SPORT

Thursday 23 November 2017

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 32-33 PAGE | 36 A ustralia quicks ‘moreore Liverpool could SheikhSh Ali returns to his nasty than Johnson’,’, have done ‘favourite’‘favou hunting ground says captain Smith better: Klopp as riders eye glory Seven-star PSG thrash Celtic

eymar scored UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE three adrift of Paris a double as St Germain. Paris St Ger- Yesterday’s results Heynckes, who main extended CSKA Moscow 2 - 0 Benfica led Bayern to a tre- their perfect FK Qarabag 0 - 4 Chelsea ble in 2013, took NChampions League record over last month fol- FC Basel 1 - 0 Man Utd with a 7-1 home demolition lowing the sacking PSG 7 - 1 Celtic of Celtic yesterday. of Carlo Ancelotti The Brazilian forward, Anderlecht 1 - 2 Bayern Munich and quickly turned Edinson Cavani, who also Atletico Madrid 2 - 0 Roma their season around. scored twice, Kylian Juventus 0 - 0 Barcelona Meanwhile, in Mbappe, Marco Verratti Sporting 3 - 0 Olympiakos Turin, Barcelona and Dani Alves all found allowed themselves the back of the net after the luxury of starting Moussa Dembele’s early most prolific team in the with Lionel Messi on the opener for the visitors as Champions League group bench and still held out PSG powered on to 15 phase with 24 goals. comfortably for a 0-0 draw points from five games. In the other Group B at Juventus to reach the last They lead second- fixture yesterday, Robert 16 yesterday. placed Bayern Munich, Lewandowski and Coren- Barcelona, who who won 2-1 at Anderlecht, tin Tolisso scored to earn brought on Messi early in by three points before they already-qualified Bayern the second half, enjoyed play in Germany with Munich a scrappy 2-1 win long spells of possession Group B’s first place at at Anderlecht, stretching against a lacklustre Juve in stake. their winning streak under a dull Group D match Celtic got off to a dream coach Jupp Heynckes to which saw both teams start when Dembele nine matches in all apparently happy to play opened the scoring in the competitions. for a draw. first mninute from a cor- Lewandowski put the Juventus, who are sec- ner, but PSG reacted visitors ahead six minutes ond, will qualify for the last swiftly. after halftime but Sofiane 16 unless they lose at Neymar levelled with a Hanni’s volley on the hour Olympiakos in their final low shot after being set up gave the Belgians, who had game and Sporting beat by Adrien Rabiot and dou- missed a bagful of golden Barcelona away. bled the tally in the 22nd chances in the first half, Sporting kept alive after a one-two with their first Champions their hopes by beating Verratti. League goal of the Olympiakos 3-1 in Lisbon Cavani made it 3-1 six season. in the other game with Bas minutes later from close France’s Tolisso, how- Dort scoring twice. Paris Saint-Germain’s range with Mbappe adding ever, rose high to head in a Barcelona, 3-0 winners Brazilian striker Neymar another in the 35th from Joshua Kimmich cross in over Juve in their previous celebrates after scoring his second Marquinhos’s cross. the 77th minute and leave meeting in the group, have goal against Glasgow Celtic during their The Uruguayan striker, Anderlecht bottom of the 11 points followed by Juve UEFA Champions League Group B football Verratti and Alves scored group and without a point on eight, Sporting on seven match played at Parc des Princes Stadium in again after the break as from five matches. and eliminated Olympia- Paris yesterday. PSG became the Bayern are on 12 points, kos on one. Giants Al Duhail, Al Sadd eye win in key clash

Fawad Hussain supremacy in round 9 of the QNB glimpse of it in their previous clash The Peninsula Stars League (QSL) at Al Sadd Sta- when they thrashed Umm Salal 4-1 dium tomorrow. despite conceding an early goal last parks are bound to fly when Al Duhail are in top form and week. giants Al Duhail square off with have so far crushed most of their Ferreira is happy with his team’s Sfootball powerhouse Al Sadd opponents in one-sided affairs after performance against Umm Salal and in a battlebattle scoringscoring fluflurry of goals. the Portuguese is hoping for a good forf o r TheThe RedRe Knights, who are lead- show against Al Duhail. inging thethe pointspo standings with 22 “We got a good win. The number points frfromo seven victories and a of goals doesn’t matter. What’s draw,draw, havehav so far scored a total of important is the three points. I’m 33 goals. AAl Sadd have 21 points from happy that we scored four goals as sevenseven wiwinsn and are only behind Al it hasn’t happened before,” said the DuhailDuhail ddueue to their loss in Qatar Cla- Portuguese, expressing concern that sicosico agai againstn Al Rayyan recently. international commitments were CoachCoach Djamel Belmadi’s side is taking their toll on his players in expectedexpected toto enter the ‘Match-of-the- league matches. Week’Week’ agagainsta Xavi-led Al Sadd with “We should know that there are thethe aggressiveaggres approach seen in the exhausted players who aren’t phys- earlyearly part of the season. ically fit after playing for their ForFor AlAl Duhail, feared striker national teams recently. I hope the YoussefYoY ussef ElE Arabi is expected to be team is at full strength before the Al Sadd coach thethe didifferencefff er between the two beginning of second phase,” Ferreira Jesualdo Ferreira sides,sides, havinghavi pumped in 14 goals so said. far.far.r Meanwhile, the other fixtures WhileWhW ile Al Duhail will be target- tomorrow will see Al Markhiya tak- Gharafa to keep their hunt for a title inging to retainrete a their top position with ing on Al Arabi and Al Khor meeting intact. QNB Stars League fixtures a win,wiin,n AlAl Sadd,S on the other hand, Al Sailiya. Former champions Al Gharafa willwiw ll alsoalso haveh their eyes on full 3 Saturday’s matches include a have so far registered just one vic- Tomorrow popointsints wwhichh will enable them to clash between Al Kharaitiyat and Al tory and they will have to pull up 4:00pm Al Markhiya vs Al Arabi at Al Arabi Stadium reachrereach thethe top of the standings. Ahli besides a game between Al their socks to cherish any hope of 4:00pm Al Khor vs Al Sailiya at Al Khor Stadium TheT Wolves, coached by Rayyan and Al Gharafa. The other putting it across Al Rayyan who are 6:10pm Al Sadd vs Al Duhail at Al Sadd Stadium shsshrewdhr tactician Jesualdo match will be played between Umm coached by popular Dane Michael Saturday Ferreira,FFe have all the ingre- Salal and Qatar SC. Laudrup 4:00pm Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Ahli at Al Khor Stadium dientsdid to pull off a win Third-placed Al Rayyan, who The loss to Al Sailiya last week 4:00pm Umm Salal vs Qatar SC at Al Gharafa Stadium againstag an in-form Duhail also have 21 points, must be target- also saw the Cheetahs slip in the 6:10pm Al Rayyan vs Al Gharafa at Al Sadd Stadium Al Duhail coach teamtea as they have showed a ing a handsome victory over Al standings by one place to sixth. Djamel Belmadi 30 SPORT THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2017 First Test: The calm before the storm

Brisbane tain for the match. Reuters As to how Australia would Australia’s skipper deal with Warner’s absence, Steve Smith (left) he war of words that Smith gave no answer. and England has added spice to the The board later said all- captain Joe Root lead-up to cricket’s rounder Glenn Maxwell had been smile as they oldest enduring test rushed to Brisbane in readiness pose in Brisbane series will give way to to slot in if Warner failed to ahead of the first Tgenuine hostilities today when prove his fitness. Test of the Ashes bitter Ashes rivals Australia and Quite how Marsh’s potential Series. England march out in front of a absence would be covered packed crowd at the Gabba. remains up in the air. A temporary ceasefire was Before the Marsh news called yesterday as Australia broke, Root had said Warner’s captain Steve Smith and his Eng- injury would do nothing to land counterpart Joe Root paused change his team’s for photos under a blinding blue preparations. sky at the Brisbane stadium, but Root has seemed impervious both captains have been looking to the pressure of leading a team to land a psychological blow on regarded sceptically by cricket the eve of the first test. media in both countries, and he The customary photo oppor- has played a straight bat to the tunity may have been the only usual provocations from Austral- chance to get a clear image from ia’s pundits and players. the entire day, with smoke and Having taken one on the chin mirrors employed liberally by for England after a clash with the captains during the pre- Warner at a Birmingham bar in match media conferences. 2013, Root has gladly stuck it out Root steadfastly declined to again on the tour Down Under. name his side but the element of Yet as calmly as he praised surprise was lost some four his players for refusing to rise to hours later when the England Australia’s bait, his voice strayed and Wales Cricket Board briefly from its dependable mon- released the team on its website, otone as he chided the home with Nottingham bowler Jake side’s spinner Nathan Lyon for Ball beating out Craig Overton an attack on the team. as the fourth seamer. Taking no prisoners, Lyon Smith had earlier thrown a said on Tuesday that England’s Root, who was omitted for the “That’s not how I’d want my seen very real.” Another left-armer in Starc curve-ball by saying David former wicketkeeper Matt Prior Sydney Test during that series, players to go about things but The threat from Australia’s looms as England’s possible Warner, his vice-captain, opener had wanted to fly home early “dropped again”. that’s up to him to come out and pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat bogeyman this time round. and best batsman, remained in during the say that,” Root said in Cummins and Josh Hazlewood “It has been exciting watch- doubt for the Test as he battles 2013/14 series, response, a hint of a on a juicy Gabba deck is very ing them in the nets,” Smith said to recover from a neck strain. which the frown crossing the real, however. of Starc, Cummins and Hazle- Compounding the drama, tourists lost 26-year-old’s face. Paceman Mitchell Johnson wood. “(Compared) to 2013-14 Cricket Australia later revealed 5-0. “I think it’s slightly destroyed England with nine when Mitchell was bowling in the batsman Shaun Marsh had suf- He also out of character. I know wickets at the Gabba four years nets, these guys are just as nasty, fered a back strain at training joked that he Nathan from playing ago, setting the tone for a miser- if not more nasty to be perfectly yesterday and was also uncer- wanted to see club cricket but it doesn’t able series for the tourists. honest.”

A ustralia quicks The two teams Smith says The two teams announced yesterday ahead of the Warner will first Ashes Test between hosts Australia and England ‘more nasty than starting at the Gabba today: be OK for Johnson’, says Australia - David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Ashes opener Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Peter Hands- comb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Mitchell Starc, Pat Brisbane captain Smith Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon. AP

Brisbane England - Joe Root (capt), Moeen Ali, James ombative opener David AFP Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Stuart Broad, Warner is confident Alastair Cook, Dawid Malan, Mark Stoneman, James Che’ll overcome a neck ustralia’s “scary” fast bowlers are “more Vince, Chris Woakes strain to take his place for nasty” than Mitchell Johnson, skipper Australia in the Ashes series ASteve Smith said yesterday, echoing opener against England. repeated warnings to England ahead of the Warner hurt his neck dur- opening Ashes Test in Brisbane. ing a fielding practice session Much mention has been made of the aggres- at the Gabba on Tuesday but sive Johnson’s devastating bowling in the had recovered enough to bat 2013-2014 Ashes, when he took 37 wickets in in the nets on the eve of the Australia’s 5-0 series whitewash. match. Smith, who has personal experience of fac- “Dave is going well, he ing current quicks Mitchell Starc and Pat just had a hit just before, he Cummins in the nets, warned England to expect is very confident — he says another white-knuckle ride on a pace-friendly Root: What happened on ‘13-14 he’ll be right to go,” Australia Gabba pitch. skipper Steve Smith told a “It’s been exciting watching them bowl in news conference yesterday. the nets, I think back to 2013 when Mitchell “He’s improved a fair bit over (Johnson) was bowling in the nets, these guys Ashes tour, stays on that tour the last 24 hours and hope- are just as nasty, if not more nasty to be hon- fully he can keep improving est,” Smith told reporters yesterday. and be 100 percent. It’s part “A couple of net sessions I have had against Brisbane Root played the first four Tests of lacking an allrounder as backup like and parcel of playing cricket. Cummins and Starc have been quite scary, so AP that series, missing Australia’s victory the 2013-14 version had. Guys have injuries every now that is really exciting for us.” lap at the Sydney Cricket Ground. “Those guys (Starc, Hazlewood and and then, and have little Smith, who has the task of rotating his front- oe Root isn’t concerned about what Australian offspinner Nathan Lyon Cummins) I don’t think have played an niggles.” line bowlers to keep them fresh, says Starc, happened the last time England made a point of mentioning Root’s bat- Ashes series in Australia themselves, The Australians had Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been build- Jtoured Australia for the Ashes, or the ting issues the last time England was in so they are going to be under another concern yesterday ing up to the Gabba opener for some time and bombardment of banter in the buildup Australia. Root described Lyon’s com- pressure.” when recalled batsman Shaun are raring to go. to this series. ments as “a bit bizarre.” Root’s batting average is 53.76 in Marsh reported back soreness “The bowlers have certainly been looking Root, about to start his first Ashes “You can sort of see through it a lit- 60 Tests, but his average in Australia is after practice, a potential forward to this series,” Smith said. “It’s no real series as England captain, reckons it’s tle as well,” he said. “Whether it’s 27.42. He’s confident the experience he issue for the hosts because of secret that the three we have got in this Test all just “external noise.” maybe a team strategy or he’s just taken got three years ago will set him on a his history with back match have been on the radar for a very long England holds the Ashes after win- it upon himself to do that - who knows? better path. problems. time, they’ve been working up toward this. ning the 2015 series 3-2 at home, and The more guys talk going into a series, “It will be quite hostile and poten- Selectors decided to fly “They are here now, they’re fresh, they’re has had the better of cricket’s oldest the more they put pressure on tially slightly intimidating,” he said, “but Glenn Maxwell into Brisbane bowling fast and I think it is a really exciting high-profile bilateral contests in the last themselves.” it shouldn’t scare you.” as batting cover, leaving time for this team.” decade with four wins in the last five In 2013-14, Lyon supported a pace He said he wasn’t really daunted recently deposed Australian Off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who provoked a series. trio of Johnson, Ryan Harris and Peter by starting the series at a ground that opener Matthew Renshaw storm when he said Australia were out to “end It’s little wonder the Australians Siddle, and it was the fast bowlers who has become a cauldron for the Austral- free to play a domestic first- careers” for England players, will be a key man have focused their pre-Ashes chatter laid the foundation for the series win. ians, who haven’t lost a test at the class match for Queensland. to relieve the pace trio and allow them some on the 5-0 sweep they inflicted on Eng- The Australians are relying on a Gabba since 1988. England’s last Ashes Warner and Marsh were rest. land in 2013-14, when Mitchell Johnson pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh victory at the Brisbane venue was two expected to keep getting “I always like having the (all-rounder) option took 37 wickets and unsettled the tour- Hazlewood and Pat Cummins to do a years earlier in 1986. treatment overnight. but with England having a lot of left-handers ists with some terrifying pace similar job this time. “I think we’re about due aren’t we, If Warner is ruled out, Nathan Lyon is going to be an important bowler bowling. “These guys are just as nasty, if not to win here,” Root said. “It’s the reason Australia’s batting order will for us,” Smith said. “You hear a lot about these scars more nasty to be perfectly honest,” Aus- why Australia plays the first test of a have to be reshuffled. If Marsh “He’s been bowling particularly well and he’s but it’s a series which happened four tralia captain Steve Smith said. “A series here all the time, because they’ve misses the game, Maxwell probably been bowling as well as I have seen years ago,” Root said. “We’ve won four couple of the net sessions I have had got such a good record here. could replace him at No. 6. him bowl.” of the last five Ashes. I don’t know against Cummins and Starc have been “But what a way to start the series Smith, Lyon and Warner Smith, who has been urged to bowl more of whether (the Australians) are just try- quite scary.” if we can go one-up here, it really were part of the Australian his part-time leg-spinners during the series, said ing to brush that under the carpet or Root suggested there may be too upsets the apple cart. It could give us a squad which swept England he was also prepared to trundle down some what, but for me it’s completely irrel- much emphasis being placed on the lot of momentum going into the rest of 5-0 in the last Ashes series overs to help out. evant what happened four years ago.” Australian bowling group, which is it,” Root said. Down Under. THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2017 SPORT 31 32 SPORT THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2017 THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2017 SPORT 33 FIFA announces final draw assistants for Guardiola eyes milestone Russia 2018 WC Manchester won all six of their group games: “Hopefully they keep growing. Zurich Final Draw was revealed earlier AFP AC Milan in 1992, Paris Saint- They are still young. We don’t need QNA this month. Germain in 1994, Spartak to speed up the process of “The Final Draw is an exciting ep Guardiola set Man- Moscow in 1995, Barcelona in We play to win the growing. ith the eagerly awaited moment for all of us football fans chester City the target of 2002 and Real Madrid in 2011 “Today it’s their first game in the Final Draw for the for obvious reasons. But it is also a becoming the first Eng- and 2014. games and after Champions League. They’ll keep W2018 FIFA World Cup magical one because it allows us lish club to win all six of Guardiola fielded a side we will see how training with us and keep playing. in Moscow approaching, FIFA to look ahead to the big emotions their Champions League showing seven changes from Sat- we finish. We have I’ll put them on the pitch and we’ll has revealed the high-profile that await us during the World Cup Pgroup matches after they secured urday’s 2-0 win at Leicester City see in the future.” draw assistants who will be lend- while also bringing the spotlight to top spot in Group F. and it took until the dying stages one game left and The result means Feyenoord ing a helping hand on December those who have made history,” said Raheem Sterling struck in the at the Etihad Stadium for his we’re going to see cannot rescue even the consolation 1. FIFA president Gianni Infantino. 88th minute to give City a 1-0 win charges to wear Feyenoord what happens. prize of a berth in the Europa Laurent Blanc, Gordon “It is a great line-up and I am over Feyenoord on Tuesday, which down. League. Banks, Cafu, Fabio Cannavaro, delighted to have FIFA Legends -- allied to Shakhtar Donetsk’s 3-0 Sterling swapped passes with It’s been a good But having seen his players Postecoglou Diego Forlan, Diego Maradona from all of the former World Cup loss at Napoli -- guaranteed Guar- Ilkay Gundogan before haring experience for us. almost succeed in frustrating a team and Carles Puyol will be the foot- winning countries represented in diola’s side first place in the group. into the box and neatly lifting a Hopefully we can who are currently eight points clear balling royalty assisting draw the Final Draw show.” He wants his team to finish the shot over goalkeeper Brad Jones, walk away from in the Premier League, Feyenoord resigns six conductor Gary Lineker, who A combined 13 different finals job by winning away to Shakhtar his former Liverpool coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst will also be supported by Maria of the World Cup will be repre- on December 6 and is mindful that team-mate. the Champions could look on the bright side. Komandnaya, at Moscows State sented with the presence of the the Ukrainian club are still vying Including their victory on League with our “When you compare this to the Kremlin Palace. eight draw assistants in Moscow. with Napoli for the one remaining penalties over Wolverhampton first game, when we were pretty days after 2018 Together with trophy bearer Of the group, 91-year-old Nikita last 16 berth. Wanderers in the League Cup, heads held high: useless (losing 4-0 to City in Sep- Miroslav Klose, they will repre- Simonyan can lay claim to com- “We respect the competition. City have now won their last 17 Guardiola tember), it shows how far we have sent the eight FIFA World peting at the earliest edition, We respect Shakhtar and we games in all competitions. come in the Champions League,” he qualification Cup-winning nations, FIFA representing his country at Swe- respect Napoli,” Guardiola said. Guardiola used the occasion said. reported on its website. den 1958, while Diego Forlan “We play to win the games and to hand a debut to 17-year-old “There are clubs who will leave The eighth draw assistant is donned the colours of Uruguay after we will see how we finish. midfield starlet Phil Foden and a this stadium with their tail between Sydney Russian football legend Nikita at the most recent tournament, We have one game left and we’re first Champions League appear- their legs more than we have today. Reuters Simonyan, whose role in the Brazil 2014. going to see what happens. ance to 18-year-old Spanish their first appearances in the “Certainly we have met some “The important thing is 15 midfielder Brahim Diaz. Champions League. challenging opponents. We have ustralia were left without a coach seven points. We are now going to finish “I want to say a big congrat- “For the academy, all the guys met the best teams in the UK, Italy months before the World Cup finals yes- good in Shakhtar and win the ulations to the academy,” said the who’ve been working for a long and Ukraine. terday when Ange Postecoglou walked Rose was ‘fuming’ game. The draw, we’ll see. Last 16, City manager. time, the scouting, to search for “It’s been a good experience for awayA from the job after weeks of speculation it doesn’t matter which one. “All the club has to be so huge talents -- I put them on the us. Hopefully we can walk away Manchester City’s Phil Foden (left) comes on as a substitute to over his future. Always will be complicated.” proud to have two young play- field, but the guys who have from the Champions League with replace Yaya Toure as manager Pep Guardiola (centre) looks Postecoglou, who had come under fire as after being left out Only six teams have previously ers of 17, 18 years old making worked with them deserve credit. our heads held high.” on during their Champions League match against Feyenoord Australia failed to secure direct qualification to played at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain on Tuesday. Russia, announced his decision just a week after the Socceroos had sealed their spot with a 3-1 London reported in the British press. play-off win over Honduras. AFP “There’s been no bust-up, The 52-year-old spoke emotionally about there’s been no argument, there’s Seattle Sounders the toll the job had taken on his family but did ottenham’s Danny Rose been no falling out. The manager defender Gustav Nigeria to pay not otherwise elaborate on his reasons for said he was left “fuming” just explained that he thought it’d Svensson leaving. Tby his north London derby be better for me to do a hard ses- (centre) “After a great deal of thought and soul- snub but insists he understood sion on Saturday, which I did.” celebrates with $2.4m World searching, I’ve decided that the journey for me the decision and has not fallen “Me and the manager have team-mates after ends as Socceroos coach,” he told reporters at out with manager Mauricio not fallen out, not had an argu- scoring against Sydney Cricket Ground. Pochettino. ment,” he added. “I was angry Cup bonus “As I’ve said many times, it’s been the big- the Houston Rose was not even named on about not being involved in the gest privilege of my life and probably not the Dynamo in their the bench for Saturday’s defeat squad, but at the same time, I Abuja ending I had envisaged when we started. But at MLS Western to Arsenal as Pochettino felt he understand and I respect his AFP the same time, I know it’s the right time for me Conference would be better off doing a fit- views.” and the right decision.” ness session at the club’s training Rose played 90 minutes for Championship he Nigeria Football Federation will Graham Arnold, the coach of A-League ground. the first time since January match at BBVA pay players and officials a total of champions Sydney FC, and Tony Popovic, who The move prompted against Dortmund after spend- Compass $2.4m as a bonus for securing led Western Sydney Wanderers to the 2014 Stadium on T renewed speculation surround- ing nine months out with a knee qualification for the World Cup in Rus- Asian Champions League title before taking over ing the future of the England injury. Tuesday. sia, a spokesman said yesterday. at Turkish club Karabukspor this year, will be defender, who had to apologise He has only started three “The NFF have agreed to give the the leading local candidates to replace him. in August after suggesting he games for Tottenham since his team $2.4m out of the $8m we are Postecoglou ended a run of four foreign would be open to leaving Spurs. return but feels he is now ready expecting from FIFA,” said Ademola coaches when he was appointed eight months However, speaking after Tot- for a run in the team. Olajire. before the 2014 World Cup. He overhauled the tenham beat Borussia Dortmund Rose said he remained com- The NFF have also agreed other pay- side and took a young squad to Brazil where 2-1 in the Champions League on mitted to Tottenham this Seattle on brink of MLS ments and benefits to the team to avoid they lost all their matches but acquitted them- Tuesday, Rose sought to clarify season. a pay row that marred Nigeria’s partic- selves well. his reaction to missing out “Nothing’s changed,” he said. ipation at the 2014 World Cup in More improvement followed and six months against the Gunners. “Everyone just needs to under- final as Houston crash Brazil. later the Socceroos gave the country its first “My reaction was I was stand that me and the manager Next year’s World Cup will be Niger- major international soccer trophy by winning fuming, I was angry, but want the same thing for this sea- Los Angeles Rodriguez might have killed off ia’s sixth appearance at the global finals the Asian Cup on home soil. understanding at the same son -- we want to win something. AFP the tie but his injury-time shot and they have reached the knockout Postecoglou passed up several opportuni- time,” Rose said, in comments So I’m on the same page.” rattled the crossbar. Sevilla’s Guido Pizarro celebrates after scoring their third goal with team-mates Joaquin Correa and Gabriel Mercado as Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren, Jordan Henderson rounds three times, in 1994, 1998 and ties over the last month to refute a local media efending champions Seat- The result leaves Houston and Roberto Firmino look dejected during their Champions League match played in Seville, Spain on Tuesday. 2014. report that he was planning to step down and tle Sounders put one foot needing a miraculous turna- said on Wednesday he had been talked out of in the final of the MLS Cup round in next week’s second leg quitting immediately after the Honduras win. Smalling bids to regain Don Tuesday after outclassing in Seattle if they are to deny the Football Federation Australia chief David Houston Dynamo 2-0 in the first Sounders a second straight Former Everton Gallop said he was confused as to why Postec- leg of their Western Conference appearance in the MLS Cup oglou had decided to cut short his reign before Championship game. championships game. Liverpool could have done better: Klopp the end of his five-year contract next July. place in England squad First half goals from Gustav The winner from the West- and Portsmouth “I’m disappointed and I guess still a bit puz- Svensson and Will Bruin sealed ern Conference will play either Seville Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp atmosphere. zled, but I’m supportive of the notion that London a clinical win for the Sounders Toronto FC or Columbus Crew AFP reacts during the match on Tuesday. “Sevilla had to show character. sometimes you reach a point where you just AFP as Houston’s raucous home in the final. Toronto and Colum- If this is Anfield and we are 3-0 up it forward know that you need to do something new,” he crowd was silenced. bus played out a 0-0 draw in iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is different, but it was here and we said. anchester United A deserved win for Seattle their first leg in Ohio on defended his side’s mental It is not perfect let them come back in the game and Yakubu retires “It’s my privilege, on behalf of everyone in defender Chris Smalling could have been even more Tuesday. strength despite crumbling that is our main mistake.” Australian football, to thank Ange for the past (pictured) L tonight but it is not a M says he has emphatic had it not been for a Toronto arrived in Ohio with under the pressure of an inspired sec- Both sides remain in control of four years. Ange’s record speaks for itself.” nothing to prove despite the missed penalty from playmaker strikers Jozy Altidore and Sebas- ond-half Sevilla comeback to throw general problem. It their own destiny to reach the knock- London Greek-born but Australian through and shock of losing his England place Nicolas Lodeiro on the half hour tian Giovinco both suspended. away a three-goal lead in Spain on just happened. In this out stages with a point also enough Reuters through, Postecoglou said he had taken great and seeing his ability publicly mark. The lack of an attacking out- Tuesday. for Sevilla to progress when they pride in proving that a local could do the job. questioned by manager Gareth Houston were also forced to let saw Toronto content to sit A thrilling 3-3 draw leaves Liv- atmosphere we need travel to Maribor on matchday six. ormer Portsmouth and Everton He said he would be looking for a new post in Southgate. play most of the match with only back for much of the contest with erpool still on top of Champions to get more and more “From tomorrow on we will forward Yakubu Aiyegbeni has club football, probably abroad. The 27-year-old, capped 31 10 men after Jalil Anibaba was Columbus goalkeeper Zack Stef- League Group E, but means a point experience: Klopp know we have a point more,” added Fretired from professional soccer “Whether people like it or not, it’s undeni- times for England, was over- United’s Champions League clash dismissed for hauling down fen not required to make a single is still required when the English side Klopp. on his 35th birthday. able that we play different football today than looked for recent friendlies in Basel yesterday, said he was Joevin Jones with the Seattle save all night. host Spartak Moscow on December “It feels like we’ve lost the game, Yakubu, who also played for Mid- we did four years ago. They have been my mark- against Germany and Brazil confident he could force his way player bearing down on goal. At the other end, Toronto 6 to book their place in the last 16 for we haven’t, but just ask Sevilla dlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers, made ers all along,” Postecoglou added. because of concerns over his into Southgate’s thoughts for the Seattle took the lead after goalkeeper Alexander Bono res- the first time in nine seasons. because they feel like they’ve won 250 Premier League appearances and “I know that everyone was hanging on that passing despite impressing for World Cup in Russia next year. only 11 minutes, with Swedish cued his team five minutes from And Klopp blamed Liverpool’s the game and they didn’t.” scored 96 goals in a career spanning 20 one result last week to measure whether I was United this season. “I play for one of the biggest midfielder Svensson leaping high time, denying a close-range lack of Champions League experi- Sevilla will qualify no matter years and featured three times for successful or not, but ... bigger things were driv- “You don’t play for one of the clubs and under one of the most to meet Lodeiro’s corner from effort from Harrison Afful with ence in recent seasons for the way Wissam Ben Yedder headed what they do in Slovenia as long as fourth-tier side Coventry City this year ing me when I took this job. And from that biggest clubs in the world for as successful managers in Jose the left. a superb reflex save. they folded after a Roberto Firmino home Ever Banega’s free-kick and Spartak don’t win at Anfield and Ber- before being released. perspective, I’ve accomplished what I wanted long as I have and probably won (Mourinho),” he said in com- Houston got a reprieve when Crew had also threatened double either side of Sadio Mane’s then slotted home from the penalty final on penalties against the “They are human beings,” he izzo hopes his side’s late equaliser “I would like to officially announce to do.” the most trophies bar the Cham- ments reported by British Lodeiro saw his spot-kick turned early in the second half, when header had given them a 3-0 lead spot to reduce the arrears, before Italians. added of his players’ complacency forces a backlash from Liverpool. my retirement from professional foot- Gallop said there was plenty of time to find pions League without being able newspapers. away by Dynamo goalkeeper Joe Pedro Santos went down after inside half an hour. Guido Pizarro prodded home a stop- “It was an incredible, memora- after half-time. “Our draw conditions the game ball today,” Yakubu told Sky Sports a replacement before the Socceroos played their to do everything a top defender He added: “While I’m play- Willis, but Seattle remained on dribbling around Bono. “It is not perfect tonight but it is page-time equaliser to extend ble match,” said Sevilla boss Eduardo “Maybe it was misjudgement in between Liverpool and Spartak. yesterday. next match in March, adding there were no needs to do, be it playing or ing regularly and he’s happy I top. Ola Kamara latched onto the not a general problem,” said the Sevilla’s year-long unbeaten run at Berizzo. controlling the game. You cannot “Liverpool aren’t qualified and The powerful striker scored 21 goals guarantees that an Australian would get the job. defending,” he said. think, if my season carries on like Three minutes before half- loose ball and shot at goal, but German. home to delirious scenes at the “We managed to transform all become passive in a game like this need to go to win the game, but we in 57 appearances for Nigeria and took “It’s important that we get the right person “This year, as a team, we’ve this and we have a successful time, Jones found space on the his effort was blocked by Toronto “It just happened. In this atmos- Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. pessimism into optimism and appeal because the second half is too long. have to try to win in Maribor no mat- part in four Africa Cup of Nations as well to fill the big shoes,” Gallop said. got one of the best defensive season and our team continues left and swung in a pinpoint cross defender Drew Moor. phere we need to get more and more “Hope AC Milan watched it,” Ben to the heart and soul of the team.” “It is not the first time it has hap- ter what happens in the other match. as the 2010 World Cup. “One thing I do know is that the standards records and we have done for the to concede very few goals, then that Bruin met with a header that Santos -- who had appealed experience. Yedder cheekily posted on Twitter Klopp, meanwhile, was left to rue pened in football, it will not be the “The point and the performance “The Yak... is 3rd best all time scorer that Ange set in training, in sports science, in last few years and I’m very proud I think it gives him maybe no wrongfooted Willis to make it for a penalty after Bono raced off “Could we have done better? 100 in reference to Liverpool’s stunning the latest in a series of defensive col- last time. today has to strengthen and stimu- of the senior national team. Thank you general preparation of the boys, will now always to be part of that.” choice in the summer but to pick 2-0. his line to dive at the striker’s feet percent, but I do I think it is a men- fightback from 3-0 down at half-time lapses that have dogged his two years “We already did similar things at late us to show that playing like this for the memories,” the Nigerian Foot- be there. Smalling, speaking ahead of me.” Seattle substitute Victor -- was booked for diving. tality problem? 100 percent not.” to win the 2005 Champions League in charge at Anfield. home using our crowd and is possible.” ball Federation tweeted. “That standard has now been set.” 34 SPORT THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2017 Al Mulla’s ‘Perfect Pitch’ scripted to guide future generations

Rizwan Rehmat Author and sports QOC) Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrehman tribute these books to VIPs attending The Peninsula administrator Al Thani and he also liked my idea. top sports events around the world. When I got the blessing from Sheikh Abdulla Y Al Q: irst-time author and vastly Mulla poses for a Joaan, the QOC Chairman, I registered What’s so special about this experienced sports adminis- the book with Ministry of Sports and book? photograph with A: trator Abdulla Y Al Mulla is his book titled Culture as that procedure is a must. If This book will be a big help for the hoping his 80-page book titled you don’t do that, then anybody could next generation of sports lovers. I have ‘Perfect Pitch’. ‘Perfect Pitch’ will help future take your work and claim its theirs. It been associated with sports since 1984, Fgenerations to plan and deliver flawless was done for copyright matters. I pre- playing so many different administra- Olympics and Asian Games editions. sented a copy to H H the Emir Sheikh tive and media roles since then. This is Taking almost nine years to com- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and some my legacy. I want to transfer the wealth plete his ‘dream’ project, Al Mulla of the other top sports officials in the of knowledge that I possess now after informs the readers about the ‘unex- country. I admire their support dur- three decades of association with vari- pected’ bloopers at top events like the ing my sports career since 2006 until ous sports bodies. I have learned from Olympics or the Asian Games. now. so many capable colleagues in Qatar. I “In the book, I have highlighted inci- could name a lot of people. Sultan Al dents when things went wrong. Q: What plans do you have now that Suwaidi, Mohammed bin Hammam, Sometimes the organisers played the the book is out? Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid, Sheikh national anthem wrong, sometimes the A: Now I am going to distribute the Saoud bin Khalid, Abdulrehman Al Naimi, wrong flag was raised. These incidents book to all sports federations in Qatar. Yusuf Saeey, Hamad Al Marri, Nasser happen at big shows like the World Cups I will dispatch a few copies to the Inter- Mubarak Al Ali, Sheikh Mohammed bin or Olympic Games,” Al Mulla said in a national Olympic Committee (IOC) as Eid... these are just few of the many peo- candid chat with The Peninsula. well as Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). ple who lifted my spirit as I worked in “I personally featured at so many Q: When did you start your project? Q: Was it easy archiving your I will make sure that if IOC President the sports industry. They really put a lot big events - like the 3rd West Asian A: I started in 2008 as I began gath- thoughts? comes visiting, I will have a copy signed of effort. On top of this list comes the Games in 2005, the Asian Games in ering information after the Asian Games A: I had all these details in my by him. The same goes for the OCA Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Kha- 2006, followed by the Indoor Asian held in Doha. I looked for pictures. I per- mind. I thought I may forget the details President. These are important people lifa Al Thani. All the development we see Games, the Winter Games, the Olym- sonally featured at so many big events with age (smiles) so I started writing in the world of sports. I will send it in Qatar is because of the Father Emir. pics ... you name it,” Al Mulla recalled. - like the West Asian Games in 2005, them down. I started archiving my across the Asian continent where The investments made at that time, we “I thought ‘why not have a book that the Asian Games in 2006, followed by thoughts. I got great encouragement important sports bodies function. This are seeing the results now. I hope peo- talks about sports protocol’. the Indoor Asian Games, the Winter from various officials in Qatar. I talked will be done as a matter of courtesy as ple will acknowledge my contribution. “Such a book could be used by the Games, the Olympics and even single- to officials in the Ministry of Sport and I have friends all over Asia. I hope this future generations when countries host sport events like the 2015 World Men’s they said ‘it is a good idea’. I even men- book will get me good feedback when Q: How does your family react to mega sports events. This is the story of Handball Championships staged right tioned about my book to H E Sheikh my friends and well-wishers read it. you writing this book? my book,” he added with his trademark here in Doha. I featured in so many table Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, the QOC Once I get the feedback, I will have the A: I would like to add that I have to smile in place. tennis world championships since 1997. Chairman. I talked about the book translated into Arabic language. admire the patience of my family. I have Excerpts from a detailed chat with I was playing so manyy roles as I took book to (former Secre-Secre- That is also iimportantmportant because we have been awayaway from home to attend so manymany the author. part in these events. I waswas the Director tary General a big number of sport-lovers who prepre-- events and projects. I could not spend of the Tournament of the QatarQQpatar OpenOpen ofo f fer reading materials in Arabic. I can much time with them. But at the end we Q: Tell us something aboutt yoyourur tabletable tennis events for 10 years.years. reachreach out to newnew audiences.audiences. When-When- builtbuilt a ggoodood namnamee foforr our fafamily.mily. I hahaveve book? How did you come acrossoss the ever I travel,travel, I take copiescopies made history for my chchildreniildren aandnd mmyy idea of putting together such a fine with me andand grandchildren.grandchildren. WhenWhen theythey see that I have book? dis-dis- written a bobookok wwhichhich isis admiredadmired byby eve-eve- A: This book has come in ryone,ryone, theythey wouldwould appreciateappreciate mymy effort.effort. print form after eight years of TheyTThey aarere ververyy prouproud,d, even hard labour and research. The my mother.mother. gathering of information and This is my legacy. I want to relevant pictures took some transfer the wealth of knowledge time. I noticed that in so many that I possess now after three countries like the United States, decades of association with the United Kingdom or manyy various sports bodies: Al Mulla other European nations, the Farar East, especially Japan and China,, I could not find a book that detaileded sports protocol. There is literatureure on political protocol which is fairlyirly normal. I thought ‘why not haveve a book that talks about sports protocol’.ocol’. Such a book could be used byy thethe future generations when countriess host mega sports events.

Q: What exactly is sports proto-roto- col? Would you mind elaborating?ng? A: Protocol, as we know, is a veveryry important element when countriesntries hosts mega sports events. Duringng an event or at a routine ceremony,ny, so many ups and downs can happen. How you handle such ups and downs is what sports protocol is all about. In the book,book, I have highlighted incidents whenwhen things went wrong. Sometimess the organisers played the national anthemnthem wrong, sometimes the wrong flagg was raised. Such incidents have happenedpened at big shows like the World Cupsps or Olympic Games.

Qatari cagers gear up for FIBA 2019 Asian Championship qualifiers

Qatari national basketball players in action during a friendly match in the build-up to their FIBA 2019 Asian Championship qualifying campaign that starts with a game against Kazakhstan which will be played at Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena tomorrow. THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2017 SPORT 35 MLB punishes Atlanta Braves Late charge takes for ‘violating signing rules’

Los Angeles “circumvented international our organisation has not lived Lakers past Bulls AFP signing rules from 2015 through up to the standard our fans 2017.” expect from us and that we ajor League Baseball The scandal has already cost expect from ourselves. For that, threw the book at the former Braves general manager we apologise. We are institut- MAtlanta Braves on Tues- John Coppolella and team scout ing the changes necessary to day for violating signing rules Gordon Blakeley their jobs. prevent this from ever happen- regarding international amateur Coppolella has been perma- ing again and remain excited players, declaring 13 prospects nently banned from working in about the future of Braves base- who had signed for the club free the league, MLB said. The Braves ball. We do not plan to comment agents. said in a statement the team further on this matter.” In an unprecedented pun- accepted the punishments. The 13 players who are now ishment, the MLB also said it will “Today, Major League Base- free to leave the team include Los Angeles Lakers guard dock the Braves a third-round ball informed the Atlanta Braves talented 17-year-old Venezue- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope pick in the 2018 amateur draft, organisation of sanctions being lan prospect Kevin Maitan. controls the ball against while barring the team from levied as a result of their inves- Maitan and the other 12 the Chicago Bulls during signing any international player tigation,” the team said. players are now allowed to sign the first half of their NBA for more than $10,000 in the “We understand and accept with any of the remaining 29 game at Staples Center on 2019/2020 window. the decision regarding the pen- MLB teams. The sanctions come after an alties that have been handed Atlanta finished third in the Tuesday. Caldwell-Pope investigation by MLB which down. National League East this sea- scored 11 of his 21 points found that the Braves had “As we expressed last week, son with a 72-90 record. in the closing minutes to lead Lakers to victory. Tarasenko marks Gordie Howe hat-trick as New York Blakeney, on a two-way didn’t begin to make a Agencies contract that allows him to charge until Clarkson Blues rout Oilers split time between the Bulls replaced Lonzo Ball and entavious Cald- and their G-League affiliate, joined Kuzma, Randle, Cald- New York well-Pope scored the Windy City Bulls, scored well-Pope and Hart. Agencies 11 of his 21 points 15 off the bench for The Lakers cut the deficit in the closing Chicago. to one on a 3-pointer by ladimir Tarasenko com- minutes as the The Lakers rallied to tie Clarkson with 35 seconds left pleted a Gordie Howe K Los Angeles Lakers rallied the score at 80 on a layup by in the third quarter and then Vhat-trick -- scoring two from a 19-point, second-half Josh Hart with 9:32 left. Los trailed 75-72 entering the goals, assisting on two more and deficit to defeat the Chicago Angeles finally went ahead fourth. getting into a fight -- to lead the Bulls 103-94 on Tuesday at 89-87 when Caldwell-Pope Behind double-digit first- St Louis Blues to an 8-3 rout Staples Center. put back a missed 3-pointer half scoring efforts from over the Edmonton Oilers on Kyle Kuzma scored a with 3:06 remaining. Blakeney (15), Robin Lopez Tuesday. game-high 22 points, Bran- Caldwell-Pope followed (12) and Valentine (11), the Brayden Schenn also scored don Ingram added 17 points, with two 3-pointers that Bulls led by as many as 18 twice and assisted on two more Jordan Clarkson scored 12 off stretched the lead to five each before taking a 56-42 lead goals, extending his career-high St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (right) fights the bench and Julius Randle time, and the Lakers kept into the break. point streak to eight games, as contributed 10 in a reserve Chicago from getting back Blakeney entered with the Blues won their third in a Edmonton Oilers defenceman Matt Benning during the second role for Los Angeles (8-10). within one possession. 4:58 left in the first quarter row and improved their West- period of their NHL game at Scottrade Center on Tuesday. Denzel Valentine shot 5 The Bulls took their big- and scored 15 points in his ern Conference-leading record of 7 from 3-point range and gest lead at 61-42 with 10:29 first eight minutes, including to 16-5-1. Milan Lucic, Leon Philadelphia. The Canucks’ Dan- and Loui Eriksson added an scored 17 points to lead five left in the third quarter. An 11 straight for the Bulls dur- Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse iel Sedin added a goal and an empty-net goal and an assist. starters in double figures for 8-2 run pulled Los Angeles ing one stretch, helping scored for the Oilers. assist to move within four points Defenceman Ivan Provorov the Bulls (3-12). Antonio within 13, but the Lakers Chicago to a 41-26 lead. Canucks 5, Flyers 2 of the 1,000-point mark. Van- and right winger Jakub Voracek Brock Boeser scored a pair couver’s Sven Baertschi picked netted goals for the Flyers, who of goals to lead Vancouver over up his eighth goal of the season, lost for the fifth straight time.

Ireland look to Raiders part ways put down early Wallabies hooker Moore to with defensive marker in Dublin coordinator Ken retire after Scotland game New York Dublin Agencies Reuters Sydney This file nhappy with their scuffling clean sweep of their Reuters photo shows defense, the Oakland Raiders November tests will see Australia’s U parted ways with defensive A Ireland put down a strong ormer Australia captain hooker coordinator Ken Norton, Jr. on marker for next year’s Six Stephen Moore will Stephen Tuesday. Nations Championship, scrum- Fretire from all forms of Moore (left) Raiders coach Jack Del Rio ele- half Conor Murray said ahead of the game after he wins his vated defensive assistant John Pagano takes part in Saturday’s game against Argen- 129th cap against Scotland to the defensive coordinator the captain’s tina in Dublin. at Murrayfield this weekend, position. “We’ve been building week- Rugby Australia said run at Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks on-week here and this week is yesterday. Twickenham waived veteran defensive end Dwight a big opportunity to put down a Hooker Moore, 34, Stadium on Freeney. The 37-year-old Freeney marker. November is really announced earlier this year the eve of the had three sacks in four games with important, but we’re building for that he would retire from Rugby Union the Seahawks. The seven-time Pro other things as well,” he told international rugby but said World Cup Bowler was signed last month after reporters yesterday. he would continue for one 2015 final. Seattle lost pass rusher Cliff Avril to “That’s the way we view it more season with the a neck injury. because by the time the Six Queensland Reds Super The Denver Broncos are expected Nations comes around you’re Rugby team. to start Paxton Lynch at quarterback going to come up against some “I’d started planning for in Sunday’s road game against the really tough teams and you’re life after rugby since Oakland Raiders. going to need to know how to play announcing my retirement Denver has been plagued by quar- with each other pretty sharpish.” from the international game terback play during its six-game The Six Nations featuring and the opportunity that I losing streak. The Broncos fired offen- holders England, France, Italy, was exploring materialised sive coordinator Mike McCoy on Scotland and Wales as well as probably six months earlier the last tournament in Eng- Monday and promoted Bill Musgrave Ireland starts on February 3 than I had expected,” Moore land two years ago. to the same position. when the Irish open their cam- said. In Super Rugby, he The San Francisco 49ers waived paign against France. “So I have made the started his career with his I’d started planning for life after defensive end Datone Jones. Ireland made a convincing decision to finish my rugby hometown Reds and spent rugby since announcing my Jones recorded six tackles in three start to their three-test schedule career now and take up a several seasons as a stalwart games with the 49ers since signing a in Dublin with a 38-3 thrashing new opportunity. This also of the ACT Brumbies before retirement from the international one-year deal on Oct. 24. of South Africa on November 11 allows Brad (Thorn) and the returning to Brisbane for last game and the opportunity that I Los Angeles Rams wide receiver but needed a late penalty to beat Reds coaches to move for- season. Robert Woods will be sidelined at Fiji last week, albeit playing with ward with their planning for His 128 test caps already was exploring materialised least the next two games with a a second string side. 2018 and beyond,” said the make him the second most- probably six months earlier than I sprained left shoulder, coach Sean Argentina offer another seasoned players. capped Wallaby behind McVay announced. tough test in the first meeting Moore made his test George Gregan (139), while had expected, says Stephen Moore Woods reeled in eight receptions between the pair since the debut against Samoa in 2005 only All Blacks prop Wyatt for 81 yards versus the Vikings and Pumas beat Ireland 43-20 in the and played at three World Crockett has played more leads the team in catches (47), targets 2015 World Cup quarter-finals. Cups, including captaining Super Rugby games than (70) and receiving yards (703) this the Wallabies to the final at Moore’s 177. season. 36 SPORT THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2017 Sheikh Ali returns to his ‘favourite’ hunting ground as riders eye glory

Rizwan Rehmat Qatari rider Bassem The Peninsula Mohammed. eteran rider Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani returns to his ‘favourite’ hunting ground at QEF’s Out- doorV Arena where the Olympic Games star will attempt to seal another win at this week’s QR1.7m Al Rayyan International Show Jumping Championship. Last week, the 35-year-old topped the 160cm class - part of the FEI World Cup qualifying leg - to complete a memorable win in the four-rider jump-off in front of a huge home crowd. “This is my home territory and I feel really confident going out there. I want to make my peo- ple happy. That’s the number one goal for me,” Sheikh Ali said ahead of the three-day event that starts today. “I have qualified for two of my World Cup qualifying com- petitions here. “It feels really good to go back for this event with confidence,” Sheikh Ali added. “My horse jumped amazing last week. He’s a superstar. This was a successful run with him. He has been winning a few times and he was sixth at the Olympics. It was a little bit too easy for him here (but) a win is always spe- cial,” the Qatari star said. Sheikh Ali said Qatar has seri- horses at each class,” Bassem have set up various food stalls ously begun building a strong said. “To win, especially here in also at the event. Organisers said equestrian squad. Doha, makes me so happy. fans can take part in raffle draws “Yes, most Qatari riders have “I am motivated for the com- that offer laptops, Ipads and done well. We have a good team, ing shows. I just need to stay mobile phones in prizes. with good trainers. You can see focused and follow the plan from Four lucky spectators at QEF how hard everybody is working. trainers,” he added. were handed out these prizes last Every year riders are getting bet- Other riders featuring at the week when Qatar’s Olympic rider ter. Hopefully we will build a three-day event include France’s Sheikh Ali won the competition. good team. I think we are mov- Cyrine Cherif, Great Britain’s Appreciating the large turn- ing in that direction,” out of people at Sheikh Ali said. recent events, Compatriot President of QEF Bassem Mohammed, Hamad Abdul- who stunned a world- rahman Al Attiyah class field to win the said: “Our events Grand Prix of Doha on are getting better the final day of the and bigger. The LGTC round at Al activities around Shaqab two weeks the venue are a ago, will also be seen hit with families in action this week. and children. We Popularly known want the kids to TOP: Sheikh as Bassem, the Qatari come out and Ali bin Khalid rider last week enjoy the pro- Al Thani is returned to the ceedings and seen in action podium with a have fun at the during his resounding win with same time.” victorious Toymaker, edging Omar Al Man- ride with First past veteran rider Edwina Tops- Alexandra Thornton, Greece’s nai, Commercial Manager, Al Devision at Alexander on the final day of the Athina Onassis, Russia’s Vladimir Shaqab, said in an official state- last week’s QNB Qatar International Show Tuganov, Turkey’s Derin Demir- ment released by the organisers: QNB Qatar Jumping Championship. soy and Canada’s Labeed Ghaleb. “At QEF too we have fun zones Bassem sailed to his win in a Other Qatar’s riders this week around the venue. We have also International time of 54.75 seconds in the include Rashid Towaim Al Marri, arranged for pony rides and other Show Jumping 145cm class under lights at the Saeed Nasser Al Qadi, Salman fun activities for the kids.” Championship. QEF’s Outdoor Arena. Bassem, Mohammed Al Emadi, Mubarak He added: “We have a collab- LEFT: A horse who picked up the top prize of Yousuf Al Rumaihi and Khalid oration with Al Bedaya to support is moments €6,150, said he takes every event Mohammed Al Emadi who won local Qatari entrepreneurs and before a vet seriously as winning is ‘confi- one of the events last week. promote local products and serv- check session dence-booster’ for all riders. The Qatar Equestrian Feder- ices in the form of savoury food at QEF’s “I know that this event is not ation (QEF) has arranged for and beverage outlets and outdoor Outdoor Arena like LGCT but still we have to go family fun at QEF’s Outdoor cafes. Also, there are raffle draws yesterday. out and deliver. But I feel you Arena. Besides creating a plenty for fans which are a big hit with have to respect the riders and room for kids’ fun zone, the QEF the audience.”

Schedule or play at QEF’s Outdoor Arena this week Yes, most Qatari Today riders have done 15:00 Class 1 Table A, Two Phases 120 cm 17:40 Class 2 Table A, Against the clock 130/135 cm well. We have a 19:30 Class 3 Table A, Special Two Phases 145 cm good team, with good trainers. You Friday 24/11/2017 can see how hard 15:00 Class 4 Table A, Against the clock with Jump Off 120cm everybody is 17:25 Class 5 Table A, Against the clock with Jump Off working. Every year 135cm riders are getting 19:35 Class 6 Table A, Against the clock 145cm better. Hopefully Saturday 25/11/2017 we will build a 15:00 Class 7 Table A, Against the clock 130/135cm good team. 17:00 Class 8 Table A, One Round + Winning Round 145cm 19:00 Class 9 GRAND PRIX - World Cup™140/160cm Competition