Ex-Chelsea striker Drogba retires at 40. The Ivorian scored 164 goals in 384 games for the London club PAGE 15

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Top three look to extend unbeaten records in EPL PAGE 15 QNB STARS LEAGUE UMM SALAL VS AL RAYYAN Umm Salal chase first league win against Rayyan in nine years Fifth-placed Al Ahli take on Qatar Sports Club “We know that our opponents aren’t having a good run of late. But IKOLI VICTOR we’ll be wary of them DOHA and we’ll play for a win UMM Salal will be chasing a Our team hasn’t been first win against Al Rayyan defeated in the last four in nine years in a QNB Stars games. That augurs well League Week 13 fixture at for the team and we Thani Bin Jassim Stadium in Gharafa on Friday. can achieve better In their last five league results in the coming fixtures, they drew thrice games. with Rayyan winning twice. The Lions are fourth in the Gilson Souza, Al Rayyan league standings with 22 points; seven ahead of the Orange Fortress having a bad run, collecting only two points from their last five matches. “I’m a coach, I definitely Al Rayyan’s U-23 coach Gilson Souza said: “The next love my job and I’ll do game against Umm Salal is everything to succeed in an important one as far as it. Umm Salal have to we’re concerned. We’re pre- get back to the winning paring very hard. We’ve to path and we’ve to give prove our capabilities on the pitch, where victories are everything to the team. achieved and not by history Bouziane Ben Arabi, and statistics. Umm Salal “We know that our op- ponents aren’t having a good Gilson Souza (right), Al Rayyan U-23 coach with a team player at a press conference in Doha on Thursday. run of late. But we’ll be wary of them and we’ll play for a added. we’ve to give everything to the win. Our team hasn’t been de- Meanwhile, Umm Salal team. feated in the last four games. assistant coach Bouziane Ben “I’m the assistant coach That augurs well for the team Arabi will be in charge of the and what’s important at this and we can achieve better re- game after the departure of stage is service to the team, sults in the coming games. the Dutch coach Laurent Ba- above anything else. We’ve a Al Rayyan were competi- nide following team’s decline good team and I hope they’ll tive during the international in form. bring out their best as was break, defeating Al Shahania “My first match as in- shown in the training sessions. 3-1 in the third round of the charge against Al Rayyan has “Al Rayyan are a good team, QSL Cup. turned out to be a very tough but we had held them to a draw “The two-week break in one. We have lost a lot of points in the first leg,” he added. the QNB Stars League didn’t of late. We’ve been mainly Fifth-placed Al Ahli looking affect our team. We played working on boosting the play- to take advantage of any slip and won against Al Shahania ers’ morale, so we can make from those above them, face a by a 3-1 margin in the QSL a strong comeback against Al Qatar SC side that are threat- Cup,” Souza said. Rayyan,” Bouziane said at the ened with relegation in tenth “It’s difficult to assess the pre-match press conference. place. level of the team. Our goal “I’m a coach, I definitely Al Kharaitiyat will be look- was title triumph. However, love my job and I’ll do every- ing for a morale-boosting it’s a fact now that Al Duhail thing to succeed in it. Umm victory against struggling Al are edging closer to it, so we Umm Salal assistant coach Bouziane Ben Arabi at a press conference Salal have to get back Shahania in Friday’s other aim to be in the top four,” he in Doha on Thursday. to the winning path and fixture. Qatar 2022 can change AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW history, says Thawadi Qatari clubs face familiar TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK This is a foes in continental duels DOHA once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK also cut ties in January 2016 THE 2022 FIFA World Cup DOHA and matches between clubs has the potential to positively the region – a region that is from the two countries are change the destiny of Qa- absolutely crazy about the AL Duhail SC and Al Sadd played in neutral venues. tar and the region, Supreme sport. The people of this SC will meet clubs from Iran, Despite requests from Committee for Delivery & region live, drink and Saudi Arabia and United UAE and Saudi Arabia in Legacy (SC) Secretary-Gen- breathe football. Plain and Arab Emirates once again in 2018 that meetings with Qa- eral Hassan al Thawadi has a politically-charged group tari clubs also be played in said. simple. It’s the one stage of the 2019 AFC Cham- neutral venues, the Asian Speaking to commemo- common denominator. pions League. Football Confederation rate the ‘four years to go’ Hassan al Thawadi, SC Asia’s premier club foot- (AFC) insisted otherwise. countdown to the tourna- ball competition, which fea- Qatar’s Al Sadd are con- ment, Thawadi told beIN Secretary-General tures 32 teams, is split into fident that the same will be Sports that Qatar 2022 is two geographic zones, east the case in February when not simply about 28 days of this World Cup? Absolutely. and west, until the final. It the tournament gets under football, but leaving a lasting the political situation will And are we welcoming them? means that the group stage, way. legacy to benefit future gen- have changed by 2022 and We will welcome them with drawn on Thursday in Kuala “We are in a group with erations. reiterated the positive senti- open arms.” Lumpur, is full of regional a Saudi Arabian team and an “This is not a tournament ment in relation to the tour- The Secretary-General rivalries. Iranian team,” Al Sadd man- just to bring people over, cel- nament across the region, also addressed recent specu- The toughest group puts Former Qatari international Wesam Rizik (right) at the draw of the ager Mohammed al Berik ebrate football and leave,” he including citizens of blockad- lation surrounding the po- the champions of Saudi Ara- AFC Champions League in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. told AFP. said. “If you truly understand ing countries. tential expansion of the 2022 bia, Qatar and the United “We played in 2018 and what this does for you, for a “From day one, our goal FIFA World Cup from 32 to Arab Emirates together as Al everything went safely. nation; it changes lives. and our aim was that this 48 teams – saying plans re- Hilal, Al Duhail and Al Ain Groups “The football is football. It can change history. is not a Qatari bid,” he ex- main firmly on course to de- meet. The language of football is Group A: Al Wasl (UAE), Al Zawraa Club (IRQ), Winner of Playoff 4, Winner of Playoff 2 It can change perceptions, plained. “This was an Arab, liver a tournament format as Additionally, Al Sadd of Group B: Al Ittihad (KSA), Al Wadha FSCC (UAE), Uzbekistan 1st Club, Winner of Playoff 3 for everyone and we didn’t economies, societies and Middle Eastern bid – first per the bid promise. Qatar, winners in 2011, have Group C: Al Duhail SC (QAT), Al Hilal (KSA), Al Ain (UAE), Esteghlal FC (IRN) have any problems. We will industries.” and foremost. We recently He said: “There is a feasi- been drawn with Saudi Ara- Group D: Persepolis (IRN), Al Sadd (QAT), Al Ahli Saudi (KSA), Winner of Playoff 1 go to play at the end of the “This is a once-in-a-life- opened up our volunteer bility study that is currently bia’s Al Ahli. If qualified, Al Group E: Korea Rep. 3rd Club, Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS), Winner of Playoff 4, Winner of Playoff 2 world if we have to.” Group F: Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN), Korea Rep. 2nd Club, Melbourne Victory (AUS), Winner of Playoff 3 time opportunity for the re- programme for people to ongoing. From our side we Rayyan will join Group B, Group G: Japan 2nd Club, China PR 2nd Club, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR), Buriram United (THA) Former Qatar interna- gion – a region that is abso- register. Today, we are at are continuing with prepara- which includes the UAE’s Group H: Sydney FC (AUS), Kawasaki Frontale (JPN), Shanghai SIPG (CHN), Winner of Playoff 1 tional and Al Sadd star We- lutely crazy about the sport. 250,000, and among them tions for a 32-team format. Al Wahda, Al Ittihad of Sau- sam Rizik participated in the The people of this region live, are people from the blockad- “There are a lot of issues di Arabia and Uzbekistan chance to qualify for Group play-off. draw ceremony along with drink and breathe football. ing nations.” that need to be assessed and champions Lokomotiv. Al A, which includes Al Wasl of Saudi Arabia, as well as other stars from Asia. Plain and simple. It’s the one “So if you ask me whether addressed. I don’t want to Rayyan will fight with Saipa the UAE and Al Zawraa of the UAE, broke off diplo- Japan’s Kashima Antlers common denominator,” he there is a desire from the peo- pre-conclude what will be of Iran and Minerva of India Iraq. Al Gharafa will vie with matic relations with Qatar in won the 2018 title but did said. ple of the region to celebrate, out there, but as of today it’s in play-off. Al Wehdat of Jordan, Kuwait June 2017. not qualify for the 2019 ver- Thawadi said he hopes to participate, to be part of a 32-team World Cup.” Al Gharafa have the SC and Zob Ahan of Iran in Saudi Arabia and Iran sion. 14 Friday, November 23, 2018 Sports Mubarak al Rumaihi makes a roaring start with Bolandro

QNB Qatar International RESULTS finished as the runners-up with a time of Showjumping C’ship 2018 48.48secs and 38.22secs. Class: Two Phases FEI Art. 274.5.3 | Max. 140cm | Prize-Money Emerging on top in the Against the clock VINAY NAYUDU €7,000 1. Mubarak Yousuf al Rumaihi (Bolandro) QAT Faults: 0; Time: 49.86secs; (120/130cm) class was Qatar’s Mohammed DOHA Faults: 0; Time: 37.85secs; Prize: €1,960 al Saidan on Apple Bee being faultless and 2. Nasser al Ghazali (Colibri) QAT; 0; 48.48secs; 0; 38.22secs; €1,575 fastest in 63.93secs. QATAR rider Mubarak Yousuf al Rumaihi 3. Mubarak Yousuf al Rumaihi (Vivaldi K) QAT; 0; 51.39secs; 0; Jaber Rashid al Amri (on Canavaro De 39.28secs €1,225 stamped his authority on the World Cup 4. Mohd Said Haidan (Casanova) QAT; 0; 48.69secs; 0; 43.85secs €875 Muze (E.T.)) finished second in 67.17secs, qualifying Two Phases FEI Art. 274.5.3 | while Saeed Nasser al Qadi (riding Day- Max. 140cm class on the opening day of Class: Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 | Max. 120/130cm dreamer EC) was third with a time of the three-day QNB Qatar International | Prize-Money €5,000 69.18secs. 1. Mohammed Said Haidan (Apple Bee) QAT; 0; 63.93secs; €1,250 Showjumping Championship 2018 at the 2. Jaber Rashid al Amri (Canavaro De Muze (E.T.)) QAT; 0; 67.17secs; Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor €1,000 arena on Thursday. 3. Saeed Nasser al Qadi (Daydreamer EC) QAT; 0; 69.18secs; €750 The Qatar Armed Forces athlete has The Qatar Armed Forces athlete has 4. Mohammed Said Haidan (Frappant) QAT 0; 73.94secs; €500 been in blazing form of late, having 5. Rashid Towaim al Marri (Anyway II) QAT; 0; 76.28secs; €350 been in blazing form of late, having annexed 6. Achraf Oualla (Dino BB Z) MAR; 0; 78.87secs; €275 annexed five titles, including the Grand five titles, including the Grand Prix class in Prix class in last week’s Al Rayyan last week’s Al Rayyan Championship at the Class: Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 | Max. 115cm | same venue. Prize-Money €4,000 Championship at the same venue. 1. Hussain Said Haidan (Belucci Van T’Vleminkhof) QAT; 0; 50.27secs; He continued his flawless show, this €1,000 time with his mount Bolandro, a 12-year- 2. Hussain Said Haidan (Colijn) QAT; 0; 52.72secs; €800 Morocco’s Achraf Oualla with his horse old bay stallion, for a swift win in the two- 3. Hamad Nasser al Qadi (Hugo Z) QAT; 0; 53.32secs; €600 Dino BB Z combined for a clean show but round €7,000 feature class in a time of 4. Abdulla Rashid al Amri (Cinderella B) QAT; 0; 53.57secs; €400. his time of 78.87secs saw him finish sixth. 49.86secs and 37.85secs much to the home Friday’s schedule Scoring a grand one-two finish in the crowd’s delight. 2pm: Table A, Against the clock with jump off - FEI Art. 238.2.2 | Max. 115 Against the clock 115cm class was Qa- Since each rider is allowed to enter with cm |2 Horses per athlete | 350 m/min | €5,000 tar’s Hussain Said Haidan who clocked two horses, Rumaihi also excelled with his 5pm: Table A, Against the clock with Jump Off FEI Art. 238.2.2 | Max. 130 50.27secs and 52.72secs on Belucci Van cm |2 Horses per athlete | 350 m/min | €6,000 favourite horse Vivaldi K and finished third 7pm: Qualifying competition for the FEI World Cup competition number.9 T’Vlehimkof and Colijn respectively. in the same class clocking 51.39secs and | Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 | Max. 145 cm | 2 Horses Hamad Nasser al Qadi astride Hugo Z 39.28secs in the two faultless routines. per athlete | 350 m/min | €8,000. claimed the third podium finish with a time Mubarak Yousuf al Rumaihi and his mount Bolandro clear a hurdle during their win at the Qatar Equestrian Qatar’s Nasser al Ghazali on Colibri of 53.32secs. Federation’s outdoor arena on Thursday. Spaghetti, Rassan clinch feature races A fine treble RESULTS 10TH RACE MEETING (DIRT) Ladjadj) for rider Bent- LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN NOVICE PLATE 1,200m Won by 5, 6, 2.25. Time 1:55.58 Prize Money: QR45,000 (1st 25,650, 2nd 9,900, 3rd 4,950) Owner: Hussain Ali Bukannan Trainer: Mohammed Riyaz Ibrahim Kasim 1. Saab (Gerald Avranche), 2. Munaawashat (JP Guillambert), 3. Al Mustafiz (Harry ley, trainer Bentley) THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 4) 1,200m Won by 3.5, nose, 3.25. Time 01:20.22 Prize Money: QR55,000 (1st 31,350 2nd 12,100 3rd 6,050 4th 3,300 5th 2,200. Owner & Trainer: Khalid Nasser Hamad al Naimi 1. Ventura Shadow (Tomas Lukasek), 2. Noble Masterpiece (Harry Bentley), 3. Midaawi Jahromi & (JP Guillambert) PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (Fillies & Mares) 1,700m Won by 2, short head, 1. Time 1:12.39 owner Khalifa Prize Money: QR45,000 (1st 25,650, 2nd 9,900, 3rd 4,950) Owner: Mohammed Nasser al Naimi. Trainer: Hadi Nasser Rashid al Ramzani 1. Yanar (JP Guillambert), 2. Enfrad (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. Alanoud (Jean Baptiste Hamel) THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) 1,700m bin Sheail Won by 17, 0.25, 2. Time 2:02.49 Prize Money: QR 60,000 (1st 34,200, 2nd 13,200, 3rd 6,600) Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari. Trainer: Mohammed Riyaz Ibrahim Kasim 1. Perigee (Harry Bentley), 2. Rich History (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 3. King Of Doha (Faleh TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Bughanaim) LOCAL THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE 1,200m Won by 0.75, 1, head. Time 1:48.62 DOHA Prize Money: QR45,000 (1st 25,650, 2nd 9,900, 3rd 4,950) Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi 1. Admiral (Jimmy Quinn), 2. Sharhan Azzam (Tomas Lukasek), 3. Reem Brooq (Rashid THE 10th Race Meeting, fea- Ali al Marri, -5kg) AL DAAYEN CUP 1,800m turing Al Daayen Cup and Won by 0.75, 3, 2.5. Time 1:15.10 Prize Money: QR100,000 (1st 57,000, 2nd 22,000, 3rd 11,000, 4th 6,000, 5th Doha Cup, turned out to be Owner: Sheikh Khalid bin Jassim bin Thani al Thani. Trainer: Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al 4,000) Malki 1. Spaghetti (Harry Bentley), 2. Al Walid (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. Messine De Sinuhe (JP an exciting affair as jockey Guillambert), 4. Reda (Stephan Ladjadj), 5. TM Thunder Struck (Ronan Thomas) Harry Bentley, trainer Jas- THOROUGHBRED GRADUATION PLATE (Class 5) 1,000m Won by 6.75, 1.5, 1.5, 8.5. Time 2:04.77 sim Mohammed Ghazali Prize Money: QR50,000 (1st 28,500, 2nd 11,000, 3rd 5,500) Trainer: Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi Jahromi and owner Khalifa 1. Catch A Wave (Ray Fuentes), 2. Subhaan (JP Guillambert), 3. Beach Samba (Saleem bin Sheail al Kuwari all end- Golam) DOHA CUP 1,200m Won by 1.25, 1.5, 4. Time 58.87 Prize Money: QR100,000 (1st 57,000, 2nd 22,000, 3rd 11,000, 4th 6,000, 5th ed up with a memorable tre- Owner: Eng Hassan Ali al Abdulmalik. Trainer: Deborah Mountain 4,000) ble on Thursday. 1. Rassan (Harry Bentley), 2. Raqee (Saleem Golam), 3. Al Muntathar (Eduardo At the Qatar Racing and Rider Harry Bentley leads Spaghetti to a brilliant victory in the Al Daayen Cup at the 10th Race Meeting in THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) 1,800m Pedroza), 4. Samhan Al Shajaa (Rashid Ali al Marri, -5kg), 5. Aahil (Ronan Thomas) Equestrian Club’s dirt track New Al Rayyan on Thursday. Prize Money: QR50,000 (1st 28,500, 2nd 11,000, 3rd 5,500) Won by 3, 1, short head, 6.25. Time 1:19.34 in New Al Rayyan, Bentley 1. Crisscrossed (JP Guillambert), 2. Tadeem (Harry Bentley), 3. Truancy (Stephan Owner: Jassim bin Ali al Attiyah. Trainer: Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi began his winning spree a bit late in the day. In the sev- enth race – Thoroughbred ward ridden by Faleh Bugha- bin Ali al Attiyah, went three and she went on to claim the Handicap Class 3 (1,700m), naim. lengths clear of Raqee (Sal- victory by 17 lengths against he pushed five-year-old peri- The third spot was taken eem Golam) before bagging Enfrad (Faleh Bughanaim). gee to a less than a length tri- by Messine De Sinuhe with the Doha Cup sprint. Alanoud was third. umph over Rich History. JP Guillambert astride, while Al Muntathar (Eduardo Guillambert and trainer While this was the second 2017 Dubai Kahayla Classic Pedroza) beat Samhan AL Mohammed Riyaz Ibrahim winner for owner Kuwari, it winner Reda and TM Thun- Shajaa by short head to win Kasim wrapped up a fine was the first of the day for der Struck, rated highest at the third spot and Aahil (Ro- double as Crisscrossed beat both the jockey and trainer 122 and having 12 credit- nan Thomas) notched up the Tadeem by five lengths in Jahromi. It must be a big re- able wins to his name, were fifth place. the Thoroughbred Handicap lief for the winning party as fourth and fifth, respectively. Rassan, who had five Class 5 (1,800m). Truancy the five-year-old bay colt had For the 2016 Qatar Sil- winners in 12 runs last sea- picked the third spot. not been able to win a single ver Sword and Amir’s Silver son, had a warm-up race be- Ventura Shadow, owned race last season. Overall, it Sword winner Spaghetti, it fore but he showed his real by Mohammed Nasser al was his third victory in 21 was the first race of the sea- pace in the second run today Naimi, Eng Hassan Ali al races, including three this son and the victory helped and emerged an easy winner, Abdulmalik’s Catch A Wave, season. him reach six in 15 runs. his overall 15th in 47 races. Sheikh Khalid bin Jassim Bentley and Jahromi Both Bentley and Jah- Earlier, owner Kuwari got bin Thani al Thani-owned then plotted a fantastic tri- Doha Cup-winning Rassan’s group celebrates at the QREC Club in New Al Rayyan on Thursday. romi progressed to com- the first winner of the day Admiral and Saab, owned umph by Spaghetti for owner plete their grand treble when through Yanar. Rider Guil- and trained by Khalid Nasser Kuwari in the Daayen Cup six-year-old runner, rated and managed to win by six Al Shaqab Racing-owned Al eight-year-old grey horse lambert took the five-year- Hamad al Naimi, shared oth- over 1,800m distance. The 115, worked up a hot pace and a three quarters against Walid, an Alban de Mieulle Rassan, owned by Jassim old grey filly off to a hot pace er four races of the day. World No. 1 Djokovic heads Qatar Kuwaiti, Omani shooters excel ExxonMobil Open 2019 list MAIN ROUND PLAYERS’ LIST The 2017 Nitto ATP Finals Wawrinka in runner-up announced recently Basilashvili, Nikoloz GEO 21 # Jarry, Nicolas CHI 43 that he was shutting down his alternates list # Bautista Agut, Roberto ESP 24 # Khachanov, Karen RUS 11 2018 campaign due to an el- # Berrettini, Matteo ITA 54 # Kohlschreiber, Philipp GER 35 bow injury. The 27-year-old last for main draw # Cecchinato, Marco ITA 20 # Kukushkin, Mikhail KAZ 53 # Copil, Marius ROU 60 # Lajovic, Dusan SRB 48 played at the Shenzhen Open # Djokovic, Novak SRB 1 # Lopez, Feliciano ESP 64 -- where he lost in his opening TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK # Dzumhur, Damir BIH 47 # Mannarino, Adrian FRA 42 match at the tournament to DOHA # Fucsovics, Marton HUN 37 # Pella, Guido ARG 58 # Gasquet, Richard FRA 26 # Ramos-Vinolas, Albert ESP 65 three-time Grand Slam cham- # Goffin, David BEL 22 # Seppi, Andreas ITA 38 pion Andy Murray. WORLD No.1 Novak Djokovic # Gojowczyk, Peter GER 59 # Thiem, Dominic AUT 8 Goffin debuted at the Doha will kickstart his 2019 season # Haase, Robin NED 50 # Verdasco, Fernando ESP 28 event in 2018 -- when he beat with the Qatar ExxonMobil # Herbert, Pierre-Hugues FRA 5 Dutch Robin Haase in the first Open which will be held from round, before losing to Spain’s December 31, 2018 to Janu- Three-time Grand Slam event due to injury. Fernando Verdasco in the ary 5, 2019 at the Khalifa In- winner Stanislas Wawrinka, The 31-year-old Serb, who Round of 16. ternational Tennis and Squash runner-up Andrei Rublev and will be making an appearance in Tournament Director Ka- Complex in Doha. the former world No. 4 Tomas Doha for the fifth time, defeated rim Alami said, “It is our pleas- Djokovic, the 2018 Wim- Berdych, who has not been former world No.1 Rafael Nadal ure to once again bring some of bledon and US Open cham- competing since June, are all in for his maiden title in 2016 and the world’s best players to Qa- pion, tops the entry list of star the first places of alternates list followed it up with a three-set tar at this year’s Qatar Exxon players which includes world and will probably make it in the win over Britain’s Andy Murray Mobil Open. Fans of the sport No. 8 Dominic Thiem, Nikolov main draw. in 2017 to claim a back-to-back are, without any doubt, in for Basilashvili, David Goffin, Ka- Of the 32 singles players triumph. He is also the absolute a week-long festival of top- Kuwait dominated the trap event, while Oman ruled in the 50m rifle 3 positions and 25m centre fire pistol ren Khachanov and this year’s and 16 doubles team featuring favourite this time around after notch tennis with unparalled at the 10th Arab Shooting Championship at the Losail Ranges on Thursday. Kuwait, led by Asian champion French Open semi-finalist Mar- in the six-day event, all eyes will having had an amazing second hospitality that we are well Abdulrahman al Faihan, bagged the men’s trap gold, beating Qatar. Faihan also claimed the individual title, co Cecchinato. be on Djokovic, the 14 Grand half of 2018. noted for. We look forward to his teammate Khaled al Mudhaf won the silver medal, while Qatar’s Rashid Hamad al Athba was third. In all, 25 players made the Slam champion and ATP Finals Meanwhile for Goffin, the welcoming all the players and Kuwait’s Sarah Alhawal clinched a golden double. She helped her team emerge the champion and went on entry list while three slots are 2018 finalist, who will be a mak- Doha event will be the Belgian’s the teeming fans to this year’s to bag the individual crown later as well. Oman’s Salyem beat Abdullah Alharbi to win the gold medal in allotted for wild card entrants ing a return to the tournament first tour event when he returns event which promises to be the the 50m men’s rifle 3 positions, while his teammates Zahra al Balushi and Siham al Hasani battled in the and four for qualifiers. after pulling out of the 2018 from an injury. best so far.” women’s event, with the former pocketing the crown by three points. Sports Friday, November 23, 2018 15 English Premier League returns after international break Former Chelsea striker Drogba retires at 40

AGENCIES His first spell in west Lon- year twice, ended his play- LONDON don ended on a high as he ing days with Phoenix Rising scored the winning penalty where he was a player-owner. FORMER Chelsea striker Di- in the Champions League fi- “It’s the best way to end, dier Drogba announced his nal shootout against Bayern helping some young talent retirement on Wednesday, Munich having also equalised to develop,” Drogba told the calling time on a 20-year ca- with a thumping header to BBC. reer in which the bullish cen- force extra time. “To give something back tre forward won four Premier to the game was the best way League titles and the 2012 to finish as I have learned so Champions League. much in the game.” Ivorian Drogba, who had The all-time top scorer for been playing in the United the Ivory Coast and the high- States for Phoenix Rising, had est foreign scorer for Chelsea, two spells at Chelsea, scoring Superb start Drogba also posted a picture 164 goals in 381 games, having of himself as a young player spearheaded the west London His first spell in west London before announcing his retire- club’s revival under owner Ro- ended on a high as he scored ment. man Abramovich. the winning penalty in the “When I think of the last Drogba, 40, began his ca- Champions League final 20 years of my professional reer at French side Le Mans in shootout against Bayern career, looking at this picture 1998, but did not play top-tier Munich having also equalised can’t make me more proud of football until he was 23 when with a thumping header to what I’ve achieved as a player he was signed by Guingamp in force extra time. but most importantly how this 2002. journey has shaped me as a He moved to Olympique de man,” Drogba wrote. Marseille in 2003 and a year Drogba spent the last 18 later was signed by Chelsea He had spells in China and months of his playing career Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gestures during a recent Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Etihad Stadium, where he became the attacking Turkey before returning to with US side Phoenix Rising, London. (REUTERS) focal point of the team under Chelsea where he won a fourth the club he co-owns, his last Jose Mourinho and helped the Premier League title and a game being a 1-0 defeat by club win their first top flight third League Cup, leaving the Louisville City in the final of English title in 50 years. club as their fourth highest the United Soccer League Cup. He went on to win three scorer of all time. “Safe to say [Drogba] will Premier League titles in his Drogba, who struck 65 not be playing for us next Top three look to first eight years at Chelsea as goals in his 104 appearances week,” the team said on Twit- well as four FA Cups and two for the Ivory Coast and was ter responding to reports of extend unbeaten League Cups. voted African footballer of the the retirement. records in EPL Chelsea face the trickiest task against Tottenham DPA he is focused on helping West football and now, we have to - the first Bournemouth player LONDON Ham. win football games. That’s how to ever score for England - and “I concentrate on West it is and that’s what we’ve done Howe believes others will ben- MANCHESTER City, Liver- Ham and we have a big game already.” efit. pool and Chelsea face another against Manchester City on “So many things are bet- “It lets everyone know test of their unbeaten records Saturday and I am only think- ter than last year: defending they are being watched and this weekend when the Pre- ing about this game and the is better, set-pieces are better; that their form in the Premier mier League returns after the following games,” he told Sky we are much more mature in League is being evaluated by international break. Sports in midweek. games, game management is the people from their coun- Leaders City travel to West “Whatever is going on with better. So many things are bet- tries - whether that’s England Ham, second-placed Liver- my agent and the clubs is not ter.” or other countries,” Howe told pool are away to Watford and my business. Chelsea go to Tottenham the Bournemouth Echo news- Chelsea have the trickiest task, as the third side yet to expe- paper. on paper, away to Tottenham, Guardiola will be aware of rience defeat but they will be “The form of the team this Chelsea’s Didier Drogba celebrates with the trophy after their Champions League final soccer match just a point behind them in wary of a home side nipping at season has been strong. That against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 19, 2012. (REUTERS) fourth. the threat posed by West their heels. has certainly helped every- City manager Pep Guar- Ham, in particular by strik- And Tottenham could have one’s cause and will continue diola will assess the fitness of er Marko Arnautovic, who midfielder Christian Eriksen to do so as long as we can be Bernardo Silva after the play- is set to be fit for in the starting line-up for the successful. maker withdrew from interna- Saturday’s clash despite a first time in four days. “Hopefully, everyone will Spain, Germany & N Korea in tional duty with Portugal due niggling knee injury. The Dane played half of take inspiration from Callum’s to a muscular injury. his nation’s match with Ire- call.” Should he not make it, land in midweek and could Bottom side Fulham will Women’s U-17 WC quarters Guardiola could call on Fa- My business is to perform return, especially with the be looking for a morale-boost- bian Delph, who impressed on the pitch, to put in perfor- likes of Erik Lamela only due ing victory when they take on IANS over Cameroon 2-1, Efe news scoreboard. for England on Sunday, or Il- mances and that is what I want back from international duty fourth-bottom Southampton MONTEVIDEO reported. Spain will now face North kay Guendogan, who played in to do.” on Friday. on Saturday. The Spaniards went to half Korea on Saturday at the Al- City’s last match. Liverpool are just two Fifth-placed Arsenal, Second-bottom Hudders- SPAIN beat Canada, Germany time with a three-goal lead berto Suppici stadium in Co- Guardiola will be aware of points behind City after a su- looking to take advantage of field travel to Wolves while beat the US and North Korea thanks to shots by Salma Paral- lonia. the threat posed by West Ham, perb start to the season but any slip-up from those above Cardiff, one point and one edged Cameroon 2-1 to ad- luelo in the ninth minute, Irene Canada will face Germany in particular by striker Marko manager Juergen Klopp said them, travel to a Bournemouth place better off, are away to vance to the quarterfinals of the Lopez in the 22nd, and Claudia on Sunday at the Charrua sta- Arnautovic, who is set to be fit they still need to work on side riding high in sixth place. Everton. U-17 Women’s soccer World Pina in the 25th. dium here. for Saturday’s clash despite a many things. Bournemouth manager Manchester United face Cup underway in Uruguay. In the second half, Irene Japan will play against niggling knee injury. “We can improve, we have Eddie Howe is hoping the en- Crystal Palace, Brighton and Spain beat Canada 5-0 in a Lopez, chosen as player of the New Zealand on November 24 Arnautovic has been linked to and we will,” he said at a tire squad is boosted by the Hove Albion take on Leicester Group D match on Wednesday, match, scored her second goal in Colonia, while Ghana will with a move to one of the Eng- Liverpool Football Club foun- call-up of striker Callum Wil- and Newcastle travel to Burn- while in a Group C tie, Germa- in the 50th minute and Eva face Mexico a day later in Mon- lish sides in the Champions dation dinner this week. son to the England side. ley in the weekend’s other ny beat the US 4-0 as reigning Navarro scored in the 71st to tevideo in the other quarter League but the Austrian says “But between our best Wilson scored on his debut matches. champions North Korea won leave the final figures on the clashes.

Man Utd spell made him feel Griezmann must prove worth ‘like Benjamin Button’: Zlatan AFP that would give me an honest LONDON opinion. From all of them eve- to Atletico in Barcelona clash ryone said ‘do not do it’ -- they ZLATAN Ibrahimovic has said it would not be good for REUTERS Atletico, is also said to have revealed he was told by “eve- my career because you put your BARCELONA put Costa’s nose out of joint, ryone” not to risk his reputa- whole career on one season,” according to reports in the tion by playing in England but he said. BARCELONA’S interest in Spanish media. how a successful spell at Man- “If you do not do a good signing Atletico Madrid for- Griezmann’s lack of do- chester United made him feel season, people will say the ward Antoine Griezmann was mestic goals has not stopped young again -- “like Benjamin rest of the things you did be- the worst kept secret in foot- his team mates touting him Button”. fore were useless because you ball last season and on Satur- for the Ballon d’Or award, The 37-year-old Swedish didn’t make it in England but day the Frenchman will face however, with his cause bol- forward made a high-profile that triggered me and that’s the the club he so nearly joined stered by his role in helping switch to Old Trafford in July challenge I wanted.” when they meet in a mouth- France win the World Cup. 2016 after leaving Paris Saint- Ibrahimovic, who also watering Liga clash. “For me, he deserves it,” Germain, initially on a one- played for Ajax, Juventus, When Griezmann fired said defender Juanfran. “Li- season contract. Barcelona and both Milan gi- Atletico to victory over Olym- onel Messi and Cristiano Ibrahimovic made a major ants, added: “I went against pique de Marseille in the Eu- Ronaldo perform at such a impact at Old Trafford, scoring everyone and said that’s what ropa League final in May, it level which makes them the twice to help Jose Mourinho’s I wanted to do. They thought was widely viewed as his last best but last year Griezmann side win the 2017 League Cup I was too old... and I made the stand for Diego Simeone’s hit that level with goals and final against Southampton be- Premier League look old. side before a move to Barca trophies and if you analyse it fore suffering a serious knee in- “It took me three months but they successfully con- properly he should win it.” jury during the Europa League to convince everyone who I vinced the Frenchman to stay. Yet if Griezmann is to jus- quarter-final with Anderlecht. was. That was the challenge He revealed his decision tify being mentioned in the The veteran frontman re- and I never turn down a chal- to remain at Atletico in a re- same breath as Barca’s Messi covered and signed a contract lenge.” markable televised documen- and or Juventus’ Ronaldo, he extension but eventually left Ibrahimovic, who said he tary called ‘The Decision’, Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann (REUTERS) needs to take a step forward United to join Major League had an “amazing” connection which angered the Catalans, and prove he is able to win Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy with United midfielder Paul not least because it was made he wants to make history at over Borussia Dortmund in Griezmann usually thrives pivotal matches on his own, as in March 2018. Pogba at Old Trafford, said he by Barca defender Gerard Atletico where everything is the Champions League but due to the aggression and the Portuguese and Argentine In an interview with BBC 5 had felt “unbreakable... like Pique’s Kosmos production built around him or go to a failing to galvanise his team at work rate of Costa, whose regularly do. Live, the much-travelled Ibra- Superman” before suffering his company. club where he will never go difficult places like Villarreal, form has suffered over the last Guiding Atletico to a first himovic recalled the advice he serious knee injury. Atletico chief executive down in history,” said Gil Leganes and Celta Vigo. few months, struggling with league win over Barca since had received when he was con- “The first year at United Miguel Angel Gil Marin had Marin. He has three goals in 12 injuries and failing to score in 2010, which would take templating life in the Premier we had a fantastic year,” he warned Griezmann, 27, of the But Griezmann has strug- league games, a meager tally the league. them top of the table and two League. added. “They made me feel like pitfalls of joining a club like gled this term, producing which can be traced to the The Frenchman’s salary points clear of the champions “When I went to England Benjamin Button. I was getting Barca. talismanic performances in dire form of fellow striker hike, which the Frenchman he turned down, would be a I was talking to different play- younger and younger, then un- “He needs to decide if games such as the 2-0 win Diego Costa. said was key to him staying at good start. ers that I knew well and trusted fortunately I got my injury.”