SPORT

Friday 3 November 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Houston Astros Smith out to Rea stars as seal World re-open ’s action begins Series title Ashes ‘scars’ in Qatar El Shorbagy, Momen reach final in Doha

Armstrong Vas ’s (left) in action during the semi-finals of the Tournament at the Khalifa The Peninsula International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. Egypt’s (centre) in action against top seed and World No.1 Gregory Gaultier of France during the first semi-final yesterday. Pictures: Anvar Sadat orld No.3 Mohamed El Shorbagy will be aiming to clinch his third Qatar Classic Wtitle when he takes on Egyptian com- patriot and World No.7 Tarek Momen in today’s final of the $165m PSA World Series event at the Khalifa Interna- tional Tennis and Squash Complex. In yesterday’s semi-final, Mohamed El Shorbagy, who lost in the final of the last edition, beat top seed and World No.1 Gregory Gaultier in straight games to reach the final the Qatar Classic for a fourth tournament in a row. In the second semi-final, Momen booked his place in his first ever World Series final as he beat Germany’s Simon Rösner 3-0. The first semi-final between El Shorbagy and the Frenchman was a repeat of the 2015 final, which the Egyptian had won. The first two games were a touch and go affair. Gaultier erred when in crucial moments to give could El Shor- accept playing tough matches and I would get this emotional,” Momen bagy the lead and he grabbed it with backing them up,” he said. said after the match. How they reached the final both hands to take the first two games. The second semi-final was the “I have been waiting for this In the third, the Egyptian romped sixth meeting between Momen and moment for so long but I’m not done Mohamed El Shorbagy Tarek Momen through the third with Gaultier move- Rosner on the PSA World Tour with here so I don’t know why I’m crying – FIRST ROUND: Defeated qualifier Chris FIRST ROUND: Defeated compatriot Mohamed ments hampered by an injury. the German leading in the head-to- it’s not over! Simpson of England 11-7, 11-9, 11-5 Abouelghar 11-4, 11-6, 7-11, 11-7 in the first The pair have contested one of the head standings 3-2, however, Momen “I’m really happy, I can’t believe SECOND ROUND: Defeated round. most fierce rivalries on the PSA Tour made sure to change that as he pro- I’m in my first World Series final – it’s of Egypt 11-9, 14-12, 11-8 SECOND ROUND:D: GotGot tthehhe and yesterday’s match was an absorb- duced a stellar performance in Doha. amazing.” QUARTER-FINAL: better of Cameron PilleyPilley off ing contest in the first two sets but With both players looking to reach “I’ve been doubting myself a lot the Defeated of Egypt 11-7, 11-4, 9-11, Australia in a marathonhon fivfive-e- turned into a no-contest in the third. their first World Series final, it was past few years but I always thought 16-18,16 18, 11-811 8 game thriller winningng it 88-11,-11, From there, it was a procession as Momen who dominated, taking a good that I shouldn’t be written off and I SEMI-FINAL: 11-6, 11-5, 10-12, 11-7.7. one point against an ailing Gaultier – lead in each of the games, and although thought I always had the qualities to Yesterday,YYeesterday, hhee QUARTER-FINAL:AL: EEasedaseedd making his first appearance of the Rosner closed the gap in the first two, be here. tooktook jjustuust 55 miminutesnuutess past three-time Worldrld CChampionhamppioon season after recovering from an ankle there was no stopping Momen “Here and there you lose faith but to ggeteet papastst tthee of Englandgland winningwinnnning injury – to earn his place in the final yesterday. I was lucky enough to have the right challengechalleennge ofof pastpaastt three games to one atat 11-5,11-5, 9-11,9-111, 11-711-7 once again. The 29-year-old Momen - who people around me.” championchamppioon 14-12,14-12, 11-9,111-99, and 11-6. “I’m really happy to be back in the had beaten Egypt’s Mohamed “I just can’t believe it’s happening, 11-1.11-1. SEMI-FINAL:AL: final here, it’s where I won my first Abouelghar, Australia’s Cameron Pil- I feel I have a good chance now to Yesterday he took 40 ever World Series and to be back in ley and England’s Nick Matthew so far carry this form out throughout the rest minutes to end thehe my fourth consecutive final is an hon- in the tournament – survived a late of the season,” he said. challenge of thehe our,” said El Shorbagy. flurry from Rösner as the German Momen is looking forward to the German, winning in “Last season was tough, but if I looked to find a way back into the final against El Shorbagy. straight games aatt want to come back to my World No.1 tournament. But it was too late as “We haven’t played in a long time 11-9, 11-5, 11-7. position again, I have to accept a lot Momen was relentless to seal a 11-9, now, I think it’s been about two years of challenges. You have to accept play- 11-5, 11-7 in 40 minutes. so I’m really looking forward to it,” ing through tough draws, you have to “I was on court and I didn’t think Momen said. Qatar Classic Elias targets top spot in coming years The Qatar Classic tournament first began in 2001, with England’s defeating Australia’s David Palmer in the final, before ArmstrongArmstrong VasVas rent season has been a breakthrough Hopefully, my time will come.” securing the title again against the same The Peninsula year for him. Elias is one of the few Latin Amer- opponent the following year. “I have been playing really well this icans players who feature in the Former World No.1s and eruvian DiegoDiego EEliaslias (p(pictured)ictur season. Last month, I beat five top-ten top-twenty, along with Cesar Salazar kept the title in English hands is one young upcoming playerpla players and right now I am 14 in the of Mexico and Miguel Angel Rodriguez either side of a short break in 2004 while the Pon thethe PSA Tour wwhoho has world and this could be my season. of Colombia and the trio have built a World Championship was held in Qatar, before earned acclaim from many quartersquar The Peruvian, who is on his fourth special relationship while playing and Egyptian trio , and andand one wwhoho hhasas sshowedhowed tthehe prprom- season on the circuit, said he has set travelling around the world. took up the mantle of the Qatar ise to makemake tthehe top ranrankingskings hhisis oown two targets for the season, to qualify “There are not many Latin Ameri- Classic champion over the next three in the coming years. for the season ending PSA champion- cans on the tour, just Rodriguez and tournaments. In tthehe Qatar CClassic,lassic, tthehe 20-20-year-y ship in Dubai and to break into the me and then a player from Mexico Since then, some of the most famous ooldld stunnedstunned the former WorldWorld No.1N top-10. (Cesar), so the Latin players help each names in squash have had their name adorned James WiWillstropllstrop in tthehe ffirstirst rounroundd and “I am starting to get closer to the other. We travel all time together and on the coveted trophy, with three-time World thenthen easeeasedd past InIndiandian quaqualifierlifier SSau- top ten and top five, feeling really good. we know each other very well, we Champion Nick Matthew, former World No.1 rav Ghosal bbutut his bbrilliantrilliant run ccamea I want to perform on a consistent basis always help each other,” added Elias, Mohamed El Shorbagy and current World No.1 ttoo endend in thethe quarter-finalsquarter-fi on the PSA Series and then qualify for who said taking a coach along to each Gregory Gaultier. againstagainst World No.1N the Dubai season ending event, ” he of the tournament does not make busi- Gregory GaultierGaultie of said, while talking to The Peninsula. ness sense. Previous Winners 2016: (EGY) France. Elias, who started playing squash “Me and Rodriguez have not played 2015: Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) EliasElias hasha a at the age of three, went to do well in against each other for a long time, the 2014: No event llotot to oofferffe to the World Championships. last time we played was two years ago,” 2013: Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) tthehe gamgame in “My other priority is World Cham- informed Elias. 2012: No event ththee comingcom pionship, I want to do well and I have The World No.14 said there are 2011: Gregory Gaultier (FRA) yyearsears and a feeling I will do well,” he added. many promising players coming 2010: Karim Darwish (EGY) tthehe ccur- Elias is optimistic that after gain- through the ranks from the Latin Amer- 2009: Nick Matthew (ENG) ing considerable experience on the ican region and the further argue he 2008: Karim Darwish (EGY) Circuit he will be able to take the added. 2007 (October): Amr Shabana (EGY) number one spot in the ranking “Finding sponsorship for squash is 2007 (April): Ramy Ashour (EGY) hierarchy. difficult but for a top ranked player it 2005: James Willstrop (ENG) “I am too young. If you see the is not so, it was hard to get people to 2004: No event 2003: Lee Beachill (ENG) records almost all the players who have back you a few years ago but the sports 2002: Peter Nicol (ENG) been on the top have made it to the is growing and sponsors are getting 2001: Peter Nicol (ENG) highest rank after gaining experience associated with the game in Latin and after winning many tournament. American countries.” SPORT FRIDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2017 21

NHL RESULTS San Jose 4 Nashville 1 New Jersey 2 Vancouver 0

Astros seal World Series title Toronto 3 Anaheim 1 Pittsburgh 3 Edmonton 2 Chicago 3 Philadelphia 0 Members of the Houston Astros are presented with the Commissioner’s Trophy after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in NHL: Murray’s Game Seven of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday. heroics give Penguins win over Oilers

New York Agencies

att Murray capped a 35-save performance Mby stopping Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on a break- away with less than 20 seconds remaining as the Pittsburgh Penguins edged the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 on Wednesday. Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Mal- kin scored a tiebreaking power-play goal in the third period. Patric Hornqvist also scored on the power play, and Conor Sheary netted the other goal for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. Phil Kessel and Kris Letang had two assists apiece for the Penguins. Los Angeles Maiden trophy for fifth home run of the World Nugent-Hopkins scored Reuters Houston Series for a 5-0 advantage, on the power play and Leon chasing Darvish, who ended an Draisaitl scored the other he Houston Astros Astros beat Dodgers ignominious World Series after Edmonton goal. Connor won the World 5-1 in Game Seven, a similarly disastrous start in McDavid set up both the Series on Wednes- centre fielder George Game Three. goals. day on the back of a Springer named “My approach was to get Devils 2, Canucks 0 two-run home run series MVP something out over the plate, Cory Schneider stopped Tby George Springer that busted get something I could drive,” 37 shots for his first shutout the game open and lifted the Springer said of his two-run of the season and New Jersey Los Angeles starter team to a 5-1 victory over the shot. blanked Vancouver. Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Darvish driven from “And I just remember Jimmy Hayes and Drew Seven. decisive game early swinging and hearing the Stafford scored as New Jer- The Astros clinched the sound of the bat, and I knew it sey remained the NHL’s lone best-of-seven series 4-3 for the was a good sound.” unbeaten road team first franchise title in a 55-year spirits of the city. “This team Dodgers ace Clayton Ker- (5-0-0). existence, and did so against a loves playing in Houston and shaw took the mound in the Jacob Markstrom made Dodgers team that had Major we’re going to love bringing third inning and threw four 24 stops for the Canucks. League Baseball’s best regular this World Series trophy back scoreless innings to keep his Maple Leafs 3, Ducks 1 season record. to Houston,” he said. team in the game but the Los Patrick Marleau scored The Astros jumped on The signs for the Dodgers Angeles offense failed to con- his 100th career game-win- Dodgers starting pitcher Yu were ominous early as World vert hits into runs. ning goal at 1:09 of the third Darvish early, scoring all five Series most valuable player The National League period as Toronto beat runs in the first two innings Springer got the Astros off to champions were unable to cap- Anaheim. before riding a long string of an excellent start when he italize on their many Marleau scored his fifth relief pitchers to the win at laced a leadoff double to left opportunities, stranding 10 goal with the Maple Leafs and Dodger Stadium. field corner and later scored baserunners. 513th of his career. “I think this is the happiest the game’s first run on a throw- The Dodgers scored their Frederik Andersen made moment of my life in baseball,” ing error by Dodgers first lone run in the sixth inning 28 saves against his former Astros second baseman Jose baseman Cody Bellinger. when pinch hitter Andre Eth- team. Altuve said on the field after the Alex Bregman scored on a ier hit a ground ball that found Ondrej Kase scored for final out. ground ball hit by Altuve that a hole on the right side to score Anaheim while John Gibson “We did this for them,” he gave the Astros a 2-0 lead Joc Pederson. made 26 saves. said of the fans in Houston, before the Dodgers had even “It hurts, it’s suppose to Blackhawks 3, Flyers 0 who are still recovering from came up to bat. hurt but there is nothing to Corey Crawford made 35 the deadly Hurricane Harvey Darvish issued a leadoff regret when you leave all out saves as Chicago blanked in August. walk to Astros catcher Brian there,” Dodgers manager Dave Philadelphia. “There has been a lot going McCann to start the second Roberts told reporters. Artem Anisimo and on in Houston the last year inning and scored on a soft “It was a long season and Jonathan Toews scored 29 (and) they are the biggest rea- ground ball by pitcher Lance we stayed together, fought until seconds apart in the second son why we are here.” McCullers Jr. to make it 3-0. the end and we came up a lit- Houston Astros centre fielder George Springer with the period. Alex DeBrincat added Astros manager AJ Hinch Springer stepped to the tle short but there is nothing MVP Award after Game Seven of the 2017 World Series an empty-net goal. said the team was proud of the plate with one on and two out for us to hang our heads against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Philadelphia’s Brian Elli- part it played in lifting the in the inning and blasted his about,” he said. Wednesday. ott made 32 saves. Sharks 4, Predators 1 Martin Jones made 19 saves and four different Sharks scored as San Jose beat Nashville. NBA RESULTS Marc Edouard-Vlasic and Joe Pavelski scored second Struggling Cavaliers fall to Pacers LA Clippers 119 Dallas 98 period goals for the Sharks. Denver 129 Toronto 111 Joe Thornton recorded his Utah 112 Portland 103 1,400th career point and Los Angeles thought we did some good things. a left calf strain. With an average Houston 119 NY Knicks 97 ranks 20th on the NHL’s all- AFP We just couldn’t sustain it. But the age of 30, the Cavaliers have the time list. Joonas Donskoi and other games we just flat out got NBA’s oldest roster. Orlando 101 Memphis 99 Mikkel Boedker added the Cleveland Cavaliers line- our butts kicked. So seeing James is the NBA’s sixth player Minnesota 104 N’ Orleans 98 other San Jose tallies. Every Pacers up struggling to come improvement.” with 400 regular-season games Boston 113 S’mento 86 Roman Josi scored for starter scored in A together and sustain effort The Pacers had lost nine of at least 30 points, joining Miami 97 Chicago 91 Nashville. for a full game suffered its fourth meetings in a row with the Cavs Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamber- double figures, with consecutive NBA loss on Wednes- since March 2014 -- four months lain, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant Charlotte 126 Milwaukee 121 Thaddeus Young day, falling 124-107 to visiting before LeBron James returned and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Indiana 124 Cleveland 107 netting 26 points, Indiana. from Miami to the Cavs. Ex-Cavs guard Kyrie Irving Philadelphia 119 Atlanta 109

Every Pacers starter scored in James led Cleveland with 33 and Jaylen Brown each scored 22 Phoenix 122 Washington 116 Darren Collison double figures, with Thaddeus points and 11 assists but commit- points to power Boston over vis- Young netting 26 points, Darren ted a game-high eight turnovers, iting Sacramento 113-86. The adding 25 and Collison adding 25 and Victor while Derrick Rose added 19 Celtics (6-2) won their sixth in a Victor Oladipo Oladipo pouring in 23 as Cleve- points. row while the Kings (1-7) lost their Australia’s Ben Simmons pouring in 23 land (3-5) suffered a fifth loss in “We can’t sustain effort for 48 sixth in a row. had 19 points, 13 rebounds six games, the past three by a minutes,” James said. “They hit a James Harden had 31 points and nine assists to spark the combined 58 points. few bombs at the end and the and nine assists and Houston Philadelphia 76ers over vis- “The other games we just got game got out of hand.” scored 16 consecutive points in iting Atlanta 119-109. our butts kicked,” Cavaliers coach Cavs centre Tristan Thomp- the second quarter on the way to It was the Sixers’ third Tyronn Lue said. “Tonight, I son missed the second half with a 119-97 victory at New York. consecutive win. Cory Schneider 22 SPORT FRIDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2017 All Blacks to kick off World Cup against Springboks

Tokyo and All Blacks and this opening and resulting nuclear disaster. but have won their last two World AFP group match is bound to be England’s hopes of knocking Cup meetings, including the 2015 another massive contest.” the mighty All Blacks off their semi-final at Twickenham. avourites New Zealand will France, drawn in the so- perch were complicated by a hor- They will criss-cross Japan begin their quest for a third called “Group of Death” alongside ror draw earlier this year. at the 2019 tournament, moving Fsuccessive Rugby World Cup England and Argentina, also open England have a mixed World from Yokohama to southwest- title with a heavyweight clash their campaign on September 21 Cup record against three-time ern city Oita to play the against South Africa at the 2019 with a key Pool C fixture against finalists France, their last meet- repechage winner before facing tournament in Japan. the Pumas in Tokyo. ing a quarter-final defeat in 2011. the top African qualifier in Tokyo The All Blacks are scheduled Title contenders England take They have won both of their and Italy in Toyota. to face their old southern hemi- on Tonga in the northern Japa- World Cup games so far against New Zealand will avoid Eng- sphere foes in Yokohama on nese city of Sapporo the following Argentina, but the swashbuckling land, France or Argentina in the September 21, a day after hosts day. Pumas are capable of beating quarter-finals, beginning on Japan kick off the competition Two-time champions Aus- anyone on their day. October 19, with two of the Group against European qualifiers, likely tralia face a potentially tricky New Zealand remain the team C trio set to collide with the top New Zealand’s Ofa Tu’ungafasi takes part in a training to be Romania, organisers opener against Fiji in Pool D, to beat, however, and Steve two in Group D, widely expected session at the Lensbury Hotel in London on Monday, announced in Tokyo yesterday. where rivals Wales open against Hansen’s world champions look to be Australia and Wales. ahead of their tour matches against France, Scotland and “We are really excited to meet Georgia. to have an easy run to the quar- Already 15 teams have qual- Wales. Favourites All Blacks will begin their quest for a New Zealand first up,” said South Matches will be played at 12 ter-finals after their blockbusting ified for the 2019 World Cup, third successive Rugby World Cup title with a heavyweight Africa head coach Allister Coetzee. venues including Kamaishi in Pool B opener. with a further five to be deter- clash against South Africa in the 2019 tournament in Japan. “There is a great and proud northeast Japan, which was The All Blacks famously lost mined via regional qualifiers or rivalry between the Springboks ravaged by the 2011 tsunami to South Africa in the 1995 final repechages.

New Zealand Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro returns the ball to Netherland’s say dew Bayliss preparing for Robin Haase during the quarter-finals at the ATP no excuse World Tour Masters 1000 Indoor tennis tournament New Delhi ‘ Stokes-less Ashes’ in Paris yesterday. AFP

kipper Kane Williamson Perth said dewy conditions AFP Swere no excuse after New Zealand dropped a string ngland coach Trevor Bay- of catches on their way to liss said he is preparing their first Twenty20 defeat to for life without Ben India. Stokes in the Ashes series, The Kiwis are known for adding that any reprieve their excellent fielding but Efor the suspended all-rounder they put down three crucial would be just a “bonus”. catches to allow the hosts to As England for their opening post 202-3 on Wednesday. tour match in Perth on Saturday, India won by 53 runs, ending Stokes remains at home awaiting a run of five defeats. the outcome of a police probe into Openers Shikhar Dhawan his involvement in a brawl outside and Rohit Sharma received a nightclub. early reprieves during their The England and Wales Cricket record 158-run stand to lay a Board have not yet ruled the vice- Ben Stokes Trevor Bayliss ‘Surprised’ Del solid platform after being captain out of the Ashes series, invited to bat first. which starts with the first Test in The dew at Delhi’s Feroz Brisbane on November 23. those who believe England can’t combination. We certainly wouldn’t Shah Kotla made life difficult But Bayliss said he has had to retain the Ashes without him. be here if we didn’t think we could Potro closes in for the fielders but William- discount any chance of Stokes play- “The players have a very impor- win without him. With Western son said it did not excuse the ing a role. tant, tough series coming up and Australia’s best players on sloppy fielding. “I have,” England’s Australian they are totally focused on winning Shield duties, England will face a “You do want to make a coach told reporters late Wednes- it,” Bayliss said. second-string WA XI squad in their on Tour Finals difference in the park when day, when asked if he had “written “They are concentrating on two-day match starting at the our bowlers were struggling off” Stokes. playing without him. We can’t WACA Ground on Saturday. against guys that were in “If he turns up it’s an absolute worry about something we can’t Only two players in the squad, Paris good form and hitting the ball bonus. And if he did happen to turn control.” captain Nathan Coulter-Nile and AFP really well,” Williamson told up, I’m quite sure he would slip Despite England’s chances of all-rounder Will Bosisto, have reporters on Wednesday. back in very easily. retaining the Ashes urn weakening Shield experience. uan Martin del Potro is relishing the “battle” to qualify “It’s what we pride our- “It’s totally out of our hands. We without Stokes, Bayliss said he Aus- It will be the first of three for the World Tour Finals after beating Robin Haase selves on. We were have just got on with preparing as tralia were still “beatable”. warm-up matches for England J7-5, 6-4 in the Paris Masters last 16 yesterday. disappointing today in the best we can.” “If any team lose one of their before the first Test at the Gabba. The former US Open champion can take the eighth park. Dew... is part of the The Stokes controversy has better players it’s going to be upset- After taking on the WA XI side, and final qualification spot for London from Pablo Car- challenge. Guys have experi- rocked England’s preparations with ting to a certain degree,” he said. England face a Cricket Australia XI reno Busta if he reaches the semi-finals at Bercy, and he enced dew many times, so it’s former Australia Test captains Steve “But we have time to smooth in Adelaide and Townsville in four- will face either John Isner or sixth seed Grigor Dimitrov not an excuse,” he added. Waugh and Ian Chappell among things out and find the right day games. in the last eight. Mitchell Santner dropped “It’s going to be a good battle next round trying to Dhawan on two before the qualify for London,” said Del Potro. left-handed opener went on “But anyways, I think I have two ways to take, one is to make a 52-ball 80 and take London, one is my home and vacation. the steam out of the opposi- Smith out to re-open “Both ways are great to me, but of course, I would tion bowling. love to reach London once again.” Tim Southee then spilled The 13th-seeded Argentinian had little trouble in see- another sitter at long-off to ing off Dutchman Haase, who had notched his first win allow Sharma, who was on 16, England’s Ashes ‘scars’ over a top-five player against Alexander Zverev on to go on to score 80 runs Wednesday. including four sixes. Three successive breaks of serve left Del Potro serv- Virat Kohli was also a Sydney “A few players were out ing for the first set, which he took on his fourth set point. beneficiary of New Zealand’s AFP here for that tour, and hope- The 29-year-old grabbed the crucial break in game butter fingers as Martin Gup- fully we can get them five of the second set, before closing out a comfortable till dropped the skipper on kipper Steve Smith (pic- thinking the same way, open victory. eight. The star batsman hit an tured) says Australia a few of those scars up as Del Potro, who was 47th in the ‘Race to London’ stand- unbeaten 11-ball 26. Splan to re-open old such, get them thinking ‘oh ings before the US Open, is now one win away from “That (fielding) made the English Ashes scars starting not this again’ and that kind reaching his fifth semi-final in six events. difference as we saw today with a morale-shattering of thought process.” His incredible run of form included a victory over that proved to be vital in a lot blow in the series opener at He said he expected Eng- Roger Federer en route to the last four at Flushing Mead- of ways,” said Williamson. the Gabba this month. land coach Trevor Bayliss to ows and a second straight Stockholm Open title. “Guys went on to score Smith has indelible ensure his team had an If Del Potro reaches the Paris semis, Frenchman Lucas big scores for their side in memories of the shattering attacking frame of mind, and Pouille would have to win the tournament to deny him a the Indian team and 200 on effect of the opening Bris- admitted Australia’s middle spot at the year-ending eight-man event for the first time that surface was a very big bane Test from the last order needed to be more since 2013. total.” 2013-14 Ashes battle in Aus- productive to be successful. Del Potro has suffered from a long list of injuries since India then kept down the tralia on the remainder of “We’ve had a lot of col- he broke through with US Open glory eight years ago and visitors to 149-8, giving that series. lapses in the last couple of was ranked 590th at the end of 2015, but he now stands paceman Ashish Nehra a fit- England were battered years,” he said. “I think in our on the brink of a return to the world’s top 10. ting farewell in the last match by the hostility of paceman last 15 games we’ve had 14 “It could be a fantastic moment for me,” he added. of his 18-year-old playing Mitchell Johnson, backed up collapses or something like “I didn’t expect to get this close to qualifying for career. by Ryan Harris and Peter that. London. Williamson also praised Siddle and the resilience of “We can’t afford to do Veteran Spaniard Fernando Verdasco knocked out India’s new-ball bowlers Jas- Australia’s lower batting order. through to the rest of the team. that this summer and (batting Austrian fifth seed Dominic Thiem with a 6-4, 6-4 vic- prit Bumrah and Smith said he wants those in “First Test match is going to be positions) six and seven are a place tory to reach his first Masters quarter-final since 2012. Bhuvneshwar Kumar for their the England’s squad who played really important, we need to set the where we’ll need some rebuilding The 33-year-old left-hander had never previously world-class consistency. in that series -- captain Joe Root, tone again and hopefully get them if those sorts of things happen and been past the third round in Paris, but he progressed to The action now moves to Alastair Cook, Jonny Bairstow, on a similar path to what we did in it’s going to be a valuable spot if a last-eight clash. Rajkot for the second T20 James Anderson, Stuart Broad 2013,” he told the ESPNcricinfo guys there are getting runs for us. Spanish great Rafael Nadal takes on Uruguayan Pablo which will be played and Steven Finn -- to relive the website yesterday ahead of the first “It’ll make a big difference, so Cuevas, having already secured the year-end world tomorrow. nightmare and for it to permeate Test on November 23 in Brisbane. let’s hope that is the case.” number one ranking. FRIDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2017 SPORT 23 Rea stars as action begins in Qatar

The Peninsula FIM SUPERBIKE WORLD s the WorldSBK CHAMPIONSHIP Losail Circuit listed to action commenced Qatar Round: Schedule yesterday at the Today Acerbis Qatar Round 16:20-16:45 WorldSBK - FP3 host final round in 2018 - the final weekend 17:00-17:15 WorldSSP - FP3 ofA the 2017 season - it was 18:30-18:45 WorldSBK - SP1 The Peninsula PROVISIONAL CALENDAR Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing 18:55-19:10 WorldSBK - SP2 Team) who led the way with a 19:30-19:45 WorldSSP - SP1 atar is scheduled to 1- Australia – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit - 23–25 1’57.666 lap. 19:55-20:10 WorldSSP - SP2 host the final round of February; 2- Thailand – Chang International Circuit Under the floodlights at the 21:00 World SBK - Race 1 Qthe 2018 WorldSBK – 23–25 March; 3- Spain – MotorLand Aragon – 13-15 spectacular Losail International Tomorrow Championship, details April; 4- The – TT Circuit Assen – 20-22 Circuit, Rea outpaced Tom Sykes 17:00-17:15 WorldSSP - WUP showed yesterday. April; 5- Italy - Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e 17:30-17:45 WorldSBK - WUP Dino Ferrari di Imola – 11-13 May; 6- United King- (Kawasaki Racing Team) and Chaz Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jonathan Rea in action during free This week, the rider fam- 19:30 WorldSSP - Race dom – Donington Park – 25-27 May; 7- Czech Re- Davies (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) practice at Losail Circuit yesterday, ahead of the final round of ily is competing for the final who also featured in the top three 21:00 WorldSBK - Race 2 round of the 2017 WorldSBK public – Automotodrom Brno – 8-10 June; 8- Unit- WorldSBK. of first free practice session. Championship, a feature that ed States – Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca – 22-24 Ahead of the final races of looks set to be repeated next June; 9- Italy – Misano World Circuit Marco Si- the year today and tomorrow, ahead of his closest rival and effort put Alex Lowes (Pata before Tissot Superpole and season, according to the pro- moncelli – 6-8 July; 10- Portugal – Autodromo In- the riders got a feel for the desert team-mate Sykes. Yamaha Official WorldSBK Race 1 today. visional 2018 calendar ternacional do Algarve – 14-16 September; 11- conditions in FP1 and they will The Northern Irishman’s hot Team) fourth. Michael van der Mark (Pata released yesterday. France – Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours – 28-30 all be pushing as hard as ever lap came towards the end of the This weekend in Qatar, Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) With the 2017 season September; 12- Argentina – El Villicum* – 12-14 Oc- tober; 13- Qatar – Losail International Circuit – 25- this weekend in order to end the hour long practice session as Sykes and Davies will battle it and Eugene Laverty (Milwaukee coming to a close, thoughts 27 October year on a high. many of the riders improved on out for the runners-up position Aprilia) finished the session in fifth are already turning to next *STH – Subject to homologation Rea was the sharpest per- their times. Davies was 0.882s in this year’s championship and sixth places respectively, season and the MOTUL FIM Official tests: former in the opening practice down on Rea in third place, behind title winner Rea and both whilst Laverty’s Aprilia teammate Superbike World Champion- - Australia – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit – on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR, lap- whilst a lap time 1.013s off the will be looking to gain any psy- Lorenzo Savadori (Milwaukee ship provisional calendar has WorldSBK & WorldSSP – 19-20 February

ping a hefty 0.689s margin triple World Champion’s best chological advantage they can Aprilia) was seventh. been released for 2018. - Portugal – Autodromo Internacional do Algarve – Taking on 13 rounds WorldSBK – 23-24 August Qatar’s Saeed Al Sulaiti in action at Losail Circuit yesterday. again next year, the tradi- tional season opener of Phillip Island Grand Prix Cir- Championship will take on cuit will remain ahead of the 12 rounds, whilst the FIM battle going to Chang Inter- Supersport 300 World national Circuit, before the Championship and FIM Euro- much anticipated European pean Superstock 1000 opener at MotorLand Aragon. Championship will run from With two additions to the 13th April at MotorLand, as calendar, the WorldSBK the season finale will take machines will take on Brno place at Circuit de Nevers and El Villicum in 2018, Magny-Cours on 28th – 30th offering new challenges and September. pure racing. With the excite- It was also announced ment no doubt building, that officials tests will be con- Losail International Circuit ducted at Phillip Island Grand will once again host the final Prix Circuit (Feb 19-20) and Qatar’s Mashel Al Naimi in action during round of the season. at Autodromo Internacional yesterday’s free practice. FIM Supersport World do Algarve (August 23-24).

QFA and AFC organise Duhail must Al Sadd bounce back win against coaching workshop Al Khor, says The Peninsula Development Department at with win over Al Ahli Belmadi the QFA said: “We at the QFA n collaboration with the believe in the importance of Asian Football Confedera- developing our coaches through The Peninsula The Peninsula Ition (AFC), the Development such workshops since coaches Department of the Qatar Foot- are an essential element in the ootball giants Al Sadd fter being held by Al ball Association (QFA) overall football development bounced back from ‘Qatar Gharafa, Al Duhail yesterday held the closing cer- strategy.” FClasico’ defeat, producing A coach Djamel Belmadi emony of the AFC level B “The course was rich theo- an impressive display to beat Al is desperately seeking a win football coaching workshop at retically and practically as it Ahli 2-1 in their round 7 clash of in their Round 7 clash against Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. involved the participation of a the QNB Stars League (QSL) Al Khor today. Captain Abdulkader Al selection of Arab football stars yesterday, “It’s important to achieve Mugaisib was AFC accredited who have international expe- Algerian forward Baghdad victory against Al Khor par- instructor of the course, which rience such as Captain Bounedjah (7) struck early in the ticularly since we dropped started on October 8. He was Mohamed Abu Trika and Cap- first half for Al Sadd who saw points for the first time after assisted by Captain Abdulrah- tain Wael Gomaa,” he added. their lead doubled by feared being held 1-1 by Al Gharafa,” man Saeed. Fahad Thani praised the striker Hassan Al Haydos (18) at Belmadi said ahead of the The ceremony was fruitful cooperation between Khalifa Stadium. Al Ahli captain game at Al Khor Stadium. attended by Fahad Thani Al the AFC and QFA which aims Meshal Abdulla reduced the def- “It’s also important Zaraa, Director of the Develop- to educate coaches in advanced icit in 90th minute. because the QNB Stars League ment Department at QFA, techniques and skills of the After stout defending in the is going into a break for two Saeed Al Misnad, Technical game. first six minutes of the round 7 weeks due to international Advisor at the Development The course was attended by clash, Al Ahli backline let two commitments and we want Department at QFA, Ali Faraj Al 22 coaches including Arab foot- goals in the next 12 minutes of to stay on top of the Ghanem, Sports Director at Al ball stars Captain Mohammed play on home soil. standings.” Sadd Sports Club. Abu Trika and Captain Wael Striker Al Haydos - running “Everyone is working Commenting on the occa- Gomaa in addition to Captain in from the midfield - spotted hard to get back on track by sion, Fahad Thani, Director of Younis Ali. Bounedjah on the left flank. defeating Al Khor. These three Al Haydos clipped the ball points are also a must for us. towards Bounedjah and the Al Khor are a tough team at Algerian curled one past Al Ahli home, so the game won’t be Al Sadd’s players celebrate a goal against Al Ahli during their goalkeeper Yazan Naim with a easy. As I said at the begin- left-footed drive that hit the left QNB Stars League match at Khalifa Stadium yesterday. Al ning of this season, teams in side of the net in the 7th minute. Sadd won the match 2-1. the middle or bottom half can cause trouble for those QSL: ROUND 7 In the 18th minute, Al Haydos the far goalpost with ‘keeper on top. doubled Al Sadd’s lead when he Naim completely beaten by the “We’ve seen many such Yesterday’s Result found the net from the edge of the move. instances. That demands us Al Sadd 2 (Bounedjah 7, Al Haydos 18) bt Al Ahli box as U-23 goalkeeper A minute before the first- to go into this match with full Al Ahli 1 (Meshal Abdulla 90) Naim failed to stop the ball. half whistle, Bounedjah found concentration,” he added. Today’s Fxtures An error from an Al Ahli the gap among a row of four Al Al Duhail player Ismail defender saw a long lob land Ahli defenders but his shot from Mohamed echoed their Alge- 5:15pm: Al Rayyan vs Qatar SC at Al Sadd neatly at Al Haydos’s feet. the edge of the box missed the rian coach’s feelings. Stadium The Qatar national team for- goalpost narrowly. He said Al Duhail are 5:15pm: Al Gharafa vs Al Markhiya at Al ward quickly drilled a low ball Six minutes into the second looking forward to a good Gharafa Stadium past goalkeeper Naim for his half, Ah Ahli captain Meshal show for full points after they 7:25pm: Al Khor vs Al Duhail at Al Khor team’s second goal. Abdulla charged into the Al Sadd had to share points in the last Stadium Barca legend and captain box but misfired with only goal- round. Xavi - who was rested for the keeper Saad Abdulla to beat. “The match against Al Tomorrow’s Fixtures game - warmly applauded Al Yesterday’s win was Al Khor assumes significance as 5:15pm: Al Sailiya vs Umm Salal at Al Ahli Haydos’ effort. Sadd’s sixth of the season. it comes before the break. We Stadium In the 34th minute, Al Sadd’s Coached by Jesualdo Ferreira, weren’t in good form against Fahad Thani Al Zaraa, Director of the Development

Yasir Abubakar Essa outran two Al Sadd last week lost to Michael Al Gharafa and lost two pre-

Department at QFA, giving away certificate to a participant 7:25pm: Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Arabi at Al Khor Stadium of Al Ahli’s defenders but his clip Laudrup’s Al Rayyan 2-1 in the cious points. We’ll play to in Doha yesterday. from close range slipped past ‘Qatar Clasico’. win,” said Ismail.