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Sunday 30 October 2016 PAGE | 27 PAGE | 29 SebastianSe Vettel Ruthless Kerber hands Ferrari sets up final with boost Cibulkova Losail Circuit Sports Club Davis shines under lights 'fast becoming a popular The Peninsula family destination' he penultimate Race of the 2016 FIM MOTUL Rizwan Rehmat "The main reason to redevelop Superbike World The Peninsula the paddock area was to make it Championship more welcoming for the fans. I am T got off to a shining start sure you can see the way we have under the stars and flood- n just over six months, the Losail set things. We feel we can do more lights of the Losail Circuit Sports Club (LCSC) has for the public now. This was the International Circuit. Iticked the numbers that matter main reason we made this change," Chaz Davies (Aruba.it to the organisers and the sport-lov- he said. Racing – Ducati) won the ing public in the country. The Qatar Motor and Motor- race in typical style with a From January 2016 until June cycle Federation (QMMF) on Friday 3.9 second lead over the this year, the region's top racing announced the starting date of a newly crowned 2016 World circuit has stacked up impressive new series - the Qatar Superstock Champion, Jonathan Rea. numbers, according to Khalid Al 600 Championship - and Al (pictured) The Northern Irishman Chaz Davies of Aruba.it Remaihi , the Vice Chair- Remaihi said the six-round event secured his second consec- Racing – Ducati Team, man and Secretary General of will change the racing landscape utive Title with a stunning LCSC. in the country. in action during Race 1 of SBK second place finish at the "Since first of January until "This is an open championship World Championships at theLosail desert circuit and now joins June this year, when the racing sea- for everybody. Of course our aim the ranks of Carl Fogarty, International Circuit yesterday son basically ended, we have done is to support local riders but I am Fred Merkel and Doug a lot," Al Remaihi said. sure they understand since we Polen as a consecutive WorldSBK Team) and Yamaha Official WorldSBK finishing position. 2016 "It is not just because we are have met them," Al Remaihi WorldSBK Championship dropped back to fifth as his Team) ending Race 1 in STK1000 Cup Winner Raf- super-humans, no. All we did was explained. winner. title chances melted away seventh. faele De Rosa (Althea BMW open the track and made every- "We can't shut out the oppor- Davies got off to a fly- as he fell behind. Jordi Torres (Althea Racing Team) had a posi- one enjoy the facility. We had 28 tunity for other citizens. At the end ing start, leading into the Guintoli’s incredible BMW Racing Team) came tive first WorldSBK race track days for cars, of the day, Qatar first corner with Nicky pace didn’t falter as he home in eighth ahead of with a P12 finish with Alex 26 track days for is for everyone. Hayden (Honda World pushed ahead to hunt Michael van der Mark De Angelis (IodaRacing bikes and 32 sports The only thing is Superbike Team) overtak- down Hayden who was sit- (Honda World Superbike Team) locked out P13 with days when people you need to qual- ing Rea on entry. Rea was ting third and by lap 8 the Team) in ninth. Roman Ramos (Team came with their ify to be able to quick to fight back and Frenchman got into third Lorenzo Savadori GOELEVEN) and Josh bicycles, their kids feature in the retook his position in sec- and settled into Yamaha’s (IodaRacing Team) finished Brookes (Milwaukee BMW) and for walks and championship," ond with his sights set on maiden podium position in tenth with Leon Haslam picking up the last points sports events," Al he said. Davies in first. Champion- finish. (Pedercini Racing) coming in P14 and P15. Remaihi said. "What we are ship contender Tom Sykes Tom Sykes overtook in close behind in 11th. While Rea and Davies "That's why we doing is - we will (Kawasaki Racing Team) the Kentucky Kid on the Haslam had a great celebrate their wins yes- have such great take you in, give didn’t get his best start and closing laps of the race to start, finishing the first lap terday, today will be a new sport facilities so you a camp and trailed behind in fourth. take fourth place with Hay- in 11th from 16th on the grid day and the final 25 points that citizens could raise your skill By lap 3, the struggling den in fifth. and continued progressing up for grabs. Race 2 will come and enjoy level. Then we Yorkshireman was over- Xavi Fores (Barni Rac- to fight in top ten on the see lights out at 9.00pm being here. It's well will assess your taken by Sylvain Guintoli ing Team) finished in sixth following lap, before finally for the final showdown of and good to host skill level at an (Pata Yamaha Official with Alex Lowes (Pata dropping back again to his the 2016 season. championships but official test. And at the same time, then give you an you cannot close opportunity to be this facility for that part of this cham- particular event. pionship. I FIM SUPERBIKE You have to let suppose this is the WORLD people come, enjoy best way to go the events and have fun at the about it to do it in a safe manner," CHAMPIONSHP same time," he said. he said. Davies wins Race 1 in typical "Sport is our social responsi- "The registration process for style with a 3.9 second lead bility," Al Remaihi said. the championship will start on over the World Champion. "The response (from the pub- November 5 and close at the end lic) has been unbelievable because of next month. The maximum Final 25 points up for grabs the demand for something like this number of riders will be 28 with in Race 2 at Losail Circuit was already there. We only have slots for 2 wildcards," he said. to cater to that demand. Our "Being part of the camp will responsibility is to provide for come at a cost. That will be com- Jonathan Rea of Kawasaki Racing in action during people. municated to the ones registering the World Superbike Championships - Superpole 2 "We have to make it a family with us." destination. If you want to enjoy "Even if you are not joining the at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. motor sport, you may want to championship, being part of the come with your family, your kids, camp is a fantastic way to pick up friends. That's how it should be. It early lessons on how things are should be a fantastic day out," he managed at this level." said. "You will be mingling with The paddock area inside LCSC people who have been riding the - which was built in a record time entire lives. The equipment is there of just nine months in 2004 - has too. We have experts from Europe been redeveloped. to help us out," Al Remaihi said.

Simeon celebrates best qualifying of the year

Kuala Lumpur tyres and was pleased with the good bit disappointed because there was The Peninsula feeling he had with his Speed-Up a chance to make the first row today," bike. Simeon said. More unstable weather is pre- "The conditions were very tricky MMF Racing Team rider Xavier dicted for today, but Simeon is and I am very happy about the fact Simeon mastered difficult con- confident about his chances to score that the feeling with the bike in these Q ditions to take seventh place a good result no matter what the conditions was very good. The track on the starting grid for today's Malay- track conditions will be. was drying up a lot and a narrow sian Grand Prix, celebrating his best Team-mate Julian Simon retired dry line was starting to develop, so qualifying result of the season so far. from the Malaysian Grand Prix after it was also possible to use slick tyres After a heavy tropical downpour a crash on the first day, which left in the end, but I finished the session at around mid-day, the track was still him with two injured vertebrae. on wet tyres. It’s a nice change that wet when Moto2 qualifying started Simon flew home to Spain and is I could improve my feeling in these in the afternoon, and only at the end expected to return to action at the conditions, so this seventh place is of session, a narrow dry line had last round of this year’s world cham- a good result for me. I am confident developed on which some of the rid- pionship at Valencia. I will be able to fight within the Top QMMF Racing Team rider Xavier Simeon in action during the qualifying round ers tried their luck with slick tyres. “This was my best qualifying this Ten no matter what the conditions of Moto2 event at Malaysian Grand Prix yesterday. Simeon finished the session on rain year, so I am happy. But I am also a will be!” 30 OCTOBER 2016 SPORT 27 SUNDAY

Williams making slow Vettel hands Ferrari a boost recovery from Mexico City Mexico GP pneumonia AFP

Mexico City 1.19:790 ebastian Vettel added is the lap time clocked by AFP the prospect of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel another unexpected VETERAN Formula One dimension to the driv- team founder and principal ers' title battle on Frank Williams is making a SFriday when he put his Ferrari steady recovery from pneu- on top of the times in second 3 monia in hospital in free practice for this weekend's Attempts by Hamilton to England, it was revealed late Mexican Grand Prix. beat Vettel's time were on Friday. The four-time champion unsuccessful in Mexico The 74-year-old team was fastest with a best lap in chief has been a tetraplegic one minute and 19.790 seconds and confined to a wheel- -- just 0.004 seconds quicker and be here again, at the front, chair since a car crash in than Hamilton who, in turn, I will take that. It has been a France 30 years ago, but was three-tenths of a second good day for us. We had the amazed and inspired his ahead of his championship pace and we had no family, team, friends and leading Mercedes team-mate problems." paddock colleagues, not to Nico Rosberg. Vettel's unexpected reviv- mention fans and a wider If he can maintain that ial in the thin air of the public, with his energy and speed and form, Vettel could high-altitude circuit created the Sebastian Vettel of Germany driving the (5) Scuderia Ferrari SF16-H Ferrari 059/5 turbo determination. An update on not only influence the result of prospect of Ferrari playing a his health is expected today. tomorrow's race at the Auto- role in the outcome of the race (Shell GP) on track during a practice session for the Formula One Grand Prix of Mexico at Word of his illness came dromo Hermanos Rodriguez, and, possibly, splitting the two Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, Mexico, on Friday. during a news conference at but also play a key part in the Mercedes drivers. Rosberg goes the Autodromo Hermanos outcome of the championship into the race with a lead of 26 teams as they concentrated on other recent events. Asked Bull, the Dutch teenager setting Rodriguez ahead of this duel between the Briton and the points with three races remain- set-up and tyres in particular. about his possible role as 'king- his best laps on the medium weekend's Mexican Grand German. ing knowing that if he wins on Kimi Raikkonen endorsed maker', he said he had no tyres while most of his rivals Prix where one of his team's "Yes, of course, I am happy, tomorrow he can take his the improvement by the Italian intention of thinking about it were running on super-softs. former drivers, German Nico but it is Friday and maybe too maiden title if Hamilton fails to team by clocking the fourth and would concentrate on rac- Valtteri Bottas was eighth Rosberg has a chance to win early to talk like that," said score more than a single point. best time in the second Ferrari, ing hard as usual. for Williams, ahead of the two his maiden drivers' title. Vettel. Defending three-time 0.469 seconds down, ahead of "I will treat it the same as Spaniards, Carlos Sainz of Toro Under Williams's guid- "I think we need to be real- world champion Hamilton fifth-placed Australian Daniel always and race hard," he said. Rosso and two-time champion ance with fellow-founder istic. I don't think Lewis had the made three attempts to beat Ricciardo in the leading Red "The championship will be set- Ferando Alonso of technical director Patrick best of laps today. It didn't look Vettel's time without success, Bull. tled over the 21 races and that's McLaren-Honda. Head, the team has won particularly good so I think he but did a steady job throughout Ricciardo conceded that he what will happen. Let's see." Williams team boss Frank nine constructors' champi- has a little bit more in his the day. Both Mercedes drivers felt it may be more difficult for Nico Hulkenberg was sixth Williams was not in Mexico as onships and seven drivers' pocket so let's be realistic. were locked in intense race Red Bull to impress at the Mex- for Force India ahead of Max he remained in hospital in Eng- titles. "But if we can do this again preparations with their race ican circuit than they have at Verstappen in the second Red land due to illness. Dovizioso grabs Malaysia pole

Sepang, Malaysia long to dry after Malaysia's Rossi leads the Spaniard by row, while Marquez leads AFP tropical rains. 24 points with two races the second line after finish- "I'm really happy to left. ing fourth in qualifying make a pole position In the frantic late stages despite battling gastroen- ndrea Dovizioso took because the conditions were of qualifying yesterday, teritis for days. pole position yester- difficult," said Dovizioso, Rossi leap-frogged Lorenzo No rider has been as Aday for the Malaysia who pitted amid qualifying into second position, finish- successful at Sepang as MotoGP as fellow Italian for a tyre switch that con- ing just 0.246 behind Rossi, who has won here six Valentino Rossi helped his firmed the pole. With Dovizioso. times. own chances of finishing Honda's Marc Marquez of It was a far better result But the nine-time world second in the world cham- Spain having clinched the for Rossi than in Australia champion has not won in pionship by storming to the MotoGP crown two weeks the previous week, when he Malaysia since 2010, which front row. ago in Japan, tomorrow is managed only 15th on the was also the last year he Ducati's Dovizioso set up for a contest between grid yet still stormed to a took the MotoGP world title. clocked a 2min 11.485secs Rossi and Yamaha team- second-place finish behind Track temperatures lap for his second pole of the mate Jorge Lorenzo for winner Cal Crutchlow of have been moderate this Ducati Team's Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso powers his bike during season on a newly repaved runner-up honours in the Honda. week, but can top 50 the first practice session of the 2016 Malaysian MotoGP at the Sepang Sepang circuit that riders world championship. Lorenzo, the 2015 world degrees centigrade, strain- International Circuit in Sepang , Malaysia yesterday. complained was taking too The 37-year-old legend champ, rounds out the front ing both man and machine. Matsuyama leads in Shanghai Ex-champion Murray

Shanghai smart and making no bogeys two ahead in Jackson Reuters was very satisfying to me ... I think the key for tomor- Mississippi row's round will be not Reuters apan's Hideki Matsuyama making any bogeys." turned in his first flawless Knox, who won on debut ormer world junior Jround of the WGC-HSBC last year, also carded 68, champion Grayson Mur- Champions yesterday to with American Daniel Fray (pictured) made a head into the final day's play Berger a shot behind him in tap-in birdie at the final hole with a three-shot lead over third place on 13-under after to earn a two-shot lead after reigning champion Russell mixing eight birdies and the second round of the Sand- Knox. three bogeys in his 67. erson Farms Championship in Starting the day with a Italy's Francesco Moli- Mississippi on Friday. three-stroke cushion after nari, who won at Sheshan in Murray, a 23-year-old 19 birdies over the first two 2010, started with three from North Carolina in just his rounds, Matsuyama was birdies in a row and finished second start as a PGA Tour again in impeccable form at with a 68 to tie for fourth member, notched eight bird- the Sheshan International place with American Bill ies in a seven-under-par 65 at Golf Club, carding a four- Haas (70), five shots off the the Country Club of Jackson. since made a quick transition under-par 68 to end the day pace. He posted a 12-under 132 to the pay-for-play ranks. 17-under for the Haas put pressure on the halfway total, with English- Journeyman Owen, mean- tournament. leader with three birdies man Greg Owen (67) and while, stayed in the hunt to The 24-year-old picked over his first six holes to cut Irishman Seamus Power (69) break his lengthy title drought. up just one shot in his first Matsuyama's lead to a sin- equal second on 10-under in Owen, 44, is winless in 249 eight holes but birdies at the gle shot but dropped a shot the low-key PGA Tour event. starts on the PGA Tour and ninth, the par-five 14th and before and after the turn and Before turning profes- perhaps best known for his the last kept him ahead of picked up just one more sional last year, Murray late meltdown at the 2006 the chasing pack at the birdie over the back nine. compiled an impressive ama- Arnold Palmer Invitational, $9.5m event. World number three teur resume, winning his where he three-putted from "The first two days, Rory McIlroy also started junior world championship three feet at the penultimate making lots of birdies, it's a strongly with birdies on the division three years in a row hole when he had victory in lot of fun," the world number second, sixth and eighth to join an elite list of three- his grasp. Hideki Matsuyama of Japan hits a shot at the World Golf 10 said. holes but lost ground with time champions that includes Former world number one "But today, when you're three bogeys on the back Championships-HSBC Champions golf tournament in Shanghai, Eldrick Woods, now better David Duval was among those in a position to win, playing nine to end up with a 70. China yesterday. known as Tiger. Murray has who missed the cut. 28 SPORT SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER 2016 Mishra spins India to series victory

Visakhapatnam, India But it was the Mishra-led bowl- SCOREBOARD AFP ing attack that helped India keep their INDIA T Latham c Yadav b Bumrah 19 winning momentum after whitewash- A Rahane c Latham b Neesham 20 K Williamson c Jadhav b A Patel 27 ing New Zealand in the three Tests. R Sharma c Neesham b Boult 70 R Taylor c Dhoni b Mishra 19 eg-spinner Amit Mishra India captain Mahendra Singh V Kohli c Guptill b Sodhi 65 J Neesham b Mishra 3 M Dhoni lbw Santner 41 B Watling b Mishra 0 claimed five to skit- Dhoni introduced spin into the attack M Pandey c Boult b Sodhi 0 C Anderson lbw Yadav 0 tle New Zealand out for a in the ninth over after the pacers had K Jadhav () 39 M Santner b A Patel 4 paltry 79 as India thrashed provided the early breakthroughs A Patel b Boult 24 T Southee st Dhoni b Mishra 0 the Black caps by 190 runs including that of opposition skipper J Yadav (not out) 1 I Sodhi c Rahane b Mishra 0 Lto clinch the five-match one-day Kane Williamson. Extras (B-1, LB-1, W-7) 9 T Boult (not out) 1 international series 3-2 in Visakhap- It paid off as Mishra's double blow Total (for 6 wkts in 50 overs) 269 Extras (W-6) 6 atnam yesterday. in the 16th over to get Ross Taylor (19) Fall of wickets: 1-40, 2-119, 3-190, 4-195, 5-220, Total (all out in 23.1 overs) 79 6-266. Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-28, 3-63, 4-66, 5-66, 6-74, The visitors, who were chasing a and BJ Watling (0) out in the space of Bowling: T Southee 10-0-56-0 (w-1); T Boult 10- 7-74, 8-74, 9-76, 10-79. target of 270, registered their lowest three deliveries derailed New Zea- 0-52-2 (w-5); J Neesham 6-0-30-1 (w-1); M Santner Bowling: U Yadav 4-0-28-1 (w-1); J Bumrah 5-0- ODI total against India as the innings land's chase. 10-0-36-1; I Sodhi 10-0-66-2; C Anderson 4-0-27-0. 16-1; A Patel 4.1-0-9-2; A Mishra 6-2-18-5 (w-5); J lasted for just 23.1 overs. "Mishra's beauty is he bowls slow, NEW ZEALAND Yadav 4-0-8-1. Mishra, who returned with so as a keeper you have time to M Guptill b U Yadav 0 Result: India won by 190 runs. impressive figures of 5-18 in six overs, recover the ball to stump batsmen. claimed 15 wickets in the five matches And in tandem with Axar, who bowls and was judged the man of the match flat and quick, it was very good," said and the player of the series. Dhoni, who affected one stumping off Earlier Rohit Sharma and Virat Mishra. Kohli set up the win with their gritty Debutant off-spinner Jayant half-centuries to help India post 269 Yadav got his first international for six after electing to bat first in the after he trapped Corey Anderson for series decider. nought. Mishra, who recorded his second five-wicket haul in ODIs, then ran Man-of- the-series through the New Zealand middle and lower-order as the innings saw a total of five ducks. The Black Caps' previ- ous low against India was their 103 in 15 Chennai in 2010. Mishra claimed 15 wickets in "We expect a lot more of our bat- ting, and losing 8 for 20 or whatever Indian batsman Rohit Sharma plays a shot during the five matches and was India's batsmen Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma wear it is is unacceptable. Playing against the fifth ODI match against New Zealand at Dr YS judged the man of the match T-shirts that display their mother's names during the fifth and the player of the series. one of the best sides in the world, Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium in there is room to learn," said ODI match against New Zealand at Dr YS Rajasekhara Visakhapatnam yesterday. Williamson. Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam yesterday.

Perera hits Pakistan target historic 9-0 rout of Windies maiden Test Sharjah line-up, coupled with the leg- two. We are going to judge our- Everybody is improving and and Mohammad Nawaz AFP spin of Yasir Shah, proved too selves on the eight Tests and settled in what they are doing retained. Pakistan captain Mis- century as good for the inexperienced every Test presents a different and work rate is outstanding." bah-ul-Haq is confident his side West Indies who started the challenge." Despite targeting another can master the conditions. SL dominate akistan are deter- tour on a sour note when head Pakistan fly out to New win, Arthur has not been sur- Teams (from): Pakistan: mined to complete coach Phil Simmons was Zealand from Sharjah where prised by the West Indies' Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Azhar Harare an historic 9-0 rout sacked. they play two Tests, the first in battling performances in the Ali, Sami Aslam, Asad Shafiq, AFP of the West Indies They looked rudderless in Christchurch from November first two Tests. Younis Khan, Babar Azam, Sar- when the two teams the limited-overs series and 17. That will be followed by "The conditions are condu- fraz Ahmed, Mohammad struck his Pmeet in the third and final Test despite fighting gallantly in three Tests in Australia. cive to five days because the Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, maiden Test century as Sri in Sharjah from today. both Tests by extending the Arthur said that besides games start very slowly and Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Lanka took control of the Having blanked their oppo- matches to the fifth and final results, he wants to see consist- quicken up towards the back Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali, Sohail first Test against Zimbabwe nents 3-0 in both the days with stubborn batting, ent improvement from end. We mustn't under-esti- Khan, Imran Khan on the opening day at and one-day internationals, they need a huge lift to avoid notoriously unpredictable mate the West Indies, they are West Indies: Jason Holder Harare Sports Club Pakistan also claimed the first another whitewash. Pakistan. a young side." (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, yesterday. two Tests -- by 56 runs in the "Yes, we want to be ruth- "I go deeper than getting Pakistan could bring in Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Perera took advantage day-nighter in Dubai and by 133 less, definitely," said Pakistan good results. I want us to play either left-arm paceman Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, of two dropped catches to runs in the second match in Abu coach Mickey Arthur. a good brand of cricket, see Wahab Riaz or untried right- Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, make an attacking 110, while Dhabi. "We set the challenge that improvement in the players and arm fast bowler Imran Khan Miguel Cummins, Shane Dow- Kaushal Silva scored 94 as No team has ever won all we have eight Tests to play the roles players are executing. while Mohammad Amir is also rich, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Sri Lanka notched up 317 for nine matches of a tour in cricket (three in the UAE followed by "Those are all things I really an option. Another flat Sharjah Hope, Leon Johnson, Alzarri four on a largely one-sided history. five in New Zealand and Aus- take note of and the way we are pitch will see Shah and two left- Joseph, Marlon Samuels, Jomel day. Zimbabwe had hoped Pakistan's strong batting tralia). We have only played going is unbelievable. arm spinners, Zulfiqar Babar Warrican to push an under-strength Sri Lankan side in their 100th Test match, and first under new coach Heath Streak, but were instead dogged by familiar problems Mehedi, Imrul make with their fielding. Wicketkeeper-batsman Perera survived chances on 15 and 30, while Silva was put down on 89 and fellow it Bangladesh's day opener Dimuth Karu- naratne, who made 56, was dropped in the second over of the match. Dhaka Tamim Iqbal for 40 to make SCOREBOARD With regular captain AFP the first innings century maker Angelo Mathews and vice- his maiden Test wicket and Bangladesh (I innings):220 captain Dinesh Chandimal two balls later Ben Stokes got England (I innings): among the five players ruled eft-arm spinner Zafar rid of Mominul Haque to put A Cook lbw Mehedi 14 out of the two-Test series by B Duckett c Rahim b Shakib 7 Ansari dismissed Mah- a brake on Bangladesh's J Root lbw Taijul 56 injury, 38-year-old Rangana Lmudullah Riyad off the breakneck speed. G Ballance c Rahim b Mehedi 9 Herath led Sri Lanka for the final ball of the day to bring But Imrul Kayes, unbeaten M Ali b Mehedi 10 first time in his career. England back into the contest on 59, and Mahmudullah B Stokes c Mominul b Taijul 0 Zimbabwe gave a debut in the second Test after Bang- shared 86 runs for the third J Bairstow lbw Mehedi 24 to fast bowler Carl Mumba. ladesh surged ahead with wicket to help the home side Z Ansari c Shuvagata b Mehedi 13 152-3 at stumps on the second claw back their advantage. C Woakes Shuvagata b Mehedi 46 SCOREBOARD A Rashid (not out 44 day. They were leading Eng- S Finn c Rahim b Taijul 0 Sri Lanka (I innings): Bangladesh made a con- land by 128 runs at the end of Extras (B-13, LB-7, NB-1) 23 D Karunaratne c Mawoyo b Cremer 56 fident start in the second the second day's play with Total (all out) 244 K Silva c Williams b Waller 94 innings thanks to a fluent bat- seven wickets in hand, which Fall of wickets:1-10, 2-24, 3-42, 4-64, 5-69, K Perera c Waller b Perera 110 ting by their top-order after must have given them hopes 6-114, 7-140, 8-144, 9-243, 10-244. K Mendis c Moor b Cremer 34 Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid for setting a decent target for Bowling: Mehedi 28-2-82-6; Shakib 16-5- U Tharanga (batting) 13 shared 99 runs in the ninth England to chase in the fourth 41-1; Taijul 25.3-3-65-3; Kamrul 3-0-16-0; D de Silva (batting) 10 Shuvagata 4-0-8-0; Sabbir 5-0-12-0 (nb1). wicket to give England a vital innings. Total (for 4 wkts) 317 Bangladesh (II innings): Fall of wickets: 1-123, 2-198, 3-282, 24-run first innings lead. "I think a lead of 300 T Iqbal c Cook b Ansari 40 4-307. The hosts wiped out the would be good enough," said Imrul Kayes (batting) 59 Bowling: Mpofu 20-5-62-0; Mumba 15- deficit quickly and went for Bangladesh off-spinner Mominul Haque c Cook b Stokes 1 2-65-0; Tiripano 14-4-37-0; Cremer 21-2- almost five runs in an over in Mehedi Hasan, who starred Mahmudullah b Ansari 47 82-3; Masakadza 6-2-22-0; Williams 8-0- the final session to put the with 6-82 in England's innings. Extras (B-1, LB-2, W-1, NB-1) 5 24-0; Waller 6-0-25-1. Total (for 3 wkts) 152 Bangladesh's Mehedi Hasan celebrate the wicket of England's pressure back on England "You cannot determine Zimbabwe: Tino Mawoyo, Brian Chari, Fall of wickets: 1-65, 2-66, 3-152. before Ansari's late strike anything at the moment Gary Ballance during the first day of the second Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Sean

Bowling: Finn 3-0-18-0; Ali 8-0-34-0; An- match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, Williams, , (wk),

restored some parity for the because there is still a lot of sari 8-0-33-2; Stokes 5-1-20-1 (nb1; w1); (capt), Donald Tiripano,

yesterday. England won the first match, leading the two-match visitors. cricket left in the remaining Rashid 5-0-30-0; Woakes 2-0-14-0. Carl Mumba, Chris Mpofu. Ansari earlier removed three days," he said. Test series 1-0. SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER 2016 SPORT 29

Ronaldo hits City snap 6-game hat-trick as Real extends La Liga lead

winless streak Madrid AFP London "We need Sergio," said AFP Premier League Guardiola, who dropped the CRISTIANO Ronaldo Arsenal's Giroud and Argentina striker for City's 4-0 returned to goalscoring form Sanchez blow away defeat at Barcelona. "He is one with his first hat-trick of the ergio Aguero and Ilkay Sunderland of the best." season and also missed a Gundogan each scored Arsenal had earlier penalty as Real Madrid twice as Manchester strolled to victory at bottom extended their lead at the City crushed West Mourinho sent off at club Sunderland, who are now top of La Liga with a 4-1 win Bromwich Albion 4-0 halftime for protests seven points from safety and at Alaves yesterday. Syesterday to reclaim first place to the referee as without a win after 10 league Ronaldo's wayward in the Premier League from Burnley earn draw at games. form in recent weeks had Arsenal. Manchester United Sanchez put Arsenal in come under the spotlight -- Arsenal won 4-1 at Sunder- front in the 19th minute with a he was booed by Real fans land, with substitute Olivier header from an Alex Oxlade- after missing one chance Giroud and Alexis Sanchez both Chamberlain cross. recently -- but he turned the scoring twice, but City's win Manchester United. Aguero was Jermain Defoe equalised game around after Deyver- kept Pep Guardiola's side top among the players to return to from the spot in the 65th son had put Alaves into a on goal difference as they City's starting line-up at The minute after Petr Cech was shock early lead. ended a six-game winless run. Hawthorns and his first-half booked for impeding Duncan Ronaldo levelled from "When we lose there are brace effectively settled the Watmore. the penalty spot before his always doubts," said Guardiola. game. But Giroud equalised six deflected effort put Madrid "It's the first time I have not He broke the deadlock in minutes later, volleying in a ahead at the break. won in six games. Always you the 19th minute, slamming a Kieran Gibbs cross with his first The Portuguese saw have doubts, (but) not over the shot between Ben Foster's legs touch after coming on. another penalty saved 12 principles." from Gundogan's pass, and The France striker struck minutes from time, but Jose Mourinho was sent to doubled his tally nine minutes again five minutes later, a loop- wasn't to be denied when he the stands at Old Trafford and later with a stunning shot from ing header from Mesut Ozil's slammed home Marcelo's Ander Herrera dismissed as the edge of the box. corner, and Sanchez completed cut-back after Alvaro Mor- Manchester United drew 0-0 The goals ended Aguero's the scoring two minutes after ata's cushioned lob had Manchester City's German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan with Burnley despite having 37 six-game scoring drought and that with a neat close-range made the game safe. shots at goal, while champions lifted his City tally to 149 -- one finish. celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Real now lead Sevilla by Leicester City drew 1-1 at Tot- more than club great Francis Tottenham were left three Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion at three points at the top of the tenham Hotspur. Lee. points off the pace in fourth the Hawthorns Stadium in West Bromwich, central England, table and Barcelona by five. Guardiola, whose side host Aguero teed up Gundogan place after drawing at home to yesterday. However, Barca can cut former club Barcelona in the for City's third in the 79th Leicester, who climb one place the gap back to two points Champions League on Tuesday, minute and the former Borus- to 11th. Vincent Janssen gave second period, sliding in faded a little after their stale- with victory at home to Gra- made eight changes to his start- sia Dortmund midfielder sealed Spurs the lead with a 44th- bravely to apply the finishing mate with Burnley left them nada later on Saturday. ing XI from Wednesday's 1-0 victory in the last minute of minute penalty, but Ahmed touch to Jamie Vardy's cross. eight points off top spot in "We are always going to League Cup defeat at normal time. Musa equalised early in the Manchester United's title hopes eighth place. demand goals from Cris- tiano, but he was good in all aspects," said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. Real's unbeaten run stretches to 26 matches, Al Sadd, Al Gharafa draw in six-goal thriller but their defensive strug- gles continued in Vitoria as Zidane's men got off to Doha and a hat-trick from Yusef El card after bundling down Ali the worst possible start The Peninsula Arabi confirmed all three Afif in the penalty box. Moroc- when Deyverson pounced points for Djamel Belmadi’s can international Yusef El on an error from goal- l Sadd and Al Gharafa side. Arabi stepped up for his side keeper Keylor Navas to played a thrilling 3-3 As for Al Arabi they were and calmly slotted the ball slot Alaves into a seventh- Adraw in the Qatar Stars reduced to ten men in the first away for his sixth goal of the minute lead. League (QSL) at Al Gharafa Sta- half when Qatar international season, sending keeper Rajab The visitors needed two dium here yesterday. midfielder Ahmed Maqsoud Hamza the wrong way. slices of fortune to turn the In the other matches, Al was given marching orders for The first half ended with game around before Rayyan trounced Al Kharaiti- two yellow cards. Lekhwiya taking a 2-0 lead half-time. yat 3-1 while Muaither stunned Paulinho missed a second going into the second half, giv- Firstly, Deyverson was Al Wakra 1-0. half penalty for Al Arabi, but ing the ten men Al Arabi a adjudged to have handled a Lekhwiya lead the points Omar Al-Amadi scored one. mountain to climb. Bale free-kick inside his tally with 13 points at the end Overall it was a match to for- Lekhwiya rubber stamped own area and Ronaldo slot- of the fifth round followed by get for head coach Gerardo the result on the 50th minute ted home the penalty. El Jaish with the same number Pelusso. The game turned on when the referee pointed to the Ronaldo's second came of points but with a better goal the 36th minute when Arabi penalty spot for Lekhwiya for 16 minutes later when his difference. Al Sadd are in the midfielder Ahmed Maqsoud the second time. A powerful low effort from outside the third place with 11 points while saw yellow for a tackle on run from Yusef Muftah was area deflected off Zouhair Al Rayyan have 9 points. Yusef El Arabi. The resulting tackled by Arabi captain Feddal and flew into the far On Friday, Lekhwiya free kick from Nam Tae Hee Boualem Khoukhi again Yusef corner. underlined their title creden- found his mark and curled the El Arabi stepped up and slid Ronaldo was hauled tials with a professional 4-1 ball into the back of the net for away his seventh goal of the down inside the penalty area Vadimir Weiss of Al Gharafa and Abdelkerem Hassan of Al victory over the ten men Al his fifth goal of the season. season. They scored a fourth from a corner, but saw his Sadd locked in an aerial battle for ball possession during their Arabi. Minutes later Maqsoud on the hour mark. Yusef El second spot-kick saved by Qatar Stars League match at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. Goals from Nam Tae Hee saw red for a second yellow Arabi registered his third goal. Fernando Pacheco. Ruthless Kerber sets up final with Cibulkova

Singapore WTA SINGAPORE RESULTS contest against her dispirited oppo- from the ninth game sent it to a Reuters nent with four more breaks of serve. tiebreaker. Singapore: Results from the WTA Finals tourna- In the first semi-final, Cibulkova Cibulkova maintained her aggres- ment in Singapore yesterday (x denotes seeding): continued her dream debut at the elite sion in the tiebreak, sprinting 6-2 ngelique Kerber continued her Semi-finals eight-woman event with a thrilling ahead as Kuznetsova struggled to Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x7) bt relentless march towards a Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x8) 1-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 victory over Russian keep pace and the Slovakian sent the Amaiden WTA Finals crown with 1-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 Svetlana Kuznetsova in an absorbing contest into a decider when she rifled a comprehensive 6-2, 6-1 victory over Angelique Kerber (GER x1) bt encounter. a backhand winner past her static defending champion Agnieszka Rad- Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x2) The 27-year-old Slovakian, who opponent. The third set was punctu-

wanska yesterday to set up a title 6-2, 6-1 had won their last five encounters, ated by several swings in momentum showdown against Dominika enjoyed a bright opening and threat- before Cibulkova followed up a gutsy Cibulkova. ened on Kuznetsova's first service hold from 15-40 in the ninth game to The German enjoyed a break- their exemplary defence and supreme game but some booming forehands seal victory with another break. through campaign with victories at athleticism but, with serving not con- bailed out the Russian, who edged "This is my first time here and it's the Australian and US Opens to usurp sidered their strongest suit, it was ahead when she broke in the third one of my dreams come true, just Serena Williams at the top of the hardly surprising to see the contest game. incredible," world number eight world rankings and after another start with three straight breaks in Kuznetsova was now firing on all Cibulkova said. dominant display, she will be favour of the German. cylinders, pushing Cibulkova all Meanwhile, Kei Nishikori saved favoured to cap her season with the Kerber gave her Polish opponent around the court and forcing her into two match points to defeat Gilles Singapore title on Sunday. no free points, got everything back errors and the rampant Russian Muller 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 on Saturday "I was trying to be focused on and forced Radwanska into playing secured two more breaks to complete to make the Basel ATP final where he every single point because playing an extra shot on every rally, the con- a run of six straight games to wrap up will face Marin Cilic who battled past against her is so tough, so I just made stant pressure leading to another the opener. qualifier Mischa Zverev 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia hits a sure I played my game and was break in the seventh game, enough Cibulkova responded by stepping Japanes star Nishikori performed aggressive," Kerber said. "It's amaz- for the German to claim the opener. up her intensity levels in the second his escape act in the second set return against Svetlana Kuznetsova of ing to think that I will be in the final Radwanska struggled to come up set and, as the tension mounted, nei- against Luxembourg's big hitter, who Russia during their women's singles in Singapore." with any answers as the alarmingly ther player was capable of holding rained down 20 aces in the two-and- semi-final match at the WTA Finals Both players are renowned for consistent Kerber ran away with the serve and four consecutive breaks a-quarter-hour thriller. tournament in Singapore, yesterday. 30 SPORT SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER 2016

Loew to extend Bayern floor Augsburg again Germany reign until 2020 Berlin Bundesliga Germany's top flight -- just one short AFP of the record for a newly promoted Berlin team. AFP obert Lewandowski and Freiburg are up to seventh after Arjen Robben combined for 9 their 3-1 win at Werder Bremen thanks GERMANY'S World Cup- all three goals as Bundes- Matches unbeaten for the to goals by Maximilian Philipp, a Vin- winning coach Joachim liga leaders Bayern Munich controversial new-comers cenzo Grifo penalty and a strike by Loew is set to extend his eased to an impressive 3-1 Albanian international Amir Abrashi. reign until 2020 amidst Rvictory for their second win over Augs- Leipzig. Defender Santiago Garcia pulled reports his new contract burg this week. a second-half goal back for Bremen, will be confirmed on Having also beaten their Bavarian but the defeat leaves them 15th and Monday by the German neighbours by the same margin on just a point from the relegation places. FA (DFB). German daily Wednesday at home in the German 8 Bayer Leverkusen warmed up for Bild reported yesterday Cup, Bayern completed the double Matches without a league Wednesday's away Champions League that the 56-year-old, who thanks to Robben's outstanding dis- win for Wolfsburg this match at Tottenham Hotspur with a took charge in 2006, will play with two assists and a goal. 2-1 comeback win at VfL Wolfsburg, pen a two-year extension Bayern took the lead at Augsburg's season. who remain in the relegation places. to lead Germany's WWK Arena when Robben's pass Wolfsburg, now winless in eight defence of the World Cup found Lewandowski unmarked in the Wednesday, Augsburg pulled a goal league games, took the lead when in Russia in 2018 and to area to rifle home his first Bundesliga back when Koo Ja-Cheol tapped home Maximilian Arnold converted a cross the European Champion- goal for six weeks on 19 minutes. Daniel Baier's pass after Bayern cen- with the Leverkusen defence in pieces, ships in 2020. The Poland hot-shot returned the tre-back Mats Hummels failed to clear leaving Roger Schmidt fuming from Loew, who led die favour two minutes later. the danger on 67 minutes. behind glass in a private box. Mannschaft to their His shot was parried by Augsburg This was Augsburg's third straight The Leverkusen boss was complet- fourth World Cup title in goalkeeper Marvin Hitz, but Lewand- loss in all competitions to leave them ing his two-match ban for calling Brazil two years ago, is owski spotted Robben unmarked and just above the relegation places. Hoffenheim's coach Julian Nagelsmann set to receive a huge pay the Dutchman drilled home the pass. Munich, who are at PSV Eindhoven "a nutter" during last Saturday's 3-0 rise to €4m ($4.4m) per Just after the break, Robben on Tuesday in the Champions League, defeat which saw him banished to the year. His current contract, snapped up a disastrous pass from are two points clear in the table, but stands. But Leverkusen roared back which expires after the Augsburg's Gojko Kacar to thread a second-placed Leipzig kept up the with two goals in five second-half min- 2018 World Cup in Rus- Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben in action pass for Lewandowski to fire home on pressure with a 2-0 win at Darmstadt utes from Swiss striker Admir sia , reportedly earned during their match against Augsburg in 48 minutes for his seventh goal in nine as Marcel Sabitzer scored both goals. Mehmedi and Croatia international Tin him an annual salary of Bundesliga at WWK Arena Stadium in league games. Leipzig are now nine games Jedvaj to give Bayer their first win in around €3m. Augsburg, Germany yesterday. Just as they had done in the cup on unbeaten on their debut season in five games to go 10th. Asian elections for FIFA Council to be held in February

Kuala Lumpur "The Asian Football Con- which replaces the old FIFA Reuters federation Extraordinary Executive Committee and has Congress will be held on Feb- already met twice, include one ruary 28, 2017, in Kuala reserved for a woman. sian elections for three Lumpur, Malaysia," the AFC Australian Moya Dodd, for- additional seats on the said in a statement. merly a co-opted member of Anew FIFA Council will "The AFC has informed its the Executive Committee, was be held at the end of February member associations about the slated to take on Mahfuza Ahk- in Kuala Lumpur after the new date." ter of Bangladesh and Han extraordinary congress in Goa With FIFA President Gianni Un-Gyong of North Korea. was postponed last month, the Infantino watching on, forty AFC said the new extraor- continent's governing body two of the 44 members who dinary congress in Malaysia said yesterday. had voting rights at the Goa would also hold an election for Delegates to Asian Football meeting raised a "No" card the seat of another FIFA Coun- Confederation extraordinary when AFC President Shaikh cil member for the term congress, which had been Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khal- 2017-2019, currently held by called to conduct the election, ifa called for the agenda of the Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al voted down the agenda of the meeting to be passed. Ahmad Al Sabah, the Kuwaiti Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani (left) and Hatem Ben Arfa jubilate after beating meeting in a row over disqual- Asia's three additional president of the Olympic Coun- ification of some candidates. seats on the new council, cil of Asia. Lille in Ligue 1 at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France yesterday. Rooney is staying: Jose Cavani blasts PSG past Lille Paris It was a real moment of Struggling in Ligue 1, Fre- Manchester interest in signing the England AFP magic from 29-year-old Cav- deric Antonetti's Lille were no AFP captain should Jose Mourinho be ani as the Uruguayan pushovers and were organised prepared to allow him to leave. controlled Angel di Maria's pass from start to finish. Mourinho stated categori- thunderous second-half with his chest, swivelled and They may easily have ayne Rooney will not cally not only will Rooney, 31, be strike from Edinson unleashed an unstoppable shot scored on three occasions, be allowed to leave told to forget leaving but he also ACavani gave Paris Saint for his 10th league goal of the none more so than when You- WManchester United in expects the experienced veteran Germain a 1-0 win over Lille campaign on 64 minutes. nousse Sankhare missed from the January transfer window to play a key role in his attempts on Friday as the French cham- The first half was marked point blank range on 82 min- despite his frustrations at losing to return United to the top of the pions were made to fight all by a duel between di Maria and utes when the ball came to him his starting place at Old Trafford English game. night. Lille's Nigerian international from an Eder cross right on the and interest from his former club "I know he can still play at The result sees Unai goalkeeper Victor Enyeama, goalline. Everton. the highest level. I know he's the Emery's PSG climb to second who saved twice from close PSG captain Thiago Silva Ronald Koeman, in charge type of player I need. He is 32, 3, on 23 points behind Ligue 1 range. was forced into a panicked at the club Rooney left to join 4, 5 but what I can say is that he's leaders Nice who have 26 The Argentine also had a overhead clearance from his United in the summer of 2004, a very good player, a very impor- ahead of hosting Nantes on 22nd-minute 'goal' ruled out own six yard box shortly has become the first Premier tant player," said united Sunday. for hand ball. afterwards. League manager to express an manager. Luis Enrique defends Barca Guatemala are suspended values after bottle incident from international football Zurich international competition and mandate on Tuesday. FIFA said Reuters the federation cannot receive that Guatemala had therefore Barcelona pretend" the way some play- of hitting back at Tebas, but funds from soccer's governing been suspended. Reuters ers went down "like a game of launched a staunch defence of body. "The suspension will be skittles" when a bottle was his team, who he pointed out uatemala have been sus- FIFA said it intervened in lifted only once the FEDEFUT thrown in from the stands, have won the league's fair play pended from the Guatemalan federation general assembly ratifies the arcelona coach Luis while the Spanish Football award for the last six Ginternational football (FEDEFUT) last December, set- extension of the normalisation Enrique defended his Federation (RFEF) criticised seasons. after the federation's directors ting up a so-called committee's mandate until July Bteam's integrity on Fri- Barca for goading Valencia "Pouring more fuel on the refused to recognise a commit- normalisation committee to 31, 2017," said FIFA. day after a week in which his fans after Lionel Messi's injury fire doesn't interest anyone but tee set up by FIFA to run FEDEFUT's business, Guatemala have already players were criticised by the time winner. the facts speak for themselves. temporarily run the sport in the organise elections and mod- been knocked out of the 2018 highest powers in Spanish soc- Barcelona escalated their We have won the fair play country, soccer's governing ernise its statutes. World Cup qualifying compe- cer following last week's row with the league by calling award for many years and that body said on Friday. But FIFA said that the com- tition. The national side, which dramatic 3-2 win at Valencia. for disciplinary proceedings speaks of our sportsmanship," The decision means that mittee was "no longer able to has never qualified for a World La Liga chief Javier Tebas against Tebas on Thursday. Luis Enrique told a news con- the country's national team operate" after a FEDEFUT gen- Cup, is 83rd in the FIFA said he would be "ashamed to Luis Enrique stopped short ference on Friday. and clubs cannot take part in eral assembly rejected its rankings. SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER 2016 SPORT 31

Nissan’s Adel Hussein Abdulla bags honours in Portugal

Portalegre The Peninsula

issan’s Adel Hussein Abdulla (pictured) Nwrapped up his maiden FIA World Cup campaign in the T2 category for Series Pro- duction Cross-Country vehicles by claiming a stun- ning victory from Italy’s Alessandro Trivini Bellini at the 30th Baja Portalegre 500 yesterday afternoon. Running with support from Nissan Middle East, Nissan Asia has great opportunity Qatar and the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), the Qatari produced one of his best performances of the sea- afterwards. Bellini then son against one of the largest snatched the lead and fought to shape the future: Coe T2 fields of the year to reach the a fascinating tussle with Saudi finish on the top of the podium Arabia’s Abdullah Saleh and in his Nissan Patrol. Adel Hussein for the win over Partnered by French nav- the closing kilometres. Rizwan Rehmat than we entered it. But I don't igator Sébastien Delaunay, the The outcome of the FIA T2 The Peninsula kid myself. There are many Doha-based driver held third title will now be decided by challenges that we face. The after the opening super spe- the sport’s governing body, the biggest challenge is returning cial stage and then hit the front FIA, after Adel Hussein’s TOK AAF President Sebastian the trust of the sport itself pri- only to be pegged back by Sport team protested the Coe yesterday urged the marily by giving trust to clean local driver César Sequeira, legality of his main rival’s car Asian track and field athletes that we are going to until the latter was penalised at the recent round of the federations to shape the do everything we can to cre- and then retired soon series in Morocco. future of the sport, say- ate a level-playing field so Iing the world's most populous that their commitment to our continent has the 'potential to sport remains. reach extraordinary heights'. They spend their lives to In an exclusive chat with get to the highest level. We Athletes from 21 nations to The Peninsula, Coe said owe it to them to create a attracting young audiences to landscape that is clean and test skills at long-distance the sport and finalising deals clear and where competition with potential sponsors could is free and fair and to open. take track and field a long Determined by hard work, IAU World Championship way. diligence and not because one "The big issues of the set of athletes has a better set The Peninsula ultrarunners. sport are how to do we get of chemist than the other. The Aspire International young people or to get more IAAF President Q: Is this - becoming the eams from 21 nations 6:50km is a 50km individual interesting sponsors into the Sebastian Coe chief of IAAF - your calling to will vie for honours at race with team relays (5 per- sport," Coe said following a give something back to the Tthe second Interna- sons) in a multi-lap format, meeting with Asian Athletics conventions alongside our change and we don't want a sport? tional Association of designed to challenge runners Association (AAA) council (IAAF) Congress. president that will be there for A: Athletics has defined Ultrarunners (IAU) 50Km to complete 50k in 6 hours. officials. But it doesn't always the next 8 or 12 years and me. I recognise that. I owe a World Championship at the A new Fan Zone will "The world's power- doesn't give us the opportu- have the same sport at the great to deal to athletics. I Aspire Zone Foundation include a myriad of activities houses in our sport - Japan nity to sit down and spend end of that 12 years'. owe a great deal to volunteers (AZF), Doha on November 11. for all family members dur- and China - their presence in time to discuss the strategic So the challenge was at every level. This sport The IAU-accredited ing the event. Activities will track and field is growing all direction about the sport. The given to me by the member helped me to do what I did. I championship has been include henna drawing, face the time. You also got India - big issues of the sport is how federations. The manifesto understand the sport as well hosted by the Aspire Zone painting for children, and a the fifth largest and fastest to do we get young people or that I created in 2014 actually as anybody. I understand the Foundation since 2015 and tent that gives visitors a growing economy of the to get more interesting spon- shows the direction that has sport because I did start as a now features more than 100 glimpse into a life in the world. These countries are all sors into the sport. These are now been set in concrete ena- grassroot athlete. I finished of the world’s best long-dis- desert. fantastic potential for track all the things that the sport bling or empowering my career as an Olympic tance runners competing for The redesigned race and field," Coe said. hasn't had the opportunity to federations to make better champion twice and a multi- titles in male, female and course comprises tarmac, tile Excerpts from an inter- discuss together and that's decisions on the ground. world record holder. I have group races. and paved roads, which will view with Coe: why the convention will make The integrity unit I talked served the sport in so many The list of participating be closed to traffic and well- Q: Could you tell us about a big difference. about in 2014 had a com- different capacities - as a countries includes: Argentina, lit for the duration of the the time spent in Doha and Q: Do you sometimes pletely different approach to broadcaster, as a journalist, Canada, Croatia, Czechoslo- evening race. what did you discuss? wonder that these are things anti-doping. I am very as somebody who has bid for vakia, Denmark, Germany, A: It was great to spend that should have been dealt pleased that I am in a position world championships and Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, time with my esteemed vice with some years ago? now to help shape the sport somebody who has worked Kenya, Latvia, Mongolia, president Mr Dahlan Al A: Well I wasn't the pres- and to make to those changes. for 13 years in the federation Netherlands, Nigeria, Sierra 50km Hamad. The discussions went ident then or I wasn't in the Q: We are told that 60 before I became president. So Leone, South Africa, Chinese The distance which will according to plan. We had a position to make the changes percent of the world's youth I understand the sport at Taipei, Uruguay, United great opportunity to discuss (I talked about). is in Asia. Does IAAF consider every level. I am very lucky States of America, Zimbabwe. be covered by athletes the reform proposals. But I am the president now that a huge potential to look to be in a position to take a The IAU’s commitment to during the IAU World more than that, we were here and I am in a position to make at? leadership role now. host the international cham- Championship at the to set them in context - You changes, so when I threw my A: That's a very good sta- Q: If you were to tell pionship for three Aspire Zone Foundation know 'why the change, why hat in the ring to become the tistic to use. Of course that is Asian athletics to improve in consecutive years at the AZF in Doha on November 11 now, why the hurry'. president of the IAAF, I spoke why there is so much poten- two areas, what would those is a testament to its trust in There was real accept- to many people - I pretty tial and when you break that be? AZF’s capacity to organise ance that change was needed. much spoke to everybody in down into some of the feder- A: I don't think I would international events, where We discussed roles and the federation. The over- ations who make up that issue. be issuing any messages of IAU relies heavily on AZF’s In essence, this should responsibilities. We want a arching message I got from Qatar has invested millions improvement. I think there organisational capabilities, be quite a fast course with sport where everybody the vast majority of all those into our sport - both in soft was a real recognition that I world-class facilities and little gradient change and knows their roles and respon- federations was 'we want and hard infrastructure, cre- witnessed today and in pre- experts. most turns being wide in sibilities. The federations ating top training facilities (for vious Asian council meetings. The organisers expect the nature. (now) have a clear line of sight example) the Aspire Academy This is a continent of extraor- Championship to be a suc- AZF has partnered with to the president. We focused where many athletes of the dinary potential. cessful competition that lives the Qatar Athletic Federation around the balance between world have been given the It is also a continent of up to AZF and Qatar’s repu- (QAF), organising partner, the setting targets and also the opportunity to get to the very extraordinary differences. tation as a global leader in Movenpick Hotel Al Aziziyah recognition in order to get to highest level. When you sit in a room and organising sporting events. as the hospitality partner, and that. In Asia, track and field you recognise that you got the In parallel to the main Qatar Living social network Q: You said 'Asia has this Qatar has invested hasn't kept pace with other challenges of Nepal that suf- event, AZF will host the as the community partner for is great opportunity to shape millions into our sports that have developed in fered that fearful earthquake Aspire International 6:50km the event. the future' of the sport. Do you sport - both in soft the continent. Formula One, and lost all its infrastructure Race, allowing enthusiasts More information and really feel that way? and hard obviously cricket is a good just two years ago. And in the across Qatar the opportunity details about community reg- A: Yes. There are 44 fed- infrastructure example, the English Premier same council you have a pres- to run alongside IAU profes- istration are available at erations in Asia. I think there league football is the second ident from Japan or from sional long-distance www.lifeinaspire.qa creating top were 42 of them here. We can biggest broadcast property China. training facilities. only shape the sport together. now in India. We need to make Asia stretches from let's It is very important that the sure that in such a powerful set say to the Philippines to president of the sport is open In Asia, track and of economies track and field northern China and to Sri and accessible. That's why field hasn't kept is punching its weight and we Lanka. This is an extraordi- this is the fifth area of the pace with other haven't done that as well as we nary continent and we need association or continent sports that have should. There's great potential to harness the extraordinary group that I have been to. developed in the to improve on that. nature of economies and their We will be in Africa for continent. Q: Do you think things passion for sport. exactly the same process. It is have been managed better The big challenge is ath- very important that the IAAF now that you are the chief of letics is not high on the is prepared to spend time and IAAF? agenda in some of those discuss the future of the sport A: I sincerely hope so nations. And we need to do within its membership. One (smiles). We are moving in the everything we can to give as Action from the last year's IAU of the proposals in the right direction. We have left many opportunities we can 50Km World Championship at the reforms is to have this athletic season stronger to the athletes in Asia. Aspire Zone Foundation.