SPORT FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER 2016 21 Germany dropped from Firefighting Coe and Russia 2017 Formula One calendar

London again in IAAF spotlight Reuters he German Grand Prix Monaco Doping Scandal was dropped formally AFP Sebastian Coe T from the 2017 Formula The IAAF banned the One calendar on Wednesday reform-driven Sebas- Russian athletes in with the renamed Azerbaijan tian Coe and November 2015 after a Grand Prix given a new date drugs-tainted Russia (WADA) report to avoid a clash with the Le are again in the spot- unveiled systematic Mans 24 Hours sportscar race. light of athletics' state-sponsored The absence of Germany worldA governing body during the was expected, with Hocken- doping. IAAF three days of crunch meet- heim reluctant to host the ings that has started yesterday. Coe is pushing for an race in successive years for A crucial part IAAF Council independent drugs financial reasons despite it meeting is dedicated to the lat- being a home event for dom- testing regime as part est update from Norwegian Rune inant Mercedes and new of his overhaul of Andersen, the head of the IAAF champion Nico Rosberg. Taskforce looking into the steps world athletics. Races in Brazil and Can- Russia is taking to combat ada, whose fate had also been doping. athletes. Staying with the anti- left open on the draft calen- The International Associa- doping theme, Coe will dar, were confirmed on a tion of Athletics Federations first tomorrow preside over a Spe- 20-race final version pub- enforced a ban on Russian ath- cial IAAF Congress, a one-issue lished by the governing letes in international competition meeting concentrating on the International Automobile in November 2015 after a bomb- governance structure reform Federation (FIA). shell World Anti-Doping Agency proposals presented in his 'Time Mexico's race is again (WADA) report unveiled system- for Change' document. Sebastian Coe paired with the U.S. Grand atic state-sponsored doping and The reforms have already Prix in Austin, Texas, in Octo- corruption. been given wholesale support by ber rather than with Brazil. Andersen will report to the IAAF Athletes Commission, IAAF's decision-making body whose members said they "independent Athletics Integrity wanted son of ousted IAAF pres- "And once again, it is prima- whether he thinks Russia have believed that the reforms would Unit", which will be responsible ident Lamine Diack took millions rily athletes from one nation since met the reinstatement con- "set and enforce higher ethical for doping matters, taking pow- of euros from Russian competi- under scrutiny: Russia." Rosberg ditions set down. The initial ban standards and enable athletics ers away from national tors in return for "total protection" Sandwiched between the has twice been extended, in to regain the credibility and trust associations. The unit would also from failed doping tests. two IAAF meetings come the March and June this year. it deserves". look into illegal betting and trans- Six athletes each paid IAAF Athletics Awards, which deserved his It was Andersen's latter Task- Coe has gone out of his way fers of allegiance. between 300,000 and were cancelled last year in the force report in Vienna that to ensure his reform process is Other mooted reforms include €700,000 ($318,000-$740,000) wake of the terrorist attacks in title: Hamilton scuppered Russian athletes' widely understood, having a restructuring of the IAAF Coun- to top officials including Papa Paris. Fresh from securing an chances of competing at the Rio embarked on a roadshow in cil so that it has 50 percent female Massata Diack who is wanted by unprecedented third consecutive Wiesbaden, Germany Games, despite a last-ditch cam- October and November that took membership, new checks and bal- French authorities but is hiding treble of Olympic golds at the Rio Reuters paign to overthrow the ban led by in the Dominican Republic, Chile, ances on the president, and new in his native Senegal, the report Games, Usain Bolt is hot favourite Russian President Vladimir Putin. Portugal, Australia, Qatar and vetting procedures on individu- said. to walk away with the men's Ath- ormula One world Putin has in recent days, South Africa. als. The proposed changes, which His father, Lamine Diack, lete of the Year award from Mo champion Nico Rosberg however, approved a law crim- The Briton, twice an Olym- need a two-thirds' majority to be who was charged after standing Farah and Wayde van Niekerk. F hailed Mercedes team inalising doping in sports, while pic 1500m gold medallist, is passed at Saturday's vote, have down as IAAF president in In the women's category, mate Lewis Hamilton as one Russian Deputy Prime Minister pushing for an independent been brought about by the scan- August 2015, is under house 10,000 m Olympic champion of the greatest drivers of all Vitaly Mutko has promised anti- drugs testing regime as part of dal which continues to engulf arrest in France. Almaz Ayana from Ethiopia is up time on Wednesday, and the doping inspectors full access to his overhaul of world athletics, athletics. "The organised cover-up of against double sprint champion Briton repaid the compliment military cities which are nor- saying that "results manage- In the latest revelation, a suspected doping in the world Elaine Thompson of Jamaica and by saying the German's title mally closed to members of the ment" has been a failure given weekend report by Germany's of track and field has as such the Olympic hammer thrower was well-deserved. public although often listed as "national interest involved". ARD television and France's Le assumed a previously unimag- champion, Poland's Anita Hamilton sent congratu- training bases by many Russian He is proposing an Monde newspaper said the ined scale," said ARD. Wlodarczyk. lations in a message posted on Twitter after Rosberg had returned to his German birth- place in Wiesbaden. "We said we'd be cham- pions back then, now we both Putin says anti-doping system are!," said Hamilton, posting a picture of the two of them together as young go-karting to be ready in early 2017 team mates. "Congratulations Nico, you did everything a cham- Moscow system to fight this evil," professor Richard McLaren pion needed to do. Well AFP Putin said in his annual report commissioned by deserved," he added. state of the nation address. WADA and released in July Rosberg, who lost out to resident Vladimir Russia has been just before the Rio Games. Hamilton in the previous two Putin said yesterday pressed to reform since a A new McLaren report years, made it third time Pthat Russia's new World Anti-Doping Agency on Russian sport is to be lucky on Sunday when he anti-doping programme (WADA) inquiry revealed released on December 9. clinched his maiden title with will be ready in early 2017 evidence of state-spon- But Russian authorities a second-place finish behind as the country battles to sored doping that saw its have always denied the the triple world champion at clean up its scandal- athletics team and entire existence of a state-run the season finale in Abu tainted image. Paralympics squad side- doping programme and Dhabi. "Every cloud has a sil- lined from the Rio have vowed to crack down The childhood friends ver lining.lining. I am convincedconvinced OlympicsOlympics tthishis yearyear.. onon doping.doping. have been fierce rivals in For- Turkey’s Sibel Ozkan in action during the Women’s 48kg Clean and the so-called doping scanscan-- Last month Putin signed WADA lealeadersders haveh mula One and their body daldal wiwillll hhelpelp us to create a lawlaw thatthat introintroducesduces prison saidsaid Russia needsneeds to carryc Jerk competition during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, language was distinctly frosty the most advancedadvanced terms for coaches anandd memed-d- outout still more changeschanges but China in this August 09, 2008 file photo. Ozkan has lost an appeal immediately after Rosberg icalical staffstaff whowho coerce itsits ddeputyeputy directordirector Rob against a doping sanction which cost her a silver medal from the clinched the title. atathleteshletes into using KoKoehlerehler saidsaid lastlast monthmo 2008 Beijing Olympics. There was minimal eye bbannedanned pperform-erform- that the reform campaigncamp contact as they waited to go ance-enance-enhancinghancing waswas "on thethe rigrightht tratrack."c on the podium, where they drugs.drugs. Russian Olympic CCom- Turkish weightlifter Ozkan did eventually shake hands AccusationsAccusations mitteemittee presidentpresident AlexanderAlexa in front of the crowd. ofof state-run ZhukovZhukov hashas insistedinsisted the Hamilton had done his best doping were countrycountry should be allowedallo loses Olympic doping appeal to scupper Rosberg's chances containedcontained in a toto taketake part in allall interna-inte by deliberately slowing the reportreport bbyy tionaltional competitioncompetition again.ag Lausanne CAS arbitrator Michael Beloff pace from the front, hoping to CanadianCanadian lawlaw Russia is especespeciallyi AP ruled there was "no evidence of the back Rosberg into a position anxiousanxious to bebe reareadmitteddmi contamination" and that even if her where rival drivers could over- toto the International AAsso- urkish weightlifter Sibel Ozkan claim were true, Ozkan had shown take the German in a last-ditch ciation ofof AthleticsAthle has lost an appeal against a "no due diligence" in dealing with a effort to overhaul his 12-point Federations ((IAAF)IA T doping sanction which cost her supposedly contaminated deficit. in time foforr the a silver medal from the 2008 Beijing supplement. "It will always be difficult athleticsathletics wworld Olympics. CAS says Ozkan also offered between us. We are in the championshipschampions Ozkan, who finished second in "sensitive information about the same team and race against in August.August. the women's 48-kilogram class in Turkish Weightlifting Federation in each other for titles," Rosberg Beijing, tested positive for the ster- exchange for a possible agreement told reporters. oid stanozolol in a reanalysis of her with the respondent to dispose of this "It is virtually impossible Russian urine sample this year and was ret- case." to have a good relationship. President roactively disqualified by the IOC. If the IOC decides to reallocate We used to be best friends Vladimir Ozkan contended in her appeal the medals, Taiwan's Chen Wei-Ling when we were young so at to the Court of Arbitration for Sport would receive silver, with bronze least we have this respect for Putin that her positive test resulted from a going to Im Jyoung-Hwa of South each other. This helps some- contaminated protein supplement. Korea. what," he added. 22 SPORT FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER 2016

UK football Nice regain top spot as PSG overtake Monaco abuse hotline Paris equaliser to draw 1-1 at Dijon on Tuesday and were Reuters overtaken by PSG, now on 35 points after their 2-0 receives 860 victory over Angers. ice returned to the top of Ligue 1 as Younes PSG's early dominance paid off when captain calls in a week Belhanda's early goal downed Guingamp Thiago Silva opened the scoring in the 34th minute N 1-0 away on Wednesday while Paris St after leaping above the visiting defence to meet London Germain moved above AS Monaco into second Lucas Moura's corner and send a well-directed AFP with a 2-0 home win over Angers. header across goal and into the far corner of the Thiago Silva opened the scoring for champi- net. Cavani, hunting his landmark goal, was flagged hotline established ons PSG before Edinson Cavani converted a offside six times before reaching his centenary in amid England's grow- penalty for his 100th goal for the club. the 66th minute when he converted from the spot Aing football sex-abuse Belhanda's superb angled strike in the fifth after Hatem Ben Arfa was brought down by Romain crisis received over 860 calls minute at Guingamp was enough to hand the Thomas's clumsy challenge. Paris Saint-Germain's in its first week, the National home side their first defeat in eight matches, as Fourth-placed Olympique Lyonnais Edinson Cavani reacts Society for the Prevention of Nice overcame a recent wobble to reaffirm their responded to their weekend defeat by PSG by after scoring a goal Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) title credentials. demolishing hapless Nantes 6-0 away, reducing against Angers during said yesterday. Without injured striker Mario Balotelli, the the gap to third place to eight points. Issiaga Sylla their Ligue 1 match The helpline, supported visitors struggled to extend their lead, and were scored the only goal of the game as eighth-placed at Parc des Princes by the Football Association, left holding on for a win that returns them to the Toulouse ended their five-game losing streak in Paris, France on offers support to anyone sex- summit on 36 points. Nice are three points ahead with a home win over Montpellier, while Nancy Wednesday. ually abused in football as a of third-placed Monaco, who conceded a late thumped Eastern rivals Metz 4-0. child, and received 50 calls within two hours of opening last week. "Helpline staff also made 60 referrals to police or social services in the first three days," it said. Southgate handed task of That was more than tri- ple the number of referrals made in the first three days of the helpline set up for vic- tims of serial paedophile and late BBC presenter Jimmy reviving England's fortunes Savile. The scale of the abuse began to emerge after ex- London Gareth Southgate England last won a major tro- football players Andy Reuters phy when they lifted the World Cup Woodward, Steve Walters Southgate is the at home under Alf Ramsey in 1966 and Paul Stewart revealed areth Southgate was youngest full-time and have not reached the semif- last week the abuse they suf- handed the onerous England manager since finals of a top international fered at the hands of youth task of ending Eng- Steve McClaren was tournament since Euro '96. football coaches, and many land's decades of appointed, aged 54, in Southgate's mission will be to more victims have since come under-achievement at 2006. continue the good work he did at forward. G major tournaments when he the-under 21s now he is in charge The hotline is backed by agreed a four-year deal to become Southgate's first game of the senior team. NSPCC ambassador Wayne national team manager on will be a friendly with They are already in a good Rooney, the England Wednesday. Germany in March position to reach the World Cup, captain. The 46-year-old former inter- before a home 2018 topping their group after four "It's awful that some of national defender had been in World Cup qualifier a games with Southgate overseeing my colleagues have suffered temporary charge since Sam few days later against wins over Scotland and Malta and this way whilst playing the Allardyce quit 67 days into his reign Lithuania. a draw with Slovenia. sport that I and they love," he in September after becoming Southgate is the youngest full- said. embroiled in a newspaper sting. starts now. There are ways of time England manager since Steve "It's important that peo- Southgate, who played for working that we need to establish McClaren was appointed, aged 54, ple know that it's ok to speak Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Mid- to give ourselves a better chance in 2006. This is only his third per- out, there is help available dlesbrough, impressed the FA of success in the future." manent role as a manager, having and that they don't need to during four matches as interim The mild-mannered South- been at the helm of Middlesbrough suffer in silence." manager and was the overwhelm- gate's first game as permanent from 2006-09 until he was sacked Serial child molester ing favourite to secure the job. manger will be away to Germany the season after they were rele- Barry Bennell has been "I am extremely proud to be in a friendly in March before a gated from the top flight. accused by at least 20 foot- appointed England manager. How- home 2018 World Cup qualifier a He was in charge of England's ballers of abusing them when ever, I'm also conscious that getting few days later against Lithuania. under 21s from 2013-16, working he worked for Crewe Alexan- the job is one thing, now I want to It was against Germany that with the likes of Harry Kane, John dra, Manchester City and do the job successfully," Southgate Southgate achieved unwanted noto- Stones and Raheem Sterling, all of Stoke City across three dec- said in a statement issued by the riety for his penalty shootout miss in whom are now part of the senior ades beginning in the 1970s, Football Association after a lengthy the semi-finals of the European squad. and is subject to five separate board meeting at its St George's Championship in 1996 at Wembley. As a player Southgate earned police investigations. England's new manager Gareth Southgate poses Park headquarters. He later starred in a pizza company 57 caps and he will now be Football Association chair- for photographers during a media session after "I've thoroughly enjoyed work- TV commercial alongside Stuart expected to bring the passion he man Greg Clarke has called the signing a four-year contract with the FA at Wembley ing with the players over these past Pearce and Chris Waddle wearing a had as a player to the job of man- developing scandal "the great- Stadium in London, England yesterday . four games and I think there's huge brown paper bag over his head as ager as England bid to return to the est crisis" he could recall in potential. For me, the hard work they teased him over his miss. international elite. English football. Kane to stay United and Southampton into League Cup semis with spurs London his frustrations boil over and de Gea had spilled a shot from Reuters earned a second touchline ban Dimitri Payet. until 2022 of the season for booting a water Payet, however, was the vil- nthony Martial and Zla- bottle. lain two minutes after halftime London tan Ibrahimovic scored The Portuguese was as his poor clearance was Reuters A twice each to help Man- banned from the dugout on pounced on and fed to Mkhitar- chester United ease into the Wednesday, but would have yan, who claimed his second ottenham Hotspur League Cup semi-finals with a been delighted with the way assist by laying the ball off for striker Harry Kane has 4-1 home victory over West United carved open their Martial to blast past Adrian. T signed a new contract Ham United on Wednesday as opponents after just two min- With 30 minutes remaining, that runs until 2022, the Pre- Arsenal suffered a 2-0 home utes with a fluent break. Martial grabbed his second, tap- mier League club said on their defeat by Southampton. West Ham opened the scor- ping home Antonio Valencia's website yesterday. Martial netted twice in the ing on Sunday equally early, but cross before Ibrahimovic added Kane, the league's top second half to take the tie at Old they were caught cold as Wayne the fourth from close range. scorer last season, has strug- Trafford away from West Ham, Rooney, one goal short of Bobby The League Cup has not gled with an ankle injury for who had levelled through Ash- Charlton's all-time club scoring been kind to Arsenal in recent much of the current cam- ley Fletcher following record, fed Henrikh Mkhitaryan, years with the club having now paign, making eight Premier Ibrahimovic's opener after two whose backheel picked out Ibra- progressed from just one of their League appearances, but minutes. The Swede added the himovic to dink the ball into the previous six quarter-finals, made a scoring return in the fourth deep into net. which was perhaps the reason north London derby against stoppage-time. The Swede should have why manager Arsene Wenger Arsenal on November 6. Southampton clinched their doubled the lead when he chose to make wholesale The England international first appearance in the last four waltzed through the heart of the changes to his side to face followed that up with two late of the competition since 1987 West Ham defence before twice Southampton. goals to give his side a 3-2 with powerful first-half efforts being denied by keeper Adrian. The Saints began the home win over West Ham from Jordy Clasie and Ryan Ber- That could have proved a brighter and were ahead after Manchester United's United and another in their trand against a weakened costly miss because for all Unit- just 12 minutes when Dutch- 2-1 Champions League defeat Arsenal, who made 10 changes ed's first-half dominance, they man Clasie fired powerfully Zlatan Ibrahimovic by Monaco. to their side. were pegged back 10 minutes into the net for his first goal for jumps to cross the British media reported his United were then drawn to before the break by one of their the club. ball during their new deal was worth around face Hull City in the semi-finals former players. The lead was doubled eight League Cup match £125,000 ($157,750) a week. and Southampton will play Having come through the minutes before the break when against West Ham Tottenham are fifth in the Liverpool. youth ranks at United, Fletcher Carl Jenkinson was outmuscled United at Old Trafford league and will hope to get United and West Ham met was allowed to join West Ham deep in his own half, allowing in Manchester, back to winning ways when at the same venue in the Pre- in the close season and punished Sofiane Boufal to break and tee England, on they host second-bottom mier League on Sunday when his former employers by scor- up Bertrand to drill a low finish Wednesday. Swansea City tomorrow. United boss Jose Mourinho let ing from close range after David into the bottom corner. FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER 2016 SPORT 23

Day-night Ashes Test under discussion s 'Sultan of Swing' spends Sydney Reuters

iscussions over whether Australia will host England in a first day-night DAshes cricket Test next year are tak- busy day in Colombo ing place but nothing has been decided yet, Cricket Australia (CA) said yesterday. England head Down Under next Chinthana Wasala Pakistani cricket legend Wasim Akram November for the 2017-18 series and local The Peninsula offers tips to Sri Lankan bowler Kasun media reported yesterday that the Eng- Rajitha during his first coaching land and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had ormer Pakistan cap- session at the Sinhalese Sports Club agreed in principle to play one of the tain and bowling (SSC) grounds in Colombo yesterday. matches under lights. great Wasim Akram Akram began his coaching tenure A CA spokesman, however, said there kicked off a coaching with the Sri Lankan cricket team had not been an agreement yet and the frenzy in the Sri yesterday. tour itinerary was still being finalised, FLankan capital where he met though a day-night Test was part of the with retired bowlers and raw discussions. pacers looking for interna- "Ongoing scheduling of day-nightTests tional breakthrough. in the Australian summer is a natural pro- At the hugely popular Sin- gression," the spokesman said. halese Sports Club (SSC) "The Ashes is a great contest and ground in the heart of attracts huge audiences both at the ground Colombo, Akram yesterday and on television, but nothing has yet been launched SLC’s latest initiative confirmed for next summer." aimed at developing a battery CA have hosted two day-night Tests of fast bowlers who could go under lights over the last two seasons, both on to serve the national team of which have been a commercial success in the future. with large numbers attending the matches The workshop was also against New Zealand and South Africa. attended by former Sri While both games were at the Adelaide Lankan pacer Chaminda Oval, making it favourite to host a day- Vaas, fast bowling coach night Ashes test, Brisbane's The Gabba will Champaka Ramanayaka and host its first pink ball Test later this month retired batting star Aravinda when Australia play Pakistan. de Silva. England are to host their first day-night “Today in the morning, Akram said swing is more WASIM AKRAM Test next August at Edgbaston against West there were a lot of bowlers important when it comes to Indies. including the great Lasith fast bowling. Born: June 3, 1966, Lahore, Alastair Cook, the England captain, said Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara “A good batsman like Punjab earlier this year he was against playing an and it means everybody The idea of fast Aravinda, would always love Current age: 50 years 181 days Ashes Test under lights in comments ech- wanted to learn. The coaches, bowling is to get to face pace, rather than a Major teams: Pakistan, oed by Australian counterpart Steve Smith. some of them I have played the batsman out medium pacer who swings the Hampshire, Lahore, Lancashire, Both felt the traditional rivalry, the old- against, Champaka Rama- on a slow wicket. In ball. Today, I saw the under- Pakistan Automobiles est in world cricket, generated enough nayake, Chaminda Vaas and 19 and 18 boys, they all had Corporation, Pakistan interest. Ravindra Pushpakumara, the sub-continent, pace. They just need a little bit International Airlines However, CA chief executive James they were all there," Akram we get lots of slow of teaching and I think that’s Batting style: Left-hand bat Sutherland, a major proponent of pink- said. wickets. So the where I come in," Akram said. Bowling style: Left-arm fast ball cricket, said the success of the two "The idea is to work with idea in the long Commenting on when he Career statistics Adelaide Oval games indicated the desire all the coaches here so that would visit Sri Lanka next, Competition format Test ODI FC for at least one day-night Test. they can follow up with what- run is to teach Akram said: “The (SLC) Presi- Matches 104 356 257 "The scheduling of day-night tests has ever I have been teaching the them how to dent (Thilanga Sumathipala) Runs scored 2898 3717 716 been driven by a desire to make Test boys and to pinpoint a few believe in showed me the calendar. So Batting average 22.64 16.52 22.73 cricket more accessible, so it is wonderful young bowlers who can go on themselves and whenever we get time, I will 100s/50s 3/7 0/6 7/24 to see the format resonate with so many to play for Sri Lanka,” Akram be here. I’m only three and half Top score 257* 86 257* of our fans," Sutherland said after the South added. how to fox out the hours away. From Sri Lanka to Wickets 414 502 1042 Africa game ended on Sunday. Akram, the Man of the batsman, says Karachi, there are flights every Bowling average 23.62 23.52 21.64 Smith also told local media that he felt Match in the 1992 World Cup Wasim Akram day." 5 wickets in innings 25 6 70 pink ball cricket was here to stay, partic- final in Melbourne, said he was Akram added: "So it all 10 wickets in match 5 0 16 ularly given the way lessons learned from impressed by raw pace exhib- depends when the national Best bowling 7/119 5/15 8/30 last year's match against New Zealand had ited by some of the fast team is going to be here, or Catches 44/0 88/0 97/0 been applied. The inaugural day-night test bowlers, insisting Sri Lanka either we’re going for high per- lasted just three days with the twilight must prepare pitches that sup- formance or either we’re going drastically affecting the movement of the port swing bowling. learn new tricks to get batsmen for youngsters.” battles on and off the field, but it’s like my second home. Peo- pink ball, while batsmen also said they “Sri Lanka played cricket out at the top level. Akram who is no stranger lots of them off the field. Sri ple smile and say hello and found it hard to see under lights. in the real spirit. They are quite “The idea of fast bowling to Sri Lanka, having played in Lanka is a memorable place for some want to take selfies,” The match against South Africa lasted calm but deadly,” he said. is to get the batsman out on a 19 Tests and 59 ODIs against me. It’s a ‘Heaven on Earth’ and Akram said. four days and an improved ball did not He also praised schools slow wicket. In our part of the the Lions between 1985 and we call it the Pearl Island. What Sri Lanka returned home move around as much in the evening ses- cricket in Sri Lanka, saying it world, in the sub-continent, we 2002, recalled many memo- I like about the country is the victorious from their Zimba- sion, nor get scuffed up by the pitch. was "unmatched" anywhere get lots of slow wickets. So the ries of the matches between positive energy that generates bwe tour on Tuesday and will "I've always said we need to get the in the world. idea in the long run is to teach the two countries since his first from the people. Everyone in depart for South Africa where product as right as we can and the ball in Giving his assessment after them how to believe in them- visit to the country with Imran Sri Lanka is happy and with a their fast bowling capabilities as good a shape as we can and I think the first session, Akram said Sri selves and how to fox out the Khan’s Pakistan side in 1985. smile on their face. When I will be put to test on pace- they've made some good improvements Lankan fast bowlers must batsman," Akram said. “We had many major walk on the road I feel safe and friendly pitches. with that," Smith said. WTCC returns to Macau and Monza after success in Doha The Peninsula 2 016 Champion Bennani Mehdi (front) in action during the 2016 FIA WTCC World FIA World Touring Car Championship 2017 Touring Car Championship in this September 23 file photo. agical motorsport venues Provisional calendar - 2017 Macau, Monza and the WTCC Race of Morocco (Marrakech): April 7-9, 2017 M Nurburgring Nordschleife WTCC Race of Italy (Monza): April, 28-30, 2017 will form part of the FIA World WTCC Race of Hungary (Hungaroring): May 12-14, 2017 Touring Car Championship WTCC Race of Germany (Nurburgring Nordschleife): May 25-27, 2017 (WTCC) schedule for 2017, after WTCC Race of Portugal (Vila Real): June 23-25, 2017 a successful final run for the year WTCC Race of Argentina (Termas de Rio Hondo): August 4-6, 2017 in Doha. WTCC Race of China (Shanghai International Circuit): October 13-15, 2017 The chase for world title glory WTCC Race of Japan (Twin Ring Motegi): October 27-29, 2017 will take place at 10 events in four WTCC Race of Macau (Circuit de Guia): November 17-19, 2017 continents from April to WTCC Race of Qatar (Losail International Circuit): November 30-December 1, 2017 December. The WTCC takes to the streets of Marrakech for the seventh time August is the first of five overseas season closer from 2005-2014. in 2017 with the Circuit Moulay events, which are made possible Celebrating the famous Guia Race El Hassan, transformed into a through the alliance with DHL, the for touring cars, WTCC Race of semi-permanent facility for this championship’s Official Logistics Macau is part of an action-packed year, hosting the season opener Partner. In a tweak to the sched- weekend of international FIA on April 9, the first time since ule the WTCC races of China and events and championships, 2014 that the Moroccan city has Grand Prix venue having last vis- date. The annual street parade in 64 heart-stopping corners pro- Japan move back to the middle including the Macau Grand Prix, enjoyed such an honour. Fans will ited in 2013. Monza’s long Budapest on 1 May, featuring vide the ultimate test in late May. and end of October respectively, which awards the FIA Formula 3 turn out in great number to watch straights always deliver great rac- demonstration laps by a variety Nicknamed the Nurburgring with the Qatar night race running World Cup to the winner. home hero Mehdi Bennani in ing and the same is expected of racing cars including Formula Nordschleife of the south due to on 1 December, two weeks after The WTCC won’t visit Slova- action, while a huge launch party when the championship returns One machinery, will further pro- its climbs, dips and blind turns, the return of the famous Guia Race kia Ring or Circuit Paul Ricard in will take place in the build-up to in 2017. A pre-season test will also mote the event to new the Vila Real street circuit in on the streets of Macau. 2017 although both venues will the weekend. be scheduled at the track. audiences. northern Portugal offers a dra- Macau, a Special Administra- host rounds of the FIM Endurance Monza hosted the inaugural Local fans will descend on the The most fearsome challenge matic spectacle and tough test, tive Region of the People’s World Championship, which, like FIA World Touring Car Champi- Hungaroring in their thousands in international motorsport and the last event of the tradi- Republic of China and former Por- the WTCC, is promoted by onship event in 1987. To mark the to cheer on home favourite Nor- awaits the WTCC drivers for a tional European season. tuguese enclave, oozes motorsport Eurosport Events. The WTCC’s 40-year anniversary, the WTCC bert Michelisz. The event switches third season running when the WTCC Race of Argentina at culture and heritage and was the four-year stint at the Moscow is back at the famous Italian from a late April to a mid-May track’s 25.378-kilometre lap and Termas de Río Hondo in early setting of the traditional WTCC Raceway also comes to an end. SPORT Friday 2 December 2016 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 23 Coe and Russia 'Sultan of Swing' again in IAAF spends busy day spotlight in Colombo

The Peninsula comes out until 2022, you will find more and more people ix years after Qatar was showcasing their entrepreneur- awarded the rights to Qatar promises spectacular ial skills, and that will open the host the 2022 FIFA door to more investment to come World Cup, Supreme in." Committee for Deliv- Al Thawadi also said that S ery and Legacy (SC) Secretary China and India are very impor- General Hassan Al Thawadi is tant on the way to a successful dynamically leading prepara- FIFA World Cup in 2022 2022 World Cup. tions for a country in full swing "It goes without saying that towards hosting the greatest China is the next big market, football event in the world. whether it relates to club foot- After reaching the halfway ball or international football. point in Qatar’s preparations for Significant sponsors are coming 2022 World Cup, the SC Secre- from China, broadcasting rights tary General believes that this are owned by Chinese compa- is a very important time after nies, so China is definitely challenging six years. making a significant foray into "This mark is a very impor- the world of football." tant time. It is six years since we "They are the next destina- won the rights to host the World tion. India is the same, there is Cup, and six years to go. We’ve significant investment in the reached the midway point. The Indian league, there is huge first six years were challenging; interest and following from the whenever you’re trying to Indian fans in relation to foot- launch something off the ground ball. It is also the next big market. you’re always going to find In 2002 Eastern Asia hosted the growing pains, getting things up first Asian World Cup. The The state-of-the-art Al Rayyan Stadium and running, assigning main resounding success on the pitch contractors for stadiums, as well and off the pitch is an example as some of the other challenges," over 11,000 people in Stadium coming on board this the initial construction to start to the region, Al Thawadi said: " of the resounding success 2022 Al Thawadi said. attendance. week Qatar is ready to see a as well. The eight stadiums will we’ve always aimed for the Mid- can and will be, not only in the "That was a chapter, now we "I can talk about the Acces- new dimension in construction be in different stages of con- dle East and the local and Middle East and Arab world, but can say we’re looking at the sec- sibility Forum that we just had, progress in 2017 struction, and we’re also aiming regional population to benefit also for Western Asia and Asia ond half of the game. The first which was also a very exciting Al Thawadi said, the for the first stadium, Khalifa out of this World Cup. Through as a whole. There is a story for half is over, we’re looking at the but emotional moment, because Momentum has picked up with International Stadium, to be initiatives like Challenge 22, Asia to be told in relation to the coming six years." it showed how important it is to the Main Contractor of Lusail delivered within 2017 to host the which looks to invest in the inno- second Asian World Cup. "The preparations are in full touch base with everyone within coming on board. Emir Cup final. So you’ll find sig- vative and entrepreneurial spirit Commenting on the critics swing, momentum has picked up the community. Not only to ful- "We’re aiming for the main nificant construction going on of the people of the Middle East and compliments, Al Thawadi and we’re moving at a very good fil their needs as fans, but also to contractor of Ras Abu Aboud to next year," Al Thawadi said. and the Arab world, there will be said it is natural for a mega pace in terms of delivery of ensure we bring them on board start main construction work Commenting on the tangible a long term benefit from that. As event to have a lot of critics and projects, stadiums, infrastructure as organisers and participants in during 2017, and for Al Thu- benefits, which the 2022 FIFA every edition of Challenge 22 a lot of supporters. and initiatives surrounding the delivering the World Cup. The mama Stadium, we’re aiming for World Cup is expected to bring "Maybe we have some World Cup. For me it is a moment graduating first cohort in Josoor, fiercer critics out there over a of reflection, significant lessons Challenge 22 and the first edi- prolonged period of time, that learnt, and a very slight pat on tion, going to Generation may be the case. But in the end the back because everyone in the Amazing in Jordan with Xavi." the way we look at it is we have Supreme Committee deserves a "I can go on and on, but hon- The preparations are in full swing, a self-belief, a belief in what this pat on the back. And then its estly every moment has a momentum has picked up and we’re moving World Cup stands for, and in our heads down, eyes forward, six special place in my heart at a very good pace in terms of delivery of capabilities, in our ability, in the years to go, the SC Secretary because it is the result of a lot of team that we have." General said. effort, from a lot of good people projects, stadiums, infrastructure and "There is no doubt in my Al Thawadi also said that to fulfil an initiative that touches initiatives surrounding the World Cup. mind that everybody is work- there were many exciting people’s hearts. A goal that a lot Everyone in the Supreme Committee ing day in and day out to ensure moments over the past years, of people think is a dream is deserves a pat on the back. this will be a World Cup, a major such as the cooled fan zones dur- being achieved by initiatives sporting event, that will go down ing the 2014 FIFA World Cup such as these." in history as a benchmark and Supreme Committee for which were held in Katara and With eight stadiums now one to behold. We will continue Delivery and Legacy Secretary at Aspire, the Workers Cup, espe- under construction, and the to work towards that," Al Tha- cially the last final where we had Main Contractor for Lusail General Hassan Al Thawadi wadi said. Clinical Lekhwiya pick up points in QSL title race

The Peninsula from the edge of the box in the Action from 5th minute but Al Sailiyah goal- yesterday's Qatar Umm Salal crush Muaither ormer Qatar Stars League keeper Gregory Gomis Stars League (QSL) champions pouched the ball with an alert match between The Peninsula three defenders but his shot was F Lekhwiya yesterday move. Lekhwiya and quickly picked up by goalkeeper swept past Al Sailiyah, regis- In the 27th minute, Boud- Al Sailiyah mm Salal yesterday domi- Zaidan in the 26th minute. tering an impressive 3-0 win iaf produced a neat lob shot at Lekhwiya nated proceedings to crush Three minutes later, Muaither's on home soil. from the edge of the box for his Stadium. U newcomers Muaither 2-0 in Aguiar Fortunato rammed into Goals by Karim Boudiaf side's first goal. Lekhwiya won their Qatar Stars League (QSL) clash Umm Salal 'keeper Baba Malick (38) and Yousef Al Arabi (55 The ball sailed above goal- at Al Gharafa Stadium. resulting in a terrible mid-air col- 3-0. and 79) powered Lekhwiya to keeper Gomis' head and Playing in traditional orange, lision that forced time out as both a one-sided win, their 6th of crashed into the right hand side Umm Salal relied on second-half players sought medical help.Three the season that is now into its of the net as Lekhwiya players goals by Abdulaziz Mohammed Al minutes from the first-half whistle, fourth month. - coached by Djamel Belmadi Yahri (69) and Yannick Sagbo (80) Umm Salal's man of the match Al After a slow start, the 9th - celebrated the goal in for the hard-fought win. Yahri slipped past his marker Omar round clash kicked into top emphatic fashion. It was sixth-placed Umm Salal's Abdul but his deflection from close gear when Lekhwiya's Al Arabi In the last minute before third win of the season. range was swiftly nipped by goal- unleashed a powerful shot the first-half whistle, Lekhwi- After a predictably slow start - keeper Zaidan. In the 69th minute, ya's Al Arabi slipped in a neat where both sides struggled to stitch Al Yahri scored his team's first and QATAR STARS LEAGUE ball for Korean striker Nam- threatening moves - Umm Salal his second goal of the season to put Yesterday’s results Tai hee but Al Sailiyah's picked up a bit of pace in the 21st Umm Salal ahead. Cameroonian import Raoul Loe of goalkeeper Gomis for his In the 68th minute, minute when Al Yahri fired a bul- Lurking inside the Muaither Lekhwiya 3 - 0 Al Sailiyah put in a timely dive to thwart side's second goal in the 55th Lekhwiya skipper Boudiaf let from close range but his shot was box, Al Yahri made the most of a Muaither SC 0 - 2 Umm Salal the danger. minute. went for a long-range missile blocked by a Muaither defender loose ball and fired a bullet between Al Wakrah 2 - 2 Al Arabi After a lackluster play for Eight minutes later, Al towards the Al Sailiyah goal but though goalkeeper Basel Zaidan the legs of defender Abdul, aiming Today's fixtures about 10 minutes early in the Sailiyah nearly scored but for 'keeper Gomis produced an was thrown off balance on the goal- for the right of goalkeeper Zaidan second half, Lekhwiya striker Khalid Muftah's quick clear- acrobatic save, tipping the ball line. Two minutes later, a desperate to score his team's opening goal in Al Sadd vs Al Khor Al Arabi surprised a pack of ance near the goal-line. over the crossbar with an air- Ali Mohammad Bazmandegan of the 69th minute. In the 80th At Al Sadd Club, 4.00pm. three defenders by firing a Efoulou chipped in a ball for borne right-handed flick. Muaither opted for a long-range minute, Umm Salal doubled their Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Shahaniya curling shot into the Al Saili- Rajab stationed near the In the 79th minute, Al Arabi shot but his placement was off tar- lead. Halal Mohammed - after drib- At Al Khor Club, 4.00pm. yah net. Lekhwiya's goal-line. fired his second goal to power get as the ball sailed above the Umm bling past one Muaither defender Al Ahli vs El Jaish Marked by Paul Efoulou, Midfielder Muftah quickly his side team to three points. Salal crossbar. With momentum - chose to slip the ball to unmarked At Al Ahli Club, 6.10pm. Mubark Eid and Dragos Grig- moved in and cleared the ball Later, at Al Wakrah Sta- on their side, Umm Salal once again Sagob who rifled a shot past goal- Tomorrow's fixture ore near the Al Sailiyah box, Al before Rajab could get close to dium, the third match of the created a bit of breathing space keeper Zaidan with consummate Arabi paused for a fraction of taking a shot with Lekhwiya day between Al Arabi and Al inside the Muaither box - this time ease. It was Sagbo's sixth goal of the Al Gharafa vs Al Rayyan a second before producing a goalkeeper Claude Amin embar- Wakrah was ended in a 2-2 Al Yahri chipping a lob ball over season. At Al Gharafa Club, 5.40pm. swinging shot above the head rassingly out of position. stalemate.