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Sunday 6 November 2016 PAGE | 28 PAGE | 29 Duminy, Elgar Pampling centuries put South maintains Las Africa on top Vegas lead Ageless Whitaker guides Argento to superb win

Rizwan Rehmat British Olympic Gold Medallist The Peninsula John Whitaker astride Argento, clears a hurdle elebrated British rider John during the CSI5* 1.50/1.55m Whitaker showed no signs event of Longines Global of slowing down, guiding Champions Tour at Al Shaqab Argento to a superbly-run Arena yesterday. win at Al Shaqab Arena yes- Photo: LGCT/Stefano Grasso Cterday. Whitaker, one of Britain's finest, topped the 150/155cm class with a slick finish with trusted ride Argento. The win was worth €89,100. Class 03: 2016 Argento clocked a time of 37.46 CSI5* 1.50/1.55m seconds, edging Frenchman Maikel van der Vleuten - who was astride VDL Table A: Against the Clock with Groep Quatro - to second spot. Jump-Off VDL Groep Quatro earlier had reg- [Rank, Rider (Horse), Prize money, Time] istered the time to beat (37.61 seconds) 1: John Whitaker (Argento) €89,100 - but Argento galloped with impressive 37.46 Qatari rider Bassem Hassan Mohammed, astride Argelith speed to help Whitaker, 61, win the 2: Maikel van der Vleuten (VDL Groep Squid, in action during the CSI5* 1.45m event at Al Shaqab five-star competition. Vleuten won Quatro) €54,000 - 37.61 Arena on Friday. A two-horse race saw home hero Bassem €54,000. 3: Daniel Deusser (Happiness van T miss out by just tenths of a second behind Ireland's Cian Germany's Daniel Deusser, astride Paradijs) O’Conner who won the event. Happiness van T Paradijs, sealed the €40,500 - 37.86 third spot with a time of 37.86 seconds. Deusser, who won the 145cm class with 4: Daniel Bluman (Apardi) €27,000 - the same ride on Friday, got richer by 38.57 €40,500. The Olympic Gold Medallist, 5: Ludger Beerbaum (Chiara) €16,200 - Cian shines as Bassem Whitaker was thrilled to have emerged 38.74 Rolf declared with the goods in a tough competition. "He (Argento) did great. I got a flying offdhdl 23.95 seconds. The second place was impresses with start. I didn't realize what was hap- worth QR 4,000. Sidoline van de Cen- '2016 Champion pening," he said yesterday. taur, ridden by Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani, "Michael shouted from the crowd. posted a time of 24.47 seconds to claim I looked at the clock and then I started the third spot worth QR 3,000. second-place finish charging towards the last turn (laughs). Home rider Nasser Al Ghazali, of Champions' But he is quick across the ground. I astride Delloren (24.76 seconds) fin- turned really sharp. I got a good stride. ished fourth in a time of 24.76 The Peninsula Class 02: Doha 2016 "Then I did five strides instead of seconds. The Peninsula four. I just went ahead. He's loving it. Earlier in the 120/125cm class, reland's Cian O’Conner, late CSI5* 1.45m He's fresh. He's a class," he said. Saudi rider Abdullah Alrajhi yesterday ubilant Rolf-Goran Bengtsson yesterday cel- on Friday night, stormed to Table A: Against the Clock Daniel Bluman (Apardi, 38.57 sec- guided H Zoe to an impressive win ebrated a dream come true as he was declared a stunning win in the CSI5* I [Rank, Rider (Horse), Prize money, Time] onds) and Ludger Beerbaum (Chiara, against a strong field at Al Shaqab JChampion of Champions at the 2016 final at 1.45m speed class in , in 1: Cian O'Connor (Callisto) €8,250 - 63.11 38.74 seconds) completed the top five. Arena. H Zoe clocked a time of 22.61 Al Shaqab in Qatar. a two horse race which saw Qatari's Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al seconds as Alrajhi picked up the top Rolf and his extraordinary 17-year-old stal- home hero Bassem Hassan 2: Bassem Hassan Mohammed (Argelith Thani (Imperio Egipcio Milton, 39.38 prize of QR 4950. lion Casall ASK secured victory after nearest Mohammed miss out by just Squid) €5,000 - 63.28 seconds) and Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi Qatar's Ahmed Mohammed Al Badi, rival Edwina Tops-Alexander had a shock exit tenths of a second. 3: Emily Moffitt (Cassius Clay) €3,750 - (Gunder, 40.03 seconds) finished in 7th astride Latino 291, finished in second in the first round of the Longines Global Cham- At the magnificent Al 65.11 and 9th spots respectively. spot (23.29 seconds). Al Badi won pions Tour Grand Prix of Doha. Shaqab, title rivals Sweden's 4: Christian Ahlmann (Caribis Z) €2,500 Also yesterday, home riders QR 3,000 in the two-phase competition. Edwina’s surprise eight faults on Lintea Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and - 68.60 scorched the competition in the Home rider Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, Tequila put her out of the second round, leav- Australia's Edwina Tops-Alex- 5: Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (Imperio 135/140cm class at A Shaqab Arena. saddled on St Lucia, grabbed the third ing Rolf to fulfil his long-cherished dream of ander faced each other for the Egipcio Milton) €1,500 - 69.71 Salman Mohammed Al Emadi, spot (24.42 seconds). taking the prestigious Tour title, and missing out first time this weekend, with astride Zorro Z, clocked a time of 22.83 Al Qadi won QR 2,250 for his on a historic Championship hat-trick. the pair both looking on form seconds to seal the top place worth efforts. Qatari duo of Salem Rashid Al It was the culmination of a fantastically con- ahead tomorrow’s Grand Prix. gear as the final competitors QR6,600 to the rider. Marri (Marfurlong Magic, 24.91 sec- sistent season with Casall with the pair taking Course designer Uliano took their turn. SIEC Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z, onds) and Abdullah Ali Al Ajeil (Goldan, wins in Valkenswaard and Paris and podium Vezzani set a tough but fair Young talent American with rider Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi 27.66 seconds) completed the top five finishes at other stops on the circuit. course for the top riders in the Emily Moffitt looked to be the in the saddle, finished second in a time riders. His powerful season performance propelled world, with a 1.45m speed class only challenger to come close, him into pole position in the ranking for the final offering up a prize purse of riding an exceptional round. Qatari rider Salman leg in Doha. €25,000. Faults came from all Making daring turns with Mohammed Al Emadi Rolf’s victory will see him take the lion’s over the course, with Germa- Cassius Clay, she shaved val- astride Zorro Z clears a share of the €1m bonus prize money as he takes ny's Marcus Ehning and Funky uable seconds from the clock, hurdle during the Class N his place in LGCT history. Fred rolling the first and last crossing the line in 65.11s - 6: Doha 2016 Invitational poles, and Italy's Emanuele exactly two seconds off the 1.35/1.40m event at Al Gaudiano picking up 12 faults Irishman’s time. World Shaqab Arena yesterday. with Caspar. Number 1 Christian Ahlmann Pictures by: Grasi Lotfi Germany's Andreas Kreu- of Germany gave it his best Class N 6: Doha 2016 Invitational zer was the first to set the pace shot with the eye-catching 1.35/1.40m with the 9 year old dark chest- stallion Caribis Z, but finished nut Calvilot with a clear in over two seconds behind the Two Phases: A + A, Both Phases Against the Clock 73.43s and held the lead as young American, in 68.60s. [Rank, Rider (Horse), Prize money, Time] poles fell from all over the Home hero Bassem gal- 1: Salman Mohammed A S Al Emadi (Zorro Z) €6,600 - 22.83 course. loped around the course, with 2: Mubarak Yousuf A S Al Rumaihi (SIEC Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z) Qatar's premier rider the local spectators whistling €4,000 - 23.95 Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani him on, however finished just 3: Khalifa Abdulaziz J.A Al Thani (Sidoline van de Centaur) €3,000 - 24.47 entered the arena with clear shy of Cian’s time in 63.28s. 4: Nasser Al Ghazali (Delloren) €2,000 - 24.76 focus and intent, and looked Great Britain's Michael 5: Nasser Al Ghazali (Quel Homme) €1,200 - 24.96 set for a home turf win after a Whitaker rounded out the top blinding round with grey stal- six with Olympic mount Cas- Class N 5: Doha 2016 Invitational lion Imperio Egipcio Milton sionato, while young talent 1.20/1.25m rocketed him to the lead with Olivier Philippaerts of Belgium a fast and furious time of with H&M Forever d'Arco ter Two Phases: A + A, Both Phases Against the Clock 69.71s, a full two seconds Linden finished in 7th [Rank, Rider (Horse), Prize money, Time] ahead of the rest of the field. overall. 1: Abdullah Alrajhi (H Zoe) €4,950 - 22.61 Others tried, and failed to Ireland's Denis Lynch, 2: Ahmed Mohammed A.M Al Badi (Latino 291) €3,000 - 23.29 surpass the top Qatari rider’s Great Britain's Alexandra 3: Hamad Nasser Al Qadi (St. Lucia) €2,250 - 24.42 time, until Ireland’s Cian Thornton and Italy's Alberto 4: Salem Rashid Mohammed Al Marri (Marfurlong Magic) €1,500 - 24.91 O’Conner and Callisto put in a Zorzi all jumped clear, but it 5: Abdullah Ali Al Ajeil (Goldan) €900 - 27.66 phenomenal time of 63.11s was Cian O’Conner and his 9 throwing down the gauntlet to year old dark bay gelding Cal- the remainder of the field and listo who stole the show in the revving the competition up a final of Friday’s CSI5* classes. SPORT 6 NOVEMBER 2016 SUNDAY 27

Porzingis Lakers win as Curry goes cold sparks Knicks over Bulls Los Angeles AFP Chicago ou Williams and Julius AFP Randle scored 20 points each as the Los ristaps Porzingis scored Angeles Lakers 27 points as the New shocked Golden State KYork Knicks defeated L117-97 on Friday to give coach the Chicago Bulls 117-104 to Luke Walton a big win in his first make it a triumphant return game against his former team. for Derrick Rose and Joakim Randle also pulled down a Noah on Friday. game-high 14 rebounds for the Porzingis, controversially Lakers, who took full advantage benched during New York's of the shooting woes of Warri- defeat to Detroit earlier this ors superstar Stephen Curry. week, added five rebounds to Curry, the reigning two-time lead the scoring for the Knicks NBA Most Valuable Player, at the United Center. missed all 10 of his three-point Carmelo Anthony was attempts, ending his remarka- close behind Porzingis, con- ble streak of 157 games with at tributing 25 points and seven least one three-pointer made. rebounds. D'Angelo Russell added 17 But the linchpin of the points and Larry Nance contrib- victory was the returning uted 12 points and nine rebounds Rose, who joined the Knicks for the Lakers, who never trailed in the close season in a block- against the top offensive team buster trade after eight in the league. seasons in Chicago. Kevin Durant scored 27 Rose finished with 15 points, while Draymond Green points, 11 assists and seven had 16 points and nine rebounds rebounds in the win. Noah for the Warriors, who were com- had 16 points, nine rebounds ing off an emotional blowout win and four assists. over Durant's former team, the "It was fun, I'm a compet- Oklahoma City Thunder, on itor, I compete," a satisfied Thursday. Rose said after a win which Durant stayed steady, scor- improved the Knicks record ing 20 or more points for the to 2-3. 70th consecutive regular-sea- "The game was big son game. That's the longest run Los Angeles Lakers guard Lou Williams (23) drives the ball defended by Golden State Warriors Randle shines because we'd dropped two since Michael Jordan had a guard Klay Thompson (11) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers Williams and games. We needed to figure 69-game streak during the won 117-97. Randle score 20 out how to win. 1990-91 season. points each as the "We've all got individ- Curry finished with just 13 Los Angeles Lakers ual skills but figuring out points, 11 assists and eight to Steve Kerr at Golden State team and we're fighting," Wal- the game," Walton told his play- how to win games, we've shock Golden State rebounds, while teammate Klay who guided the Warriors early ton said. ers. "They're good enough they got to put our skills aside 117-97 Thompson scored just 10 points last season as Kerr recovered The Warriors rallied in the can find a way back in on their to get the win. I think that's -- connecting on four of 18 from from spinal surgery complica- third quarter, trimming the def- own. Let's make them work for what we did tonight," Rose the floor and two of 10 from tions. But Walton also liked what icit to 87-81 after a layup by everything." Coach Walton added. three-point range. he saw from his young players, reserve forward Kevon Looney. The Lakers had rebuilt the nets a big win in Noah had also made the "Obviously for us it was nice including 26 assists and a 51-40 Walton said his message to lead to 93-82 going into the his first game same switch from Chicago that Steph and Klay went two for rebounding advantage. the Lakers was to keep their fourth quarter, and the Warri- against his former to New York in the close 20 from three (point range)," "That means that we're shar- heads. ors wouldn't again get the gap team season after nine years with said Walton, a former assistant ing the ball, we're playing like a "Let's not let them back in into single digits again. the Bulls. Habs suffer 10-0 loss to Blue Jackets in NHL

Canada NHL RESULTS Therrien told reporters. Added AFP Max Pacioretty: "That was Columbus 10 Montreal 0

Winnipeg 5 Detroit 3 definitely the outcome we

Anaheim 5 Arizona 1 deserved tonight. he Montreal Canadiens "It's tough to shake it off were thumped 10-0 by the when you get scored on that TColumbus Blue Jackets in many times, but we'll see what Ohio to match the worst loss in It was the fourth 10-0 loss happens when we lace them up their 107-year history. in Montreal's history and the last tomorrow." The Canadiens have The Canadiens entered the time the Canadiens lost by 10 won 23 Stanley Cups, their last game with the best record in the goals was in 1995 when they coming in 1993. National Hockey League in the were beaten 11-1 by the Detroit Meanwhile, rookie Brandon young season and had not lost Red Wings. Tanev's second goal of the game, Dexter Fowler grimaces in pain after fouling the ball off his knee in this file picture. a game in regulation, but that "There's nothing positive with 1:16 left, broke a tie and led run came to a shuddering halt about tonight, nothing ... I don't Winnipeg to a come-from- when they were buried by the remember being part of a game behind win over Detroit at Joe rampant Blue Jackets. like this," coach Michel Louis Arena. Cubs outfielder Fowler is becoming a free agent

New York Chicago and I'm definitely not with the Indians, who won the Agencies counting them out, but we'll see American League Central with what God has planned for us a 94-67 record (.584) and hicago Cubs outfielder now." defeated the Boston Red Sox and Dexter Fowler is becom- Fowler opened Game 7 of Toronto Blue Jays in the posts- Cing a free agent but has the World Series with a solo eason to win the AL pennant not counted out a return to the home run off Cleveland Indians before losing the World Series World Series champion Chicago starter Corey Kluber in the top to the Chicago Cubs in seven Cubs. of the first inning at Progressive games on Wednesday night. The The 30-year-old Fowler re- Field on Wednesday night, and Indians reached the World signed with the Cubs last the Cubs went on to a thrilling Series for the first time since offseason on a one-year, $8m 8-7 win in 10 innings to end 1997. contract that included a mutual their 108-year championship Francona was given praise option worth $9m for 2017, but drought. for being gracious after the Indi- he apparently won't be picking The Cleveland Indians exer- ans' heartbreaking loss in Game up his side of the deal. cised contract options Friday on 7."You know, we ask our play- "I'm definitely going to be a manager Terry Francona for the ers to play the game with respect free agent, but hopefully it hap- 2019 and 2020 seasons to keep and to leave it on the field," pens a little bit quicker than last him at the helm for at least Francona told FOX Sports' Tom Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Nick Foligno (71) and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) celebrate year," Fowler told ESPN. another four more years. Verducci after the 8-7, 10-inning after the game against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period of their NHL game at "You can't control what goes The 57-year-old Francona loss in the game that ended early Nationwide Arena. Columbus defeated Montreal 10-0. on, but I loved my time in just finished his fourth season Thursday morning. 28 SPORT SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2016 Rahman set to return on Bangladesh's New Zealand tour

Dhaka shoulder surgery that he under- in Bangladesh's 20-member "We were looking for a good AFP went in Britain on August 10. Bangladesh Squad squad for the Australia and New leg spinner for quite some time. Rahman aggravated an old Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Riyad, Shakib Al Hasan, Mush- Zealand trip that was announced We hope Tanveer would deliver angladesh cricket authori- shoulder injury in July during his fiqur Rahim, Sabbir Rahman, Soumya Sarkar, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hassan, Mehedi late on Friday. Unheralded Tan- it," said Bashar about the 24-year- ties yesterday said that they short stint with English county Hasan, Shuvagata Hom, , Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin veer Haider is the only surprise old who has six first-class Bare expecting pace prodigy side Sussex in the Blast Ahmed, , Subashis Roy, Mohammad Shahid and Tanveer Haider. inclusion in the squad, which also centuries. Selectors also included Mustafizur Rahman will be avail- competition when he could only retained paceman Subashis Roy, uncapped pacer Ebadat Hossain able in their upcoming December play in two matches before being who was in the squad for the and teenage batsman Nazmul series in New Zealand as they sidelined. Bangladesh will play three will hold a camp in Sydney where recent second Test against Eng- Hossain as a developing prospect declared the squad for the tour. "He has already started bowl- one-day internationals, two Tests they will play two Twenty20 land but did not play. though they are not officially part Nicknamed "The Fizz", the ing in the nets and we hope he and two Twenty20 internation- warm-up matches against local Leg spinner Haider impressed of the squad. The squad did not 21-year-old left-arm pacer will be fully fit before our New als in New Zealand from teams Sydney Sixers and Sydney in a recent two-day warm-up include bastman Nasir Hossain missed the recent home series Zealand series starts," said selec- December 26 to January 24. Thunders. match against England when he and pacemen Al Amin Hossain against England recovering from tor Habibul Bashar. Prior to the visit, Bangladesh Selectors included Rahman picked up 4-53. and Rubel Hossain in the team.

Cook hails Anderson Duminy, Elgar centuries return for India Tests Mumbai AFP

aptain Alastair Cook yesterday hailed top bowler Jimmy Anderson's surprise return put South Africa on top Cfrom injury as he insisted England would revel in their status as underdogs during their tour of India. Perth Cook said that Anderson, England's all-time Reuters Top Scorers leading Test wicket-taker with 463 scalps, had been given the all-clear following a shoulder outh Africa's JP Duminy and problem and could arrive in India as early as Dean Elgar both scored cen- 141 Tuesday. turies in a third-wicket "It's really good news. He's ready to come so S J P Duminy faced 225 balls partnership of 250 to drive the it's just about trying to get him out to Rajkot as tourists to a 388-run lead over and hit 20 of them for quick as we can," Cook, 31, told reporters in Australia at the end of the third fours with another going Mumbai. day of the first Test yesterday. for six during his 141-run The first Test of the five-match series starts Australia removed both cen- knock. in Rajkot, in western Gujarat state, on Wednes- turions around the tea break, as day as India seek revenge for a home series loss well as Temba Bavuma and cap- to England four years ago. tain Faf du Plessis in the last hour, The powerful Anderson will miss the open- but by then the damage had been 127 ing Test but could be ready to lead England's done and the Proteas will go into Dean Elgar's career-best attack for the second match, which starts in And- day four on 390 for six. 127 came off 316 balls and hra Pradesh state, on November 17, said Cook. Quinton de Kock, who was he had hit 17 fours and Anderson suffered a fractured shoulder blade dropped by Adam Voges on one, one six. last summer and had been dogged by a recur- was at the crease unbeaten on rence of the injury but passed fitness tests back 16 at the end of a long, hot day home on Friday while the rest of the England at the WACA, along with Ver- looked like the pair of left-hand- squad were already training in India. non Philander, who had made ers would bat through to tea, "I was chatting to him yesterday and the sec- 23 not out. Peter Siddle benefiting from a ond Test is a good possibility. We'll know when South African paceman Dale DRS review when the technol- we see how his body reacts when he's out here," Steyn was ruled out of the rest of ogy revealed a nick off the bat said the skipper. the series and will play no fur- that carried through to wicket- Anderson took more wickets than any other ther part in the match, reducing keeper Peter Nevill. pace bowler on either side when England won the number of wickets Australia Elgar did not have such a the 2012 series in India and Cook believes the need to take. good experience on his previous fired-up 34-year-old could be the difference Duminy's brilliant 141 visit to the WACA, having got a again. rammed home South Africa's pair when he made his test debut "He's worked incredibly hard to get back and advantage after they had skittled at the ground in 2012, albeit on has come back so much quicker than we thought. Australia for 244 in reply to their the winning team. "He's up for it and is not just coming here to 242 on Friday. Dogged and determined make up the numbers so that's great for us. He Duminy faced 225 balls and where Duminy was fluent, the wants to make a difference in this series," Cook hit 20 of them for fours with 29-year-old reached his fifth test told a post-training press conference. another going for six, overhaul- century half an hour before tea India are number one in the world and have ing partner Elgar before lunch after a prolonged spell in the not lost a Test series at home since left-handed and reaching his fifth test cen- "nervous nineties". batsman Cook expertly lead England to a 2-1 vic- tury with two runs to deep cover His career-best 127 came off tory four years ago. soon after the break. 316 balls and he had hit 17 fours England's spin attack is weaker than it was The end came just as it and one six when Josh Hazle- back then when Graeme Swann and Monty Pan- wood finally winkled him out esar excelled on Indian soil but Cook is confident SCOREBOARD after tea when he offered a tired that his side can spring a surprise. shot and got an edge which "Unfortunately we haven't quite got that South Africa (I innings): 242 Mitchell Starc took at gully. experience of probably top quality spinners. (But) Australia (I innings): 244 Starc should have caught Mo (Moeen Ali) has been very successful against South Africa (II innings): Elgar on 81 when the batsman India in the past. Rash (Adil Rashid) has done S Cook c S Marsh b Siddle 12 D Elgar c Starc b Hazlewood 127 skied the ball to mid-off but he very well in One Day Cricket and we probably H Amla b Hazlewood 1 lost the ball in the Perth sun, haven't seen the best of him in yet. J P Duminy c Nevill b Siddle 141 tripped himself over trying to (So) we've actually got more options in this squad F du Plessis c Nevill b Starc 32 readjust his position and spilled than we did in the last squad," he said. T Bavuma c Khawaja b M Marsh 8 it on the turf, to the despair of Cook warned critics not to write off his team Q de Kock (batting) 16 bowler Nathan Lyon. even if they do lose in the opening Test recalling V Philander (batting) 23 The left-arm paceman also his side's heroics the last time they toured India. Extras (B-4, LB-13, W-12, NB-1) 30 Total (for 6 wkts) 390 accounted for Du Plessis (32), a "I remember sitting in a press conference Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-45, 3-295, 4-324, fine edge taken behind by Nev- after the first Test and everyone was talking about 5-346, 6-352. ill, while Hazlewood had Bavuma how you're going to stop India winning 4-0 and Bowling: Starc 27-7-99-1 (5w); Hazlewood 32- well caught by Usman Khawaja we managed to turn it around and win 2-1. It

10-97-2 (1nb); Siddle 22-8-47-2; Marsh 22-4-52- at deep square leg for eight but shows that anything is possible." 1 (7w); Lyon 21-2-76-0; Voges 2-1-2-0. the collapse Australia needed England are looking to bounce back from a South Africa's J P Duminy raises his bat after reaching his century on day never materialised. humiliating defeat to minnows Bangladesh last three of their first Test cricket match against Australia in Perth yesterday. week and Cook believes that being underdogs, rather than favourites, will work in his side's favour. Dominant All Blacks target Sexton, Murray threat

Chicago extend their record 18-match direct them around the field who tower over the rest of the - Sam Whitelock and Brodie Read said Kaino had adapted AFP winning streak against the Irish, really well," Read told reporters lineout. Retallick - missing through well to the challenge of starting who have never beaten New on the sidelines of New Zealand's "He doesn't change the way injury. Luke Romano was also his 75th Test match in a new ew Zealand captain Zealand in more than a century final training session Friday. we'll approach our lineouts," absent after flying home from position. Kieran Read says the All of trying. "So we've just got to try and Read said. "But obviously on Chicago this week following a "His ears are a bit sore," Read NBlacks were targeting Ire- Read however is wary of the upset that as much as we can and their ball he's going to be a big family bereavement. joked. "He's excited by the chal- land half-backs Conor Murray threat posed by scrum-half Mur- not let them get too much target for them. We've just got to It left New Zealand starting lenge. It's his first start in a and Johnny Sexton when the two ray and fly-half Sexton, who momentum." get up and put as much pressure with a new-look pairing in the foreign jersey but he's excited. nations battled it out at Soldier were to resume their potent alli- The All Blacks were also on him as we can." engine room of the pack, with He's been willing to do every- Field later yesterday. ance behind the scrum. devising a plan to shackle Ire- New Zealand had plans to loose forward Jerome Kaino thing for the boys. He's got a zip The All Blacks were to start "They're a structured side land second row Devin Toner, tackle Toner with both of their starting alongside Pat Tuipulotu in his step which is awesome to as overwhelming favourites to and they use the nine and 10 to the athletic 6ft 11in (2.10m) lock first choice second row players at lock. see." SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 29 Kenyans aim to conquer NY Marathon

NYC Marathon New York City Keitany bids to become the first bolsters security woman in three decades to win NY after threats Marathon for three consecutive times. New York Reuters The three-time Olympian Dathan ew York City will enhance security at the world's larg- Ritzenhein, who with est marathon tomorrow by a personal best of N deploying more police officers, 2:07.47, is the top bomb-sniffing dogs, helicopters hope for US and patrol boats than last year fol- lowing a reported threat of militant attacks ahead of Tuesday's New York election. Reuters The city was on heightened alert after federal authorities said enyans Stanley on Friday they were aware of an Biwott and Mary unspecific threat of attacks by the Keitany chase repeat al Qaeda militant group around victories - and more Election Day. For tomorrow's mar- - as the major mar- athon, the number of uniformed K athon season concludes in New and plain-clothes officers assigned York City tomorrow. to the race will be 10 percent more Success would ensure Kenya than for last year's and other of a fourth consecutive sweep of resources have also been Runners cross the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge shortly after the start of the New York City Marathon in New York, US in this file New York titles and give Keitany increased, police said. The her third straight victory but both photo of November 1, 2015. increases were first announced on runners have some added Wednesday. motivation. win New York three consecutive Ethiopian Aselefech Mergia, expected to participate in the He placed third in New York Tensions in the biggest US city Biwott, the fastest man in the times. Nine-time winner Grete the 2015 New York City runner- race through New York City's last year. were raised in September when a field, won his first major mara- Waitz was the last, her streak of up, should again challenge five boroughs are likely to come The 26-year-old Rotich's pressure cooker bomb exploded thon on the New York streets last five in a row ending in 1986. Keitany with the former's com- from fellow Africans Ghirmay credentials are not as impres- on a sidewalk in Manhattan's Chel- year, but must erase any doubts But the 34-year-old Keitany, patriot Buzunesh Deba and Ghebreslassie of Eritrea, Ethio- sive, but he continues to improve sea neighborhood, wounding 31 about his fitness after dropping an overwhelming favourite, also Kenyan Joyce Chepkirui also in pian Lelisa Desisa and Kenyan on the roads and is one of only people and evoking memories of out of the Rio Olympic marathon is looking to remind Kenyan the mix. Lucas Rotich. five men in the field who have the 2013 Boston Marathon bomb- mid-race in August. selectors once again of their mis- US Olympic triathlon gold Ghebreslassie finished fourth broken two hours and eight min- ing. In New York this weekend, "This will be my chance to take in not picking her for the medallist Gwen Jorgensen and in Rio and at the London Mara- utes for the marathon. police will run screening check- prove I am still a worthy bet in Rio Olympics. Molly Huddle, the American thon after becoming the One other is three-time points near the start and finish of running," the 30-year-old Lon- "I thought I earned a ticket record holder at 10,000 metres, youngest ever world marathon Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein, the race, as well as mobile cam- don Marathon runner-up told to Rio," Keitany said on Friday. will make their marathon debuts champion last year at age 19. who with a personal best of eras and units to detect radiation, reporters in Nairobi. "So let me just focus on the mar- in the women's race. Desisa, 26, has twice won the 2:07.47 is the top hope for the the department said. Some offic- Keitany bids to become the athon for New York and come Biwott's biggest threats Boston Marathon and finished United States, which last won the ers will be on horseback, as is first woman in three decades to to defend my title." among the 50,000 runners second there this year. race in 2009. common in the city. Pacquiao eager to reclaim WBO welterweight title

Las Vegas AFP PACQUIAO vs VARGAS anny Pacquiao announced his retire- Vargas is 10 years M ment seven months younger, five inches ago but after serving his first (13 centimeters) stint as a rookie senator, the taller than Pacquiao fire was rekindled and the and has a four-inch stage set for a return to reach advantage. boxing. Pacquiao is hoping to Pacquiao won the reclaim the WBO welter- WBO title for the weight title for the third time. first time in 2010, But juggling two jobs, includ- regained it 2012 ing his new gig as a full-time politician in the Philippine after a rematch with Pampling leads in Las Vegas Senate, has cut into his train- Timothy Bradley ing camp. before losing it to Los Angeles US PGA TOUR Pacquiao, who turns 38 Floyd Mayweather AFP LAS VEGAS SCORES next month, is going up last year. against the younger WBO ustralia's Rod Pampling fol- 128 - Rod Pampling (AUS) 60-68 champ Jessie Vargas, who has taller and has a four-inch lowed up his scintillating 129 - Brooks Koepka 62-67 a height, reach and weight reach advantage. Afirst-round 60 with a three- 131 - Chris Kirk 66-65 advantage. Pacquiao said he was under par 68 on Friday to maintain 132 - James Hahn 66-66, Keegan Bradley 67-65, Pacquiao tipped the scales retiring following his April 9 a one-shot lead in the US PGA Tour Pat Perez 66-66 at 144.8 pounds (65.7 kilo- two- knockdown victory over tournament in Las Vegas. 133 - Brian Harman 70-63, Sean O'Hair 67-66, Lu- grams) in front of a crowd of Bradley in their third fight. Second-round play at TPC Sum- cas Glover 68-65, Matt Jones (AUS) 65-68 about 900 at Friday's weigh- Pacquiao looked impres- merlin was suspended because of 134 - Martin Flores 67-67 in at the Encore Theater sive in stopping Bradley, darkness with 19 players still on the Kyle Stanley 67-67 inside the Wynn hotel and showing that he has recov- course. Pampling's 14-under par Luke List 65-69 casino. Vargas (27-1, 10 ered from a shoulder injury total of 128 put him one stroke in knockouts) weighed in at which hampered him in his front of American Brooks Koepka, Ryan Moore 68-66 146.5 pounds. fight against Mayweather in who carded a 67 for 129. Adam Hadwin (CAN) 70-64 "I know I am the chal- May 2015. Aaron Wise was 12-under for Charles Howell 67-67 lenger going in and I have to Now it remains to be seen the tournament with four holes Derek Fathauer 67-67 fight that way," Pacquiao said what Vargas' youth and size remaining when play was halted, Jon Rahm (ESP) 65-69 Friday. "It is not enough to do advantage means against the and Chris Kirk was in the club- Harris English 67-67 well, I have to take the title highly skilled and more expe- house on 11-under 131 after a 65. Troy Merritt 68-66 away from him." Manny Pacquiao (left) and WBO welterweight champion rienced Pacquiao. Pampling appeared to feel Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 67-67 Pacquiao arrived first Jessie Vargas face off during their official weigh-in at the Vargas is making his first some letdown after challenging for stripping off his black and Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas, US on Friday. title defence after winning the a 59 on Thursday, opening with gold track suit and stepping vacant WBO crown by beat- two bogeys in his first five holes. That just kind of righted the on the scale wearing grey Timothy Bradley, then got it younger and hasn't had a ing Sadam Ali. He recovered by playing his ship, and then after that I was fine, boxer shorts and trademark back by winning the rematch knockout victory since 2009. "Manny Pacquiao has had last 13 holes in five-under with six and we played nice after that." white socks. with Bradley in 2014. He then No fighter can go on for- a great career," said Vargas, birdies. Koepka, ranked 22nd in the "It want to make history. lost it to Floyd Mayweather ever. It remains to be seen if who is from Las Vegas but "Just two silly mistakes that I world, grabbed a share of the lead It would mean a lot for me to last year. his part-time training routine says he is fighting for Mexi- made," Pampling said of his slow after an eagle at the par-five 16th, win this fight," he said. Pacquiao (58-6-2 with 38 and the wear of 66 profes- can pride. start. "I knew things were still but dropped a shot with a closing Pacquiao won the WBO KOs) still has a lot left and a sional fights finally brings "Everybody that beats good. I didn't panic. I made a good bogey. Kirk, whose 36-hole total title for the first time in 2010 seven-month hiatus can Pacman to a halt against Var- him becomes a legend and I one on I think it was our sixth hole of 131 was his lowest since a 130 at when he beat Miguel Cotto. hardly be considered a retire- gas, who is 10 years younger, look forward to becoming a for birdie and then made a great the 2013 Sony Open in Hawaii, He lost it two years later to ment. But he's not getting any five inches (13 centimeters) legend." up-and-down on 16." briefly held the clubhouse lead. 30 SPORT SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2016 Boro halt City, Moyes breathes again

Manchester desperately disappointing for from a Navas pull-back, and De Agencies Guardiola, four days after his Bruyne blazing over after Valdes side had produced an outstand- had failed to gather a long cross arten De Roon's ing performance to defeat on the edge of his penalty area. Gareth Southgate dramatic stop- Barcelona in the Champions In other Matches, Crystal page-time header League. Palace suffered a fourth succes- Southgate might cancelled out Ser- Guardiola decided to give sive defeat when they lost 3-2 to gio Aguero's centre-back Nicolas Otamendi a last-minute goal at Burnley reject England job Mfirst-half goal and earned Mid- and winger Raheem Sterling a after fighting back from two dlesbrough a point with a 1-1 rest after a hectic recent sched- goals down yesterday. London draw at Manchester City ule, while Claudio Bravo The home side scored twice Reuters yesterday returned in goal, having been in the opening quarter of an hour Aguero touched in his 150th suspended for the midweek win through Welsh international Sam ngland's interim man- City goal from Kevin De Bruyne's over Barcelona. Vokes and Iceland's Johann Berg ager Gareth Southgate low cross to cap a dominant first- There was no place in the Gudmundsson, though goal- Ehas cast doubt on half performance from Pep squad, though, for Yaya Toure, keeper Steve Mandanda was at whether he will accept a full- Guardiola's side. despite his apology for criticism fault for the second. time position if it is to him. But they could not match it aimed at the manager by his Substitute Connor Wickham The former England in the second, despite creating agent Dimitri Seluk. pulled a goal back for the Lon- Under-21 boss was put in several good chances, and were City dominated the opening don side with his first touch and charge for four matches after caught late on as Dutch mid- half, but had to be patient in the Christian Benteke converted a the scandalous sacking of fielder De Roon powered in face of some resolute defending penalty for handball. Sam Allardyce. George Friend's cross for his first and inspired goalkeeping by ex Burnley, however, secured a "I think when you are in goal since joining Boro from Ata- Manchester United goalkeeper comfortable mid-table spot with the position I am in you need lanta for £12m (€14m, $15.5m) in Victor Valdes. a dramatic winner in stoppage to be clear of what is being the summer. Valdes was helpless two time by Ashley Barnes. asked," Southgate told a Foot- The point was enough for minutes before half-time as A late equaliser by Bojan ball Journalism degree class City to go a point clear of Arse- Aguero nipped in between two Krkic continued Stoke City's at the University of Derby. nal and Liverpool, who both play defenders for the opening goal. improved run with a 1-1 draw at "There is a big difference, today. Navas nearly added a second West Ham United on Saturday. for example, between being It secured a terrific result for with the last kick of the half, as After a dull first half, West asked to take the team over Aitor Karanka's side, but was his rising drive hit the outside of Ham manager Slaven Bilic sent the summer or to take the the near post. on substitutes Ashley Fletcher PREMIER LEAGUE team for three years or take PREMIER LEAGUE Middlesbrough, who lacked and Edimilson Fernandes and RESULTS the team for a year and a half. any kind of attacking intent in soon afterwards Dimitri Payet's "I don't think it is as easy the first half, began the second cross finished up in the net. Yesterday Sergio Aguero scored Bournemouth 1 - 2 Sunderland as saying, 'yes I would like the his 150th goal for more positively. Michail Antonio thought he Burnley 3 - 2 Crystal Palace

job'. I would also like to see Guardiola's team battled to had scored it but the official ver-

Manchester City Manchester City 1 - 1 Middlesbrough how it is affecting my family reassert themselves, without dict was an own goal by Stoke's West Ham 1 - 1 Stoke and my health probably," said regaining their first-half levels Glenn Whelan. Southgate. Crystal Palace of superiority. Bojan Krkic equalised after Manchester City's Sergio Aguero in action with Middlesbrough's Southgate is left with two suffered a fourth City could have made sure of West Ham goalkeeper Adrian, games in charge Scotland in successive defeat at victory, with Aguero missing a having a poor match, came out Marten de Roon and Calum Chambers during their Premier a World Cup qualifierand a Burnley. good chance to make certain of of his goal and failed to claim the League Match at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England friendly against Spain. victory has he floated a shot wide ball. yesterday. Mourinho's United seek Swansea boost

Manchester spells of his career. He has gone AFP six league matches without scoring for the first time since anchester United are in December 2007. need of a lift as they The one positive attacking Mtravel to Swansea, but note in the last week was Wayne must seek it without the pres- Rooney's spectacular consola- ence of their manager Jose tion goal against Fenerbahce, his Mourinho on the touchline. first since August. nited will def- Mourinho must watch from initely be without Ander Herrera Arsenal's Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring the stand at the Liberty Stadium at Swansea as he serves a one- their third goal against PFC Ludogorets tomorrow, having been given a match ban incurred for a one-match ban for confronting sending off against Burnley. Razgrad during their UEFA Champions Jose Mourinho League match at Vasil Levski National referee Mark Clattenburg at They may also be missing his Stadium in Sofia, Bulgaria on Wednesday. half-time during last weekend's fellow midfielder Paul Pogba, goalless draw with Burnley. and three without a goal. who limped off against These are not happy times In the Europa League, they Fenerbahce. for the United manager, who are in danger of being elimi- Those concerns will not, Troubled Spurs face in-form was fined £8,000 ($10,000, nated at the group stage, falling though, signal a quick return to €9,000) for that incident, and to third place in their section fol- the team for Bastian Schwein- ordered to pay another £50,000 lowing Thursday's 2-1 defeat by steiger, who has only just for comments made about Fenerbahce in Istanbul. The rejoined first-team training this Arsenal in fierce London derby another referee, Anthony Tay- concern for United is that they week after being cast aside fol- lor, before the goalless draw at are not scoring despite domi- lowing Mourinho's arrival. Liverpool on October 17. nating the ball; they had 72 Bob Bradley's appointment London striker has scored four goals in Razgrad in the Champions Mourinho has become percent possession against as Swansea manager has not AFP his three league games against League on Tuesday, when Mesut embroiled in controversies off the Burnley, and 70 percent in stopped their slide as they have Arsenal and although he is Ozil's sumptuous 87th-minute field as his team labour on it. In Turkey. not won a single game yet this uoyed by the return of understandably short of match winner took Arsenal into the last the Premier League, United have It does not help that Zlatan season, collecting just two points Harry Kane, Tottenham fitness, Pochettino says he could 16 for the 17th season running. dropped to eighth place after Ibrahimovic is going through from their last nine matches, and BHotspur will look to arrest start. Spurs have not finished going four matches without a win one of the worst goalscoring sit next to bottom of the table. their current slump and improve In Kane's absence, Spurs above Arsenal since 1995, hav- their dismal record at the Emir- have scored only three goals in ing been pipped to second place ates Stadium in tomorrow's their last six games and have not behind Leicester City by their derby against Arsenal. scored from open play in the last rivals on last season's final day. Though they remain the last five. Midfielder Mousa Dembele But Wenger was reluctant Exhausted Atletico lose to Sociedad unbeaten team in the Premier faces a late fitness test on a foot to entertain suggestions his side League, Tottenham have gone problem, but centre-back Toby have any kind of mental hold Madrid Sociedad dominated pos- six games without victory in all Alderweireld (leg) and winger over their foes from the other AFP session in the opening 20 competitions since their stun- Erik Lamela (hip) are definitely end of the Seven Sisters Road. minutes, but it was Atletico ning 2-0 defeat of Manchester out and Moussa Sissoko is Winger Theo Walcott is tletico Madrid's La Liga who had the best chance City a month ago. suspended. expected to overcome a ham- title hopes suffered before half-time when Kevin Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Arsenal go into the game string problem to start, while Aanother serious setback Gameiro was played in by Yan- Bayer Leverkusen left them in carrying momentum, Wenger's midfielder Granit Xhaka returns as two Real Sociedad penalties nick Carrasco and was third place in their Champions side having won 10 of their last after a three-game domestic inflicted a 2-0 defeat on them unfortunate to see his chip over League group and manager 11 matches in all competitions. ban. But Wenger has doubts yesterday. Geronimo Rulli come back off Mauricio Pochettino concedes They came from 2-0 down over Santi Cazorla (Achilles), Carlos Vela opened the the post. preparation for the 179th North to win 3-2 at Ludogorets Nacho Monreal (muscular), Hec- scoring nine minutes into the A tight game swung deci- London derby has not been tor Bellerin (knock) and Kieran second-half before handing sively Sociedad's way when ideal. Gibbs (shoulder). responsibilities from the spot left-back Yuri burst into the Pochettino is yet to lose a SPURS Olivier Giroud, meanwhile, to Willian Jose to seal Socie- box just after the break and league game against Arsenal VS is putting pressure on Alexis dad's third straight win 15 was upended by Atletico cap- manager Arsene Wenger, win- GUNNERS Sanchez for the lone striker's minutes from time. tain Gabi. Vela stepped up to ning one and drawing three of role, having scored three times A second league defeat in coolly sent Jan Oblak the their four encounters, although Pochettino is yet to in his last two appearances. three games means Atletico wrong way for his fourth goal he did taste defeat against him lose a league game There has been just one 0-0 remain three points behind of the season. in last season's League Cup. against Arsene draw in the last 43 meetings league leaders Real Madrid, but Vela was also key for the Spurs have won just once at Wenger, winning one between the teams and the omens their city rivals can extend that second goal as he led another Arsenal since May 1993 -- a 3-2 and drawing three of for goals are good. The last time advantage to six when they break and was chopped down Real Sociedad's success in November 2010 -- their encounters. Arsenal and Tottenham met at host Leganes on Sunday. by Angel Correa. but will draw encouragement midday was in November 2004, Atletico host Real in a Jose also sent the helpless Williancelebrates scoring a from Kane's return to fitness Spurs have not when an 81st-minute Robert Pires rematch of the Champions Oblak the wrong way from the goal with Carlos Vela against after seven weeks out with an finished above strike was enough to give League final after the interna- spot to move Sociedad to Atletico Madrid during their La ankle ligament injury. Arsenal since 1995. Wenger's men a dizzying 5-4 vic- tional break on November 19. within two points of Atletico in Liga match at Anoeta Stadium, The 23-year-old England tory at White Hart Lane. sixth. San Sebastian, Spain yesterday. SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 31

Iraq's Air Force Club clinch AFC Cup

Hammadi scores Hammadi scores the match winner for the Iraqi club in the 70th minute to clinch the continental title

The Peninsula

ammadi Ahmed scored the only goal of the game as Air Force Club became the first Iraqi club to Hclaim an AFC Cup title with a 1-0 win over India’s JSW Bengaluru in the 2016 final yeserday at the Qatar SC Stadium. Hammadi scored in the 70th minute from close-range to secure the trophy for the Iraqi side, who had become the sec- ond club from their nation to 's Air Force Club Sameh Saeed Mejbel (left) and India's Bengaluru club captain Sunil Chhetri appear in the AFC Cup final after vie for the ball during the AFC Cup final match at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium in Doha, Arbil finished as runners-up in yesterday. RIGHT: Iraq's Air Force Club forward celebrates. the 2012 and 2014 editions. Played out in front of a lively goal with 20 minutes remaining Radhi then thought he had Watson’s free-kick on 89 min- contingent of supporters, many as Ahmed Kahdim picked out gone from provider to goalscorer utes and, despite their increasing of whom had travelled from India Radhi on the edge of the area, the shortly after when Emad Mohsin desperation, the I-League side to support Bengaluru, Air Force Iraq international delightfully played him in, but his effort was were unable to find a way Club edged an even opening dancing past three defenders on ruled out for offside. through and Air Force Club held exchange with Amjed Radhi curl- his way into the box before As time ran out, Bengaluru on to claim an historic victory. ing a free-kick narrowly wide squaring for Hammadi to fire struggled to create opportunities The Iraqi club collected $1m inside the quarter-hour mark. home his 16th of the for the leveller with CK Vineeth while Bengaluru got half of that The Iraqis found the crucial tournament. failing to connect with Cameron amount.

PREVIOUS ATP WORLD Magnificent Murray on top of the world NUMBER ONES Chronological list of former ATP world number ones since computer rankings Paris good the guys around me have were introduced in 1973. AFP been, the guys ahead of me," said Year first achieved and total weeks Murray. spent at number one in brackets. Ilie Nastase (Romania) - (1973, 40 weeks) ritain's Andy Murray "Obviously it's unfortunate John Newcombe (Australia) - (1974, 8) became the new the way that it happened today. Jimmy Connors (US) (1974, 268) world number one I would have liked to have done Bjorn Borg (Sweden) - (1977, 109) yesterday after Milos it on the court, but it's been many John McEnroe (US) - (1980, 170) Raonic withdrew from years of work to get here. Ivan Lendl (Czech Republic) - (1983, 270) Btheir Paris Masters semi-final "I never thought I'd be No. 1 Mats Wilander (Sweden) - (1988, 20) because of injury. in the world and never imagined Stefan Edberg (Sweden) - (1990, 72) Boris Becker (Germany) - (1991, 12) The walkover will see Mur- that was something that was Jim Courier (US) - (1992, 58) ray, 29, move to the top of the going to happen." Pete Sampras (US) - (1993, 286) rankings for the first time in his Murray had needed to reach Andre Agassi (US) - (1995, 101) career after replacing long-time the final to supplant Djokovic at Thomas Muster (Austria) - (1996, 6) incumbent Novak Djokovic. the top following the Serb's Marcelo Rios (Chile) - (1998, 6) The Scot's climb to the ATP defeat to Marin Cilic in the last Carlos Moya (Spain) - (1999, 2) rankings' summit caps a remark- eight. But he didn't need to hit a Yevgeny Kafelnikov (Russia) - (1999, 6) Pat Rafter (Australia) - (1999, 1) able year which has seen him single ball as Raonic announced Marat Safin (Russia) - (2000, 9) win a second Wimbledon crown his withdrawal in a hastily- Gustavo Kuerten (Brazil) - (2000, 43) and mount a successful defence arranged press conference. Lleyton Hewitt (Australia) - (2001, 80) of his Olympic title in Rio. Raonic said he had suffered Juan Carlos Ferrero (Spain) - (2003, 8) "I think that's the most sat- a muscle tear in his right leg in Andy Roddick (US) - (2003, 13) isfying thing, really. It's been his previous match, sending Roger Federer (Switzerland) - (2004, 302) such a difficult thing to do dur- Murray through to face John Rafael Nadal (Spain) - (2008, 141) Novak Djokovic (Serbia) - (2011, 223)

ing my career because of how Isner in today's final. Andy Murray (Britain) - (2016, 1*) "This morning I had trouble Britain's Andy Murray delivers a press conference at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 indoor ANDY MURRAY FACTFILE waking up and getting out of bed," said Raonic, who hurt him- tournament in Paris, yesterday, after Canada's Milos Raonic withdrew from their semi-final Andy Murray (GBR) match due to an injury. World ranking: 1 (as of 07/11/16) self in Friday's quarter-final win TENNIS RESULTS Age: 29 over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Birthdate: May 15, 1987 "I had some tests and an MRI He is the oldest first-time much respect for what he has seed at 4-all before serving out WTA Elite Trophy Birthplace: Dunblane, Scotland half an hour ago and they found number one since 30-year-old done," said Djokovic. for the first set. Cilic sealed his Women's singles Residence: London, England that I have a tear, Grade 1 tear in John Newcombe of Australia in "To see how he has raised his place at the Tour Finals in Lon- Semi-finals Height: 6'3" (190 cm) the right quad. June 1974. level in the last 12 months is quite don this week and then snapped Elina Svitolina (UKR x4) bt Johanna Konta Weight: 185 lbs (84 kg) (GBR x1) 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 Plays: Right-handed "Unfortunately, I'm not able Djokovic, whose 122-week extraordinary." a 14-match losing run against Petra Kvitova (CZE x3) bt Zhang Shuai (CHN Turned Pro: 2005 to compete against Andy today reign at the top is set to come to Murray will meet Isner as he Djokovic, but the Croat couldn't x12) 6-2, 6-2 Coach: Ivan Lendl in the second semi-final." an end, praised Murray's targets a maiden Paris Masters maintain that level against Isner. ATP Paris Masters Twitter: @andy_murray Murray will be confirmed as remarkable rise which coincided title after the big-serving Amer- The American seized control Semi-finals Career singles titles: 42 the new number one -- the 26th with a tumultuous second half ican toppled Cilic 6-4, 6-3 in the again at 3-3 in the second set and John Isner (USA) bt Marin Cilic (CRO x9) 6-4,

Grand Slam singles titles: 3 -- US Open different player in history to hold of the year for the Serb. first semi-final. inflicted his first defeat on Cilic 6-3

2012; Wimbledon: 2013, 2016 Andy Murray (GBR x2) bt Milos Raonic (CAN

top spot -- when the latest rank- "He's definitely a player who Isner, who also reached the in seven attempts with another Career prize money: $52,504,008 x4) walkover ings are released on Monday. deserves that. Undoubtedly last four in 2011, broke the ninth break of serve.