from his gloomy Australia on the third day of Ashes when he was preyed the second cricket Test match upon by Stuart Broad and in Adelaide yesterday. jeered relentlessly throughout by the English “I think we’ve been crowds. fantastic in bowling Warner said he wanted partnerships as well. to produce a “massive statement” upon returning Pakistan have had a home, having missed the couple of really posi- previous Australian summer tive innings individu- while serving his ban. ally but haven’t had “(There was) poor form that consistency to in England,” said Warner. either wear us down “But to come back here in Australia, put some back- or maintain the pres- to-back performances on sure for long enough the board, have that con- to break us open.” sistency and start the Mitchell Starc of summer well for our team, that’s what I was more New Zealand’s wicketkeeper BJ Watling dives but fails to take a catch from England’s Rory Burns during the third day of the second Australia proud of myself for.” cricket Test between England and New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday. MONDAY 2 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 09 Stage set for Qatar National Road Cycling Championships

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation, the governing body of cycling and triathlon in Qatar is set to organize the The Masters Medical Center National Road Cycling Championships on Friday in Dukhan. “The Nationals” are the premier events in Qatar’s road Johnson out racing calendar. Each year the best Qatari of World cyclists compete to be recognised as their country’s best cyclist and Challenge earn the right to wear the National Champion’s jersey for REUTERS one year. BAHAMAS Right around the cycling world, wearing the jersey car- American World number four rying your national flag is a huge Dustin Johnson (pictured) has honour, as it is here too in Qatar. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwari, President of Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation and other officials pose withdrawn from next week’s for a group picture in Doha yesterday. Results will be officially We, at QCTF, have Hero World Challenge in the logged with cycling’s governing Bahamas but says he will be fit body, the UCI. In itself this means demanding enough to separate and we can expect surprises. and each year we are welcoming been always very for the Presidents Cup the recognition for Qatar on the the riders according to ability In addition to the Qatari new members to both of our active with event following week. world stage. and discover the true Championship, there are races sports. The Qatar Road National organization. Most Johnson, who has not Dukhan, with its elevated champions. for masters (aged over 40), vet- Champs are very important part played since having left knee limestone formations, is easily The current title holder, erans (aged over 50) and of our events calendar. We are events target the surgery in early September, the best location for road cycling Fawaz Al Shammri, will not expats. looking forward to see who are whole cycling or announced the decision on in Qatar. defend his title due to injury. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwari, the best Qatari and Expats in the triathlon community Twitter on Saturday. The 25 km lap heading out This leaves last year’s runner President of QCTF was enthusi- country”. and each year we He said Tiger Woods, of town into hilly oilfields to the up Marwan Al Jalham starting as astic before the event: “We, at The event is sponsored by captain of the United States northeast then returning along favourite. QCTF, have been always very The Masters Medical Center and are welcoming new team to take on the Interna- the windy seashore to the west, A bunch sprint finish is active with event organization. supported by Royal Air Maroc, members to both of tionals at the Presidents Cup in has plenty of interesting ele- unlikely but road racing is a tac- Most events target the whole Rayyan Natural Water and Rasen our sports: Al Kuwari Australia, approved of the plan. ments which makes the race tical as well as physical challenge cycling or triathlon community Adventure Shop. Johnson said that while the cartilage in his knee was fully healed, he felt he would be better off spending the week practising rather than playing. Cheptegei smashes world “After a lot of careful thought and consultation, I have decided that it is in my best interest if I withdraw from 10km record in Valencia next week’s Hero World Chal- lenge,” he wrote. IAAF “I have informed captain VALENCIA Woods of my decision, which he fully supports and under- Joshua Cheptegei smashed the world stands, and cannot wait to tee record in the 10km, clocking 26:38 at it up with him and my team- the 10K Valencia Trinidad Alfonso, a mates next week in Australia.” New Zealand’s flanker Ardie Savea takes part in a World Athletics Silver Label road race, The World Challenge is an training session in Beppu, in this file picture. yesterday exclusive 18-man event which The Ugandan star clipped six does not count as an official seconds from the previous record of victory on the PGA Tour. Savea to miss 26:44 set by Kenya’s Leonard Patrick The American Presidents Komon in 2010 to complete a sensa- Cup team is already missing tional 2019 hat-trick that included world number one Brooks Hurricanes world titles in cross country and Koepka, who is rehabilitating 10,000m on the track. an injured knee. Pacesetter Roy Hoornweg covered The Presidents Cup will be the opening kilometre in 2:42 before played at Royal Melbourne Super season Cheptegei moved to the front briefly from December 12-15. AFP demanding a quicker pace, a demand The Americans, who have WELLINGTON that was met - by the second kilo- lost the event only once in 12 Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei celebrates winning gold in the men’s 10,000m metre the clock read 5:42 for a stagings, are favored over an final of the World Athletics Championships in Doha in this October 6, 2019 All Blacks star Ardie Savea is to miss most of the 2020 2:40-kilometre split. International team that has also Super Rugby season after announcing yesterday he Once Hoorweg dropped out, file picture. been hit by injury. is to undergo surgery following an injury suffered in Stephen Kissa and Abdallah Mande Australian former world the World Cup semi-final loss to England. took command with Cheptegei in tow, entire second half, a determined 10,000m world champion in Doha and number one Jason Day He is the second marquee player to be missing with the trio covering three kilometres Cheptegei reached 6km in 16:02 and now the world record here in Valencia. withdrew on Friday due to a from the Wellington Hurricanes after All Blacks in 7:57, well inside the word record 7km in 18:42. Cheptegei forged on, What a year it has been,” the 23-year-old back problem, replaced by fullback Beauden Barrett transferred to the Auckland schedule. Following a 2:41 split for the reaching 8km in 21:37, when it became said. South Korean An Byeong-hun. Blues. fourth kilometre, Cheptegei overtook clear that the world record was within “I can’t believe it! I knew that And South African Charl Savea, a finalist for the world player of the year, the pacemakers before the halfway reach. With 23:59 on the clock at the Valencia was going to be a really fast Schwartzel, a mainstay on the revealed the extent of the knee injury in an Instagram point, reaching 5km in 13:23, one 9km point, Cheptegei needed to cover course, one of the fastest in the International team at the past post when he said he could be sidelined for up to six second shy of the world record for that the final kilometre in 2:45, a close well world. So to get to achieve what we four events, was unavailable for months. distance. within his capabilities. came here for is something really selection due to a wrist injury. “Thought I’d let you guys know that I’ll be getting Running on his own over the “World cross champion in Denmark, special.” He has not played since April. surgery on my knee that I injured in the semifinal,” Savea said. “Unfortunately will be out for 5-6 months so will miss the majority of the Super Rugby season with Ronaldo rescues a point as my Canes brothers. “Pretty guttered when I found out even though I thought I’d be sweet if something like this hap- Juve slip at home to Sassuolo pened. I’m good now just been partying and relaxing and now will wait for surgery.” With the regular super AFP be overtaken by Inter Milan, end and we could even have rugby season finishing at the end of May, it means MILAN who host struggling SPAL. won it.” Savea is unlikely to be seen before the play-offs -- Sassuolo, in 12th, claimed Ronaldo started up front, if the Hurricanes qualify. Cristiano Ronaldo rescued a their first ever point at having missed last weekend’s The bruising loose forward had been seen as a 2-2 draw for Juventus at home Juventus, and held Sarri’s league game with a slight likely All Blacks replacement at number eight for against Sassuolo yesterday but unbeaten champions to their knee problem, as Paulo Kieran Read who retired from international rugby the result left the way open for third draw of the season. Dybala, who scored in their after the World Cup. However, a lack of game time Inter Milan to take top spot in “We got into trouble on Champions League win over may rule him out of the mid-year Tests against Wales Serie A. our own, we didn’t use our Atletico Madrid, started on the and Scotland. “We didn’t use our heads,” heads in the first half, as the bench. Meanwhile, Montpellier romped to a five-try lamented Juventus boss Mau- goals conceded show,” said Eighteen-year-old Stefano bonus point triumph over French Top 14 leaders Lyon rizio Sarri. Sarri. Turati made an impressive on Saturday as Bordeaux-Begles defeated Racing92 Leonardo Bonucci had “Every time we lost the debut in the Sassuolo goal, and on the road for the first time in 12 years to stay in scored early for the eight-time ball we left ourselves open. We pulled off a string of fine saves, second place. Lyon’s lead over Bordeaux was cut to reigning Serie A champions had a first half without appli- denying Ronaldo, Gonzalo just one point after their second loss of the league but Jeremie Boga and cation and little energy from Higuain and Dybala late. season which worryingly followed back-to-back Francesco Caputo hit back for the character point of view. But Juventus counterpart defeats in the European Champions Cup to North- Sassuolo before Ronaldo’s “But we were coming off Gianluigi Buffon had a ampton and Leinster. As expected, Montpellier were point-saving intervention two games in which we used nightmare. The 41-year-old, Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo during the Serie A maatch unable to hand a debut to South African World Cup from the spot in Turin. up a lot of energy against Ata- making just his fifth start this against US Sassuolo at the Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy, winner Handre Pollard who is still recovering from Juventus have a two-point lanta and Atletico Madrid. season, was at fault in Caputo’s an eye socket injury. lead on top of Serie A but can “The reaction came at the goal just after the break. yesterday. 10 SPORT MONDAY 2 DECEMBER 2019

Sevilla seal Arsenal’s post-Emery era begins narrow win over Leganes with 2-2 draw against Norwich to go second AFP REUTERS NORWICH BARCELONA

Arsenal caretaker manager Sevilla beat basement club Freddie Ljungberg said it is Leganes 1-0 at home in an obvious what he needs to work enthralling encounter yesterday on as the Gunners’ defensive to climb up to second in La Liga. problems were again exposed in The win lifted them to 30 a 2-2 draw at struggling Norwich points after 15 games, one yesterday. behind leaders Real Madrid, Norwich twice led through who have a game in hand, Teemu Pukki and Todd Cantwell, although Barcelona, on 28 but Arsenal captain Pierre- points, will climb back above Emerick Aubameyang ensured both sides if they beat Atletico Ljungberg did not suffer defeat Madrid. in his first game since taking Sevilla defender Diego temporary charge. Carlos struck the only goal in “It’s easy to see what we the 63rd minute of an end-to- have to work on,” said Ljungberg. end game, blasting into the roof “We need to work on the transi- of the net from close range tions, we dominated and they inside a crowded penalty box break on us too easily.” after Jules Kounde’s overhead Arsenal also had goalkeeper kick was parried. Bernd Leno to thank for coming Even though they are still away with a point as the German propping up the table, Leganes saved brilliantly from Kenny have made huge improvements McLean, Pukki and Emiliano under Mexican coach Javier Buendia. Aguirre and last week came Unai Emery was sacked on close to causing a shock against Friday after seven games without Barcelona, eventually losing a win in all competitions that had 2-1. seen the Gunners fall well off the They produced a gutsy and pace in the race for a top-four bold display in Seville and finish. created numerous chances to A point leaves Arsenal still score throughout the game, seven adrift of the top four down with Moroccan forward Norwich City midﬁelder Todd Cantwell (right) shoots unsuccessfully past Arsenal defender David Luiz during the English Premier League in eighth, but Ljungberg believes Youssef En-Nesyri almost match at Carrow Road in Norwich, eastern England, yesterday. he can help close that gap. giving them the lead with a “Top four is 100 percent vicious bicycle kick early in achievable,” added the Swede. captaincy among four changes the game when captain beginning to get on top, they McLean’s shot was turned the second half. “In the beginning I saw a lot of from Emery’s last starting Christoph Zimmerman handled were again cut open with ease onto the post, Cantwell’s strike They laid siege to Sevilla’s things we worked on in training, line-up in the league. a free-kick inside his own box. as Onel Hernandez’s cut-back from the edge of the area flew area in added time but Julen but we need to score goals and After a bright start, Arsenal Aubameyang saw his first was passed into the far corner just wide and Pukki was denied Lopetegui’s side clung on, sur- take the lead. fell behind to Norwich’s first spot-kick saved by Tim Krul, but by Cantwell to give Norwich a by a fine Leno save in quick suc- viving nervy final seconds when “I want this club to do well, dangerous attack when McLean’s was given a second chance after half-time lead. cession before the German had a VAR review took place to it is only winning that counts. I pass played in Pukki, who a VAR review for encroaching by Aubameyang has now scored one more big stop to make from determine whether the visitors wanted to win the games so I am twisted and turned David Luiz the Norwich players and fired half of his side’s 20 Premier Buendia in stoppage time. should be awarded a penalty disappointed, but I have also before seeing his shot deflect in home the retaken penalty. League goals this season as the “It was a great performance, for pushing in the box. seen some positive things.” off Shkodran Mustafi for his first “I was really unhappy with Gunners’ new captain led by we delivered what we wanted to The result stretched Ljungberg recalled Granit Xhaka club goal in nine games. the quality of decisions during example to smash home at the do,” added Farke. Sevilla’s unbeaten run to 10 for the first time in the Premier However, Norwich have also this period. Each and every back post from a corner just “I’m disappointed to some games in all competitions, of League since an explosive clash made a habit of giving them- 50-50 was against us,” before the hour mark. extent -- we should have got which they have won eight, with the club’s fans as he was selves a mountain to climb this bemoaned Norwich boss Daniel But it was Norwich who will three points. Some of that was but Lopetegui was not pleased substituted against Crystal Palace season with defensive errors and Farke. feel they should have taken all due to a world-class Bernd with how his side last month that cost him the gifted Arsenal a route back into Just as Arsenal were three points. Leno.” performed.

Lyon end Ballon d’Or nominees Nominees for the 2019 Ballon d’Or Strasbourg’s to be awarded in Paris today: Messi and Rapinoe expected good run Men Sadio Mane (SEN/Liverpool), Sergio to take Ballon d’Or honours AP PARIS Aguero (ARG/Manchester City), Frenkie de Jong (NED/Barcelona), Hugo Lloris AFP (FRA/Tottenham), Dusan Tadic (SER/ Depleted by injuries and PARIS Ajax), Kylian Mbappe (FRA/PSG), Trent deprived of a clear game plan, Alexander-Arnold (ENG/Liverpool), Lyon showed character and The biggest names in world clinical efficiency to come from Donny van de Beek (NED/Ajax), Pierre- football will descend on Paris behind and win at Strasbourg Emerick Aubameyang (GAB/Arsenal), today for the 2019 Ballon d’Or 2-1 in the French league on Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GER/Barcelona), ceremony, with Lionel Messi and Saturday. Cristiano Ronaldo (POR/Juventus), Alisson USA women’s World Cup On a cold evening in Alsace, (BRA/Liverpool), Matthijs de Ligt (NED/ superstar Megan Rapinoe tipped Lyon suffered throughout and Juventus), Karim Benzema (FRA/Real to leave with the honours. converted its few chances. Mid- Madrid), Georginio Wijnaldum (NED/ It would be an enormous fielder Jeff Reine-Adelaide Liverpool), Virgil van Dijk (NED/Liverpool), shock if Rapinoe did not depart snatched the winner 15 minutes Bernardo Silva (POR/Manchester City), the Chatelet Theatre with the from time from Maxwel Cor- Son Heung-min (KOR/Tottenham), Robert women’s prize as she returns to net’s assist after the Lyon striker Lewandowski (POL/Bayern Munich), the country where she was the canceled Strasbourg’s opener. Roberto Firmino (BRA/Liverpool), Lionel driving force on and off the field The result, which ended a Messi (ARG/Barcelona), Riyad Mahrez for the United States as they four-game winning run for (ALG/Manchester City), Kevin De Bruyne retained their title. Strasbourg at its home stadium, (BEL/Manchester City), Kalidou Koulibaly The suspense surrounds the lifted Lyon to sixth place in the (SEN/Napoli), Antoine Griezmann (FRA/ identity of the men’s winner, 12 standings, 11 points behind Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (EGY/ months after Croatia’s Luka This combination of ﬁle photographs shows Liverpool’s Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk (left), Barcelona’s leader Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool), Eden Hazard (BEL/Real Modric claimed the crown Argentine forward Lionel Messi (centre) and US forward Megan Rapinoe. The Ballon d’Or ceremony With a bunch of injuries Madrid), Marquinhos (BRA/Paris-SG), thanks to his exploits in dragging will take place today in Paris. already, Lyon coach Rudi Raheem Sterling (ENG/Manchester City), his country to the World Cup Garcia lost another important Joao Félix(POR/Atletico Madrid) final and winning the Champions total for the prize, organised by always to Lionel Messi. That’s Among the stars of that tour- player as defender Leo Dubois League with Real Madrid. France Football magazine and how it is,” admitted Liverpool nament to be nominated are hobbled off the pitch in the 83rd Women That ended a decade in voted for by 180 journalists from manager Jurgen Klopp. England’s Lucy Bronze, Nether- minute with an apparent knee which Messi and Cristiano around the world. “But if you give it to the best lands striker Vivianne Miedema, injury. Sam Kerr (AUS/Chelsea), Ellen White Ronaldo had won the Ballon d’Or Among the names is player of last season, then it was Australia’s Sam Kerr and the USA Forced to reshuffle his (ENG/Manchester City), Nilla Fischer five times each, but the smart Ronaldo, as well as several of the Virgil van Dijk. I don’t know trio of Alex Morgan, Rose Lavelle lineup, Garcia handed mid- (SWE/Linköpings), Amandine Henry money now is on the Barcelona stars of the Liverpool side who exactly how it will work but that and Tobin Heath. fielder Maxence Caqueret his (FRA/Lyon), Lucy Bronze(ENG/Lyon), Alex man claiming number six. won the Champions League, is how I see it.” However Rapinoe, the first start as a replacement for Morgan (USA/Orlando Pride), Vivianne There are 30 nominees in chief among them Dutch The value of individual 34-year-old feminist icon and Thiago Mendes, one of three Miedema (NED/Arsenal), Dzsenifer defender Virgil van Dijk. honours in football is debatable, outspoken critic of US President key players missing the game Marozsan (GER/Lyon), Pernille Harder At one point he looked like and the timing unsatisfactory, Donald Trump, should add this through injury alongside (DEN/Wolfsburg), Sarah Bouhaddi (FRA/ the favourite, but Messi already coming midway through the honour to those of Golden Boot Memphis Depay and Houssem Lyon), Megan Rapinoe (USA/Reign FC), pipped him to FIFA’s The Best European club season. winner for top scorer and Golden Aouar. Lieke Martens (NED/Barcelona), Sari van If you give it to the title in September. The 32-year- Yet surely nobody could Ball for best player at the World All three were absent for Veenendal (NED/Atletico Madrid), Wendie best player of last old top-scored in La Liga last suggest Rapinoe would not be a Cup. Lyon’s 2-0 loss at Zenit Saint season with 36 goals as Bar- deserving winner of just the Even her supposed rivals Renard (FRA/Lyon), Rose Lavelle(USA/ season, then it was Petersburg in the Champions Washington Spirit), Marta (BRA/Orlando celona won the title. He did not second women’s Ballon d’Or, an seem to be rooting for her. League midweek. Pride), Ada Hegerberg (NOR/Lyon), Virgil van Dijk. I don’t have a great Copa America with award voted for by a panel of 48 “She does lots of things off The 19-year-old Caqueret Kosovare Asllani (SWE/CD Tacon), Soﬁa know exactly how it Argentina, but his genius is journalists. the pitch, but I think she is the got off a terrible start and put Jakobsson (SWE/CD Tacon), Tobin Heath will work but that is undeniable. Norway’s Ada Hegerberg favourite to win the Ballon d’Or his team in trouble in the sixth (USA/Portland Thorns) “If you give the Ballon d’Or won it in 2018 but will not retain mainly down to her perform- minute when he gave the ball how I see it: Klopp to the best player of this gener- her title after missing the World ances during the World Cup,” away near the midfield line. ation then you should give it Cup. Bronze told France Football. MONDAY 2 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 11

Saudi Arabia, Oman set for key battle

ARMSTRONG VAS Omani players celebrate after defeating THE PENINSULA Kuwait in their second match of the 24th Kuwait and Bahrain Arabian Gulf Cup at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Saudi Arabian coach Hervé Stadium in Doha on Saturday. Renard is confident his team will target semi-final spot secure a second successive win ARMSTRONG VAS but I have confidence in the in the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup THE PENINSULA players and the ability to return when they take on defending to victory. We wish we can make champions Oman in the last Ten-time champions at the our fans happy again after the Group B match at the Abdullah Arabian Gulf Cup Kuwait will be loss against Oman,” Kuwait bin Khalifa Stadium today. aiming to extend their superi- which began on a winning note “We did not have enough ority at the regional champi- by stunning Saudi Arabia, lost to time to prepare for the next onship when they take on Oman in the second match. game, but we have to be ready Bahrain clash in the winner “We need a complete change for this difficult group. Our fate takes it all clash at the Abdulla in tactics and attack, and we depends on us,” Renard said on Bin Khalifa Stadium today. need good preparations and the eve of the match. Both teams need a win to good concentration,” Enad said. “They are the champions of qualify for the last four stage, but “Bahrain is a champion of the last version and are still the only one can make it at the West Asia, a developed team, title holders and have a strong expense of the other. and has a group of good players, motivation to qualify. They Kuwait have three points a smart coach, and very strong played a tough game against from two matches with one win players,” he added. Kuwait and won 2-0 and did and one loss, while Bahrain have Bahrain coach Hélio Sousa well to win in the end and now Renard’s side are with three Bahrain. I hope this will be a lone point to show against said his team is ready for the top the group,” the Frenchman points from two matches, the repeated in the next game their name. fierce challenge of Kuwait. said. same as Kuwait, who take on against Oman,” he said. Defending champions Oman “We faced Saudi Arabia, a “We do not fear any team, Bahrain in day’s other match. Meanwhile, Oman coach lead the group with four points strong team. We are at the but we respect all teams. In the Oman are leading the group Erwin Koeman described Saudi We knew that from two matches and take on bottom of the ranking and we current situation, Oman is the with four points with one win Arabia as a tough opponent and encounters like these Saudi Arabia in today’s other are not in the best condition, but top of our group and a draw is and one draw. Bahrain are with said they are ready for the chal- match. Saudi Arabia need a win it is in our hands, and we will enough for them, and because one point from their draw lenge, whom he described as one await us since the while Oman can make it to the play to win and qualify.” “We are of this, this task is not easy, and against Oman. of the best in Asia. moment we landed next stage with a draw. struggling in this group because we have to play as we played Two teams from group “We have only one day to here and more Kuwait coach Thamer Enad we are trying to build a strong against Bahrain. It is simple; we qualify for the semi-finals. play and there is no special prep- said the match against Bahrain team. All games are difficult at have to win,” he added. “Only winning is the first aration for this game,” Koeman importantly the was an early ‘final’. the physical, technical level,” he Saudi has no choice but to choice. I lost in the first meeting said. players are ready in “Bahrain is a strong team, added. win today’s match to qualify for against Kuwait, but we are back The Dutchman said his team all respects: Oman the last four stage. and we have won against knew what was in store for them at the tournament. coach Erwin Koeman Oman coach Erwin Koeman (left) speaks “We knew that encounters during a press conference yesterday. like these await us since the compared to the Kuwait game, moment we landed here and and I will talk with the technical more importantly the players are staff regarding the fitness of the ready in all respects.” players. I watched several videos As for the morale of his of the Saudi team, and after players, he said: “We have high studying them well, I will decide morale in all our games, and we on my lineup or what way we are aware of the size of the fero- will we play.” cious competition in this group.” “Maybe the Saudi team may Koeman said he will analyse impose a certain style on us. If the videos of the last match they the spaces allow us, we will play played and also of Saudi Arabia in our way. They are a team and accordingly formulate a tac- playing in spaces and they play tical plan for the match. with fun. We have to keep the Kuwaiti fans gesture during their team’s Group B match against “We have made some ball and exchange passes,” Oman on Saturday. changes in the basic lineup Koeman said. Ooredoo Cup: Al Ahli, Al Wakrah and Al Rayyan advance THE PENINSULA DOHA

Al Ahli and Al Wakrah clinched victories and booked their berths in the next round of the Ooredoo Cup yesterday. Al Rayyan, despite losing to Al Wakrah yesterday, will also join their Group A counterparts in the last eight stage of the tournament. In yesterday’s round 4 match, Al Ahli clinched a 2-1 win against Al Shahaniya at the Saud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium in Al Wakrah yesterday and jumped to the top of the table with nine points. They have three wins under their belt and have lost only one match. Al Shahania scored in the 63rd minute through a penalty by Nigel de Jong. Al Ahli bounced Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah players in action during back with two quick goals (88th their Ooredoo Cup Group A match at the Al Khor and 90th minutes), scored by Majid Mohammed and Abel Mat- Stadium yesterday. RIGHT: Al Sadd’s Nam Tae-Hee thews respectively. vies for the ball against two Al Shahaniya players Meanwhile, Al Wakrah at the Al Shamal Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: TWITTER / @ALSADDSC AND @ALRAYYANSC secured the second spot in the standings after beating Al Rayyan 1-0 at the Al Khor Stadium. Yesterday’s match saw Al target with a header as the first were the better side on view minute and Baghdad Bounedjah recover from the setback and Mohamed Benyettou scored Rayyan players trying hard half drew to a close. overall, Al Rayyan tried hard as in the 75th minute, with Umm turned the game around shortly the winning goal in the 54th against the Al Wakrah attack in Al Wakrah made a couple of the match progressed, but could Salal getting on the scoresheet after. The ever-present threat of minute to give Al Wakrah the the first half in which both sides substitutions at the start of not cross the hurdle, where through Yannick Sagbo in the Yannick Sagbo levelled the win which also lifted their points failed to score. second half, with Jassim Al Jalabi Hassan Idriss was the last line 60th minute and Ilyas Brimil in scores before Brimil gave his side tally to eight as Al Rayyan Al Wakrah’s Mohamed replacing Meshaal and Abdul- of defence. the 67th minute. a lead just seven minutes later. slumped to the third spot. Abdulrahman tested Al Rayyan rahman Mohammed coming in Al Wakrah’s Faisal Abdullah With both sides stuttering for Umm Salal were unable to Al Rayyan had earlier goalkeeper Saoud Al Hajri and for Adel Alawi. had a goal ruled offside in the form in this season’s Ooredoo secure their first Ooredoo Cup defeated Al Shahaniya 3-0 and the latter blocked the shot with Al Wakrah went ahead 88th minute. Then, in stoppage Cup, it was no surprise that a win of the season when Al Ahli 4-1 before sharing points ease. After barely a minute, Al through Benyettou, who volleyed time, Abdulrahman Mosed too cagey first half ensued as neither Bounedjah scored to get his side with Umm Salal following a Wakrah’s Meshaal Abdullah nar- the ball home. They nearly had a goal disallowed. team grabbed the initiative early on level terms, which turned out two-all draw. rowly hit wide from an acute doubled the lead in the 66th In the third match of the day, on. to be a crucial goal as the teams Al Wakrah stunned Al Sadd angle at the near post. Then, it minute, but no player was on Al Sadd and Al Shahaniya shared It took until 10 minutes into settled for a point. with a 5-1 win on the opening was the turn of Al Rayyan’s Naif hand to stab home a measured points after a four-goal thriller the second half for the first goal The remaining one seat in round, drew their next two Al Hadhami to shoot wide from cross from the left by Mohammed at the Al Shamal Stadium. when Moustafa got his side the last eight stage for Group A matches against Umm Salal and close. Abdulrahman. Al Sadd’s goals came from ahead. will be resolved at the end of the Al Shahaniya. Meshaal again missed the Even though Al Wakrah Moustafa Mashaal in the 54th Umm Salal were quick to fifth and final round. SPORT

PAGE | 07 PAGE | 08 Harden ties Jordan Root, Burns hit for third most centuries as New 60-point games in Zealand hit back NBA history in second Test

Monday 2 December 2019

Full house expected as hosts take on UAE in must-win battle Qatar eye semi-finals berth RIZWAN REHMAT year’s Asia’s Player of the Year, Qatar’s Abdelkarim Hassan with team-mates. 24TH ARABIAN GULF CUP THE PENINSULA struck a hat-trick while supported RESULTS by goals from Almoez Ali (58), GROUP A Asian champions Qatar today take midfielder Abdullah Alahrak (85) Qatar 1 - 2 Iraq on regional giants UAE in a do-or- and feared striker Akram Afif (89). My team will treat it UAE 3 - 0 Yemen die clash of the Gulf Cup but coach (playing against the “I was happy that the players UAE 0 - 2 Iraq Felix Sanchez says he is confident UAE) like a ﬁnal as only managed to create chances early Qatar 6 - 0 Yemen of a winning run at the Khalifa a win will do for us. it on. It is something that gave Qatar International Stadium where a is good to have a huge the advantage for the rest of the GROUP B full house is expected to watch the number of fans present match,” Sanchez said. Oman 0 - 0 Bahrain match. Sanchez said he has great at the ground. They will Saudi Arabia 1 - 3 Kuwait A victory today at Qatar’s respect for the UAE side. Kuwait 1 - 2 Oman iconic sports venue will be support the players “We fully respect all teams we Bahrain 0 - 2 Saudi Arabia rewarded with a semi-finals berth and that will give them face. We know the UAE side will at the eight-team tournament more motivation to win also play for a win, given they REMAINING FIXTURES now into its second week. and get three points. need it to qualify, which is some- In their opening clash last Yes, we recognize the thing that makes the game more Today Tuesday, Sanchez’s young side importance of the challenging,” Sanchez said two Qatar vs UAE, at Khalifa International lost 2-1 to 2007 Asian Cup cham- presence of fans in the days ago. Stadium,17.30 pions Iraq but rebounded with ststands:ands: FelixFelix SSanchezanchez “We“ will focus on having a Kuwait vs Bahrain, at Khalifa purpose when they crushed goodgood game plan and will take it International Stadium, 20.00 Yemen 6-0 in the second Group fromfrom there,” he added. A match on Friday. Meanwhile,M the Asian Football Yemen vs Iraq at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Sanchez, who was instru- ConfederationCon (AFC) has Stadium, 17.30 mental in guiding Qatar to their approvedapp a request made by Oman vs KSA at Abdullah Bin Khalifa maiden Asian Cup title triumph QatarQata Football Association (QFA) Stadium, 20.00 in February this year, has denied toto excuseex the presence of Afif for Thursday, December 5 his team was under pressure for thethe PPlayer of the Year awards cer- Semi-ﬁnals the clash today. emony,emo it was announced “We are used to playing under yesterday.ye Winner Group A vs Runner Up Group pressure,” Sanchez said during a Afif, one of Qatar’s B, venue and time TBD press conference on Saturday brightestb talents, is shortlisted Winner Group B vs Runner Up Group indicating how his players pro- forfo AFC Player of the Year A, venue and time TBD duced a seven-match winning awardsaw to be held in Hong Kong Sunday, December 8 streak at the Asian Cup while bat- today.d Final: Khalifa International Stadium tling extreme pressures. ground. They will support the Ali Al Salat, Media Coordi- “Our players know the impor- players and that will give them nator of the Qatari national teams, STANDINGS tance (of the match) and play well more motivation to win and get yesterday said Afif is busy with GROUP A under pressure. This is a big pos- three points. Yes, we recognize Qatar team’s Gulf Cup campaign. GROUP A itive (factor) of this generation in the importance of the presence The AFC Awards ceremony coin- RK/TEAM G W D L GD PTS the team,” he said. of fans in the stands,” Sanchez cides with Gulf Cup dates. “My team will treat it (playing said. QFA President Sheikh Hamad 1. Iraq 2 2 0 0 4-1 6 against the UAE) like a final as “We have seen in the last two bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani 2. Qatar 2 1 0 1 7-2 3 only a win will do for us,” the games we enjoyed the support of will be representing the QFA 3. UAE 2 1 0 1 3-2 3 popular Spaniard said. the fans,” Sanchez said. along with representatives from 4. Yemen 2 0 0 2 0-9 0 Sanchez urged home fans to Sanchez, who has handled Al Sadd Sports Club, QFA con- GROUP B come root for his young side that most of his young players from firmed yesterday. 1. Oman 2 1 1 0 2-1 4 stunned the continent’s top teams the U-16 level, said early domi- The match today kicks off 2. Kuwait 2 1 0 1 4-3 3 in their successful Asian Cup nance also helped Qatar gain at 5:30pm. Fans have been 3. KSA 2 1 0 1 3-3 3 campaign. momentum in their key Group A advised to check into the venue 4. Bahrain 2 0 1 1 0-2 1 “It is good to have a huge clash against Yemen. early to avoid rush close to number of fans present at the Abdelkarim Hassan, last kick-off time. QFA President, Al Sadd officials to Qatar to host 2020 AFC Awards THE PENINSULA heroics following an action-filled “The scale of the tournament attend AFC Awards in Honggg Kong HONG KONG year. now may mean some con- The AFC Executive Com- struction work, which of course THE PENINSULA honoured witwithh thethe PlayerPlayer ooff the On the eve of the AFC Annual mittee, chaired by the President, takes planning and time. We need DOHA Year award.rd. His Al SSaddadd and Awards Hong Kong 2019, the Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al to develop the best facilities for Qatar team-mate, Asian Football Confederation’s Khalifa, also agreed that the hosts players, fans and for our Qatar Football Association President, Abdelkarimim HassanHassan,, won (AFC) Executive Committee for the future AFC Asian Cups broadcast and commercial Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani will the awardard llastast yyear,ear, announced that the next edition should be given more preparation partners in line with the stature be among top officials who will attend becomingg ononlyly ththee sesecondcond of the prestigious Awards will be time in the future – with the 2027 of the AFC Asian Cup as a world- the AFC Annual Awards in Hong Kong Qatari to bbagag ththee tittitlele aafterfter held in Qatar. hosts being appointed as soon as class event.” today. Khalfan Ibrahim,brahim, who won the The Annual Awards take place possible. The committee agreed to the Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez and same title inin 202006.06. at the Hong Kong Con- The AFC President said: “At proposal and the Legal Commit- Sporting Director Mohammed Gholam Iraniann goalkeepergoalkeeper Alireza Bei-Bei- vention and Exhibition the AFC 29th Congress in Paris, tee’s recommendation that the will also attend, representing the club ranvand aandnd Japanese ddefenderefender Centre this evening we chose the People’s Republic decision on the hosts be taken by at the ceremony, in which their team- Tomoaki MakMakinoino aarere the ootherther with Qatar’s of China as the next hosts of the the AFC Executive Committee mate Akram Afif (pictured) is com- competitorsors in tthehe Akram Afif AFC Asian Cup in 2023. And I rather than Congress was also peting for the Male Player of the Year men’s categoryegory fforor competing know that China PR will deliver accepted. award. the coveteded ttitleitle for the a world class event – in keeping The AFC has also agreed with The charismatic playmaker Afif has which wiwillll bbee coveted with the stature of the AFC Asian FIFA – subject to approval of the made it to the three-man shortlist for presentedd at AFC Cup. FIFA Council – that Asia would the prestigious award after playing a the Annualual male “But China has just four years have three and a half slots at the vital part in Qatar’s Asian Cup title Awards too Player in which to prepare – and FIFA Club World Cup in 2021 in victory last year. The 22-year-old Afif be held att of the although they are extremely China – one for the host Member also helped Al Sadd reach the AFC the Hongg Year capable - I would like to allow Association, one for the AFC Champions League semi-finals this Kong Con-- Award. future hosts even more time. With West Zone Champion, one for season. vention andnd A host the expanded format, which was the East Zone Champion and the If the Al Sadd star wins the award Exhibitioni on of other launched in the UAE in 2019, we half slot to be contested by the this time, it will be the second consec- Centre tthishis Asian stars will have 24 teams and 51 matches and winners of the play-off between utive year that a Qatari player is being evening. also be recog- so we need eight to ten world- the two losing finalists in the two nised for their class stadiums. zones.