SPORT Tuesday 13 November 2018 PAGE | 27 PAGE | 30 James Harden powers Benzema taking Houston Rockets to charge of revamped first home win Real Madrid

Asian Cup Qatar face , Iceland as Qualifiers: Qatar U-23 team begins Asian Cup preparations continue preparations QNA THE PENINSULA The stadium is able to hold 15,000 people and was built in DOHA: Qatar’s U-23 , SWITZERLAND: A full- 1951. The stadium has 5,000 seats football team has begun strength Qatar will take on hosts and 10,000 standing places. their training in prepa- Switzerland in an international During the 1954 FIFA World Cup, ration for the qualifica- friendly tomorrow, giving team it hosted one game. tions of the AFC Asian coach Felix Sanchez another The clash against Switzerland U-23 Cup. opportunity to check the fitness of will kick off at 9:00pm QST. The 16-nation tour- his players. Before leaving for Europe, nament will be held in Qatar arrived in Switzerland Qatar squad trained at the team Thailand in 2020. on Sunday. The squad plans to headquarters at Aspire Academy Doha will host the train today following light training with coach Sanchez supervising group A of the qualifi- yesterday. the training sessions. cations which includes On November 19, Qatar face QFA has scheduled a friendly QATAR SQUAD Oman, Afghanistan and Iceland in another friendly blitz for the national side in the FOR FRIENDLIES hosts Qatar. scheduled to help the national lead up to the 2019 Asian Cup to The Qatari team will Saad Al Dosari, Pedro team players get match practice be held in the UAE from January take on their Jordanian Miguel, Salim Al ahead of their 2019 Asian Cup 7- February 1. counterparts in two Hajri, Tarek Salman, opening clash in January next Since early September, Qatar friendly matches in year. has played four friendly matches Abdul Karim Hassan, Doha on November 17 Sanchez and his players against China, Palestine, Ecuador Boualem Khouki, and 20. arrived in Luganao, a city in in Doha and against Uzbekistan in Hassan Al-Haydos, The Qatar Football southern Switzerland’s Tashkent. Akram Afif, Bassam Association (QFA) region, on Sunday. Qatar beat China 1-0, China Hisham Al Rawi, Karim recently announced the After their friendly against 3-0 and Ecuador 4-3 before losing Boudiaf, Sultan Al initial 30-member squad Switzerland at Cornaredo Stadium, to Uzbekistan 2-0 in the away Bariek, Assem Madibo, for the tournament. Qatar squad flies to Belgium for friendly. Abdul Rahman Fahmi, their clash against Iceland. Al Annabi will play more inter- Ahmed Alaaeldeen QATAR U-23 Cornaredo Stadium is a multi- national friendlies next month and Abdul Karim Salim Al Ali. Coach: SQUAD: purpose stadium in Lugano. It is when it hosts Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar coach Felix Sanchez gestures during Felix Sanchez used mostly for football matches. Algeria and Iran on December 17, a training session in this file photo. Khalid Mounir, It is a home ground of FC Lugano. 23, 25 and 31. Hazim Shehata, Rabeh Bu Safi, Ahmad Yasser, Saleh Al Halabi, Mohammad Al Naimi, Messi is La Liga's Best Abdullah Abdulsalam, Mohammad Ismail, Player of the Year Hassan Waleed, Amr It would depend on Leo Seraj, Elias Ahmad, Barcelona’s Messi but I’d love to Mohammad Ramadan, Argentinian forward have a La Liga award Hatem Kamal, Meshal Lionel Messi poses in his name. No one Barshim, Bahaa Al Lithy, for photographs with Yousef Abdulrazaq, the Alfredo Di Stefano has brought more to Hassan Ahmad, Sayed trophy for the 2017- La Liga than him and if Hassan, Adel Badr, 18 best player of the he finishes his career Abdulrab Rajab, Ibrahim Spanish La Liga, during Masoud, Mowafaq Awad, the presentation of in Spain, or most of it, Abdullah Hussain, the Football Marca I don’t believe anyone Mohammad Saeed, Awards in Barcelona has contributed more Yazan Naim, Mohammad yesterday. RIGHT: Abdulnaser, Khalifa Atletico Madrid’s Jan to the competition: La Ssad, Mohammad Abu Oblak with the Zamora Liga President Nada, Mohammad Saqr Trophy. Javier Tebas and Hammam Al Amin. ATP Finals: Zverev eliminates Cilic threat to seal opening win

AFP LATEST ATP RANKINGS (Top 15) who has won the event five Germany’s Alexander Zverev serves to times, later plays debutant John Croatia’s Marin Cilic during their men’s LONDON: Alexander Zverev Rank Points Isner -- at 2.08 metres (six feet singles round-robin match on day two saw off the challenge of Marin 1: Novak Djokovic (SRB) 8,045 10 inches) -- the tallest player of the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Cilic 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/1) at the ATP 2: Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7,480 ever to compete at the year-end Arena in London yesterday. Finals yesterday. 3: Roger Federer (SUI) 6,020 championships. In a match littered with 4: Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) 5,300 The Serb, guaranteed to end dozens of unforced errors at 5: Alexander Zverev (GER) 5,085 the year in top spot, has enjoyed London’s O2 Arena, the 21-year- 6: Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4,310 a remarkable second half of the old Zverev recovered from a 7: Marin Cilic (CRO) 4,050 year, winning Wimbledon and break down in each set to set the 8: Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3,895 the US Open as he surged up the early pace in the Guga Kuerten 9: Kei Nishikori (JPN) 3,390 rankings. group. Roger Federer lost to Kei 10: John Isner (USA) 3,155 Australian Open finalist Cilic Nishikori in straight sets in the 11: Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,835 came into the match with the Lleyton Hewitt group on Sunday, dispiriting record of five consec- 12: Borna Coric (CRO) 2,480 leaving him in grave danger of utive defeats against the young 13: Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,315 failing to qualify for the semi- German but broke Zverev at the 14: Kyle Edmund (GBR) 2,150 finals for only the second time first opportunity. 15: Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 2,095 in his career. The 30-year-old Croatian, An early exit for the Swiss who has a reputation for fal- veteran would deprive the tour- tering when under intense Zverev in the seventh game to nament of star power, with pressure, kept his nose in front establish a 4-3 lead but the world number two Rafael Nadal but was broken as he served for German responded immediately already missing through injury. the set at 5-3. to level at 4-4. The title is contested by the The set went to a tie-break Cilic, seeded fifth in London, eight players who have accumu- and, infused with fresh belief, did well to save a match point lated the most ranking points third-seed Zverev established a when trailing 4-5 but the set over the season and is in a foothold, taking it 7/5. went to another tie-break, which round-robin format, with the In the second set, Cilic again Zverev dominated, winning 7/1. best four players reaching the drew first blood, breaking World number one Djokovic, knockout semi-finals stage. 28 SPORT TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2018 Nishikori tops Federer in opener AFP

LONDON: Roger Federer suffered a shock straight-sets defeat to Kei Nishikori at the ATP Finals on Sunday, severely denting his bid for the 100th title of his illustrious career. The Swiss, who has won the season-ending event a record six times, pro- duced an unchar- acteristically error-prone and fractious display in the round-robin match as the Japanese seventh seed prevailed 7-6 (7/4), 6-3. The result means Federer is now in danger of failing to qualify for the semi-finals for just the second time in 16 appear- ances at the event. “I felt we both struggled, you know, throughout the first set,” he said. “You could tell it was sort of a first round. I had my chances maybe a bit more than he did. “Then I started to feel better in the second set. I think we both did. The level went up. Unfortunately I couldn’t keep the lead that I got early. That was important, I think, at the end. That was the key of the match.” Federer, 37, has beaten Nishikori in Shanghai and Paris in recent weeks but despite having the backing of a full house at the O2 Arena, he never really settled into a groove. The normally cool Swiss was warned by the umpire for ball abuse in the 12th game after Nishikori produced a staggering backhand winner down the line. The Swiss great made 20 unforced errors in the first set and Nishikori cap- italised, forcing a tie-break in which he raced to a 6/1 lead before sealing it 7/4. Federer, showing real urgency, broke Nishikori immediately at the start of the second set but it proved a false dawn as he lost his own serve immediately Nishikori broke again in the sixth game and kept his nerve, serving out for victory. “I lost to him twice in the last two months so I played more aggressively and things started working, especially in the second set. There were some lucky points but I played well today,” said Nishikori. Overall the statistics made grim reading for Federer, who made a total of 34 unforced errors against 19 winners. Federer denied that cutting back on his schedule increased the pressure on him to do well at the tournaments he did play. “I don’t think, per se, I’m playing worse because of it,” he said. “I think I’ve had that pressure, not going out early, most of my career.” The ATP Finals is contested by the eight players who have accu- mulated the most ranking points over the season separated into two groups, with the best four players reaching the knockout semi-finals stage. Earlier, Kevin Anderson made an impressive ATP Finals debut in the same Lleyton Hewitt group, beating Dominic Thiem 6-3, 7-6 (12/10). The Wimbledon finalist, who stands at 2.03 metres (six feet eight inches) tall dominated the early exchanges and secured the crucial break in the fourth game. Thiem tightened up his game in the second set and forced a tie-break, but Anderson saved two set points and converted his fourth match point. Japan’s Kei Nishikori in action “I definitely felt a little bit nervous,” said Anderson. “But I was able to settle during his group stage match very quickly and find a really good rhythm, taking care of my serve games nicely, against Switzerland’s Roger created quite a few opportunities on his serve.” Federer in the ATP Finals at the World number one Novak Djokovic, who heads the Guga Kuerten group, O2, London, Britain, on Sunday. will be in action next against John Isner while Alexander Zverev takes on Marin Cilic.

Verstappen threatens Calgary 2026 Games bid faces referendum today

AFP to ‘punch’ Ocon If Calgary’s public votes against the Olympics, it will be in line with a clear AFP MONTREAL: Calgary’s bid to stage the trend which has dogged potential 2026 Winter Olympics faces a make- Olympic bids all over the world in SAO PAULO: Dutch driver Max or-break referendum today, with a recent years. Verstappen (pictured) was accused sceptical public heads to the polls for a In the race for the 2026 Olympics of trying to punch French rival Esteban vote likely to determine if the bid can alone, the Swiss city of Sion and an Aus- Ocon after a controversial clash at proceed any further. trian bid based at Graz have already Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix which Thirty years after hosting the 1988 withdrawn citing lack of either public was won by five-time world champion winter sports spectacular, when the or political support. The International Lewis Hamilton. likes of British ski-jumper Eddie “The Olympic Committee is facing a scarcity Red Bull star Verstappen was seen Eagle” Edwards and Jamaica’s bobsled of applications for the Winter Games, on TV pushing Force India’s Ocon team entered Olympic lore, Calgary is with many scared off by the $50bn for three times and accused of threatening hoping to stage the event once more. the 2014 Sochi Games. to hit him, after the pair had collided But bid officials are facing an uphill As the last Canadian city to host the on track. battle attempting to convince Calgary’s Winter Olympics in 2010, Vancouver lost The collision on lap 44 of the 1.24 million residents that the city tens of millions of dollars even though 71-lap race at Interlagos’ famed Senna should foot a $295m chunk of the bill the $7 bn cost was relatively modest. S curves cost Verstappen the race and for hosting the event. A survey of 243 Calgary can save on facilities but new he had to settle for second place. people conducted by the Canadian construction will still be needed. The livid Dutchman, 21, had earlier Broadcasting Corporation between Meanwhile, supporters of the bid said he did not see the Frenchman in October 24 and November 3 found 55% insist it can make sense for Calgary, the paddock after the race, but made percent against with only 35% in favour. which almost quit the 2026 race in early no effort to avoid him in the drivers’ A video clip of the post-race had charged from fifth on the grid to Ten percent were undecided. November before a last-minute funding weighing room where he walked incident went viral soon afterwards take the lead. “I am not fan of hosting the deal was agreed. straight at him. but Verstappen said he had no regrets. “The car was working brilliant Olympics for the simple reason that it’s Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi is “We were at the scales room,” said “He came out of the pit lane and today. I don’t know what to say. I am a risky investment,” said Jeanne Milne, adamant the city can make the numbers Ocon. “He wanted to punch me. He he had the right to overtake, but the happy for second, but we should have of the “No Calgary Olympics” group work in its favour. pushed me and he was wanting to be level of risk he was taking, it was not won,” added Verstappen. campaigning against the game. “The process has been difficult, but violent. It was not professional.” Ocon right,” he explained. Verstappen’s Red Bull team boss “We are on the hook for any cost is that a good deal? It’s an outstanding added that his rivalry with Verstappen “The stewards gave him a penalty. Christian Horner said: “I think Max has overrun. There are all these claims deal, it brings great investment to the “goes back a few years” and said he You can say, ‘Max, you should have been pretty restrained. It cost him a about all the economic outlooks, but city,” Nenshi said. “has always been the same”. given room’, but we were not racing Grand Prix victory. they never really come through. After “It’s a very, very different kind of “I was behind Max for two laps,” and you don’t expect that.” “He’s driven his heart out with a the Olympics you don’t see a bump in bid. Most of the overrun we have seen Ocon told Sky Sports. Asked about confronting and damaged car -- Esteban was lucky to reputation, a bump in economics.” in the past came not from running the “On the first lap, I was a lot faster pushing Ocon, he said: “We are all pas- get away with a push to be honest. That scepticism was shared by the Games but from building stuff. We are and, on the second lap, I was a lot sionate about the sport, but it would Emotions are running high and I told city’s Calgary Sun newspaper, which not building very much. faster. The rules say you are allowed be odd if I shook his hand. I don’t care him to just get yourself under control voiced its opposition to the bid in an “What we are trying to prove is that to un-lap yourself so that’s what I did. what people say. on the cool down lap. editorial on November 9, saying nos- we are not going to be Pyeongchang, “I’m used to the fights with Max. “I’m a winner. To get taken out by “Max has lost a victory through no talgia for 1988 should not be a factor in Sochi or even Vancouver. We can do He’s always been the same. It goes that and to get a stupid response from fault of his own today. What on earth the decision. the Olympics at a much more affordable back a few years.” Verstappen swore their side, I was not happy about that.” Ocon was thinking there, it just “We remember 1988 fondly but cost to the taxpayers.” Nenshi mean- so much on team radio that his com- Verstappen told his team over the beggars belief. Why on earth is he understand that was a special moment while said Calgary’s council would most ments bleeped out after he described radio on the slowdown lap that he had racing the leader?” in time that will never be recaptured,” likely halt the Olympic bid if the refer- him as an “idiot”. better not bump into Ocon because Later on Sunday, Verstappen was the paper argued. endum came out against the Games, Ocon was given a 10-second there could be trouble. ordered by the FIA to perform “two “Trying to recreate magical mem- which will be awarded by the IOC in a stop-go penalty by the race stewards The Ocon incident overshadowed days of public service” as punishment ories is a mug’s game.” vote in 2019. for causing the collision. a brilliant drive from Verstappen who for the incident. TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 29

English cricketer Ben Stokes attends a Rahim’s record double ton practice session at the Pallekele International Stadium in puts Bangladesh on top Kandy yesterday.

AFP pulling leg-spinner Brendon Naeem Islam against England in Mushfiqur and Mavuta for a single at square leg 2010. finally opened up. DHAKA: after the tea break to become the Jarvis, who claimed three Mushfiqur, who now has six became the first wicketkeeper- first wicketkeeper-batsman ever on the opening day, Test centuries, took 56 balls to batsman in history to score two to score two double tonnes in Test removed Mahmudullah for 36 score his first boundary in the double hundreds in Tests as cricket. and Ariful Haque for four but morning. Bangladesh built a strong total in Mushfiqur, who played 421 Mushfiqur and Mehidy denied the Zimbabwe suffered a blow the second Test against balls and hit 18 fours and a six, visitors further success. when fast bowler Tendai Chatara Zimbabwe in Dhaka yesterday. also surpassed Resuming on 303-5, Bang- was stretchered off after dam- Mushfiqur hit an unbeaten 219 to become the highest individual ladesh began cautiously on day aging his hamstring while deliv- to help Bangladesh declare their scorer in an innings for Bang- two, scoring just 22 runs in the ering a ball in the morning. first innings at 522-7 an hour into ladesh in . first hour Zimbabwe Cricket said the final session, before the hosts Skipper Mahmudullah Riyad before Chatara had suffered a suspected Buttler ready to bat at reduced Zimbabwe to 25 for one called the batsmen to the dressing quad muscle strain at stumps on the second day. room soon after Mushfiqur and was out of Taijul Islam removed Ham- nudged Sean Williams for a single the match. three in second Test ilton Masakadza for 14 after an to pass Shakib’s 217 against New edge flew to at first Zealand at Wellington in 2017. slip for Bangladesh’s first Mushfiqur shared a record against Sri Lanka breakthrough. 144-run in their unbroken eighth REUTERS Masakadza was earlier spared stand with Mehidy Hasan, when he was dropped at seven by after Kyle Jarvis took two scalps Ariful Haque at first slip off the in the afternoon session to com- PALLEKELE, SRI LANKA: England batsman-wicketkeeper bowling of debutant Khaled plete his third five-wicket haul Jos Buttler is ready to bat at number three in the second Ahmed. in Tests. SCOREBOARD Test against Sri Lanka, saying the team’s willingness to Brian Chari, 10 not out, and Mushfiqur also had a BANGLADESH, 1st innings (overnight 303- embrace a flexible order is a sign of strength rather nightwatchman Donald Tiripano hand in the previous 5) than weakness. (naught) prevented further eighth wicket c Mavuta b Jarvis ...... 9 England’s top order has been unsettled since former damage. record when c Chakabva b Jarvis ...... 0 and opener Andrew Strauss retired in 2012. Mominul Haque c Chari b Chatara ...... 161 Zimbabwe, ahead in the two- he added Mohammad Mithun c Taylor b Jarvis ...... 0 The latest incumbent at three, Moeen Ali, has played match tournament 1-0, needs at 113 with Mushfiqur Rahim not out ...... 219 six innings there at an average of just 14.50, including a least a draw to win their first Test Taijul Islam c Chakabva b Jarvis ...... 4 first-ball duck in the first innings and three runs overall series in seven years. Mahmudullah c Chakabva b Jarvis ...... 36 in the Galle Test. But it was Mushfiqur Ariful Haque c Chari b Jarvis ...... 4 England coach Trevor Bayliss has suggested Ali could who shone, Mehidy Hasan not out ...... 68 be moved down the order for the second test in Pallekele Extras (b9, lb8, w1, nb3) ...... 21 starting tomorrow, and named one-day specialist Buttler Total (7 wickets dec, 160 overs) ...... 522 and Ben Stokes as potential replacements. Did not Bat: , Khaled BBC. Ahmed “I will bat wherever is required,” Buttler told the Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Kayes), 2-16 (Das), 3-26 “...You need a good balance of being settled but it shows (Mithun), 4-292 (M Haque), 5-299 (Islam), a good team environment and ethic that people are willing 6-372 (Mahmudullah), 7-378 (A Haque) to play wherever is required.” Bowling: Jarvis 28-6-71-5 (w1, nb1), Chatara With England’s regular Test wicketkeeper Jonny 22.2-12-34-1, Tiripano 24.4-6-65-1(nb2), Raza Bairstow sidelined with an ankle injury, Ben Foakes stood 22-1-111-0, Williams 30-4-80-0, Mavuta 31-1- 137-0, Masakadza 2-0-7-0 behind the stumps in preference to Buttler in the first Test, scoring an eye-catching century on his debut to lead the ZIMBABWE, 1st innings visitors to a 211-run win. H. Masakadza c Mehidy b Taijul ...... 14 All three could play in the second test, but Buttler, who B. Chari not out ...... 10 scored 38 and 35 in the first, is focused on keeping his D. Tiripano not out ...... 0 place by putting runs on the board. Extras (b1) ...... 1 “If Jonny was fit, I wouldn’t be the wicketkeeper Total (1 wicket, 18 overs) ...... 25 To bat: B. Taylor, S. Williams, S. Raza, P. Moor, R. anyway, so Ben Foakes keeping didn’t really bother me,” Chakabva, B. Mavuta, K. Jarvis, T. Chatara he added. Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Masakadza) “In your pride as a wicketkeeper, you want to be good Bangladeshi batsman Mushfiqur Rahim celebrates his double century Bowling: Mustafizur 6-4-11-0, Khaled 5-3-6-0, enough to be selected - but I didn’t keep as well in the against Zimbabwe at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Taijull 5-3-5-1, Mehidy 2-1-2-0 one-day series as I would’ve liked to and it’s quite healthy to see someone like Ben come in.” Pakistan show rare consistency to scale T20 summit

REUTERS has made supporting them a after losing the series in the “The difference in this team Paceman Shaheen Afridi (18) The Pakistan Super League health hazard, but under Sarfraz United Arab Emirates. is that we have a host of new and all-rounder Shadab Khan (PSL) also played a key role in DUBAI: Pakistan have long been Ahmed’s leadership, Pakistan Pakistan impressed early in faces, so the energy level is very (20) hold immense promise, fast-tracking new talents. regarded as one of cricket’s most have turned into a winning the format, finishing runner-up high,” Sarfraz told reporters prior while Babar Azam and Hasan Ali Frozen out of the Indian unpredictable sides, but now machine in Twenty20 in the inaugural World Twenty20 to the series against New Zealand. (both 24) as well as Fakhar Premier League (IPL) because of their long-suffering army of fans internationals. in 2007 before winning the title “The main difference is our Zaman (28) look at their prime. political bitterness between the can finally enjoy the benefits of When they completed a 3-0 two years later. fielding, which has really Yet they can always turn to nations, the players have used a new level of dependability, at whitewash over New Zealand However, a failure to reach improved in the short format. Mohammad Hafeez (38) and the PSL to learn from foreign least in the shortest format of the earlier this month, it marked a the knockout stages of the tour- We’re now taking a good catch (36) when they players and coaches. sport. team record 11th consecutive nament in 2016 prompted or effecting a run out at the right need advice from an older head. “With three years of the PSL Consistency has never been series victory and consolidated important changes in personnel, time in a match. It’s a significant The team have built a solid under our belts, we can see the a strong point for Pakistan, who, their position as the world’s top- with Sarfraz being elevated to improvement.” game based on their versatile difference in the way the Paki- over the years, have built a for- ranked Twenty20 team. the captaincy and South African Their excellence in the field bowling which is complemented stani youngsters are performing midable reputation as a side with “They have been outstanding Micky Arthur replacing Waqar is a huge boost for a team that by a consistent batting phi- in a confident manner, and a legendary ability to for a long period of time and the Younis as coach. often struggled to hide their losophy best illustrated by Babar, adapting so well at the interna- self-destruct. ratings are fair. They are the Since then, Pakistan have slower movers and they also currently the top-ranked tional level,” former captain Their penchant for snatching number one...” New Zealand won 29 of 33 Twenty20 seem to have struck the right age Twenty20 batsman in world Misbah-ul-Haq told PakPassion. defeat from the jaws of victory captain Kane Williamson said Internationals. balance. cricket. net. Selby overcomes home hero Al Tamimi to advance ARMSTRONG VAS QSF NO.1 In the second round, Yuen also THE PENINSULA Daryl Selby of England YESTERDAY’S RESULTS enjoyed his own upset after he in action at the Khalifa defeated number seven seed Chris International Tennis and DOHA: Former World No.3 and [1] Omar Mosaad (Egy) 3-0 Josh Simpson in straight-games. Squash Complex. top seed Omar Mosaad of Egypt, Masters (Eng) 11-8, 14-12, 11-2 The World No.57 Yuen was in along with two Englishmen (40m) strong form to condemn Eng- booked a place in the semi-finals lishman Simpson to an 11-6, 11-9, of the QSF No.1 PSA Bronze tour- George Parker (Eng) 3-1 Ivan Yuen 11-9 defeat. nament while the home chal- (Mas) 11-9, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9 Also advancing into the last lenge at the event came to an four stage was third seed Daryl end with Abdulla Al Tamimi [3] Daryl Selby (Eng) 3-1 [5] Abdulla Selby who got the better of Qatar’s crashing out. Al Tamimi (Qat) 11-4, 5-11, 13-11, 11-8 Al Tamimi. Yesterday, at the Khalifa Selby showed no signs of International Tennis and Squash fatigue, after playing a gruelling Complex, Mosaad took 40 minutes second round match against to end the challenge of Joshua World No. 44 Parker, who experienced Olli Tuominen on Masters of England. The World No. defied the seedings to enjoy a big Sunday. 53 from England threw everything win over Australia’s World No.21 The Englishman took the first at Mosaad in the first two games Cameron Pilley on Sunday, ended game but Al Tamimi fought back but lost 11-8 and 14-12 respec- the impressive run of Malaysia’s to take the second to draw level. tively. However, in the third Ivan Yuen. The third was a closely fought one Mosaad took full control over the The 22-year-old Parker took with Selby coming on top. In the proceedings to win it 11-2. 57 minutes to complete an fourth, Selby wrapped up the pro- Mosaad will take on another impressive 11-9, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9 ceedings to win 11-4, 5-11, 13-11, Englishman George Parker in the victory and advance to the 11-8 in 59 minutes and reach the last four clash. semi-finals. semi-finals. 30 SPORT TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2018

Benzema taking charge of revamped Real Martial and AP Benzema has been own goal. Benzema also struck goals in Madrid’s first four Lopetegui’s full-time Pogba out key since Solari took the crossbar in the match in Vigo. matches. He and Gareth Bale replacement. Solari, a former MADRID: With experience and over from the fired Julen “His first goal was spec- were thriving as starters, but Madrid player, has become a of France beautiful goals, Karim Benzema Lopetegui two weeks ago tacular and he also created the Madrid hit a slump under leading candidate for the job (pictured) has been leading the and revamped Madrid. second one,” Solari said. Lopetegui, the goals stopped after his great start, but the club squad with way for Real Madrid as it The veteran French striker “He gave us game, created coming and Madrid eventually still hasn’t said whether it has continues to impress under spaces and even worked well on reached its worst scoring stopped looking for Lopetegui’s coach Santiago Solari. scored four goals in the defense. He had a very complete drought ever, leading to replacement. injuries Benzema has been key since four victories under match.”match. Lopetegui’sLopetegui s firing.firing. Benzema,Benzema, who has scored AP Solari took over from the fired Solari, helping the team BenzemaBenzema had alreadalreadyy BecauseBecause rules pprohibitrohibit a club 202202 ggoalsoals for Madrid, was amonamongg Julen Lopetegui two weeks ago get back on track in the impressedimpressed with a greatgreat goalgoal in fromfrom havinghaving an thethe plaplayersyers criticized byby fans anandd and revamped Madrid. Spanish league and in the Madrid’sMadrid’s 55-0-0 routrout ofof ViktoriaViktoria interimi nteri m local media duringduring the team’team’s PARIS: Manchester The veteran French striker Champions League. Plzen in the Champions LeaLeague,gue, coaccoachh fforor difficult stretch under Lopetegui,Lopetegui United players Paul scored four goals in the four vic- clearingclearing three defenders with a longer the former Spain coach.coach. Pogba (pictured) and tories under Solari, helping the seriesseries ooff cutcut-back-back mmovesoves ininsideside thanthan “I“I plaplayy football to makmakee Anthony Martial have team get back on track in the the area.area. ttwowo history,”history,” Benzema saisaidd aafterfter tthehe been ruled out of Spanish league and in the Cham- Celta Vigo on Sunday, when He also scoscoredred wiwithth a weeks,weeks, win against ViktoriaViktoria Plzen.Plzen. France’s upcoming pions League. Madrid won 4-2 to get within headerheader in thatthat match,match, whichwhich MadridMadrid “Sometimes“Sometimes peoplepeople don’tdon’ matches because of Given a leading role in the four points of Spanish league leftleft MaMadriddrid bbackack at thethe totopp ofof hashas to reallyreally ununderstandderstand whatwhat I ddoo oonn injuries. attack, Benzema has thrived, leader Barcelona. its groupgroup alongalong with Roma. registerregister thethe pitch.pitch. I’m therethere to helphelp mymy Moussa Sissoko and showing some of what made him Benzema opened the scoring BenzemaBenzema started the Solari as team-matesteam-mates as well as scorscoree Alexandre Lacazette will an indisputable starter for after a neat touch to control the seasonseason playingplaying wellwell in tthehe goals.goals. For me, tthehe importaimportantn replace the two players France’s national team a few ball inside the area, getting into absenceabsence of CristianoCristiano thingthing alwaalwaysys is winninwinning.”g.” for a UEFA Nations years ago. perfect position to find the net. Ronaldo,Ronaldo, League game at the His technique has been as He was also responsible for the scoringscoring five Netherlands on sharp as ever, as is his accuracy team’s second goal after using November 16 and a in front of the goal. He has been two nifty moves to fool a friendly against Uruguay dribbling past defenders with defender inside the box. at Stade de France four ease and his positioning inside He sent the ball through his days later. the area has been spotless. opponent’s legs before firing a The French football Benzema, 30, has scored shot that struck the post and ric- federation said Pogba some great goals in his recent ocheted off another defender has a left thigh injury and run, including in the match at before going in, counting as an Martial has injured an adductor muscle. It’s a setback for Martial, who earned a recall for France eight Cavani bags hat-trick months after his most recent appearance. Martial last played for France in a 3-1 win over Juventus’ Cristiano Russia in March and was Ronaldo celebrates as PSG thrash Monaco not selected for the after scoring their World Cup, which his second goal on team-mates won in July. AFP Sunday. PSG’s Neymar (left) and Edinson Cavani celebrate PARIS: Thierry Henry’s disas- during their match against trous start as coach of Monaco Monaco on Sunday. continued on Sunday as Edinson Cavani’s VAR-assisted hat-trick helped Paris Saint-Germain to an easy 4-0 win in the princi- pality that saw them extend their perfect record in Ligue 1 this season. Neymar netted a penalty to complete PSG’s victory, as they Sigurdsson made it 13 wins from 13 league games under Thomas Tuchel, Ronaldo keeps further stretching their start to ruled out the season that is a record in France and in Europe’s so-called of Iceland Juve flying high big five leagues. The result for them came squad after a week marred by revela- with victory tions from French investigative Brugge which knocked them out -- found the going so easy. They website Mediapart that youth of the Champions League. went ahead in the fourth minute REUTERS scouts at PSG had subjected Monaco are on their worst when Neymar drove the ball over AC Milan potential signings to racial pro- run in France’s top flight in 32 across goal for Cavani to LONDON: Everton filing over several years. years, at a time when Football convert. mifielder Gylfi AFP But while they go 13 points Leaks claims about their The goal was initially disal- Sigurdsson has been of Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli clear of second-placed Lille at Financial Fair Play breaches and lowed before being given by the withdrawn from with Inter a further three the Ligue 1 summit, the club who the arrest of their Russian bil- Video Assistant Referee, and the Iceland’s squad ahead of MILAN: Cristiano Ronaldo behind. have been their main chal- lionaire owner Dmitry Rybo- same thing happened in the 11th their Nations League scored as Juventus bounced Allegri’s side rarely looked lengers in recent seasons con- lovlev on corruption charges minute when Cavani turned the clash against Belgium back from their midweek threatened by AC Milan with tinued their deeply worrying have cast a further shadow over ball in again after the flag was due to an ankle injury, Champions League defeat Mandzukic rising highest to slump, with Henry again left to the club. wrongly raised for an offside the Football Association by Manchester United with nod in an Alex Sandro cross look on helplessly from the “We are playing for survival, against Moussa Diaby. of Iceland (KSI) said a 2-0 win over 10-man AC to dampen spirits among the touchline. nothing else,” said Henry, who In contrast to those two yesterday. Milan in Serie A on Sunday, 75,000-capacity crowd at Champions in 2017, Monaco has picked up a squad cursed by goals, a fine Julian Draxler finish Sigurdsson sustained as Gonzalo Higuain missed the San Siro. The Croatian are in the relegation zone and injuries. in first-half stoppage time was the injury following a a penalty before being sent World Cup runner-up could five points away from outright The average age of his initially given before being dis- collision with Chelsea’s off for the hosts. have made it two shortly safety having failed to win in six bench here was under 19, while allowed on review. Jorginho during a 0-0 Mario Mandzukic headed after, meeting a cross this matches in all competitions his starting line-up featured a However, Diaby squared for Premier League draw at in the opener in the eighth time from Ronaldo but Milan since the Arsenal and France 17-year-old debutant in defence Cavani to complete his hat-trick Stamford Bridge on minute at the San Siro with skipper Alessio Romagnoli great took charge. in Benoit Badiashile. in the 54th minute, and Neymar Sunday. Ronaldo adding a second on blocked. They have now gone 16 It was little wonder that PSG then rolled in a penalty after The 29-year-old 81 minutes as Juventus Higuain returned from a games without a win altogether, -- themselves showing six Kylian Mbappe had been fouled playmaker was seen maintained their six-point back problem to face his with this result following a 4-0 changes following their Cham- by France team-mate Djibril leaving the stadium in a cushion ahead of the inter- parent club but it was to be home reverse against Club pions League draw at Napoli Sidibe. protective boot and national break. a nightmare outing for the Everton said the player It got the defending forward who had been will undergo further seven-time Serie A cham- loaned out to Milan last assessment later. pions back on track after summer to make space for Monaco boss backs Henry after loss Iceland face Belgium suffering their first defeat of Ronaldo. in Brussels on Thursday the season by United fol- The Argentine missed a before taking on Qatar in REUTERS lowing two late goals penalty awarded after helped imbibe the club with a a friendly on Monday. despite Ronaldo’s stunning Medhi Benatia handled in sense of stability. Bernardo Sigurdsson, who volley. the area five minutes before PARIS: Monaco’s owners have Silva, Benjamin Mendy and joined Everton from A third loss of the cam- the break with Juventus backed Thierry Henry (pictured) Kylian Mbappe are among those Swansea City at the start paign, however, saw AC goalkeeper Wojciech Szc- as coach, just hours after his side who have left in recent years. of last season, has scored Milan drop out of the Cham- zesny tipping the ball onto were beaten 4-0 by Paris St “We’ve never had as many six goals in 13 appear- pions League places behind the post. Germain to extend Henry’s injured players,” Vasilyev said. ances for the Merseyside Lazio who moved back into Ronaldo tested Gianluigi winless run at his new club to “We’re lacking confidence, club so far this season. fourth despite a 1-1 draw at Donnarumma in the AC six games. we’re lacking luck.” Monaco Sassuolo. Milan goal early in the Vadim Vasilyev, Monaco’s were outclassed on Sunday as Inter Milan’s seven- second half before finally vice-president, said they would PSG breezed past them with a match winning streak ended blasting in nine minutes not bow to mounting pressure hat-trick from Edinson Cavani with a 4-1 defeat at Ata- from time for his first goal and fire Henry, who has drawn and a penalty from Neymar. Iceland face lanta, with Luciano Spal- at the San Siro. two and lost four matches since They are already out the Belgium in letti’s side losing second Minutes later Higuain succeeding Portuguese coach Champions League, after taking Brussels on place to Napoli who came saw red after shouting at Leonardo Jardim. principality last month but has just one point from a possible from behind to beat Genoa the referee in frustration “Thierry Henry came for the struggled in his new role at last 12, and they sit joint bottom of Thursday before 2-1 on Saturday. after a foul on Benatia, and long term, he is not a firefighter,” season’s Ligue 1 runners-up. Ligue 1 standings with seven taking on Qatar Juventus have 34 points was led off the pitch in Vasilyev told French TV channel Injuries have played a part, points from 13 games. in a friendly on Canal+ from 12 games -- six ahead tears. . with several first-team players Monaco’s next game is on Monday. The former Arsenal and Bar- unavailable, and a strategy of Saturday at Caen, who are two celona striker took over in the selling top players has hardly places above them in the table. TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 31 Guardiola thrilled as City defy derby ‘fear’ to beat Man United AFP

MANCHESTER: Manchester City Bernardo says City’s manager Pep Guardiola said his side had to overcome early “fear” before the reigning Premier win may have ended League champions returned to the top of the table with a 3-1 Allegri wins derby win at home to Manchester United’s title bid United on Sunday. Goals early in each half at the AFP best Serie A Etihad from David Silva and Sergio Aguero left City in a com- coach title manding position before an MANCHESTER: Manchester Anthony Martial penalty gave vis- City’s Bernardo Silva reckons It won’t be easy. AP itors United hope of a comeback. a derby win over Manchester Not only Man But Ilkay Gundogan put the United has dealt a huge blow result beyond doubt four minutes to their local rivals’ title City -- United are ROME: Massimiliano Allegri from time with a third goal that hopes, saying Jose Mour- 10 points from (pictured, above) won Serie crowned a sublime 44-pass move. inho’s men would need to be Liverpool, a lot of A Coach-of-the-Year award Victory left City two points “almost perfect” between points from the for the fourth time after clear of Liverpool and Guardiola now and the end of the guiding Juventus to a record- told the BBC: “We deserved the season if they were to win the other ones as well: extending seventh straight victory. The first half we played Premier League. Bernardo Silva Serie A title last season. a little bit with fear but football is City, the reigning English Allegri gained 17 votes for a game and we didn’t want to lose champions and Premier lost, but Silva was not so sure. the Panchina d’Oro (Golden the ball.” League leaders, opened up a “It won’t be easy. Not Bench) award, beating Asked why his team had been 12-point lead over United only Man City -- United are Napoli’s Maurizio Sarri, now fearful, Guardiola replied: “We with a 3-1 victory at the 10 points from Liverpool, a at Chelsea, and Lazio’s wanted to play good in front of Etihad Stadium on Sunday. lot of points from the other Simone Inzaghi, who gained our fans and we know how Goals early in each half ones as well,” Silva said. eight votes each. important it is to play in this from David Silva and Sergio “They need to be almost Allegri also won the Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero with manager Pep Guardiola (right) game. But we did well and that Aguero put City in command perfect and wait for the other award for 2008-09 with during the match against Manchester United on Sunday. goal from Sergio Aguero helped at 2-0 up before United ones to lose a lot of points. I Cagliari and two of the past us a lot after half-time.” pulled one back through an think it won’t be easy,” the three seasons with Juventus. Defeat left United 12 points “There is a gap, Manchester their campaign in European club Anthony Martial penalty just Portugal international added. Allegri says, “Thanks behind City just 12 games into the City start playing from the football’s elite tournament with before the hour mark. Silva, who provided the above all the club and the league season, with beaten beginning of the season at a a 6-0 thrashing of Shakhtar City, however, sealed final cross from which Gun- players. They’re the ones who manager Jose Mourinho accepting certain level that allows them to Donetsk on Wednesday. victory four minutes from dogan scored, was proud of go out on the pitch and win there was now a “gap” between get a lot of points.” Mourinho, while not blaming time when Ilkay Gundogan the way City responded after the games. The goal is to win the Manchester clubs. The Portuguese boss, in a sep- United’s defeat on their exertions crowned a 44-pass move to Martial gave United hope of an eighth league title and then He insisted his team were arate interview with Sky Sports, in Italy, said: “Everybody has to slot home from close range. a comeback. the Champions League. Let’s united in reality as well as in added: “All three goals are our agree, it is one thing to go to This was United’s fourth “After their goal we knew see if we’ll have a bit of luck name, while saying all three of mistakes. Against a team like City, Juventus and play against one of defeat in 12 games and left they would have confidence on our side.” City’s goals were down to mis- if you make mistakes you will get the best teams in the world for them eighth in the table. to try to come for a second Recently fired Empoli takes by his players. punished.” United scored twice 90 minutes, another thing to beat Before kick-off City but I think our performance coach Aurelio Andreazzoli “For me zero words against in the closing five minutes to win Shakhtar Donetsk at home 6-0 manager Pep Guardiola had was amazing. We didn’t won the Serie B award after my players, everything is pos- 2-1 away to Juventus in the and be very relaxed. insisted United would remain concede one chance -- only guiding the club to the itive,” Mourinho said. “I am with Champions League in midweek “We arrive in different title contenders even if they the penalty.” second-division title last them and they are with me. while City continued circumstances.” season.

After Betis loss, Pique admits Santiago Solari Barca’s defence ‘problems’

REUTERS have by far the worst defensive faced a very attacking team and record of the top seven teams in we had to take risks. BARCELONA: Barcelona the league. “I think that, defensively, we defender Gerard Pique Barca have let in 18 goals in all need to improve. Sometimes, (pictured) admitted his side 12 league games, more than 13 we go to press and we don’t all have a problem with their teams in La Liga. go and that leaves a lot of gaps porous defence after the La Liga “It’s not an individual thing, between the lines and teams leaders were beaten 4-3 at it’s a group problem. We have create a lot of counter-attacks home by Real Betis on Sunday, to focus on it and work against us. Marcelo conceding four times at the Nou together,” Pique said. “Today, for example, we Camp for the first time in over “It’s basic stuff which we should have stopped their first Injured Coutinho 15 years.s. knowow and a d we have ave goal by committing a foul.foul.” Real Madrid reward Yet thethe SpanishSpanish interna-interna- talkedtalked about. BBarcaarca havehave droppeddropped points in and Marcelo tional, whilewhile concedingconceding that Today,T oday, ffiveive ooff ttheirheir 12 games tthishis interim boss Solari with all theireir dedefendersfenders aallll we sseason,eason, four times against sides dropped for neededd to improve, was iinn the bottom half of the also adamantdamant tthathat ththee sstandingstandings but Pique said fans permanent contract champions’ons’ fans should notnot sshouldhould not be concerned by the Brazil friendlies AFP be worriedorried about the tteam’seam’s formform.. Solari, who spent five years currentt frailties of the “It’s true that we are findinfindingg playing for Real, was promoted AP team’s rrearguard.earguard. iitt harder to beat teams whwho,o, in MADRID: Interim Real Madrid from his role in charge of Cas- Barcarca trailedtrailed 2-02-0 at ttheory,heory, are smaller than us but manager Santiago Solari was tilla, the club´s B team, after RIO DE JANEIRO: Barcelona halftimeme and even thoughthough I think it’s somethinsomethingg sporadic appointed permanent coach Lopetegui had overseen a mis- midfielder Philippe Coutinho Lionel MMessiessi strucstruckk twice on aandnd won’t happenhappen throughoutthroughout yesterday after overseeing a erable run that included just and Real Madrid left back his returnurn from injury and tthehe seasonseason,”,” he saidsaid.. startling upturn in the European one victory in seven games. Marcelo have been dropped Arturo VidalVidal aalsolso scorescoredd fforor “Our“Our ffansans can relax,relax, we are champions’ fortunes since he The last of those, a 5-1 for Brazil’s upcoming the Catalans,talans, Betis became ttopop of the league. This year, the stepped in to replace Julen thumping at the hands of Bar- friendlies in England because the firstt sisidede ttoo bebeatat BBarcaarca aatt llevelevel of our opponents has risen, Lopetegui. celona, proved the final straw of thigh injuries. the Nouu Camp since Alaves in you can no longer win the “Everything is in order. Real for club president Florentino Beijing Guoan’s Renato Septembermber 20162016.. lleagueeague with 100 points. Madrid have worked out his Perez but the team have Augusto and Juventus’ Alex “Wee knknowow wwee hahaveve a “Teams have bigger budgets, contract and there are no rebounded under their new Sandro will be their replace- problemm and that we are con-con- bbetteretter players and they are more problems,” the Spanish football coach. ments for games against ceding a lot of ggoals,oals, more than competitivecompetitive and that’s better federation stated. “He has done excellently,” Uruguay in London on we haveve conceconcededded fforor a very forfor spectators.spectators.”” Solari has led Real to four Madrid club director Emilio November 16 and Cameroon long time,”me,” Pique told reporters.reporters. wins out of four since being Butragueno said on Sunday in Milton Keynes on “Wee willwill aalmostlmost never bbee installed on a caretaker basis night. November 20. the teamm tthathat coconcedesncedes tthehe following Lopetegui’s abrupt “We are very happy with Coutinho, who has a left fewest ggoalsoals because of sacking last month. how things have gone.” thigh injury, and Marcelo, our attackingacking phphi-i- And with 15 goals scored Few, however, could argue who injured his right thigh, losophy,y, but we and only two conceded he has with the results, which have would have started the know wewe have established the best ever start now earned Solari the chance games. to improve.”rove.” for a Real manager. to prove himself over a longer Brazil could also lose Despites p ite After thrashing Melilla in period. He indicated in his another starter, Real Madrid Sunday’say’s the Copa del Rey, they won 5-0 opening press conference that defensive midfielder defeat, Barca away to Viktoria Plzen in the he was open to keeping the job Casemiro, who has a right still leadad tthehe Champions League, between full-time. ankle injury. standingsings victories over Real Valladolid “It’s a great opportunity and The Brazil squad is set to and aree ononee and Celta Vigo in La Liga. it’s a great club,” Solari said. train at Arsenal’s ground later point clearlear ofof The upturn has left Madrid “I don’t just say that now as Monday. Atleticotico only four points adrift of league coach of the first team. I’ve Brazil’s is focusing on the Madrid,, Alaves leaders Barcelona and on the been here with other teams, I’ve Copa America, which it will and SSevilla,evilla, brink of qualification for the last played and sweated in the shirt host next year. althoughgh theythey 16 in Europe. of this club.” TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 27

I’m glad to win, it is never CRICKET TENNIS easy to play with my idol, it is always a big challenge Kei Nishikori, Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe ATP Finals against him, so it was great after defeating 2nd Test - Day 3 Kevin Anderson vs Kei Federer ACTION in Dhaka Nishikori to win today. TODAY’S

Five-goal blitz lifts Panthers Kuchar ends title drought over Senators AFP US PGA MAYAKOBA CLASSIC AP MEXICO CITY: Matt Kuchar Leading scores after final round of the NEW YORK: Aleksander survived a late scare to clinch his Mayakoba Classic at El Camaleon Golf Barkov scored twice as the first title in four years on Sunday Club Course, Playa del Carmen, Mexico on Florida Panthers won their with a one-shot victory at the US Sunday (par 71/USA unless stated): fourth straight game, scoring PGA Tour’s Mayakoba Classic in 262- Matt Kuchar 64-64-65-69 263 - Danny five goals in the second period Playa del Carmen. Lee (NZL) 65-66-67-65 265 - J.J. Spaun 69- to defeating the visiting The 40-year-old American, 65-65-66, Richy Werenski 65-66-67-67 266 Ottawa Senators 5-1 on who had started the final round - Brice Garnett 68-67-65-66 267 - Scott Piercy Sunday. with a four-shot lead, squeezed 67-68-70-62, Harold Varner 65-69-68-65, Barkov, an All-Star last home ahead of New Zealand’s Pat Perez 66-67-67-67, Jim Furyk 69-65-66- season, scored both of his Danny Lee after posting a two- 67 268 - Adam Hadwin (CAN) 65-67-68-68, goals in that second period. under-par 69. Anirban Lahiri (IND) 65-66-69-68, Cameron After a slow start this season, “I didn’t want a three-footer Champ 68-62-69-69, Aaron Wise 71-65-63- he has five goals. Florida also on the last hole,” Kuchar said. 69, Kim Whee (KOR) 68-63-66-71 269 - Emil- got goals from Jonathan

iano Grillo (ARG) 65-68-67-69 “I was hoping to have a three Huberdeau, Troy Brouwer or four-shot lead for some wiggle Matt Kuchar of and Frank Vatrano. room. But man, that felt awfully the United States Panthers winger Mike good.” But back-to-back bogeys on celebrates with wife Hoffman, who had played his Lee had surged up the lead- the 14th and 15th, and Lee’s final Sybi and sons Cameron entire career with Ottawa erboard after a six-under-par 65 round, left Kuchar only one shot and Carson after until he was traded twice in to ramp up the pressure on clear heading to the 18th. winning the Mayakoba the offseason, earned two Kuchar at the Camaleon Golf Kuchar however was not Golf Classic on Sunday. assists and extended his Club Course. about to be denied his first win points streak to 12 games, one The 40-year-old Kuchar since 2014 and he duly parred short of Pavel Bure’s team looked to be comfortably on the par-four 18th to secure the record. course for the win after two victory. “This is a high note. It’s blemish on a round that included of third place. Florida backup goalie birdies and seven pars on the Last season Kuchar failed to amazing thing to get a win. I go seven birdies, leaving him 21 Brice Garnett was a shot James Reimer made 34 saves, front nine saw him reach the make the US Ryder Cup team for from `Hola’ to `Aloha.’ I’m pretty under for the tournament with back on 18 under while Scott earning just his second win turn at two under. the first time in a decade and fin- excited about that.” Lee mean- a 72-hole aggregate 263. Piercy was Sunday’s biggest of the season (2-4-1). Ottawa A long birdie putt from off ished out of the top 10 in the Fed- while was left to rue a costly JJ Spaun and Richy Werenski mover after carding a nine- backup goalie Mike McKenna, the green at the 11th followed by ExCup standings for the first time bogey on the 15th hole which finished three off the lead on 19 under-par 62 which saw him making his third appearance a further birdie at the 13th left since 2007. ultimately cost him a share of the under after their closing rounds. vault up the leaderboard into a and first start of the season, the world number 40 cruising “My 2018 wasn’t what I lead and a possible playoff. Spaun carded a closing 65 while four-way tie for sixth at 17 made 35 saves. towards the title at 24 under. wanted,” said Kuchar. The bogey was the only Werenski posted a 67 for a share under. Jets 5, Devils 2 Mark Scheifele scored twice and Blake Wheeler extended his points streak to 10 games with two assists as host Winnipeg never trailed Langer wins another Schwab Cup in beating slumping New Jersey. Scheifele scored two of AP rolled in a 25-foot birdie putt on the 17th Winnipeg’s first three goals and was on his way. and assisted on a third, by PHOENIX : Vijay Singh rallied from six Singh finished at 22-under 262 to win Nikolaj Ehlers. Jack Roslovic shots behind on Sunday with his career- by four shots over Tim Petrovic, who and Mathieu Perreault also best round on the PGA Tour Champions, started the final round one shot behind scored for the Jets, and Brett a 10-under 61 that gave him a four-shot McCarron and closed with a 70. Seney and Blake Coleman victory in the Charles Schwab Cup Cham- The 55-year-old Fijian won for the scored for the Devils who pionship and gave Bernhard Langer the third time this year and finished at No. 4 beat the Devils Connor Hel- season title and $1m annuity. in the Schwab Cup. lebuyck made 34 saves. Langer won the Schwab Cup for the “The way they were scoring all week, Bruins 4, Knights 1 fifth time, and fourth time in the last five I thought if I got to 20 (under), I might Goaltender Jaroslav Halak years. finish top 5,” Singh said. “I birdied the first stopped 37 shots to win for “At age 61 to do it is quite an two, hit it close at 4. I just kept going. I the second straight night, and achievement,” Langer said, holding a glass didn’t think about much. I didn’t even David Pastrnak scored his of red wine on the balcony at Phoenix know what we were shooting.” NHL-leading 16th goal in Bos- Country Club. “Maybe there’s another in Singh missed only one green in ton’s win over visiting Vegas. me.” regulation. Danton Heinen, Jeremy Scott McCarron was in position to Langer capped off another remarkable Lauzon and Brad Marchand capture the Schwab Cup for the first time, year for a 61-year-old German with an also scored goals for the needing only to win the final tournament ageless game. He only won twice, his Bruins, who wrapped up a of the season provided Langer didn’t make Bernhard Langer (left) of Germany, winner of the Charles Schwab Cup and Vijay fewest since 2015, but was runner-up six four-game homestand with a big run and finish among the top three. Singh of Fiji Islands pose together at Phoenix Country Club on Sunday. times. their third win. Cody Eakin Langer tied for 13th. “It doesn’t get old,” he said. scored for the Golden Knights. McCarron, however, faded badly. He double bogey. “I really didn’t think I had any chance,” Langer was among only six players With No. 1 goalie Tuukka hit a tee shot out-of-bounds on No. 3 to He closed with a 72 and tied for third. Singh said. who had a mathematical chance to win Rask out after being granted make double bogey and was never under The charge came from Singh, who was Singh said he saw a leaderboard the Schwab Cup. McCarron was the only a leave of absence on Friday, par at any point in the final round. holing putts from everywhere and lost around the 13th hole that showed him tied one who had a chance to win Sunday, and Halak recorded 40 saves Sat- Needing a big finish, McCarron hit over track of his score until it was time to sign for the lead, and he poured it on. He he wound up second in the Schwab Cup, urday night in Boston’s 5-1 the green into a corporate grandstand his card. His 61 was his lowest score by punched a wedge under the trees to 30 worth a $500,000 bonus. Wes Short had thrashing of Toronto and was behind the 17th hole and made another two shots on the 50-and-older circuit. feet and holed the birdie putt on the 16th, a 69 and tied for third with McCarron. back at it against Vegas. Harden powers Rockets to first home victory AFP described as an undisclosed illness. points, and Malcom Brogdon added Houston Rockets guard US media is reporting that Anthony 20 for the Bucks, who recorded James Harden (13) LOS ANGELES: James Harden can expect to be waived soon. their first win in Denver since splits the defense of drained eight three pointers en route Victor Oladipo had 22 points for 2010. Indiana Pacers guard to a season-high 40 points as the the Pacers, who have lost three of “We do not want to be a good Victor Oladipo (4) and Houston Rockets won their first their last four games. team, we want to be a great team,” forward Domantas home game with a 115-103 victory The Pacers went on a five point Antetokounmpo said. “Great teams, Sabonis (11) in the over the Indiana Pacers. burst late in the fourth to cut the no matter what, come back. first quarter at Toyota Harden added nine assists and Rockets lead to just five, but Harden “You’ve got to keep fighting and Center. seven rebounds and Chris Paul answered with two free throws to keep playing within your game plan tallied 26 points for the Rockets, help put the game out of reach. and you hope things work. You hope who had lost their first four home “When we’re like that we’re you can knock down shots. That’s games of the season. going to score a bunch of points and what we did.” Paul Milsap led the “It’s nice to get a win,” Paul said. if our defense can keep improving Nuggets with 25 points and Nikola “We’ve obviously been strug- then we’re the team that we want Jokic added 20. gling, but we’ve got to keep to be,” coach Mike D’Antoni said. Denver has lost three straight. building.” Elsewhere, Brook Lopez scored Lopez didn’t make a single The win comes as the Rockets a career-high eight three pointers basket from beyond the arc in his try to figure out what to do with as all five Milwaukee starters fin- first six NBA seasons, but he’s trans- journeyman Carmelo Anthony, ished in double figures to lead the formed into a consistent three point whose poor play has mirrored the Bucks to a 121-114 win over the threat. Rockets’ start. Denver Nuggets. Lopez made at least six three- Anthony, who is in his first year Giannis Antetokounmpo had pointers in three of his last four in Houston, sat out for the second 22 points, nine rebounds and eight games and is shooting 38.8 percent straight game with what the team assists, Khris Middleton had 21 from deep this season.