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FOOTBALL Tuesday, October 31, 2017 Safar 11, 1439 AH PSG, Barcelona on verge of CL GULF TIMES League last 16 SPORT Page 3 SQUASH FORMULA 1 Matthew, Gawad Hamilton relishing 2018 survive scares title scrap

AFP engine, because the car was great Mexico City through other sections and I really hope for McLaren, who have a special place in my heart, that next year is a ewis Hamilton is relishing better year for them. the battles to come in 2018 as “I hope they have a stronger en- at Qatar Classic a revived Ferrari, improved gine a stronger car. Fernando’s a tough LMcLaren and determined Red cookie. I enjoyed the little battle I had Bull seek to derail his bid for a fi fth with him and I hope we get to have ‘He was sharper than me today but it was experience that saw me through’ world title. many more like that.” The newly-crowned four-time Hamilton spoke before fl ying from By Sports Reporter world champion made that clear in the Mexico City to Miami for a late night Doha aftermath of Sunday’s Mexican Grand party in a club where he revelled with Prix, won by Red Bull’s 20-year-old family and friends. Dutchman Max Verstappen. He defended his lifestyle and said ick Matthew survived a sur- Hamilton fi nished ninth in his Mer- his 2017 title had been much tougher prise test at the Qatar Classic cedes, but Sebastian Vettel’s title chal- to win than many observers believed. yesterday before making the lenge ended with him fi nishing fourth “I’m diff erent,” said Hamilton. second round with a hard- for Ferrari despite starting from the “People talk about Michael’s (Schu- foughtN fi ve-game win over qualifi er 50th pole of his career. macher) single-mindedness about his German Raphael Kandra. The pair collided at the third cor- job, but to stand out in the world today Kandra, who raised his level in the ner of the fi rst lap and both required is a lot harder because it’s all been done match, spooked three-time world lengthy pit stops that left them at the before. champion Matthew during the 65 back of the fi eld. “Doing something diff erent that minute fi rst round game. The German Talking to reporters after the race, helps you stand out, that really high- came within a few points of scoring Hamilton said he was motivated by his lights your individuality. what could have been one of the big battle with Vettel. “I think it’s really important and upsets of the tournament. But the No. “It’s kind of cool to be in this battle that’s really something I’m working 4 seed Matthew, playing his last sea- with him,” said Hamilton. on.” son, pulled off the key shots when it “He got 50 poles and I don’t want Refl ecting on his latest champion- mattered most and won the match 3-2 to give him any more poles because he ship win, he said: “It felt challenging (12-10, 11-9, 5-11, 8-11, 11-8). gets closer to me. That’s inspiration to on a personal level. The opening game set the scene keep pushing it — the same with wins, “This year is a championship, which with Kandra stepping up the court to same with championships. I’ve been hoping for — a little bit like put pressure on the 36-year-old Eng- “When I see him sign for another 2008, where you’re fi ghting another lishman and send him into all four three years with Ferrari and I’m like team, fi ghting this historic team, which corners – a tactic that allowed him to ‘Ferrari are not going to like me for the Michael raced for and won champion- open up an early advantage. next couple of years’. ships in. Matthew, though, showed all his ex- “We’re going to make it as hard as it “I’m really proud of that and to be perience as he wriggled out of trouble Defending champion Karim can possibly be for them to win cham- able to battle someone else who is a to take it 12-10, and he repeated that Abdel Gawad of Egypt (L) in pionships, but I really am looking for- four-time world champion, a proven feat in the second, coming through action against Borja Golan of Spain. ward to that battle with them.” world champion, who’s got great skill 11-9 to establish a comfortable look- He added that he anticipated a simi- and a team also that knows how to win ing lead. lar scrap with Verstappen, the rising a championship. In the third game, the 2009 cham- young star of the sport, who domi- “That’s how every championship pion Matthew dropped off and Kan- FIRST ROUND RESULTS nated Sunday’s race for his third career needs to be, and I hope there’s more dra pounced, taking it quickly to get win. championships like this one where we a presence on the boards before con- (6) Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) bt “He’s really the brightest young star have this tough battle.” tinuing to enjoy a spell of superb shot Paul Coll (NZL) 3-1 (11-13, 11-9, 11-5, that we’ve seen for some time,” said He dismissed the theory that he won play and rally craft to take Matthew 11-6) (58m) Hamilton. because Mercedes had given him the out of his element in the fourth to set Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt [Q] Alan “I hope that in his early era that I best car. up the decider – only for Matthew to Clyne (SCO) 3-1 (9-11, 11-9, 14-12, 11-3) can be a good force and a good battle “People have written that we’ve had do just enough to halt the charge. (66) for him.” the best car, but I don’t believe we’ve “I was hitting hard and running [8] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt Mohamed The 32-year-old Briton added that had the best car. with him which was silly because he’s Abouelghar (EGY) 3-1 (11-4, 11-6, 7-11, he expected and hoped to be re-joining “I think we’ve been the best team. much younger but fi nally at the end I 11-7) (43m) battle with his one-time McLaren team We’ve done the best job, but there have started to use my brain and my experi- Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt [Q] Adrian The pair had a dramatic tussle in the been times when we’ve not had the ence – which shows you it’s never too Waller (ENG) 3-1 (11-3, 11-13, 11-9, 11-6) closing laps on Sunday as Hamilton best car.” late,” said Matthew, who his retiring at (57m) fought to pass him. the end of the season. [4] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [Q] “Just wait until this guy gets a good “It’s a tricky fi rst round. He played Raphael Kandra (GER) 3-2 (12-10, 11-9, on this court before – the only event 5-11, 8-11, 11-8) (64m) where the top seeds didn’t have that Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Borja advantage. He was sharper than me Golan (Spn) 3-1 (4-11, 11-5, 11-7, 16-14) today but it was experience that saw (62m) me through. Omar Mosaad (EGY) bt. Miguel An- “I got out of jail today, but in the gel Rodriguez (COL) 3-2 (13-15, 11-5, middle of the game I was mentally 12-10, 10-12, 14-12) (108m) booking my fl ight back home. Then I told myself come on, you can win, just win ugly, just win ugly. But I don’t come through 13-11 in the tie-break. want to discredit him, he rushed me But ElShorbagy came out with a and hurried me and pressured me,” the point to prove in the second, injecting Sheffi eld man said. pace onto the ball and attacking Coll “I have to go away and learn and and exposing limitations in the Kiwi’s focus on my own thing and not worry attacking game to take the second about anyone else. Hopefully I’ll be game comfortable 11-3 before then better tomorrow.” withstanding a surge from Coll in the In a late evening match, defend- third to scrape it 11-9. ing champion Karim Abdel Gawad ElShorbagy then opened up a big of Egypt also came back from behind lead in the fourth and, despite a val- to beat Borja Golan of Spain 3-1. The iant eff ort from Coll to claw his way fi rst set was a one-way traffi c as the back into it, held on to seal the win and world champion Gawad seemed slow set up a second round encounter with moving in and out of the corners. The Omar Mosaad. Egyptian recuperated to win the sec- “I haven’t been happy with my re- ond and the third sets easily. sults at the start of the season but I’m Golan, who defeated Gawad in the happy with the way I played today,” Windy City Open quarter-fi nal clash said ElShorbagy. in February, came back strong in the “Today I was only focusing on accu- fourth set to match the 26-year-old racy so in that regard, I’m happy with from Giza, but Gawad prevailed over my result and I’m looking forward to Golan after a 62 minutes battle. England’s Nick Matthew lunges for the ball during his first round match against play against Omar tomorrow.” Egypt’s Marwan ElShorbagy de- Germany’s Raphael Kandra yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Mathieu Castagnet of France, Aus- feated New Zealand’s Paul Coll in four tralia’s Cameron Pilley and Egypt’s games in what was the fi rst ever meet- PSA World Tour. In the early stages, preme fi tness to good eff ect, staying in Tarek Momen also entered the second Hamilton takes a selfie surrounded by photographers after his victory in Mexico ing between the two rising stars of the Coll utilised his basic game and su- the rallies to extend the game and round yesterday. City on Sunday. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, October 31, 2017 FORMULA 1

FOCUS Verstappen wins big aft er week of controversy Reuters great. “I think he got a bit bored out Mexico City “It’s a great podium to be on, there at times,” said Horner. “We which last year I think I should kept trying to slow him down and have been on already but I missed he was getting a bit frustrated... ax Verstappen might out at the very last moment but he loves wheel to wheel racing. have cause to thank luckily now no penalties.” “We have a minor bonus sys- the Formula One Verstappen, already Formula tem regarding fastest lap, which stewards, even if only One’s youngest ever winner, had I’m thinking of eradicating,” joked Mas a backhanded compliment, for said on Saturday that he was ‘su- Horner. “I instructed his engineer giving him plenty to get stirred up per annoyed’ to miss out on be- under no circumstances to tell about ahead of Sunday’s Mexican coming the sport’s youngest ever him that Sebastian Vettel had just Grand Prix. pole-sitter but he made a sensa- relieved him of a few euros. Demoted off the podium at last tional start. He had also faced a “But the danger with him is that weekend’s US Grand Prix, and also stewards enquiry after that ses- he’s looking at the screens around in Mexico a year ago, the 20-year- sion, without any further action. the track and he can see it for him- old Red Bull driver produced a Team boss Christian Horner self anyway. The important thing faultless sporting response at the said he could tell from the look in was bringing the car home, which Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. his eyes the moment Verstappen is exactly what he did.” In Austin he had railed at one arrived in the paddock in Mexico The win was Verstappen’s sec- ‘idiot’ steward, language for that he wanted to win more than ond of the season, after Malaysia, which he subsequently apolo- anyone. and third of his career, and comes gised, after he was handed a time “I think it (Austin) didn’t hurt in a year that has seen him hit by penalty for exceeding track limits his motivation,” he said. retirements and mechanical fail- while overtaking Ferrari’s Kimi With title contenders Sebastian ures. Raikkonen. Raikkonen was again Vettel and Lewis Hamilton collid- “He had such a rough summer. third on Sunday but this time with ing, and going to the back of the Every weekend something go- Verstappen on top of the podium. fi eld, Verstappen had a free run ing wrong for him, when he was “After last week I was very fi red and the team’s biggest problem in great positions.” said Horner. up and very motivated to do well,” was to rein in his enthusiasm. “He’s not let his head drop. the Dutch driver told reporters. By the end he had lapped Mer- “I said to him ‘forget everything “Of course I missed out on cedes’ Hamilton, who was ninth else, treat these last seven races pole, but I was very determined and heading for his fourth title, as a mini-championship and just to win this race and I gave it all in and closing in on Vettel who fi n- enjoy going racing’. I think he’s Race winner Max Verstappen of Netherlands celebrates with his team during the Formula One Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Her- the start, in Turn One and it feels ished fourth. done that.” manos Rodriguez in Mexico City, Mexico. (Getty Images/AFP)

SPOTLIGHT COMMENT The best man won, says beaten Vettel Hamilton in hot ments, you need to give credit Reuters Mexico City to the best man and that is him this year,” said Vettel. Vettel had started the sea- errari’s Sebastian Vet- son with a win in Australia and tel congratulated Mer- led the championship until the cedes rival Lewis Ham- Italian Grand Prix at Monza in ilton on joining him as a September. pursuit of Formula 1 fourF times Formula One world But Hamilton had returned champion on Sunday and from the August break with vowed that next season would a vengeance and won fi ve of be diff erent. the next six races while Vet- “I’m down, obviously,” said tel’s challenge imploded with the German, who won his titles two retirements — one of them with Red Bull, after his already caused by a faulty spark plug. extremely slim hopes were fi - The German and Hamilton great Schumacher nally extinguished at the Mexi- had been enjoying the battle, can Grand Prix. a change from years of Mer- ‘Four is a great number, but I want number five now!. I’ve got to keep pushing it, keep on, “It’s tough to cross the line cedes domination and the title and realise that you’re not in fought between team mates, be an inspiration and keep pushing for wins and championships. I am ready for the battle’ the fi ght anymore. That sums and showed strong mutual re- it up... It’s Lewis’s day. He was spect. crowned world champion and “I don’t fear him. I like rac- he deserves that,” he told tel- ing with him. I would have evision reporters in the post- liked a little bit more of that race pen. this year,” said Vettel. “But “Overall he was the better overall, they were just the bet- man and did the better job, ter bunch.” simple as that.” “He’s done a superb job all Vettel and Hamilton col- year round and deserves to win lided on the opening lap, with the title. So congratulations to both going to the back of the him.” fi eld after pitstops to repair Ferrari team boss Maurizio the damage. The Ferrari driver, Arrivabene also congratulated who needed to be in the top Hamilton but said the race had two to have a chance and had not refl ected the true potential started on pole position, end- of his team’s car. ed up fourth while Hamilton “Right to the very end, the pulled himself back from last team fought for the chance of to ninth. That gave the Briton winning this world champion- an unassailable 56 points lead ship,” he said. with two races remaining. “We will now continue to do “Right now, it’s disappoint- our very best in the two remain- ing. Next year will be a diff er- ing Grands Prix, tackling them ent story, as we all start again, with the same level of concen- but right now, in these mo- tration and determination.”

Hamilton ‘one of the greatest’ Former world champion maybe say my dad (Graham Damon Hill yesterday hailed Hill), who won in multiple Lewis Hamilton as “one of disciplines. But certainly the the greatest” drivers ever likes of Juan Manuel Fangio, after the Briton wrapped up Michael Schumacher, Ayrton a fourth world champion- Senna and Alain Prost — ship in Mexico. Hamilton, 32, those are the names that clinched the title in unex- spring to my mind.” pected but dramatic fashion Despite Hamilton’s achieve- on Sunday when, after a first ment, Hill stopped short of lap collision with title rival naming him unequivocally Sebastian Vettel, he finished as the best British driver ninth in the Mexican Grand ever. “What you have to say Prix. He is the first Briton to is there were conditions that Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates with his mother Carmen Larbalestier after winning his fourth F1 World Drivers Championship after the Formula One be a four-time champion, applied in the past that don’t Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, Mexico, on Sunday. (Getty Images/AFP) lifting him clear of Jackie apply now,” he wrote. Stewart, and alongside “There are now more races AFP of his extraordinary raw talent close to winning seven,” said his the right one. He has learned so considering following his erst- Vettel and Frenchman Alain per season, the racing is Mexico City for speed have combined to give former McLaren team-mate and much there and has learned a lot, while team-mate 2016 cham- Prost. Michael Schumacher safer, drivers’ careers go him a unique platform for more fellow-Briton Jenson Button. too, from Niki Lauda, including pion Nico Rosberg into a prompt leads the way with seven on longer, there is better record-breaking achievements. Schumacher’s records of sev- managing his emotions. retirement. titles, ahead of Juan Manuel reliability than there was t may have been ugly, but Mercedes resisted a spirited en titles and 91 career victories “I think the best is yet to come “Four is a great number, but I Fangio, who won five. with cars back in the day, so Lewis Hamilton’s success challenge from a revived Fer- remain unchallenged, but Ham- from Lewis. For me, the halcyon want number fi ve now!” he said “Lewis Hamilton is certainly I don’t know how you com- in claiming his fourth world rari to dominate the 2017 season ilton, on 62 wins, has already years for a driver are in your during Mercedes’ post-race one of the greatest, most pare him, statistically. championship on Sunday and reel off a fourth consecutive passed his pole positions record mid-thirties. You have maturity, paddock celebrations. talented drivers ever to “I think you would have to Ihas moved him within range of constructors’ world champion- — with 72 poles — and, at 32, you still have strength and you “I want to go out at the top. compete in Formula One,” weigh it somehow against becoming the most successful ship. is the same age as the German are still learning. I could do the easy thing, like Hill wrote in Britain’s Times the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s racing driver of all time. That level of performance when he won his fourth title. “But you have collected a lot Nico, but I think there’s more in newspaper. because it’s not like for like. His ninth place fi nish at the coupled with Hamilton’s talents And, since 2104, he has won of knowledge and you are still me. There’s more to come, more “He is one of the fastest, and So you have to be a little bit Mexican Grand Prix was not the and experience means Hamilton 40 races with Mercedes, at an vibrant and hungry.” of a challenge... There’s harder has managed the condi- cautious about declaring way in which he had hoped to has good reason to believe he average 10 per season — a good Austrian Lauda, a three-time times ahead — and I love that. tions that he has needed to him the best-ever driver.” seal his triumphant season, but can go on to win not only a fi fth enough return to justify belief champion who is the non-exec- That’s challenging and it would fulfil his ambition in such a Hill said one of the reasons his racing peers and most pad- title, to equal the record of Ar- in his potential to deliver more utive chairman of the Mercedes be so boring without it.” way that he can take a lot of for Hamilton’s success is that dock observers believed that gentine Juan Manuel Fangio, but titles. team, said: “Lewis has driven And in keeping with his high- credit.” Hill, who won the title he has a life outside the F1 mattered little. rise beyond it to match German “He has made big decisions, like a god this season. He has speed lifestyle, he took a private with Williams in 1996, said bubble. “He has a work-life Not only did the 32-year-old Michael Schumacher’s seven including leaving McLaren, proved he is the best on the grid jet from Mexico to Miami for a there were “very few drivers” balance,” said Hill. “He has Briton deserve this year’s cham- championship wins. which was a surprise to a lot and deserves his success. nightclub party with friends and who could be considered created a way of life outside pionship, but, many have sug- “Michael is still the greatest of people, including me,” said “He is possibly the best ever — family. “I’ve got to keep push- Hamilton’s equal. “I would Formula One so that he can gested, he proved he is capable of when you look at the outright Jackie Stewart, the man he has he is certainly up there with the ing it, keep on, be an inspiration look to the multiple world come to the sport and do his scaling even greater heights. results, but if Lewis stays and surpassed as Britain’s most suc- best we’ve ever seen.” and keep pushing for wins and champions, certainly the tri- job and it doesn’t consume His age, the consistency of his if Mercedes stay as competi- cessful F1 driver. Hamilton himself was quick championships. I am ready for ple world champions. I would him. Mercedes team and the maturing tive, you could see him getting “It was a big decision and to dismiss any idea that he was the battle.” Gulf Times Tuesday, October 31, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT PSG, Barcelona on verge of Champions League last 16 Emery’s French heavyweights have cruised through their opening three fixtures — netting 12 goals with none conceded

AFP Paris

ig-spending Paris Saint-Ger- main, fi ve-time champions Barcelona and Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United are among theB teams looking to book a Champi- ons League last-16 place today. The pick of the action sees Anderlecht take on Neymar and co. in Paris, while Bar- celona face Olympiakos and Roma go head-to-head with Chelsea in Italy. Here is a look at what is at stake in each group today.

MANCHESTER UNITED (ENG) VS BENFICA (POR) Jose Mourinho’s side can secure a place in the last 16 with two matches to spare with a win at Old Traff ord, if Basel avoid defeat against CSKA Mos- cow. United are unbeaten at home in 12 meetings with Portuguese opponents — their last home loss in Europe came in a 2-1 reverse against Real Madrid in the 2012/13 competition. Benfi ca are likely heading towards an early exit after losing their fi rst three group games and will be without vet- eran defender Luisao following his dismissal in the 1-0 defeat by United in Lisbon. Brazilian striker Jonas scored his league-leading 12th goal in a 1-0 win over Feirense on Friday, while Unit- ed bounced back from a shock loss at Huddersfi eld Town by edging Totten- ham Hotspur 1-0 on Saturday courtesy of Anthony Martial’s late winner.

BASEL (SUI) VS CSKA MOSCOW (RUS) Basel will clinch a spot in the knockout phase with a second straight win over CSKA Moscow, if Benfi ca fail to beat United. After a slow start to the season, Basel have hit their stride with six wins in their last eight games. Conversely, CSKA are in the middle of a terrible run of form after only winning once in their last eight matches and scoring just twice in that period. A 1-0 defeat at Arsenal Tula on Friday left them four Paris Saint-Germain players (from left) Neymar, Thiago Silva, Lucas Moura, Marquinhos and Marco Verratti share a light moment during a training session in Paris yesterday. (AFP) points off leaders Lokomotiv in Russia, but Alan Dzagoev could return after a have cruised through their opening start in La Liga and are unbeaten in fence a boost by beating Bournemouth and Sporting fail to beat Juventus. v CSKA Moscow (RUS); At Manchester, month out with an Achilles injury. three fi xtures — netting 12 goals with their fi rst 10 games, but sit eight points at the weekend to stay nine points off England: Manchester United (ENG) v none conceded — and will be expected adrift of leaders Barcelona in fourth top spot, while Roma are seven points AT LISBON: SPORTING LISBON Benfica (POR) CELTIC (SCO) VS to again sweep aside Anderlecht at place after fi ve draws. behind Serie A leaders Napoli with a (POR) VS JUVENTUS (ITA) Group B: At Glasgow, Scotland: Celtic BAYERN MUNICH (GER) the Parc des Princes. Edinson Cavani Although Qarabag picked up their game in hand. Sporting and Juventus look set to be (SCO) v Bayern Munich (GER); At Paris: Celtic matched their century-old Brit- struck twice more in Friday’s 3-0 vic- fi rst Champions League point in Baku, in a straight fi ght for second place in Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) v Anderlecht ish record by stretching their domestic tory over Nice, giving the Uruguayan Atletico will be expected to have lit- OLYMPIAKOS (GRE) VS Group D behind Barcelona, with Tues- (BEL) unbeaten streak to 62 matches with 15 goals in 14 matches this term, as PSG tle trouble in closing the gap on Chel- BARCELONA (ESP) day’s match in Lisbon crucial after the Group C: At Madrid: Atletico Madrid (ESP) Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Kilmar- stayed four points clear in France. sea and Roma, ahead of a home match Barcelona could secure a last-16 place Italians’ 2-1 win at Turin. v Qarabag (AZE); At Rome : Roma (ITA) v nock.But Brendan Rodgers’ team face a Neymar is also set to return after against the Italians and a crucial visit to today. A fourth straight group-stage Jorge Jesus’ team are looking to draw Chelsea (ENG) stiff test against Bayern Munich as they serving a domestic one-match ban fol- Stamford Bridge. win in Greece would book a knock-out level on points with their opponents, Group D: At Piraeus, Greece: Olympiakos bid to keep their European adventure lowing his red card against Marseille. spot unless Sporting Lisbon beat Ju- although last season’s runners-up (GRE) v Barcelona (ESP); At Lisbon: alive. A resurgent Bayern eased to a 3-0 Anderlecht have yet to register a goal ROMA (ITA) VS CHELSEA (ENG) ventus. would move all but into the knockout Sporting Lisbon (POR) v Juventus (ITA) win over the Scottish champions a fort- or point in this season’s group stage, The winner of the clash at the Stadio Ernesto Valverde’s men are on a rounds with victory. PLAYING TOMORROW night ago, and a repeat success would with their last away win in the Cham- Olimpico will be well-placed to reach 14-match unbeaten run in all competi- After winning six consecutive Serie A Group E: At Liverpool, England: Liverpool all but end Celtic’s chances of reaching pions League proper coming in Decem- the last 16 with both teams still to play tions since losing both legs of the Span- titles, Juve trail in-form Napoli by three (ENG) v Maribor (SLO); At Seville, Spain: the knockout rounds. Jupp Heynckes ber 2005. a game against struggling Qarabag. ish Super Cup to Real Madrid. The fi ve- points domestically despite a strong Sevilla (ESP) v Spartak Moscow (RUS) is hopeful striker Robert Lewandowski A thrilling 3-3 draw at Chelsea last time European champions are fl ying start to the campaign. Group F: At Naples, Italy: Napoli (ITA) will be fi t for the trip to Glasgow after ATLETICO MADRID (ESP) time out prevented the Premier League high in Spain, having only dropped two Jesus is hoping to improve Sporting’s v Manchester City (ENG); At Kharkiv, limping out of Saturday’s 2-0 victory VS QARABAG (AZE) champions from moving fi ve points points in their fi rst 10 outings. European pedigree as the Portuguese Ukraine: Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) v Fey- over RB Leipzig — their second triumph Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are clear at the top of Group C, with Roma Barca talisman Lionel Messi is La giants have not reached the last 16 since enoord (NED) in four days over their title rivals after a still searching for their fi rst win of the now looking for a victory to overtake Liga’s top-scorer so far this term with 2009, when they lost 12-1 on aggregate Group G: At Istanbul, Turkey: Besiktas shootout win in the second round of the competition after a goalless draw in Az- Antonio Conte’s men. 12 goals and has also netted three times to Bayern Munich. (TUR) v Monaco (FRA) (1700); At Porto, German Cup. erbaijan a fortnight ago. Roma won their last home game from three Champions League outings. Portugal: Porto (POR) v RB Leipzig (GER) They are in danger of missing out on against Chelsea in the group stages The fi rst meeting two weeks ago saw CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES Group H: At Dortmund, Germany: Borussia PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN (FRA) the knockout stages for the fi rst time nine years ago, but have not reached the Barcelona ease to a 3-1 win with only (all 1945 GMT unless stated): Dortmund (GER) v APOEL Nicosia (CYP); VS ANDERLECHT (BEL) since failing to qualify at all in 2012-13. quarter-fi nals since 2007-08. 10 men, while Olympiakos, bottom of PLAYING TODAY At London: Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) v Unai Emery’s French heavyweights The Spanish side have made a solid Chelsea gave their English title de- Group D, will be eliminated if they lose Group A: At Basel, Switzerland: Basel (SUI) Real Madrid (ESP)

FOCUS Roma coach wants ‘same mentality’ in Chelsea rematch Lukaku should be ‘untouchable’: Mourinho Rome: Roma coach Eusebio Di the top of Group C. The winner Francesco called on his players of the clash at the Stadio AFP tic,” added the United boss. “He is fan- to have ‘the same mentality’ Olimpico will be well-placed to Manchester, United Kingdom tastic. And playing football, for a striker, against Chelsea in today’s reach the last 16. is not just about scoring goals.” Mourinho Champions League game in “I hope we will play with the rejected the suggestion that Lukaku can Rome as in London two weeks same approach, maybe we can ose Mourinho says Romelu Lu- be a quiet presence when he is not scor- ago. Roma have won all three also be more eff ective and take kaku should be “untouchable” af- ing goals, arguing that the striker gave of their league games since more of our chances,” contin- ter questioning his treatment by Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld, Jan Ver- drawing 3-3 with Chelsea a ued Di Francesco. “We’re grow- Manchester United’s fans for the tonghen and Eric Dier a tough time on fortnight ago, and Di Francesco ing and the great strength of secondJ time in three days. Lukaku made a Saturday. Victory over Benfi ca could se- called on his team to continue this team is that we give away lightning start to his United career, scor- cure United’s place in the knockout phase to build on the performance at very little. We respect Chelsea, ing 11 goals in his fi rst 10 games for the of the Champions League and Mourinho Stamford Bridge. but we’re also convinced about club following his £75mn ($99mn, 85mn believes his team are growing stronger in “In London we saw a beauti- what we can do.” euros) move from Everton in July. Europe. The manager believes the club ful Roma and tomorrow I want Roma have a number of in- However, he has not scored in his past have made progress since winning the to see the same mentality,” jury problems with record sum- fi ve appearances and Mourinho has sug- Europa League last season, when they Di Francesco said. “I want the mer signing Patrik Schick still gested that he is not getting enough sup- also fi nished in the relatively low position same mentality as the one not fit to play. They have also port from the fans. The manager voiced of sixth in the Premier League. we adopted in our previous been hampered by injuries to his displeasure initially to club’s in-house “This is a logical consequence of evo- games. The mentality must be Gregoire Defrel (ankle), Bruno television station after Saturday’s 1-0 lution,” said Mourinho. “We played in the the same. That game must be Peres (hamstring) and Rick Premier League win over Tottenham, in Europa League and won it, so my team are a starting point for us. The idea Karsdorp (cruciate ligament). which Lukaku’s fl ick created the winning now playing in the Champions League. I is also to be more realistic than “I don’t believe in coinci- goal for Anthony Martial. Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku and Joel Castro Pereira (left) joke around during think we are much better than last year or during the last three league dences or bad luck. We have to Lukaku, 24, also hit the post during that training in Manchester, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters) three years ago. Our main aim is to fi nish matches (three 1-0 wins) where look at Bruno Peres separately, match, and Mourinho was keen to em- fi rst in the group. We want to get to the we lacked something.” who got injured in a very spe- phasis his centre-forward’s general con- way they want to express themselves,” from everyone. It’s not one ball that hit last 16 as fi rst in the group.” Roma — who have not cific part of his hamstring,” said tribution as his team prepared for today’s Mourinho said at United’s training base. the post or not one save from the oppo- United defender Eric Bailly echoed reached the quarter-finals the Roma coach. “I only have Champions League home match against “But my job is to protect my players sition goalkeeper that can make Romelu’s his manager’s suggestion that the team since 2007-2008 — are now one thing in mind — tomorrow Benfi ca. “The fans are the fans and I am when I feel they deserve it and I think contribution below the top level. He’s are getting stronger, in a season in which looking for a victory to over- we are playing Chelsea, in front also told the fans pay for their tickets and Romelu is one of the players who should playing extremely well for us.” English teams are fl ourishing in the take Antonio Conte’s men at of our fans." they are free to express themselves the be untouchable in terms of the respect “What he does for the team is fantas- Champions League. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, October 31, 2017 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Tough for City to Lewandowski to miss match Arsenal Bayern’s Celtic clash ‘Invincibles’, says Lewandowski is Bayern’s top scorer this season with 13 goals City’s De Bruyne AFP top teams. “Now every game is London hard and you need to be mentally Celtic’s manager Brendan Rodgers (centre) there. And with the Champions interacts with players during a training session League and all the cups, there in Lennoxtown, Scotland, yesterday. (AFP) evin De Bruyne says it will be a game where maybe we will be ‘very hard’ for are a little bit less and maybe Manchester City to lose. But as long as it keeps go- match Arsenal’s ‘In- ing, it’s good. Obviously, if you vincibles’K in going the entire win a lot of games it’s good for Premier League season unbeaten us. You keep maintaining pres- despite their fl ying start. City sure. Hopefully we can have two have made the best-ever start to good games this week and go into a Premier League season after 10 the international break unbeaten games, collecting 28 points with and it will mean we put a lot of a goal diff erence of plus 29. pressure on the rest.” Saturday’s 3-2 win at West Leroy Sane, Fernandinho and Brom left them fi ve points clear Raheem Sterling scored to clinch at the top of the table ahead of victory at The Hawthorns, City’s tomorrow’s Champions League eighth straight top-fl ight win. trip to Napoli and the visit of Ar- Victory in Italy tomorrow will senal on Sunday. mean City progress from Group Pep Guardiola’s team boast a F with two games to spare, but proud record of being the only De Bruyne wants to avoid dis- unbeaten team in England’s top tractions. “We know if we go to four divisions but De Bruyne said Napoli and win then we’ll have it was unlikely they would match qualifi ed. That would be a nice the Arsenal team of 2003-2004, position,” said the Belgium in- who did not lose a single match. ternational. “It’s important just “To go unbeaten? Well, it’s to get qualifi ed not about think- very hard. I don’t think it will be ing about what it might mean, possible,” said the 26-year-old. whether we could get a rest. If “The level of competition is so we are qualifi ed, that is done. We high, in every team. It’s not like, might then have to think about with all respect, 10 or 15 years fi nishing fi rst or whatever but we ago where you have a couple of know if we get a point or win, we teams that won’t win against the are qualifi ed.”

AFP Lewandowski would be able to play at for the Champions League, which means him out against Bayern with James For- Berlin Parkhead but took the decision to rest Under-19 striker Manuel Wintzheimer rest set to take over. the Poland international ahead of Sat- has been added to the squad for Glasgow. “It looks like a hamstring so we’ll get a urday’s Bundesliga clash at Borussia After Lewandowski limped off before scan on that. I’d suggest he’d probably be eltic were handed a boost ahead Dortmund. “It’s a precautionary meas- half-time on Saturday, Heynckes used out for a few weeks,” said the Celtic boss. of today’s Champions League ure, the coach didn’t want to take any Thiago Alcantara, Arturo Vidal and James “It’s unfortunate but the squad’s there to match at home to Bayern Munich risks. He (Lewandowski) will be able to Rodriguez to attack in the second half cope.” as the Germans’ star striker Rob- play on Saturday,” said chairman Karl- against Leipzig with limited success. The Striker Leigh Griffi ths says Celtic will ertC Lewandowski was ruled out by injury. Heinz Rummenigge. “If we were playing trio failed to add to the scoreline after be a diff erent side to the one which lost The 29-year-old hot-shot injured his left against Real Madrid, he might have gone, Rodriguez and Lewandowski had scored 3-0 in Munich a fortnight ago. “The game thigh in the fi rst half of Bayern’s 2-0 win but Saturday’s game is in the back of our fi rst-half goals. will be diff erent here, especially with the over RB Leipzig on Saturday and stayed in minds, which is very important for us.” “It’s crazy that we only have one strik- crowd getting behind us,” he said. Munich when the squad fl ew to Scotland Heynckes will have to improvise in er,” bemoaned defender Jerome Boateng. “In the second half at Bayern we were on yesterday. attack against the Scottish champions, French winger Kingsley Coman has been much more disciplined to go and play. We Lewandowski is Bayern’s top scorer who equalled their own 100-year-old declared fi t after an injury lay-off , but created good chances to score goals. If we this season with 13 goals. Second-placed British record at the weekend by extend- goalkeeper Manuel Neuer remains sidle- can replicate the last half-hour we played Bayern need a win in Glasgow to keep the ing their unbeaten domestic run to 62 lined long-term with a fractured foot. over there then we give ourselves a good pressure on Group B leaders Paris Saint- matches. Forwards Thomas Mueller and Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has injury shot. It is going to be a diffi cult night for Germain, who are three points clear at the Franck Ribery are out with hamstring and worries of his own. Right winger Patrick us, but as you have seen previously, big top, while Celtic are third. knee injuries respectively. Reserve striker Roberts picked up a knock in Saturday’s teams have been turned over when they Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has been at his Head coach Jupp Heynckes had hoped Kwasi Okyere Wriedt is not registered 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock, which rules came here.” brilliant best so far this season. (Reuters)

ROUND-UP No worries about playing Sanchez against City, says Wenger rsenal manager Arsene Wenger match travel ban on Cologne fans, which his assistant Mladen Krstajic taking over as evening’s league match against Eintracht has no doubt that striker Alexis is suspended for two years in the event the caretaker until a new head coach is ap- Frankfurt. He will be helped by ex-Germany Sanchez will give his best against of further disturbances. The sanctions pointed,” the FFS said. international and Bremen midfi elder Tim Manchester City in Sunday’s Pre- announced yesterday come after crowd Borowski. mierA League clash as he believes the Chilean trouble overshadowed Arsenal’s 3-1 victory Bremen qualifi ed for the Champions BELGIAN LEEKENS NAMED has a ‘social contract’ with his teammates to in London on September 14. HUNGARY COACH League in 2010, but have struggled to get victories. More than 20,000 German fans fl ooded Hungary named the Belgian Georges stay out of the relegation places in recent Sanchez, who was been among Arsenal’s into England’s capital as the Bundesliga side Leekens as their new coach yesterday, two seasons. Nouri is the third Bundesliga coach top scorers for the past three seasons, failed made their fi rst appearance in European weeks after parting company with Bernd fi red this season after Wolfsburg sacked to complete a move to Pep Guardiola’s side competition for 25 years. Cologne were Storck following a disappointing World Cup Andries Jonker in September before league in August and is yet to hit his stride this given 3,000 tickets to distribute to away qualifying campaign. leaders Bayern Munich showed Carlo Ance- campaign, scoring just twice in nine ap- fans, but the Group H tie was delayed by an As well as coaching a string of Belgian lotti the door fi ve weeks ago. pearances across all competitions. hour as German fans without tickets tried to clubs, the 68-year-old Leekens has had two The Chilean’s lone league goal came in get into the stadium. It is estimated 15,000 spells in charge of Belgium and Algeria, as MCNAIR BACK FROM INJURY FOR the 5-2 win over Everton earlier this month Cologne fans found their way into the Ar- well as a stint with Tunisia. N IRELAND WORLD CUP PLAY-OFF but Sanchez failed to make an impact in last senal stadium and police arrested fi ve fans He steered the Red Devils to the 1998 Paddy McNair has been named in the Saturday’s 2-1 win over Swansea City. “I on the day of the game. Although Cologne World Cup fi nals but was sacked following Northern Ireland squad for their World have no concerns because I’m not suspi- apologised to Arsenal, UEFA has charged the their exit at the group stage. In January he Cup play-off against Switzerland after cious about performances or the desire German club over crowd disturbances, set- quit as Algeria coach after their elimination returning from a long-term injury. McNair to win of a football player,” Wenger said. ting off fi reworks, throwing objects and acts from the Africa Cup of Nations. Last year ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament last “When you are a football player you have of damage by the visiting fans. the German Storck, 54, steered the Magyars November and the Sunderland midfi elder a social contract with the rest of the team to Euro 2016 in France, their fi rst qualifi ca- only made his comeback with an 11-minute and I never question that. Once you don’t WATFORD’S DEENEY CHARGED tion for a major tournament since the 1986 substitute appearance in his Champion- respect that, it is diffi cult to say that you WITH VIOLENT CONDUCT World Cup. ship club’s 2-1 loss against Bristol City on play football.” Watford striker Troy Deeney has been Since then, Hungary slumped to a defeat Saturday. Wenger said the 28-year-old, who has charged with violent conduct by the English against tiny Andorra, and failed to beat The 22-year-old’s lack of game time has provided three assists this season, was Football Association after his altercation another minnow the Faroe Islands during not dissuaded Northern Ireland manager improving and would get back to his best with Stoke City midfi elder Joe Allen in the an unsuccessful bid to reach next year’s Michael O’Neill from selecting him in the soon. “I’m not worried about it, he works Premier League. Deeney grabbed Allen’s World Cup fi nals. Leekens will take over at squad for the two-legged tie against the hard and it will come back. You never try too face and neck after the pair clashed in the the Hungary helm after a friendly game with Swiss. With a place at next year’s World Cup hard. I think at the moment he is marked fi nal minutes of Stoke’s 1-0 victory at Vicar- Costa Rica on November 14. in Russia up for grabs, Northern Ireland host well but he still creates many dangerous age Road on Saturday. Switzerland at Windsor Park on November situations and he just has to not worry too Match referee Michael Oliver had shown WERDER BREMEN SACK 9 before the return leg in Basel three days much,” Wenger said. “You say that to all the a yellow card to both players but Deeney has HEAD COACH NOURI later. Nottingham Forest forward Jamie strikers and they still worry but over longer been charged retrospectively by the FA after Alexander Nouri yesterday became the third Ward is back in the squad after missing periods he has always scored goals so that three former professional match offi cials Bundesliga coach sacked this season when the fi nal fi ve games of the group stage with will come back.” reviewed the incident yesterday. Deeney Werder Bremen fi red him with the club a calf injury. O’Neill has included Aaron City have a fi ve-point lead at the top of has until 1800 GMT today to appeal but second from bottom in the Bundesliga and Hughes even though the defender is yet to the table and are unbeaten in the league so will miss Watford’s next three league games winless this season. Bremen’s 3-0 thumping return from the calf problem that forced far while Arsenal are fi fth, level on points against Everton, West Ham United and at home to mid-table Augsburg on Sunday him to withdraw from the qualifi ers with with champions Chelsea and a point behind Newcastle United if he accepts the charge. was the last straw for Werder’s board after Germany and Norway. third-placed Tottenham Hotspur. cries of “Nouri out!” were heard by home Hughes has a chance to be back for Hearts SERBIA PART COMPANY WITH COACH fans after the fi nal whistle. against Kilmarnock on Sunday before link- COLOGNE FINED OVER MUSLIN AFTER REACHING WORLD CUP The defeat left Bremen 17th with just fi ve ing up with his international colleagues DISTURBANCES AT ARSENAL Serbia have parted company with coach Sla- points from fi ve draws and as many defeats in Belfast. Having made 108 international Cologne have been ordered to pay Arsenal voljub Muslin after the 64-year-old steered in Germany’s top fl ight. The 38-year-old appearances, the 37-year-old will surpass 60,000 euros ($69,675, £53,000) by UEFA in the Balkan nation to the 2018 World Cup, Nouri took charge in September 2016, taking Bobby Moore as the home nations’ most compensation to help repair damage caused their fi rst major tournament in eight years, them from the relegation places to challenge capped defender ever if he features in either by their supporters during last month’s Eu- the country’s football association (FSS) said. for a place in Europe before they eventually of these two games. O’Neill has also recalled Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez, who failed to complete a move to ropa League tie at the Emirates Stadium. “The FSS, headed by president Slavisa fi nished eighth last season. Scunthorpe defender Rory McArdle, with Manchester City in August, has scored just twice in nine As well as the fi ne, European football’s Kokeza, convened and decided to part com- Florian Kohfeldt, the coach of the club’s the 30-year-old winning the last of his appearances across all competitions this season. (Reuters) governing body has also imposed a one- pany with Muslin by mutual consent, with Under-23 team, will take charge for Friday seven caps in March 2014. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 31, 2017 5 SPORT

BASEBALL SPOTLIGHT Kershaw’s playoff legacy takes a big hit Astros edge Dodgers brilliant career. Reuters Houston He was solid at the start, facing the minimum nine bat- ters through the fi rst three layton Kershaw’s innings before running into a playoff legacy took a whole heap of trouble in the big hit on Sunday as fourth. he let another pos- “I just lost my command a in thriller to seize Csible postseason victory slip little in that fourth inning and from his grasp in a perform- that’s all it took,” said Kershaw, ance that left the Los Ange- who boasts three Cy Young les Dodgers with their back Awards as the top pitcher in against the wall in the World the National League and has Series. been named an All-Star in Kershaw had a solid chance each of the last seven seasons. to fi nally change the popu- It all began with a George World Series lead lar perception about him as Springer walk to lead off the a dominant regular season inning. Jose Altuve later hit a ‘It was an unbelievable moment. You dream about it as a little kid. To be living a pitcher who could not extend one-out single that put run- that form into the playoff s but ners of fi rst and second. Car- dream, one win away from the World Series, is really special’ his showing in the Dodgers’ los Correa’s double fi nally put Game Five loss the Houston Houston on the board and set Astros will only bolster the the stage for Yuri Gurriel to tie narrative. it up. The Dodgers left-hander The Cuban fi rst basemen had the luxury of a three-run promptly hit a shot to left fi eld lead before he even threw a that tied the game up at four. pitch and a four-run edge en- When Kershaw came back tering the fourth inning but out for the fi fth inning he had somehow gave it all back in a three-run lead thanks to a stunning fashion. three-run shot by Dodgers Los Angeles may have rookie slugger Cody Bellinger squandered a number of leads but still could not fi nd his but even after the ace of their command. rotation left the game with his Kershaw issued a pair of head down in the fi fth inning walks and forced the Dodgers they did well to battle back be- to turn to their bullpen way fore falling 13-12 in 10 innings. earlier than they had hoped. “It’s a tough one, no doubt “He was rolling. He was about it,” said Kershaw, who throwing the ball well, good gave up six runs on four hits. rhythm. And I don’t know, I “Everybody did as much as think that the Gurriel pitch, they possibly could to pick me took a good swing on a pitch up and it’s a testament to our and kind of was just left out team. over,” said Dodgers manager “They battled really hard.” Dave Roberts. Unlike in previous years, the The series shifts to Los An- 29-year-old left-hander had geles on Tuesday where the been getting better with each Dodgers, who were the best playoff round and along the team in baseball all season, will way was silencing the naysay- try to force a decisive seventh ers who for years have blamed game that would be played on him for the Dodgers’ early the West Coast on Wednesday. playoff exits. Kershaw, who acknowledged When Kershaw took the that he would be available to mound in the opening game of enter Tuesday’s game if the the World Series, he became team calls on him, said nothing the fi rst pitcher in World Se- needed to be said to his team- ries history to strike out 11 or mates about Sunday’s loss. more batters while yielding “We don’t need to talk about three or fewer hits without a it. Everybody knows what we walk. need to do,” said Kershaw. Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman celebrates with teammates after hitting the game-winning RBI single against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 10th inning in game five But on Sunday, with the “It’s not a matter of character of the 2017 World Series at Minute Maid Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports best-of-seven series tied at or eff ort. This clubhouse has two games apiece, the best shown time and time again AFP sion-fi lled series saw the Astros ments.” ers manager Dave Roberts said. It was the second-highest pitcher of his generation was that they can overcome adver- Houston twice fi ght back to level the score Yuli Gurriel and Jose Altuve “It’s going to be boisterous and score for a losing team in World expected by many to fi nally sity. and the Dodgers score three runs each smacked three-run hom- energetic at Dodger Stadium. Series history, the only similar clear the few remaining clouds “Well go back home and get in the ninth inning to equalize, ers for the Astros, Carlos Cor- We’re at an elimination stage slugfest in the event’s 113 edi- hanging over an otherwise ready for Game Six.” ne of the most dra- the last after being down to their rea blasted a two-run homer right now and we’ll do every- tions being Toronto’s 15-14 game matic thrillers in fi nal strike. while Brian McCann and George thing we can to win one game.” four win at Philadelphia in 1993. World Series history “It’s hard to put into words all Springer had solo homers. In the 10th, Astros catcher “They kept grinding and got ended early yesterday the twists and turns in that game, “We’re hard to beat when we Brian McCann reached base the big hit when they needed,” withO Alex Bregman driving in the the emotion, doing it at home, in swing the bats like this,” Hinch when struck in the right arm Roberts said. “We knew this is winning run to put the Houston front of our home crowd,” Astros said. “We’re relentless when by a pitch from Dodgers clos- the best off ensive ballclub we Astros on the brink of their fi rst manager A.J. Hinch said. we’re good.” ing pitcher Kenley Jansen, who were going to see all year. And Major League Baseball champi- “Had some moments where The Astros’ fi ve homers in one walked George Springer to put they can slug you.” onship. you can be in awe. You never stop game matched a World Series the winning run on second base. The Astros led by three runs Bregman’s 10th-inning sin- thinking. You never stop plan- record set by the 1928 New York The Astros inserted speedy entering the ninth inning but gle scored Derek Fisher to give ning. But there’s an appreciation Yankees and matched by the pinch-runner Fisher and Breg- Yasiel Puig smashed a two-run the Astros a 13-12 triumph over with the emotion.” 1989 Oakland A’s. man followed with a single to homer to pull the Dodgers within the Los Angeles Dodgers and a The second-longest game in “It was unbelievable, the best left fi eld that sent Fisher racing 12-11. 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven World Series history was decided game ever for sure,” Correa said. across the plate ahead of a des- It was the 22nd homer of this showdown. Houston can claim after fi ve hours and 17 minutes “Emotions are running high perate throw that was too late to World Series, breaking the total the crown by winning game six on a single by a 23-year-old third right now. We have the lead in prevent the deciding run and an homers mark of 21 set in 2002, today in Los Angeles. baseman who made his major the series. We’re going to go out emotional celebration by the As- and the game’s seventh com- “It was an unbelievable mo- league debut just 15 months ago. there and take it in LA.” tros and their fans. bined homer for both teams, ment,” Bregman said. “You “He’s cool and calm and com- The Dodgers, seeking a sev- “I was so happy just to help matching a Series record from dream about it as a little kid. To pletely in control of himself in enth championship and their this team win,” Bregman said. “I 1989. be living a dream, one win away these moments,” Hinch said of fi rst since 1988, must win to got (Jansen) on a slider last night Austin Barnes doubled, took from the World Series, is really Bregman. “I don’t care if he’s force a winner-take-all seventh so I knew he wouldn’t throw third on Joc Pederson’s ground special.” been in the league one year or 10, game tomorrow. that. I was looking for a cutter, out and scored on Chris Taylor’s Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw in action An epic game that mirrored he’s demonstrating some very “This whole series has been an tried to stay on top and we’re up single up the middle after going against the Houston Astros in the first inning in game five of the the momentum swings of a ten- unique traits in the biggest mo- emotional roller coaster,” Dodg- 3-2, baby!” down to his last strike. 2017 World Series at Minute Maid Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

FOCUS Qatar Airways sponsors Qatar Classic Squash atar Airways marked its re- Squash Championship and welcome pro- newed three-year sponsorship fessionals from all over the world to Doha of the international Qatar Clas- to take part in this exciting tournament. sic Squash Championship 2017 As a nation, we place great importance on atQ the start of the tournament in Doha. sports as a means of bringing people to- The airline’s award-winning hospital- gether, and this squash tournament will ity will be on display at the Khalifa In- enable fans of the game to celebrate the ternational Tennis and Squash Complex highest levels of competitive play.” throughout the event, which ends on No- Qatar Classic Squash Championship vember 3. Higher Organising Committee Chair- The world’s fi nest squash profession- man, Nasser bin Ghanim al-Khelaifi , als are competing for fi rst place and the said: “Our partnership with Qatar Air- 2017 Qatar Classic Squash Championship ways is a key enabler for the Qatar Squash prize of $165,000 – the largest award in Federation to organise this high-quality the tournament’s history – as well as col- event and to continue defi ning Qatar as a lecting points for the World Series Stand- globally-renowned and vibrant centre for ings for rankings in future tournaments. world-class sporting events.” Qatar Airways Cabin Crew will present Qatar Airways supports a wide range trophies to the winning players, while of sporting activities and associations Qatar Airways staff will be available to around the world, including sponsorship assist with any queries that players or of the FIA Formula E Championship and attendees have about their fl ight tickets the Sydney Swans. throughout the event. Qatar Airways was announced in May Leading players include Gregory as an Offi cial Partner and the Official Air- Gaultier from France, Karim Abdel Ga- line Partner of FIFA as part of a ground- wad, Mohamed El Shorbagy, Marwan El breaking sponsorship package lasting Shorbagy, Ali Farag, and Tarek Momen until 2022. from Egypt, and Nick Matthew and James Upcoming events sponsored by Qa- Willstrop from the UK. tar Airways will included the 2018 FIFA Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive World Cup in Russia, the FIFA Club Akbar al-Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is World Cup, the FIFA Women’s World Cup delighted to support the Qatar Classic and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. England’s Adrian Waller (left) and Australia’s Cameron Pilley in action during their Qatar Classic first round match yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, October 31, 2017 SPORT

NFL Pats pounce on Chargers mistakes, Eagles win AFP for the fi rst time since 2009 the Angered by owner McNair’s comment, Los Angeles Saints won a game without ben- most Texans players kneel for anthem efi t of a touchdown pass from their star signal caller. Houston Texans players, stung McNair went “not too well” but uper Bowl champions “We’re playing really com- by team owner Bob McNair’s added that the team went into New England Patriots plementary football,” Brees said. remarks while discussing the the contest focused on the job. took advantage of the Los “Off ensively, I felt we had good NFL’s national anthem demon- “It was a lot of emotions run- Angeles Chargers’ mis- balance. It was closer than it strations, knelt for “The Star- ning for our team, but just a takesS on Sunday to notch their needed to be with the two turno- Spangled Banner” before their huge sense of unity we all felt fourth straight NFL victory, 21-13 vers, but the defense came up game in Seattle on Sunday. coming out here and playing at Foxborough, Massachusetts. with some huge stops.” Duane Brown and Jadeveon for each other,” Brown said. Superstar quarterback Tom Bears tight end Zach Miller Clowney were among the “And that was that. Once kickoff Brady threw for 333 yards with was carted off with a grisly dis- majority of Texans players who started, we tried to block out a touchdown and Stephen located knee in the third quarter. took a knee and linked arms any other distractions we may Gostkowski kicked four fi elds To add insult to his injury, the during the pre-game anthem. have had.” goals for the Patriots, who im- play on which he was hurt was Their demonstration came two McNair’s seeming compari- proved to 6-2. overturned on review as offi cials days after McNair apologised son of the league’s players to Brady, who threw a two-yard ruled that Miller lost control of for a comment he made in prison inmates sparked a bitter touchdown pass to tight end Rob the ball on what would have been a meeting with other team backlash from players across Gronkowski, recorded his 81st a 25-yard touchdown catch. owners about the impact of the the league — and even from career 300-yard game. His fi fth Dallas running back Ezekiel protests this month, when he athletes in other sports. this season matches his total of Elliott ran for 150 yards and two was reported by ESPN to have McNair said in a statement on 300-yard games last year. touchdowns and the Cowboys said “we can’t have the inmates Saturday he didn’t intend the “I’m glad we won, that’s the New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady throws the ball during the second half of their NFL game had four fi eld goals from Mike running the prison.” comparison. most important thing,” Brady against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Nugent in a 33-19 win over the Although McNair met with his “I was not referring to our play- said. “Starting 0-1 and then be- Redskins in rainswept Washing- players and issued two apolo- ers when I made a very regret- ing 6-2, a lot of mental tough- the goal line, recovering it inside league “can’t have the inmates early 6-0 lead, but after fi ve lead ton. The Cowboys defense also gies, all but 10 Texans took a ful comment during the owners ness. That’s good. We’ve got to the end zone for the fi rst safety running the prison”. changes it was the Vikings who played a key role, with fi ve sacks knee — a departure for a team meetings last week,” McNair keep it going. Our biggest games on a punt return in the NFL since McNair had issued a state- emerged with the victory as the and a clinching interception re- whose players had previously said. “I was referring to the re- are ahead of us so we have to go 2003, one that gifted the Patriots ment apologising for his choice Browns fell to 0-8. The Phila- turn for a touchdown by safety opted to stand for the anthem. lationship between the league play well.” a 9-7 lead. As the season reached of words on Friday, after the delphia Eagles won their sixth Byron Jones. “What he said, a lot of the play- off ice and team owners and The Chargers, who lost their the halfway stage, tensions con- comment was publicised in an straight, improving to 7-1 with a ers felt was wrong,” said corner- how they have been making fi rst four games of a season that tinued to simmer over contro- ESPN story. He also met Satur- 33-10 victory over the San Fran- RESULTS back Marcus Williams, who had significant strategic decisions saw them relocate to Los An- versial national anthem protests, day with Texans players, some of cisco 49ers — the only other re- Minnesota 33 Cleveland 16 four tackles and intercepted aff ecting our league without geles from San Diego, had won undertaken by players to address whom were reportedly prepared maining winless team. (at London) Russell Wilson late in the fourth adequate input from ownership their last three. But any hope racial injustice but criticised by to boycott the game in Seattle, Eagles quarterback Carson Buff alo 34 Oakland 14 quarter of the Texans’ 41-38 loss over the past few years.” of shocking the reigning Super some, including US President where the Seahawks emerged Wentz threw two touchdown Cincinnati 24 Indianapolis 23 to the Seahawks. Former San Francisco 49ers Bowl champions evaporated in a Donald Trump, as unpatriotic. from a back-and-forth battle passes, taking his tally through New England 21 LA Chargers 13 “But at the end of the day, we’ve quarterback Colin Kaepernick string of errors. All but a handful Houston with a 41-38 win. the fi rst eight games to a fran- New Orleans 20 Chicago 12 got to come out and play the launched the anthem protests The worst of them came when Texans players took a knee dur- Week eight action kicked off chise record 19. Atlanta 25 NY Jets 20 game. What happens off the in 2016, refusing to stand for punt returner Travis Benjamin ing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in London, where the Minnesota In New Orleans, the Saints Philadelphia 33 San Francisco 10 field, we try to keep it there, and “The Star-Spangled Banner” fi elded a Ryan Allen punt near before their game in Seattle, a Vikings shook off a slow start to marched to a fi fth straight victo- Carolina 17 Tampa Bay 3 when it’s time to play, we’ve got to draw attention to racial the sideline at his own eight response to Texans owner Bob beat the still winless Cleveland ry, 20-12 over the Chicago Bears. Seattle 41 Houston 38 to come out and make plays.” injustice by law enforcement yard line. He ran backward and McNair’s comment in an owner Browns 33-16 at Twickenham Drew Brees connected on 23 Dallas 33 Washington 19 Brown said the meeting with agencies. wound up fumbling the ball at meeting on the topic that the Stadium. The Browns seized an of 28 passes for 299 yards, but Pittsburgh 20 Detroit 15

NBA NHL Penguins’ struggles in back-to-backs Cavs and Warriors continue as they fall to Jets 7-1

By Sam Werner game, even, Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Post-Gazette top line had three consecutive early-season defensive-zone turnovers, al- lowing the Jets to capitalise oing into their game on their tired legs as Andrew against the Jets on Copp scored the opening goal Sunday, the Pen- and set the tone for the night guins made a number just 1:20 in. Gof changes to try and reverse Crosby was playing with their troubling trend of blow- Conor Sheary and Bryan Rust struggles continue out losses in second legs of to start the night, part of Sul- back-to-backs. livan’s attempt to jump-start a ‘Tonight’s loss and the last couple are unacceptable, and the only way we’re going They had their No. 1 goalie fl ailing even-strength off ense. between the pipes, and Mike Jake Guentzel was off Crosby’s to be able to get out of it is to put the work in — as players, as coaches’ Sullivan even juggled the line- line and playing with Riley up to try and inject some life Sheahan on the third line. So AFP into a struggling off ense. was Phil Kessel, who played Los Angeles The result was just more of with a center other than Mal- the same. The Penguins lost kin for the fi rst time all season. to the Jets, 7-1. They are now Those changes last all of a he NBA champion Gold- 0-4-0 in the second halves period, as Crosby and Guent- en State Warriors and of back-to-backs this season, zel were back together by the beaten fi nalists Cleve- outscored in those four games start of the second. Malkin land tumbled Sunday as by a combined 29-7. and Sheahan saw their lin- Tearly season struggles contin- But this time, there was no emates switched up, as well. ued for the league’s powerhouse Antti Niemi to pin the troubles The defense, it should be teams. on. Niemi, waived earlier this noted, improved over the mid- Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kristaps week struggled in those fi rst dle part of the game, as the Porzingis combined for 66 points three games, to be sure, but Penguins held the Jets score- to lead the New York Knicks to a Sunday’s result indicated the less in the second period and 114-95 victory over the Cavs in problems might run deeper. for the fi rst half of the third, Cleveland.In Oakland, Califor- Matt Murray started the before Mark Scheifele and nia, the Warriors coughed up 25 game in the net, but didn’t Brendan Lemieux added goals turnovers in a 115-107 loss to the make it out of the fi rst period. to extend Winnipeg’s margin. Detroit Pistons. He was pulled in favour of But the off ense – par- The Knicks notched their fi rst Casey DeSmith after the Jets ticularly at even-strength – win over the Cavs since October posted a 4-0 lead in the fi rst couldn’t do enough to even get 30, 2014, ending a 10-game losing 18:07. Things didn’t get much them back in striking distance. streak against the Cavs, tipped better when DeSmith – mak- When the Penguins fi nally did before the season to be headed to ing his NHL debut in less- score Sunday night, it was the fi nals for a fourth time.Hard- than-ideal circumstances, to once again on the power play, away scored 34 points and Por- say the least – came on. Blake Malkin’s second man-advan- zingis added 32 with 12 rebounds Wheeler scored on the Jets’ tage goal in as many nights. for the Knicks, who handed Le- fi rst shot against him, giving The goal allowed the Pen- Bron James and the Cavaliers a Wheeler a hat trick and the guins to avoid a shutout, but fourth defeat in eight days. Jets a 5-0 lead heading into the it likely didn’t do much to ease “Tonight’s loss and the last fi rst intermission. Sullivan’s concerns from Sat- couple are unacceptable, and But, like the fi rst three losses urday night about his team’s the only way we’re going to be in these circumstances, goal- 5-on-5 off ense. With another able to get out of it is to put the tending was hardly the Pen- goose egg in that category work in — as players, as coaches,” guins’ biggest problem. The against the Jets, the Penguins Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said. Penguins were sloppy with the now have just three 5-on-5 “And we’re going to do that.” puck in critical areas, notably goals in their last six games. A day after falling to the New Tim Hardaway Jr. of the New York Knicks and JR Smith (right) of the Cleveland Cavaliers vying for the ball during the second-half of their NBA around their own blue line. De- Orleans Pelicans, the Cavaliers game at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Getty Images/AFP) fensemen pinched forward but RESULTS looked lethargic as they trailed didn’t get the puck, creating Jets 7 Penguins 1 by 18 points in the third quarter. tage over Detroit, who shot just ated Golden State coach Steve rallied to take a nine-point lead coach Gregg Popovich after his odd-man rushes the other way. Ducks 4 Hurricanes 3 (SO) They trimmed the defi cit to 46.2% from the fi eld but ben- Kerr. “We are throwing the ball in the fourth quarter.“We just team’s second straight defeat. On the very fi rst shift of the Flames 2 Capitals 1 94-88 on a James layup with efi ted from the Warriors’ sloppy all over the place. It’s focus and stayed poised,” said Oladipo, LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 8:20 to play before the Knicks play.The Warriors connected execution. who fi nished with 23 points. “It’s points to lead the Spurs. But he regained control. on a blistering 61.4% of their “Teams are coming after us a long game, there’s a lot of ups missed a jump shot with 5.1 sec- Kevin Love again led Cleve- shots over the fi rst three periods, every single night, and we know and downs. It’s a game of runs. onds left and Patty Mills missed land with 22 points and 11 re- but trailed 101-88 at 6:25 of the that. We are getting everybody’s You’ve just got to lift each other a potential game-tying three- bounds. James added 16 points, fourth quarter. best shot, and if you don’t match up. We did a good job of that.” pointer just before the buzzer 10 rebounds and seven assists The Warriors were down 108- that type of energy and play with Oladipo admitted that his shot as San Antonio’s rally eff ort fell and said it’s too early in the sea- 105 with 1:55 to play when they got some intelligence and some dis- from 30 feet away, which put the short. son to worry. a steal from Stephen Curry. But he cipline, you are not going to win.” Pacers up 95-94, was “maybe “What is this? October? I’m missed the contested layup and Perennial Western Conference too deep”. RESULTS not about to go crazy over it right then a three-point attempt.To- contenders San Antonio also “Honestly, I didn’t really want Detroit 115 Golden State 107 now,” James said.While the Cavs bias Harris added a three-pointer fell as Indiana’s Victor Oladi- to shoot it that far, but the move NY Knicks 114 Celeveland 95 have struggled with slow starts, for Detroit, before Curry lost the po drained the game-winning felt good and I just held my fol- Denver 124 Brooklyn 111 the Warriors have been fi nding it ball to Avery Bradley, whose layup three-pointer with 10.3 seconds low-through and it went in,” he Charlotte 120 Orlando 113 hard to hold onto leads. sealed it for the Pistons. remaining in a 97-94 win over said.“He was deep and he was Washington 110 Sacramento 83 Winnipeg Jets players celebrate with goalie Connor Hellebuyck Golden State squandered a “At some point, the ball just the Spurs.The Pacers led much off -balance, but give him credit, Indiana 97 San Antonio 94 (R) after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins at Bell MTS Centre. 14-point third-quarter advan- has to matter,” said exasper- of the game before the Spurs he knocked it down,” said Spurs Milwaukee 117 Atlanta 106 PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Tuesday, October 31, 2017 7 SPORT

TENNIS ENDEAVOUR Wozniacki attributes success to 10-week layoff Turkish football coach

AFP six having won the Pan Pacifi c Open in Singapore Tokyo last month. Uygun launches book Wozniacki fl ourished in Singapore with her renowned counter-punching aroline Wozniacki said an complemented by extra fi repower as extended injury break last she beat Elina Svitolina, world number year was a crucial factor be- one Simona Halep and Karolina Plisk- hind her WTA Finals vic- ova. tory,C an echo of this season’s brilliant “I think I managed to stay aggres- comebacks by Roger Federer and Ra- sive,” she said. fael Nadal. “Even when I was pushing against The former world number one beat the big hitters, I still managed to not Venus Williams for the fi rst time in be pushed too far behind the baseline, eight attempts to seal the biggest title which was key this week. of her career at the prestigious season “I felt pretty good about my game in fi nale in Singapore late on Sunday. general. I felt very calm for a lot of the It’s an outcome that seemed un- time.” likely just over 12 months ago, when Wozniacki may now be hopeful of Wozniacki languished at number 74 landing a fi rst Grand Slam title, after after struggling to return from a major reaching the US Open fi nal in 2009 ankle injury sustained early in 2016. was great. I really enjoyed being home, time to rest and he has announced that and 2014. But the 27-year-old Dane, who ap- just doing normal stuff and not being he will skip this week’s Paris Masters, But she said she wasn’t yet thinking peared fresh and hungry as she lost able to hit a ball actually felt nice. admitting: “My body is asking for a about the Australian Open — the fi rst just once in fi ve matches in Singapore, “When I felt ready, I came back and I break.” Slam on the 2018 calendar — and was said the 10-week layoff was a blessing was enjoying to play out there.” Players have long complained about instead looking forward to another in disguise. Wozniacki’s success follows revivals the arduous tennis season, which break. “I strongly believe everything hap- by Nadal and Federer, who both strug- stretches from January to November “In a month’s time, I will start pre- elebrated Turkish football have also been an inspiration for José pens for a reason and maybe I wouldn’t gled with injury last year but have re- with rankings points available at tour- paring for the next season,” she said. manager, Bülent Uygun, Mourinho and experts from the Neth- be here if that (injury) wouldn’t have turned to split the men’s Grand Slam naments around the globe. “I’m very happy the season is fi nished launched his book: ‘Trending erlands and Brazil. happened,” she told reporters after her singles titles and the top two rankings With Sunday’s win, Wozniacki will right now. I will not be touching a rac- Training Drills in Football and The same methods have now been 6-4, 6-4 win. in 2017. fi nish the year third in the rankings, quet for the next four weeks. aC Contemporary Look at Football’, here included in the book – a one stop shop “I think the break from tennis for me Federer, 36, is a proponent of taking having come into the tournament at “It’s been a great year.” on Sunday. for soccer greatness. Shaped like a For the 46-year old coach, who football, the training guide, brought played for the national side as an at- out in Arabic, English and Turkish, by FOCUS tacking midfi elder and even captained Hasan Kalyoncu University Publica- Fenerbahçe during his playing days, tion, Turkey, deals with subjects like said, “the book is an attempt at bridg- nutrition for athletes, strength, speed, ing the gap between players and coach- aerobic and anaerobic endurance and es in the best possible way.” so also sports psychology. Uygun, who managed Qatar Stars Apart from training, the manual also League club, Umm Salal SC, for an year contains playing positions, drills, ex- before moving to Gaziantepspor last ercises, fi eld positions and set pieces year can be credited with the meteoric used by famous soccer clubs and so also Nadal set to seal rise of Turkish club Sivasspor. Starting UEFA course practices. in 2006, after having retired from pro- Endorsed by Turkish President, Re- fessional football two years earlier, Uy- cep Tayyip Erdo an, whose words, gun lead the small club based in Central “Read, think, apply, conclude” off er a Anatolia to such heights that it quali- simple yet perfect opening for the book fi ed to the UEFA Champions League in that encourages the reader, notably a 2008-09. The club entered the third football afi cionado, or a young player round as the best-placed path for non- to carefully read and put in practice the number one spot champions. styles of the game. Sivasspor went on to become such Uygun announced that the proceeds ‘Hopefully if this (number one) happens, it will be something important for me’ a powerhouse that UEFA had to stand from the sale would go to the families up and take notice, analysing Uygun’s of the soldiers, who died defending the AFP preparation for London to not be here, coaching methods. In fact, his methods country during the unrest of July 2015. Paris to rest.” Ten-time Roland Garros champion Nadal said that he is hoping to do well SPOTLIGHT afael Nadal said yesterday in “the most important city for my ca- that he is ready to consolidate reer”. his year-end number one ATP Questioned about the political situ- Rranking by winning his open- ation in his native Spain between Ma- Stephens eyes quick ing match at the Paris Masters. drid and Catalonia, Mallorcan islander But the 31-year-old Spaniard — who Nadal, also a Catalan speaker, was no- is also trying to balance the delicate tably circumspect. rebound at Elite Trophy political situation in his native coun- “In my situation it’s very diffi cult to try with his status as an international answer these kind of things because sportsman — refused to hype up his things are, let’s say, sensitive in my Reuters winning the US Open, having those potential coronation. country. Zhuhai, China good results, I was basically trying to “I need to win a match. I’m here to “Anything that I can say will not go get into the Australian Open. These try my best — as in every tournament,” the right way. The real thing for me tournaments were really necessary for he said before starting as top seed in (is that) it’s a sad situation and at the S Open champion Sloane me to play.” the event which is missing Roger Fed- same time a diffi cult situation; it’s dif- Stephens is determined to Stephens, seeded third, is placed at erer due to fatigue. fi cult (for me) to talk 100% freely. end the season on a positive the top of the Camellia Group along- “Hopefully if this (number one) “I want the things to get better. I Unote at the WTA Elite Trophy side Latvian Anastasija Sevastova and happens, it will be something impor- don’t want the fracture between peo- in Zhuhai, China after failing to win a Barbora Strycova of Czech Republic. tant for me. ple in Catalonia. I feel close to Cata- match since her shock victory at Flush- Angelique Kerber, who clinched both “But the season is not over and it’s lonia. I love the people in Catalonia, ing Meadows. Australian and US Open titles last year, not the moment to think much about and most of the Spanish people feel The 24-year-old American stunned said the Elite Trophy will allow her that. the same. the sport in September when in her to lay a foundation for a fresh start in “I’ll just try to think about trying ning back-to-back titles in Shanghai little bit better chance, of course, if he “Love from the rest of the Spanish fi rst grand slam fi nal she became the 2018. to have the right preparation for the and Basel and is resting to be prepared came here. But you never know. country, it feels love for Catalonia and lowest-ranked woman (83) to win the “I’m trying to look ahead and try- tournament and then try to be ready for the ATP Finals starting in less than “You would think that he would that’s it. And that’s the reason that’s US Open singles title. ing to end the year as well as I can by for the fi rst match.” a fortnight in London. have more points if he had played on why we are sad about that situation.” However, despite her impressive tri- putting everything on the court,” said Nadal, who reclaimed the top rank- Nadal, who withdrew from Basel clay. But you never know (that) if he umph and surge up the world rankings the 29-year-old German. ing in August for the fi rst time in three with a knee problem, does not fault his played on clay if he would win Wim- Yesterday’s results she suff ered fi rst-round defeats at the “It’s a tough tournament but it’s an years, is due to start at Bercy against main rival for looking after personal bledon or he would be able to play as Chung Hyeon (South Korea) beat Wuhan Open and the China Open in opportunity to get better, have good South Korea’s Hyeon Chung, who interests. well as he did. Mischa Zverev (Germany) 6-0 6-2 Pe- Beijing before pulling out of the Hong competition and maybe also going with opened on Monday with a 6-0, 6-2 “Everyone makes the calendar “He took his decisions and he did it ter Gojowczyk (Germany) beat Ryan Kong Open earlier this month. a good feeling to next season.” fi rst-round defeat of German Mischa which he thinks will be the best for well. Probably after winning Shang- Harrison (US) 7-6(5) 6-3 Robin Haase Stephens, who will play her fi rst Kerber was drawn in the Rose Group Zverev. him,” Nadal said. “For him, everything hai and winning Basel he believes that (Netherlands) beat Steve Johnson round-robin event at this week’s Elite alongside fourth seed Russian Anasta- Federer is skipping Paris after win- was working well that way. He had a will be better for his body and for his (US) 6-2 6-1 Trophy, blamed her recent defeats on a sia Pavlyuchenkova and Ashleigh Barty lack of preparation. of Australia. “I’d say winning the US Open isn’t The Elite Trophy features the world’s BOTTOMLINE the best preparation to go play two top 12 singles players who did not qual- tournaments right after,” she told a ify for the WTA Finals last week. The news conference yesterday. round-robin format will see the win- “But I had to get out there and play ners from each of the four groups ad- Testing phase for Qatar’s Strongest Man 2017 because it was on my schedule. Before vance to the semi-fi nals. competition kicks off at Aspire Zone GOLF spire Zone Foundation (AZF) kicked off the quali- fying phase for the highly Rose returns to top 10 Aanticipated Qatar’s Strong- est Man competition (QSM) 2017, taking place from 24-25 November in aft er Shanghai triumph Aspire Park. Now in its fi fth year, the fi rst round AFP of tests began with a series of rigor- Paris ous health and physical assessments for this year’s Qatari and expat sports enthusiasts keen to demonstrate their ngland’s Justin Rose power and speed in the hope of being climbed seven places to sixth selected to qualify for this year’s ulti- in the world rankings yester- mate strongman competition. day after his stunning come- Only the strongest and fastest en- backE victory at the WGC-HSBC trants who successfully complete the Champions tournament in Shang- physical assessments, which com- hai. The 2013 US Open champion is prise of challenging tasks including at his highest ranking since the end 200-kg-weight lifts and a 20-metre return each year. high-calorie diet. I expect this year’s ticipate, saying how fun and thrilling of the 2015 season. walk while carrying 120kg in each He added: “For me, sport is more competition to be more challenging, it is to compete against such strong The 37-year-old took advantage arm, will be chosen to compete in this to do with mental state rather than so I’ve been preparing for over sixth contestants It’s a great event and of a Dustin Johnson meltdown on year’s competition. physical attributes that could be months to gain more muscle.” helps promote the sport itself and Sunday, although the American ex- Last year’s defending champions slowed by age, so I will keep return- There were a few new faces among Qatar as sporting nation.” tended his lead as world number one in the Qatari and expat categories, ing to defend the title as long as I am the entrants who showed remark- despite blowing a six-shot lead in World top 20: Qatari Fahad al-Haddad and Kenyan fi t and capable and in the compet- able potential, including Qatari par- QSM will see Qatar and expat China. 1. Dustin Johnson (USA) 11.88 average pts giant Christopher Oketch, were seen ing frame of mind. For youngsters ticipant Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, who strongmen take part in a number of Reigning US Open champion 2. Jordan Spieth (USA) 10.00 among the entrants being assessed on wanting to get into bodybuilding or signed up for the fi rst time in the challenges, including truck pulling, Brooks Koepka moved to a career- 3. Justin Thomas (USA) 9.16 the fi rst day of the testing round. strength training I encourage them to QSM competition. deadlifting, lifting sand bags, fl ipping high mark of seventh after finishing 4. Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 8.55 Speaking on the sidelines of the participate in the competition.” When asked about his partici- giant tyres and car lifting to name but tied for second with Johnson and 5. Jon Rahm (ESP) 7.63 testing event, 41-year-old defending Meanwhile, Christopher Oketch, pation, al-Kuwari said: “I’ve been a few. Winners are decided based on Swede Henrik Stenson. 6. Justin Rose (ENG) 6.86 (+7) champion Fahad al-Haddad praised spoke about his preparations for this hearing about this competition for a a points-system, with the winner be- Four-time major winner Rory 7. Brooks Koepka (USA) 6.58 (+4) Aspire Zone’s logistical capabilities, year’s tournament, saying: “I exer- while. My coach, who’s been taking ing awarded based on the speed and McIlroy, who has already ended his 8. Henrik Stenson (SWE) 6.49 (+1) saying their commitment to organise cise four days a week, follow a con- part in the competition for the past weight with which each challenge is season, dropped three spots to ninth, 9. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 6.44 (-3) a great tournament encourages him to sistent workout plan and consume a three years, encouraged me to par- completed. his lowest ranking since May 2014. 10. Rickie Fowler (USA) 6.34 (-3)

Tuesday, October 31, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR High stakes Rea the man to beat showdown for as WSBK heads into season fi nale at Al Shaqab

he countdown to the 15th showcase of top sport and top and fi nal event of the entertainment as the equestrian Losail for fi nal stretch 2017 Global Champions world focuses on Doha.” Tour and Global Cham- New LGCT Champion Har- pionsT League is on, with less than rie Smolders of Netherlands ce- Losail is the only track on the 2017 calendar the Northern Irishman is yet to win two weeks before the world’s top mented his place in history by horses and riders compete in the taking the crown at the penulti- hey say it changes when the sun thrilling showdown at Qatar’s mate event in Rome. goes down, and this is certainly magnifi cent Al Shaqab from No- But a mere 15 points separate the case as the FIM Superbike vembe 9th to 11th. the following top fi ve riders, World Championship heads to After a season which has seen and a knife-edge points battle Tthe Losail International Circuit in Qatar more twists and turns than a continues with Lorenzo de Luca for the fi nal round of the season. Formula One circuit, the scene of Italy, Christian Ahlmann of Set under the stunning fl oodlights, is set for a fi ve-way battle for Germany, Italian Alberto Zorzi, the 5.3km circuit won’t let anything hide podium places in the LGCT fi - the Netherlands’ Maikel van der in the shadows, and exciting battles are nale and a fascinating head-to- Vleuten and Britain’s Scott Brash guaranteed around the circuit. head between the two leading – all of whom will be tussling at With second position in the champi- GCL teams. This year’s event the sharp end of the grid for their onship still to play for, and another op- will be particularly special for fi nal chance to take a coveted po- portunity to make history for Jonathan Al Shaqab, marking the 25th dium place. Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team), it won’t be anniversary of the prestigious, The Global Champions League a round to forget. cutting-edge equestrian facil- race to the fi nish could not be The 2017 world champion Rea heads to ity. To celebrate the auspicious more exhilarating, with Ham- Qatar off the back of a stunning perform- anniversary and the vision of burg Diamonds and Valken- ance in Southern Spain, taking his fi rst Al Shaqab, there will be a spe- swaard United locking horns in every victory around the Jerez circuit, cial programme during the GCT the fi nal high stakes battle - just which then became a double victory. competition on November 10th. 17 points between them. With Losail International Circuit is now In addition Al Shaqab, a mem- every point counting, teams will the only track on the 2017 calendar the ber of the Qatar Foundation, will be pulling their star strikers and Northern Irishman is yet to win around, host national riders who have top horses off the bench and but if his pace in Jerez is anything to go by, the opportunity to compete strategising to maximise their this won’t the case for long. alongside their country’s heroes success at the spectacular state- Holding the race, pole and circuit such as Olympians Sheikh Ali of-the-art arena. record around Qatar, the Kawasaki rider Bin Khalid al-Thani and Bassem Just six points separate St has a good feeling with his ZX-10RR Hassan Mohammed, as well as Tropez Pirates, Miami Glory and and will be out with a point to prove this the majority of the top interna- Mexico Amigos - currently 3rd, weekend. He will also be chasing down tional show jumpers from around 4th and 5th in the rankings re- the record of the most points scored in the world. spectively - and with 30 points one season – currently held by Colin Ed- The 2017 world champion Jonathan Rea (below) heads to Qatar on the back of his maiden win at the Jerez circuit in Spain. LGCT President and GCL Co- for a win, plus no drop scores, wards, who tallied 552 in 2002. Sitting in Founder Jan Tops said: “We are there is plenty of potential for joint second position in the world cham- heads to Qatar off the back of his MotoGP hard battles to face so far. Hoping to put all looking forward to this thrill- the fi nal order to be shaken up at pionship standings is Chaz Davies (Aru- debut in Malaysia. In a similar situation these behind him, the 31 year old has one ing climax to the season at the Al Shaqab. ba.it Racing – Ducati), who is the man to to Lowes, he has been improving the pace round remaining to get back onto the po- incredible venue of Al Shaqab. The fi nal GCL competition of beat around Losail. Dominating the last of his Yamaha and will hope to end the dium in 2017. This year is particularly special the season will kick off at 2pm on two races in the desert, the Welsh rider season on a high at Losail, a circuit which Heading back to the scene of his debut as we join Al Shaqab in celebrat- Saturday, 11th November, with will be hoping to increase his win tally in he has taken a top fi ve fi nish in WorldSBK and only WorldSBK victory, Jordi Torres ing their 25th Anniversary, and I the GCT Grand Prix taking place 2017 following a diffi cult few rounds. and the victory in WorldSSP in 2014. (Althea BMW Racing Team) has a lot of have no doubt that the weekend’s at 6pm as the sun descends over Hunting down second position in the Leon Camier (MV Agusta Reparto confi dence around the Losail Interna- show jumping will be another the spectacular city of Doha. championship, Davies’ mind will be fo- Corse) will prepare for his fi nal race with tional Circuit and will be looking to end cused on taking the runner up position the Italian factory, and Sunday’s race will the season on a high after some testing as he will be locked in a battle with Sykes. mark his 80th with the manufacturer. rounds in 2017. Sitting in the top nine in Only fi nishing outside the top fi ve in one Securing some stunning results with the the world championship standings, the occasion out of six around Losail, he will team this season despite some early sea- Spanish rider will look to build on his be a tough man to beat on the Panigale. son set-backs, the British rider will be two top eight fi nishes from 2016 with the On the other side of the battle, Tom looking to go out on a high. But at a cir- German bike. Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) heads to a cuit he has struggled around over his four Taking on the fi nal round after a tough track which has welcomed some consist- Continuing to improve his pace on the appearances – with two retirements, an season for the Red Bull Honda World Su- ent results for the Brit, with fi ve podiums YZF-R1, Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Of- 18th and a 13th – the 31 year old has a big perbike Team, Davide Guigliano and Jake and seven top fi ve fi nishes to his name. fi cial WorldSBK Team) heads to Qatar challenge ahead of him to brighten up the Gagne will both make their return to the Fighting back from a tough weekend searching for a fi nal podium spot of the Qatari skies. Dutch-based Ten Kate squad for the fi nal in Portugal which saw Sykes forced to season, but has a tough record around Irish rider Eugene Laverty (Milwau- time in 2017. sit out of two races with a broken wrist, the 5.3km circuit. With four top ten fi n- kee Aprilia) heads to Losail International American Gagne will be debuting he has been able to nurse his hand back ishes out of six appearances, Lowes has Circuit with a wealth of knowledge be- around Qatar, whilst Guigliano’s previous and secure two podium fi nishes, keeping been steadily improving his pace with the hind him, following two appearances results in the desert show two top eight his runner up spot in the championship Yamaha, and will be looking for fi nd some with MotoGP™ and two with WorldSBK. fi nishes. Still working on improving the battle within arm’s reach. Ready for the extra tenths under the fl oodlights. On the Facing a tough round back in 2014 in the Honda Fireblade CRB1000RR SP2, the This year’s Global Champions Tour will be particularly special for battle this weekend, he won’t go down other side of the garage, Michael van der class, Laverty is nearing the end of his pair will be giving it their all to make some Al Shaqab, which is marking the 25th anniversary of the prestigious, without a fi ght. Mark (Pata Yamaha Offi cial WorldSBK) comeback to the series and has had some progress under the fl oodlights. cutting-edge equestrian facility.

CRICKET ROUND-UP SECOND TEST Kohli reclaims Gritty Windies dig in before Cremer strikes

AFP No. 1 ODI ranking Bulawayo, Zimbabwe irat Kohli reclaimed imbabwe legspinner Graeme Cre- his throne as the mer struck late on day two to end world’s best one-day a turgid opening stand and keep international batsman the West Indies in check in the Vyesterday after smashing his Zsecond Test at Queens Sports Club yes- sixth ton of the year in India’s terday. A grinding partnership of 76 in al- series-clinching victory over most 47 overs between Kraigg Brathwaite New Zealand. The India skip- and Kieran Powell had given the West In- per, who cracked a 106-ball dies a solid base in their reply to Zimba- 113 in Kanpur, surpassed South bwe’s 326 all out, before Cremer removed Africa’s AB de Villiers as number Brathwaite for 32 to send the visitors to one as he resumed the top spot stumps on 78 for one. after a gap of just 10 days. “There are a lot of runs in that wick- Kohli was the top run-scorer et,” said West Indian fast bowler Kemar in the New Zealand series, accu- Roach. “The new ball hasn’t been doing mulating 263 over three matches much — no major bounce or seam move- including his 32nd ODI century during the tournament. It also ment. Once the guys settle and put their on Sunday as India secured a found Fairfax had failed to es- heads down to bat, I think we’ll be fi ne.” 2-1 series victory. He also paired tablish that the allegation Gayle Powell closed the day unbeaten on 43, with opener Rohit Sharma for a had propositioned the masseuse while nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo 230-run stand as they became was ‘substantially true’. was yet to get off the mark. While the the fi rst batsmen to share four “I came all the way from second half of the day was attritional, the double century ODI partner- Jamaica to actually defend fi rst half had been entertaining as Ham- West Indies’ Kemar Roach bowls during the second Test against Zimbabwe at the Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo yesterday. (WICB) ships. Kohli, 28, who also tops myself and my character as well. ilton Masakadza turned his unbeaten the Twenty20 batting chart, At the end of the day I’m very, 101 from Sunday into 147, and Sikandar debutant Tendai Chisoro was trapped lbw ner Chisoro. “So if you add two wickets 6-248 (Waller), 7-267 (Chakabva), 8-310 also became the fastest batsman very happy,” Gayle told reporters Raza scored a battling 80. With the pair by Roach, who fi nished with fi gures of 3 onto that score, it’s a diff erent ball game.” (Sikandar Raza), 9-319 (Cremer), 10-326 to reach 9,000 ODI runs in the outside the court. “I’m a good extending their partnership for the fi fth for 44. In reply, Brathwaite and Powell (Chisoro). game in Kanpur. man. I’m not guilty.” wicket to 90, Zimbabwe’s total moved ended a run of 18 innings without a fi fty SCOREBOARD Bowling: Gabriel 22-4-64-2 (1nb), Roach The jury also found that Fairfax, along from an overnight 169 for four to partnership as they took the patient ap- ZIMBABWE I INNINGS 18.1-5-44-3 (1nb), Blackwood 4-1-8-0, Holder GAYLE WINS DEFAMATION which publishes The Sydney 246 for four before the West Indies struck proach to batting on a slow, turning sur- H. Masakadza c Dowrich b Bishoo 147 16-2-49-0, Bishoo 25-2-82-2, Chase 14-1-50-1, CASE IN AUSTRALIA Morning Herald and The Age three times in quick succession. face. They cautiously guided their side S. Mire c Dowrich b Roach 4 Brathwaite 10-0-23-1. West Indies batsman Chris newspapers, was motivated by Masakadza top-edged a delivery from through the fi rst 16 overs to reach tea on C. Ervine b Gabriel 0 WEST INDIES I INNINGS Gayle won a defamation case “malice” in publishing the sto- legspinner Bishoo and was caught by 25 without loss, then added just 51 runs in B. Taylor b Roach 1 K. Brathwaite c Masakadza b Cremer 32 against an Australian media ries. A hearing over the amount wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, before the next 31 overs. P. Moor b Chase 52 K. Powell not out 43 company in the New South of damages will be held at a later Malcolm Waller and Regis Chakabva both Off -spinner Raza bowled his 13 overs S Raza c K. Hope b Gabriel 80 D. Bishoo not out 0 Wales Supreme Court yesterday date. Fairfax Media later released departed cheaply, with Chakabva becom- for just 10 runs as the West Indies at M. Waller b Brathwaite 0 Extras (2b, 1lb) 3 over an alleged incident during a statement saying said the com- ing Bishoo’s 100th Test dismissal. times ground to a halt, giving Zimbabwe R. Chakabva b Bishoo 10 Total (1 wkt, 49 overs) 78 the 2015 World Cup. After less pany was “concerned with the From 267 for seven Raza stabilised the confi dence that a couple of quick strikes G. Cremer run out 11 Fall of wickets: 1-76 (Brathwaite). than two hours of deliberation, conduct of the trial to the extent innings alongside captain Cremer, but on the third morning will put them back T. Chisoro lbw b Roach 9 Still to bat: K. Hope, S. Hope, R. Chase, J. the jury found Fairfax media had that on Friday it sought an order the West Indies took the second new ball in charge of a game that they must win to C. Mpofu not out 4 Blackwood, S. Dowrich, J. Holder, K. Roach, failed to establish the truth of a that the jury be discharged and after lunch and needed just 55 deliveries earn a share of the series. Extras (6lb, 2nb) 8 S. Gabriel. series of reports it ran alleg- a new trial ordered”. “Fairfax to wrap up the tail. Raza was caught at “Considering the number of overs Total (all out, 109.1 overs) 326 Bowling: Mpofu 11-5-17-0, Mire 4-2-2-0, ing the 103-Test cricketer had believes that it did not get a fair second slip off the bowling of Shannon we’ve bowled, the run rate is a bit slow, Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Mire), 2-11 (Ervine), 3-14 Cremer 12-2-31-1, Sikandar Raza 13-6-10-0, exposed himself to a masseuse trial,” it concluded. Gabriel, while Cremer was run out and even for Test cricket,” said left-arm spin- (Taylor), 4-156 (Moor), 5-246 (Masakadza), Chisoro 9-4-15-0.