Football Jaish Put It Past Sadd

P 6 | FOOTBALL P 18 | VOLLEYBALL JAISH PUT IT PAST SADD THE bAND OF bROTHERS Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah The presence of Stevanovic brothers Milos contributes a brace as El Jaish down and Marko makes Jaish a team capable of Al Sadd in the Qatar Stars League. ending the domination of Rayyan and Arabi.

WEDNESDAY, DEcEMbER 16, 2015 | Vol X | No.46 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on

INTRIGUING

bATTLESHosts France earn a generous draw while holders Spain are clubbed along with the Czech Republic, Turkey and Croatia at next year’s European Championship. PAGES 12-13

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 24 | MOTORSPORT P 20 | POSTER Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 Mohamed Issa has ROMELU Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW the licence to thrill! LUKAKU www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 3

OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Photographers Mohan Work towards further progress, Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos A K BijuRaj dedicate ourselves to achieve it Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko Gopakumar K HErE’S a festive atmosphere everywhere as the administrators. As we gear up to host the World Joice Michael people of Qatar are set to celebrate the National cup, we’re witnessing an unprecedented level of Technical support Shaheen Mohammed TDay. Activities have already started at many infrastructure development, including magnificent Abdul Naser M places, signifying our heritage and history. The Katara stadiums, training facilities, highways, metro rail and cultural village, Qatar Foundation, Aspire Zone, Al hotels, all matching up to global standards. Shaqab, Darb Al Saai, the nerve centre of activities in In the health, education and energy sectors too, Al Sadd, and several sports clubs have all lined up a we’ve achieved great heights and our country’s slew of events. international rating, based on several indices, is among P.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 corniche, where the spectacular National Day Parade the elite. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com will take place, is all lit up. competitions in extreme National Day is a time to express our gratitude to the Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 sports at Katara, a Twenty20 cricket match at the Asian wise leadership of the Father Emir HH Sheikh Hamad e-mail: [email protected] Town Stadium, and free horse-riding tips and an bin Khalifa Al Thani and the Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Arabian Horse Show at Al Shaqab are bound to attract Hamad Al Thani, under whom we made tremendous e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 sports lovers. progress. They’ve given the guidance and helped us e-mail: [email protected] Seven years from now, it’ll be on our National Day make great strides by providing opportunities to follow that the FIFA World cup final will be played and I’m our passion and dream. sure it’ll be a day written in golden letters in our Obviously, this is the time to renew our commitment www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus country’s history. to work towards further progress and dedicate www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar When we look back, we realise that our country’s ourselves to achieve this goal. founding fathers went through several trials and my heartiest congratulations and warm greetings to www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar tribulations. Unlike modern times, nothing was given HH the Father Emir, HH the Emir and all my honourable on a platter. It’s the fruits of their labour that we’re compatriots. enjoying today. We can’t rest on our laurels. We Publishers: ASPIrE Printing, Publishing and Distribution need to put in more efforts and also push the new Printed at ASPIrE Printing Press generation to achieve further progress and prosperity. On the sports front, we’ve been able to make huge

© Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced progress, both as competitors as well as organisers, Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi without the permission of ASPIrE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. and today we’ve world-class athletes and top Editor-in-chief

INSIDE P 11 | FOOTBALL P 22 | BASKETBALL P 30 | CRICKET NO ONE COVERS Battelines drawn! The Bulut Proof! Bigger & better Lekhwiya are clubbed alongside Dusan Domovic bulut plays the Hosts and inaugural champions Al Nassr, Zobahan and winners captain’s role to perfection as the India will kick off the Super 10 QATAR SPORTS BETTER of the play-off between UAE’s Novi Sad Al Wahda retain the stage of Sixth World Twenty20 bunyodkar and Al Shabab in FIbA 3x3 All Stars title. with a tie against New Zealand. next year’s AFc champions League group stage. P 26 | CHESS P 29 | HANDBALL

Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution Game of knights Qatar, South Korea P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 and the kings! in same group e-mail: [email protected] World No.1 magnus carlsen will champions Qatar are drawn Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 e-mail: [email protected] be the cynosure of all eyes at the alongside South Korea, Oman, second edition of Qatar masters. Japan, Syria and macau at the www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar 17th Asian championship. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 3

OPINION

INSIDE P 11 | FOOTBALL P 22 | BASKETBALL P 30 | CRICKET Battelines drawn! The Bulut Proof! Bigger & better Lekhwiya are clubbed alongside Dusan Domovic bulut plays the Hosts and inaugural champions Al Nassr, Zobahan and winners captain’s role to perfection as the India will kick off the Super 10 of the play-off between UAE’s Novi Sad Al Wahda retain the stage of Sixth World Twenty20 bunyodkar and Al Shabab in FIbA 3x3 All Stars title. with a tie against New Zealand. next year’s AFc champions League group stage. P 26 | CHESS P 29 | HANDBALL Game of knights Qatar, South Korea and the kings! in same group World No.1 magnus carlsen will champions Qatar are drawn be the cynosure of all eyes at the alongside South Korea, Oman, second edition of Qatar masters. Japan, Syria and macau at the 17th Asian championship. 4 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 5

PICK OF THE WEEK | FOOTBALL

even entertain the idea that Platini could lose his job and have to This is absurd: Blatter Nakhid appeal be replaced, yet that was clearly behind the decision to switch the is dismissed date, especially as UEFA ideally Karolos Grohmann needs to have a president in place HE court of Arbitration for Sport (cAS) last by the time the Euros start in early monday dismissed an appeal by former June. USPENDED FIFA President TTrinidad and Tobago player David Nakhid Infantino confirmed that items Sepp blatter refused to back against a FIFA decision to disqualify him as a which would’ve been discussed in Sup Franz Beckenbauer’s presidential candidate. CASCADING march — mainly financial matters accusation that 2006 German World Nakhid, 51, had challenged his and approval of annual reports — cup organisers had to pay world exclusion by FIFA’s ad-hoc electoral FIFA PRESIDENT SEPP BLATTER AND HIS UEFA COUNTERPART will instead be on the table at a football’s governing body a cash committee barring him from MICHEL PLATINI ARE LIKELY TO BE HANDED LENGTHY BANS newly-announced extraordinary amount in order to release a bigger the February 26 election. His EFFECT! congress on February 25, the day payment back to them, calling them candidacy was invalidated WHEN THEY APPEAR BEFORE ETHICS JUDGE HANS-JOACHIM before blatter is replaced as the absurd. trail to get to the bottom of this because he received only four ECKERT FOR A FINAL RULING, WRITES ANDREW WARSHAW. head of FIFA. by that time, UEFA beckenbauer, who was the ’06 affair. valid nominations out of FIFA’s will know for definite whether World cup organising chief, has said “This is absurd,” said blatter, 209-member national association and or not Platini has been cleared to a controversial €6.7m payment to adding FIFA’s €170m contribution to presidential candidates required five. stand. If he’s not eligible, Infantino, FIFA, currently under investigation by the World cup organisers was never A cAS statement confirmed previous reports that AVING lost the battle to clear consequently, the panel ordered ruling later this week. Ethics currently in the race as Europe’s a German prosecutor, was made in tied to any conditions. one of Nakhid’s supporting associations also gave his name, will michel Platini FIFA not to extend his current investigators have requested stand-in, will contest instead. order to release a payment of €170m “To pay money to get money? backing to another candidate, in violation of the Hlose the war as well and be provisional suspension. sanctions and my understanding There’s plenty of water to flow back to the organisers to help with No. This doesn’t exist at FIFA,” said applicable FIFA rules. As a consequence, those letters prevented from handing over the It may be recalled that Platini is that Eckert is likely to hand under the bridge before then of preparations for the tournament. blatter. of support were disregarded. trophy at next summer’s European was suspended for accepting a down bans of between five and course, not least who would come The affair has rocked German Der Spiegel said in October the championship finals? ‘disloyal payment’ of two million seven years, probably just before forward to replace Platini as UEFA football, with beckenbauer, an €6.7m payment was a return on UEFA chief Platini suffered a Swiss Francs from FIFA, approved christmas, though there’s growing president, should that be needed. emblematic sports figure in the a loan via FIFA to ex-adidas chief setback last week when the court by Sepp blatter, in February speculation that the verdict could country and a former World cup- robert Louis-Dreyfus that was ‘We’ve to start of Arbitration for Sport (cAS) ’11. The latter has also been even be a life sentence. winning player and coach at the allegedly used in a votes-for-cash rejected his appeal to have his suspended, following the launch While that would be a massive heart of the scandal. deal with FIFA voting members from the scratch’ 90-day suspension by FIFA’s Ethics of a criminal investigation against blow to blatter’s legacy and blatter, in excerpts of an during the 2000 bidding campaign committee lifted. The period him by the Swiss police. reputation after 18 years in interview with Germany’s for the ’06 tournament, which EW head of South America’s football expires on January 5, 2016. The payment, according to charge and render the veteran Der Spiegel magazine Germany won. federation (cONmEbOL) Wilmar Valdez The cAS panel, comprising both blatter and Platini, was Swiss unable to hand over to his released last week, The affair has led to the Ncalled last week for a “clean slate” as it clifford Hendel, rui botica Santos the remuneration for work the successor next February (unless said the German resignation of German FA President regroups from the scandal that led to the arrest of and Prof Ulrich Haas, determined Frenchman had undertaken at he wins an appeal), it would’ve far World cup Wolfgang Niersbach, who was his predecessor. that maintaining the provisional FIFA President’s behest from 1999 more impact on 60-year-old Platini organisers a World cup organising vice- “We’ve to start over from scratch,” suspension for the remainder of to ’02. blatter said there was a who, in one fell swoop, would see should president at the time and is now Valdez said. “We need a clean slate”. the 90 days doesn’t cause any ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ between his presidential ambitions dashed follow the being investigated for tax evasion in Valdez previously was the first irreparable harm to Platini at this as well as being stripped of his paper relation to this payment. vice-president to Paraguay’s point in time. UEFA presidency. Juan Angel Napout, who was The panel noted that the FIFA IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE Which is exactly why last arrested last week in a dawn raid Ethics committee would render HOW TOUGH IT MUST’VE week’s Euro draw, despite on a Zurich luxury hotel — the its final decision before the BEEN FOR PLATINI TO being carried out with smooth Investigation finds latest twist in the multi-million-dollar provisional suspension comes to MISS THE EURO DRAW. efficiency, was conducted in corruption scandal at world football’s governing an end. It also emphasised that, an atmosphere of distinct scant evidence, body. even if the ban was lifted at that uncertainty about the future. says Swiss paper Napout, a FIFA vice-president who had time, such a measure wouldn’t give the two. However, since the Twenty-four hours earlier, been cONmEbOL chief since 2014, is one of 16 An internal investigation of any guarantee to Platini that the payment was done only in ’11, the UEFA’s Executive committee Latin American football officials indicted by US suspended FIFA President Sepp FIFA ad hoc electoral committee Ethics committee felt the five-year took an unprecedented blatter has found no evidence authorities last week. would validate his candidature for deadline for honouring the debt strategic decision, scrapping its of corruption over a two million the presidential election before had elapsed. annual congress due next march Swiss franc payment to European January 5. It’s hard to imagine how tough and rescheduling it for may 3. football head michel Platini, Swiss However, the panel said the it must’ve been for the UEFA UEFA General Secretary Gianni newspaper Handelszeitung said last UN official to help situation would change if FIFA president to miss the Euro draw Infaninto didn’t say as much but it week. The report, which could not be was to extend Platini’s provisional in his own backyard. Platini was was clear the move was made in verified, said blatter also faced with human rights suspension on the basis of desperate his appeal would be order to give Platini as much time suspicions of ethics violations given “exceptional circumstances” as lifted in time for him to take centre as possible to clear his name on that the payment had failed to IFA last monday named a United Nations permitted by Article 85 of the stage and orchestrate proceedings. appeal and get back in the FIFA appear in FIFA accounts for some official focused on business and human world body’s code of Ethics. The Instead, like most of us, he was presidential race, should he be time. FIFA Ethics committee said it Frights to develop a plan for football’s panel said such an extension forced to watch the events unfold banned next week. but there was did not comment on “rumours”. global governing body to adopt would constitute an undue and on television. also a hidden agenda: to use the The Ethics committee, due to rule the international body’s guiding on the case by year’s end, has taken a unjustified restriction of Platini’s blatter and Platini are due to may 3 congress as an electoral one principles on human rights. hard line so far in corruption cases. right of access to justice and appear before FIFA’s ethics judge if it comes to that. both blatter and Platini were John Ruggie, the UN Secretary cause irreparable harm to him. Hans-Joachim Eckert for a final Of course, Infantino refused to suspended in October amid a wider General’s special representative Michel Platini graft scandal that has triggered for business and human rights criminal investigations in the United and a professor at the Harvard Sepp States and Switzerland and cast University’s Kennedy School of Suspended FIFA President Sepp blatter great conviction and a firm belief in justice,” whom were suspended from their posts Blatter football’s global governing body into Government, will produce an independent review ‘I’ll fight again proclaimed his innocence in a blatter told Swiss newspaper Blick ahead of for 90 days on October 8 pending a full turmoil. They deny wrongdoing and of how well FIFA’s operations measure up to corruption scandal gripping the world Thursday’s hearing. “I’m suspended, but not investigation. have not been charged. on for my football body as he prepares to testify this isolated and not at all mute.” meanwhile, blatter’s advisor Klaus citing an unnamed source, international human rights standards for workers. rights’ week before the group’s ethics panel. FIFA ethics investigators called in Stoehlker confirmedBlick’ s report that the Handelszeitung said the internal It will be the subject of a report released “I will fight on for my rights and present November for sanctions against blatter Swiss would write his traditional inquiry had been unable to publicly in march, the school and the sporting my view of things to the...chamber with and UEFA chief michel Platini, both of end-of-year letter to FIFA members. substantiate bribery suspicions. organisation said. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 5

FOOTBALL | QATAR

‘Happy to be back QSL WEEK 13 | SHORT TAKES in winning mode’ QATAR SC 2 AL WAKRAH 2 AL RAYYAN 3 AL AHLI 1 Qatar Sports club salvaged a point against Al Wakrah, It was business as usual as Al rayyan notched up their L rAYYAN coach Jorge Fossati was happy but they still remained in the relegation zone. Ahmed 12th win to lead the table on 36 points. Inspirational that his side returned to winning ways with Fadel Hasaba gave Wakrah the lead in the eighth captain rodrigo Tabata added his 13th goal to top the a 3-1 victory against Al Ahli at the Al Gharafa minute. moroccan international mouhssine Iajour scoring list while Sebastian Soria and mohammed Al A equalised in the 17th, but Ismail belmaalem’s own Alawi were the other scorers. Stadium last monday. goal helped Wakrah regain the lead in the 48th. Iajour “I’m relieved. It was great to see the team get back converted a penalty in the 60th to earn a draw. Rout march! on track after their loss to Al Sadd. The defeat was a blip, but we’re happy to be back in winning mode,” MOROCCAN STRIKER ABDERRAZAK HAMDALLAH’S BRACE HIGHLIGHTS EL JAISH’S CRUSHING VICTORY OVER said Fossati. The 63-year-old Uruguayan, however, said the AL SADD IN THE QATAR STARS LEAGUE, WRITES MOHAMMAD AMIN-UL ISLAM. players needed to keep faith in their abilities. “The work isn’t over yet. There’re still some loopholes. I’m not being pessimistic, but at the same time we need to make sure we complete our job,” he OrmEr champions Al Sadd lost raids became a little too hot to impressive. Ferreira will have to had little trouble in overcoming Ahli. their fifth successive win, beating added. further ground in their Qatar handle for Sadd, who wilted under device new strategies to make sure Skipper rodrigo Tabata gave them bottom-placed mesaimeer 2-0 at rayyan, who spent last season in the second FStars League title challenge pressure. The porous backline was their defence does not leak goals. the lead in the 22nd and Sebastian the Al Arabi Stadium. division, have been absolutely authoritative — when they lost to El Jaish 2-4 in a again to blame as it let in three centre-back Lee Jung-Soo had a Soria doubled it by heading Vladimir Weiss (37th) and Youssef registering 11 consecutive wins — before Sadd thrilling contest at the Al Gharafa goals in the space of 18 minutes tough time against the fleet-footed home a mohammed Al Alawi msakni (45th) scored for the cops, stopped them. but they have recovered their form Stadium last monday and slumped much to the disappointment of their Jaish forwards. cross at the end of first half. Soria, who are now a point behind and look determined to repeat their feat of 1990, AL SAILIYA 2 AL ARABI 0 to fourth in the standings. Portuguese coach. It was Ferreira’s The 35-year-old South Korean’s who joined rayyan from Lekhwiya Jaish. After an insipid start to the when they won the Qatar League on their return after Leaders Al rayyan, who had lost to second defeat in three matches slow movements and lack of this season, then returned the tournament, Djamel belmadi’s side a season in the lower division. Al Sailya’s renewed confidence was evident as they beat Al Arabi. bahraini international Faouzi Ayesh Sadd in the previous round, returned after he took over the reins from anticipation seemed to suggest he compliments to Al Alawi in the 69th has done tremendously well to Given his experience in Qatar football with proved his utility yet again as he scored twice to give to winning ways with a 3-1 victory moroccan Housseine Amouta last was well, past his prime. If Sadd and the winger buried his shot for move to third. Al Sadd and the national team, Fossati knows his side their fourth win on the trot. meanwhile, EL JAISH 4 AL SADD 2 against Al Ahli. month. want to do well, they might need to his team’s third goal. bahraini international Faouzi what is needed to build a quality squad and when Arabi’s form seemed to have dipped a bit after a fabulous start to the season. Sadd’s third defeat was a severe “It was a tough game. We did our look for other options. meshaal Abdullah pulled one back Ayesh (45th and 86th) scored a rayyan returned to the top flight this season, the After three consecutive losses, El Jaish regained their confidence with a morale-boosting win over Al Sadd. jolt to their title chances as Jesualdo Earlier, Jorge Fossati-coached for Ahli in the 72nd, but that came brace to guide Al Sailiya to their first important step the club took was to hand the Trailing 1-2 at half-time, Jaish pulled up their socks Ferreira’s men are now 12 points rayyan was back to their best and too late as Zlatko Kranjcar’s side fourth consecutive win, beating Al coaching reins to the former goalkeeper. and scored three goals in the second half for their behind rayyan (36). LEE JUNG-SOO HAD A remained winless for six matches. Arabi 2-0 at the Al Ahli Stadium. “It’s still a long route and we’re just half way. We eighth win which saw them jump to second position on 26 points. For Jaish, who are second on 26, TOUGH TIME AGAINST champions Lekhwiya notched up The loss was a blow to Arabi coach must remain focused and overcome the challenges,” moroccan international Abderrazak THE FLEET-FOOTED Gianfranco Zola, who will now be said Fossati, who guided Sadd to the AFc champions Hamdallah grabbed a double while JAISH FORWARDS. a little worried after his side slipped League triumph in 2011. winger Sardor rashidov scored his to fifth following their fourth “I’m optimistic about my team considering the ninth goal of the season. brazilian defeat. quality we’ve. We need to have the same enthusiasm forward romarinho also chipped in, best, but Jaish are a strong side and Al Kharaitiyat also enjoyed a good and play better in our next matches,” he added. taking his tally to eight. we couldn’t do much in the second run of form when they defeated Jaish took the lead through half,” said Ferreira. Umm Salal 3-0. Hassan Abdel Fatah Hamdallah in the 10th minute Their superb win against rayyan (29th) and Yahia Kebe (78th and STANDINGS Injured Caceres AL KHOR 2 AL GHARAFA 0 following a swift counter-attack in the last match was undone by a 97th) were the scorers. Al rayyan 13 12 0 1 42 12 36 El Jaish 13 8 2 3 31 14 26 and his cross beat goalkeeper Saad defence which neither had In other games, Al Khor ruled out for The match did not rise to any great heights, but Al Lekhwiya 13 8 1 4 35 17 25 Khor beat Gharafa and gained three important points Al Sheeb. The lead lasted only for co-ordination nor stunned Al Gharafa 2-0 Al Sadd 13 7 3 3 28 20 24 three weeks to take their tally to 12. brazilians Julio cesar and eight minutes as Qatar international confidence. with goals from Julio Al Arabi 13 7 2 4 21 19 23 madson got in the score sheet as both goals came Al rayyan midfielderVictor Caceres Hassan Al Haidous made no mistake Sadd may cesar (59th) and Umm Salal 13 5 6 2 19 16 21 through counter-attacks. Al Gharafa remained eighth Al Sailiya 13 6 1 6 19 21 19 will be out for three weeks after on 15 points. with his effort from inside the box have the best of madson (83rd) Al Gharafa 13 4 3 6 10 15 15 suffering a right calf muscle tear and muriqui took Sadd in front in forward lines and they also boast while Qatar Al Ahli 13 3 5 5 16 21 14 during his side’s 1-2 defeat to Al the 34th. the presence of former barcelona Sports club played Al Wakrah 13 4 2 7 18 24 14 Sadd in the 12th round. Al Kharaitiyat 13 4 2 7 19 26 14 “The injury isn’t that serious, but However, Jaish were a different midfielder Xavi Hernandez, but the out a 2-2 draw with Al Khor 13 3 3 7 12 18 12 team after the interval. Their regular performances have not been that Al Wakrah. Qatar Sc 13 2 3 8 11 34 9 caceres would only return when masaimeer 13 1 1 11 9 33 4 he is 100 per cent fit,” said rayyan şEl Jaish’s ş coach Jorge Fossati. MESAIMEER 0 LEKHWIYA 2 Abderrazak TOP SCORERS caceres underwent an X-ray Hamdallah, left, 13 rodrigo Tabata Al rayyan is challenged by 11 Youssef msakni Lekhwiya at Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports champions Lekhwiya earned their fifth consecutive medicine hospital Aspetar. Students have Al Sadd’s Nadir muriqui Al Sadd win which should make their coach Djamel belmadi belhadj. 10 Abderazzak Hamdallah El Jaish The Uruguayan was substituted happy. The win also helped the cops climb to third on Yannick Sagbo Umm Salal during the first half as the league 25 points. After a terrible start to their campaign, which a ball at GOALZ! Sardor rashidov El Jaish leaders suffered their first defeat of UMM SALAL 0 AL KHARAITIYAT 3 put belmadi under a lot of pressure, Lekhwiya have 9 Paulinho Al Arabi the season. finally started playing like the way they usually do. Sebastian Saez Al Wakrah HE second phase of GOALZ programme, The crushing defeat against a lower-rung side romarinho El Jaish will haunt them for a while. It was a huge setback 8 sponsored by the Qatar Stars League, concluded Yahia Kebe Al Kharaitiyat for Umm Salal, who have been impressive in last week. the tournament. Hassan Abdel Fatah (29th) and T DSP/Mohan KICK-OFF The two-day festival, held at the Lekhwiya and Al Yahia Kebe (78th and 97th) were the scorers as Al Sunday, Al Sadd vs mesaimeer Kharaitiyat claimed their fourth win. Sadd Sports clubs, featured football matches between December 20 Al Ahli Stadium, 6.45pm. schools. There was also a penalty-kick challenge, Umm Salal vs Al Khor Al Gharafa Stadium, 4pm. which drew huge response from students. Monday, Al Sailiya vs Al rayyan Sherborne Qatar, compass International, Voltaire December 21 Al Gharafa club, 6.45pm. (both West bay and Al Waab campuses), Doha Qatar Sc vs Al Kharaitiyat Al Wakrah Stadium, 6.45pm. Academy and Newton Academy took part in the Al Ahli vs El Jaish competition. Al Ahli Stadium, 4pm. The first day, held at the Lekhwiya Stadium, was for Tuesday, Lekhwiya vs Al Gharafa December 22 Al Ahli Stadium, 6.45pm. third and fourth grade students while the second was Al Wakrah vs Al Arabi reserved for children in the fifth and sixth grades. Al Wakrah Stadium, 6.45pm. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 7

STANDINGS Injured Caceres AL KHOR 2 AL GHARAFA 0 Al rayyan 13 12 0 1 42 12 36 El Jaish 13 8 2 3 31 14 26 ruled out for The match did not rise to any great heights, but Al Lekhwiya 13 8 1 4 35 17 25 Khor beat Gharafa and gained three important points Al Sadd 13 7 3 3 28 20 24 three weeks to take their tally to 12. brazilians Julio cesar and Al Arabi 13 7 2 4 21 19 23 madson got in the score sheet as both goals came Umm Salal 13 5 6 2 19 16 21 Al rayyan midfielderVictor Caceres through counter-attacks. Al Gharafa remained eighth Al Sailiya 13 6 1 6 19 21 19 will be out for three weeks after on 15 points. Al Gharafa 13 4 3 6 10 15 15 suffering a right calf muscle tear Al Ahli 13 3 5 5 16 21 14 during his side’s 1-2 defeat to Al Al Wakrah 13 4 2 7 18 24 14 Sadd in the 12th round. Al Kharaitiyat 13 4 2 7 19 26 14 “The injury isn’t that serious, but Al Khor 13 3 3 7 12 18 12 Qatar Sc 13 2 3 8 11 34 9 caceres would only return when masaimeer 13 1 1 11 9 33 4 he is 100 per cent fit,” said rayyan coach Jorge Fossati. MESAIMEER 0 LEKHWIYA 2 TOP SCORERS caceres underwent an X-ray 13 rodrigo Tabata Al rayyan 11 Youssef msakni Lekhwiya at Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports champions Lekhwiya earned their fifth consecutive muriqui Al Sadd medicine hospital Aspetar. win which should make their coach Djamel belmadi 10 Abderazzak Hamdallah El Jaish The Uruguayan was substituted happy. The win also helped the cops climb to third on Yannick Sagbo Umm Salal during the first half as the league 25 points. After a terrible start to their campaign, which Sardor rashidov El Jaish leaders suffered their first defeat of UMM SALAL 0 AL KHARAITIYAT 3 put belmadi under a lot of pressure, Lekhwiya have 9 Paulinho Al Arabi the season. finally started playing like the way they usually do. Sebastian Saez Al Wakrah The crushing defeat against a lower-rung side romarinho El Jaish will haunt them for a while. It was a huge setback 8 Yahia Kebe Al Kharaitiyat for Umm Salal, who have been impressive in the tournament. Hassan Abdel Fatah (29th) and KICK-OFF Yahia Kebe (78th and 97th) were the scorers as Al Sunday, Al Sadd vs mesaimeer Kharaitiyat claimed their fourth win. December 20 Al Ahli Stadium, 6.45pm. Umm Salal vs Al Khor Al Gharafa Stadium, 4pm. Monday, Al Sailiya vs Al rayyan December 21 Al Gharafa club, 6.45pm. Qatar Sc vs Al Kharaitiyat Al Wakrah Stadium, 6.45pm. Al Ahli vs El Jaish Al Ahli Stadium, 4pm. Tuesday, Lekhwiya vs Al Gharafa December 22 Al Ahli Stadium, 6.45pm. Al Wakrah vs Al Arabi Al Wakrah Stadium, 6.45pm. 8 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR

Hani attends World Leagues Forum

ATAr Stars League (QSL) South Africa’s Tokyo Sexwale cEO Hani Taleb Ballan — presented their views on the Faouzi at it again! Qlast week attended the role of professional leagues and World Leagues Forum in Paris, their member clubs in the future Arabi are fourth on 23. but wins against Qatar Sports where club presidents, chief governance of FIFA. Mohammad Amin-ul Islam “It wasn’t an easy game because club (5-0), Al Sadd (2-1) and Al executives and general secretaries A working group of five leagues Arabi are a strong side who’re Khor (2-0) besides the latest result from 23 top-flight professional was created to develop the formal doing well this time. It was a great suggest they have regained their leagues discussed common issues structure of a new association, AHrAINI international effort. I thank each of my players confidence. as well as the current scenario at which will work with FIFA on Faouzi Ayesh came up for this result,” said Sailiya coach “Hard work and determination FIFA. issues concerning professional Bwith one of his best Sami Trabelsi. were key to such positive results. Hani’s visit was also an attempt football. performances and scored both He also heaped praise on Faouzi, Sailiya are a transformed side now to promote the QSL brand and Four of the five FIFA presidential The group, chaired by French goals in Al Sailiya’s 2-0 win who has proved to be a utility and we can always aim for a top- gauge the professionalism candidates — Jordan’s Prince Ali League President Frederic Thiriez, against Al Arabi at the Al player with an amazing eye for four finish. I hope the motivation needed to develop the league bin Al Hussein, bahrain’s Shaikh was entrusted with finalising Ahli Stadium last week. level remains high because that’s and safeguard the interests of Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the details for structuring the Faouzi scored in the the most important factor,” added players. France’s Jerome champagne and association by January. 45th and 86th minutes SAILIYA ARE A Trabelsi, who guided Sailiya to ‘We hope to finish as Sailiya registered their TRANSFORMED SIDE AND fourth when he took over two fourth consecutive win and WE CAN ALWAYS AIM FOR seasons back. among the top four’ continued their positive A TOP-FOUR FINISH. Their performance dipped last Dioko struggles yet movement towards the year and they could finish only L ArAbI Sports club secretary Dr Ahmed Al top half of the table. 11th. Emadi said the team would bounce back from They are now seventh goals. He has already scored seven Asked about the reason behind Atheir 0-2 defeat against Al Sailiya last week. with 19 points this season. his team’s return to form, Trabelsi “We’re one of the best sides in the league. We still again, Gharafa lose while Gianfranco “Every position has different said, “The big win against Qatar Sc hope to finish in the top four and do well in other Zola-coached roles and needs different quality. helped us get back on track. but I domestic tournaments,” said Al Emadi. “We’ve had LAIN Dioko struggled Such was Dioko’s level of When we need someone to play think the win against Sadd was the some indifferent results, but that’s not the end of the again as Al Gharafa lost frustration that he shoved and up front or midfield, Faouzi is our turning point. It was a fine game world as all other top teams have lost their recent A0-2 to Al Khor in the Qatar pushed Khor left-back musab solution. He’s such a marvellous and Sadd really struggled against games.” Stars League (QSL) at the Al Ahli Abdul majid whenever he was guy. I’m glad he can adapt to us .” Al Emadi said he was not worried about the Stadium last week. challenged. different positions,” said Trabelsi. However, Trabelsi admitted they recent results and reiterated his huge faith in coach Khor went ahead in the 59th Dioko congolese has At the start of the league in need to be more consistent. Gianfranco Zola. minute through Julio cesar done little to answer his August, Sailiya lacked the energy “You need a great deal of “I’ve huge respect for Zola. He has transformed and madson converted doubters. He has given and determination and looked application to be consistent. Arabi into a fighting unit this season. The team from the spot in so much to Ahli in horribly out of depth. It’s difficult to maintain it. has played really well this season barring in the 83rd after Aden terms of competitive There’ll be momentary lapses some matches. The injuries to key players are Ali brought down energy and goals of concentration, but we should reasons for the bad results that we had. We substitute Lassina during the last two know how to overcome it,” he said. hope to do well in the next games and Diaby. years, but that spark is “We’ll remain focused and play play with the same intensity which we’ve Gharafa signed Dioko sorely missing from his with same determination in our done so far,” he added. from Al Ahli with the hope that game. next games,” he added. Asked if any new players will the last two seasons’ top scorer “We can only wait for him to join the side during the January would sharpen their forward line, regain form,” Habib added. şşFaouzi Ayesh… two-goal effort for transfer window, Al Emadi said, but the congolese international During a one-on-one situation Al Sailiya against Al Arabi. “It’ll be decided by the technical disappointed yet again as they with goalkeeper baba Djibril in the staff. If they think there’s a slumped to their sixth defeat. 34th, Dioko looked clueless, to say need to add or release players, Gharafa’s last victory came in the the least and simply shot over. It Every position has different we’ll do so.” ninth round when they defeated Al was clear enough to suggest that roles and needs different quality. DSP/Mohammed Dabboos DSP/Mohammed Sailiya 3-1. It was caretaker coach he seriously lacked confidence. When we need someone to Habib Sadek’s first match after If Gharafa are to improve their play up front or in the midfield, Inter vs PSG tickets brazilian Pericles chamusca parted standings, Dioko has to find his Faouzi is our solution. He’s such ways with the club. form sooner rather than later. With a marvellous guy. I’m glad he can available online With Dioko nowhere near the Ahli, he scored in almost every adapt to different positions. form which made him one of the single game. However, unlike his Sami Trabelsi, Al Sailiya coach. IcKETS for the high-profile friendly between deadliest strikers in Qatar, things former club, Gharafa do not adhere Inter milan and Paris Saint-Germain, to be have become a little tricky for to a counter-attacking style which Tplayed at the Al Sadd Stadium on December Gharafa. is probably one reason for his 30, are now available online at www.qfa.com.qa. “We want Dioko to score, but indifferent form. The VIP ticket will cost Qr250. category 1 and somehow it’s not happening. We 2 are available for Qr150 and Qr50 respectively haven’t had many wins and that’s » The writer can be contacted at: ‘We’re capable of winning more big matches’ while family ticket is priced at Qr50. Tickets are really worrying,” said Habib. [email protected] limited to five per L SAILIYA’S former player Sailiya had lost to rayyan 0-4 in Trabelsi has done a fantastic job by also wants to stay with us because person. and deputy football head the first phase, but Darwish said motivating the players. He instilled he’s a regular player,” said Darwish. “Inter milan and Abdullah Darwish said the they were ready to avenge the a sense of responsibility in them. Asked if the team would sign PSG are flying high We want Dioko to A score, but somehow team had overcome early glitches defeat. The support of club president any new players in the January in their respective and were capable of winning more “The team is bubbling with Abdullah Al Eida and board transfer window, he said, “We leagues. It promises it isn’t happening. big matches. confidence and we’ll go all out members also played a significant aren’t so keen, but if Trabelsi to be an exciting We haven’t had Darwish was referring to Sailiya’s against rayyan,” said Darwish. role,” he said. decides, then we’ll recruit new match. both teams have some of the most gifted many wins and that’s victories against top sides Al Sadd “There’s a collective effort which Darwish lauded forward professionals as well as local players and we’re sure fans will be eager to watch really worrying. We and Al Arabi as they reeled off four was reflected on our last four Abdulqadir Ilyas, who is on loan players.” the match,” said QFA General Secretary mansoor Al can only wait for him successive wins in the Qatar Stars matches, which we won. We want from El Jaish, for his excellent romanian Dragos Grigore, Ansari. to regain form. League. However, the real test to maintain our winning run.” show. (defender), cameroonian raoul Loe Doha had hosted the one-off Italian Super cup Habib Sadek, awaits them when they will be up Darwish praised coach Sami “I hope he continues to play (midfielder) and brazilian Edinho between Juventus and Napoli last year while bayern Alain Al Gharafa coach. against league leaders Al rayyan Trabelsi for Sailiya’s turnaround. at Sailiya. He’s really good and (forward), besides Faouzi, are Abdullah munich faced the Qatar Stars League All Stars during Dioko Darwish

on monday. “We had a bad start, but strengthened our forward line. He Sailiya’s professional players. their winter break in January this year. Dabboos DSP/Mohammed 8 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR

Hani attends World Leagues Forum

THINGS LEARNT DURING THE AL RAYYAN VS AL SADD QATAR CLASICO We deserved to COMEBACK SIGNS? win, says Ferreira Lekhwiya are muriqui, Sadd’s hero in the Emir’s cup last may, served a reminder L SADD coach Jesualdo Ferreira praised his that he can ably spearhead their players after they registered a famous victory challenge. The brazilian striker over Al rayyan in the Qatar Stars League. confident of had a mixed run under Housseine A Ferreira, in charge for only his second match with Amouta this season and was subdued against Sailiya. but Sadd, said they deserved the victory. playing on the left wing, muriqui “I’m delighted with the victory and the huge spirit faring well was a constant tormentor and often shown by the players. We controlled the match cut in effortlessly. He was also in and deserved to win. The players were given the ATAr Stars League there’re no easy teams at this level. Cops sixth in the right place at the right moment freedom to show their skills against the league winners Lekhwiya will be We’ve to take a lot of efforts to to tap home Senhadji’s cross for leaders and they didn’t disappoint,” said Ferreira. confident of progressing cross the first stage,” said Al Ali. Asian rankings Sadd’s second goal, which turned Q His rayyan counterpart Jorge Fossati refused to to the knockout round of AFc “We want to do well in the out to be the winner. There were Two champions League be downhearted after what he felt was a strong champions League after finding tournament and aren’t looking at reports that young moroccan striker quarterfinal berths in three baghdad mohammed, who is out performance. themselves clubbed alongside our past results. We’ll co-ordinate years have helped Qatar Stars on loan, will come back to replace “The winning run was always going to end at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr and with our coaching staff to prepare League champions Lekhwiya muriqui in the January transfer some point. I’m proud of my players and what Iran’s Zobahan in Group b, with players to help them get in perfect surge to sixth in the Asian window, but Ferreira will have they’ve achieved this season — to lose their first the winners from the play- shape in time for the tournament,” Football confederation’s (AFc) second thoughts after seeing his match in December is outstanding. The level of off between Fc bunyodkar he added. latest club rankings. fine performance against rayyan. performance was high. If we keep playing like that (Uzbekistan) and Al Shabab (UAE) meanwhile, Guangzhou Launched last year, the rankings help the we will win plenty more games,” said Fossati. set to join them. Evergrande were bracketed with Asian game’s followers Qatar’s other two Sydney Fc in Group H, in what understand the continent’s representatives Al Sadd and looked like a kind draw for their top-performing sides in a QSL urges fans to El Jaish, who both seek their title defence next year. systematic and transparent entry into Asia’s premier club The A-League grand finalists way. throng stadiums are the only known quantity Two-time Asian champions for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s chinese Al Sadd find themselves 25th while El Jaish (26th), Al HE Qatar Stars League (QSL) hosted members THE COMPETITION champions, who will start as rayyan (42nd) and Al Arabi of the Entrepreneurship Organisation at the WON’T BE EASY AS favourites as they seek a third (93rd) are the other Qatari TQatar clasico between Al rayyan and Al Sadd. THERE’RE NO EASY continental title in four years. teams in the 154-member “The Entrepreneurship Organisation is a global TEAMS AT THIS LEVEL. The Emperor’s cup final in list. entity with a branch in Qatar. We invited it to the Tokyo on January 1 will decide the The rankings are based SURPRISE HERO failed to crack the Sadd code. For season’s biggest QSL game, given its interest in third team in the group while the on the results of teams the Uruguayan, it was perhaps the the league. They were enthralled by the quality of competition through play-offs, winners of a play-off will be the participating in the AFc Al Sadd playmaker Xavi Hernandez most important tie on a personal champions League and football on the pitch and fine organisation off it,” were drawn into Group c and D fourth. ššLekhwiya have a strong team to make an impact in the continental event. and his Al rayyan counterpart note, but Sadd smashed his hopes. AFc cup over the last rodrigo Tabata adorned most of They ended rayyan’s 11-match QATAR CLASICO said QSL marketing and communications Executive respectively after the draw was A-League champions four years and the overall the posters in the build-up to the record winning streak. Sadd had Director Khalifa Al Haroon. “The huge turnout of fans made in Kuala Lumpur last week. melbourne Victory were drawn TEAMS club performances of GROUP A GROUP E big clash. They left their mark on lost the previous two matches, but It was exactly the sort of match the at the Al Sadd Stadium was a real Lekhwiya, who made their AFc with Japan’s second club and the respective member Foolad Sepahan (IrI) Jeonbuk motors (KOr) the game, but the day belonged to against the biggest opponent, their Qatar Stars League (QSL) wanted associations. spectacle.” champions League debut in 2012, Suwon Samsung bluewings in Al Nasr (UAE) Jiangsu Sainty (cHN) Hamza Senhadji. The sight of the counter-attacking strategy fetched to project to the outside world Newly-crowned AFc before the match, the had progressed to the quarterfinal Group G. Lokomotiv (UZb) becamex binh Duong (VIE) player starting ahead of Hassan the desired result. that there are genuine passionate champions League winners members of the organisation for a second time earlier this year In the West Asian side of the Al Ittihad (KSA)/Al Wehdat (JOr) Winners play-off 2 Al Haidous might have been national fans for its matches. The Guangzhou Evergrande top were given a guided tour of under michael Laudrup. The Dane draw, Saudi giants Al Hilal were GROUP B GROUP F surprising for Sadd fans and rayyan Qataris fly out to watch European the list. coach Jorge Fossati. but the right games live, but when it comes to the Sadd Stadium, which uses then gave way to Djamel belmadi, drawn into Group c along with Al Nassr (KSA) Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) Zobahan (IrI) Fc Seoul (KOr) The chinese giants, who winger vindicated coach Jesualdo the domestic league, they often cooling system for matches but under the Algerian, they could Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor and Iran’s also won Asia’s premier club Ferreira’s decision as he scored prefer to be in the cool confines Lekhwiya (QAT) buriram United (THA) played in summer. not continue the good work and Tractorsazi Tabriz. bunyodkor (UZb)/Al Shabab (UAE) Winners play-off 3 competition in 2013 and the opener in the 17th and set up of their majlises and television. Al Haroon added, “I renew my crashed out to Saudi Arabia’s Al The group stage runs from GROUP C GROUP G lost to eventual winners muriqui with a perfect cross for the However, rayyan vs Sadd game invitation to football fans to come to Hilal. February to may with the West Pakhtakor (UZb) melbourne Victory (AUS) Western Sydney Wanderers second in first-half’s injury time turned out to be different. There the venues as we always ask the fans… “Who do you Lekhwiya General Secretary and East Asian teams kept apart Al Hilal (KSA) Japan’s second club in the quarterfinal in ’14, after Sergio Garcia drew level in the were 10,983 fans at the venue, were fourth in the inaugural 23rd. “I don’t believe in names. I’ll most of them Qataris. The QSL support?” We would like to establish a huge fan base Adnan Al Ali expressed confidence until the final in November. Tractorsazi Tabriz (IrI) Suwon bluewings (KOr) Al Jazira (UAE)/Al Sadd (QAT) Winners play-off 4 list published last year. start whoever does well in training,” had built the hype, thanks mainly across all communities living in Qatar.” and described Group b as Next year’s finalists will take GROUP D GROUP H They pushed Saudi Arabian said Ferreira. After suffering a 1-2 to the social media, and it had The official said the QSL was trying to help the balanced. home double this season’s prize Al Ain (UAE) Guangzhou Evergrande (cHN) powerhouses Al Hilal to defeat in his debut match in the its results. It was easily the best clubs in creating a much stronger fan base. “The draw overall is a balanced money, with the winners getting Nasaf (UZb) Sydney Fc (AUS) second in the latest list. previous round against Al Sailiya, in terms of atmosphere and the “The clubs are already taking a lot of efforts, but one. We respect all clubs. certainly, $3m and runners-up taking Al Ahli (KSA) Japan’s third club Ferreira was forced to make some teams served up some spicy stuff we’re looking forward to attracting more spectators to the competition won’t be easy as $1.5m. Naft Tehran (IrN)/El Jaish (QAT) Winners play-off East 1 changes. Haidous later said he did to them. The only sour note was the not start because he was ill, but the sight of rayyan fans throwing water the venues,” said Al Haroon. He indicated that there No.10 player will have to go that bottles at their players, who meant ŢŢAl rayyan fans was a 40 per cent increase in fan turnouts at the QSL extra mile in training to regain his everything to them before this game. cheer their team on. games this season. place. DESTINY’S CALL ‘Qatar will host a world-class event’ Victor caceres looked certain to HE inaugural edition of the with Qatar providing a top-level League and AFc cup to keep said the malaysian. miss the big match after receiving a Asian Football confederation’s setting, I’m sure it’ll be a truly growing their appeal next season. “Attendances in the AFc cup red card in their previous tie against T(AFc) Under-23 championship, world-class event.” In ’15, more than 260 million people were also up in ’15. At the play- Al Gharafa. but rayyan filed an to be held in Doha from January watched the champions League on off stage, the AFc cup attendances appeal and won it. The defensive 12 to 30, will be a grand success, television across the continent and almost tripled, with 296 per cent midfielder looked good at the THE AFC U-23 EVENT IN start against Sadd, but had to be according to its General Secretary a remarkable 2.25 million attended more spectators than in ’14. Also, substituted in the 31st minute with Windsor John. QATAR WILL SHOWCASE the games leading to record average importantly, the AFc cup had a an injured calf muscle. In hindsight, Speaking at the opening of a THE CONTINENT’S attendances. good competitive balance rayyan missed the Paraguayan’s seminar in Kuala Lumpur, malaysia, BRIGHTEST FUTURE STARS. “The AFc champions League in ’15: a non-West Asian imposing physical presence as his John said, “We’ll proudly kick off the has made extraordinary strides in team, JDT from malaysia, pullout left a lot of space in the AFc U-23 championship in Qatar the last few years and now, thanks won this year. As you HOPES SMASHED middle, something Fossati harped in January and that’ll showcase the John confidently looked forward to the quality of play, television know, the trophy has Having spent two separate spells on at the Press conference. Injuries and achieved a lot of success had been a major hindrance for continent’s brightest future stars. to the club competitions. audiences, attendances and support been lifted mainly with Sadd, Jorge Fossati might be the 30-year-old during his spell at The Doha tournament will also “The club competition season of the 24 competing member by West Asian knowing their players more than brazilian club Flamengo and Fossati serve as a qualifying competition for starts at the end of January and associations — we’ve a club teams in the his current rayyan wards, yet he will keep his fingers crossed. the rio Olympic Games. In addition, we can expect the AFc champions competition that few can match,” past,” he added. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 11

Lekhwiya are confident of faring well ATAr Stars League there’re no easy teams at this level. Cops sixth in winners Lekhwiya will be We’ve to take a lot of efforts to Qconfident of progressing cross the first stage,” said Al Ali. Asian rankings to the knockout round of AFc “We want to do well in the Two champions League champions League after finding tournament and aren’t looking at quarterfinal berths in three themselves clubbed alongside our past results. We’ll co-ordinate years have helped Qatar Stars Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr and with our coaching staff to prepare League champions Lekhwiya Iran’s Zobahan in Group b, with players to help them get in perfect surge to sixth in the Asian the winners from the play- shape in time for the tournament,” Football confederation’s (AFc) off between Fc bunyodkar he added. latest club rankings. (Uzbekistan) and Al Shabab (UAE) meanwhile, Guangzhou Launched last year, the rankings help the set to join them. Evergrande were bracketed with Asian game’s followers Qatar’s other two Sydney Fc in Group H, in what understand the continent’s representatives Al Sadd and looked like a kind draw for their top-performing sides in a El Jaish, who both seek their title defence next year. systematic and transparent entry into Asia’s premier club The A-League grand finalists way. are the only known quantity Two-time Asian champions for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s chinese Al Sadd find themselves 25th while El Jaish (26th), Al THE COMPETITION champions, who will start as rayyan (42nd) and Al Arabi WON’T BE EASY AS favourites as they seek a third (93rd) are the other Qatari THERE’RE NO EASY continental title in four years. teams in the 154-member TEAMS AT THIS LEVEL. The Emperor’s cup final in list. Tokyo on January 1 will decide the The rankings are based third team in the group while the on the results of teams competition through play-offs, winners of a play-off will be the participating in the AFc champions League and were drawn into Group c and D fourth. ššLekhwiya have a strong team to make an impact in the continental event. AFc cup over the last respectively after the draw was A-League champions four years and the overall made in Kuala Lumpur last week. melbourne Victory were drawn TEAMS club performances of GROUP A GROUP E Lekhwiya, who made their AFc with Japan’s second club and the respective member Foolad Sepahan (IrI) Jeonbuk motors (KOr) associations. champions League debut in 2012, Suwon Samsung bluewings in Al Nasr (UAE) Jiangsu Sainty (cHN) Newly-crowned AFc had progressed to the quarterfinal Group G. Lokomotiv (UZb) becamex binh Duong (VIE) champions League winners for a second time earlier this year In the West Asian side of the Al Ittihad (KSA)/Al Wehdat (JOr) Winners play-off 2 Guangzhou Evergrande top under michael Laudrup. The Dane draw, Saudi giants Al Hilal were GROUP B GROUP F the list. then gave way to Djamel belmadi, drawn into Group c along with Al Nassr (KSA) Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) Zobahan (IrI) Fc Seoul (KOr) The chinese giants, who but under the Algerian, they could Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor and Iran’s Lekhwiya (QAT) buriram United (THA) also won Asia’s premier club not continue the good work and Tractorsazi Tabriz. bunyodkor (UZb)/Al Shabab (UAE) Winners play-off 3 competition in 2013 and crashed out to Saudi Arabia’s Al The group stage runs from GROUP C GROUP G lost to eventual winners Hilal. February to may with the West Pakhtakor (UZb) melbourne Victory (AUS) Western Sydney Wanderers Lekhwiya General Secretary and East Asian teams kept apart Al Hilal (KSA) Japan’s second club in the quarterfinal in ’14, were fourth in the inaugural Adnan Al Ali expressed confidence until the final in November. Tractorsazi Tabriz (IrI) Suwon bluewings (KOr) Al Jazira (UAE)/Al Sadd (QAT) Winners play-off 4 list published last year. and described Group b as Next year’s finalists will take GROUP D GROUP H They pushed Saudi Arabian balanced. home double this season’s prize Al Ain (UAE) Guangzhou Evergrande (cHN) powerhouses Al Hilal to “The draw overall is a balanced money, with the winners getting Nasaf (UZb) Sydney Fc (AUS) second in the latest list. one. We respect all clubs. certainly, $3m and runners-up taking Al Ahli (KSA) Japan’s third club the competition won’t be easy as $1.5m. Naft Tehran (IrN)/El Jaish (QAT) Winners play-off East 1 ‘Qatar will host a world-class event’ HE inaugural edition of the with Qatar providing a top-level League and AFc cup to keep said the malaysian. Asian Football confederation’s setting, I’m sure it’ll be a truly growing their appeal next season. “Attendances in the AFc cup T(AFc) Under-23 championship, world-class event.” In ’15, more than 260 million people were also up in ’15. At the play- to be held in Doha from January watched the champions League on off stage, the AFc cup attendances 12 to 30, will be a grand success, television across the continent and almost tripled, with 296 per cent according to its General Secretary THE AFC U-23 EVENT IN a remarkable 2.25 million attended more spectators than in ’14. Also, Windsor John. QATAR WILL SHOWCASE the games leading to record average importantly, the AFc cup had a Speaking at the opening of a THE CONTINENT’S attendances. good competitive balance seminar in Kuala Lumpur, malaysia, BRIGHTEST FUTURE STARS. “The AFc champions League in ’15: a non-West Asian John said, “We’ll proudly kick off the has made extraordinary strides in team, JDT from malaysia, AFc U-23 championship in Qatar the last few years and now, thanks won this year. As you in January and that’ll showcase the John confidently looked forward to the quality of play, television know, the trophy has continent’s brightest future stars. to the club competitions. audiences, attendances and support been lifted mainly The Doha tournament will also “The club competition season of the 24 competing member by West Asian serve as a qualifying competition for starts at the end of January and associations — we’ve a club teams in the the rio Olympic Games. In addition, we can expect the AFc champions competition that few can match,” past,” he added. 12 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 13 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

COACHES SPEAK FIXTURES COVER STORY June 10 France vs romania Saint-Denis “We don’t know the Albania vs Switzerland Lens romanian team that June 11 Wales vs Slovakia bordeaux England vs russia marseille well. They performed Poland vs Northern Ireland Nice very well during the June 12 Germany vs Ukraine Lille qualification stage with Turkey vs croatia Paris the best defence and just Spain vs czech republic Toulouse two goals scored against June 13 Ireland vs Sweden Saint-Denis OF belgium vs Italy Lyon BATTLE them. It’s the most important Austria vs Hungary bordeaux match for us. We’ve to be careful and not June 14 be over confident. Switzerland have a lot of Portugal vs Iceland Saint-Etienne GROUP A romania vs Switzerland Paris France GROUP B international experience. June 15 France vs Albania marseille romania England Didier Deschamps, France. russia vs Slovakia Lille Albania russia England vs Wales Lens Switzerland Wales June 16 Ukraine vs Northern Ireland Lyon Slovakia “chris coleman and Wales Germany vs Poland Saint-Denis have done so well. czech republic vs croatia Saint-Etienne Whatever team we got June 17 Spain vs Turkey Nice EUROPE Italy vs Sweden Toulouse GROUP C from Pot 4 it would’ve belgium vs Ireland bordeaux HOSTS FRANCE EARN A GENEROUS DRAW WHILE HOLDERS SPAIN ARE Germany GROUP D been tough, so we might June 18 Iceland vs Hungary marseille Ukraine CLUBBED ALONG WITH THE CZECH REPUBLIC, TURKEY AND CROATIA Spain as well play someone close Portugal vs Austria Paris Poland czech republic to home. russia and Slovakia romania vs Albania Lyon AT NEXT YEAR’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP, WRITES KEIR RADNEDGE. Northern Ireland June 19 Turkey will be interesting. I haven’t Switzerland vs France Lille croatia russia vs Wales Toulouse come across either of those two teams in my June 20 international management before. Slovakia vs England Saint-Etienne OOTbALL’S international focus Sweden. but champions Spain He may even have appreciated Ukraine vs Poland marseille Roy Hodgson, England. Northern Ireland vs Germany Paris next June will be back on the will be reasonably content at the with a frisson of sudden awareness June 21 GROUP E czech republic vs Turkey Lens pitch, hopefully, rather than prospect of dealing with the czech that UEFA and ‘his’ European GROUP F F belgium croatia vs Spain bordeaux Portugal on the scandals in the corridors of republic, Turkey and croatia. championship were continuing to Italy Italy vs Ireland Lille power with the finals of the Opening up the four-yearly proceed smoothly and effectively republic of Ireland Iceland “We know our opponents. € m 8 Sweden vs belgium Nice Austria Obviously, we also respect June 22 newly-expanded European tournament to 24 teams rather than without him. Sweden will be received by Iceland vs Austria Saint-Denis Hungary championship being staged in 16 was one of the bright ideas of Expanding the finals has been our opponents. We’ve a each team for merely Hungary vs Portugal Lyon rather balanced group France from June 10 to July 10. UEFA President michel Platini, but controversial because of concerns turning up PRE-QUARTERFINALS Didier Deschamps’s hosts will whether he will be anything more that allowing access to more teams which we’ve to win. match 1 Group A runners-up vs Group c runners-up Saint-Etienne face romania in the opening match would lower the quality of what has Joachim Loew, Germany. June 25 match 2 Group b winners vs A/c/D third-placed team Paris at the Stade de France and will always been a fine football event. match 3 Group D winners vs b/E/F third-placed team Lens be confident of progressing after AN INTRIGUING QUIRK OF To some extent, this had been match 4 Group A winners vs c/D/E third-placed team Lyon a generous draw matched them THE DRAW PLACED WALES assuaged by the unexpected drama €27m June 26 match 5 Group c winners vs A/b/F third-placed team Lille match 6 Group F winners vs Group E runners-up Toulouse also with newcomers Albania and which had lit up the qualifying “We’ve drawn two teams is the maximum amount ŢFrom left, IN THE SAME GROUP Ţ match 7 Group E winners vs Group D runners-up Saint-Denis neighbouring Switzerland. competition. who played in the same winners can earn Slovakia’s assistant June 27 AS ENGLAND. coach Stefan match 8 Group b runners-up vs Group F runners-up Nice ŢŢFrom left, An intriguing quirk of the draw Yet, even welcoming an extra group as the Netherlands Tarkovic, England QUARTERFINALS Former Netherlands placed Gareth bale and Wales in eight national teams had not and eliminated them, manager roy June 30 QF1 match 1 winners vs match 3 winners marseille player ruud Gullit, Hodgson, russia’s July 1 QF2 match 2 winners vs match 6 winners Lille Spain’s coach the same challenging Group b as than a spectator buying his own proved a fail-safe way of bringing Turkey and czech coach Leonid July 2 QF3 match 5 winners vs match 7 winners bordeaux Vicente del bosque England. tickets or watching on TV remains all the star-name nations to the republic. We also have Slutski and Wales July 3 QF4 match 4 winners vs match 8 winners Saint-Denis and ex-French Italy, runners-up in 2012, will unknown. feast: The Netherlands, third at the to face croatia who’re very € m manager chris international 301 coleman strike a SEMIFINALS bixente Lizarazu not have been too happy at finding Platini, suspended from football World cup in brazil in 2014, had strong and have excellent is the total prize money happy pose after July 6 SF1 Quarterfinal 1 winners vs Quarterfinal 2 winners Lyon conduct the draw. themselves dropped in to Group E by the FIFA Ethics committee over blundered their way to elimination players. It’ll be very difficult for us. the draw. July 7 SF2 Quarterfinal 3 winners vs Quarterfinal 4 winners marseille amid belgium, the Irish republic allegations of misconduct in office, along the way. FINAL Vicente del Bosque, Spain. and old, awkward foes would have had mixed emotions, All the great and the good of July 10 Saint-Denis watching the draw on TV, of both European football or, at least, those pride and regret. not suspended for one sin or another had come to Paris for the draw “It isn’t an easy draw. It’s the most difficult which, for some of the minnow England, Wales keen finalists such as Iceland, will reap opponents we could’ve. riches beyond their wildest dreams. It’s a challenge, but we do The total prize money on offer is have ambition. We’ve to to meet each other €301m, up more than 50 per cent be able to perform against from €196m four years ago. The anyone. NGLAND manager roy been drawn to play England from winners can earn a maximum Marc Wilmots, belgium. Hodgson and his Wales Pot 4, but instead were grouped €27m compared with €23.5m Ecounterpart chris coleman are with world champions Germany, in Poland and Ukraine. Each eagerly anticipating their Ukraine and Poland. team will receive €8m for “I don’t believe in easy all-british Euro 2016 group match coleman declared before the merely turning up. After groups, nor in difficult in Lens. draw he would prefer not to meet that come match bonuses groups. What I do believe The neighbours, who first played England because he wanted to in the group stage of €1m in is work. Iceland are a each other in 1879, last met in the avoid the media circus that would for a win and €500,000 Euro ’12 qualifiers, with England surround the match, but said team that’ve improved for a draw. winning 2-0 in cardiff and 1-0 afterwards, “England are one of Playing in the second a lot during the last few at Wembley. They also clashed the best teams and we’re looking round would earn a team years. They qualified directly in the 2006 World cup qualifiers, forward to playing against them.” €1.5m with €2.5m in the from their group, eliminating with England prevailing home and The sides have met 101 times, quarterfinals and €4m in the the Netherlands in the process, which says a away. with England winning 66, Wales semifinals. The winners will take lot about their potential. The teams have been drawn 14 and 21 drawn. They played each away a further €8m and the Fernando Santos, Portugal. together in Group b along with other every season until the Home runners-up €5m. Unlike the russia and Slovakia, and they will International championship ended World cup there is no third- meet in Lens on June 16. in ’84, which was also the last time place play-off. Northern Ireland could have also Wales beat England, winning 1-0. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 13

COACHES SPEAK FIXTURES June 10 France vs romania Saint-Denis “We don’t know the Albania vs Switzerland Lens romanian team that June 11 Wales vs Slovakia bordeaux England vs russia marseille well. They performed Poland vs Northern Ireland Nice very well during the June 12 Germany vs Ukraine Lille qualification stage with Turkey vs croatia Paris the best defence and just Spain vs czech republic Toulouse two goals scored against June 13 Ireland vs Sweden Saint-Denis them. It’s the most important belgium vs Italy Lyon Austria vs Hungary bordeaux match for us. We’ve to be careful and not June 14 be over confident. Switzerland have a lot of Portugal vs Iceland Saint-Etienne romania vs Switzerland Paris international experience. June 15 France vs Albania marseille Didier Deschamps, France. russia vs Slovakia Lille England vs Wales Lens June 16 Ukraine vs Northern Ireland Lyon “chris coleman and Wales Germany vs Poland Saint-Denis have done so well. czech republic vs croatia Saint-Etienne Whatever team we got June 17 Spain vs Turkey Nice EUROPE Italy vs Sweden Toulouse from Pot 4 it would’ve belgium vs Ireland bordeaux been tough, so we might June 18 Iceland vs Hungary marseille as well play someone close Portugal vs Austria Paris romania vs Albania Lyon to home. russia and Slovakia June 19 will be interesting. I haven’t Switzerland vs France Lille russia vs Wales Toulouse come across either of those two teams in my June 20 international management before. Slovakia vs England Saint-Etienne Ukraine vs Poland marseille Roy Hodgson, England. Northern Ireland vs Germany Paris June 21 czech republic vs Turkey Lens croatia vs Spain bordeaux “We know our opponents. € m Italy vs Ireland Lille 8 Sweden vs belgium Nice Obviously, we also respect June 22 will be received by Iceland vs Austria Saint-Denis our opponents. We’ve a each team for merely Hungary vs Portugal Lyon rather balanced group turning up PRE-QUARTERFINALS which we’ve to win. match 1 Group A runners-up vs Group c runners-up Saint-Etienne Joachim Loew, Germany. June 25 match 2 Group b winners vs A/c/D third-placed team Paris match 3 Group D winners vs b/E/F third-placed team Lens match 4 Group A winners vs c/D/E third-placed team Lyon €27m June 26 match 5 Group c winners vs A/b/F third-placed team Lille match 6 Group F winners vs Group E runners-up Toulouse “We’ve drawn two teams is the maximum amount ŢFrom left, Ţ match 7 Group E winners vs Group D runners-up Saint-Denis who played in the same winners can earn Slovakia’s assistant June 27 coach Stefan match 8 Group b runners-up vs Group F runners-up Nice group as the Netherlands Tarkovic, England QUARTERFINALS and eliminated them, manager roy June 30 QF1 match 1 winners vs match 3 winners marseille Turkey and czech Hodgson, russia’s July 1 QF2 match 2 winners vs match 6 winners Lille coach Leonid July 2 QF3 match 5 winners vs match 7 winners bordeaux republic. We also have Slutski and Wales to face croatia who’re very € m manager chris July 3 QF4 match 4 winners vs match 8 winners Saint-Denis 301 coleman strike a SEMIFINALS strong and have excellent is the total prize money happy pose after July 6 SF1 Quarterfinal 1 winners vs Quarterfinal 2 winners Lyon players. It’ll be very difficult for us. the draw. July 7 SF2 Quarterfinal 3 winners vs Quarterfinal 4 winners marseille FINAL Vicente del Bosque, Spain. July 10 Saint-Denis

“It isn’t an easy draw. It’s the most difficult opponents we could’ve. England, Wales keen It’s a challenge, but we do have ambition. We’ve to be able to perform against to meet each other anyone. NGLAND manager roy been drawn to play England from Marc Wilmots, belgium. Hodgson and his Wales Pot 4, but instead were grouped Ecounterpart chris coleman are with world champions Germany, eagerly anticipating their Ukraine and Poland. “I don’t believe in easy all-british Euro 2016 group match coleman declared before the groups, nor in difficult in Lens. draw he would prefer not to meet groups. What I do believe The neighbours, who first played England because he wanted to in is work. Iceland are a each other in 1879, last met in the avoid the media circus that would Euro ’12 qualifiers, with England surround the match, but said team that’ve improved winning 2-0 in cardiff and 1-0 afterwards, “England are one of a lot during the last few at Wembley. They also clashed the best teams and we’re looking years. They qualified directly in the 2006 World cup qualifiers, forward to playing against them.” from their group, eliminating with England prevailing home and The sides have met 101 times, the Netherlands in the process, which says a away. with England winning 66, Wales lot about their potential. The teams have been drawn 14 and 21 drawn. They played each Fernando Santos, Portugal. together in Group b along with other every season until the Home russia and Slovakia, and they will International championship ended meet in Lens on June 16. in ’84, which was also the last time Northern Ireland could have also Wales beat England, winning 1-0. 14 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 15 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

HOW THEY REACTED

“What these players “It’s probably the tie Arsenal and barcelona have done in one- of the round. It’s not have a similar style Majestic match-ups and-a-half years going to be easy and of play. The fans will of work, that’s it’s probably the team enjoy themselves, chelsea, who are enduring “We’re certain to see a sporting “barca are used to playing under as favourites things won’t go well phenomenal. my job that most Arsenal we’re two sides with a Julien Pretot a torrid time in the Premier spectacular,” said barca director pressure in every sense. but we’re for us,” said real Director Emilio is to get started with fans would’ve wanted similar understanding League, will face French league Albert Soler. the reigning champions and that butragueno. “We know what can this team and get the to avoid at this stage. but of the game. They’ll leaders Paris Saint-Germain in “Arsenal and barcelona have a gives you an edge,” he added. happen if you’ve 10 poor minutes most out of it. but they do it — not the draw has given us barcelona and be two great matches. We must’ve you, not me. As a trainer, you’re just OLDErS and Spanish league the knockout stage for the third similar style of play. The fans will Arsenal club secretary David on a European night.” it’s up to us to make a good fist of it. maximum respect for Arsenal. DRAW leaders barcelona will play year in succession after the French miles said, “It isn’t easy and the Juventus could come to regret a small pawn once the competition David Miles, Arsenal club Secretary. Albert Soler, barcelona Director. Premier League side Arsenal champions won at the same one to avoid at this stage, but it’s having blown their finale in the begins. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE H Gent (bEL) vs VfL Wolfsburg (GEr) in the last 16 of the champions stage last season and the London IT IS THE GAME BETWEEN up to us and we’ll give them a group stage, leaving manchester Hein Vanhaezebrouck, Gent coach. AS roma (ITA) vs real madrid (ESP) League, 10 years after they faced club had the upper hand in the BARCELONA AND game. “messi, Neymar, Suarez... city, who’ll take on Dynamo Kiev, Paris Saint-Germain (FrA) vs chelsea (ENG) “I believe our team has Going into the draw each other in the final, following quarterfinal the previous year. ARSENAL WHICH MOST you could go on, but we’ve our with the better draw on paper. “Gent have asserted Arsenal (ENG) vs barcelona (ESP) improved in Europe benfica faced the Juventus (ITA) vs bayern munich (GEr) last monday’s draw for the first Another clash between big CATCHES THE EYE. own world-class players and I’m “Everybody wanted to avoid themselves in a knockout stage. guns will feature former winners sure they’ll be fantastic games in barca and bayern so we’re not so and I’m confident prospect of being PSV Eindhoven (NED) vs Atl madrid (ESP) group against Spanish league leaders Juventus and bayern munich while London and in barcelona.” lucky, but bayern won’t be glad even though we paired with one benfica (POr) vs Zenit St Petersburg (rUS) Valencia and Lyon Dynamo Kiev (UKr) vs man city (ENG) barcelona, chasing a sixth title, 10-time champions real madrid enjoy themselves, we’re two sides There is also a familiar feel about they drew Juve,” said Juventus know bayern of the tournament and are the surprise First legs on February 16-17 and 23-24. prevailed 2-1 in the 2006 final at were drawn against AS roma. with a similar understanding of the chelsea vs PSG tie. ambassador Pavel Nedved. represent very tough favourites such as return legs on march 8-9 and 15-16. the Stade de France in Paris and It is the game between barca the game. They’ll be two great “There’s not much we don’t manchester city’s director of package in the round opposition. We were in barcelona, real madrid EUROPA LEAGUE of 16. We’ve big respect also triumphed in the knockout and Arsenal which most catches matches. We must have maximum know about Paris,” said chelsea football Txiki begiristain said, a very complicated group and we did or bayern munich. Therefore the Valencia (ESP) vs rapid Vienna (AUT) phase in ’10 and ’11. the eye, however. respect for Arsenal. General Secretary David barnard. “They’ve a good side (Kiev) and for this opponent. For both teams, very well to come through it without Eagles will no doubt be happy to Fiorentina (ITA) vs Tottenham (ENG) “You only know if it’s a good it will be difficult for us. They’re the knockout stage of the champions too much difficulty. It goes without be facing the team led by former Fc borussia Dortmund (GEr) vs Fc Porto (POr) draw after the tie. We’re ambitious, growing in the competition and League is an uncharted territory. So Fenerbahce (TUr) vs Lokomotiv (rUS) saying we’ll continue to battle during Porto coach Andre Villas-boas. Anderlecht (bEL) vs Olympiakos (GrE) we’ve two-and-a-half months to it will be a big challenge but I expect an interesting encounter in the last 16. Portuguese media. midtjylland (DEN) vs man United (ENG) prepare,” PSG sports director Olivier we hope to be ready. They’re a which we’ll have to show everything Augsbourg (GEr) vs Liverpool (ENG) Pavel Nedved, Juventus Vice-President. Letang said. strong side, but they like to play to reach the next round. Sparta Prague (cZE) vs Krasnodar (rUS) Galatasaray (TUr) vs Lazio rome (ITA) real madrid and roma have football and it’s just 11 vs 11. We’re Dieter Hecking, Wolfsburg coach. We’ll play against a also seen a lot of each other in the improving and gaining experience “It’s a European classic. very experienced Sion (SUI) vs braga (POr) competition, though not since ’08 in the competition so we hope to Shakhtar Donetsk (UKr) vs Schalke 04 (GEr) Juve were runners-up team that have got Oly marseille (FrA) vs Athletic bilbao (ESP) when the Italians won 2-1 home do well.” last season which to two UEFA Europa Sevilla (ESP) vs molde (NOr) and away in the last 16. PSV Eindhoven will take on “real madrid will be represents a major League finals and Sporting Portugal (POr) vs Leverkusen (GEr) “You’ve to be very much on Atletico madrid and benfica will be Villarreal (ESP) vs Napoli (ITA) favourites. We faced challenge, but we two semifinals in the your guard. If we see ourselves against Zenit St Petersburg. want to reach the last five years. We know Saint-Etienne (FrA) vs basel (SUI) Gent, in their first participation barcelona in the First legs on February 18. return legs on quarters and will do our opponents very well as we February 25. in the competition, will take on group stage and now real madrid, everything we can. faced them in the UEFA champions Germany’s VfL Wolfsburg. League last season. The first legs of the ties are but we’re in the Philipp Lahm, bayern munich captain. FAST FACTS spread over four days (16, 17, 23, champions League for Andre Villas-Boas, Zenit St Petersburg coach. barcelona beat Arsenal in the 24) in February, with return legs on this reason. In February, we’ll have 2009-10 quarterfinal when Lionel march eight, nine and 15, when a few players back from injury and Atletico are a top team messi scored four in the second leg, there are two matches. we’ll be ready to give everything. with fantastic players. then in the 2010-11 round of 16 All the lads are ready and looking realistically Atletico manchester city and, of course, the 2006 final. are the better team are a solid, well- chelsea and Paris have played in şş Former Argentina and Inter forward to this tie. balanced team, each of the last two seasons, with milan captain Javier Zanetti during Rudi Garcia, roma coach. in theory, but we’re the champions League round of 16 not without a chance. but we’ve already both ties decided on away goals. draw ceremony in Nyon. played against them The blues won their 2013-14 “It’s a very special Jeffrey Bruma, PSV defender. and had success. quarterfinal while Paris gained competition. roma revenge in dramatic fashion in last Everyone has weak term’s round of 16. are a tough side, We’re really happy to be points. Our job is to find them. they’ll be really here for the third year It’ll be a busy time in the Premier bayern overcame Juventus 2-0 home and away in the 2012-13 up for it and they in a row. PSV are a League then. clubs will play compete well. If quarterfinal en route to lifting the strong side, they’re twice a week and this also will be trophy. we see ourselves as a side with a lot of significant. favourites things won’t go well for history in Europe roma and real madrid have us. roma are an Italian side and Serhiy Rebrov, Dynamo Kiev coach. played eight times, all in the UEFA and I’m sure they’ll champions League and all since Italian teams give you nothing. make life difficult for us. 2001-02. roma knocked madrid out Emilio Butragueno, real madrid Director. “It’s never easy — in the 2007-08 round of 16. Clemente Villaverde, Atl madrid representative. they’ve shown they Atletico recorded two victories (Dynamo Kiev) against PSV in the 2008-09 group have a good side by “If we want to go as far “It’s a knockout game stage, 3-0 in Eindhoven and 2-1 in beating and drawing madrid. as we can, we must and it depends on the with chelsea. It’s beat any team we’re form of those teams benfica defeated Zenit 4-3 on going to be difficult for up against. It’s what over the two legs so aggregate in the 2011-12 round of us, but the most important thing is 16, although the russian club won Triple European champions manchester United “We’ve already beaten one English team so I told the players. I don’t think you can Man United and their under-fire coach Louis van Gaal face a we aren’t afraid,” said Ankersen. that we show we’re improving in this both their fixtures in last season’s Who’re the best today? take league form into tricky task against little-known midtjylland in the midtjylland have adopted the use of competition and we’ll fight to get to group stage. go into last 32 of the Europa League. mathematical modelling and key-performance madrid? barcelona? You account. PSG is a team the quarters. Dynamo ousted manchester city unknown United, knocked out of the champions League indicators in their management and style can’t control a draw so you must be that we know very well because we 2-1 on aggregate in the 2010-11 last week, meet the Danish league winners, an of play, factors Van Gaal will need to study ready for any opposition. played them at this stage last season Txiki Begiristain, manchester city’s Director UEFA Europa League round of 16, unsung club backed by owner matthew benham, after a probable call to fellow-Dutchman and of Football. prevailing 2-0 at home before a 0-1 Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi,PSG President. and we went out on the away-goal who eliminated Southampton earlier in the Southampton manager ronald Koeman. away loss. competition. Van Gaal has received a lot of criticism rule. midtjylland’s chairman rasmus Ankersen, who following his team’s champions League exit and David Barnard, chelsea board member. Gent and Wolfsburg are the only also owns English second-tier club brentford, their 1-2 defeat to promoted bournemouth in the two teams never to have met issued a warning after the draw. Premier League last week. before. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 15

HOW THEY REACTED

“What these players “It’s probably the tie Arsenal and barcelona have done in one- of the round. It’s not have a similar style and-a-half years going to be easy and of play. The fans will of work, that’s it’s probably the team enjoy themselves, phenomenal. my job that most Arsenal we’re two sides with a is to get started with fans would’ve wanted similar understanding this team and get the to avoid at this stage. but of the game. They’ll most out of it. but they do it — not the draw has given us barcelona and be two great matches. We must’ve you, not me. As a trainer, you’re just it’s up to us to make a good fist of it. maximum respect for Arsenal. a small pawn once the competition DRAW begins. David Miles, Arsenal club Secretary. Albert Soler, barcelona Director. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Gent (bEL) vs VfL Wolfsburg (GEr) Hein Vanhaezebrouck, Gent coach. AS roma (ITA) vs real madrid (ESP) Paris Saint-Germain (FrA) vs chelsea (ENG) “I believe our team has Going into the draw “Gent have asserted Arsenal (ENG) vs barcelona (ESP) improved in Europe benfica faced the Juventus (ITA) vs bayern munich (GEr) themselves in a and I’m confident prospect of being PSV Eindhoven (NED) vs Atl madrid (ESP) group against even though we paired with one benfica (POr) vs Zenit St Petersburg (rUS) Valencia and Lyon know bayern of the tournament Dynamo Kiev (UKr) vs man city (ENG) and are the surprise First legs on February 16-17 and 23-24. represent very tough favourites such as return legs on march 8-9 and 15-16. package in the round opposition. We were in barcelona, real madrid EUROPA LEAGUE of 16. We’ve big respect a very complicated group and we did or bayern munich. Therefore the Valencia (ESP) vs rapid Vienna (AUT) for this opponent. For both teams, very well to come through it without Eagles will no doubt be happy to Fiorentina (ITA) vs Tottenham (ENG) the knockout stage of the champions too much difficulty. It goes without borussia Dortmund (GEr) vs Fc Porto (POr) be facing the team led by former Fc Fenerbahce (TUr) vs Lokomotiv (rUS) League is an uncharted territory. So saying we’ll continue to battle during Porto coach Andre Villas-boas. I expect an interesting encounter in Anderlecht (bEL) vs Olympiakos (GrE) the last 16. Portuguese media. midtjylland (DEN) vs man United (ENG) which we’ll have to show everything Augsbourg (GEr) vs Liverpool (ENG) Pavel Nedved, Juventus Vice-President. to reach the next round. Sparta Prague (cZE) vs Krasnodar (rUS) Galatasaray (TUr) vs Lazio rome (ITA) Dieter Hecking, Wolfsburg coach. We’ll play against a “It’s a European classic. very experienced Sion (SUI) vs braga (POr) Shakhtar Donetsk (UKr) vs Schalke 04 (GEr) Juve were runners-up team that have got Oly marseille (FrA) vs Athletic bilbao (ESP) last season which to two UEFA Europa Sevilla (ESP) vs molde (NOr) “real madrid will be represents a major League finals and Sporting Portugal (POr) vs Leverkusen (GEr) Villarreal (ESP) vs Napoli (ITA) favourites. We faced challenge, but we two semifinals in the want to reach the Saint-Etienne (FrA) vs basel (SUI) barcelona in the last five years. We know First legs on February 18. return legs on group stage and quarters and will do our opponents very well as we February 25. now real madrid, everything we can. faced them in the UEFA champions but we’re in the Philipp Lahm, bayern munich captain. League last season. FAST FACTS champions League for Andre Villas-Boas, Zenit St Petersburg coach. barcelona beat Arsenal in the this reason. In February, we’ll have 2009-10 quarterfinal when Lionel a few players back from injury and Atletico are a top team messi scored four in the second leg, we’ll be ready to give everything. with fantastic players. then in the 2010-11 round of 16 All the lads are ready and looking realistically Atletico manchester city and, of course, the 2006 final. forward to this tie. are the better team are a solid, well- chelsea and Paris have played in balanced team, each of the last two seasons, with Rudi Garcia, roma coach. in theory, but we’re not without a chance. but we’ve already both ties decided on away goals. played against them The blues won their 2013-14 “It’s a very special Jeffrey Bruma, PSV defender. and had success. quarterfinal while Paris gained competition. roma revenge in dramatic fashion in last Everyone has weak term’s round of 16. are a tough side, We’re really happy to be points. Our job is to find them. they’ll be really here for the third year It’ll be a busy time in the Premier bayern overcame Juventus 2-0 home and away in the 2012-13 up for it and they in a row. PSV are a League then. clubs will play compete well. If quarterfinal en route to lifting the strong side, they’re twice a week and this also will be trophy. we see ourselves as a side with a lot of significant. favourites things won’t go well for history in Europe roma and real madrid have us. roma are an Italian side and Serhiy Rebrov, Dynamo Kiev coach. played eight times, all in the UEFA and I’m sure they’ll champions League and all since Italian teams give you nothing. make life difficult for us. 2001-02. roma knocked madrid out Emilio Butragueno, real madrid Director. “It’s never easy — in the 2007-08 round of 16. Clemente Villaverde, Atl madrid representative. they’ve shown they Atletico recorded two victories (Dynamo Kiev) against PSV in the 2008-09 group have a good side by “If we want to go as far “It’s a knockout game stage, 3-0 in Eindhoven and 2-1 in beating and drawing madrid. as we can, we must and it depends on the with chelsea. It’s beat any team we’re form of those teams benfica defeated Zenit 4-3 on going to be difficult for up against. It’s what over the two legs so aggregate in the 2011-12 round of us, but the most important thing is 16, although the russian club won I told the players. I don’t think you can that we show we’re improving in this both their fixtures in last season’s Who’re the best today? take league form into competition and we’ll fight to get to group stage. madrid? barcelona? You account. PSG is a team the quarters. Dynamo ousted manchester city can’t control a draw so you must be that we know very well because we 2-1 on aggregate in the 2010-11 ready for any opposition. played them at this stage last season Txiki Begiristain, manchester city’s Director UEFA Europa League round of 16, of Football. prevailing 2-0 at home before a 0-1 Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi,PSG President. and we went out on the away-goal rule. away loss. David Barnard, chelsea board member. Gent and Wolfsburg are the only two teams never to have met before. 16 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 17 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

şŢNewcastle ross county 18 7 3 8 28 26 24 United’s Ayoze RESULTS WEEKLY ROUND-UP Hamilton 17 6 4 7 22 25 22 Perez, right, and Paulinho wins it EPL Daryl Janmaat are Inverness Thistle 17 5 5 7 19 23 20 Aston Villa lost to Arsenal 0-2 ecstatic after the Partick Thistle 17 5 5 7 18 23 20 former scored their for Guangzhou Atletico close on Barca’s heels Liverpool drew West brom 2-2 Dundee 18 4 8 6 23 30 20 winner against Tottenham lost to Newcastle 1-2 motherwell 17 5 3 9 16 24 18 Tottenham Hotspur. UIZ Felipe Scolari, his reputation battered boisterous calderon stadium when 25 after being held 1-1 at home by bournemouth bt man United 2-1 Kilmarnock 18 4 5 9 19 32 17 Iain Rogers crystal Palace bt Southampton 1-0 Dundee United 18 2 3 13 13 34 9 back home in brazil, showed he could still defender Aymeric Laporte netted at bottom club Hellas Verona. man city bt Swansea city 2-1 work the old magic when he led underdogs a corner before Atletico midfielder Norwich city drew Everton 1-1 LA LIGA L Top guns continue to fire barcelona 15 11 2 2 36 15 35 Guangzhou Evergrande to a spectacular comeback Saul Niguez levelled with a header Sunderland lost to Watford 0-1 Atletico madrid 5 11 2 2 22 7 35 and a shock 2-1 quarterfinal win over mexican TLETIcO madrid turned from a corner at the other end on In Germany, leaders bayern munich West Ham drew Stoke city 0-0 real madrid 15 9 3 3 32 13 30 side club America at the club World cup in Tokyo up the heat on champions the stroke of half-time. made sure they will remain top of SPFL celta Vigo 15 8 4 3 26 22 28 last Sunday. Abarcelona when they A closely-fought encounter the bundesliga during the winter St Johnstone lost to celtic 0-3 Villarreal 15 8 3 4 19 15 27 America had taken the lead early in the second fought back to secure a 2-1 win appeared destined for a draw until break when they beat Ingolstadt Aberdeen bt Hearts 1-0 Deportivo coruna 15 5 8 2 23 16 23 half when Oribe Peralta headed in from Dario at home to Athletic bilbao in La the ball broke kindly for Antoine 2-0 to stay five points clear of Dundee United lost to Partick Thistle 0-1 Sevilla 15 6 4 5 21 19 22 Hamilton Academical lost to ross county 1-3 benedetto’s cross and they seemed on course for a Liga last Sunday as real madrid Griezmann in the 67th and the second-placed borussia Dortmund Valencia 15 5 6 4 19 12 21 Inverness Thistle bt Kilmarnock 2-1 Athletic bilbao 15 6 3 6 22 18 21 comfortable win. slipped off the pace with a 0-1 loss with one game left this year. motherwell bt Dundee 3-1 Eibar 15 5 6 4 19 17 21 but Zheng Long, who came in place of former at Villarreal. Goals from robert Lewandowski LA LIGA real betis 15 5 4 6 13 19 19 manchester city and real madrid forward Atletico’s battling victory put PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN and Philipp Lahm lifted bayern Atletico madrid bt Athletic bilbao 2-1 Espanyol 15 5 2 8 15 26 17 robinho, scored the equaliser in the 80th minute them level at the top on 35 points DEMOLISHED LYON 5-1 TO to 43, with Dortmund crushing Eibar drew Valencia 1-1 real Sociedad 15 4 4 7 17 20 16 before Paulinho took advantage of a lapse in with barca, who surrendered a 2-0 GO 17 POINTS CLEAR AT Eintracht Frankfurt 4-1 to stay hot rayo Vallecano lost to malaga 1-2 Getafe 15 4 3 8 16 24 15 concentration by the America defence to grab the advantage and were held 2-2 at THE TOP OF LIGUE 1. on their heels and open up a nine- Villarreal bt real madrid 1-0 Sporting Gijon 15 4 3 8 15 23 15 malaga 15 3 5 7 9 14 14 Seesaw season! winner in the stoppage-time and earn a dream home by Deportivo La coruna last point cushion in second place. celta Vigo bt Espanyol 1-0 barcelona drew Deportivo coruna 2-2 Granada 15 3 5 7 17 25 14 Serb mitrovic scored with semifinal against barcelona on Thursday. week, their second consecutive Vedad Ibisevic scored a brace EPL TOP SCORERS Las Palmas bt real betis 1-0 rayo Vallecano 15 4 2 9 16 27 14 Ian Chadband Ţ 14 Jamie Vardy Leicester city practically his first touch, bundling ŢGuangzhou meanwhile, in another quarterfinal, Tsukasa draw after previous weekend’s 1-1 France forward curled a superb as surprise package Hertha Levante lost to Granada cF 1-2 Las Palmas 15 3 4 8 12 22 13 Evergrande’s 12 romelu Lukaku Everton home the scruffiest of goals, while Shiotani, Kazuhiko chiba and Takama Asano all stalemate at Valencia. shot into the corner of the net from berlin climbed to third with a Sevilla bt Sporting Gijon 2-0 Levante 15 2 5 8 12 27 11 Paulinho, left, riyad mahrez Leicester city Getafe drew real Sociedad 1-1 10 22-year-old Spaniard Perez struck in celebrates with took advantage of poor defending as Sanfrecce barca are ahead on goal just outside the penalty area. 4-0 demolition of promoted SERIE A Odion Ighalo Watford HE unpredictability of a barmy stoppage time with a volley which team-mate Zou Hiroshima, champions of hosts Japan, registered an difference while real are five Darmstadt. SERIE A Inter milan 16 11 3 2 22 9 36 9 Olivier Giroud Arsenal Zheng after scoring Inter thrash Udinese Ac milan drew Verona 1-1 Fiorentina 16 10 2 4 31 15 32 Premier League season was 8 Harry Kane Tottenham Hotspur went straight through the usually against club easy 3-0 win over African champions TP mazembe, points adrift in third after roberto PSG in a league of their own Napoli 16 9 5 2 28 12 32 underlined by Tottenham Sergio Aguero man city solid Hugo Lloris in goal. America. from the Democratic republic of congo. Soldado scored against his former In Italy, Serie A leaders Inter milan chievo bt Atalanta 1-0 T 7 Empoli bt carpi 3-0 Juventus 16 9 3 4 25 12 30 Hotspur’s 1-2 home defeat by Georginio Wijnaldum Newcastle United “Our first half was fantastic, we club to give Villarreal the spoils at trounced Udinese 4-0 away to In France, Paris Saint-Germain Juventus bt Fiorentina 3-1 AS roma 16 8 5 3 30 18 29 struggling Newcastle United last dominated the game. The second the madrigal. extend their lead at the top to demolished Olympique Lyon 5-1 at Napoli drew AS roma 0-0 Sassuolo 15 7 5 3 19 14 26 Sunday, which left bewildered a fortnight ago, somehow found isn’t easy to explain,” a baffled real fielded their famous four points with second-placed the Parc des Princes to go 17 points Genoa lost to bologna 0-1 Ac milan 16 7 4 5 20 19 25 home manager mauricio Pochettino the reserves of spirit and resolve to Pochettino said. “No one would attacking trident of cristiano Fiorentina losing 1-3 at rapidly clear at the top of Ligue 1. Palermo bt Frosinone 4-1 Atalanta 16 7 3 6 18 16 24 scratching his head. do what they had done gleefully in expect this end to the game if you ronaldo, Gareth bale and Karim improving champions Juventus. Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted a Sassuolo vs Torino postponed Empoli 16 7 3 6 20 20 24 On a weekend which had beating Liverpool 2-0 the previous see the first half. We need to assess benzema, but could not make a Juve, six points off the pace double to put the champions on Udinese lost to Inter milan 0-4 Torino 15 6 4 5 21 19 22 chievo Verona 16 6 4 6 21 16 22 already seen mighty manchester week — take the wheels off a and analyse the second half because host of chances count and on 30, won their sixth straight 48 points from 18 games, with BUNDESLIGA Lazio 15 6 1 8 17 24 19 b Dortmund bt E Frankfurt 4-1 United humbled by bournemouth, bandwagon. it’s impossible to see the team the defeat heaps more league match while AS roma’s second-placed Angers on 31 after a bologna 16 6 1 9 17 21 19 Augsburg bt Schalke 2-1 the week after the south-coast playing in such a different way.” pressure on under-fire winless streak continued with 1-1 home draw against Girondins Palermo 16 5 3 8 17 24 18 bayer Leverkusen bt borussia m’gladbach 5-0 Udinese 16 5 3 8 14 24 18 underdogs had also won at chelsea, Equally, mcclaren would not coach rafa benitez. a 0-0 draw at Napoli who are bordeaux. bayern munich bt Ingolstadt 2-0 Sampdoria 15 4 4 7 21 25 16 no result ought to really be a surprise MITROVIC SCORED WITH have been able to explain bilbao took a level on 32 points with Fiore. Third-placed monaco are level on Hoffenheim bt Hanover 1-0 Genoa 16 4 4 8 15 21 16 anymore in a league that is so PRACTICALLY HIS FIRST how a team so 27th-minute roma dropped to fifth points with Angers after a last-gasp Darmstadt lost to Hertha berlin 0-4 Frosinone 16 4 2 10 15 30 14 Wolfsburg drew Hamburg 1-1 competitive and capricious. TOUCH, BUNDLING HOME completely woeful lead at a on 29 points, with Ac 1-0 victory against St Etienne. Lyon carpi 16 2 4 10 13 30 10 Werder bremen drew cologne 1-1 Here was another mystifying one. THE SCRUFFIEST OF GOALS. in the 1-5 capitulation at crystal typically milan seventh on are down to sixth on 26 points. Verona 16 0 7 9 11 26 7 Spurs, on a record 14-match Palace two weeks ago could have mainz drew Vfb Stuttgart 0-0 LIGUE 1 BUNDESLIGA unbeaten run in the Premier League been so excellent here. bayern munich 16 14 1 1 45 8 43 Angers drew bordeaux 1-1 era for the club, seemed to be sailing Yet, when their manager Steve Their third straight win at b Dortmund 16 12 2 2 46 21 38 monaco bt St Etienne 1-0 Hertha berlin 16 9 2 5 24 18 29 to another win, which would have mcclaren, recently public enemy White Hart Lane represented an marseille drew Ajaccio 1-1 Wolfsburg 16 7 5 4 25 18 26 put them above manchester United No.1 on Tyneside, brought on strikers achievement that Newcastle had not PSG bt Olympique Lyon 5-1 b m’gladbach 16 8 2 6 31 28 26 into fourth place, when Eric Dier Aleksandar mitrovic and Ayoze Perez accomplished in 104 years. Troyes drew bastia 1-1 bayer Leverkusen 16 7 3 6 24 20 24 Nantes drew Toulouse 1-1 headed them in front in the first half. in the second half, even he could not meanwhile, Olivier Giroud’s mainz 16 7 3 6 23 21 24 Ivory coast midfielder Yaya Toure held off fierce Lille bt Fc Lorient 3-0 but Newcastle, who looked a have imagined they would prove the “fantastic” week concluded with Toure named Schalke 04 16 7 3 6 22 23 24 competition from Algeria’s Yacine brahimi, montpellier bt Guingamp 2-1 demoralised crew out of ideas just magpies’ match winners. another goal that helped the HamburgSV 16 6 4 6 19 22 22 the 2014 winner, and Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Stade de reims drew Nice 1-1 BBC African cologne 16 5 6 5 16 20 21 Gunners back to the top of the table. Aubameyang to pick up the bbc African Stade rennes drew caen 1-1 The oft-maligned Frenchman, Footballer Footballer of the Year for ’15. Ingolstadt 04 16 5 5 6 11 17 20 hailed by Arsene Wenger last week The manchester city player captained his STANDINGS Darmstadt 98 16 4 6 6 15 23 18 “Our first half was fantastic, we dominated As of Sunday Augsburg 16 4 4 8 20 26 16 as one of the deadliest marksmen country to the Africa cup of Nations triumph the game. The second isn’t easy to explain. in February, ending a 23-year wait to lift the Werder bremen 16 4 3 9 16 30 15 in Europe after his hat-trick against EPL We need to assess and analyse the second trophy, and has remained an integral part of his Arsenal 16 10 3 3 29 13 33 Eintracht Frankfurt 16 3 5 8 19 27 14 Olympiakos, received another hymn club side throughout the year. man city 16 10 2 4 32 17 32 Hanover 96 16 4 2 10 18 28 14 half because it’s impossible to see the team of praise from his manager after his Hoffenheim 16 2 7 7 17 24 13 playing in such a different way. The 32-year-old became only the third Leicester city 15 9 5 1 32 21 32 early goal from the penalty spot in player to win the award twice, following man United 16 8 5 3 21 12 29 Stuttgart 16 3 3 10 19 36 12 Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham Hotspur manager. Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Aston Villa. Nigerians Jay Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu. Tottenham 16 6 8 2 26 14 26 LIGUE 1 crystal Palace 16 8 2 6 21 15 26 PSG 18 15 3 0 45 9 48 Watford 16 7 4 5 18 16 25 Angers 18 8 7 3 17 10 31 West Ham 16 6 6 4 25 21 24 monaco 18 8 7 3 25 23 31 HEADLINES QUOTE TWEET STAT GOAL MOMENT PLAYER Liverpool 16 6 6 4 20 19 24 caen 18 9 3 6 21 19 30 • Giroud, ramsey “It was a match “Ozil heads down the Aston Villa’s 0-2 home Aaron ramsey (for return of the King (in Odion Ighalo (Watford) Everton 16 5 8 3 29 21 23 Nice 18 7 5 6 31 23 26 Stoke city 16 6 5 5 13 14 23 score as Arsenal where who scores the tunnel after being defeat by Arsenal left Arsenal against Aston bournemouth 2-1 win Oly Lyon 18 7 5 6 22 21 26 Southampton 16 5 6 5 21 19 21 defeat bottom club winning goal shall substituted. A Villa fan them without a league Villa) against manchester Nigeria striker scored St Etienne 18 8 2 8 21 22 26 10th goal of campaign West brom 16 5 5 6 16 21 20 Lorient 18 6 7 5 27 26 25 Villa to go top win. gives him an earful win at Villa Park in United) bournemouth 16 4 4 8 20 31 16 Arsenal go 2-0 up at at Sunderland and Oly marseille 18 6 6 6 27 20 24 of abuse. Ozil looks at nine games — their Newcastle United 16 4 4 8 18 31 16 • bournemouth manchester United Villa Park with slick Josh King punishes gave John O’Shea a Stade rennes 18 5 9 4 23 21 24 him and blows a kiss. worst run for 94 years. chelsea 15 4 3 8 17 24 15 sink man Utd 2-1; manager Louis counter-attacking goal, former club torrid afternoon in Lille 18 5 8 5 14 12 23 Swansea city 16 3 5 8 15 24 14 man city edge van Gaal sows London Evening ramsey tackling Idrissa manchester United 1-0 win that lifted the Nantes 18 6 5 7 14 17 23 Norwich city 16 3 5 8 18 28 14 managerless bewilderment Standard reporter Gueye and motoring with smart finish promoted side up to montpellier 18 6 4 8 22 24 22 Sunderland 16 3 3 10 17 30 12 Swansea among the club’s fans James Olley reveals downfield to tuck ball from training-ground seventh place. bordeaux 18 5 7 6 22 27 22 Aston Villa 16 1 3 12 13 30 6 Stade de reims 18 5 6 7 19 22 21

EPL HIGHLIGHTS EPL following 1-2 loss at mesut Ozil’s famous into empty net after corner routine to earn • mitrovic, Perez goals bournemouth coolness does not incisive passes from bournemouth second SPFL Ajaccio 18 5 6 7 18 21 21 see Newcastle end desert him when Theo Walcott and memorable win in celtic 17 13 3 1 44 12 42 bastia 18 5 4 9 18 24 19 Spurs’ 14-game Arsenal playmaker mesut Ozil. succession following Aberdeen 18 12 2 4 28 18 38 Guingamp 18 5 4 9 17 25 19 unbeaten run leaves the pitch. 1-0 success at chelsea. Hearts 17 9 4 4 29 18 31 Toulouse 18 3 7 8 20 32 16 ššAthletic bilbao’s Eneko boveda tackles Atletico madrid’s Antoine Griezmann. St. Johnstone 18 9 3 6 35 29 30 Troyes Ac 18 0 7 11 10 35 7 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 17

RESULTS ross county 18 7 3 8 28 26 24 WEEKLY ROUND-UP Hamilton 17 6 4 7 22 25 22 EPL Inverness Thistle 17 5 5 7 19 23 20 Aston Villa lost to Arsenal 0-2 Partick Thistle 17 5 5 7 18 23 20 Atletico close on Barca’s heels Liverpool drew West brom 2-2 Dundee 18 4 8 6 23 30 20 Tottenham lost to Newcastle 1-2 motherwell 17 5 3 9 16 24 18 boisterous calderon stadium when 25 after being held 1-1 at home by bournemouth bt man United 2-1 Kilmarnock 18 4 5 9 19 32 17 Iain Rogers crystal Palace bt Southampton 1-0 Dundee United 18 2 3 13 13 34 9 defender Aymeric Laporte netted at bottom club Hellas Verona. man city bt Swansea city 2-1 a corner before Atletico midfielder Norwich city drew Everton 1-1 LA LIGA Top guns continue to fire Saul Niguez levelled with a header Sunderland lost to Watford 0-1 barcelona 15 11 2 2 36 15 35 Atletico madrid 5 11 2 2 22 7 35 TLETIcO madrid turned from a corner at the other end on In Germany, leaders bayern munich West Ham drew Stoke city 0-0 real madrid 15 9 3 3 32 13 30 up the heat on champions the stroke of half-time. made sure they will remain top of SPFL celta Vigo 15 8 4 3 26 22 28 Abarcelona when they A closely-fought encounter the bundesliga during the winter St Johnstone lost to celtic 0-3 Villarreal 15 8 3 4 19 15 27 fought back to secure a 2-1 win appeared destined for a draw until break when they beat Ingolstadt Aberdeen bt Hearts 1-0 Deportivo coruna 15 5 8 2 23 16 23 at home to Athletic bilbao in La the ball broke kindly for Antoine 2-0 to stay five points clear of Dundee United lost to Partick Thistle 0-1 Sevilla 15 6 4 5 21 19 22 Hamilton Academical lost to ross county 1-3 Liga last Sunday as real madrid Griezmann in the 67th and the second-placed borussia Dortmund Valencia 15 5 6 4 19 12 21 Inverness Thistle bt Kilmarnock 2-1 Athletic bilbao 15 6 3 6 22 18 21 slipped off the pace with a 0-1 loss with one game left this year. motherwell bt Dundee 3-1 Eibar 15 5 6 4 19 17 21 at Villarreal. Goals from robert Lewandowski LA LIGA real betis 15 5 4 6 13 19 19 Atletico’s battling victory put PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN and Philipp Lahm lifted bayern Atletico madrid bt Athletic bilbao 2-1 Espanyol 15 5 2 8 15 26 17 them level at the top on 35 points DEMOLISHED LYON 5-1 TO to 43, with Dortmund crushing Eibar drew Valencia 1-1 real Sociedad 15 4 4 7 17 20 16 with barca, who surrendered a 2-0 GO 17 POINTS CLEAR AT Eintracht Frankfurt 4-1 to stay hot rayo Vallecano lost to malaga 1-2 Getafe 15 4 3 8 16 24 15 advantage and were held 2-2 at THE TOP OF LIGUE 1. on their heels and open up a nine- Villarreal bt real madrid 1-0 Sporting Gijon 15 4 3 8 15 23 15 malaga 15 3 5 7 9 14 14 home by Deportivo La coruna last point cushion in second place. celta Vigo bt Espanyol 1-0 barcelona drew Deportivo coruna 2-2 Granada 15 3 5 7 17 25 14 week, their second consecutive Vedad Ibisevic scored a brace Las Palmas bt real betis 1-0 rayo Vallecano 15 4 2 9 16 27 14 draw after previous weekend’s 1-1 France forward curled a superb as surprise package Hertha Levante lost to Granada cF 1-2 Las Palmas 15 3 4 8 12 22 13 stalemate at Valencia. shot into the corner of the net from berlin climbed to third with a Sevilla bt Sporting Gijon 2-0 Levante 15 2 5 8 12 27 11 barca are ahead on goal just outside the penalty area. 4-0 demolition of promoted Getafe drew real Sociedad 1-1 SERIE A difference while real are five Darmstadt. SERIE A Inter milan 16 11 3 2 22 9 36 Inter thrash Udinese points adrift in third after roberto Ac milan drew Verona 1-1 Fiorentina 16 10 2 4 31 15 32 Soldado scored against his former In Italy, Serie A leaders Inter milan PSG in a league of their own chievo bt Atalanta 1-0 Napoli 16 9 5 2 28 12 32 Juventus 16 9 3 4 25 12 30 club to give Villarreal the spoils at trounced Udinese 4-0 away to In France, Paris Saint-Germain Empoli bt carpi 3-0 Juventus bt Fiorentina 3-1 AS roma 16 8 5 3 30 18 29 the madrigal. extend their lead at the top to demolished Olympique Lyon 5-1 at Napoli drew AS roma 0-0 Sassuolo 15 7 5 3 19 14 26 real fielded their famous four points with second-placed the Parc des Princes to go 17 points Genoa lost to bologna 0-1 Ac milan 16 7 4 5 20 19 25 attacking trident of cristiano Fiorentina losing 1-3 at rapidly clear at the top of Ligue 1. Palermo bt Frosinone 4-1 Atalanta 16 7 3 6 18 16 24 ronaldo, Gareth bale and Karim improving champions Juventus. Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted a Sassuolo vs Torino postponed Empoli 16 7 3 6 20 20 24 benzema, but could not make a Juve, six points off the pace double to put the champions on Udinese lost to Inter milan 0-4 Torino 15 6 4 5 21 19 22 chievo Verona 16 6 4 6 21 16 22 host of chances count and on 30, won their sixth straight 48 points from 18 games, with BUNDESLIGA Lazio 15 6 1 8 17 24 19 b Dortmund bt E Frankfurt 4-1 the defeat heaps more league match while AS roma’s second-placed Angers on 31 after a bologna 16 6 1 9 17 21 19 Augsburg bt Schalke 2-1 pressure on under-fire winless streak continued with 1-1 home draw against Girondins Palermo 16 5 3 8 17 24 18 bayer Leverkusen bt borussia m’gladbach 5-0 Udinese 16 5 3 8 14 24 18 coach rafa benitez. a 0-0 draw at Napoli who are bordeaux. bayern munich bt Ingolstadt 2-0 Sampdoria 15 4 4 7 21 25 16 bilbao took a level on 32 points with Fiore. Third-placed monaco are level on Hoffenheim bt Hanover 1-0 Genoa 16 4 4 8 15 21 16 27th-minute roma dropped to fifth points with Angers after a last-gasp Darmstadt lost to Hertha berlin 0-4 Frosinone 16 4 2 10 15 30 14 Wolfsburg drew Hamburg 1-1 lead at a on 29 points, with Ac 1-0 victory against St Etienne. Lyon carpi 16 2 4 10 13 30 10 Werder bremen drew cologne 1-1 typically milan seventh on are down to sixth on 26 points. Verona 16 0 7 9 11 26 7 mainz drew Vfb Stuttgart 0-0 LIGUE 1 BUNDESLIGA bayern munich 16 14 1 1 45 8 43 Angers drew bordeaux 1-1 b Dortmund 16 12 2 2 46 21 38 monaco bt St Etienne 1-0 Hertha berlin 16 9 2 5 24 18 29 marseille drew Ajaccio 1-1 Wolfsburg 16 7 5 4 25 18 26 PSG bt Olympique Lyon 5-1 b m’gladbach 16 8 2 6 31 28 26 Troyes drew bastia 1-1 bayer Leverkusen 16 7 3 6 24 20 24 Nantes drew Toulouse 1-1 mainz 16 7 3 6 23 21 24 Lille bt Fc Lorient 3-0 Schalke 04 16 7 3 6 22 23 24 montpellier bt Guingamp 2-1 HamburgSV 16 6 4 6 19 22 22 Stade de reims drew Nice 1-1 cologne 16 5 6 5 16 20 21 Stade rennes drew caen 1-1 Ingolstadt 04 16 5 5 6 11 17 20 STANDINGS Darmstadt 98 16 4 6 6 15 23 18 As of Sunday Augsburg 16 4 4 8 20 26 16 EPL Werder bremen 16 4 3 9 16 30 15 Arsenal 16 10 3 3 29 13 33 Eintracht Frankfurt 16 3 5 8 19 27 14 man city 16 10 2 4 32 17 32 Hanover 96 16 4 2 10 18 28 14 Leicester city 15 9 5 1 32 21 32 Hoffenheim 16 2 7 7 17 24 13 man United 16 8 5 3 21 12 29 Stuttgart 16 3 3 10 19 36 12 Tottenham 16 6 8 2 26 14 26 LIGUE 1 crystal Palace 16 8 2 6 21 15 26 PSG 18 15 3 0 45 9 48 Watford 16 7 4 5 18 16 25 Angers 18 8 7 3 17 10 31 West Ham 16 6 6 4 25 21 24 monaco 18 8 7 3 25 23 31 Liverpool 16 6 6 4 20 19 24 caen 18 9 3 6 21 19 30 Everton 16 5 8 3 29 21 23 Nice 18 7 5 6 31 23 26 Stoke city 16 6 5 5 13 14 23 Oly Lyon 18 7 5 6 22 21 26 Southampton 16 5 6 5 21 19 21 St Etienne 18 8 2 8 21 22 26 West brom 16 5 5 6 16 21 20 Lorient 18 6 7 5 27 26 25 bournemouth 16 4 4 8 20 31 16 Oly marseille 18 6 6 6 27 20 24 Newcastle United 16 4 4 8 18 31 16 Stade rennes 18 5 9 4 23 21 24 chelsea 15 4 3 8 17 24 15 Lille 18 5 8 5 14 12 23 Swansea city 16 3 5 8 15 24 14 Nantes 18 6 5 7 14 17 23 Norwich city 16 3 5 8 18 28 14 montpellier 18 6 4 8 22 24 22 Sunderland 16 3 3 10 17 30 12 bordeaux 18 5 7 6 22 27 22 Aston Villa 16 1 3 12 13 30 6 Stade de reims 18 5 6 7 19 22 21 SPFL Ajaccio 18 5 6 7 18 21 21 celtic 17 13 3 1 44 12 42 bastia 18 5 4 9 18 24 19 Aberdeen 18 12 2 4 28 18 38 Guingamp 18 5 4 9 17 25 19 Hearts 17 9 4 4 29 18 31 Toulouse 18 3 7 8 20 32 16 ššAthletic bilbao’s Eneko boveda tackles Atletico madrid’s Antoine Griezmann. St. Johnstone 18 9 3 6 35 29 30 Troyes Ac 18 0 7 11 10 35 7 18 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 19

VOLLEYBALL

El Jaish manager Turki Al Shammari believes this ‘We should be could be a defining season for the club, which has Pampel adds cutting been searching for major silverware. focused’ Jaish have won the season-opening Association cup three times in the last four years, but have of edge to Jaish attacks failed to translate that form into other tournaments. “We’ve finished third in the league in the last two HILE Stevanovic maintain it. Surely, we can raise our years in addition to reaching the Qatar cup final. So Band brothers provide Jaish level as well. In this sport, there’s you can’t just write us off. In 2013, we came within sniffing distance of winning the league before a Wa sentimental flavour, always room for improvement,” said combination of factors let us down. I hope the time outside hitter Christian Pampel adds Pampel, a member of Germany’s has come to make amends,’ said Al Shammari. a real cutting edge to the Armymen’s 2008 beijing Olympic squad. Having made a promising start to the league attacks. During his stint with Arabi, with three wins on the trot, the club official has The German, who played an Pampel had left an indelible mark, guarded his side against complacency. instrumental role in Jaish’s triumph especially in china in ’12 when they “We should always be focused and keep improving all the time. by the time first phase of in the season-opening Association became the first Qatari club to win the league ends in January, we should be there cup where they beat Al Arabi in the the Asian clubs championship. right at the top,” he added. final, has been a regular figure in Pampel was the top scorer of Qatar for a while. that tournament, with the victory brothers! After having tasted many earning them a berth at the FIVb THE PRESENCE OF STEVANOVIC BROTHERS MILOS AND MARKO MAKES EL JAISH A STRONG TEAM CAPABLE OF successes with Arabi where he club Worlds. Travica a big boost for ENDING THE DOMINATION OF AL RAYYAN AND AL ARABI IN THE QATAR LEAGUE, WRITES SAJITH B WARRIER. plied his trade for five years, Pampel believes it is a matter Pampel now makes Jaish of time before Jaish win title challengers. big titles. Jaish’s title prospects “I feel we’re in good form L rAYYAN and Al Arabi are And milos and marko, the only now and I hope we can HE absence of a charismatic stint with success in the the only clubs to have won brothers to play for same club in the coach is one of the reasons for Association cup. Athe Qatar League in the last Qatar League this season, know that TEl Jaish’s failure to dominate “We put in a decade, but El Jaish look a team this a golden opportunity. the Qatar domestic scene. The lot of effort for a capable of breaking that run this “Volleyball runs in our family and inability to close out matches has month before the time. it’s my first love. Our father Slavisca quite often let them down in the Association cup. The Armymen have started off was a good player and later turned past. With the appointment of We won a title with a bang, winning all three of to coaching. So whatever we’re today Ljubomir Travica, Jaish hope to tick at the start of a their matches so far. is because of him. We got hooked that box. new season and One key factor to Jaish’s fortunes to the sport at a very young age RESULTS we’re happy with is the performance of Stevanovic and we didn’t have to look beyond the way things have El Jaish bt Al 23-25, 25-18, brothers — setter milos and libero our father, who was our biggest Shamal 25-18, 25-19 TRAVICA CAN BANK ON gone so far,” said Travica, marko. They have played stellar roles inspiration,” recalled milos about his Al Arabi bt Al Khor 25-14, 25-11, 25-17 SERBIAN FLAVOUR AS who replaced compatriot in Jaish’s straight-set victories over initiation into the sport. Al rayyan bt Al 25-19, 25-13, 25-17 THEY LOOK TO WIN THE Ivan Joksimovic. Al Gharafa and Al Wakrah, and the milos had represented his country Gharafa QATAR LEAGUE. Travica, who signed a four-set win over Al Shamal last at the junior level before making Qatar Sc bt Al Sadd 25-16, 25-22, 25-21 two-year deal, can bank on week. his move to Qatar seven years Police bt Al Khor 27-29, 25-22, 25- Serbian flavour as they look 21, 25-21 ago. At 27, he is now a naturalised Al Ahli bt Al Shamal 25-20, 25-22, 25-23 The Serb is a widely-travelled to win the Qatar League. coach and is no stranger to Qatar, Apart from the Stevanovic having helped Al rayyan to a brothers, the team has bojan OUR FATHER SLAVISCA domestic treble (League, Qatar cup, Dukic, Ilija Ivoic and Janko Ivovic WAS A GOOD PLAYER. and Emir’s cup) in his maiden stint while the local flavour is provided by WHATEVER WE’RE TODAY before faltering at crucial stages. This in 2013. He also guided Al Arabi to mohammed Taha and Tariq Nabib. IS BECAUSE OF HIM. is something we should be able to twin titles (Qatar cup and Emir’s cup) “It isn’t just about one or two overcome this time,” added milos. last season. players. We’ve many quality players While he has been with Jaish Jaish signed him at the start of who can help us win the title,” Qatari and one of the key players since the start, marko is a late this season and Travica began his Travica added. not only for Jaish, but also for the addition having joined them only at national team since the retirement of the start of the season. seasoned campaigner Saeed Juma a marko, who is one year older couple of years ago. than milos, plied his trade with Al Cichello quits Qatar coach job WHAT A member of Jaish’s three Shamal in the last two seasons THEY SAID Association cup triumphs, milos before taking the big step HE Qatar Volleyball as their head coach. Iran, this year. represented Qatar at two Gcc forward. Association (QVA) has decided It is cichello’s second term as Iran’s The last competitive outing for championships (2013, ’15), last “It feels good to make a Tto relieve national coach Juan assistant coach, having previously Qatar under the 40-year-old was the “Volleyball runs in our year’s Asian Games at Incheon as winning start with a new club Manuel Cichello of his job. worked under compatriot Julio Gcc championship in September family and it’s my first well Asian championship in Iran in and it does help when you The Argentinian, who took over Velasco for three years from ’11. in riyadh, where they finished as love. Our father Slavisca August this year. have your brother playing the reins in February, 2014, had Under cichello, Qatar produced runners-up to bahrain. was a good player and “It feels At the ’13 Gcc championship in in the same team,” said reportedly expressed his interest Though Qatar have no later turned to coaching. good to make Doha, milos hurt his knee when marko. to work with a team which is international commitments till the THE ARGENTINIAN So whatever we’re today a winning start he banged into a lensman before “If we can contribute competing in next year’s rio World League, to be held in the WANTED TO WORK is because of him. We got with a new club. And crashing onto the advertising to the team’s success, Olympics and Netherlands in June, ’16, the search WITH A TEAM WHICH IS hooked to the sport at a it does help when you’ve hoarding while going for a return. it doesn’t matter has taken up is on for cichello’s successor. COMPETING IN OLYMPICS. very young age and we your brother playing in the “Yes, even now it hurts!” milos whether we did it the job as the A QVA source revealed on didn’t have to look beyond same team. If we can contribute said while pointing to his knee together or not. assistant coach condition of anonymity that former our father, who was our to the team’s success, it doesn’t which is still taped around. “but I’m Volleyball is a of Iran. Al rayyan coach Daniele bagnoli is biggest inspiration. matter whether we did it together okay now. Injuries are part of the team sport. Asian powerhouse Iran have good results including finishing sixth a front-runner for the top job. The şşmilos game,” he said. Individual glory already qualified for the rio Games at the ’14 Incheon Asian Games and Italian was sacked last month after or not. Individual glory can wait. Stevanovic, left, Milos Stevanovic. with his brother “In the last two seasons, we came can wait,” he and recently replaced Serb Slobodan an all-time high of fourth at the rayyan lost to Arabi in the one-off

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod Marko Stevanovic. marko. Divakaran DSP/Vinod close to winning the league title added. Kovac with Argentinian raul Lozano Asian championship held in Tehran, Super cup. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 19

ROMELU LUKAKU ROMELU LUKAKU 22 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 23

BASKETBALL

“The facilities in Qatar are amazing. ŠşAl Arabi’s We just want to keep improving and Osama Adel tries show every opponent that we’re Every time I come here, I see to challenge Al the best in the world. I hope we can something new. It’s unbelievable. Wakrah’s calvin Earl. continue in the same vein for years The mentality of the Qatar basketball to come. We’ve an unbelievable Federation leadership is also leadership at the FIbA, they want amazing because it aims high in to improve all competitions. We’re everything it does. That influences going to be very busy next season me a lot and other people, for sure. as well. Bulut “To be honest, hard work is the Dusan Domovic Bulut, secret behind our success. We work Novi Sad Al Wahda captain. a lot during training and we’re friends off the court. We hang out a lot. We enjoy the season,” added the player, known as bulut Proof. The FIbA 3x3 All Stars brought together all the number one ranked players from around the world. The No.1 player in Europe, in the

Proof! Americas, host nation (Qatar), and Divakaran DSP/Vinod the rest of the world along with DUSAN DOMOVIC BULUT PLAYS THE the winners of the FIbA 3x3 World Tour and FISU 3x3 World University şşSheikh Saoud Wakrah beat Arabi, CAPTAIN’S ROLE TO PERFECTION AS THE League came together for the bin Abdulrahman tournament, which Doha hosted for Al Thani and FIbA UAE’S NOVI SAD AL WAHDA RETAIN THE 3x3 Advisory board Rayyan cruise the third straight time. The venue, chairman Yvan SEASON-ENDING FIBA 3X3 ALL STARS TITLE however, was shifted from Katara mainini having a L WAKrAH beat Al Arabi 87-72 at the Al BY DEFEATING CANADA’S SASKATOON, cultural village to Al Gharafa this chat after the final. Gharafa Indoor Hall last week to notch up WRITES N GANESH. year. Atheir second win in the Qatar League. In the 3x3 event, which draws Arabi led 23-18 after the first quarter, but inspiration from street games, two Wakrah came back with renewed vigour in the teams of three players fight on a We want to raise the second to level the score 37-37. basketball half-court. While Wakrah got better and better as the match XcITING, urban and innovative. The UAE’s Novi Sad Al Wahda The event, which made its foray bar: Sheikh Saoud progressed, Arabi found the going tough. That is how FIbA describes its asserted their supremacy by into the international scene at the Adamu Sakah (21), Yousif Ahmed Al Darwish E3x3 competitions, which are retaining the title, defeating canada’s 2010 Youth Games in Singapore, ATAr basketball Federation which was sort of a challenge. and calving cage (both 20) did the bulk of scoring primarily aimed at luring the youth. Saskatoon 21-14 in the final at the has since made it big, especially President Sheikh Saoud but looking back, I feel everybody for Wakrah. And the star-studded season- Al Gharafa court. The winners thus through the FIbA 3x3 World Tour. Qbin Abdulrahman Al Thani liked this place. The players, RESULTS “I appreciate my team’s ending FIbA 3x3 All Stars in Doha bagged a double, the 3x3 World Tour The 3x3 All Stars event also has described the FIbA 3x3 All Stars spectators and visiting officials Al Wakrah bt Al Arabi 87-72 mental strength. Arabi are was thrilling, and had fun and music and All Stars, for the second straight several value additions in the form as a grand success. all had good words about our Al rayyan bt Al Shamal 88-48 a strong side and I’m happy Al Gharafa bt Al Ahli 92-54 to spice it up for a strong Friday time. of social activities, coaching clinics, “It was an excellent facilities and organisation. Al Sadd bt Qatar Sc 87-72 that we won against them,” crowd, underlining the fact that the captain Dusan Domovic bulut, exhibition games. It also welcomed tournament and we’re very “We’re looking forward to the Wakrah coach Ihab Galal told game is catching up in the region. who received the World Player of DJs, all in tune with FIbA’s 3x3 For happy. Novi Sad Al Wahda next edition as we want to raise Doha Stadium Plus. “We’ll try the Year Trophy at the FIbA 3x3 Everyone philosophy. deserved to win the title. They’re the bar, especially in terms of to be consistent and do well in future.” meanwhile, in the Qatar the No.1 team in the world,” said spectator experience. This year, For Arabi, Todd O’brien was exceptional in the basketball Federation’s Dunk contest, Sheikh Saoud. we had set up the arena towards beginning, but fizzled out due to lack of support. WE WANT TO SHOW Team Americas’ Justin Darlington The official was happy with the a corner and we want to move The 7ft tall 26-year-old American centre, who EVERY OPPONENT THAT and Porter maberry defeated Team presence of a strong crowd. it to the centre next time so that joined the Qatari club from Poland’s mKS Dabrowa WE’RE THE BEST IN Europe’s Kristaps Dargais and rafal “We’ve had some incredible more crowd can enjoy the match,” Gornicza last month, scored 16. Narcellius Soyebo THE WORLD. Lipinski. Doha’s boney Watson won experiences this season. We said Sheikh Saoud. (15) and moutasim Hamed (14) were the other

DSP/Mohan the QbF Shoot-Out contest. had more than 4,000 spectators, “As you could see, the standard main scorers. which was something great. of the 3x3 competitions are “The team lost focus midway and that gave awards in Doha, led from the front because, after hosting it at the getting better and better. It’s an Wakrah an opportunity to bounce back. We played ŢşThe winners and as he top-scored with 27 points in RESULTS Katara cultural village, we had event for the youth, one for the runners-up on the well, but somehow couldn’t match them,” said four games and walked away with FINAL shifted the event to Al Gharafa, future,” he added. podium. Arabi coach Hatem mamlouk. Novi Sad Al Wahda (UAE) bt 21-14 the most Valuable Player award. Saskatoon (cAN) In the final, marko Savic did the SEMIFINALS bulk of scoring (eight) while Dejan Novi Sad Al Wahda (UAE) bt Doha 18-14 majstorovic chipped in with seven. (QAT) Saskatoon (cAN) bt Ljubljana (SLO) 14-10 “It was a terrific season for us. GROUP STAGE A really, really good one. And in Novi Sad Al Wahda (UAE) bt 16-14 the big season-ending event, we Saskatoon (cAN) Ljubljana (SLO) bt Doha (QAT) 17-13 got an amazing trophy and a big Saskatoon (cAN) bt Tokyo (JPN) 15-13 cheque for $30,000. We’re going Doha (QAT) bt montreal UQAm (cAN) 17-11 home happy to have a fantastic Novi Sad Al Wahda (UAE) bt Tokyo 21-14 holiday,” said bulut. (JPN) Ljubljana (SLO) bt montreal UQAm 19-11 “We’ll stay focused and together. (cAN) ššNovi Sad Al FINAL STANDINGS Wahda captain ROLL OF HONOUR 1. Novi Sad Al Wahda (UAE) Dusan Domovic bulut baskets in 2. Saskatoon (cAN) the final against 3. Ljubljana (SLO) Saskatoon. 2015 2014 2013 4. Doha (QAT) Novi Sad Al Wahda Novi Sad Al Wahda brezovica (SLO) 5. Tokyo (JPN) (UAE) (UAE) 6. montreal UQAm (cAN) www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 23

Proof! Americas, host nation (Qatar), and Divakaran DSP/Vinod the rest of the world along with the winners of the FIbA 3x3 World Tour and FISU 3x3 World University şşSheikh Saoud Wakrah beat Arabi, League came together for the bin Abdulrahman tournament, which Doha hosted for Al Thani and FIbA 3x3 Advisory board Rayyan cruise the third straight time. The venue, chairman Yvan however, was shifted from Katara mainini having a L WAKrAH beat Al Arabi 87-72 at the Al cultural village to Al Gharafa this chat after the final. Gharafa Indoor Hall last week to notch up year. Atheir second win in the Qatar League. In the 3x3 event, which draws Arabi led 23-18 after the first quarter, but inspiration from street games, two Wakrah came back with renewed vigour in the teams of three players fight on a We want to raise the second to level the score 37-37. basketball half-court. While Wakrah got better and better as the match The event, which made its foray bar: Sheikh Saoud progressed, Arabi found the going tough. into the international scene at the Adamu Sakah (21), Yousif Ahmed Al Darwish 2010 Youth Games in Singapore, ATAr basketball Federation which was sort of a challenge. and calving cage (both 20) did the bulk of scoring has since made it big, especially President Sheikh Saoud but looking back, I feel everybody for Wakrah. through the FIbA 3x3 World Tour. Qbin Abdulrahman Al Thani liked this place. The players, RESULTS “I appreciate my team’s The 3x3 All Stars event also has described the FIbA 3x3 All Stars spectators and visiting officials Al Wakrah bt Al Arabi 87-72 mental strength. Arabi are several value additions in the form as a grand success. all had good words about our Al rayyan bt Al Shamal 88-48 a strong side and I’m happy Al Gharafa bt Al Ahli 92-54 of social activities, coaching clinics, “It was an excellent facilities and organisation. Al Sadd bt Qatar Sc 87-72 that we won against them,” exhibition games. It also welcomed tournament and we’re very “We’re looking forward to the Wakrah coach Ihab Galal told DJs, all in tune with FIbA’s 3x3 For happy. Novi Sad Al Wahda next edition as we want to raise Doha Stadium Plus. “We’ll try Everyone philosophy. deserved to win the title. They’re the bar, especially in terms of to be consistent and do well in future.” meanwhile, in the Qatar the No.1 team in the world,” said spectator experience. This year, For Arabi, Todd O’brien was exceptional in the basketball Federation’s Dunk contest, Sheikh Saoud. we had set up the arena towards beginning, but fizzled out due to lack of support. Team Americas’ Justin Darlington The official was happy with the a corner and we want to move The 7ft tall 26-year-old American centre, who and Porter maberry defeated Team presence of a strong crowd. it to the centre next time so that joined the Qatari club from Poland’s mKS Dabrowa Europe’s Kristaps Dargais and rafal “We’ve had some incredible more crowd can enjoy the match,” Gornicza last month, scored 16. Narcellius Soyebo Lipinski. Doha’s boney Watson won experiences this season. We said Sheikh Saoud. (15) and moutasim Hamed (14) were the other the QbF Shoot-Out contest. had more than 4,000 spectators, “As you could see, the standard main scorers. which was something great. of the 3x3 competitions are “The team lost focus midway and that gave because, after hosting it at the getting better and better. It’s an Wakrah an opportunity to bounce back. We played ŢşThe winners and RESULTS Katara cultural village, we had event for the youth, one for the runners-up on the well, but somehow couldn’t match them,” said FINAL shifted the event to Al Gharafa, future,” he added. podium. Arabi coach Hatem mamlouk. Novi Sad Al Wahda (UAE) bt 21-14 Saskatoon (cAN) SEMIFINALS Novi Sad Al Wahda (UAE) bt Doha 18-14 (QAT) Saskatoon (cAN) bt Ljubljana (SLO) 14-10 GROUP STAGE Novi Sad Al Wahda (UAE) bt 16-14 Saskatoon (cAN) Ljubljana (SLO) bt Doha (QAT) 17-13 Saskatoon (cAN) bt Tokyo (JPN) 15-13 Doha (QAT) bt montreal UQAm (cAN) 17-11 Novi Sad Al Wahda (UAE) bt Tokyo 21-14 (JPN) Ljubljana (SLO) bt montreal UQAm 19-11 (cAN) FINAL STANDINGS 1. Novi Sad Al Wahda (UAE) 2. Saskatoon (cAN) 3. Ljubljana (SLO) 4. Doha (QAT) 5. Tokyo (JPN) 6. montreal UQAm (cAN) 24 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 25

MOTORSPORT

ON NASSER SALEH AL ATTIYAH mohamed Issa Abu Issa and EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah are known to be good friends. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Here is what mohamed Issa has to say about his red Finished fourth on his Dakar bull team-mate. debut in 2014 and emerged as champion in rookie class.

Winner of the Abu Dhabi and Egypt rounds at the 2015 FIm World cup for cross-country rallies. Ended up as overall LICENCE TO Nasser is excellent at what he runner-up in the championship. does and any advice he passes Leads the Qatar International to me, I take on board without Endurocross championship with any second thought. We 93 points with two rounds to go. spend lots of time together during rallies and races. It’s an PERSONAL FRONT honour to have such a well- Nickname mo mo established and experienced Languages Arabic, English person to represent Qatar known and French Favourite food Japanese cuisine together with me in our field. Easy listening and music THRILL! DSP/Mohan DSP/Mohan motivational Driving in the Hobbies dunes, going to MOHAMED ISSA ABU ISSA, QATAR’S ONLY HOPE IN THE QUADS’ CATEGORY the gym Philosophy AT THE FORTHCOMING DAKAR RALLY, TELLS SAJITH B WARRIER ABOUT HIS Listen and learn in life PREPARATIONS FOR THE GRUELLING EVENT AND GOALS FOR THE SEASON. resulted in the engine not being the quad, I cycle and gym almost capable of handling the pressure every day. I use gym for strength of endurance. Now my team and and conditioning and cycling HILE passing through Doha Stadium Plus about his I’ve gone back to development and helps me to increase fitness and ЂЂYour Red Bull team-mate ЃЂI would really like to see more Doha’s busy traffic, preparations for Dakar and goals are looking to get the engine set endurance, and lose weight. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah has had Qataris making the most of the ‘Mohamed Issa can Wyou will come across for the season. up the way it was on my debut for a fantastic year in which he won opportunities offered by the Qatar hoardings of a smiling Qatari who increased reliability. ЂЂAre you happy with the way four titles. How much do his motor and motorcycle Federation win more titles’ answers to the name mohamed ЂЂAfter the highs of a fourth- last season went by? accomplishments motivate you? and competing at international Issa Abu Issa. place finish on your Dakar debut, ЂЂHow’ve been your preparations ЃЂI’m happy that I finished as ЃЂOf course Nasser’s levels as they develop. We’ve been FTEr his Dakar heroics, mohamed Issa Abu Only the second Qatari to you had a forgettable outing so far? How differently are you runner-up in World cup for cross- accomplishments reflect back blessed with amazing terrain, Issa also did well at the FIm World cup for compete in the Dakar rally after last time. How do you plan to approaching it this time? country rallies. but of course I’ll on Qatar, and it’s an outstanding and with easy access to practice Across-country rallies, where he finished as Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, mohamed overcome that disappointment ЃЂEvery year, I’m training a lot continue to strive to fare even motivator to become better at my opportunities, I would love to see runner-up. Issa shot to fame in 2014 by next time? harder, both on and off the quad. better in the upcoming seasons. sport. He has not only put Qatar more youngsters take advantage This year, Abu Issa participated in four of the finishing fourth on debut in the ЃЂmy Dakar debut was a really As far as quad practice is considered Italy was a little bit challenging as on the map for cross-country of the beautiful landscape that six rounds, winning in Abu Dhabi and Egypt, and quads’ category in the gruelling tough race, especially as I entered I’m in the desert for 2-3 hours a day, always due to the narrow tracks and rallies, but has become a reference we’re fortunate enough to train on. finishing second and fourth in Qatar and Italy event. He won special praise not about 3 to 4 times a week at tough navigation. The highlight of for the sport in general. I hope There has already been an respectively. only for his speed, but also for least. my team and I learn the season was winning in Egypt to eventually reach his level impressive influx of guys taking up Qatar motor and motorcycle Federation (QmmF) upholding sportsmanship. The EVERY YEAR, I’M from all past mistakes especially considering it was my of achievement and become a motorsport in Qatar. However, one President Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, who 25-year-old had then towed his TRAINING A LOT HARDER, and ensure weak debut there. The race was amazing, sporting reference in Qatar. thing I want to emphasise is about honoured mohamed Issa at a function recently, was red bull team-mate Sebastian BOTH ON AND OFF areas are worked with varied terrain and tough safe riding. We’ve to ensure that all praise for the Qatari quad bike rider. Husseini for more than 200km, an THE QUAD. upon. This helps competition. ЂЂHave you set any specific goals that riders take precautions such “mohamed Issa Abu Issa has managed to put his effort which saw the latter finish ensure I’m in the for the 2016 season? as having a helmet on. name on the world map in the quads category in ahead of him in third place. best possible ЂЂHow was the experience ЃЂOf course, every year I set a short period of time. We’re very happy about his After a disappointing ’15 in the the event with my wrist still position for of competing in the Qatar myself goals and one of my biggest ЂЂHow do you balance your achievements and I’m sure more victories and titles Dakar, in which he had to pull out hurting after a crash in morocco. future races. International Endurocross personal and professional life? will come his way,” said Al Attiyah. midway after his quad experienced I set the goal of finishing the rally Other than Championship at Sealine last week. ЃЂIt isn’t easy, especially with the Last week, mohamed Issa won both races in the a mechanical problem, the Qatari and completing the toughest race training on Also how different is it compared to I’M FULLY FOCUSED ON imminent opening of OxFitness second round of the Qatar International Endurocross is ready for next year’s challenge in in the world for the first time. I was other events? ENSURING I ENTER Lab, a new fitness concept I’m championship at Sealine to move to the top of the South America. so happy to finish in such a strong ЃЂIt’s a great race really, and also THE DAKAR RALLY AT launching. I always try my best championship. The 37th edition of Dakar starts position. very competitive. There’re guys MY PEAK. to dedicate my downtime to my “We’re very proud that he represents Qatar in a in buenos Aires, Argentina, on but last time I had to retire racing from all over the world and family and friends. One element tough sport. His presence in the Qatar International January 2, and it will be mohamed due to mechanical issues. We I’m glad to have won both the that helps a lot is the fact that the ŢЂNasser bin Endurocross championship will boost the event’s Khalifa Al Attiyah Issa’s third appearance. pushed the development of the races. It’s always an honour to be aim is to win Dakar. I’m fully racing team is more than a team with mohamed Issa profile. I wish him all the best at the Dakar rally,” Al Fresh from him twin victories bike a little bit too much, which able to compete here at home, and focused on ensuring I enter the and we’re like a family. Having your Abu Issa. Attiyah added. in the second round of the Qatar represent Qatar in our own desert. Dakar at my peak both mentally close friends around you with a International Endurocross at The International Endurocross is and physically. After Dakar it’s back shared passion makes it a little bit Sealine last week, the red bull a lot shorter than my typical cross to the World cup for cross-country easier to follow through with my competitor spoke exclusively to country rally races. It’s on a track. rallies and I aim to improve on this racing commitments. That means it’s really about speed year’s result to be crowned world and very refined technique. champion. ЂЂAny other sport which you The quads we race at this event A wider goal is to popularise the pursue… are very different to rally quads; this sport in the region, and I aim to ЃЂI’m doing a lot of training to get is because of them having to be encourage more people take part used to being at a high altitude lighter for speed and acceleration and compete safely. during many stages of this year’s and more nimble for sharp turns Dakar. The reason I don’t pursue and whoops. rally bikes have to ЂЂWith you having set a any other sports seriously is solely cope with different conditions over benchmark, do you see more because I dedicate all my time Mohamed Issa long periods of riding, so for those Qataris taking up quad biking as a towards racing and being the best I Abu Issa extra fuel is very important. serious profession? can be in my sport. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 25

ON NASSER SALEH AL ATTIYAH mohamed Issa Abu Issa and Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah are known to be good friends. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Here is what mohamed Issa has to say about his red Finished fourth on his Dakar bull team-mate. debut in 2014 and emerged as champion in rookie class.

Winner of the Abu Dhabi and Egypt rounds at the 2015 FIm World cup for cross-country rallies. Ended up as overall Nasser is excellent at what he runner-up in the championship. does and any advice he passes Leads the Qatar International to me, I take on board without Endurocross championship with any second thought. We 93 points with two rounds to go. spend lots of time together during rallies and races. It’s an PERSONAL FRONT honour to have such a well- Nickname mo mo established and experienced Languages Arabic, English person to represent Qatar known and French Favourite food Japanese cuisine together with me in our field. Easy listening and music DSP/Mohan motivational Driving in the Hobbies dunes, going to the gym Philosophy Listen and learn in life the quad, I cycle and gym almost every day. I use gym for strength and conditioning and cycling helps me to increase fitness and ЂЂYour Red Bull team-mate ЃЂI would really like to see more endurance, and lose weight. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah has had Qataris making the most of the ‘Mohamed Issa can a fantastic year in which he won opportunities offered by the Qatar ЂЂAre you happy with the way four titles. How much do his motor and motorcycle Federation win more titles’ last season went by? accomplishments motivate you? and competing at international ЃЂI’m happy that I finished as ЃЂOf course Nasser’s levels as they develop. We’ve been FTEr his Dakar heroics, mohamed Issa Abu runner-up in World cup for cross- accomplishments reflect back blessed with amazing terrain, Issa also did well at the FIm World cup for country rallies. but of course I’ll on Qatar, and it’s an outstanding and with easy access to practice Across-country rallies, where he finished as continue to strive to fare even motivator to become better at my opportunities, I would love to see runner-up. better in the upcoming seasons. sport. He has not only put Qatar more youngsters take advantage This year, Abu Issa participated in four of the Italy was a little bit challenging as on the map for cross-country of the beautiful landscape that six rounds, winning in Abu Dhabi and Egypt, and always due to the narrow tracks and rallies, but has become a reference we’re fortunate enough to train on. finishing second and fourth in Qatar and Italy tough navigation. The highlight of for the sport in general. I hope There has already been an respectively. the season was winning in Egypt to eventually reach his level impressive influx of guys taking up Qatar motor and motorcycle Federation (QmmF) especially considering it was my of achievement and become a motorsport in Qatar. However, one President Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, who debut there. The race was amazing, sporting reference in Qatar. thing I want to emphasise is about honoured mohamed Issa at a function recently, was with varied terrain and tough safe riding. We’ve to ensure that all praise for the Qatari quad bike rider. competition. ЂЂHave you set any specific goals that riders take precautions such “mohamed Issa Abu Issa has managed to put his for the 2016 season? as having a helmet on. name on the world map in the quads category in ЂЂHow was the experience ЃЂOf course, every year I set a short period of time. We’re very happy about his of competing in the Qatar myself goals and one of my biggest ЂЂHow do you balance your achievements and I’m sure more victories and titles International Endurocross personal and professional life? will come his way,” said Al Attiyah. Championship at Sealine last week. ЃЂIt isn’t easy, especially with the Last week, mohamed Issa won both races in the Also how different is it compared to I’M FULLY FOCUSED ON imminent opening of OxFitness second round of the Qatar International Endurocross other events? ENSURING I ENTER Lab, a new fitness concept I’m championship at Sealine to move to the top of the ЃЂIt’s a great race really, and also THE DAKAR RALLY AT launching. I always try my best championship. very competitive. There’re guys MY PEAK. to dedicate my downtime to my “We’re very proud that he represents Qatar in a racing from all over the world and family and friends. One element tough sport. His presence in the Qatar International I’m glad to have won both the that helps a lot is the fact that the ŢЂNasser bin Endurocross championship will boost the event’s Khalifa Al Attiyah races. It’s always an honour to be aim is to win Dakar. I’m fully racing team is more than a team with mohamed Issa profile. I wish him all the best at the Dakar rally,” Al able to compete here at home, and focused on ensuring I enter the and we’re like a family. Having your Abu Issa. Attiyah added. represent Qatar in our own desert. Dakar at my peak both mentally close friends around you with a The International Endurocross is and physically. After Dakar it’s back shared passion makes it a little bit a lot shorter than my typical cross to the World cup for cross-country easier to follow through with my country rally races. It’s on a track. rallies and I aim to improve on this racing commitments. That means it’s really about speed year’s result to be crowned world and very refined technique. champion. ЂЂAny other sport which you The quads we race at this event A wider goal is to popularise the pursue… are very different to rally quads; this sport in the region, and I aim to ЃЂI’m doing a lot of training to get is because of them having to be encourage more people take part used to being at a high altitude lighter for speed and acceleration and compete safely. during many stages of this year’s and more nimble for sharp turns Dakar. The reason I don’t pursue and whoops. rally bikes have to ЂЂWith you having set a any other sports seriously is solely cope with different conditions over benchmark, do you see more because I dedicate all my time long periods of riding, so for those Qataris taking up quad biking as a towards racing and being the best I extra fuel is very important. serious profession? can be in my sport. 26 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 27

MIXED ZONE | QATAR

֫ ֫ CHESS WHAT THEY SAID GOLF Free coaching camp for children HE Qatar Golf Academy (QGA) will organise free coaching Game of knights Tcamp for children of all ages on the sidelines of commercial bank “Last year, we had Qatar masters, to be held at the Kramnik and this time Doha Golf club (DGc) from January we’re very happy to have 27 to 30. carlsen. We’ve added The 19th edition of European Tour and the kings! one rest day to the event has placed a bigger focus on tournament unlike last family entertainment as well, with year when it was played the Qatar Golf Association lining put in our best effort.” changing that. at a stretch for nine days. up a range of activities through its Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Qatar has just three Gms — Al Qatargas, Toyota and ramadan community development initiative, medaikhi and his wife Zhu chen tournaments attract youngsters Mohammed Al Medaikhi, United Through Golf, where (2,418) being the other two. Al every year. besides, the QcA Qatar masters Tournament Al Hitmi eyes more trick shot shows and a range of Director. OrLD No.1 Magnus medaikhi, who has an Elo rating of academies also employ foreign entertainment programmes are also Carlsen will be the 2,550, hardly gets time to play in coaches so that the kids get the best tournaments being planned. šŢAndy mccormick with trainees of the Qatar Golf Academy. Wcynosure of all eyes at overseas tournaments because he in terms of training. There’re a couple “United Through Golf aims to the Second Qatar masters, to be doubles as an organiser. of youngsters who are doing well ATAr chess Association (QcA) President provide children with an interactive The QGA boasts a team of highly- all ages, both socially and physically. held at the Ladies club in Aspire Al medaikhi said the QcA had at local tournaments, but still they Khalifa Mohammed Al Hitmi expressed platform to learn more about the qualified PGA professionals including It focuses on individual skills, yet Zone from December 20 to 29. started boys’ and girls’ academies would need time and exposure to Qconfidence that the sport would become sport in a social environment. The Pete cowen and mike Walker, who is played in a social platform that Vladimir Kramnik, Anish Giri, played at a stretch for nine days,” and are organising age-group events develop their game. We hope we popular in the country. Family Zone will give children of all coach the likes of Henrik Stenson teaches them to respect one another. Wesley So and Sergey Karjakin are Qatar chess Association (QcA) to find talents. can develop young takers for the “We’ve a programme and budget. Annually, ages a chance to try out a range of and Lee Westwood, and the duo will We encourage kids to come down to some of the other top stars in the Secretary and Tournament Director game,” he said. we hold age-group events and there’s a lot of sports including mini and soft golf,” put the children through their paces have fun, try out the sport and have ŢŢSaad Al $130,000 event. mohammed Al medaikhi told Doha Qataris have done well in the “It’ll be a tough enthusiasm among children,” Al Hitmi told Doha mohannadi with said QGA Director Andy mccormick, at the DGc. a great time with their families and Among women, Georgia’s Stadium Plus. LAST YEAR, WE HAD recent events. competition, but Stadium Plus. the winners. who is in charge of the programme. “Golf is a great sport for children of friends,” added mccormick. bela Khotenashvili (2,496), the “The idea of organising the KRAMNIK AND THIS TIME Al Sayed won the Arab Elite I’ll do my best. The Asked if chess would become a curriculum in highest-placed player in last year’s tournament is to spread the game’s WE’RE VERY HAPPY TO championship in Dubai in may tournament is a great schools, he said, “There’s a growing demand from CUE SPORTS competition, will try to improve popularity in Qatar and make it a HAVE CARLSEN AS WELL. while Zhu claimed the Asian blitz learning experience and schools to include chess and it shows the sport is ֫ her show. china’s former world chess destination in the Gulf region.” title in Abu Dhabi in August. And we’ll surely put in our becoming popular. The problem is we can’t cater champion Hou Yifan (2,683), who is The hosts will field Gm Nezad finished second in both best effort. to the needs of all because there aren’t enough also the world No.1, India’s Koneru mohammed Al Sayed (Elo 2,520) “The Qatar masters will promote classical and rapid events at the Arab coaches. Ali wins bronze Mohammed Al Sayed, Humpy (2,583), the world’s second and International master Husain the sport, but it’s our wish to championship in Agadir, morocco, in “We’ve our own academies and can help only a Qatari Grandmaster. highest-rated woman, and russia’s Aziz Nezad (Elo 2,425), but given have more Qatari Grandmasters October. limited number of schools. chess is very popular in GCC tourney former world champion Alexandra the strong field, the best the Qatari competing in this tournament in “You must practise regularly and among girls. We’re still a very conservative country. Kosteniuk (2,542) can cause big duo can hope for is to earn some future,” said Al medaikhi. play in tournaments. Only then boys have plenty of opportunities to play kind of LI Al Obaidly opened Qatar’s account by upsets. valuable points. The quiet and unassuming would you know where you’re sport, but not all families will allow their daughters winning a bronze medal at the ongoing “Last year, we had Kramnik and “It’ll be a tough competition, but Grandmaster is serious to reach out placed. It isn’t that easy right now to do gymnastics or swimming. The opportunities AGcc billiards and Snooker championship. this time we’re very happy to have I’ll do my best,” said Al Sayed. “The to schoolchildren who, he thinks, can because I’m busy with the for girls are less. Hence, we want to promote it Ali lost to eventual champion Abdulrahman carlsen as well. We’ve added one tournament is a great spread the game. He knows chess game’s promotion,” said the among them,” said Al Hitmi. Al Amar of Saudi Arabia 6-8 in the semifinal of rest day to the tournament learning experience is not as popular in Qatar as it is in 41-year-old, who is Qatar’s first Al Hitmi, who was nominated as one of the four the annual tournament, being held at the Qatar TENNIS billiards and Snooker Federation’s main hall at Al unlike last year which was and we’ll surely china or India, but he is confident of Grandmaster. vice-presidents of international chess federation ֫ (FIDE) during the 41st chess Olympiad at Tromso, mumtazah. Norway, last year — along with china’s Yang The event, which concludes on Thursday also ŠŠVladimir Kramnik is one of the star TOP 10 GRANDMASTERS Junan, Iran’s m J Kambuzia and India’s D V Sundar De Loore claims double features the UAE and bahrain. attractions of the magnus carlsen (NOr) 2,834 — was hopeful Qatar masters would become one Later, mohammad Saeed clinched second tournament. Vladimir Kramnik (rUS) 2,796 of the top tournaments in the world. He also wants ELGIUm’S Joris de Loore won In the singles final, bambridge bronze for Qatar in junior billiards. He lost to the Anish Giri (NED) 2,784 more such events to take place in Doha. a double at the Fifth Qatar beat the czech republic’s Dominik UAE’s Abdulsalam Al baloushi 4-8. Wesley So (USA) 2,775 S Karjakin (rUS) 2,766 “Doha is very much capable of hosting any big BITF Futures tournament at Kellovsky 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. Qatar had bagged four gold medals and a Li chao (cHN) 2,750 events. We tried to organise the chess Olympiad in the Khalifa International complex “I congratulate all winners and silver in the last edition, also held in Doha. S mamedyarov (AZE) 2,748 1996, but it didn’t happen. I’ll be happy if we host last week. wish them all the very best for the “We’ve a good record in the tournament’s E Tomashevsky (rUS) 2,744 it,” Al Hitmi added. After beating South Korea’s rest of the season. We enjoyed two history. The level of competition at the Gcc event P Harikrishna (IND) 2,743 Seong chan Hong 6-3, 6-2 to weeks of hard-fought competition. has gone up in recent years and I’m happy to win D Jakovenko (rUS) 2,737 clinch the singles title, De Loore a bronze,” said Ali, who represented the country partnered countryman michael at the World 9-ball Pool championship in Doha Greets to defeat the british- IT WAS THE FIRST SINGLES in September. FIXTURES German pair of Luke bambridge TITLE OF THE SEASON December 20 round 1 3pm and mats moraing 7-5, 6-3 in the FOR THE BRUGGE-BASED December 21 round 2 3pm doubles final. 22-YEAR-OLD. December 22 round 3 3pm It was the season’s first singles December 23 round 4 3pm title for the brugge-based December 24 round 5 3pm 22-year-old, who is more of a We’re proud to host quality events December 25 rest day December 26 round 6 3pm doubles specialist. like this. Few years down the December 27 round 7 3pm Earlier, De Loore and compatriot line, I’m sure we can see many December 28 round 8 3pm Laurens Verboven had beaten of these ITF players proving their December 29 round 9 12pm bambridge and his Japanese mettle on the senior ATP Tour,” Ali Al partner Kaichi Uchida 6-4, 3-6, said Tournament Director Saad Obaidly 10-7 to clinch the doubles title at Al mohannadi, who awarded the DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod the Fourth Qatar ITF Futures event. winners. Divakaran DSP/Vinod www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 27

GOLF ֫ Free coaching camp for children HE Qatar Golf Academy (QGA) will organise free coaching Tcamp for children of all ages on the sidelines of commercial bank Qatar masters, to be held at the Doha Golf club (DGc) from January 27 to 30. The 19th edition of European Tour event has placed a bigger focus on family entertainment as well, with the Qatar Golf Association lining up a range of activities through its community development initiative, United Through Golf, where Al Hitmi eyes more trick shot shows and a range of entertainment programmes are also tournaments being planned. šŢAndy mccormick with trainees of the Qatar Golf Academy. “United Through Golf aims to ATAr chess Association (QcA) President provide children with an interactive The QGA boasts a team of highly- all ages, both socially and physically. Khalifa Mohammed Al Hitmi expressed platform to learn more about the qualified PGA professionals including It focuses on individual skills, yet Qconfidence that the sport would become sport in a social environment. The Pete cowen and mike Walker, who is played in a social platform that popular in the country. Family Zone will give children of all coach the likes of Henrik Stenson teaches them to respect one another. “We’ve a programme and budget. Annually, ages a chance to try out a range of and Lee Westwood, and the duo will We encourage kids to come down to we hold age-group events and there’s a lot of sports including mini and soft golf,” put the children through their paces have fun, try out the sport and have ŢŢSaad Al enthusiasm among children,” Al Hitmi told Doha mohannadi with said QGA Director Andy mccormick, at the DGc. a great time with their families and Stadium Plus. the winners. who is in charge of the programme. “Golf is a great sport for children of friends,” added mccormick. Asked if chess would become a curriculum in schools, he said, “There’s a growing demand from CUE SPORTS schools to include chess and it shows the sport is ֫ becoming popular. The problem is we can’t cater to the needs of all because there aren’t enough coaches. Ali wins bronze “We’ve our own academies and can help only a limited number of schools. chess is very popular in GCC tourney among girls. We’re still a very conservative country. boys have plenty of opportunities to play kind of LI Al Obaidly opened Qatar’s account by sport, but not all families will allow their daughters winning a bronze medal at the ongoing to do gymnastics or swimming. The opportunities AGcc billiards and Snooker championship. for girls are less. Hence, we want to promote it Ali lost to eventual champion Abdulrahman among them,” said Al Hitmi. Al Amar of Saudi Arabia 6-8 in the semifinal of Al Hitmi, who was nominated as one of the four the annual tournament, being held at the Qatar TENNIS billiards and Snooker Federation’s main hall at Al vice-presidents of international chess federation ֫ (FIDE) during the 41st chess Olympiad at Tromso, mumtazah. Norway, last year — along with china’s Yang The event, which concludes on Thursday also Junan, Iran’s m J Kambuzia and India’s D V Sundar De Loore claims double features the UAE and bahrain. — was hopeful Qatar masters would become one Later, mohammad Saeed clinched second of the top tournaments in the world. He also wants ELGIUm’S Joris de Loore won In the singles final, bambridge bronze for Qatar in junior billiards. He lost to the more such events to take place in Doha. a double at the Fifth Qatar beat the czech republic’s Dominik UAE’s Abdulsalam Al baloushi 4-8. “Doha is very much capable of hosting any big BITF Futures tournament at Kellovsky 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. Qatar had bagged four gold medals and a events. We tried to organise the chess Olympiad in the Khalifa International complex “I congratulate all winners and silver in the last edition, also held in Doha. 1996, but it didn’t happen. I’ll be happy if we host last week. wish them all the very best for the “We’ve a good record in the tournament’s it,” Al Hitmi added. After beating South Korea’s rest of the season. We enjoyed two history. The level of competition at the Gcc event Seong chan Hong 6-3, 6-2 to weeks of hard-fought competition. has gone up in recent years and I’m happy to win clinch the singles title, De Loore a bronze,” said Ali, who represented the country partnered countryman michael at the World 9-ball Pool championship in Doha Greets to defeat the british- IT WAS THE FIRST SINGLES in September. FIXTURES German pair of Luke bambridge TITLE OF THE SEASON December 20 round 1 3pm and mats moraing 7-5, 6-3 in the FOR THE BRUGGE-BASED December 21 round 2 3pm doubles final. 22-YEAR-OLD. December 22 round 3 3pm It was the season’s first singles December 23 round 4 3pm title for the brugge-based December 24 round 5 3pm 22-year-old, who is more of a We’re proud to host quality events December 25 rest day December 26 round 6 3pm doubles specialist. like this. Few years down the December 27 round 7 3pm Earlier, De Loore and compatriot line, I’m sure we can see many December 28 round 8 3pm Laurens Verboven had beaten of these ITF players proving their December 29 round 9 12pm bambridge and his Japanese mettle on the senior ATP Tour,” Ali Al partner Kaichi Uchida 6-4, 3-6, said Tournament Director Saad Obaidly 10-7 to clinch the doubles title at Al mohannadi, who awarded the

the Fourth Qatar ITF Futures event. winners. Divakaran DSP/Vinod 28 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 29 MIXED ZONE | QATAR

MOTORSPORT CYCLING ֫ FOCUS ON ASPIRE RESULTS ֫ ֫ WEDNESDAY Al Qassam (Adrie de Vries) 1, Ostorah Dukhan 2, bengali Al mels Qatar’s Ahmed wins Perspire to stay Race 1 3, bizerte 4, Won by: 3.5, 1.25, 0.5. Jaffar leads Kuwait’s Trained by: Zuhair mohsen, Owned by: Ali Thamer Al mehshadi. GCC event final stage healthy and fit! markstein (Alexis Lemer) 1, crisscrossed 2, Dubawi coast 3, sweep in Endurocross HE Aspire Zone, an ideal place for public to Race 2 Newholm 4, Won by: 1, 1.75, 0.75. ATAr’S Ahmed Al Bourdainy won the Trained by: Debbie mountain. exercise, is organising plenty of fun-filled Owned by: Hassan Ali Abdulmalik. third stage of the Qatar leg of 14th Gcc Tm rIDEr Mohammed Jaffar The Qatar motor and motorcycle Tsports and community activities throughout mutadhamen (Alexis Lemer) 1, Qchampionship last Sunday. led Kuwait’s clean sweep in Federation (QmmF)-sanctioned December to ensure the visitors take care of their rock Heroine 2, King of Doha 3, Ahmed finished the 98.4km stage around Dukhan both races in E1 category International Endurocross, which Qatar Sky 4, Won by: 0.75, 0.75, K Race 3 fi t n e s s a n d h ea l t h i n t h e w i n t e r m o n t h . 3.5. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali, in 2hr, 25min, 9sec to finish ahead of the UAE duo of the second round of Qatar has two races in each round lasting

The Aspire banks League — organised in Babu Photo/Juhaim Owned by: mishal bin Ali Al of Khayam Al balooshi and Abdullah Ali Al Hasanni. International Endurocross last week. for 30 minutes, is run over a mix of collaboration with the Qatar central bank — Attiyah. Qatar’s Abdulah Afif won the second stage. At the custom-built 7km track at different types of desert terrain. continued for a seventh week at the Aspire Dome. Go For broke (Yanis Aouabed) meanwhile, mohamed Yousef Al mansouri of the Sealine, Jaffar was a class “These races will test ššStephen 1, rock Up 2, The Smart One 3, Race 4 Alsefra 4, Won by: Nk, 1, 0.75. the UAE, who won the first stage, of his own as he beat the the endurance and Qatar National bank are currently leading the ֫ Ladjadj guides HORSERACING Trained by: H Al Jehani, Owned by: standings, followed by Qatar central bank and barwa Al Safi to grabbed the yellow jersey for challenge of compatriots skill of competitors. Ibrahim Hassan Al malki Al Jehani. victory. bank. resolute (Pier convertino) 1, overall winner. meshary Abou Shaibah We’re focusing on The Aspire Dome also hosts the Aspire Embassies’ Upholland 2, Emaad 3, Exodus Qatar’s Abdul Hakim and barak Al Jasmi, who this championship to 4, Won by: 3, Shd, Dh. Trained Futsal Tournament every Friday and Saturday. Race 5 retained the white jersey finished second and third produce more young Al Safi claims by: majed Seifeddine, Owned by: The Aspire Zone Foundation recently organised the Saeed mubarak Saeed Aljafali Al for the top rider in Under-23 respectively, in both races. Qatari riders. Ever since ‘Aspire challenge’ for students aged between 13 and Naimi. category. The UAE’s Yousef “In the first race, there was we introduced the event 16. The competition, which saw the participation of La Hoor (marco monteriso) 1, AJS mohamed mirza earned the a big gap between me and rest of three years ago, there has been a Qahir 2, ba’sil 3, Samjida 4, Won students from eight schools, included a number of Muraikh Cup Race 6 by: Hd, 3.5, 5. Trained by: Hassan Al red jersey while compatriot Ahmed the riders. The second race was a bit steady improvement in the number physical and mental challenges such as sack-racing, matwi, Owner: Hassan Ali Hassan Yousef Al mansouri bagged the green. tougher. I had sand in my eyes and of riders. Each race is producing Al matwi. monkey-climbing, running, cycling, puzzle-solving OcKEY Stephen Ladjadj jockey marvin Suerland showed the The event was organised by the Qatar cycling had visibility problems. I’m happy to different winners and that just rassan (Tadgh O’Shea) 1, raedah and other mentally-stimulating activities. completed a double for Injaz daylight to Wahhaaj, the Al Ghazali 2, majd Al Uraiq 3, Haraz Al Naif 4, Federation, which will now focus on the Third win both races,” said Jaffar. goes to show the intense nature Al Hekma International School came first in the Stud when he piloted Al Safi to trainee sped past his rivals to win Race 7 Won by: 6, 6, 3. Trained: Jassim Al Tour of Zubarah, to be held from Wednesday to briton benjamin menzies won of the competition,” said QmmF J Ghazali. Owned by: Jassim bin Ali event, followed by Iranian school and Al Furqan a narrow win over Al Anga at the comfortably. Assil Al Shajaa was five Al Attiyah. Saturday. the E2 category while canada’s General Secretary mohammed Saad School. muraikh cup, a race for four years lengths behind in second while Al THURSDAY Ahmed sounded confident about his chances at Luc Dubois clinched the veteran’s Al morraikhi, who awarded the The Aspire Zone is also continuing with the ‘Splash and old Pure Arabians at the Qatar majdah and Dijlah were third and mujahidah (Antonio Ferramosca) 1, the Tour of Zubarah. category. winners. & Dash’ programme till December 26. Participants racing and Equestrian club last fourth respectively. rawaa 2, Al mundher 3, Fhoud Al “We hope to put up a good show in the Tour of Race 1 Shajaa 4, Won by: 1/2, 2, 5. Trained HANDBALL can utilise the venue’s swimming pool and week. Hamad bin Ali Al Attiya-owned by Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Zubarah,” said Ahmed. ֫ air-conditioned indoor athletics track to improve Jassim Al Ghazali-saddled Al Safi Al Saba (Sea Legacy-La Paz) romped Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari. Khalil Abdul rahman Jinan, Khalfa musa and their fitness and health every Saturday from 3.30pm spared three-fourth length at the home to a four-length victory in Najda (richard mullen) 1, La Abdullah Afif are the other Qatari riders. musawama 2, Hagwa 3, Al until 5.30pm. finish while Zameer and Aden were Local Thor0ughbred maiden Plate. It mansab 4, Won by: 3/4, 1, 2.5. Qatar, Korea drawn into same group Race 2 The Aspire Park hosted the second phase of Aspire third and fourth respectively. was mohammed Al Attiya-trained Trained by: Julian Smart. Owned by: HH Sheikh mohamed bin ‘run in the Park’ last week while the Kids Art in Earlier, Ladjadj had ridden Al Saba’s (Almotasem Al balushi Khalifa Al Thani. HAmPIONS Qatar were TEAMS legend Valero rivera, won the the Park activities will be held every Saturday from momalorka to victory in the class 2 astride) first career win. Tanja bu Qatar Light (Pier convertino) 1, drawn alongside South GROUP A GROUP B previous edition, also held in 10.30am to 12.30pm. Thaila was second while Akram chilworth Icon 2, court Life 3, Korea, Oman, Japan, Syria Qatar bahrain manama, by defeating the hosts collect Art 4, Won by: Hd, Shd, C South Korea Iran For more information, visit www.lifeinaspire.qa. finished third. batter was a faraway Race 3 and macau in Group A for the 17th 27-26 in a thrilling final. 0.5. Trained by: majed Seifeddine, Oman UAE AL SHAQAB RACING’S Owned by: mubarak Saeed Aljafali fourth. Asian championship, to be held in Japan Saudi Arabia Under rivera, who replaced WAHHAAJ WON THE Al Naimi. Al Wasmiya Farm’s battash (Adrie manama, bahrain, from January Syria china Slovenian borut macek in 2013, LOCAL-BRED PURE raad Al Zaeem (Tadgh O’Shea) de Vries up) was a pillar-to-post 1, marjan 2, Abrar 3, mahbooba 15 to 28. The biennial tournament macau Lebanon Qatar have produced a string ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE. winner in the Local Thoroughbred Race 4 4, Won by: Hd, 0.75, 1.5. Trained will act as a qualification event for of strong results, including a by: Jassim Al Ghazali, Owned by: Handicap for horses rated 60 to 80. mishal bin Ali Al Attiyah. the ’17 World championship in bahrain, Iran, the UAE, Saudi runners-up finish at the World Trainer mohammed Al Attiya took The blue Eye (richard mullen) 1, France. Arabia, china and Lebanon. championship in Doha early this Thoroughbred conditions race for his second straight win for the day Lieutenant Kaff ee 2, canndal 3, Group b comprises hosts Qatar, coached by Spanish year. Fort moville 4, Won by: 3, 0.75, Nk. Race 5 Fillies and mares. city Zen was with the runaway victory of battash. Time: 1:54.79. Trained by: Jassim Ahmed Khalil one-and-a-quarter length behind Al moheeb was two-and-a-half Al Ghazali. Owned by: Khalifa bin Al Mohannadi in second. length behind in second ahead of Sheail Al Kuwari. Almuheet (Darren Williams) 1, Al Shaqab racing’s Wahhaaj Takfaa, while Al Naif Trade mark was Spiralle 2, civaldi de montegut ֫ ,burning Sand-menwa) won the fourth. 3, Zaeem 4, Won by: 1.75, Nk) Race 6 TABLE TENNIS Local-bred Pure Arabian maiden HH Sheikh mohammed bin 2. Time: 1:32.92. Trained by: mohannad Al Yaqout. Owned by: Plate in impressive fashion. Sporting Khalifa Al Thani’s mazen Al Jeryan Stud. the famous silks of HE Sheikh Joaan (Amer-Saheel ASF) comfortably Ain Jalout (marvin Suerland) 1, Qatar Sports Club bin Hamad Al Thani, three-year-old won the Local-bred Pure Arabian Gazwan 2, mindza 3, Gidwa 4, Race 7 Won by: Shd, 0.75, 1.75. Trained burning Sand progeny raced a handy Novice Plate. Saab came second by: Jassim Al Ghazali, Owned by: start off in style fourth before coming into contention while raghed and Jihad completed Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari. at the top of the straight. Once the frame. OLDErS Qatar Sports club began their Qatar League campaign on a winning note, Hbeating Al rayyan 3-2 last week. Qatar’s rugby players fared well in two recent outings in Dubai. They thrashed Lebanon 42-0 before defeating the UAE 26-17. At the Qatar Table Tennis Association’s training centre, last year’s runners-up Al Sadd defeated El Jaish 3-1. They had beaten rayyan 3-1 in the first ŠŠEl Jaish’s Haney marwan Kahi match. attempts to score “Last year, we came close to winning the title, against Al Sadd.

and this time we want to ensure we clinch it. Divakaran DSP/Vinod The twin wins will boost our confidence,” Sadd’s Hungarian coach Ferenc Fischer told Doha El Quiyada proved that their upset win over champions Al Gharafa RESULTS Stadium Plus. El Quiyada in the previous week was no flash in the pan as they shocked last Al Gharafa bt Qatar Sc 33-31 In another match, Jaish struggled to beat Al year’s runners-up Al Sadd 32-31 in a thrilling encounter in the Al Wakrah bt Al Khor 27-24 beat Sadd Qatar League at the Qatar Handball Association complex last week. Al Arabi bt Al Shamal 33-24 Arabi 3-2. in thriller Though Sadd, weakened by the departure of some experienced Al Quiyada bt Al Sadd 32-31 “It was a close match and we were lucky to players in the pre-season, put up a tough fight, they could not stop Al rayyan bt Al Ahli 27-23 scrape through. We’ll try to do well in the next Quiyada from having the last laugh. El Jaish bt Lekhwiya 29-23 round of matches,” said Qatar international and In last week’s other close games, Gharafa had to toil hard to El Jaish bt Al Arabi 23-21 Jaish’s star player Ahmed Khalil Al mohannadi. defeat Qatar Sc 33-31 while Al rayyan too found the going tough Lekhwiya vs El Quiyada 31-24 against Al Ahli before beating them 27-23. Al Gharafa bt Al Ahli 26-21 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 29

MOTORSPORT CYCLING ֫ ֫ Qatar’s Ahmed wins Jaffar leads Kuwait’s GCC event final stage sweep in Endurocross ATAr’S Ahmed Al Bourdainy won the third stage of the Qatar leg of 14th Gcc Tm rIDEr Mohammed Jaffar The Qatar motor and motorcycle Qchampionship last Sunday. led Kuwait’s clean sweep in Federation (QmmF)-sanctioned Ahmed finished the 98.4km stage around Dukhan Kboth races in E1 category International Endurocross, which in 2hr, 25min, 9sec to finish ahead of the UAE duo of the second round of Qatar has two races in each round lasting of Khayam Al balooshi and Abdullah Ali Al Hasanni. International Endurocross last week. for 30 minutes, is run over a mix of Qatar’s Abdulah Afif won the second stage. At the custom-built 7km track at different types of desert terrain. meanwhile, mohamed Yousef Al mansouri of the Sealine, Jaffar was a class “These races will test the UAE, who won the first stage, of his own as he beat the the endurance and grabbed the yellow jersey for challenge of compatriots skill of competitors. overall winner. meshary Abou Shaibah We’re focusing on Qatar’s Abdul Hakim and barak Al Jasmi, who this championship to retained the white jersey finished second and third produce more young for the top rider in Under-23 respectively, in both races. Qatari riders. Ever since category. The UAE’s Yousef “In the first race, there was we introduced the event mohamed mirza earned the a big gap between me and rest of three years ago, there has been a red jersey while compatriot Ahmed the riders. The second race was a bit steady improvement in the number Yousef Al mansouri bagged the green. tougher. I had sand in my eyes and of riders. Each race is producing The event was organised by the Qatar cycling had visibility problems. I’m happy to different winners and that just Federation, which will now focus on the Third win both races,” said Jaffar. goes to show the intense nature Tour of Zubarah, to be held from Wednesday to briton benjamin menzies won of the competition,” said QmmF Saturday. the E2 category while canada’s General Secretary mohammed Saad Ahmed sounded confident about his chances at Luc Dubois clinched the veteran’s Al morraikhi, who awarded the the Tour of Zubarah. category. winners. “We hope to put up a good show in the Tour of HANDBALL Zubarah,” said Ahmed. ֫ Khalil Abdul rahman Jinan, Khalfa musa and Abdullah Afif are the other Qatari riders. Qatar, Korea drawn into same group

HAmPIONS Qatar were TEAMS legend Valero rivera, won the drawn alongside South GROUP A GROUP B previous edition, also held in Korea, Oman, Japan, Syria Qatar bahrain manama, by defeating the hosts C South Korea Iran and macau in Group A for the 17th 27-26 in a thrilling final. Oman UAE Asian championship, to be held in Japan Saudi Arabia Under rivera, who replaced manama, bahrain, from January Syria china Slovenian borut macek in 2013, 15 to 28. The biennial tournament macau Lebanon Qatar have produced a string will act as a qualification event for of strong results, including a the ’17 World championship in bahrain, Iran, the UAE, Saudi runners-up finish at the World France. Arabia, china and Lebanon. championship in Doha early this Group b comprises hosts Qatar, coached by Spanish year. Ahmed Khalil Al Mohannadi

TABLE TENNIS ֫ Qatar Sports Club start off in style

OLDErS Qatar Sports club began their Qatar League campaign on a winning note, Hbeating Al rayyan 3-2 last week. At the Qatar Table Tennis Association’s training centre, last year’s runners-up Al Sadd defeated El Jaish 3-1. They had beaten rayyan 3-1 in the first ŠŠEl Jaish’s Haney marwan Kahi match. attempts to score “Last year, we came close to winning the title, against Al Sadd.

and this time we want to ensure we clinch it. Divakaran DSP/Vinod The twin wins will boost our confidence,” Sadd’s Hungarian coach Ferenc Fischer told Doha El Quiyada proved that their upset win over champions Al Gharafa RESULTS Stadium Plus. El Quiyada in the previous week was no flash in the pan as they shocked last Al Gharafa bt Qatar Sc 33-31 In another match, Jaish struggled to beat Al year’s runners-up Al Sadd 32-31 in a thrilling encounter in the Al Wakrah bt Al Khor 27-24 beat Sadd Qatar League at the Qatar Handball Association complex last week. Al Arabi bt Al Shamal 33-24 Arabi 3-2. in thriller Though Sadd, weakened by the departure of some experienced Al Quiyada bt Al Sadd 32-31 “It was a close match and we were lucky to players in the pre-season, put up a tough fight, they could not stop Al rayyan bt Al Ahli 27-23 scrape through. We’ll try to do well in the next Quiyada from having the last laugh. El Jaish bt Lekhwiya 29-23 round of matches,” said Qatar international and In last week’s other close games, Gharafa had to toil hard to El Jaish bt Al Arabi 23-21 Jaish’s star player Ahmed Khalil Al mohannadi. defeat Qatar Sc 33-31 while Al rayyan too found the going tough Lekhwiya vs El Quiyada 31-24 against Al Ahli before beating them 27-23. Al Gharafa bt Al Ahli 26-21 30 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 31

World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has been stripped Fury is of his International boxing Federation (IbF) title, one of three stripped of he won by beating Vladimir Klitschko, after agreeing to a MIXED ZONE | INTERNATIONAL contracted rematch with the Ukrainian instead of fighting the IBF title mandatory challenge. The IbF explained its decision, saying the rematch was in direct violation of the rules.

GOLF TENNIS ֫ Voges and Marsh ֫ plunder Windies Federer on the move Donaldson triumphs AcEmAN James Pattinson took five for 27 to OrLD No.3 Roger said Federer. fire Australia to a innings and 212-run victory Federer said he is “We had a great split in the sense and Open for more! Pwith more than two days to spare in the first Wlooking forward to that we’ve known for 10 months Test against West Indies in Hobart. working with his new-generation that it was going to end at the end ELSHmAN Jamie of whom had secured their Open Australia enforced the follow-on after dismissing coaching team, after parting with of the year.” Donaldson completed a berths going into the second event West Indies for 223 inside the first five overs of the 1980s champion Stefan Edberg. Federer said Edberg’s Wmemorable debut at the in the Open Qualifying Series. third day at bellerive Oval, and completed the rout Earlier, the 17-time Grand Slam replacement, croatian Ivan Ljubicic, Thailand championship, winning “This is certainly one of my best before tea by skittling the tourists for 148 in their champion announced he was a former world No.3, would offer the Asian Tour event with a three- victories,” said Donaldson. second innings. shaking up his coaching team for a new perspective as part of the shot victory which also earned him meanwhile, Americans Jason Australia, who could return to the top of the Test 2016, with “childhood idol” Edberg current generation of players. a place in next year’s Open. Dufner and brandt Snedeker rankings with a 3-0 series sweep, made 583 for four leaving after two years of working “It’s the first time that I’ve had The 40-year-old, who had combined for an 11-under par 61 declared in their first innings on the back of a world as assistant coach. someone within my team whose fired a 63 in the first round, closing better-ball format to win the record fourth-wicket stand of 449 between Adam “The idea was only to do one actually played on Tour against the signed off with a strong 27th annual Franklin Templeton Voges and Shaun marsh. year. I couldn’t believe it when he players that I’ve played against,” he seven-under-par 65 for a Voges was named man of the match for his (Edberg) said yes in the first place,” said. winning total of 21 under at unbeaten 269 while fellow Western Australian the Amata Spring country club. WITH THE VICTORY, marsh made a career-best 182. Switzerland’s two greatest players will join forces Englishman Lee Westwood and DONALDSON EARNED ֫ ššFrom left, India’s Shikhar Dhawan, CRICKET Swiss at next year’s rio Olympics when roger Federer 23-year-old French talent clement A PLACE FOR NEXT Virat Kohli and greats to and martina Hingis play together in the mixed Sordet, who was playing on a YEAR’S OPEN. Ajinkya rahane doubles. sponsor’s invite, shared second at the Twenty20 “roll back the years with @mhingis. World cup launch team up place at 18-under 270. really excited to be playing mixed ceremony. Thai teenager Phachara Shootout by two strokes. at Rio doubles with you 15 years later at the rio games,” Federer tweeted. Khongwatmai was the fourth player The first-time pairing won the Bigger & better in the field to secure a place in the title at 30-under par 186 with the şšAdam Voges, left, The 34-year-old last played alongside and Shaun marsh. his fellow Swiss at the Hopman cup in 2001. 145th Open after the 16-year-old US duo of Harris English and matt OSTS and inaugural at the launch ceremony. “We need a cooler climate for carded 66 to be sixth at 13 under. Kuchar, the 2013 winners, second ATHLETICS He finished one shot behind on 188 and Americans Daniel champions India will kick “India has hosted the 50-over such a high-voltage contest,” said ֫ Hoff the Super 10 stage of World cups in 1987, ’96 and ’11. Thakur. Spaniard Sergio Garcia (69) and berger and charley Hoffman third, the World Twenty20 with a march We can assure you this time Icc chairman Shashank manohar Korean An byeonghun (70), both another shot adrift. 15 match in Nagpur against New it’ll be bigger, better and most promised a hugely successful Coe jumps to Zealand in the sixth edition of the entertaining,” he added. tournament in the game’s financial tournament offering a record $5.6m Eight teams have been split into powerhouse. Eugene defence in prize money. “India is a country where cricket West Indies batsman Marlon mumbai and New Delhi will host is a religion and not many places NTErNATIONAL Association of Athletics Bowling Samuels has been banned from the two semifinals while Kolkata’s KOLKATA’S EDEN can match the passion for the game. Federations (IAAF) President Sebastian Coe said ban for bowling for 12 months by the GARDENS WILL STAGE International cricket council Eden Gardens will stage the final of I’m fully confident that the bccI will Ithe award of the 2021 World championships to Felix looks for THE FINAL OF THE Samuels after undergoing testing on his the march 8 to April 3 tournament, deliver an outstanding world event,” the US city of Eugene without a bidding process action. to be played across eight venues TOURNAMENT. said manohar. was perfectly legitimate, after French prosecutors Olympic double It is the second ban for the in India, the International cricket The total prize money for the announced an investigation of the Top American sprinter Allyson 34-year-old, whose off-spin council (Icc) said. women’s event, to be played decision. Felix will double up at Julys US bowling is only used on a Defending champions Sri Lanka two groups for the qualifying stage simultaneously is $400,000, a 122 coe, who was Vice President trials in hopes of competing in part-time basis by West Indies. have been placed in Group 1 of the from march 8-13. per cent increase from the previous of IAAF when the games were both the 200 and 400m at the He was reported for an illegal rio Olympics, her coach bob action following the first Test Super 10 stage along with South Two of them will progress to the tournament. awarded in April, said it was Kersee confirmed. defeat against Sri Lanka in Africa, 2010 winners England, Super 10 stage of the event, which not unprecedented for decisions The Olympic 200m gold October. ’12 champions West Indies and a will see a 86 per cent jump in total TEAMS to be made without a bidding medallist and world 400m qualifier. prize money from the last edition in QUALIFYING GROUPS process. champion has long wanted bangladesh, Netherlands, Ireland Group II will include India, ’09 bangladesh in ’14. Group A Japan’s Osaka was given the 2007 to challenge the rare Olympic and Oman double, but will need a schedule champions Pakistan, Australia, New bitter neighbours India and Zimbabwe, Scotland, Hong Kong event in such circumstances. Group B change to make it possible in Zealand and a second qualifier. Pakistan, who have been wrangling and Afghanistan “Eugene wasn’t put forward by the IAAF but by 2016. “We, as hosts, are fully prepared over a bilateral series this month, SUPER 10 US Track and Field,” said coe. “The Olympic Trials schedule Jamie BADMINTON to organise one of the most will clash in a march 19 contest in Sri Lanka, South Africa, West “The council decided this was the best ֫ Group 1 Indies, England and Group b is fine and I’m working with Donaldson entertaining spectacles,” said board picturesque Dharamsala, against winner opportunity in the foreseeable future to get the USA Track & Field on the of control for cricket in India the backdrop of Northern Indian India, Pakistan, Australia, New championships into the US,” he added. Olympic schedule,” said Kersee. Group 2 (bccI) Secretary Anurag Thakur mountains. Zealand and Group A winner china’s Feng Shanshan became the most Japanese juggernaut! ֫ OLYMPICS Feng sews up successful player in the 10-year history of APAN scored the finest double The result was hardly in doubt the Dubai Ladies masters when she won success in its history when from the middle of the first game Kiwis fire the first salvo Dubai treble the tournament for the third time with a JKento momota and Nozomi on, but the earlier triumph of his Kuwait’s ties with IOC deteriorate record margin of 12 shots. Okuhara captured the men’s and compatriot, Nozomi Okuhara, who EW Zealand secured a but Sri Lanka’s batsmen failed The chinese world No.6, who was women’s singles titles at the Super beat Wang Yihan, the former world 122-run win in the first to show the necessary patience as UWAIT’S Olympic ban will failed, said IOc Executive board the minister of sport. He is now the highest ranked player in the field, Series finals, which is Tour’s year- champion from china, by 22-20, 21- Test at Dunedin as Sri they were all out for 282. remain in force, with ties member Patrick Hickey, in charge of threatening to ban athletes from closed with a bogey-free six-under par N 66 to complete the double of winning the end flagship event. 18, certainly was. Lankan resistance folded with For New Zealand, Tim Southee between the middle East overseeing the autonomy of sport. international events,” he added. K season-ending event and the Order of momota, who made history last Okuhara had to recover from the loss of seven wickets on took three for 52. Opener Martin nation and International Olympic “We’ve had an exchange of letters Kuwait was also banned in ’10, merit on the Ladies European Tour. year when he helped his country game point down at 19-20 in the the final day. Guptill, who made 156 in the first committee (IOc) deteriorating. with the government which haven’t over a similar dispute but was Feng finished on 21-under par 267, win the Thomas cup World Team first game, which she did with After a bold second-innings innings, was named man of the Kuwait was banned in October been very helpful,” said Hickey. reinstated before the ’12 London while Thailand’s Thidapa Suwannapura championship for the first time, two successive net cords. Then she declaration at 267 for three, match. During the course of the for the second time in five years “Since we suspended them, Olympics. (73) was runner-up at nine-under par 279. pulled off another feat by beating trailed 9-15 in the second game, New Zealand had set Sri Lanka Test, Kane Williamson became the over government interference in 13 international federations have The country’s football federation In the process, Feng overtook legend Denmark’s world No.6 Viktor before summoning just enough a formidable 405-run target to second New Zealand batsman to the country’s Olympic committee, followed suit and more is to come. was also banned by FIFA for the Annika Sorenstam’s tally of two Dubai Ladies masters wins. Axelsen 21-15, 21-12 in the final. energy to wear Wang down. win. score 1,000 runs in a calendar year. but efforts to find a solution have “It has become very personal with same reason. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 31

World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has been stripped Fury is of his International boxing Federation (IbF) title, one of three he won by beating Vladimir Klitschko, after agreeing to a stripped of contracted rematch with the Ukrainian instead of fighting the IBF title mandatory challenge. The IbF explained its decision, saying the rematch was in direct violation of the rules.

GOLF TENNIS ֫ ֫ Federer on the move Donaldson triumphs OrLD No.3 Roger said Federer. Federer said he is “We had a great split in the sense and Open for more! Wlooking forward to that we’ve known for 10 months working with his new-generation that it was going to end at the end ELSHmAN Jamie of whom had secured their Open coaching team, after parting with of the year.” Donaldson completed a berths going into the second event 1980s champion Stefan Edberg. Federer said Edberg’s Wmemorable debut at the in the Open Qualifying Series. Earlier, the 17-time Grand Slam replacement, croatian Ivan Ljubicic, Thailand championship, winning “This is certainly one of my best champion announced he was a former world No.3, would offer the Asian Tour event with a three- victories,” said Donaldson. shaking up his coaching team for a new perspective as part of the shot victory which also earned him meanwhile, Americans Jason 2016, with “childhood idol” Edberg current generation of players. a place in next year’s Open. Dufner and brandt Snedeker leaving after two years of working “It’s the first time that I’ve had The 40-year-old, who had combined for an 11-under par 61 as assistant coach. someone within my team whose fired a 63 in the first round, closing better-ball format to win the “The idea was only to do one actually played on Tour against the signed off with a strong 27th annual Franklin Templeton year. I couldn’t believe it when he players that I’ve played against,” he seven-under-par 65 for a (Edberg) said yes in the first place,” said. winning total of 21 under at the Amata Spring country club. WITH THE VICTORY, Switzerland’s two greatest players will join forces Englishman Lee Westwood and DONALDSON EARNED Swiss at next year’s rio Olympics when roger Federer 23-year-old French talent clement A PLACE FOR NEXT greats to and martina Hingis play together in the mixed Sordet, who was playing on a YEAR’S OPEN. doubles. sponsor’s invite, shared second team up “roll back the years with @mhingis. place at 18-under 270. really excited to be playing mixed Thai teenager Phachara Shootout by two strokes. at Rio doubles with you 15 years later at the rio games,” Federer tweeted. Khongwatmai was the fourth player The first-time pairing won the The 34-year-old last played alongside in the field to secure a place in the title at 30-under par 186 with the his fellow Swiss at the Hopman cup in 2001. 145th Open after the 16-year-old US duo of Harris English and matt carded 66 to be sixth at 13 under. Kuchar, the 2013 winners, second ATHLETICS He finished one shot behind on 188 and Americans Daniel ֫ Spaniard Sergio Garcia (69) and berger and charley Hoffman third, Coe jumps to Korean An byeonghun (70), both another shot adrift. Eugene defence

NTErNATIONAL Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Sebastian Coe said Ithe award of the 2021 World championships to Felix looks for the US city of Eugene without a bidding process was perfectly legitimate, after French prosecutors Olympic double announced an investigation of the Top American sprinter Allyson decision. Felix will double up at Julys US coe, who was Vice President trials in hopes of competing in of IAAF when the games were both the 200 and 400m at the rio Olympics, her coach bob awarded in April, said it was Kersee confirmed. not unprecedented for decisions The Olympic 200m gold to be made without a bidding medallist and world 400m process. champion has long wanted Japan’s Osaka was given the 2007 to challenge the rare Olympic event in such circumstances. double, but will need a schedule “Eugene wasn’t put forward by the IAAF but by change to make it possible in 2016. US Track and Field,” said coe. “The Olympic Trials schedule Jamie “The council decided this was the best is fine and I’m working with Donaldson opportunity in the foreseeable future to get the USA Track & Field on the championships into the US,” he added. Olympic schedule,” said Kersee. china’s Feng Shanshan became the most ֫ OLYMPICS Feng sews up successful player in the 10-year history of the Dubai Ladies masters when she won Dubai treble the tournament for the third time with a Kuwait’s ties with IOC deteriorate record margin of 12 shots. The chinese world No.6, who was UWAIT’S Olympic ban will failed, said IOc Executive board the minister of sport. He is now the highest ranked player in the field, remain in force, with ties member Patrick Hickey, in charge of threatening to ban athletes from closed with a bogey-free six-under par 66 to complete the double of winning the between the middle East overseeing the autonomy of sport. international events,” he added. K season-ending event and the Order of nation and International Olympic “We’ve had an exchange of letters Kuwait was also banned in ’10, merit on the Ladies European Tour. committee (IOc) deteriorating. with the government which haven’t over a similar dispute but was Feng finished on 21-under par 267, Kuwait was banned in October been very helpful,” said Hickey. reinstated before the ’12 London while Thailand’s Thidapa Suwannapura for the second time in five years “Since we suspended them, Olympics. (73) was runner-up at nine-under par 279. over government interference in 13 international federations have The country’s football federation In the process, Feng overtook legend the country’s Olympic committee, followed suit and more is to come. was also banned by FIFA for the Annika Sorenstam’s tally of two Dubai Ladies masters wins. but efforts to find a solution have “It has become very personal with same reason. 32 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 33

PEOPLE SPORT THIS WEEK

Filipino star Nonito Donaire russia’s Ksenia Stolbova and Norwegian Age Hareide Women’s world No.1 Serena reclaimed the World Fedor Klimov claimed pairs gold was named Denmark’s new Williams, who held all four of QATAR boxing Organisation super with a flawless display in the national football coach last tennis’ Grand Slam titles for the WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 bantamweight world title last ISU Grand Prix Final of figure week, replacing morten second time in her career, was ATHLETICS CRICKET ATHLETICS week with a gutsy unanimous skating in barcelona, Spain. Olsen who stepped down named Sportsperson of the Year Qatar Indoor cup for cadets and Qatar Stars vs Pakistan Stars, National Qatar Indoor cup for Seniors and decision over mexico’s cesar Skating to Danny Elfman’s last month. “Our team and by Sports Illustrated magazine. The Juniors, 4pm onwards at ASPIrE Day Twenty20 Tournament, 3pm Girls, 4pm onwards at ASPIrE Dome Juarez in San Juan, Puerto rico. ‘man and Shadow’, they our fans deserve to go to the 34-year-old American, who won Dome. onwards at Asian Town Stadium. (till December 23). Juarez’s left hook sent Donaire scored a new personal-best World cup in 2018 and I look 53 of 56 matches in 2015, is the SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 down in the 10th, but the latter 154.60 points for an overall forward to fighting for it with first female athlete honoured on BASKETBALL still managed to win 116-110, total of 229.44 to take their the players,” former malmo her own by the magazine in more Qatar League, Al Khor vs Al Arabi, 116-110 and 117-109. first major title. coach Hareide said. than 30 years. 5pm and Al Gharafa vs Al Wakrah, 7pm at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 manchester United midfielder United States international Slalom queen Mikaela Shiffrin An anti-racism campaigner has BASKETBALL Bastian Schweinsteiger will Jermaine Jones looks set to miss was taken to hospital for tests called on the England and Wales Qatar League, Al Shamal vs El Jaish, 5pm and Al Sadd vs Al rayyan, 7pm serve a three-match ban for two World cup qualifiers after after injuring a knee during a cricket board to get tougher on at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. violent conduct following a clash the New England revolution warm-up run for World cup abuse after Craig Overton was CHESS with West Ham United’s Winston midfielder’s six-game ban was giant slalom in Are, Sweden. only given a two-match ban for Qatar masters, 3pm at Ladies club, reid in the Premier League upheld by major League Soccer. According to Swedish media allegedly saying obscene words Aspire Zone (till December 29). recently. The German, who Jones was banned for making reports the 20-year-old to a Pakistan-born opponent. The FOOTBALL appeared to floor reid with his physical contact with referee American, who dominated Somerset bowler was punished FOOTBALL BASKETBALL Qatar Stars League, Al Sadd vs Qatar Stars League, Umm Salal vs arm after the pair were jostling mark Geiger, who turned the discipline for the last three for comments he made to Sussex Qatar League, Al Shamal vs Al Sadd, mesaimeer, 6.45pm Al Ahli Stadium. Al Khor, 4pm at Al Gharafa Stadium, for space, accepted the Football down an appeal for a penalty years, sustained ligament spinner Ashar Zaidi during 5pm and Al Ahli vs Qatar Sc, 7pm at Al Sailiya vs Al rayyan, 6.45pm Association charge. in their game against Dc damage to the joint. an English county match in Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. at Al Gharafa club, Qatar Sc vs Al United on October 28. September. HANDBALL Kharaitiyat, 6.45pm at , Al Wakrah Stadium. Qatar League, Al Wakrah vs Al rayyan, 4pm, Al Sadd vs Qatar Sc, VOLLEYBALL 5.30pm and Al Shamal vs Al Khor, Qatar League, Al rayyan vs Al 7pm at Qatar Handball Association Wakrah, 5.15pm and Al Sadd vs Al complex. Khor, 6.45pm at Al Arabi Sports club. HORSERACING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22 Weekly races, 4pm at Qatar racing BASKETBALL STAR OF THE WEEK JAMES PATTINSON MOVERS&SHAKERS and Equestrian club. Qatar League, Al Arabi vs Qatar Sc, TENNIS SQUASH 5pm and Al Wakrah vs Al Khor, 7pm ITF Futues Tournament, 5pm Qatar circuit II, 6pm at Khalifa at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. Goalscoring keeper onwards at Khalifa International International complex (till FOOTBALL complex (till Sunday). December 23). Qatar Stars League, Al Ahli vs El Jaish, VOLLEYBALL VOLLEYBALL 4pm at Al Ahli Stadium; Lekhwiya Qatar League, Qatar Sc vs Al Khor, Qatar League, Al Arabi vs Al Al Ahli, vs Al Gharafa, 6.45pm at Al Ahli Ceni calls it a day 5.15pm and Al Gharafa vs Al Wakrah, 4pm and El Jaish vs Police, 5.30pm at Stadium; Al Wakrah vs Al Arabi, EcALLED paceman James to trigger a batting collapse. 6.45pm at Al Arabi Sports club. Al Arabi Sports club. 6.45pm at Al Wakrah Stadium. Pattinson claimed five He reviewed the video of his rAZIL’S Rogerio Ceni, the play due to injury. Rwickets as the West Indies bowling and spoke with team highest-scoring goalkeeper but his goals and saves will live on succumbed to a dispiriting bowling coach craig mcDermott Bin history, charmed the world in YouTube anthology videos, and in innings and 212-run loss to and skipper Smith. Pattinson, with his golden boots, but it is his the hearts of Sao Paulo fans. INTERNATIONAL Australia on the third day of the 25, said he studied what he was magical gloves that will be ceni arrived at Sao Paulo in first Test in Hobart last week. doing wrong and came back a most missed at Sao Paulo, 1990 as a skinny 17-year- WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22 Pattinson, playing in his changed bowler. where he spent his club old, freshly recruited ALPINE SKIING ALPINE SKIING World cup men at Val Gardena; World cup men at madonna di first Test since march last year “There were a little bit of career. from a lowly club in the World cup women at Val d’Isere campiglio. after recovering from back and nerves and I didn’t put it together ceni, who was Sao central state of mato CRICKET hamstring issues, spearheaded in the first innings, which was Paulo’s go-to man for Grosso. New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test at the Australian assault to rip apart disappointing,” said Pattinson. free kicks and penalties, He has played 1,237 Hamilton (till Tuesday). the threadbare Windies batting. “but to get another chance and scored 131 goals in his matches since then, setting RUGBY UNION It was a personal triumph for to take that chance was pretty 25-year professional career — a world record for appearances European champions cup. Pattinson, who returned to the exciting and a relief after being far more than any other keeper. for a single team. He captained the SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 Australian side for injured pace out of the picture for a couple of The 42-year-old staved off club for 16 years, winning 26 titles — SKI JUMPING FOOTBALL World cup at Engelberg. spearhead mitchell Starc and years. retirement as long as he could, but including a FIFA club World cup, two club World cup, Japan (till Sunday). MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 justified his recall even though he “I ran in and wanted to bowl finally said goodbye last week after Libertadores cups and three brazilian HANDBALL went wicketless for 68 in the West fast like I did when I first came on a match in which he was unable to championships. Women’s World championships, ALPINE SKIING Indies’ first innings. to the scene. Denmark (till Sunday). World cup men at Alta badia. “I thought the bowlers bowled “I looked at a bit of vision on terrific. In the first innings, the night before and I wasn’t Peralta is shot to death Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood releasing the ball where I wanted stepped up again and in the to in the right position,” he said. ONDUrAS midfielderArnold the security ministry. second innings it was nice to see “I thought if I bowled like I did Peralta was shot to death in “The player died from multiple Pattinson back to his best and in the first innings then I wouldn’t Hthe Honduran city of La ceiba wounds from a firearm,” the bowling fast,” said Australian be getting too many games, last week, police said. Honduran daily La Prensa captain Steve Smith. so I thought I better change Peralta, 26, was attacked quoted the forensic report Pattinson said he did away something. by several men as he as saying. with his remodelled bowling “So I did a little bit of work on got into his car at a Peralta, who played action after the first innings and it in the morning to get my wrist shopping centre in his for top Honduran returned to his old approach in behind the ball a bit more and get birth city La ceiba, 185 club Olimpia after the second and claimed five for 27 it good for outswing,” he added. km north of the capital spending the Tegucigalpa, a region 2013-14 season with noted for drug cartel activity. Scottish championship “robbery has been discarded as side Glasgow rangers, was in a motive because Peralta had no the Honduras squad taking part personal belongings stolen,” said in cONcAcAF 2018 World cup Leonel Sauceda, a spokesman for qualifying. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 33

SPORT THIS WEEK

Women’s world No.1 Serena Williams, who held all four of QATAR tennis’ Grand Slam titles for the WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 second time in her career, was ATHLETICS CRICKET ATHLETICS named Sportsperson of the Year Qatar Indoor cup for cadets and Qatar Stars vs Pakistan Stars, National Qatar Indoor cup for Seniors and by Sports Illustrated magazine. The Juniors, 4pm onwards at ASPIrE Day Twenty20 Tournament, 3pm Girls, 4pm onwards at ASPIrE Dome 34-year-old American, who won Dome. onwards at Asian Town Stadium. (till December 23). 53 of 56 matches in 2015, is the SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 first female athlete honoured on BASKETBALL her own by the magazine in more Qatar League, Al Khor vs Al Arabi, than 30 years. 5pm and Al Gharafa vs Al Wakrah, 7pm at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 An anti-racism campaigner has BASKETBALL called on the England and Wales Qatar League, Al Shamal vs El Jaish, 5pm and Al Sadd vs Al rayyan, 7pm cricket board to get tougher on at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. abuse after Craig Overton was CHESS only given a two-match ban for Qatar masters, 3pm at Ladies club, allegedly saying obscene words Aspire Zone (till December 29). to a Pakistan-born opponent. The FOOTBALL Somerset bowler was punished FOOTBALL BASKETBALL Qatar Stars League, Al Sadd vs Qatar Stars League, Umm Salal vs for comments he made to Sussex Qatar League, Al Shamal vs Al Sadd, mesaimeer, 6.45pm Al Ahli Stadium. Al Khor, 4pm at Al Gharafa Stadium, spinner Ashar Zaidi during 5pm and Al Ahli vs Qatar Sc, 7pm at Al Sailiya vs Al rayyan, 6.45pm an English county match in Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. at Al Gharafa club, Qatar Sc vs Al September. HANDBALL Kharaitiyat, 6.45pm at , Al Wakrah Stadium. Qatar League, Al Wakrah vs Al rayyan, 4pm, Al Sadd vs Qatar Sc, VOLLEYBALL 5.30pm and Al Shamal vs Al Khor, Qatar League, Al rayyan vs Al 7pm at Qatar Handball Association Wakrah, 5.15pm and Al Sadd vs Al complex. Khor, 6.45pm at Al Arabi Sports club. HORSERACING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22 Weekly races, 4pm at Qatar racing BASKETBALL MOVERS&SHAKERS and Equestrian club. Qatar League, Al Arabi vs Qatar Sc, TENNIS SQUASH 5pm and Al Wakrah vs Al Khor, 7pm ITF Futues Tournament, 5pm Qatar circuit II, 6pm at Khalifa at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. Goalscoring keeper onwards at Khalifa International International complex (till FOOTBALL complex (till Sunday). December 23). Qatar Stars League, Al Ahli vs El Jaish, VOLLEYBALL VOLLEYBALL 4pm at Al Ahli Stadium; Lekhwiya Qatar League, Qatar Sc vs Al Khor, Qatar League, Al Arabi vs Al Al Ahli, vs Al Gharafa, 6.45pm at Al Ahli Ceni calls it a day 5.15pm and Al Gharafa vs Al Wakrah, 4pm and El Jaish vs Police, 5.30pm at Stadium; Al Wakrah vs Al Arabi, 6.45pm at Al Arabi Sports club. Al Arabi Sports club. 6.45pm at Al Wakrah Stadium. rAZIL’S Rogerio Ceni, the play due to injury. highest-scoring goalkeeper but his goals and saves will live on Bin history, charmed the world in YouTube anthology videos, and in with his golden boots, but it is his the hearts of Sao Paulo fans. INTERNATIONAL magical gloves that will be ceni arrived at Sao Paulo in most missed at Sao Paulo, 1990 as a skinny 17-year- WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22 where he spent his club old, freshly recruited ALPINE SKIING ALPINE SKIING World cup men at Val Gardena; World cup men at madonna di career. from a lowly club in the World cup women at Val d’Isere campiglio. ceni, who was Sao central state of mato CRICKET Paulo’s go-to man for Grosso. New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test at free kicks and penalties, He has played 1,237 Hamilton (till Tuesday). scored 131 goals in his matches since then, setting RUGBY UNION 25-year professional career — a world record for appearances European champions cup. far more than any other keeper. for a single team. He captained the SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 The 42-year-old staved off club for 16 years, winning 26 titles — SKI JUMPING FOOTBALL World cup at Engelberg. retirement as long as he could, but including a FIFA club World cup, two club World cup, Japan (till Sunday). MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 finally said goodbye last week after Libertadores cups and three brazilian HANDBALL a match in which he was unable to championships. Women’s World championships, ALPINE SKIING Denmark (till Sunday). World cup men at Alta badia. Peralta is shot to death

ONDUrAS midfielderArnold the security ministry. Peralta was shot to death in “The player died from multiple Hthe Honduran city of La ceiba wounds from a firearm,” the last week, police said. Honduran daily La Prensa Peralta, 26, was attacked quoted the forensic report by several men as he as saying. got into his car at a Peralta, who played shopping centre in his for top Honduran birth city La ceiba, 185 club Olimpia after km north of the capital spending the Tegucigalpa, a region 2013-14 season with noted for drug cartel activity. Scottish championship “robbery has been discarded as side Glasgow rangers, was in a motive because Peralta had no the Honduras squad taking part personal belongings stolen,” said in cONcAcAF 2018 World cup Leonel Sauceda, a spokesman for qualifying. 34 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 35

barcelona are aiming to become the world’s Barcelona highest earning club in the next six years and are determined to counter England’s Premier League, aim €1bn club president Josep maria bartomeu said. The MOSAIC in revenue Spanish giants will make about €600m this year, but bartomeu told the Financial Times newspaper he was aiming to lift this to €1bn by 2021.

LIFESTYLE PARTNERSHIP CAMEO Grupo Globo in key deal Qalco acquires Pakistan T20 franchisee The Pakistan cricket board generated $93m from the rAZILIAN media conglomerate across all broadcast platforms sale of the five franchisee teams in the Pakistan Super Grupo Globo signed a deal to including free-to-air television (on a League Twenty20 competition, to be held in the UAE Bbroadcast the Summer and non-exclusive basis) and subscription from February 4 to 23 next year. The rights to the Winter Olympics over all platforms television, Internet and mobile (on an franchisees, named after Pakistani cities, have been Walk right until 2032, the International Olympic exclusive basis),” the IOc said. sold to the following buyers; Lahore — Qatar Lubricants committee (IOc) said last week. The agreement covers the co (Qalco), Islamabad — Leonine Global Sports, Karachi “The agreement continues the Pyeongchang Winter Games in ’18, — Salman Iqbal, chief executive of ArY Group, Peshawar — Javed Afridi, chief executive of Haier IOc’s long-term partnership with Tokyo Summer Games in ’20, beijing Group, Quetta — Omar Associates. The Qalco-acquired in Grupo Globo, brazil’s largest media Winter Games in ’22 and all Olympics team will be known as Lahore Qalandars. group which has acquired rights through to ’32. Rolex supports Le Mans race Luxury Swiss watch brand rolex signed a deal to become an official partner of the FIA World Endurance Premiership plays championship (WEc), the series of long-distance sports car races that on with Nike winter!EATHEr-rELATED as you warm up, you will avoid includes the world famous Le mans Nike announced an extension to its excuses are some of the excessive sweating, which can 24 Hour race. The sponsorship will partnership with the English Premier Wmost common reasons cause you to feel cold, especially see rolex sponsor the race from League. The US sports giant will that walkers do not venture out. later during your walk. Then you 2016 and also receive exposure at continue to supply balls for a further but with the right clothing, almost can replace layers as you cool down the other eight race meetings that three seasons. It will also support the any type of weather can be ideal for to remain warm. Try the following make up the series. Premier League Players’ Kit Scheme from next season. The scheme, walking. The key to staying warm three-step layering system on your funded by the players, has supplied when you are walking in cold next walk. With the right clothing, over 4,200 schools and local teams temperatures is to be dry and that you might even enjoy winter with kits since its inception in 2011. is exactly what layered clothing walking! And do not forget to cover INITIATIVE helps you do. by removing layers your ears, hands and head. MoneyGram FIRST LAYER or a wool blend that snow. A waterproof provides warmth while or water-resistant Football to Save the Children! backs handball Start with a light wicking away moisture. (depending on where synthetic fabric, (Avoid cotton, because you live) breathable HE European club FOr HOPE’ campaign invited efforts to assist child refugees Alibaba partners International money exchange such as cool-max or it stays wet). Depending jacket and pants, like Association (EcA) presented the 2015-16 UEFA champions across Europe. firm moneyGram will sponsor polypropylene, closest Club World Cup on the temperature, you those made of Gore-Tex, Ta cheque for €1.3m to Save League and Europa League The cheque was handed over the men’s European to your skin. It will pull may want insulating will keep you warm the children and UNIcEF as part group-stage participants to during the champions League Alibaba E-Auto, the car brand Handball sweat away from your bottoms, too. You can and dry. Look for styles of its ‘90 mINUTES FOr HOPE’ donate €1 for every ticket sold match between Olympiacos of chinese e-commerce group championship skin and allow it to dry also select different with vents that you can in Poland from initiative. The amount will be at their first home match in and Arsenal at the Karaiskakis Alibaba, is the presenting partner of quickly. thickness levels for easily open and close to January 15 to 31, shared evenly between both support of the current refugee Stadium in Piraeus in the the ongoing FIFA club World cup more or less insulation, stay comfortable. Velcro in Osaka and Yokohama, Japan. 2016. A total of organisations. crisis in Europe. The €1.3m raised presence of senior officials SECOND LAYER or double up on this or drawstrings at your It signed an eight-year deal and 48 matches will be Launched at the beginning by the clubs will benefit Save from EcA, both clubs, Save the played by 16 national This is your insulation. layer if it is really cold. waist and wrists will will enjoy branding and rights to teams. Look for a fleece, also prevent cold air of September, the ‘90 mINUTES the children and UNIcEF in their children and UNIcEF. present the man-of-the-match sweater or sweatshirt THIRD LAYER from sneaking in. award at each game. made of a synthetic This one protects you — Harvard Medical — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment fabric like Polartec, from wind, rain or School www.csm.com @FastTrack_ME SOCIAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGY OFFBEAT Facebook at Work? Keeper pays penalty Robot-made shoes soon AcEbOOK at Work, Facebook Inc’s professional GErmAN factory operated but adidas now wants to version of its social network, is expected to largely by robots will make bring production back closer Flaunch in the coming months, after spending a after saving penalty! Aits first 500 pairs of running to its major markets to meet year in tests, a company executive said. shoes for adidas early next year as demands for faster delivery of new The new service, geared up towards workplace UGSbUrG goalkeeper In the moments before the kick, the sportswear company seeks to cut styles as well as counter rising wages collaboration, is nearly identical to its ubiquitous social Marwin Hitz, who sabotaged Hitz used his studs to break up the labour costs and speed up delivery to in Asia and higher shipping costs. network, with a scrolling news ‘feed’, ‘likes’ and a chat Athe cologne pitch before turf around the penalty spot, in fashion-conscious consumers. The new ‘Speedfactory’ in the service. saving a penalty which helped his full view of referee Daniel Siebert, Founded by German cobbler Adi southern town of Ansbach near its However, the new version will maintain special side’s away win last week, has been which led to modeste slipping in Dassler in 1949, adidas has shifted bavarian headquarters will start profiles that are distinct from their existing Facebook billed for damaging the turf. the same spot when he took the most of its production from Europe production in the first half of 2016 profiles. The company is also developing exclusive bavaria’s Augsburg poached a spot kick. to Asia and now relies on more of a robot-made running shoe that products for Facebook at Work, including security 1-0 bundesliga win after cologne’s The maintenance company in than one million workers in contract combines a machine-knitted upper tools. Facebook started beta-testing the service in French striker Anthony modeste charge of cologne’s rhein Energie factories, particularly in china and and springy ‘boost’ sole made from a January and has kept it as a free, “invite-only” service slipped while taking a penalty on 58 Stadion has sent him a bill for Vietnam. bubble-filled polyurethane foam. for companies so far. minutes which Hitz saved. €122.92. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 35

barcelona are aiming to become the world’s Barcelona highest earning club in the next six years and are determined to counter England’s Premier League, aim €1bn club president Josep maria bartomeu said. The in revenue Spanish giants will make about €600m this year, but bartomeu told the Financial Times newspaper he was aiming to lift this to €1bn by 2021.

PARTNERSHIP CAMEO Grupo Globo in key deal Qalco acquires Pakistan T20 franchisee The Pakistan cricket board generated $93m from the rAZILIAN media conglomerate across all broadcast platforms sale of the five franchisee teams in the Pakistan Super Grupo Globo signed a deal to including free-to-air television (on a League Twenty20 competition, to be held in the UAE Bbroadcast the Summer and non-exclusive basis) and subscription from February 4 to 23 next year. The rights to the Winter Olympics over all platforms television, Internet and mobile (on an franchisees, named after Pakistani cities, have been until 2032, the International Olympic exclusive basis),” the IOc said. sold to the following buyers; Lahore — Qatar Lubricants committee (IOc) said last week. The agreement covers the co (Qalco), Islamabad — Leonine Global Sports, Karachi “The agreement continues the Pyeongchang Winter Games in ’18, — Salman Iqbal, chief executive of ArY Group, Peshawar — Javed Afridi, chief executive of Haier IOc’s long-term partnership with Tokyo Summer Games in ’20, beijing Group, Quetta — Omar Associates. The Qalco-acquired Grupo Globo, brazil’s largest media Winter Games in ’22 and all Olympics team will be known as Lahore Qalandars. group which has acquired rights through to ’32. Rolex supports Le Mans race Luxury Swiss watch brand rolex signed a deal to become an official partner of the FIA World Endurance Premiership plays championship (WEc), the series of long-distance sports car races that on with Nike includes the world famous Le mans Nike announced an extension to its 24 Hour race. The sponsorship will partnership with the English Premier see rolex sponsor the race from League. The US sports giant will 2016 and also receive exposure at continue to supply balls for a further the other eight race meetings that three seasons. It will also support the make up the series. Premier League Players’ Kit Scheme from next season. The scheme, funded by the players, has supplied over 4,200 schools and local teams INITIATIVE with kits since its inception in 2011. MoneyGram Football to Save the Children! backs handball HE European club FOr HOPE’ campaign invited efforts to assist child refugees Alibaba partners International money exchange Association (EcA) presented the 2015-16 UEFA champions across Europe. Club World Cup firm moneyGram will sponsor Ta cheque for €1.3m to Save League and Europa League The cheque was handed over the men’s European the children and UNIcEF as part group-stage participants to during the champions League Alibaba E-Auto, the car brand Handball of its ‘90 mINUTES FOr HOPE’ donate €1 for every ticket sold match between Olympiacos of chinese e-commerce group championship in Poland from initiative. The amount will be at their first home match in and Arsenal at the Karaiskakis Alibaba, is the presenting partner of January 15 to 31, shared evenly between both support of the current refugee Stadium in Piraeus in the the ongoing FIFA club World cup in Osaka and Yokohama, Japan. 2016. A total of organisations. crisis in Europe. The €1.3m raised presence of senior officials It signed an eight-year deal and 48 matches will be Launched at the beginning by the clubs will benefit Save from EcA, both clubs, Save the will enjoy branding and rights to played by 16 national of September, the ‘90 mINUTES the children and UNIcEF in their children and UNIcEF. present the man-of-the-match teams. award at each game. — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment www.csm.com @FastTrack_ME SOCIAL MEDIA OFFBEAT Facebook at Work? Keeper pays penalty AcEbOOK at Work, Facebook Inc’s professional version of its social network, is expected to Flaunch in the coming months, after spending a after saving penalty! year in tests, a company executive said. The new service, geared up towards workplace UGSbUrG goalkeeper In the moments before the kick, collaboration, is nearly identical to its ubiquitous social Marwin Hitz, who sabotaged Hitz used his studs to break up the network, with a scrolling news ‘feed’, ‘likes’ and a chat Athe cologne pitch before turf around the penalty spot, in service. saving a penalty which helped his full view of referee Daniel Siebert, However, the new version will maintain special side’s away win last week, has been which led to modeste slipping in profiles that are distinct from their existing Facebook billed for damaging the turf. the same spot when he took the profiles. The company is also developing exclusive bavaria’s Augsburg poached a spot kick. products for Facebook at Work, including security 1-0 bundesliga win after cologne’s The maintenance company in tools. Facebook started beta-testing the service in French striker Anthony modeste charge of cologne’s rhein Energie January and has kept it as a free, “invite-only” service slipped while taking a penalty on 58 Stadion has sent him a bill for for companies so far. minutes which Hitz saved. €122.92. 36 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 37

CLOSE-UP AFP/Justin Tallis AFP/Justin

šŠKnockout punch! France’s Yvan mendy lands a punch on britain’s Luke campbell during their International Lightweight boxing championship match in London. mendy won the bout on a split AFP/Marty Melville AFP/Marty Pennant Franck AFP/ decision. š Ţ šFollow through! šOpening salvo! ššCentre of attraction! New Zealand’s Doug bracewell Hosts Leicester city’s Jamie Vardy celebrates Hosts Toulon players try to block bowls to Sri Lanka’s Kusal mendis after scoring against chelsea during their Leinster’s Josh Van Der Flier, centre, during the first of two-Test cricket English Premier League football match. during their European rugby champions series in Dunedin. New Zealand won Leicester won 2-1 to regain the top spot, cup tie in France. Toulon won 24-9. by 122 runs. which they had briefly surrendered to Arsenal. ŠŠEyes on the ball! china’s Ding Ning serves to compatriot chen meng during the World Tour Grand Finals table tennis title clash in Odivelas, Portugal. Ding won 13-11, 10-12, 11-7, 11-2,

9-11, 11-7. Leong Francisco AFP/

şŠHair rising! Philippine mavericks’ Ajla Tomljanovic returns to UAE royals’ Kristina mladenovic during their International Premier Tennis League tie in Dubai. mladenovic won 6-2.

ŠŠGive me way! congo’s christianne mwasesa mwange, centre, tries to shoot past German blockers during their World Handball championship tie in Kolding, Denmark. Germany won

REUTERS/Andrew Yates REUTERS/Andrew Sahib AFP/Karim 37-17. Jonathan Nackstrand AFP/ www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 37 AFP/Justin Tallis AFP/Justin

ŠŠEyes on the ball! china’s Ding Ning serves to compatriot chen meng during the World Tour Grand Finals table tennis title clash in Odivelas, Portugal. Ding won 13-11, 10-12, 11-7, 11-2,

9-11, 11-7. Leong Francisco AFP/

şŠHair rising! Philippine mavericks’ Ajla Tomljanovic returns to UAE royals’ Kristina mladenovic during their International Premier Tennis League tie in Dubai. mladenovic won 6-2.

ŠŠGive me way! congo’s christianne mwasesa mwange, centre, tries to shoot past German blockers during their World Handball championship tie in Kolding, Denmark. Germany won

AFP/Karim Sahib AFP/Karim 37-17. Jonathan Nackstrand AFP/ 38 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 39

1 5 9 6 7 9 7 5 It is your turn now. Tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSP. MIND 1 SQUARE Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE 1 2 4 5 2 6 1 6 4 2

P 12 | FOOTBALL P 24 | MOTORSPORT XAVI, mARCA LEGEND THE END OF AN ERA 2 Al Sadd’s Spanish midfield maestro Xavi France’s nine-time World Rally Championship Hernandez wins the Marca Legend award winner Sebastien Loeb’s 15-year-long for his outstanding contribution to the game. association with Citroen comes to an end. SUDOKU-503 8 5 9 Wakrah Stadium udoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 1 5 9 6 7 3 8 9 4 1 WEDNESDAY, DECEmbER 9, 2015 | Vol X | No.45 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on 9x9 grid with several given numbers. contractor named The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in S 9 7 5 The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL), which the empty squares so that each row, each column and

is in charge of the 2022 FIFA World Cup-related infrastructure

each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. projects, on Tuesday named MIDMAC, in a joint venture with

All’s 1 PORR QATAR, as the Main Contractor (MC) for the Al Wakrah

Stadium. Solution-502 well The Qatar 2022 World Cup Local Organising Committee and visiting FIFA delegation meet to discuss several topics aimed SCDL Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi, Technical Delivery at laying the foundation for a successful tournament. 1 2 4 PAGES 6-7 Office Chairman Hilal Al Kuwari, Vice-Chairman Yasir Al Jamal, 5 7 4 2 9 1 8 3 6 MIDMAC General Manager Raghib Kublawi and PORR QATAR 1 9 3 8 5 6 4 7 2 Financial Managing Director Marc Krouse were among those 5 2 6 1 present at the signing ceremony held at the Al Bida Tower.

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 10 | FOOTBALL P 20 | POSTER Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Standing firm RAVICHANDRAN The proposed 40,000-seater stadium, which captures the Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE 6 8 2 3 4 7 1 9 5 Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW in convictions! ASHWIN essence of an Arabian dhow, will host matches up to the 9 3 5 4 6 2 7 8 1 6 4 2 quarterfinals. Gamal Mohamed sent the details and photograph. 8 4 6 1 7 3 2 5 9 2 New World Cup stadiums 7 2 1 5 8 9 6 4 3 will attract global attention 2 5 9 7 1 8 3 6 4 8 5 9 The 2022 FIFA World cup in Qatar is sure to give 3 6 7 9 2 4 5 1 8 players and fans a unique experience (Doha 4 1 8 6 3 5 9 2 7 3 8 9 4 1 Stadium Plus, December 9). The new stadiums are going to be architectural beauties because of their unique designs. ADLQ gets stamp of approval Qatar has already earned reputation as a top The Anti-Doping Lab Qatar (ADLQ) officials to the network of WADA-accredited laboratories. sports destination. We’ve some of the world’s best received the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) With this, the ADLQ becomes the 35th sports facilities, including the ASPIrE Academy, and accreditation certificate from its president Craig WADA-accredited laboratory,” said Reedie. the new World cup stadiums are sure to attract Reedie at a ceremony held in Doha on Tuesday. ADLQ Chairman Dr Mohammed Ghanim Al Ali Al global attention. The ADQL, which was set up in 2012, had become Maadheed, General Manager Dr Mohammed Al a WADA-accredited lab in August after completing Sayrafi and Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary TOP TWEETS Mohammed Mousa, Doha. the formalities, which included multiple site visits General Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari were and participation in external quality assessment among the dignitaries present. scheme. Mohammed Hussain sent the details and Dedicated to the core “We’re pleased to formally welcome the ADLQ photographs. I was a big fan of Gianfranco Zola during his time Just when Arsenal fans thought their luck has turned after with English Premier League side chelsea and recent impressive results, they drew champions Barcelona it’s absolutely great to see him doing well in 5in the knockout7 4 stage of2 UEFA Champions9 1 League. 8 Equally 3 6 Doha as Al Arabi’s coach (Doha Stadium Plus, unbelievable was the fact that Chelsea were again drawn December 9). against Paris Saint-Germain — who sent them crashing last 1year at 9the same3 stage —8 for the5 third time6 in a 4row. Fast-7 2 As a player, Zola was dedicated to the core and improving Juventus, last year’s surprise finalists, drew Bayern some of those qualities are seen in Arabi, who’re Munich while Real Madrid have Roma as their opponents. now a transformed side. Arabi made the right 6Real’s city8 rivals 2 Atletico 3got an easy4 fixture7 against1 PSV 9while 5 decision in hiring a coach like him. The results have Manchester City will play Dynamo Kiev. Wolfsburg and Gent been impressive and the Italian can take credit for got the easiest of opponents in each other while Benfica and inculcating a fighting spirit in the players. I wish 9Zenit St3 Petersburg 5 too won’t4 be 6too unhappy2 playing7 each8 1 him all success. Hosts IBQ go down in a thriller other. Here are some reactions on Twitter about the draw. Yousuf Muftah, Doha. Force India beat IBQ by five runs in a In other matches, Hanan XII beat Engineering 8 4 6 1 7 3 2 5 9 nail-biting finish in the opening match Supplies by 23 runs and QALCO defeated of 11th IBQ Masters Twenty20 Cricket Serandep A by four runs. Bleacher Report UK Squawka News Champions League Why is Dortmund-Porto Boost for fencing Tournament. Put in to bat, Force India scored IBQ AGM Chandramohan Pillai was the chief @br_uk @SquawkaNews 7 @ championsLeague2 1 5 8in the 9Europa League6 and4 3 The Qatar Fencing Federation (QFF) should be 125 for nine. Akalanka then ran through the guest at the inauguration. Arsenal: make a miraculous Arsenal club Secretary at the Allegri, Juve: “bayern are Wolfsburg-Gent in the IBQ batting order with a four-wicket haul, Naved Munir sent the details and lauded for its efforts in promoting the sport (Doha group-stage escape. champions League draw: one of the best in the world. champions League? Football restricting them to 120 for nine. photograph. Draw barcelona. #UcLDraw “I was told by family if we 2Getting 5 past them9 would7 put 1is upside8 down.3 #U cLdraw6 4 Stadium Plus, December 9). draw barcelona don’t come us among the favourites.” The QFF has been organising a Grand Prix every David Seaman home.” #UcL Pirate Steve year and it has definitely helped the sport grow @thedavidseaman 15h15 3 6 7 9 2@asief17 4 5 1 8 in the country. I’ve seen a lot of youngsters taking hours ago Arsenal News Mario Gotze Every year the champions interest to practise fencing in Doha. Lucas and Muzavazi At least we won’t have @__arsenalnews_ @marioGoetze league must throw in a barcelona in the final!!!!! The reason we are in the 4m ario 1Götze 8 6 3zenit vs5 benfica, 9 or a gent2 vs 7 Qatar’s support towards all disciplines and champions League is to Tough match ahead in the wolfsburg. It’s laughable. particularly its efforts in encouraging women emerge champions OptaJoe play teams like barcelona @championsLeague against sports is truly praiseworthy. @OptaJoe and not teams like Qarabag! Juventus. big games!! - Andrew S Carlo Alfonso, Doha. Jean-Dominique Lucas and Henry Muzavazi emerged as 1 - Arsenal have won #cOYG looking forward!! #JUVFcb @a_stoth champions in the Flight A and B category respectively in only one of their seven @Fcbayern Gent v Wolfsburg represents the Qatar Golf Lovers stroke play tournament. Fifty two champions League The30Duke a rare case where both sides Passion for cricket competitors were seen in action at the Doha Golf Club. games against barcelona. @DukeLFc Edin Dzeko got the team they wanted in Mike Saretsky won the longest putt award and Cliff Predictable. chelsea fans seem happy, @EdDzeko the champions League. The Second Gcc Women’s T20 cricket Brenton claimed the longest drive honour while Pavan reading the draw all wrong. @championsLeague is all championship reflected the passion for the game Singh and Simon Rowlands bagged the closest to rope Wenger Knows Best It’s PSG not PSV. about big games. Next 2 Georgie in Doha. It’s nice that Qatar is taking a big initiative and closest to pin prize respectively. @wengerknowsbest against @realmadrid will be @FutbolSloth to encourage women’s participation in it (Doha P K Mathew sent the details and photograph. Is it little bit harsh to get ESPN FC exactly that! Looking forward could have been facing KAA Stadium Plus, December 9). barcelona in the champions @ESPNFc to it! Gent on a champions League Such tournaments are sure to boost the sport’s League draw? Yes. but it PSG star @Ibra_official called night, instead we have development and will also encourage women to could have been worse. At chelsea “babies” last time Alex Hylton midtjylland on a Europa least it wasn’t monaco. out. Time for revenge? @AlexParisHylton League night. The horror. come to the forefront in all walks of life. Naseem Ahmed, Doha. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 16, 2015 39

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Wakrah Stadium contractor named

The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL), which is in charge of the 2022 FIFA World Cup-related infrastructure projects, on Tuesday named MIDMAC, in a joint venture with PORR QATAR, as the Main Contractor (MC) for the Al Wakrah Stadium. SCDL Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi, Technical Delivery Office Chairman Hilal Al Kuwari, Vice-Chairman Yasir Al Jamal, MIDMAC General Manager Raghib Kublawi and PORR QATAR Financial Managing Director Marc Krouse were among those present at the signing ceremony held at the Al Bida Tower. The proposed 40,000-seater stadium, which captures the essence of an Arabian dhow, will host matches up to the quarterfinals. Gamal Mohamed sent the details and photograph.

ADLQ gets stamp of approval The Anti-Doping Lab Qatar (ADLQ) officials to the network of WADA-accredited laboratories. received the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) With this, the ADLQ becomes the 35th accreditation certificate from its president Craig WADA-accredited laboratory,” said Reedie. Reedie at a ceremony held in Doha on Tuesday. ADLQ Chairman Dr Mohammed Ghanim Al Ali Al The ADQL, which was set up in 2012, had become Maadheed, General Manager Dr Mohammed Al a WADA-accredited lab in August after completing Sayrafi and Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary the formalities, which included multiple site visits General Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari were and participation in external quality assessment among the dignitaries present. scheme. Mohammed Hussain sent the details and “We’re pleased to formally welcome the ADLQ photographs.

Hosts IBQ go down in a thriller Force India beat IBQ by five runs in a In other matches, Hanan XII beat Engineering nail-biting finish in the opening match Supplies by 23 runs and QALCO defeated of 11th IBQ Masters Twenty20 Cricket Serandep A by four runs. Tournament. Put in to bat, Force India scored IBQ AGM Chandramohan Pillai was the chief 125 for nine. Akalanka then ran through the guest at the inauguration. IBQ batting order with a four-wicket haul, Naved Munir sent the details and restricting them to 120 for nine. photograph.

Lucas and Muzavazi emerge champions Jean-Dominique Lucas and Henry Muzavazi emerged as champions in the Flight A and B category respectively in the Qatar Golf Lovers stroke play tournament. Fifty two competitors were seen in action at the Doha Golf Club. Mike Saretsky won the longest putt award and Cliff Brenton claimed the longest drive honour while Pavan Singh and Simon Rowlands bagged the closest to rope and closest to pin prize respectively. P K Mathew sent the details and photograph. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

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His Highness His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Father Emir Emir of the State of Qatar

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