FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 NNBABA | Page 5 Stakes James rules are high in Kings, Durant Manchester powers the derby Warriors

Friday, December 8, 2017 CRICKET Rabia I 20, 1439 AH ‘Circus’ fears as GULF TIMES Stokes named in England ODI squad SPORT Page 4 LONDON Hamilton tops QNB STARS LEAGUE poll of Formula One bosses Al Ahli shock Rayyan

Formula One team bosses have voted Lewis Hamilton as the sport’s top driver for the fourth year in a row but Mer- cedes teammate Valtteri Bottas slipped as Al Sadd go second to 10th place in the rankings. The poll, published by motorsport.com Al Duhail drop points after 1-1 draw with Al Sailiya as tournament reaches the halfway stage yesterday, put four times world cham- pion Hamilton far ahead of closest rival Max Verstappen. This time it was Michael Laudrup’s Li- Bottas, winner of three races this year ons who suff ered at their hands as Mo- after joining as now-retired 2016 world hamed Muntari (19) and Ali Ghaderi champion Nico Rosberg’s replacement, (39) struck for Al Ahli and successfully was listed in 10th place after bosses defended their 2-0 lead until the end awarded points according to the regular of the game. F1 scoring system. The defeat saw Al Rayyan drop That represented a drop of one place to third from second position in the on where Bottas had been with Williams standings. They now have 25 points in 2016. from 11 matches, while leaders Duhail Hamilton scored 233 out of a maximum have 29 and Al Sadd 27. 250, with Red Bull’s Verstappen on 143. Spaniard Joaquin Capaross’ Al Ahli Ferrari’s 2017 championship runner-up were on the front foot from the word Sebastian Vettel, also a four times cham- go. After Muntari missed a sitter in pion, was third and Red Bull’s Daniel the 10th, Sebastian Soria’s shot at the Ricciardo fourth. other end was blocked by Al Ahli goal- keeper Yazan Naim with his leg the DUBAI very next minute. Afghanistan’s With ace Moroccan striker Ab- derazzaq Hamdallah watching the Shahzad gets proceedings from the sidelines, Rod- 1-yr doping ban rigo Tabata and Soria tried hard for a breakthrough, but Al Rayyan’s attack lacked bite. Hamdallah, a vital cog in The Lions’ machine, sat out as he is nursing a thigh muscle injury. Christian Nazareth and Muntari led The Brigadiers’ off ence. Their fi rst goal came off a cross from the right by Yassine Chikhaaoui, who sprayed Al Sadd’s Pedro Gomez reacts after scoring against Al Kharaitiyat. passes from the fl ank. Their second goal came through a dipping shot by tin Lazar was set to latch on to a loose Al Sadd saw luck desert them when Ali that fl ew over keeper Omar Barry. ball. Khalifa’s departure gave way to Ali Asad hit against the post and Ham- Afghanistan wicketkeeper Mohamed Al Ahli slowed their pace in the substitute goalkeeper Mohammed roun could not convert the rebound in Shahzad has been banned for 12 months second half even as the rivals pushed al-Bakri, who replaced Abdullah al- what turned out to be a double miss for after inadvertently ingesting a prohib- hard. Past one hour, Yazan thwarted Ahrak. The Wolves. ited substance, the International Cricket Tabata with his leg. Despite the numerical disadvan- Pedro opened the fl oodgates, head- Council (ICC) said yesterday. Meanwhile, Youssef El Arabi put Al tage, Al Duhail opened the scoring ing home a free-kick taken by Xavi The 29-year-old underwent an out-of- Duhail ahead in the 50th minute by through El Arabi. Al Sailiya did well Hernandez. The defender rose above competition test in Dubai in January converting a penalty kick. Al Sailiya, to equalise through Ribeiro when the his marker Abdrahman Abdallah and and his sample was found to contain coached by Sami Trabelsi, managed tireless Brazilian eased past a host of connected the ball well. clenbuterol, classified as a non-specified to get the equaliser three minutes later rival defenders before calmly slotting Early into the second half, Al substance under the World Anti-Doping through Wagner Ribeiro. the ball past Al Bakri. Kharaitiyat’s Sanjar Tursunov fi red a Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List. Ribeiro had fi red the fi rst salvo as he Al Sadd posted a commanding 4-0 powerful shot from close range, but it Clenbuterol, used by suff erers of breath- Al Ahli’s Ali Ghaderi celebrates his goal against Al Rayyan yesterday. attempted a long-range curling shot win over Al Kharaitiyat for their ninth was punched away by keeper Meshal ing disorders such as asthma, is banned that sailed past the Al Duhail goal- victory. Barshim. in and out-of-competition. By Sports Reporter halfway stage with the 11th round of mouth as early as the third minute. Pedro Miguel (40th minute), Has- Al Sadd doubled the lead as al-Hay- Shahzad pleaded guilty to the violation Doha matches yesterday. El Arabi produced a snap-header san al-Haydous (52nd-min pen- dous converted a penalty awarded af- and the ICC accepted he had “inad- Al Sadd, however, ensured they suf- from inside the Al Sailiya box, but his alty and 81st) and Jugurtha Hamroun ter rival defender Soud Nasser handled vertently ingested the substance as a fered no scare, thrashing Al Kharaiti- attempt soared above the crossbar a (77th) scored the goals. the ball following a Musab Kedar shot. contaminant of a weight loss product he l Ahli continued their mid- yat 4-0 to move to second position minute later. Al Duhail skipper Youssef It was Al Kharaitiyat who imposed Hamroun then struck powerfully was taking, Hydroxycut”, the governing table resurgence in the Qatar from third in the standings as they Msakni then missed the target thrice. authority on their seasoned rivals ear- into the top of Al Kharaitiyat net be- body said in a statement on its website. Stars League by handing Al press ahead with their bid to win the After the half-hour mark, Al Duhail ly on. Midfi elder Anwar Diba fl icked fore al-Haydous rounded off the tally. (www.icc-cricket.com) ARayyan a shock 2-0 defeat, league title for the 14th time. were reduced to 10 men when goal- the ball towards the Al Sadd goal- Al Sadd moved to 27 points, two while leaders Al Duhail also dropped The day belonged to Al Ahli, though, keeper Khalifa Abubakr was shown mouth from close in the seventh, but behind toppers Al Duhail. They are LOS ANGELES points, drawing 1-1 with Al Sailiya as as they continued from where they left the red card for handling the ball out- his low shot was tapped away by de- now in second position. Al Kharaitiyat Vonn to snub the QNB Stars League reached the off , having upset Al Sailiya last week. side the box even as Al Sailiya’s Valen- fender Pedro. stayed on nine. White House visit for US team BOTTOMLINE Ronaldo pips Messi to win Ballon d’Or

Reuters expensive player in the world, came Paris This handout photo released third; veteran Italian goalkeeper Gi- yesterday by L’Equipe shows anluigi Buff on fi nished fourth and Portugese player Cristiano Real midfi elder Luka Modric came US skiing star Lindsey Vonn said ortugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo Ronaldo posing with the fi fth. yesterday she would not go to the was awarded the Ballon d’Or Ballon d’Or France Football Chelsea and France midfi elder White House for a post-Winter Olympics for world player of the year trophy in Paris. The Real N’Golo Kante was the highest ranked reception, aligning herself with other yesterday for a joint-record Madrid forward’s second Premier League player, coming fiP fth time, going level with eternal eighth, while Tottenham Hotspur’s athletes who have protested against successive win draws him President Donald Trump. Vonn told CNN rival and Barcelona forward Lionel level alongside Barcelona rival Harry Kane, ranked 10th, was the in an interview she would be proud to Messi as the player to have won the Lionel Messi on five Ballon only English player to make it into the represent the United States at February’s prize the most times. d’Ors, after beating the top 10. Olympics in Pyeongchang but did not The Real Madrid forward won Argentinian and Brazilian Ronaldo, who this year also helped see herself as a representative of the US the award, handed out by magazine Neymar to this year’s award. the national side qualify for the World government. France Football, for the second con- Cup in Russia next year, won his fi rst “Well, I hope to represent the people of secutive year having led his side to Ballon d’Or in 2008 while with Man- the United States, not the president,” the La Liga title with 25 goals and a chester United and collected it again Vonn told CNN. “I take the Olympics very successive Champions League crown, in 2013, 2014 and 2016. seriously and what they mean and what netting 12 goals including two in the The 32-year-old was last month they represent, what walking under our 4-1 win over Juventus in the fi nal. named the Best FIFA Men’s Player in flag means in the opening ceremony. Ronaldo collected the trophy in a the global soccer body’s own awards “I want to represent our country well. I glitzy ceremony at the Eiff el Tower ceremony. don’t think that there are a lot of people in the French capital, presented by The Ballon d’Or was fi rst awarded currently in our government that do former France player David Ginola. in 1956 and was partnered with FIFA that.” Messi came second while Paris St from 2010 to 2015, until becoming its Germain forward Neymar Jr, the most own entity once again. Gulf Times 2 Friday, December 8, 2017 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Brussels loses Euro 2020 matches Stakes are high in to Wembley

AFP “Until today we don’t know Nyon, Switzerland if they can build a stadium or not. “They still don’t have the embley Stadium documents. They had time Manchester derby in London will until today’s executive com- host four Euro mittee (meeting) and they ‘They need to win as well because they know that we are behind and we are closing’ 2020 matches didn’t do it. Woriginally set to be staged in “We received a letter yester- Brussels, UEFA president Ale- day that 31st of January there ksander Ceferin said yesterday. will be a fi nal decision but the The European football gov- decision – yes or no – they erning body’s executive com- don’t know. mittee decided “unanimous- “Experts from administra- ly” to strip Brussels of its four tion had the opinion it was a matches due to the inability high risk for UEFA if we wait.” of Belgian organisers to guar- The company contracted antee the new stadium to the to build the stadium in the north of the capital where they northern suburb of Grim- would have been held could be bergen, BTP Ghelamco, said built in time. they were able to build the Wembley will now host 60,000-capacity Eurostadium seven matches in total, hav- in 18 months, but the Flanders ing already been allocated the region in which it will be situ- two semi-fi nals and the fi nal ated has yet to issue a building on July 12, 2020. UEFA also an- permit. nounced the opening game on Brussels was one of 13 ven- June 12, 2018, would be held at ues picked to host this unique Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. edition of the European “Due to the Eurostadium Championship – to celebrate project’s failure to meet the the 60th anniversary of UEFA conditions imposed by the – held across the continent UEFA Executive Committee rather than in a single host during its meeting of 20 Sep- country. A draw was also held tember 2017, the four matches to decide which cities would (three group, one round of 16) host games from the various initially scheduled to be held in groups. Brussels will now be allocated Rome and Baku will host to London’s Wembley Stadium Group A, Saint Petersburg and following a vote by the com- Copenhagen Group B, Am- mittee,” said Ceferin. sterdam and Bucharest Group “We discussed with Brussels C, London and Glasgow Group for quite a long time, they were D, Bilbao and Dublin Group E, not able to provide us with all with Munich and Budapest the the documentation. Group F venues.

SERIE A Inter face test of title hopes against Juve

Reuters in their wake. It is also evident Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola (left) gesturing on the touchline during the EPL match against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton on April 15, 2017 and Milan that reports of Juve’s demise Manchester United’s manager Jose Mourinho gesturing during the EPL match against Middlesbrough in Manchester on December 31, 2016. (AFP) have been premature. The cracks which appeared dur- Reuters one to savour. three-match ban following his Moreno a doubt for Everton clash: Klopp aving ended Napoli’s ing a 2-1 loss to Lazio – Juve’s Manchester The last team to beat United red card in Saturday’s crucial 3-1 unbeaten start to the fi rst home defeat in more than at home were City in September, win at Arsenal. Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno is doubtful for Sunday’s Mersey- league season last two years – and a 3-2 defeat at 2016 and a repeat performance United have produced their side Derby against Everton after sustaining an injury in Wednesday’s week, champions Ju- Sampdoria have quickly been here have been few would leave the club, once de- best football when they have had ventusH will try to do the same fi lled by their pragmatic coach 7-0 Champions League win over Spartak Moscow, manager Juergen Manchester derbies rided as “noisy neighbours” by Pogba and Serbian anchorman Klopp has said. A tearful Moreno was substituted close to halftime to Inter Milan when they host Massimiliano Allegri. with as much on the former United boss Alex Fergu- Nemanja Matic on the fi eld to- after a collision with Spartak’s Roman Zobnin as Liverpool sealed the Serie A leaders in a mouth- They have been especially line as Sunday’s meet- son, 11 points clear at the summit. gether and the former Juventus progression to the last 16 as group winners but Klopp is hopeful that watering “Derby d’Italia” to- resolute in defence and their Ting at Old Traff ord of the top two City have been playing some midfi elder will be sorely missed. morrow. 2-0 win away to Olympiakos the 25-year-old’s injury is not too serious. “We had a little shadow on the teams in the Premier League - exhilarating football this cam- Given the gap between the night when Alberto Moreno needed to get substituted. It was a strange Inter were left as the only on Tuesday, which took them the most anticipated clash of the paign with coach Guardiola’s two clubs in the table, it will be situation. He is a tough guy and if he cannot continue the game then you unbeaten team in the league into the Champions League campaign so far. style of play, which served him intriguing to see if Mourinho should consider it could be something serious.” Klopp told reporters. “In after Juve won 1-0 last Friday last sixteen, was their fourth Pep Guardiola’s City have built so well at his previous clubs, maintains his habit of playing the treatment room then, he was a little bit more positive, so maybe we away to a Napoli side which successive clean sheet since an eight-point lead following an bringing the expected rewards defensively against title rivals, are lucky and it’s not too serious. We will see. We need all the boys for the had not lost in the opening 14 the Sampdoria defeat. unbeaten start to the season that after a disappointing lack of a tactic which has been much next few weeks, but especially in this week for the next game on Sunday...” games. The result last week- Morocco defender Mehdi has included 13 straight victo- consistency last season. criticised following the goalless Liverpool’s last 7-0 win came in a Champions League game against NK end also allowed Inter to go Benatia has stepped into the ries - equalling the record for the Yet while United have suf- draw at Liverpool in October. Maribor in October that was followed by a thumping 4-1 defeat at Tot- top with 39 points thanks to a defensive void left by the de- longest winning run in a single fered two defeats on the road - to Pogba, however, says United will tenham Hotspur and Klopp has urged his side to avoid another poor 5-0 win over Chievo. Juventus, parture of Leonardo Bonucci, Premier League campaign. Huddersfi eld Town and Chel- approach the game in a positive return to league action. “We showed tonight that we learned from the third with 37 points, will top new signings forward Douglas Not to be completely outdone, sea - they too have looked like fashion. “We want to win. They mistakes we made in Sevilla (where the side blew a three-goal halftime the standings if they win on Costa and midfi elder Blaise however, Jose Mourinho’s Man- champions at home. need to win as well because they advantage to draw 3-3)... now we have to show we have learned from Saturday although Napoli (38 Matuidi have fi tted in quickly chester United have equalled a The 40 games unbeaten have know that we are behind and we the mistakes after Maribor when we faced Tottenham,” Klopp added. points) would overhaul them and Gonzalo Higuain is as historic club record by remain- included 29 wins and 11 draws are closing and closing,” he said. “We will be ready again on Sunday and if the crowd is ready to help us, if they can beat an improving deadly as ever in attack. ing unbeaten at Old Traff ord for with 85 goals scored and just 17 “If I didn’t believe that (we can it would be nice.” Liverpool are fourth in the table and will be looking Fiorentina at home on Sunday. Juventus have one point 40 matches in all competitions. conceded. This season’s Premier win it), I’d stop playing football to reduce the 14-point deficit to league leaders Manchester City, who Whatever the outcome, it more than they did at the same And with former Barcelona League record at Old Traff ord now,” he added. travel to second-placed Manchester United on Sunday, with a win in is already clear that Juventus, stage last season when they boss Guardiola and ex-Real Ma- is played seven, won seven - 20 United’s Swedish striker Zla- the Merseyside Derby. After a poor start to the campaign, Everton chasing a seventh successive were top of the table with a drid manager Mourinho having goals for and just one against. tan Ibrahimovic should be fi t to have lost just one of their last five league games to climb to 10th in the title, have far more of a fi ght four-point lead over Roma and developed a fi erce rivalry dur- Mourinho, however, will be feature at some stage in the game standings but the Toff ees have not beaten Liverpool in 14 encounters on their hands than in previ- AC Milan. The only worry is ing their time together in Spain, without his key French mid- but defender Eric Bailly remains since a 2-0 league win in 2010. ous seasons where they often Argentine playmaker Paulo Sunday’s meeting promises to be fi elder Paul Pogba, who starts a sidelined. left the rest of the fi eld trailing Dybala’s lacklustre form.

LA LIGA Real face defensive crisis for Sevilla clash Reuters against Sevilla through suspen- travel to sixth-placed Villar- Madrid sion. real on Sunday looking to stretch Back-up Jesus Vallejo is also their unbeaten start to the La a doubt for the match with a Liga season to 15 games. eal Madrid coach Zin- knock, meaning Nacho is the With Samuel Umtiti out until edine Zidane will be club’s only available senior cen- the New Year with a hamstring without three of his tral defender and Zidane said he problem, Barca coach Ernesto fi rst-choice back four was toying with the idea of using Valverde must decide whether to forR Saturday’s La Liga clash at midfi elder Marcos Llorente in retain faith in Thomas Vermae- home to Sevilla as they bid to the backline. len alongside Gerard Pique for keep alive their fading hopes of “He’s played there before, al- the trip. defending their title. beit not in the fi rst team. We’ll “Obviously he’s not had many Sevilla, who have lost just see. I’m going to put out a com- opportunities to play, however once in their last 10 outings in petitive side,” he said. whenever he’s had to, he’s stood all competitions, are fi fth in “We’ve got a squad and I’m up,” Valverde said of the Bel- La Liga, a place below Real but going to look to fi nd a solu- gian, while adding that he was level with the Spanish and Eu- tion. In football you get injuries. contemplating using midfi elder ropean champions on 28 points, Sometimes it’s a defender, an- Sergio Busquets as a makeshift eight behind league leaders other time it’s a forward.” centre back. Barcelona. Real need Cristiano Ronaldo “He can play in any position Real were already without to take his European form into in midfi eld and I think he’d do a suspended duo Sergio Ramos domestic competition. good job at the back. We’ve tried and Dani Carvajal for the crunch The Portuguese forward be- it out and in case of emergency tie and have now lost centre back came the fi rst player to score in we have it. It’s a solution.” Raphael Varane, who picked up all six Champions League group La Liga’s only other unbeaten an injury in Real’s 3-2 Champi- games on Wednesday, with nine team, Atletico Madrid, travel to ons League victory over Borussia in total, however it has been a Real Betis on Sunday without Dortmund on Wednesday. diff erent story in La Liga, where injured Antoine Griezmann. Midfi elder Casemiro depu- he has scored two in 10 appear- Diego Simeone’s side sit third tised at the back against the ances. on 30 points, one behind sec- Germans when Varane limped Leaders Barcelona have their ond-placed Valencia, who host off , however he too misses out own defensive issues as they Celta Vigo tomorrow. Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane during their Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund in Madrid on Wednesday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Friday, December 8, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Liverpool, Shakhtar through; Ronaldo claims new record Philippe Coutinho hat-trick inspires 7-0 Liverpool romp against Spartak Moscow

Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (right) celebrates after completing his hat-trick with teammate Emre Can (left) during the UEFA Champions League Group E match Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo in action during the Champions League against Spartak Moscow at Anfield in Liverpool. (AFP) match against Borussia Dortmund in Madrid. (AFP)

AFP RESULTS zal for the visitors were sent off Paris after an altercation in the fi rst Group E Feyenoord (NED) 2 (Jorgensen Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) 3 Manchester United (ENG) 2 Atletico Madrid (ESP) 1 (Saul half. RB Leipzig were forced to At Liverpool, England 33, St. Juste 90+1) Napoli (ITA) 1 (Llorente 20, Son 37, N’Koudou (Lukaku 64, Rashford 66) CSKA Niguez 56) settle for a Europa League spot hilippe Coutinho’s hat- Liverpool (ENG) 7 (Coutinho (Zielinski 2) 80) APOEL (CYP) 0 Moscow (RUS) 1 (Vitinho 45) At Rome in their debut European campaign. trick inspired Liver- 4-pen, 15, 50, Firmino 19, Mane Group G At Madrid Group B Roma (ITA) 1 (Perotti 53) Qarabag They lost 2-1 at home to group pool to score seven in 47, 76, Salah 86) Spartak Moscow At Leipzig, Germany Real Madrid (ESP) 3 (Mayoral At Glasgow, Scotland (AZE) 0 winners Besiktas, for whom their win over Spartak (RUS) 0 RB Leipzig (GER) 1 (Keita 87) Be- 8, Ronaldo 12, Lucas Vazquez Celtic (SCO) 0 Anderlecht (BEL) 1 Group D Talisca scored a last-minute PMoscow on Wednesday as they winner after Naby Keita had At Maribor, Slovenia siktas (TUR) 2 (Negredo 10-pen, 81) Borussia Dortmund (GER) 2 (Simunovic 62-og) At Barcelona, Spain joined Sevilla, Shakhtar Donetsk Maribor (SLO) 1 (Tavares 10) Talisca 90) (Aubameyang 43, 49) At Munich, Germany Barcelona (ESP) 2 (Alcacer 59, cancelled out Alvaro Negredo’s and Porto in qualifying for the Sevilla (ESP) 1 (Ganso 75) At Porto, Portugal Bayern Munich (GER) 3 (Lewand- Mathieu 90+1-og) Sporting early penalty opener. Leipzig had Champions League last 16. Group F Porto (POR) 5 (Aboubakar 9, 33, Played Tuesday owski 8, Tolisso 37, 69) Paris Lisbon (POR) 0 Stefan Ilsanker sent off . That quartet completed the At Kharkiv, Ukraine Brahimi 45, Alex Telles 65, Soares Group A Saint-Germain (FRA) 1 (Mbappe Real Madrid were already line-up on the fi nal night of Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) 2 (Ber- 88) Monaco (FRA) 2 (Glik 61-pen, At Lisbon 50) At Piraeus, Greece through before beating Dort- group-stage action that was also nard 26, Ismaily 33) Manchester Falcao 78) Benfica (POR) 0 Basel (SUI) 2 Group C Olympiakos (GRE) 0 Juventus mund in a Bernabeu thriller in notable for another Cristiano City (ENG) 1 (Aguero 90+2-pen) Group H (Elyounoussi 5, Oberlin 65) At London (ITA) 2 (Cuadrado 15, Bernard- Group H. Borja Mayoral put the Ronaldo goals record in the com- At Rotterdam, Netherlands At London At Manchester, England Chelsea (ENG) 1 (Savic 75-og) eschi 90) holders in front and Ronaldo’s petition. The Portuguese super- stunning, record-setting strike star scored his ninth in the com- came after just 12 minutes. petition this season in reigning beat Maribor 7-0 in October. record fi ve English clubs in next through to the last 16 in Group City, but this was their fi rst de- told Mediaset Premium. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang champions Real Madrid’s 3-2 win Jurgen Klopp’s side were 3-0 Monday’s draw, and they will not F at the expense of Napoli after feat of the season and they have Porto also knew a win would scored a brace to haul Dortmund at home to Borussia Dortmund. up inside 19 minutes on a night be able to face each other. beating Pep Guardiola’s Man- the Manchester derby this week- take them through in Group level, but Lucas Vazquez won In doing so, he became the that saw their ‘Fab Four’ run riot - Spartak’s defeat meant Sevilla chester City - who had already end. Napoli had gone in front G and the two-time European it for the hosts as the Germans fi rst player to score in all six Coutinho got his fi rst hat-trick for were through regardless of their won the section - 2-1 in Kharkiv. early on away to already-elimi- champions ran riot against a drop into the Europa League. Champions League group-stage the club, Sadio Mane scored twice 1-1 draw with Maribor in Slov- Shakhtar only needed a draw, nated Feyenoord through Piotr hapless Monaco, hammering “The Champions League is a matches in a season while also and there was one each for Rob- enia. Maribor captain Marcos but took all three points, with Zielinski, but Nicolai Jorgensen last season’s semi-fi nalists 5-2. competition that I love to play equalling his Barcelona rival Li- erto Firmino and Mohamed Salah. Tavares scored the opener, with Brazilian duo Bernard and Is- equalised. Vincent Aboubakar scored and score in, as you can see,” Ro- onel Messi’s record of 60 group- “It’s really diffi cult when we Paulo Henrique Ganso coming maily getting their goals. Jeremiah St Juste then made twice for the Portuguese club, naldo told UEFA.com. stage goals in total. go to the next gear and use the off the bench to equalise for the Bernard’s opener was a beau- it 2-1 at the death for the Dutch with Yacine Brahimi, Alex Telles Group H winners Tottenham Liverpool have also been pro- space. It was nice to watch to- Spaniards. Spartak go into the ty, but it was a mistake by City champions after they had Tonny and Francisco Soares also netting. Hotspur eased to a 3-0 win at lifi c this season, and their demo- night,” Klopp told BT Sport after Europa League. goalkeeper Ederson that allowed Vilhena sent off . Monaco replied through a Kamil home to APOEL, with Fernando lition of Spartak was the second guiding the Reds into the last 16 Ismaily to make it 2-0. “Now we want to go as far as Glik eff ort and a Radamel Falcao Llorente, Son Heung-min and time they had won 7-0 en route for the fi rst time in nine years. Napoli out Sergio Aguero’s stoppage-time possible in the Europa League,” header against his old club, while Georges-Kevin N’Koudou scor- to fi nishing top of Group E - they As a result, there will be a Ukrainian giants Shakhtar are penalty handed a consolation to Napoli captain Marek Hamsik Porto’s Felipe and Rachid Ghez- ing at Wembley.

FOCUS Key Arsenal trio will not be sold in January, says Wenger Arsenal will not sell striker regular starter but Wenger Olivier Giroud, midfielder Jack has backed the 28-year-old to Wilshere and winger Theo reclaim his spot. Messi demands Argentina Walcott in the January trans- “He has it in him (to become fer window despite their lack a first-team regular),” Wenger of playing time at the Premier added. “Of course he is League club, manager Arsene frustrated but he is focused. Wenger has said. He doesn’t give up at all and is improvement ahead of WC The trio have started a major- more determined than ever.” ity of the club’s Europa League Arsenal have numerous play- Reuters World Cup campaign against France and Spain.” have won at least two of them.” and League Cup games this ers whose contracts expire in Madrid Iceland on June 16, before fac- As well as losing to Germany Messi and his team mates have season but are yet to start a the next two years, including ing Croatia and Nigeria in their in the 2014 World Cup fi nal, Ar- had a tumultuous relationship league match, with Giroud Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ram- other group stage fi xtures. gentina were also defeated by with the Argentine media, boy- making 12 substitute appear- sey, Mesut Ozil and Petr Cech. rgentina captain Lionel Next year’s tournament may be Chile in successive Copa Amer- cotting them 12-months ago ances while Wilshere has been the interest of the national “When you pick a team you do Messi believes they the last chance for the 30-year- ica fi nals in 2015 and 2016. due to what the national team limited to four and Walcott to team. I want to keep the not necessarily look how long need to improve if they old Messi to win a major trophy Messi, however, believes they perceived as unfair treatment. three. squad. We do not want to a contract is,” Wenger said. are to stand a chance of with Argentina and the Barcelona should have celebrated at least He said that media criticism has Their lack of top-flight action become weaker. “The shorter the contract is, winningA next year’s World Cup forward says they need to make two victories. created a culture of fear within could cost them a spot in their “I have to consider the interest the more hungry the players in Russia. changes in order to overcome “I never went back over the the squad. respective nations’ 2018 World of the player but dominant are usually. The hunger index Argentina, who reached the more fancied countries. fi nals (we lost). We deserved to “Criticism went above and Cup squads but Wenger said of that will be the interests of drops with the length of the fi nal in 2014, struggled during “We had a diffi cult time (in win them, despite not playing beyond what is normal and be- the trio will not move away the club. If you can combine contract.” qualifi cation for Russia, going qualifying), but we had our that well we still had the best came personal,” he said. from the Emirates. the two it is even better but, Arsenal have already pro- through three coaches before se- moments,” Messi told TyC Sports. chances, both in the World Cup “The bitterness we feel is be- “They have to make their deci- first, what is important is for gressed to the Europa League curing their place at the tourna- “But it’s true that we need to and Copa America,” he said. cause we know what’s coming if sions; I have to make mine,” the club.” knockout stages and host ment thanks to a Messi hat-trick improve if we want to be world “I’d have to watch them again things don’t go well for us. Peo- Wenger told reporters on England international Walcott Belarus’ BATE Borisov in their in a 3-1 win away to Ecuador in champions. Right now we’re not to see what we didn’t get right in ple want results and if they don’t Wednesday. has been at Arsenal for 11 final group game later on the fi nal qualifi er. far off , but there are better sides order not to win them, but right get them, they want to see fresh “I cannot consider too much years but is no longer a Thursday. Messi’s side will kick off their than us such as Brazil, Germany, here I believe they we should blood. We don’t feel that way.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, Decemebr 8, 2017 CRICKET

DEVELOPMENT SPOTLIGHT ‘Circus’ fears as Aussies move on to Perth Stokes included with urn on their minds

Reuters at Sydney airport. “Obviously we’ve for England ODIs taken 40 wickets over the last couple Sydney of weeks and done some really good things but there’s still room for im- ‘Whenever he comes back that’s going to be a bit of a circus for sure’ ustralia captain Steve Smith provement.” thinks England will strug- Starc took 5-88 after mopping up the gle to get back into the Ashes England tail with the new pink ball on series after losing in Adelaide Wednesday, while Hazlewood snuff ed Ato trail 2-0 heading into next week’s out hopes of an England win with two third Test in Perth. wickets, including that of captain Joe Smith admitted to some nerves root, in the fi rst three overs of the day. when the tourists mounted a come- Cummins crucially pegged the English back after he decided not to enforce back with the wicket of Dawid Malan the follow-on in the second Test but on Wednesday night, while Lyon is the said it would now be a long road back leading wicket taker in Tests this year for England in the fi ve-match series and his captain described his bowling after a 120-run defeat. in Adelaide as “exceptional”. “It’s always tough coming back from “Paddy, Josh and I have grown up 2-0 down, particularly when you’re together — Gazza’s a bit older. We’ve away from home,” Smith said. been around each other for a long time “You’re really only one or two bad and we’re really close mates,” Starc sessions away from the series, really. added. “I think that shows in the way That can really play on people’s minds we play our cricket and we’re gelling when you’re behind. really nicely and complementing each “We have to be confi dent, we have to other really well. continue what we’re doing, doing the “Gazza’s bowling the house down at basics really well, getting big fi rst in- the moment and that allows the other nings runs is crucial as we’ve seen, and three of us to just do what we do at just backing up day in and day out.” the other end. Josh does what he does Four reasons for Australian confi - and allows Pat and I to bowl as fast as dence were occupying row 13 of fl ight we want.” Smith said he was keen for QF 740 from Adelaide to Sydney yes- his bowlers and batsmen to get some terday with quicks Josh Hazlewood, rest before the Perth Test starts next Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins on Thursday. “There’s a reasonable break one side of the aisle and off -spinner between now and Perth so the bowl- Nathan “Gazza” Lyon on the other. ers can freshen up and the batters can Although suggestions that the freshen their minds, and we can come bowling attack is the best to have ever back and hopefully win the Ashes back donned baggy green caps are probably in Perth,” he added. wide of the mark, they have done their The Test will be the last at the job by dismissing England twice in WACA and Starc said he was hoping both the fi rst two Tests. to be presented with a bowling surface “I think the exciting thing is our that harked back to the days when the bowling group can only get bet- likes of Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson ter,” Starc told reporters on arrival terrorised English batsmen in Perth.

AFP tember,” they said. eries as he shakes off the rust. of the 2019 World Cup, our ODI side Sydney Bayliss admitted Stokes’ potential Stokes could yet return mid-series continues to make solid progress with appearance in Australia could be a dis- to the Ashes if police decide not to series wins over the West Indies and IPL spend could hit $96mn as wage cap rises 20% traction for the team. charge him. British detectives late South Africa last summer and a semi- uspended all-rounder Ben “Whenever he comes back that’s last month passed a fi le to the Crown fi nal berth in the Champions Trophy,” AFP: The Indian Premier League, ers are already attached to franchis- Stokes was included in Eng- going to be a bit of a circus for sure,” Prosecution Service for a decision, but said selector James Whitaker. one of the world’s richest sports es, several players bagged lucrative land’s squad for their one-day he told reporters after England lost the there has been no word since. “The forthcoming series against competitions, will let teams splurge deals in the IPL auction in February. series against Australia, with second Test in Adelaide on Wednes- “I’ve got absolutely no idea. Still Australia presents another signifi cant up to $12mn each on player salaries England all-rounder Ben Stokes set a coachS Trevor Bayliss bracing for “a day. waiting for the police report,” said opportunity for this group to show- in 2018, an increase of 20%. new record for a foreigner by joining circus” if he is cleared to play. “Whether it’s any more of a circus Bayliss when asked if he expected case their skills and talent against a After a meeting in New Delhi on the Rising Pune Supergiants for more Stokes is currently banned from than it’s already been, it’s hard to say. Stokes to play in the Ashes. quality side away from home.” Wednesday, the IPL governing coun- than $2mn. international cricket while British If it happens, let’s just get on with it The England Cricket Board said in England one-day squad: Eoin cil also said teams will have to spend England pace bowler Tymal Mills authorities probe his alleged involve- and take it on the chin.” their statement yesterday that once Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonathan a minimum of 75% of the salary cap went to the Royal Challengers Banga- ment in a late-night fi ght outside a He added: “We’ve got to adjust to they receive formal confi rmation on Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos each season. lore for $1.8mn, even though he had Bristol nightclub, and it remained in that at some stage.” whether Stokes has been charged or Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam The decision means the eight IPL only played four Twenty20 interna- doubt whether he would play. New Zealand-born Stokes did not not, they would meet within 48 hours Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason teams are likely to spend anywhere tionals before that. Batsman Alex Hales, who was travel to Australia with the rest of to decide the next step. Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris between $72mn and $96mn on The attractions of last-ball winning caught up in the same fracas, was the squad for the Ashes Test series, Hales, an opener who has not played Woakes, Mark Wood players alone for just eight weeks of sixes, extravagant switch-hitting and also named in the 16-man squad for and has missed the fi rst two in Bris- any professional cricket since the Sep- cricketing action in 2018. rapid-fire centuries have made IPL a the fi ve-game series, starting in Mel- bane and Adelaide, with England los- tember nightclub incident, learned Schedule: “Whatever changes we have come favourite of the masses, especially bourne on January 14. ing both. But speculation that he is this week that he will face no criminal 1st ODI — Sunday, January 14, Mel- up with are all in the interest of the the younger generation. Selectors said in a statement they preparing for a dramatic call-up was charges, opening the door for his trip bourne Cricket Ground players,” IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla The IPL’s 60 games are valued at were advised to name their strongest fuelled by his decision to sign with to Australia. 2nd ODI — Friday, January 19, Gabba, told AFP. roughly $8.5mn each, not far off squad, and picked the pair accord- New Zealand provincial side Canter- In addition to Stokes and Hales, Brisbane “We are also looking to increase the estimated $9.6mn per English ingly. bury as their overseas player in late Kent batsman Sam Billings and Dur- 3rd ODI — Sunday, January 21, Syd- the prize money for the players in Premier League match — and well “Both Alex Hales and Ben Stokes are November. In his fi rst limited overs ham seamer Mark Wood were added ney Cricket Ground future.” over the $6.2mn price tag attached to included, though their involvement match for his birth province against to the squad that beat the West Indies 4th ODI — Friday, January 26, Ad- While most of India’s big name play- home internationals in India. remains subject to any relevant legal Otago, he was bowled for two. 4-0 in the one-day series held in Eng- elaide Oval or disciplinary developments in rela- He did better against Auckland on land at the end of the British summer. 5th ODI — Sunday, January 28, Optus tion to the incident in Bristol in Sep- Wednesday, hitting 34 from 41 deliv- “With around 18 months to the start Stadium, Perth FOCUS BOTTOMLINE No laughing matter Stirling, McCarthy lead Irish for India in tired Sri Lanka ‘rivalry’

Reuters Lanka to play India, the game’s eco- New Delhi nomic engine, the home board (BCCI) to series-levelling victory said the latest series, an underwhelm- ing prospect for fans, was unavoidable AFP Medium pacer Barry McCarthy he humorous observation that as it had to honour its commitment to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates fi nished with a career best 5-46 India and Sri Lanka’s cricket- the calendar. as only opener Javed Ahmadi ers see more of each other than “The back-to-back series resulted could off er any resistance with their respective partners ap- from what had been committed in the pener Paul Stirling cracked Tpears to have taken a more serious tone past in the current FTP (Future Tours a patient 67-ball 48 a brilliant half century with the Indian board accepting that Programme),” BCCI acting secretary while medium pacer Barry Chasing a big total none of the an overdose of the one-sided rivalry is Amitabh Choudhary told reporters on OMcCarthy took a maiden Afghanistan batsmen capitalised on bad for cricket. the sidelines of the third and fi nal Test fi ve wicket haul to guide Ireland to a good starts with Rahmat Shah (32), Three months after subjecting Sri in Delhi. 51-run win over Afghanistan in Shar- Mohamed Nabi (29) and Nasir Jamal Lanka to a 9-0 whitewash across all “The observation of the captain of jah yesterday. (25) also losing wickets after getting formats, Virat Kohli’s men prevailed the team will be a substantial basis of Stirling’s 96-ball 82 and 62 not out well set. 1-0 in the latest round of a duel be- further discussions on FTP.” by George Dockrell helped Ireland McCarthy, whose previous best of tween the neighbours to seal their Indian captains seldom talk about put a fi gthing 271-9 in their 50 overs 4-59 also came against Afghanistan record-equalling ninth consecutive scheduling issues but Kohli has ex- before they bowled out Afghanistan at Belfast last year, sparked a collapse test series win. pressed concerns that the frequency of for 220 in 45.2 overs in the second one which saw Afghanistan lose their last Three of those triumphs have come certain contests might result in plenty day international. six wickets for a mere 38 runs. against an unsettled and inexperi- of empty seats in the stands. Medium pacer Barry McCarthy Ireland were put on the track of a enced Sri Lankan side in the throes of “It defi nitely has to be taken into fi nished with a career best 5-46 as solid total by Stirling who put 115 for a tricky transition period following the consideration because you don’t want only opener Javed Ahmadi could off er the opening stand with skipper Wil- retirements of batting stalwarts Mahe- fans going away from the game or not any resistance with a patient 67-ball liam Porterfi eld (47) — a new record la Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara watching,” Kohli said ahead of the 48. against Afghanistan, beating the 113 in 2015. back-to-back series against Sri Lanka, Afghanistan won the fi rst match by Stirling and Ed Joyce put up in Noida India’s six other series wins in who have managed only one win in the 138 runs. The third and fi nal match is (Delhi, India) earlier this year. this period includes home triumphs last nine tests against their neighbours. also in Sharjah on Sunday. Stirling hit eight boundaries and a against South Africa, New Zealand, “We have to fi nd a balance between The series serves as a preparation six. England, Bangladesh and Australia, as how to engage the fans and, at the same for both the teams for the World Cup Ireland bastmen William Porterfield (R) and Paul Stirling run between the Dockrell gave the late order lift to well as a victory over West Indies in the time, keep players fresh, keep cricket 2019 qualifi ers to be held in Zimba- wickets during the 2nd ODI against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket the innings with a 48-ball 62 not out Caribbean. exciting and have very competitive go- bwe in March next year. Association Stadium in Sharjah yesterday. spiced with seven fours and a six. While it makes fi nancial sense for Sri ing throughout the year.” Gulf Times Friday, December 8, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA James dominates Kings; Durant powers Warriors The Cavs won their 13th straight game, and they can set a franchise record today against the Indiana Pacers

Reuters BUCKS 104, PISTONS 100 Cleveland Andre Drummond scored 27 points and grabbed 20 rebounds, but it was not enough for the De- troit in a loss to Milwaukee. Drummond hit 12 of eBron James scored 32 points as the 15 shots but Detroit shot just 41.9% as a team and Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Sacramento went 10-for-30 from beyond the 3-point arc in Kings 101-95 on Wednesday to tie a team its season-high fourth straight loss. Tobias Har- record for consecutive National Basket- ris added 21 and Avery Bradley fi nished with 20 Lball Association wins. The Cavs won their 13th for the Pistons. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored straight, and they can set a franchise record to- 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Milwau- day against the Indiana Pacers. kee, which also got 22 points from Eric Bledsoe Cleveland previously won 13 in a row in March and 21 from Khris Middleton. 2009 and in January-February 2010. Kevin Love scored 18 points with 13 rebounds for the Cavs, MAGIC 110, HAWKS 106 (OT) while Jeff Green scored 17 off the bench. Kyle Evan Fournier led all scorers with 27 points but Korver added 15 points as Cleveland rallied from left Orlando’s win over Atlanta early in the ex- a 14-point defi cit in the third quarter. Zach Ran- tra period with a badly sprained right ankle. dolph paced the Kings with 18 points, and JaKarr Fournier hit 12 of 21 shots and scored the fi rst Sampson set a career high with 16 rebounds. basket in overtime before limping off the court after landing on Nikola Vucevic’s foot during WARRIORS 101, HORNETS 87 the follow-through of his running fl oater. Kevin Durant totalled 35 points, 11 rebounds and Aaron Gordon had 24 points and a season- 10 assists as Golden State beat Charlotte with- high 15 rebounds for Orlando (11-15) while out Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Du- Vucevic added 22 and a season-best 16 re- rant fi nished 13 of 28 from the fi eld and recorded bounds. Dennis Schroder led the Hawks (5-19) his ninth career triple-double as the Warriors with 26 points and seven assists. won while Curry sat with a sprained ankle and Green was out with a shoulder injury. PACERS 98, BULLS 96 Klay Thompson added 22 for the Warriors, Victor Oladipo scored 11 of his 27 points in the who won their fi fth straight and seventh in fourth quarter, including a 3-pointer with 31.1 eight games. Kemba Walker led Charlotte with seconds left as Indiana rallied from a 16-point 24 points. Nicolas Batum added 15 and Dwight defi cit in the fi nal 9 1/2 minutes to beat Chi- Howard fi nished with 14. cago. Oladipo made his shot after stealing the ball from Chicago’s Denzel Valentine and was CELTICS 97, MAVERICKS 90 among fi ve in double fi gures for Indiana. Kyrie Irving scored nine of his 23 points in the Bojan Bogdanovic added 17 points and Dar- fourth quarter as Boston beat Dallas. Irving ren Collison contributed 14. Kris Dunn scored scored seven points in a span of 3:05 and then 19 points for Chicago, which dropped its 10th added another basket down the stretch to help straight by getting outscored 29-13 and shoot- Boston win its fourth straight. Al Horford had 17 ing 5 of 18 in the fourth quarter. points, eight rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and two steals. Rookie Jayson Tatum also scored Cavaliers forward LeBron James (left) reaches for a rebound as Sacramento Kings guards George Hill and Buddy Hield (right) attempt to block during TIMBERWOLVES 113, CLIPPERS 107 17 and grabbed 10 rebounds. Harrison Barnes led the NBA game at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohi, on Wednesday night. (USA TODAY Sports) Karl-Anthony Towns totalled 21 points and 12 the Mavericks with 19 points and seven rebounds rebounds as Minnesota beat Los Angeles. Jimmy while Dirk Nowitzki had 16 points. points. Tyler Johnson led Miami with 25 points Davis, who missed his third consecutive game the second quarter as New York beat Memphis. Butler and Jeff Teague added 19 points apiece for off the bench, while Dion Waiters scored 22 and with a strained adductor, the Pelicans erased an Kristaps Porzingis returned from missing two Minnesota, which shot 55%. SPURS 117, HEAT 105 Josh Richardson added 19. early 10-point defi cit by pounding the ball in- games with an ankle injury to added 18 points on Andrew Wiggins contributed 16 points as LaMarcus Aldridge scored 18 points to lead a side to Cousins. The Nuggets were led by Gary 8-of-19 shooting. did Taj Gibson, who also grabbed 14 rebounds. parade of teammates in double fi gures as San PELICANS 123, NUGGETS 114 Harris with 24 points, but they dropped to 3-9 Enes Kanter added 12 points and 12 rebounds Reserve Lou Williams and Austin Rivers led the Antonio Spurs beat Miami. Eight of the 11 play- DeMarcus Cousins had 40 points and 22 re- on the road. for the Knicks, who won for the second time in Clippers with 23 points. DeAndre Jordan col- ers who saw the court for San Antonio scored in bounds, and Jrue Holiday was right behind with seven games. Marc Gasol scored 17 points, and lected 18 points and 21 rebounds as Los Ange- double fi gures as Bryn Forbes hit for 17 points, 27 points and seven assists to lift New Orleans KNICKS 99, GRIZZLIES 88 Tyreke Evans added 15 to lead the Grizzlies, who les fell to 0-4 since losing Blake Griffi n for two Rudy Gay scored 16 and Patty Mills had 13 over Denver. Playing without forward Anthony Courtney Lee scored half of his 24 points in lost for the 11th time in 12 games. months to a left knee injury.

NHL NFL ROUND-UP Ovechkin, Wilson lead Shazier back in Pittsburgh aft er spine injury teelers linebacker Ryan Shazier was back on Wednesday in Pittsburgh, where he is being treated in hospital Capitals past Chicago for a spinal injury suff ered in a game inS Cincinnati on Monday. A brief statement from the Steelers off ered no new information on Shazier’s condition. “Ryan Shazier has returned to Pittsburgh and is now receiving medical attention at a UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) hospital,” Steelers director of com- munications Burt Lauten said in statement on Wednesday. “He will continue tests and evaluations before his medical team provides any further updates on his condition.” Lauten went on to thank staff at the Uni- versity of Cincinnati Medical Center for their care of Shazier. Shazier appeared unable to move his legs after he was hurt attempting to make a tackle on Monday. By Tuesday he was reported to have some movement in his lower extremities although the Steelers said only that he “continues to improve”. The NFL Network reported that the Steel- ers had been told Shazier suff ered a spinal cord contusion. In a posting on his Twitter Ryan Shazier of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts as he is carted off the field after an injury feed on Tuesday night, Shazier thanked fans against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday. for their prayers. “Your support is uplifting to me and my family,” he said. executive John Schnatter blaming a decline in back Eli Manning will be back under center his pizza company’s revenues on falling NFL for the New York Giants on Sunday. Interim GOODELL REPORTEDLY INKS television ratings and the league’s handling coach Steve Spagnuolo said it was a “gut” FIVE-YEAR EXTENSION of national anthem protests by players. feeling to return Manning to his starting role, Roger Goodell has reportedly signed a fi ve- Jones, who owns 120 Papa John’s fran- one week after he was benched by head coach year contract extension to remain the com- chises, threatened to bench any Cowboys Ben McAdoo. missioner of the NFL, a deal Dallas Cowboys player that failed to stand for the anthem, The move led to an uproar that ended with Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (centre) celebrates with teammates Nicklas Backstrom owner Jerry Jones had tried to block. The but Goodell refused to demand that players McAdoo being shown the door on Monday. and Matt Niskanen after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks. (USA TODAY Sports) New York Times was among the US media stand. USA Today reported that the memo Giants general manager Jerry Reese was also outlets reporting the deal on Wednesday, sent to team owners said the contract com- dismissed after an 11-year reign that yielded Reuters DUCKS 3, SENATORS 0 citing a memo sent to league owners from the mittee “unanimously supports the contract two Super Bowls. Washington Ryan Miller made 29 saves to earn his 40th career compensation committee chaired by Atlanta and believes that it is fully consistent with Manning, whose streak of 210 consecu- shutout, and Adam Henrique registered two goals Falcons owner Arthur Blank. ‘market’ compensation and the fi nancial and tive starts ended when McAdoo benched as Anaheim defeated Ottawa. The Ducks broke ESPN, citing an unnamed source, said that other parameters outlined to the owners at him in favor of backup Geno Smith, was lexander Ovechkin scored his league- a three-game losing streak (0-1-2) by taking the Goodell’s fi ve-year-deal, which runs through our May 2017 meeting, as well as in the best looking forward to getting back on the fi eld. leading 21st goal, Nicklas Backstrom opener of a three-game homestand. Anaheim has 2024, is expected to pay him some $40mn a interests of our ownership”. The QB shakeup didn’t help the Giants, who ended a 21-game goal-scoring drought, defeated the Senators in seven of the past nine year, although that fi gure includes incentive Goodell has come in for harsh criticism fell to 2-10 with a 24-17 loss to Oakland last and Tom Wilson scored twice as the meetings played at Honda Center. Ottawa lost bonuses. Goodell, 58, has made more than for his handling of some issues — such as the weekend. WashingtonA Capitals cruised to a 6-2 victory over its second straight game to start a season-high, $200mn since he fi rst got the job in 2006. domestic violence case involving ex-NFL the sliding Chicago Blackhawks in the National seven-game road trip and has dropped nine of its Goodell’s contract had become a conten- rusher Ray Rice and the “Defl ate-gate” scan- ONE-GAME SUSPENSION FOR Hockey League on Wednesday. last 10 contests. Craig Anderson made 19 saves. tious issue this season, with Jones threaten- dal involving the New England Patriots and CHIEFS CORNERBACK PETERS Brett Connolly and Evgeny Kuznetsov also ing to sue the league and some fellow owners their superstar quarterback Tom Brady. Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus scored for the Capitals, who have won six of seven FLYERS 4, OILERS 2 if an extension was approved. Jones said he But the league is still a fi nancial power- Peters received a one-game suspension from to move into a tie for second place in the Met- After breaking a 10-game losing skid with a win wanted the league to use the 18 months left house with a projected $14bn in revenue this head coach Andy Reid following his actions ropolitan Division. Lance Bouma and Jonathan over the Flames in Calgary on Monday, Philadel- on Goodell’s current contract to evaluate his year. That’s a $6bn increase from 2010, when against the New York Jets on Sunday, the Toews scored for Chicago. phia continued its turnaround with a victory over work and consider their options. Goodell said he wanted the league to reach latest in a series of incidents involving the Edmonton. Wayne Simmonds had a goal and an “We just need to slow this train down,” $25bn in revenue by 2027. Goodell’s exten- volatile and competitive Peters in his young MAPLE LEAFS 2, FLAMES 1 (SO) assist, and Jordan Weal, Dale Weise and Michael said Jones, who has been at odds with Good- sion would keep him in place through the career. Peters received an unsportsmanlike Frederik Andersen made 47 saves, and William Raffl also scored for the Flyers, who were on an ell since the commissioner suspended star league’s negotiations for its next collective conduct penalty following a defensive hold- Nylander scored the decisive goal in a shootout as 0-5-5 run before Monday. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott for six bargaining agreement. ing call against teammate Steven Nelson dur- Toronto defeated Calgary. Mark Giordano scored Brian Elliott made 24 saves. Leon Draisaitl and games over a domestic violence accusation ing an unsuccessful two-point conversion for the Flames in regulation, and Morgan Rielly Ryan Nugent-Hopkins got the goals for the Oil- that didn’t result in criminal charges. QUARTERBACK ELI MANNING try by the Jets. Peters picked up the offi cial’s replied for the Maple Leafs. Mike Smith made 28 ers. Goalie Laurent Brossoit, who gave up fi ve Other owners reportedly believed Jones GETS STARTING JOB BACK fl ag and threw it into the stands, then walked saves for Calgary. goals in his most recent start, stopped 29 shots. was behind comments by Papa John’s chief Two-time Super Bowl champion quarter- off the fi eld to the locker room. Gulf Times 6 Friday, December 8, 2017 SPORT

WINTER OLYMPICS Konta appoints Joyce as Mutko echoes Putin vow new coach London: British world number nine Johanna Konta has named American Michael Joyce as her new coach for the 2018 season follow- of support for ‘neutrals’ ing her split from Belgian Wim Fisette in October. The 26-year-old enjoyed a solid start to 2017, winning the Russian authorities have vehemently denied any state support for doping Sydney International and Miami Open titles, and hit Reuters a career-high number four Moscow world ranking before injury and poor form saw her miss out on a WTA Finals berth. ussian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly The 44-year-old Joyce Mutko, who was banned for life from the has previously worked with Olympics this week, said Moscow would former number ones Maria support Russian athletes who opt to com- Sharapova, whom he guided peteR at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics as to two grand slam titles, and neutrals. The International Olympic Committee Victoria Azarenka, whose (IOC) on Tuesday banned the Russian team from team he joined in early 2017 the Games after evidence emerged of an “un- before leaving the Belaru- precedented systematic manipulation” of doping sian’s coaching squad last procedures but left the door open for Russians to week. compete as neutrals if they demonstrate they have “I’m delighted to confirm a doping-free background. that Michael Joyce will be “For us the athletes’ interests have always been joining my team for 2018,” the priority,” TASS news agency quoted Mutko as Konta said in a statement. saying late on Wednesday. “To participate in the “Michael is a fantastic coach Olympics is an athlete’s right. We will respect it with a great pedigree and I’m and provide full-fl edged support.” really excited to work with Mutko’s comments came hours after President him. 2017 has been amaz- Vladimir Putin said Russia would not prevent its ing but I feel like there is so athletes from competing in South Korea as neu- much more to come.” trals. Mutko, who served as sports minister at the Konta will begin her 2018 time of the 2014 Sochi Games, remained tight- season at the Brisbane Inter- lipped about the decision to ban him from the Ol- national, which is scheduled ympics. “I don’t want to assess the IOC’s decision to start on Dec. 31. Elsewhere, made regarding me,” Mutko said. “It’s not the time Czech Barbora Strycova, who to think of myself.” won the Linz Open in Octo- Russian authorities have vehemently denied any ber, has named compatriot state support for doping and pledged to cooperate David Kotyza as her new with international sports authorities to counter coach after splitting with To- the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs. mas Krupa earlier this year. In the weeks ahead of Tuesday’s IOC decision, Strycova, 31, will play her first more than 20 Russian athletes who competed at competition under Kotyza the Sochi Games were handed Olympic life bans at the season-opening ASB for having allegedly violated anti-doping rules. Classic in Auckland. The bans came as the result of an IOC inves- tigation into allegations of state-backed doping among Russian competitors and sample tampering The IOC has banned the Russian team from the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games after evidence emerged of an “unprecedented systematic manipulation” of by laboratory and security offi cials at Sochi. Rus- doping procedures but left the door open for Russians to compete as neutrals if they demonstrate they have a doping-free background. (Reuters) sia’s athletics federation, Paralympic Committee and anti-doping agency RUSADA remain sus- Russia — a winter sports powerhouse — would der Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov will support once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete at the pended over doping scandals. represent a major blow to host South Korea, al- any of their countrymen who chose compete at the Games. “I would still go because I know the Rus- ready battling under the shadow of North Korea’s Winter Olympics despite an IOC decision banning sian fans will be at the tournament and if you win SOUTH KOREA VOICES REGRET OVER nuclear and missile threats. The Games have also Russia from the Games, they said on Wednesday. the medal, they will sing the national anthem for RUSSIA WINTER OLYMPICS BAN been hit by the decision by North America’s Na- Asked whether Russian hockey players should you,” he said. Neither Kuznetsov nor Ovechkin, South Korea yesterday voiced regret over the deci- tional Hockey League not to allow its athletes to participate in the Games or boycott them, who has played in the past three Olympics, will be sion to ban Russia from the Pyeongchang Winter attend, and lukewarm interest in South Korea. The Ovechkin said the athletes should compete. “I sup- in the Russian team after the NHL announced in Olympics, saying the participation of the country’s Pyeongchang organising committee said Wednes- port them,” Ovechkin said. “I woke up today and April it would not halt its season to accommodate athletes was crucial to the success of the event. day it would prefer if Russians competed under some guys in Russia said we should back out. But the Games. Kuznetsov said he could understand if The South Korean sports ministry urged Rus- their own fl ag, but accepted as “second-best” the I never said that and I support the hockey team’s Russian athletes were reluctant to play under the sian athletes to compete as neutrals following decision to allow their participation as neutrals. decision,” he said. “I’m pretty sure they are going IOC’s rules barring the country’s fl ag and uniform. IOC’s unprecedented ban, saying in a statement and I’m going to cheer for them.” “It would be the same as if they took the US it had “worked hard over the past seven years to NHL’S OVECHKIN, KUZNETSOV Kuznetsov said it was up to the Russian hockey passport from you, right? You are not going to feel make meticulous preparations” for a peaceful and SUPPORT RUSSIAN ATHLETES team to decide whether they would participate comfortable.” he said. “So it’s similar for us, it’s harmonious Games. The absence of athletes from Russian Washington Capitals players Alexan- but said it would be a shame for athletes to miss a everything.”

SPOTLIGHT MLB ROUND-UP Toronto Blue Jays owner Tokyo 2020 unveil bug-eyed Rogers considers selling team

Reuters Staffi eri did not say if Rogers is consider- Olympic mascot hopefuls ing divesting a stake in the more popular Maple Toronto Leafs National Hockey League franchise that it obtained alongside BCE in 2011 for a combined anadian telecom company Rogers Com- C$1.32bn. The league in September approved the munications Inc is considering sell- $1.2 bn sale of the Miami Marlins, according to ing the Toronto Blue Jays Major League Forbes. A record $2bn was paid for the Los An- Baseball team in an eff ort to generate geles Dodgers in 2012. Rogers Communications, cashC that could be used in its core business, the which is controlled by Canada’s prominent Rog- company’s chief fi nancial offi cer said. ers family, is also looking to sell a C$1.5bn ($1.2bn) The Blue Jays were ranked by Forbes as the stake in Cogeco Inc and its subsidiary, a cable 16th-most valuable MLB team this year out of 30, TV company with operations across the United worth $1.3bn. Rogers should be able to sell it for States and Canada. about that sum, said Andrew Zimbalist, a sports economist with Smith College in Northampton, PALMEIRO PLANING TO MAKE COMEBACK. Massachusetts, who noted the team is in a large, Rafael Palmeiro believes he has more to off er the wealthy city with a strong fan base. game of baseball, and more to prove as well. The The Blue Jays were founded in 1977 and became 53-year-old Palmeiro, who last played in 2005, back-to-back World Series champions in 1992 said that he is thinking about making a come- and 1993. Rogers, which operates cable TV and back. “There’s no doubt in my mind I can do it,” telecom service in Canada, bought 80% of the says Palmeiro, who ended his career as one of four Blue Jays in 2000 and the remaining 20% in 2004, players with 500 home runs and 3,000 hits.”I’ve as part of a strategy to obtain broadcasting rights taken care of myself really well. I’ve been working for what is Canada’s only remaining MLB team. out for years. Everything feels better than when I The company, which has about $13 bn in out- played.” standing debt, now fi gures it could make more sense to sell the team and license broadcast rights YANKEES INTRODUCE MANAGER BOONE from a new owner, Rogers CFO Tony Staffi eri told The New York Yankees formally introduced Aaron a UBS investor conference in New York on Tues- Boone at a press conference and the new manager Japanese schoolchildren pose with a shortlist of three pairs of off icial Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games mascots during a photo session at day. He pointed to a C$5.2bn ($4.1bn) 12-year deal of the storied franchise called the job “the chance Kakezuka elementary school in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP) that Rogers signed in 2013 to broadcast National of a lifetime.” “We’re chasing championships,” Hockey League games, elbowing out rival BCE Boone said at Yankee Stadium after being intro- AFP instantly recognisable as “Made in Japan”, together a fox looking less than overjoyed at Inc for rights to Canada’s most popular sport. A duced as the 33rd manager in franchise history. Tokyo ranging in appearance from sci-fi cool to a being decorated in prehistoric “magatama” spokeswoman for Rogers, Sarah Schmidt, said on Boone signed a three-year contract through the glum-looking fox closer in spirit to the coun- beads and a red raccoon looking a little be- Wednesday that the company “would like to sur- 2020 season with a team option for 2021. He be- try’s beloved “yuru-kyara” (soft characters). mused by all of the commotion. face value and get credit” for its “terrifi c sports comes the 18th Yankees manager to have played okyo Olympic organisers unveiled a Design A’s futuristic blue-checked design Tokyo organisers will hope to make smooth assets.” for the club. shortlist of three offi cial 2020 Games with pointy ears and oversized eyes evokes progress on the mascots to build on recent mascots yesterday — from bug-eyed Japanese manga, while Olympic organisers momentum following a series of public rela- cartoon heroes to cuddly raccoons. revealed it has a “strong sense of justice” and tions disasters. Last month, Tokyo opened its TThe Olympic and Paralympic designs, which can apparently move faster than light. fi rst new permanent venue for the 2020 Ol- celebrate the themes of harmony, diversity Its Paralympic cousin, meanwhile, sports ympics — a welcome boost after plans for the and resilience, were unveiled by pupils at a red checks derived from cherry blossoms and main stadium were torn up by Prime Minister Tokyo elementary school. possesses the ability, helpfully, to “talk with Shinzo Abe two years ago over its $2bn price After a bungled rollout of the offi cial Ol- stones and the wind.” Design B pairs a car- tag. Designs for the offi cial Games emblem ympic logo that led to it being scrapped fol- toon hybrid of a “lucky” cat and a fox draped were then scrapped amid a plagiarism row. lowing accusations of plagiarism, local or- in a red fl ame-like cloak with a blue lion-dog There was more bad news in October when ganisers have left the selection of the Tokyo of the type seen guarding Japanese shrines — Olympic organisers admitted that prolonged 2020 mascots in the hands of schoolchildren. the common thread between them big round summer rain had brought high levels of bac- From December 11 to February 22, pupils eyes resembling disco lights. teria to a venue earmarked for triathlon and at every elementary school across Japan — Olympic Mascot B also “loves to take naps open water swimming. and Japanese schools overseas — will choose underneath the sunlight,” said Japanese or- While Tokyo has taken successful measures their favourite design, with each class casting ganisers, adding that it “gives happy energy to reduce costs, the International Olympic a single vote. The winner will be announced to people by touching them with its tail.” The Committee has urged local organisers to try to Toronto Blue Jays Major League Baseball team were ranked by Forbes as the 16th-most valuable on February 28. The competing mascots are softer appeal of Option C, meanwhile, brings further cut its current $12bn Games budget. MLB team this year out of 30, worth $1.3bn. Gulf Times Friday, December 8, 2017 7 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Aspire Academy is offi cial sponsor of Qatar Tiger still a major Fencing Grand Prix

By Sports Reporter pressed the Academy’s preparedness to Doha host the three-day event in collabora- tion with the Qatar Weightlifting and Fencing Federation, and said, “This threat, say Janzen spire Academy signed a sponsorship agreement builds on our sponsorship agreement with existing partnership with the Qatar the Qatar Weightlifting and Weightlifting and Fencing Federation Fencing Federation yesterday and other various Qatari sporting fed- toA become the offi cial technical and erations. This is an important sporting logistical sponsor of the 2017 Qatar event for Qatar and it gives our fencing Fencing Grand Prix championship, a athletes in Aspire Academy and other three-day event that kicks off today in local clubs a chance to compete on an and Calcavecchia the Academy. Some of the world’s best international level against professional fencers and Aspire Academy’s prom- athletes, including some of the world’s ising fencing students will be among highest ranked players.” Woods swung freely at Hero World Challenge, finishing tied for ninth those taking part at the event. Meanwhile, Khalid Issa al-Hamadi, The agreement was signed between also a former Qatari fencer, said, “We’d Reuters Aspire Academy deputy director gen- like to extend our thanks to Aspire Toronto eral Ali Salem Afi fa, on behalf of Ivan Academy for extending its support for Bravo, the director general, and Qatar the Qatar Fencing Grand Prix, which is Weightlifting and Fencing Federation now in its 15th year. It is fantastic that he show that Tiger Woods secretary general Khalid Issa al-Ha- the Academy is committed to support- put on last week in his latest madi. Director of Education and Stu- ing so many important sporting com- comeback from injury was dent Aff airs, Badr al-Hay, along with petitions in Qatar. We chose to organise enough to convince a pair of the CEO of the Qatar Weightlifting and the competition in Aspire Academy Tmajor winners that he may still be able Fencing Federation and the chairman due to its great facilities and acclaimed to triumph in golf’s blue riband events. of the Grand Prix championship, Ab- local and international standing as a Woods swung freely and with no dullah Ali al-Ghanim also attended. sporting organisation. This stands only sign of back pain at the Hero World Speaking on the side-lines of the to boost the event’s reputation, both Challenge, fi nishing tied for ninth in signing ceremony, Ali Salem Afi fa ex- locally and internationally.” the 18-man exhibition which featured eight of the world’s top 10 golfers. Mark Calcavecchia saw enough to know it would be foolish to write off the former world number one. “His name is Tiger Woods after all. You don’t just forget that he has won 14 majors and 79 (PGA Tour) tourna- ments,” the former British Open win- ner told a conference call to promote the Diamond Resorts Invitational. “I watched most of last week and I was very impressed with a lot of things. He’s going at it full speed, he’s certainly not holding back trying to protect what we all thought was still going to be a tender back.” Aspire Academy deputy director general Ali Salem Afifa and Qatar Weightlifting and Following spinal fusion surgery and Fencing Federation secretary general Khalid Issa al-Hamadi signed the agreement. a lengthy layoff , Woods arrived at the Bahamas event ranked 1,199th but after posting a 31 on his opening nine BOXING holes, his odds to win the US Masters in April dropped to 15-1, according to one Las Vegas bookmaker. In August, he had opened at 100-1 Pacquiao launches bid odds to win the year’s fi rst major. Calcavecchia said Woods, who re- mains four majors behind Jack Nick- to unearth Chinese stars laus’s record of 18, would be well served to play in more events than usual to get into a groove. AFP boxing, which has never had a truly While Woods drove the ball as well Beijing world-class fi ghter. There is no public as he had in a decade, he was rusty Tiger Woods walks off the 18th hole during the final round of the Hero World Challenge in Nassau, Bahamas, on Sunday. timeline for when it will be built. when it came to chipping, but that was Woods finished tied ninth in the 18-man exhibition which featured eight of the world’s top 10 golfers. (AFP) China’s most famous boxer, Zou no concern for twice US Open winner ilipino boxer Manny Pacquiao Shiming, lost his WBO fl yweight belt Lee Janzen. “His putting looked really good. But But just as Nicklaus came out of no- “All these young guys are playing hopes to unearth the next Chi- when he was knocked out by Japan’s “Tiger Woods has a variable that if he regains that touch with chipping where to win the 1986 Masters at the like he used to play and it isn’t just one nese world champion and help unfancied Sho Kimura in his fi rst de- is unmeasurable that you can never I would be surprised if he wasn’t in age of 46, Janzen felt the same could of them. So he has to beat the younger grow the sport with an acad- fence in July. count him out,” said Janzen. contention in a major.” be in store for Woods. version of himself now and there’s a emyF in the largely untapped country. When Pacquiao’s plans for China “He always has in his pocket some- Woods will turn 42 on Dec. 30 and “That is the biggest question, can he handful of them, at least. The 38-year-old, who controver- were fi rst announced in 2014, he said where the ability to do something dra- the competition he faces from the win a major now because he is playing “But just like Jack Nicklaus, when sially lost his World Boxing Organiza- that he believed the partnership could matic and to pull off the right shot at game’s younger players is deeper than against a bunch of Tiger clones, basi- they tried to write him off he showed tion (WBO) welterweight title to Aus- help thaw frosty ties between the Phil- the right time. in his prime. cally,” he said. everybody that he wasn’t done yet.” tralian Jeff Horn in July, was in Beijing ippines and China, who were engaged this week. He and Chinese sports-de- in a territorial maritime dispute in the velopment fi rm Dancing Sports held a South China Sea. signing ceremony that included plans Relations have since improved con- Davidse leads with 63 at broom-and-fork Joburg Open to build a Manny Pacquiao Interna- siderably under current Philippine tional Boxing Academy in the capital, President Rodrigo Duterte. AFP She hung a broom on a tree outside sonal rain. really have any expectations coming the company said. At the time, Pacquiao defended the Johannesburg the clubhouse and buried a fork at Davidse mocked his world ranking into the week. I just wanted to have Zhou Wenxin, chairman of Dancing decision to open a boxing academy in the base of the trunk while a col- of 680 with nine birdies and a lone fun, so I am very blessed to be play- Sports, said their tie-up would deepen China instead of his own country. league placed a glass of water upside bogey in halves of 32 and 31 over the ing well.” Chinese-Philippine relations in boxing “In the Philippines we don’t have a owly ranked South African down on a saucer above the fork. Bushwillow track, the easier of two Six golfers lie second on 64 — South and beyond. problem (producing good boxers),” said Keenan Davidse fired an eight- Lubeck learnt of the broom-and-fork courses being used for the first two Africans Jared Harvey, Erik van Rooyen The academy will draft in coaches Pacquiao, a hero in his home country Lunder-par 63 yesterday to lead trick from a friend several years ago rounds. and Ockie Strydom, English pair Mat- from abroad to help develop Chinese and also a senator. the Joburg Open with a little help when organising an outdoor birthday Each competitor plays one round thew Baldwin and James Morrison and from a broom, fork, saucer and glass party for her husband. over the par-71 Bushwillow layout, German Sebastian Heisele. of water. “There was a dark cloud right above one over the longer, par-72 Firethorn Defending champion Darren Fichardt After several days of torrential rain in the party venue, but it did not rain. So course and, after the cut, Firethorn of South Africa opened with a three- US Masters champion Garcia named Johannesburg, there were fears that when it rained all Tuesday at Rand- hosts the final two rounds. over 75. Europe’s best golfer the first round would again fall victim park, I decided to use the trick.” Davidse excelled at the par fives, Title favourite and former British to bad weather that has jinxed the Although some rain fell yesterday claiming birdies at all three, Another Open winner Louis Oosthuizen of US Masters champion Sergio Garcia was named the European Tour’s Golfer tournament in the past. at the suburban club, there was no five birdies came at par fours with South Africa withdrew after a freak of the Year for the first time yesterday, capping an excellent year in which Gaby Lubeck, an off icial at the threat of play being suspended or one at a par three. eve-of-tournament accident. he also triumphed in the Dubai Desert Classic and the Andalucia Valderrama Randpark Golf Club where the tri- abandoned for the 240 competitors. “I do not know what to say,” chuckled He hurt his fingers when they were Masters. The 37-year-old, who beat Englishman Justin Rose in a playoff back sanctioned European Tour, Asian The last Joburg Open, staged at a Davidse, who missed the cut at the caught between airport trollies after in April to capture his maiden major in Augusta, is the third Spaniard to win Tour and Sunshine Tour event is diff erent venue in the largest South Mauritius Open last week and tied for returning from the Mauritius Open. the award after Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal. “This is an amazing being staged, decided on an unusual African city, was cut from four rounds 96th place. American Cody Martin took his place honour,” Garcia said in a news release. “I think both on and off the golf course course of action. to three because of torrential sea- “Obviously, I am very happy. I did not and returned a 71. it has been a unique and unbelievable year, and one that I will definitely remember my whole life.” F1 bosses recommend new security MOTORSPORT measures for Brazil

Formula One bosses have recommended new security measures for the Honda restructures its Formula 1 operations Brazilian Grand Prix after team staff were robbed at gunpoint when leaving the circuit last month. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) said in Reuters and communications head Katsuhide a statement after a World Motor Sport Council meeting in Paris on Wednes- London Moriyama. day that the commercial rights holder had made the proposals following a Honda and McLaren split after the report on incidents at Interlagos. It recommended the race promoter retain 2017 season that ended last month, an independent security expert to evaluate and advise on measures, with a onda has restructured its bringing down the curtain on three police reporting hub at the circuit and improved communication between all under-performing Formula painful years that saw the former parties. World champion Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team was one of those One operations after the world champions suff er their worst involved in the incidents at Interlagos, with shots reportedly fired and a gun split from McLaren, with ever slump. pointed at the head of one employee travelling in a van outside the circuit. HYusuke Hasegawa to stand down as McLaren, who had a dominant Pirelli employees were also targeted after the race, leading to the cancellation head of the Japanese company’s F1 partnership with Honda in the late of a two-day tyre test with McLaren. project at the end of the year. 1980s and early 1990s, last won a race Honda, starting a new partnership in 2012 and this year fi nished ninth of IOC stops payments to boxing federation with Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso from the 10 teams with just 30 points — 638 January, said in a statement yesterday fewer than champions Mercedes. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday said it would that Hasegawa’s position would be Their time together was beset with not make any payments to the international boxing federation AIBA until split into two separate functions. poor reliability and a lack of perform- problems over governance and finances are sorted out. AIBA has been riven Toyoharu Tanabe, an experienced ance from a Honda engine struggling with in-fighting for months, with former president CK Wu first provisionally Formula One veteran who worked as to compete with rivals. suspended and then stepping down in November after a bitter dispute with race engineer to Austrian Gerhard Berg- McLaren, who have Spain’s dou- his executive committee. Wu, an IOC member, was replaced by interim chief er at McLaren in the early 1990s, had track and in testing. “By separating these areas of re- ble world champion Fernando Alonso Franco Falcinelli and the federation will convene an extraordinary con- been appointed as F1 technical director. An operating offi cer, yet to be sponsibility, we will evolve our struc- along with Belgian Stoff el Vandoorne gress with its national member federations on Jan. 27 in Dubai to consider Tanabe, who was also chief engi- named, will take charge of research ture so that both the development as their drivers, will have Renault proposed changes to its governance. “The IOC executive board has major neer to Britain’s Jenson Button at BAR and development at Sakura in Japan team and racing/testing team can as- power next season. Toro Rosso have concerns with regard to the situation within AIBA in diff erent aspects,” IOC and Honda Racing between 2003 and while Hasegawa remains executive sume their respective responsibilities New Zealander Brendon Hartley and President Thomas Bach told reporters. 2007, will run operations at the race- chief engineer. more speedily,” said Honda’s brand France’s Pierre Gasly.

Friday, December 8, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Yazeed edges out Ebraz in thriller; Pazeer, Abha win Jockey Marc Lerner picks up two wins, while Faleh Bughanaim registers six top-three finishes on the day

Winners of the Thoroughbred Guineas (Group 3) with their respective trophies after Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi-owned Pazeer won the race at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Winners of the Purebred Arabian Guineas with their trophies after Umm Qarn’s Yazeed won the race yesterday.

By Sports Reporter Lightning (Carlo Fiocchi). Won by: 1, 4, 1 Doha 3/4. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. Race 3: 1. Rockin Fella (Eduardo bdulatif Hussain al-Ema- Pedroza), 2. Black Orange (Faleh Bugha- di’s Pazeer and Umm Qarn’s naim), 3. Shawwal (Carlo Fiocchi), 4. Yazeed bagged the Group 3 Kynoch (Theo Bachelot). Won by: 3/4, 1 Thoroughbred Guineas and 1/2, Nk. Owner: Abdulaziz Saleh al-Jaber. theA Purebred Arabians Guineas at the Trainer: Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club here Race 4: 1. Raqee (Marc Lerner), 2. yesterday. Al Dawoodea (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. As expected Yazeed, along with HH Yatzakhan (Marvin Suerland), 4. Ellianka Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Tha- (Darren Williams). Won by: No, 1 1/4, 4. ni’s Ebraz, the HH The Emir’s Sword Owner: Hassan al-Matwi. Trainer: Has- winner, put on a cracker of a show in san al-Matwi. the penultimate race of the day, as Race 5: 1. Zameer (Marc Lerner), 2. TM Yazeed, holding a slight advantage on Thunder Struck (Jean Baptiste Hamel), the home stretch under Stephan Ladj- 3. AJS Anfowan (Tomas Lukasek), 4. adj, registered his second straight vic- Carab (Harry Bentley). Won by: Shd, 1 tory for trainer Alban de Mieulle. 1/2, 4 1/4. Owner: Zakhir Stud. Trainer: This was the second straight time Al Jeryan Stud’s Abha is led in to the winners’ enclosure after she won the Local Stephan Ladjadj (left) rides Yazeed to victory ahead of Ebraz, ridden by Theo Mohamed Salama Ashour. that Julian Smart-trained Ebraz, ridden Thoroughbred Guineas yesterday. Bachelot, in Purebred Arabians Guineas yesterday. Race 6: 1. Abha (Tomas Lukasek), 2. by Theo Bachelot, lost a duel to Yazeed, Saar (Gerald Avranche), 3. Al Lusail having last missed out on the HH Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani-saddled Zameer and Umm Qarn’s TM Thunder former won by the closest of margins. Plate event for three-year-olds, and (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Damsah (Saleem Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Abha registered her second win this sea- Struck, ridden by Jean Baptiste Hamel In the fi rst race of the day, Gerald then behind Rockin Fella, with Eduardo Golam). Won by: 1, 3 1/2, 1/2. Owner: Silver Cup in January this year. son when Lukasek helmed the Al Jeryan for De Mieulle, were locked in a duel on Avranche helmed Montaser for the Pedroza, on Qatar debutant Black Or- Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi Nasser Early leader AJS Gannas was third Stud fi lly to a victory in the Local Thor- the home stretch, a battle that Zameer gelding’s second straight victory for ange in the Thoroughbred Plate event al-Ramzani. under Tomas Lukasek. oughbred Guineas for three-year-olds. won by a short head for his fi rst victory trainer Yousef Ben Taher in the Lo- for two-year-olds. Race 7: 1. Yazeed (Stephan Ladjadj), 2. Ibrahim al-Malki-saddled Pazeer Zuhair Mohsen-trained Saar raced in a little over two years. cal Thoroughbred Handicap event for Ebraz (Theo Bachelot), 3. AJS Gan- showed amazing pace in the fi nal fur- to his second straight runner-up fi n- In one of the closest races on the day, horses rated 80 and below. RESULTS nas (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Sehab (Jean long of the last race yesterday for an ish, splitting al-Ramzani’s two charges Lerner was astride Hassan Ali al-Mat- Bughanaim rode Deborah Mountain- Race 1: 1. Montaser (Gerald Avranche), Baptiste Hamel). Won by: 1/4, 6 1/4, 1 1/2. impressive three-and-a-half length in the race, with Bughanaim guiding Al wi’s Raqee, the winner who edged out trained Zuzi to third place behind Theo 2. Shatir Bu Thaila (Theo Bachelot), 3. Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de victory. Lusail to third place. Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Dawoodea, the Bachelot-helmed Shatir Bu Thaila. Zuzi (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Mister Lal Mieulle. Jockey Faleh Bughanaim guided Qa- Jockey Marc Lerner picked up two latter on his Qatar debut, by a nose. The Qatari jockey, who received the (Eduardo Pedroza). Won by: 1 3/4, 1, 1 1/4. Race 8: 1. Pazeer (Eduardo Pedroza), 2. tar debutant Burrishoole Abbey to a wins on the day, riding Zakhir Stud’s In the Purebred Arabian Plate event Best Jockey award at the Sports Ex- Owner: Ali bin Saeed al-Jafali al-Nuaimi. Burrishoole Abbey (Faleh Bughanaim), runner-up fi nish ahead of Tomas Lu- Zameer to one of the most thrilling vic- for three-year-olds, Raqee and Hos- cellency Awards in October this year, Trainer: Yousef Ben Taher. 3. Notalot (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Please- kasek-ridden Notalot. tories on the day in the Purebred Ara- sain Mohamed Ashour-saddled Al Da- then had two runner-up fi nishes, fi rst Race 2: 1. Vona (Harry Bentley), 2. letmewin (Harry Bentley). Won by: 3 It was Bughanaim’s sixth top-three bian Conditions event. woodea, ridden by Bughanaim, set up a behind Harry Bentley-ridden Vona on Catch A Wave (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. 1/2, Shd, 1 1/2. Owner: Abdulatif Hussain fi nish on the day. Mohamed Salama Ashour-saddled duel on the home stretch, one that the Catch A Wave in the Thoroughbred Scudding (Pier Convertino), 4. I Am el-Emadi. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki.

QRF NATIONAL CLUB RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT World 9-Ball C’ship Doha Maroon host Camels begins tomorrow he professional pool year will close out in style for 2017 as the WPA World today with top spot at stake 9-ball Championship kicksT off tomorrow at the Al Ara- By Sports Reporter bi Sports Club in Doha, Qatar. Doha This will be the eighth straight year that the Gulf country, through the Qatar Billiards and n the most hotly-anticipated game Snooker Federation (QBSF), has of the season so far, Doha Maroon put its full backing behind pool’s and the Camels are set to go head- biggest and most important to-head in Round Four of the Qatar event. As many as 128 players IRugby Federation’s (QRF’s) National Club from over 40 countries will clash Rugby Championship today. to see who will be crowned the The match, which will be played at Doha king of 9-ball pool. Rugby Football Centre (DRFC) at 5pm, will This is third world champion- determine who will move top of the stand- ship in cue sports that the venue ings in the hotly-contested league. will be hosting after the IBSF Talal Mujalli, assistant coach of the World Billiards Championship Camels, said: “Our players are ready, they and IBSF World Snooker Cham- are prepared to go up against one of the pionship last month. best teams in the Gulf region, Doha Ma- The Group stages will run roon. We will do our best to win, and to from December 9-11, wherein come out on top. Best of luck to all the the players will be divided into 16 teams playing on Friday.” groups of 8 playing a race-to-9, 2016 champion Albin Ouschan. Dave Ford, captain of Doha Maroon alternate break, double elimina- – Doha RFC’s men’s fi rst team – add- tion format. Four players from (1992, 1997), Taiwan’s Fong Pang ed: “This the biggest game of the sea- each group will make up the fi nal Chao (1993, 2000) and Thorsten son so far for us, and something we’ve 64, the dramatic single elimina- Hohmann (2003, 2013). been training for all year. We know their tion phase of the tournament. Last year, Austria’s Albin strengths and we know their weaknesses, Matches will then become a race Ouschan added his name to the and we have a game plan that will ensure Doha Maroon’s James Phillips scores a try during a QRF National Club Rugby Championship earlier in the season. to 11, alternate break, before a illustrious list of champions with we take home the win and top the league. race-to-13 fi nal, which takes a 13-6 drubbing of American Plus, a few of them played for us last year last year’s champions, Blue Phoenix at fee of QR50. Zone’s Warm-Up Track. place on December 14. Shane Van Boening. It was the so we know what to expect. With three 1pm, followed by Doha Gold – Doha RFC’s The QRF’s National Club Rugby Earl Strickland is the only second straight year that the tal- games taking place at DRFC on Friday, it men’s second team – going up against Al Championship is set to conclude in Feb- TODAY’S SCHEDULE three-time winner of the com- ented American star had lost in will be a big day for Qatar rugby.” Khor RFC at 3pm. ruary 2018. The matches are being played 1pm at DRFC: Doha Vets vs Blue Phoenix petition, having won in 1990, the fi nals. In 2015, Van Boening The day’s activities will commence The games are open to the public, and in three diff erent venues across the coun- 3pm at DRFC: Doha Gold vs Al Khor RFC 1991 and 2002, while two-time lost out to Taiwan’s Ko Pin Yi. with the Doha Vets battling it out against visitors are required to pay an entrance try, including Al Khor, DRFC, and Aspire 5pm at DRFC: Doha Maroon vs Camels winners include Johnny Archer (WPA Pool)