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Thursday 3 November 2016 PAGE | 27 PAGE | 28 Cubs crush West Indies on Indians to set up brink of victory in Game 7 finale Sharjah Test Qatar Classic squash action begins on November 11

Doha QNA

atar Squash Federation (QSF) has completed all Qtechnical and manage- rial arrangements to host the prestigious 2016 Qatar Clas- sic Squash Championship which will take place from Qatar Skeet Team, gold and silver winners at the Second CISM International Shotgun Championship pose for a picture during the prize distribution ceremony November 11 to 18 in Doha. at the Losail Shooting Complex in this 2013 file picture. Right: Qatar’s Nawal Al Khalaf (right) bronze medal winner in the Women’s Trap event at the Second The world’s greatest play- CISM International Shotgun Championship 2013 poses for a picture during the prize distribution ceremony. ers will once again descend on the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha for the 2016 Qatar Classic – the third stage on the 2016/17 Men’s PSA Road to Qatar to host top military shooters Dubai, when the prestigious World Series tournament begins on November 11, Armstrong Vas according to QOC. The Peninsula In addition to the lucra- tive prize purse of $150,000 hooters from over 50 on offer, the Qatar Classic countries will be taking offers the opportunity for part in the 49th CISM players to accrue crucial World Military Shooting points on the PSA Road to Championship this Dubai Standings, where only Smonth, officials of Qatar Armed the top eight players will Forces announced here qualify for a place at the sea- yesterday. son-ending Dubai PSA World The nine-day championship Series Finals will be contested in 12 catego- Defending champion ries, six for men and an equal Mohamed El Shorbagy tops number for women, with 720 an outstanding field as he shooters vying for the top hon- returns to the scene of his two ours at the Losail Shooting World Championship final Range. defeats in 2012 and 2014, and “We are happy to receive the hard-hitting World No.1 shooters from 51 countries who is in fine form after triumph- are going to participate in the ing at the Delaware championship,” said Major Gen- Investments US Open – the eral Dahlan Al Hamad, of the second stage on the PSA Road Qatar Armed Forces and a key to Dubai – just last week. member of the organising com- mittee of the championship. Speaking at a press confer- Tokyo panel ence here yesterday, Dahlan said the competition will be tough and some of the top shooters will Major General Dahlan Al Hamad, of the Qatar Armed Forces speaking during a press conference details cost cuts be turning out for their respec- of the 49th CISM World Military Shooting Championship in Doha yesterday. The military CISM WORLD MILITARY tive military teams. shooting championship will take place from November 12 to 20 at the Losail Shooting Complex, SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIP for Games “The good about shooting it was announced. sport is that fortunes fluctuate. Tokyo One day they are on the top, the to contribute to world peace by Ace shooters place in South Korea in Novem- November 13 Reuters other day they are down. But, we uniting armed forces through ber 2015, while Switzerland had 09:00-16:00 - 300 Standard Rifle 3 Positions 09:00-12:00 50 Rifle Prone Women are proud that majority of the sports and they operate under the honour of hosting the top 08:30-12:30 25 Center Fire Pistol Men oor supervision and a champions who are registered the motto Friendship through military shooters a year 13:30- 16:00 25 Pistol Women lack of clear authority as soldiers with their respective Sport. 720 earlier. November 14 Pis one reason costs for military are participating here. Founded in 1948, the CISM 720 shooters from 51 Meanwhile, Qatar having 08:00 to 15:30 300 Standard Rifle 3 Positions the Tokyo 2020 Olympics The results are going to be tough is one of the largest multidisci- countries will be taking delivered a perfect show in 2013 09:00-09:50 50 Rifle Prone Women have soared to more than 08:00-12:45 25 Center Fire Pistol Men (Precision) because the quality of the field plinary organisations in the part in the championship is keen to host the best world four times original estimates, participation is very high. Eve- world. championship this year too and 13:15-16:15 25 Pistol Women (Precision) the head of a Tokyo panel at Losail Shooting Range 09:00-13:00 Trap Men rybody is taking this Hosts Qatar will have the have formed various commit- 09:00-13:00 Trap Women tasked with slashing expenses championship seriously, so we largest delegation taking part in tees for hosting the 14:00 Trap Women - Finals said yesterday. have a tough competition on the championship. championship. November 15 Tokyo Governor Yuriko hand.” The hosts contingent will Around 17 committees have 09:00-11:00 300 Standard Rifle 3 Positions Koike, who took office in This is the second time Qatar consist of 29 shooters and ten 29 been formed under the main 09:00-09:50 50 Rifle Prone Women August, ordered a review of is hosting a major military shoot- officials, the same as China. Qatar's squad consists of organising committee for the 08:30-12:30 25 Center Fire Pistol Men (Rapid) Olympic expenses that rec- ing championship. The team as part of the train- 29 shooters who will smooth conduct of the champi- 13:30-16:00 25 Pistol Women (Rapid) - Team ommended changing three compete in the November 09:00-13:00 Trap Men In 2013, Qatar Armed Forces ing programme for the onship, informed officials. 14:00 Trap Women venues in an effort to rein in in collaboration with CSIM had championship have been taking 12 to 20 event The organising committee is November 16 costs projected to hit 3 trillion hosted the Second CISM Inter- part in various camps outside getting ready the technical facil- 09:00-11:00 50 Rifle 3 Position Women yen ($28.87bn), four times ini- national Shotgun Championship Qatar. ities at the Losail Shooting 09:00-11:30 25 Center Fire Pistol Men (Precision) tial estimates when the city at the same venue.. The three- The team had a training former world champions and Complex in perfect condition in 13:00 -15:30 25 Pistol Women (Precision) won the right to host the day championship was camp in Switzerland last month. Olympics champions in the field cooperation with Qatar shoot- 09:00-14:00 Skeet Mena and Women Games. sanctioned by International Mil- The camp ended with Qatari - competition is expected to be ing and archery association. November 17 Attention has focused on 09:00- 14:30 300 Military Rapid Fire Rifle itary Sports Council (CISM) and shooters taking part in the Euro- very strong. Shooters will be The opening ceremony will 09:00-10:45 50 Rifle 3 Position Women the rowing and canoe/kayak had 65 shooters from ten coun- pean international military aiming not to just hit still targets be held on November 13 at 09:00-12:30 25 Military Rapid Fire Pistol Men sprint venue, originally set to tries taking part in the Trap and championship and gave a good but moving and flying targets 3.30pm, while the closing cere- 13:30- 15:45 25 Military Rapid Fire Pistol Women take place at a new Tokyo Skeet categories. account, winning four medals. during the championship. So it mony will take place on 09:00-14:00 Skeet Men/Women facility, the cost of which has Shooters from Bahrain, Fin- Currently the team is train- will be difficult for the partici- November 19. Teams will be November 18 surged to around 52 bn yen, land, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Latvia, ing in Qatar. pants,” he added. reaching Doha by November 10. 08:00-09:30 300 Military Rapid Fire Rifle nearly seven times higher Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and Thai- “Our team having partici- Dahlan said Qatar aim to Meanwhile, organisers 10:15-4:00 300 Military Rapid Fire Rifle than the original budget. 09:00-10:45 50 Rifle 3 Position Women land took part in the military pated outside during the past host more CISM in the coming informed that an exhibition fea- 08:00-16:15 25 Military Rapid Fire Pistol Women The Tokyo review panel shooting championship held championships are ready for the years. turing International companies 09:00-13:00 Skeet Men headed by Shinichi Ueyama, three years back. event in Qatar. We had a camp “We hope to play our role in specialising in shooting products 09:00-13:00 Skeet Women also a professor at Tokyo's CISM is a worldwide organ- outside Qatar and the prepara- the military sports movement. will held on the sidelines of the 14:00 Skeet Women Finals Keio University, on Tuesday isation with member countries tion has been good. After the We hope to continue and host championship. The latest shoot- November 19 proposed changes that could spread across continents and its camp, we took part in a cham- more military events and will ing ammunition in the form of Sat 09:00-10:45 300 Military Rapid Fire Rifle cut as much as 50bn yen from organises various sporting pionship and we managed to get hope to continue and also pistols, guns and rifles, will be 09:00-10:15 25 Military Rapid Fire Pistol Men the total bill. Yesterday, he 11:00-12:15 25 Military Rapid Fire Pistol Women

events for the armed forces for two silver and two bronze med- achieve success in the events. on display and the companies 09:00-13:00 Skeet Men blamed a good part of the sit- 133 member countries. als,” said Dahlan. The last World Military will also provide technical sup- 14:00 Skeet Men - Finals uation on a lack of clear The ultimate goal of CISM is “With a big number of Shooting Championship took port to the participants. oversight of expenses. SPORT 3 NOVEMBER 2016 THURSDAY 27 Baseball: Brilliant Cubs crush Indians

Cleveland in the World Series in 1945, own World Series give the Cubs a 3-0 lead. Tribe AFP America's longest sports title outfielders Tyler Naquin and drought while the host Indians If they win the title, Lonnie Chisenhall let the ball long-suffering Chi- have baseball's second-longest the Cubs will become drop between them on Russell's cago Cubs team futility streak, last hoisting the only the seventh team hit. charged to the brink trophy in 1948. in World Series In the third inning, Kyle of its first World Russell, hitting only .211 history to recover Schwarber walked, advanced Series title since (4-for-19) in the Series after on singles by Rizzo and Zobrist from a 3-1 deficit. 1908A by routing Cleveland 9-3 game five, smashed a four-run and, after Cleveland pulled on Tuesday, forcing a winner- blast in the third inning, the first Tomlin for relief pitcher Dan take-all showdown in game World Series grand slam since America's longest Otero, Russell blasted the ball seven for the crown. 2005. Along with his two-run sports title drought 434 feet over the left-field wall Addison Russell smashed double in the first, he matched is owned by the for a 7-0 Cubs lead. the first World Series grand the one-game Series record for Cubs, Indians are the Russell, 22, became the sec- slam in Cubs history and a two- runs batted in with six, done second. ond-youngest player to hit a run double as Chicago leveled four times, most recently in Series grand slam after Mickey Major League Baseball's best- 2011. Mantle at age 21 in 1953. of-seven championship final at The Cubs, who lost their past 18-19 in World Series seventh Cleveland's Jason Kipris 3-3. seven World Series appear- games. doubled to open the fourth, the That sets the stage for a sev- ances, are trying to become only Cleveland major sports first hit off Arrieta, and scored enth-game decider between the seventh team in World teams had not won a title since the Indians' first run on a Mike teams whose supporters have Series history to recover from a the 1964 NFL Browns until the Napoli single. endured epic title waits, more 3-1 deficit to capture the title, Cavaliers took the NBA crown Kipris added a solo homer than a century in Chicago's case. most recently done by the 1985 last June. in the fifth to pull the Indians Neither team has ever won a Kansas City Royals. Kris Bryant smacked a solo within 7-2. In the ninth, Rizzo Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (27) loses grip of his bat game seven and while they can't Not since 1979 has a team homer into the left field stands, belted a two-run homer and as it flies into the stands in the fifth inning against the Cleveland both lose, only one can claim the done it by taking the last two Anthony Rizzo and Ben Zobrist Roberto Perez answered with a Indians in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field, throne. games on the road as the Cubs followed with singles and both run-scoring single for Cleveland, Ohio, USA on Tuesday. The Cubs, who last played seek to do. Home teams are scored on Russell's double to Cleveland. Oldest living World Series Indians have faith in their pitchers player can't bring Indians luck Cleveland AFP

Cleveland without lots of flash and star power. ith ace pitcher Corey Kluber AFP "We had great pitching like this team, (pictured) on the mound and but this team is comprised of a bunch of Wthree rested top relievers in ddie Robinson, the last living mem- players that are kind of no-name play- waiting, Cleveland Indians manager ber of the Cleveland Indians' 1948 ers," Robinson said. Terry Francona is confident his team can EWorld Series championship team, Robinson recalled how he and his defeat the Chicago Cubs to win the World watched Tuesday as the Tribe missed a teammates didn't have locker room Series. chance to win its first crown since he champagne showers like modern clubs The Cubs ripped host Cleveland 9-3 made it happen. enjoy. on Tuesday to level the best-of-seven At 95, Robinson is the oldest living "It was a great day," Robinson said. Major League Baseball final at 3-3 and World Series player. The former Indians "After we won, we went in and got force a winner-take-all showdown in first baseman drove in the title-clinching changed and got on a train. But once we game seven. run 68 years ago in the eighth inning of got on the train, we had a dining car and "Was a tough night," Francona said. game six off Boston Braves pitcher War- a club car. That's when the party started. "You can get philosophical or whatever. ren Spahn. He had been hoping to see the "The next day, the champagne was What it comes down to is, I'm going to Indians reclaim the crown for the first dripping from the ceiling. I think (then go out on a limb and say it's a really time since then, but the Chicago Cubs team owner) Bill Veeck, that cost him a important game and we'll be really drubbed Cleveland 9-3 Tuesday to even few thousand dollars to put those cars excited to play." of having Kluber on the mound. "It's Shaw, Cody Allen and Andrew Miller, the Major League Baseball's best-of-seven back in shape. Kluber, a right-hander, went 18-9 this game seven. It will be exciting. It will be lone left-hander in the group. Francona final at 3-3 and force a seventh game "Then we arrived here the next morn- season and is 4-1 in the playoffs. He won an honor to even be a part of it and we're was pleased he could hold back all three grand finale. ing and they had a parade arranged. Every games one and four of the World Series, going to give it everything we have. top relievers and force the Cubs to use "It has been so darn long," Robinson player got in a convertible and we went the latter on short rest, and will pitch on "I can't imagine a better group of guys Cuban ace closer Aroldis Chapman for said. "I've been pulling for them all year." down Euclid Avenue and it was marve- short rest again in the finale with the to go through something like this with. the second game in a row. Robinson's squad sent five players to lous. Looked like everybody in Cleveland Indians seeking their first crown since I'm looking forward to it already." "You always want to win the game the Baseball Hall of Fame, but this year's had turned out to celebrate our 1948. One reason why is because he also but we also wanted to make them use Indians rely more on grit and teamwork championship." "That's a good feeling," Francona said has fully rested relief pitchers Bryan pitching even in a loss," Francona said. Joshua-Klitschko spring showdown is near

London must first come through the "It's been an arduous wait to Matchroom said the fight AFP defence of his belt against solid gain official approval but we would be staged in "spring 2017". journeyman Eric Molina in were delighted to receive the While it has been a momen- mouth-watering world December in Manchester. news that the WBA will officially tous year for 2012 Olympic heavyweight title show- Joshua's manager Eddie sanction the fight between champion Joshua, who boasts a A down early next year Hearn had originally hoped the Anthony Joshua and Wladimir 17-0 record with all victories by between Britain's Anthony Klitschko clash would take place Klitschko for the WBA super knock-out, it has been a frustrat- Joshua and former Ukrainian in December, but they had to title," Hearn said. ing one for 40-year-old champion Wladimir Klitschko wait on the WBA decision. "We will now move for- Klitschko. (pictured) took a major step In the meantime, Hearn ward with (Klitschko's manager) The Ukrainian had hoped to closer yesterday after the WBA acknowledged there was risk in Bernd Boente and Team regain the IBF, WBO and WBA sanctioned it. taking on 34-year-old Molina, Klitschko in planning the date belts which he lost to Fury in a The exciting Joshua, 27, who whose previous world title con- and venue knowing that victory stunning upset last November. won the IBF title in April after it test saw him push WBC holder against Eric Molina in Manches- His rematch with Fury for was voluntarily vacated by trou- Deontay Wilder to nine rounds ter on December 10 is more the WBA and WBO belts was bled compatriot Tyson Fury, in June 2015. important than ever." cancelled twice. McIlroy wants Ryder Cup Woods confirms Bahamas comeback

New York back-related issues. Woods had initially selection rules to be changed Reuters planned to return at last month's PGA Tour's Safeway Open in Napa, California London Minnesota last month. Holders ormer world number one Tiger but he withdrew three days before the Reuters Europe lost to the United States by Woods (pictured) will make his opening round, saying his game was not a crushing 17-11 margin at Hazel- Fcompetitive comeback at next sharp enough. ormer world number one Rory tine National, prompting the month's Hero World Challenge in the "After a lot of soul searching and hon- McIlroy has urged the Euro- European Tour to consider changes Bahamas, an event which he hosts, after est reflection, I know that I am not yet Fpean Tour to scrap its to its selection criteria for the 2018 being sidelined for more than a year. ready to play on the PGA Tour," Woods controversial rule barring non- edition in Paris. "I am excited to make my return at the said at the time. "My health is good, and I members of that tour from "It should be the best 12 play- Hero World Challenge," the 14-times feel strong, but my game is vulnerable and competing in the Ryder Cup, the ers from Europe versus the best 12 major winner said in a news release on not where it needs to be." Daily Telegraph reported players from the US," Northern Irish Tuesday. Woods has not played on the PGA Tour yesterday. world number two McIlroy was The Tiger Woods Foundation is a char- since August 2015, having undergone sur- According to McIlroy, the quoted as saying. "For me, there itable beneficiary of the Dec. 1-4 geries in September and again in October absence of United States-based shouldn't be anything to do with tournament, which will be held for a sec- of that year due to ongoing back Englishman Paul Casey for that rea- membership of tours. ond year in a row at Albany Golf Club in problems. son "definitely hurt" Europe's bid "To have a guy like Paul Casey New Providence. The greatest player of his generation to win the biennial team competi- not on our team, it definitely hurt The 40-year-old American has been and arguably of all time, he has not won tion for a fourth successive time in us (at Hazeltine)." sidelined for 15 months due to a tournament anywhere since 2013. 28 SPORT THURSDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2016

West Indies' batsman Shane Dowrich plays a shot on Australia opt for Siddle in the fourth day of their third and final Test against Pakistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium yesterday. West Indies require 153 runs to win the third and first South Africa Test final Test after dismissing Pakistan for 208 in their second innings on the fourth day in Sharjah. Perth Reuters Australia team Shaun Marsh, David Warner, Usman ustralia have chosen the Khawaja, Steve Smith, Adam Voges, experience of Peter Sid- Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell dle over the potential of A Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Siddle, the uncapped Joe Mennie as their third seamer for the open- Nathan Lyon ing Test against South Africa, which starts today. complements the other guys. Captain Steve Smith "We've gone with Sidds on announced the team in his pre- this occasion and it's good to match news conference at the have him back after a fair injury WACA on Wednesday with layoff." Mennie the man to miss out Siddle joins Josh Hazlewood from the 12-man squad and left-armer Mitchell Starc announced last week. in the bowling attack and will Siddle, 31, played the last of be hoping for a WACA wicket his 61 tests against New Zea- with more pace and bounce land in Wellington in February than that prepared for the visit and proved he had recovered of West Indies last year. from the back injury that ruled With Starc also only having him out for much of the year by one Sheffield Shield match as playing for Victoria in the Shef- preparation after requiring sur- field Shield last week. gery on a nasty gash he suffered Mennie was a surprise in training in September, Aus- inclusion in the squad ahead of tralia's pace attack looks a little Jackson Bird having been part short on match fitness. of the bowling unit on the Smith said, however, that recent one-day tour of South Siddle and Starc had been Africa, where he took 0-82 on impressive in the WACA nets Brathwaite stands firm as debut as the tourists were this week. whitewashed 5-0. "They're quite fresh so they "They're both bowling might be able to sustain things well," Smith told reporters. a little bit longer than maybe "They're the sort of bowlers the medical staff would like Wi ndies eye rare win who can bowl consistent areas, them to," Smith added. "They're keep the runs down. I guess it fresh and ready to go."

Sharjah still needing 39 runs with five SCOREBOARD AFP wickets intact. Pakistan (I innings): 281 7-189, 8-192, 9-193. Brathwaite, who carried his Morkel fit as South Africa West Indies (I innings): 337 Bowling: Gabriel 15-1-36-0 (2nb; 1w); Joseph 14-3- kipper Jason Holder bat in the first innings with 142, Pakistan (II innings): 41-0 (5w); Holder 17.3-5-30-5; Brathwaite 1-0-5-0; took a maiden five- has so far added 47 runs for the Sami Aslam c Joseph b Holder 17 Chase 15-1-47-1; Bishoo 19-2-46-3. wicket haul and opener sixth wicket with Shane Dow- Azhar Ali c Bravo b Bishoo 91 West Indies (II innings): ponder four-prong attack Kraigg Brathwaite stood rich (36 not out) to lift West Asad Shafiq c Bravo b Holder 0 K Brathwaite (batting) 44 firm in a tense chase to Indies from a struggling 67-5. Younis Khan c Dowrich b Holder 0 L Johnson lbw Shah 12 Perth full fitness," he told reporters at Sbring West Indies in sight of a Brathwaite, who survived a Misbah-ul-Haq c Bishoo b Chase 4 D Bravo c Ahmed b Shah 3 Reuters the WACA. Sarfraz Ahmed c Bravo b Bishoo 42 M Samuels c Babar b Shah 10 consolation win in the third and bat-pad catch review on 43, has Mohammad Nawaz c Johnson b Bishoo 19 J Blackwood b Riaz 4 "He's been trying to do eve- final Test against Pakistan in hit four boundaries in another Mohammad Amir (run out 8 R Chase c Nawaz b Riaz 2 xperienced South African rything possible and he has Sharjah yesterday. resolute 88-ball knock, frustrat- Wahab Riaz c Johnson b Holder 1 S Dowrich (batting) 36 quick Morne Morkel has been bowling really well, so he Holder set his team -- with- ing Pakistan's bowling for a Yasir Shah lbw Holder 0 Extras (LB-2, NB-1) 3 Ebeen declared fit to face is definitely in contention." out a win in their last 13 Tests second time in the match. Zulfiqar Babar (not out 15 Total (for 5 wkts) 114 Australia in the first Test in Steyn is only six wickets

-- on the right path with a Dowrich has hit a six and Extras (B-2, LB-1, NB-2, W-6) 11 Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-35, 3-57, 4-63, 5-67. Perth as the tourists ponder away from surpassing Shaun

Total (all out) 208 Bowling: Amir 8-0-29-0 (1nb); Riaz 8-0-30-2; Shah career-best 5-30 to dismantle three boundaries for the West unleashing a four-strong pace Pollock as South Africa's most Fall of wickets: 1-37, 2-41, 3-41, 4-48, 5-134, 6-175, 13-4-30-3; Babar 3-1-3-0; Nawaz 4-0-20-0. Pakistan for 208, which gave the Indies. attack at the WACA. prolific test wicket taker and du West Indies a target of 153 in 135 Pakistan coach Mickey The Proteas have won on Plessis said he hoped the overs spread over four Arthur said "it could still go the West Indies had Pakistan not invaluable 86 for the fifth wicket their last two visits to the WACA 33-year-old would notch up his sessions. either way". dropped two catches in the first with Sarfraz Ahmed, who made on their way to series triumphs 422nd victim in Perth. When bad light forced clo- He added: "We are two three overs. 42. in Australia and are full of con- "Dale's got so much knowl- sure nine overs early on the wickets away from being With only a single scored, Nawaz helped Ali add fidence ahead of yesterday's edge inside of him and he's fourth and penultimate day, favourites and this can happen Johnson on nought edged another 41 for the sixth wicket start to the three-Test series. been brilliant," he said. Brathwaite was unbeaten on 44 in two balls. Mohammad Amir's fifth deliv- but fell to Bishoo, who finished Faf du Plessis, who is stand- "He's had his shoulder to anchor West Indies to 114-5, "We should have scored big ery of the innings to third slip, with 18 wickets in the series -- ing in as skipper for the injured problems of late but he's an in the first innings and a below where Pakistan skipper Misbah- the most by a West Indian AB de Villiers, declined to fol- important bowler for us in this par score of 281 left us play chas- ul-Haq grassed a simple catch. against Pakistan in a three- low his Australia counterpart series and, hopefully, he can ing games." Johnson again survived a slip match series. Steve Smith by naming his side stay strong right through the From 23 without loss, West catch on three when Sami Aslam Holder then removed the yesterday, leaving the hosts to series. We need him." 5/30 Indies slumped to 67-5 with leg- dropped another straightfor- tail, with wickets of Riaz (one) guess whether they would play Whether South Africa go West Indies skipper Jason spinner Yasir Shah (3-30) ward opportunity at first slip off and Yasir Shah (nought) to a spinner or not. with four quicks will probably Holder's bowling figures, dismissing Leon Johnson leg- a luckless Amir, hurting Paki- improve on his previous best of Dale Steyn is certain to depend on whether they think his maiden five-wicket before for 12, Darren Bravo stan's chances of early wickets. 3-15 against England at Barba- spearhead the pace attack with the WACA will offer its tradi- haul. caught behind for three and Earlier, Pakistan's chances dos in May last year. Vernon Philander and exciting tional pace and bounce or the Marlon Samuels caught in the of building a good lead ended Amir was foolishly run out youngster Kagiso Rabada likely batsman's paradise that was deep for 10 in the space of 13 when they slumped from 159-5 after watching the long-on to support him with the poten- produced for the visit of the balls. at lunch to lose their last five fielder Chase save a six and tial fourth spot going to Kyle West Indies last year. Paceman Wahab Riaz then wickets for just 49 runs. throwing at the bowler's end Abbott or Morkel. "It looked like it was a bit 13 had Jermaine Blackwood bowled Opener Azhar Ali fell nine with the batsman short of his Morkel played the last of his harder today," du Plessis said. Number of Tests West for four with a sharp incoming short of his 12th century when crease. 71 tests in January and has "The previous three days, it was Indies played without a delivery and Roston Chase he edged Bishoo in the slip after Pakistan lead the three- struggled with a back injury quite soft and green still." win, having lost 10 out of caught flicking by a jumping initially deciding to sweep the match series 2-0 after winning since but du Plessis said he was Groundsman Matt Page said last 13. Mohammad Nawaz for two to ball but later changing his mind. the first Test in Dubai by 56 runs ready to go. he thought it would be a strip bring Pakistan back in the game. He batted for 234 balls and and second by 133 runs in Abu "He has been working in keeping with the traditions It could have been worse for hit six fours and a six, adding an Dhabi. extremely hard to get back to of the ground. Sri Lanka end Zimbabwe's resistance to win first Test

Harare SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka players celebrate victory as Zimbabwe's CB Mpofu (left) Reuters is clean bowled during the fifth day of their first Test match in Sri Lanka (I innings): 537 Zimbabwe (II innings): Harare yesterday. Zimbabwe (I innings): 373 T Mawoyo lbw D Perera 37 ri Lanka ended Zimbabwe's Sri Lanka (II innings): B Chari b Kumara 10 day-long resistance seven D Karunaratne c&b Mpofu 110 H Masakadza lbw Lakmal 20 Sovers from the end of play K Silva b Mumba 7 C Ervine lbw D Perera 0 to grab victory by 225 runs on the K Perera c Masakadza b Waller 17 S Williams c de Silva b Herath 40 final day of the first test at the K Mendis c Cremer b Mumba 19 M Waller lbw Lakmal 0 Harare Sports Club yesterday. U Tharanga c Moor b Mumba 1 P Moor lbw Kumara 7 Zimbabwe were bowled for D de Silva c Waller b Mumba 64 G Cremer st K Perera b Herath 43 A Gunaratne (not out 16 D Tiripano lbw Herath 0 186 runs in their second innings D Perera (not out 1 C Mumba (not out 10 within sight of what would have Extras (B-6, LB-5, NB-1) 12 C Mpofu b D Perera 0 been a morale boosting draw. Total (for 6 wkts decl) 247 Extras (B-5, LB-13, W-1) 19 Sri Lanka's Dilruwan Perera Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-72, 3-111, 4-117, 5-211, 6-241. Total (all out) 186 and stand-in skipper Rangana Did not bat: R Herath, S Lakmal, L Kumara. Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-68, 3-74, 4-74, 5-74, 6-100, Herath took three wickets each Bowling: Mpofu 16-2-42-1; Cremer 14-0-67-0; Mumba 7-139, 8-145, 9-183, 10-186.

with Perera bowling out tailender 111.5-2-50-4; Tiripano 8-0-33-0; Waller 5-0-17-1; Wil- Bowling: Lakmal 24-6-43-2, Herath 30-13-38-3, Ku- liams 1-0-5-0; Masakadza 6-1-22-0. mara 19-3-45-2, D Perera 15.3-4-34-3, Mendis 2-1-8-0. Chris Mpofu in the 91st over of Zimbabwe's second innings to clinch victory despite a gallant second innings as expected at the Chari was bowled for 10 and they knock by captain Graeme Cre- start of the day on 247 for six, then lost four wickets in 23 balls mer, who followed up a first leaving a near-impossible target before lunch. Sean Williams' 40 innings century with a stubborn of 412 for hosts to win. took Zimbabwe to 136-6 at tea 43. Zimbabwe's openers saw off but he was dismissed in the first Sri Lanka declared their the first 16 overs before Brian over of the last session. THURSDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 29

Guardiola thrilled to beat 'world's City stun Barca, Ozil shines Paris before half-time. AFP A Kevin De Bruyne free-kick best' Barca gave City the lead six minutes anchester City got into the second half and, Manchester their revenge on although Andre Gomes rattled AFP Barcelona as Ilkay the bar for the visitors, the Pre- Gundogan scored mier League side were on top anchester City man- twice in a 3-1 win and they secured the victory ager Pep Guardiola Min the Champions League on thanks to Germany midfielder Mexpressed his pride Tuesday, while Arsenal were one Gundogan's second of the night. after his side overwhelmed of four sides to secure progress Barcelona remain top of his former club Barcelona 3-1 to the last 16. Group C and need only draw in a classy Champions League Pep Guardiola's side had lost away to Celtic in their next game victory on Tuesday. 4-0 away in Barcelona two to progress, while City now know Barcelona had won all weeks ago but they showed tre- a win away to Borussia five of the previous meetings mendous character to come from Moenchengladbach next time out between the teams, knocking a goal down and beat the Span- will take them through. City out of the Champions ish champions 3-1 at the Etihad In Germany, Celtic kept their League in 2013-14 and Stadium. hopes of at least snatching third Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen dives for the ball as Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne 2014-15. The inevitable Lionel Messi place and a Europa League spot scores their second goal from a free kick during their UEFA Champions League match at Etihad "They had an amazing 30 put the visitors in front at the end alive as they came from behind Stadium in Manchester, England on Tuesday. minutes. We had a lot of of a stunning breakaway with his to draw 1-1 with Gladbach at problems, but our first goal 90th Champions League goal. Borussia-Park. helped us a lot," said Guardi- However, City pounced on a Lars Stindl put the hosts chipped goalkeeper Milan Bor- UEFA Champions Bayern came from behind to ola, who led Barcelona to 14 Sergi Roberto mistake as ahead in the first half but Moussa jan and cut inside two defenders League beat PSV Eindhoven 2-1 at the major trophies between 2008 Raheem Sterling set up Gun- Dembele levelled from the spot before slotting in from close Philips Stadion after Santiago and 2012. dogan to equalise six minutes on 76 minutes with a penalty range. Arsene Wenger's side are Despite the loss, Arias put the Dutch champions "In the second half we after he had been fouled by through from Group A with two in front early on. Barcelona remain top created a lot of counter- Julian Korb, who was sent off. games to spare, as are Paris Saint- Robert Lewandowski got UEFA Champions of Group C and need attacks. I am so happy for the League Mesut Ozil scored a stunning Germain, who won 2-1 away to both goals for Bayern, the first guys. It is the first time we winner as Arsenal fought back Basel in Switzerland with a dra- only a draw away to from a penalty, and also hit the have beaten the best team in Tuesday's r esults: from two goals down to beat matic late winner of their own. Celtic. woodwork three times for Carlo the world." Group A Ludogorets 3-2 in Sofia and Blaise Matuidi's opener for the Ancelotti's men. "The first few minutes we Ludogorets 2 - 3 Arsenal secure their place in the last 16 French champions was cancelled Arsenal, PSG, Bayern It is all to play for in Group played really well. It's a Basel 1 - 2 Paris Saint-Germain for the 17th season in succession. out when a Luca Zuffi cross sailed Munich and Athletico B, where Benfica beat Dynamo shame that after the error we Group B Jonathan Cafu put the Bulgarian in, but Thomas Meunier volleyed Madrid are all through Kiev 1-0 to keep qualification in made for the first goal, from Besiktas 1 - 1 Napoli champions ahead and then set in a stunning goal to win it at the to final 16. their hands. Eduardo Salvio them on we had a bad time," Benfica 1 - 0 Dynamo Kiev up Claudiu Keseru to make it 2-0 death. scored a penalty for the Portu- he said, after seeing City trim Group C to Ludogorets inside quarter of Last season's runners-up guese giants before Junior his side's Group C lead to two Borussia Moenchengladbach an hour. Atletico Madrid and German over Rostov at the Vicente Moraes had a spot-kick saved at points. 1 - 1Celtic 1 However, Granit Xhaka and champions Bayern Munich also Calderon. the other end. "They have top-quality Manchester City 3 - 1 Barcelona Olivier Giroud scored to haul the qualified for the last 16 on Tues- France star Griezmann had Earlier, Napoli came back to players and we couldn't con- Group D Gunners back level before the day from Group D. Atletico still put Atletico ahead on 28 min- draw 1-1 with Besiktas in Istan- trol the game in the same Atletico Madrid 2 - 1 Rostov break, before Ozil's fine solo have maximum points after utes but Rostov looked set to bul, Marek Hamsik netting after way. The result reflects that," PSV Eindhoven 1 - 2 Bayern Munich 2 effort won it two minutes from Antoine Griezmann's stoppage- escape with a point after Iranian Ricardo Quaresma's penalty for said Guardiola. time. The German ran through, time goal secured a 2-1 victory Sardar Azmoun equalised. the Turkish side. Bundesliga bosses accused of 'favouritism'

Berlin Borussia, 11th in Germany's AFP top flight, are struggling for form and are winless in their last four orussia Moenchengladbach German league games. have accused Bundesliga "I have to say, what were the Bbosses of favouritism league thinking giving a Cham- towards Bayern Munich as they pions League side a game directly face a successive Friday night on a Friday?" Max Eberl, Glad- match, three days after a mid- bach's director of sport, asked week game in Europe. magazine Kicker. Gladbach were held to a 1-1 "That would never happen to draw home to Celtic in the Cham- Bayern Munich. I have never pions League on Tuesday and heard of Bayern playing on a Fri- play Hertha Berlin away in a key day after a Champions League Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann (right) celebrates after scoring against FC Rostov during their UEFA Champions League match at the Bundesliga match tomorrow. game. Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain on Tuesday. It is the second time in quick Following their Champions succession Gladbach have been League draw Gladbach remain given a short turn-around by the third in Group C, three points German Football League (DFL) behind Manchester City, who Borrusia Moenchengladbach's Lars Stindl and his team- Fired-up Atletico determined after they drew 0-0 with Frank- they host in three weeks' time in furt last Friday -- three days after a must-win clash, the Germans mates celebrate scoring a goal against Celtic during their to claim European glory a German Cup win home to are still mathematically in con- UEFA Champions League match at Borrusia-Park Stadium in Stuttgart. tention for qualification. Moenchengladbach, Germany on Tuesday.

Madrid "In Atletico we always Reuters appreciate these types of wins," said defender Filipe Luis. "It Ranieri and tletico Madrid's last-gasp often happens. Mourinho set to discover fate 2-1 win over Rostov on Atletico have evolved from Coleman take on A Tuesday which sealed a being built on defence and place in the Champions League counter-attacks to a fluid, com- for sending-off against Burnley super-coaches last 16 was the latest demon- plete team with an ability to stration that Diego Simeone's hammer opponents, demon- for FIFA title side are even more determined strated in La Liga by a 7-1 London to win the trophy that has twice victory over Granada in mid- AFP slipped from their grasp. October and Saturday's 4-2 win Zurich After losing to Real Madrid against Malaga. anchester United man- AFP in the final last season on pen- They have also retained a ager Jose Mourinho alties and in extra-time in 2014, knack for winning testing M(pictured) could dis- eicester's Claudio Rani- Atletico have got stronger in the games by the tightest of mar- cover today if he has been given eri, Wales boss Chris competition, winning all four gins, particularly in the a touchline ban after he was sent LColeman and Portugal's of their Group D games so far Champions League, where they to the stands during last week- Fernando Santos are on with only Leicester City match- have beaten all of their oppo- end's goalless draw home to FIFA's 10 men shortlist for ing their 100 percent record. nents a solitary goal. Burnley. coach of the year against the Simeone's men had beaten "We have more alternatives The Portuguese, no stranger managers of Europe's major Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven this season," said midfielder to disciplinary hearings during club and international sides. and Rostov 1-0 but Tuesday's Koke, who has taken a more his two spells at Chelsea, had Ranieri, Coleman and dramatic late win over the Rus- central role after being used on until Monday to respond to a Santos could not have sians was the closest they have the left wing in previous cam- separate Football Association Darmian denied what the United touchline ban, as well as a fine, expected at the start of the come to dropping points, need- paigns. "We were hard to charge of misconduct over com- boss felt was a penalty. if the FA find he used insulting year to be taking on super- ing a 94th minute Antoine predict last season too, but now ments about referee Anthony United finished the match and/or abusive language coaches such as Manchester Griezmann goal to snatch we are even more varied." Taylor ahead of United's recent with 10 men after midfielder towards referee Mark Clatten- City's Pep Guardiola, Barce- victory. Atletico top the group on 12 goalless draw against arch- Ander Herrera was sent off in a burg at Old Trafford. lona's Luis Enrique or The Frenchman, who points with two games remain- rivals Liverpool. result that added to the grow- If Mourinho appeals and that Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp for opened the scoring just before ing and will battle it out with But Saturday's incident at ing pressure on Mourinho, with appeal fails, he could be side- the best coach gong. the half-hour mark to end a run Bayern, who have nine, for top Old Trafford threatens to land the Red Devils without a win in lined from the dug-out for two France coach Didier Des- of five games without a goal spot and seeded status in the Mourinho with a far more severe four league games and eight games. champs, Tottenham Hotspur's before Azmoun quickly equal- last 16 draw. Next they host PSV punishment. points behind the leaders. Mourinho failed to attend Mauricio Pochettino, Atletico ised, thought his winner had then visit Bayern, who they beat Mourinho was sent to the While a fine appears the the post-match press confer- Madrid's Diego Simeone and been ruled out for offside and in September, on December 6 stands at half-time for protest- most likely penalty for his com- ence that followed the Burnley Real Madrid's Champions had to wait before wildly Atletico determined to claim the ing too vehemently to the ments about Taylor, Mourinho draw, with assistant Rui Faria League winner Zinedine celebrating. Champions League prize officials, having seen Matteo could be hit with a one-match speaking to reporters instead. Zidane make up the list. 30 SPORT THURSDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2016 QSL: Four-star Al Sadd hammer Al Shahaniya

The Peninsula QATAR STARS aptain Xavi Hernan- LEAGUE dez lead from the Yesterday's results front as former Al Khor 2 - 2 Lekhwiya champions Al Sadd yesterday crushed Al Sadd 4 - 0 Al Shahaniya C Al Shahaniya 4-0 at Grand Al Sailiya 4 - 6 El Jaish Hamad Stadium. Al Rayyan 2 - 1 Al Ahli Baghdad Bounedjah (6 and 78), Xavi (36) and Ali Asad (69) Kei Nishikori scored the four goals for Al Sadd who dominated from the first minute. After snapping pictures Al Shahaniya's Edu Nishikori advances with fans on his way into the Grand Hamad Stadium, Barca Eduardo Santos legend and Al Sadd Xavi skip- (left) vies for the ball into Paris Masters per got down to business end possession against Al of things the moment the ref- Sadd's Pedro during eree blew the whistle at their Qatar Stars third round kick-off time. League match In the 4th minute, the played at Paris eagle-eyed Xavi spotted Grand Reuters Abdulkareem Hassan on the Hamad left flank and chipped in a long Stadium apan's Kei Nishikori cruised into the Paris Mas- ball. The Qatar under-23 skip- yesterday. ters third round with a 6-2, 7-5 win against per slipped a low ball but Al Lekhwiya's JSerbian Viktor Troicki as the race for places at Shahanhiya goalkeeper Chico Flores the ATP Tour Finals gathered pace yesterday. pounced the shot to thwart the vies for the ball The fifth seed, one of six players to have early danger. with an Al Khor already qualified for the season-ending finals in A couple of minutes later, beautiful ball for Bounedjah - flicked the ball above the player during London, breezed through the first set and quickly Al Shahaniya goalkeeper Kha- who successfully produced a crossbar with a diving effort. their QSL match broke in the second. lifa Nasser Al Dosari snap-header into the Al Sha- Nine minutes from the first played at Al A lapse in concentration by the Japanese, how- committed a schoolboy error haniya net - but the linesman half, Al Sadd doubled their Khor Stadium ever, allowed world number 28 Troicki to break and brought down Al Sadd's declared the effort as off-side lead. yesterday. back but Nishikori broke again to end the contest Bounedjah inside his own box. in the 18th minute. Hassan, despite being in straight sets. Referee Abdulrahman I Al- Showing food form, Xavi shadowed by an Al Shahaniya He will next face either local favourite Jo-Wil- Jassim quickly pointed to the produced a long-range missile defender, slipped in a neat ball fried Tsonga, the 11th seed, or Albert spot kick and Bounedjah eas- but his well-taken shot was to Xavi who took first-time aim Ramos-Vinolas of Spain. ily converted the penalty to parried away by goalkeeper Al at the goal and scored his side's The world's top two players, Novak Djokovic give the former champions the Dosari in the 20th minute. second goal with relative calm. and Andy Murray are in action later on Wednes- lead in the 6th minute. Three minutes later, Al After dominating the first day as well as world number three Stan Wawrinka In the 15th minute, Xavi Dosari produced another spec- half, Al Sadd added two more who is closing proceedings on centre court. missed an open-goal oppor- tacular punching effort when goals in the second half. Croatian Marin Cilic set up a third-round clash tunity as he fired wide from Ibrahim Majed curled in a Asad scored in the 69th with Belgium's David Goffin as both battle for one about five meters from the beautifully taken free-kick. minute while Bounedjah of two remaining spots for the Nov. 13-20 ATP goal-line inside the Al Sha- A minute later, Xavi once scored his second in the 78th event at the 02. haniya box. again fired a curling ball minute as Al Sadd picked up Cilic, ninth in the Race to London, beat com- Retaining his team's early towards the Al Shahaniya net three points from the round six patriot Ivo Karlovic 7-6(7), 6-2 while Goffin, who momentum, Xavi curled in a but goalkeeper Al Dosari clash. is 11th with an outside chance of qualifying, beat France's Nicolas Mahut 7-6(5), 6-3. Dominic Thiem's chances of taking part in the London showdown, took a big blow when the Aus- Five points to ponder for trian, eighth in the Race, lost 6-2, 6-4 to American India pick uncapped all-rounder Jack Sock in the second round in Paris. India vs England Former world number one Rafa Nadal is sev- ENGLAND IN A SPIN enth in the Race but has ended his season and will After their top order was bamboozled by Bangladeshi rookie Me- Pandya for England series not play in the Tour finals. hedi Hasan, England now have to contend with the world's number one spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin. Their top five all averaged less ATP PARIS MASTERS RESULTS Mumbai Hardik Pandya than 25 in the two Tests and none of them looked comfortable AFP Second Round: against Hasan, who took 19 wickets. Gary Ballance's place looks Kei Nishikori (JPN x5) bt Viktor Troicki (SRB) 6-2, 7-5 particularly vulnerable after scoring just 23 runs during the series. ardik Pandya received David Goffin (BEL x8) bt Nicolas Mahut (FRA) 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 With Ashwin and a much-improved Ravindra Jadeja guaranteed a his first call-up to Marin Cilic (CRO x9) bt Ivo Karlovic (CRO) 7-6 (9/7), 6-2

place, India's selectors will be tempted to call up veteran Amit HIndia's Test squad yes- Lucas Pouille (FRA x13) bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 6-7 (1/7), 6-3, 6-4 Mishra as part of a three-pronged spin attack. terday for next week's start of Jack Sock (USA) bt Dominic Thiem (AUT x6) 6-2, 6-4 a series against England after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x11) bt Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) 6-3, 6-4 OFF THE PACE selectors said the brash all- Ben Stokes impressed with 11 wickets but England's pacemen were rounder had shown signs of otherwise disappointing in Bangladesh, doing little to dispel the mellowing. suspicion they will struggle without their totem Jimmy Anderson in Four spinners were also India. Anderson took more wickets than any other pace bowler on included in the squad for the Konta dominates to either side when England won the 2012 series in India. His long- first two matches of the series, time partner Stuart Broad should win his 100th Test cap in Rajkot with India keen to exploit guarantee top-10 spot but has a poor record on the sub-continent. England's recent struggles in Bangladesh where they lost OPEN SEASON the second Test on a sharply Beijing Despite their impressive 3-0 clean sweep over New Zealand in their turning pitch. AFP Test series, India still have some nagging concerns -- particularly their The 23-year-old Pandya lack of a reliable opening partnership. Despite trying out five different has earned a reputation in Gambhir retained his place in ritain's Johanna India Squad (pictured) combinations in their last 14 Tests, India have failed to record a cen- Indian cricket circles for the squad after being called Konta showmanship, with his exu- up for the last Test against will finish the year tury stand at top of the order in that time. Shikhar Dhawan has scored Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, B berant onfield celebrations New Zealand following a two- inside the world top 10 for a solitary fifty in his last eight Tests and his place is in jeopardy. Mu- Gautam Gambhir, Cheteshwar Pujara, and swagger off the pitch year gap. the first time after cruis- Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha rali Vijay looks best placed to nail down a slot despite scoring just 45 having proved a turn-off for Meanwhile the openers ing to victory over Sam runs in his last four innings against New Zealand. selectors in the past. (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Karun Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Stosur on day two of the But after taking three Nair, Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Rahul and middle order bats- WTA Elite Trophy in BOGEY TEAM? wickets in his ODI debut last Mishra, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Shar- man Rohit Sharma were China yesterday. It's the best part of a decade since India's last series victory over month against New Zealand, ma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Ya- omitted with injuries. The top seed, 25, defeated the former US Open England, and Mishra is the only member of the line-up back in he has now earned himself a dav, Jayant Yadav. Sharma sustained an winner 6-4, 6-2 in Zhuhai in her first time back those heady days of 2008 expected to play in Rajkot. Star batsman place in the squad for a injury to his upper thigh dur- on court since withdrawing from the Hong Kong Virat Kohli was among those who struggled when India toured keenly-awaited series against first Test beginning in Rajkot ing the ODI series against Open with an abdominal injury last month. England in 2014, scoring just 134 runs in five Tests at an average of Alastair Cook's England side. on November 9 is expected to New Zealand and is expected "Against a player like Sam, who plays such a 13.40. Ashwin meanwhile took just three wickets in two Tests be- Chairman of selectors be laden with spinners. to be sidelined for six to eight big ball and has such a big game, I really had to fore being dropped. MSK Prasad acknowledged The selection of the weeks with surgery expected, do my best to stay there for every single point and Pandya had a reputation for uncapped Jayant Yadav meaning he will miss the take my chances whenever they came," Konta DECISION REVIEW SYSTEM being "a bit hyper" but had alongside Ravichandran Ash- whole series. said after the decisive win in the $2.2 million The series will be the first India has agreed to play using the deci- begun to mature under the win, Ravindra Jadeja and Amit Rahul missed the last two round-robin tournament. sion review system (DRS), albeit on a trial basis. India's board says mentorship of former skip- Mishra means India could Tests and the ODIs against In the day's other matches, world number 18 its previous doubts have been largely addressed by improvements per Rahul Dravid who is now play as many as four spinners New Zealand because of a Timea Bacsinszky came back from a loss to Chi- in technology. But the Bangladesh-England series highlighted how coach of India's A side. although Yadav is not hamstring injury, while Dha- na's Zhang Shuai to dominate Hungary's Timea TV replays can become a double-edged sword by undermining While Pandya will give expected to make the start- wan missed the third Test and Babos 6-4, 6-2. umpires' confidence. India more options for pace ing XI. the limited-overs contests In the day's last matchup, Czech Petra Kvi- bowling, their line-up for the Veteran opener Gautam after breaking his thumb. tova defeated Roberta Vinci of Italy, 6-1, 6-2. THURSDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 31

Qatar’s show jumping star To be part of (the Tour) is No better place than great and the series is great Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani for show jumping. The is seen in action in this file locations are fantastic - it's photo Doha for Indian really what the sport was needing. It’s really raised the football’s Asian sport's profile. It’s fantastic to be a part of it. revival: Chhetri Scott Brash (GBR) 2013 and 2014 Longines Global The Peninsula champions Tour Champion, 2015 Runner-up, 2012 Olympic ndia’s most capped player and all-time lead- gold medallist ing scorer Sunil Chhetri believes he can I reignite his special bond with Qatar, as he l try to ride at as many events as seeks to script Indian footballing history with his possible. It’s a great Tour - not only with club, Bengaluru FC, in the AFC Cup final in the a lot of prize money, it’s in great places, “appropriate setting” of Doha. there’s great sport. India’s star forward and former captain, who scored two goals in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Christian Ahlmann (GER) Qatar, will lead out the I-League champions as 2011 FEI World Cup Final they seek to become the first team from India to winner, 2013 Longines win an Asian title since 1962. Global Champions Tour Bengaluru will take to the field against Iraq’s Runner-Up Al Quwa Al Jawiya in Saturday’s final at the Qatar SC Stadium. Speaking to www.sc.qa hours before flying out to Doha, the 32-year-old forward, who has scored 51 goals in 91 international caps, said that Qatar’s Indian community – the largest expatri- ate group residing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup host nation – will help his side create history for Indian football in their adopted homeland. “Bengaluru reaching the AFC Cup final in the host country of the 2022 World Cup, and hope- fully winning it, has signalled the beginning of the revival of Indian football as an Asian power,” Pressure makes said Chhetri, who has plied his trade in the reserve team of Portuguese giants Sporting Lis- bon and in the MLS for the Kansas City Wizards. The Indian national team last won the Asian Games title in 1962, and were runners-up in the AFC Asian Cup two years later. Edwina perfect But no side from the country has managed to reach an Asian final since then, until the club from the southern metropolis defeated defend- ing champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) of Rizwan Rehmat has a tally of 272.00 points Malaysia in the semi-finals – and Chhetri is rel- The Peninsula Longines Global whereas Edwina is behind ishing the prospect of the final. Champions Tour at 267.00 “There is no better place in Asia for this ompeting under Edwina Alxander- "Either one of us will be revival to begin than in Doha, which will host pressure makes Tops is chasing first or second. The last event the next Asian World Cup,” he explained. Edwina Alxan- points leader Rolf- we had in Vienna was quite “We’ve already reached out to the Indian der-Tops a better Göran Bengtsson of exciting. But the points community in Doha and have begun receiving rider. At least haven't changed at all," such warm responses promising support for the Swedne. Bengtsson Cthat's how the Australian Edwina said. final.” has a tally of show jumping star feels "I think some people “I am confident our fellow-Indians living in going into this week's sea- 272.00 points. perform better under pres- Doha will turn up at the Qatar SC Stadium in son finale of the Longines sure. Hopefully that day will large numbers on 5 November. I would like to Global Champions Tour Australian show be coming on Saturday," she tell them that our appearance in the final is not (LGCT). jumping star is the said. just about the city of Bengaluru or the province "I think in any sport winner of the LGCT Winner of the LGCT titles of Karnataka. there is pressure involved. titles in 2011 and in 2011 and 2012, Edwina “It is about India and its revival in Asian foot- For me, I work well under 2012. feels she is part of an elite ball in your adopted homeland, which will host pressure. I like pressure," group of riders doing what the next Asian World Cup.” Edwina, 42, said. they do best. Chhetri scored two goals in Bengaluru’s 3-1 "I think it wouldn't be "This whole year has "I compete 46 weekends second leg win at home in the semi-finals against exciting if there wasn't any been a busy. It has been a a year. Ninety percent of this Edwina Alxander-Tops JDT, which sealed an aggregate 4-2 triumph. pressure. Of course at the priority to focus on the Glo- events are five-star. I have Chhetri concluded by saying that he would end of the day, it is not bal Tour. Like I said my been competing like this be looking to pass the wealth of experience won about just winning the prize horse is in fantastic shape. almost 10 years now," Champions Tour, you have continuously pushing for over an unparalleled career on to his team-mates money it is also about I think - like I said before - Edwina said. the top 30 riders competing better results. as they look to create more history for India. prestige. it is going to be a very "When you are fortunate in the world. So it is not easy "I am trying to be bet- “We are hoping we will give other teams a "At the end of the day exciting time this week," she enough to compete always to win. Everybody is going ter than everybody. Of real fight in the 2022 qualifiers. We will get some- you cannot buy that. There's explained. at the highest level, then it faster and finding quicker course everybody has good thing close to a home ambience in a World Cup a lot of work that goes into Edwina is chasing points too takes your level up. You turns. That what makes our days and bad days and at if we qualify – it will almost be like playing a it," the popular Australian leader Rolf-Göran Bengts- also know that these events events very exciting and it the end of the day the horse World Cup in India. We will be a determined lot rider said. son of Swedne. Bengtsson are exciting." On the Global makes the rider is the athlete. But you have come 2019.” to know the horse really Chhetri’s Bengaluru take on Al Quwa Al Jaw- well. It never gets boring. iya at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha It's a passion. That's what on November 5. The match kicks-off at 7pm. keeps us going. If it was too easy and then we wouldn't have so many riders in our sport. Our sport has grown over the years, it has pushed the envelope. At the end of the day, most of the riders want to be in the top 30," she said. Sheilkh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani, Qatar's premier rider, said he will be hoping to reach the Games in Tokyo in 2020. Action from last year's Longines Global "After Rio we are target- Champions Tour Championship at Al ting the next Olympics. We Shaqab Equestrian Centre. are preparing for it," Sheikh Ali said. "We will keep enhancing our preparations and we will adopt new ways Al Shaqab provides perfect backdrop for Tour of doing it. We always want to compete with the best. The Peninsula to preserve and perpetuate the Ara- Hassan Mohammed, are increasingly "We aspire to reach new bian horse in Qatar. It has since prominent on the international show heights. We will be ready as oha, Qatar will once again host developed into a major international jumping stage. Al Shaqab will be the individual riders and as the Longines Global Champi- equestrian facility encompassing mul- impressive final stage of the 2016 teams for the next Games," D ons Tour Championship finale tiple equine disciplines. Championship and Global Champions he said. and the Global Champions League Qatar, a destination which joined League - a fitting position for this top When asked about being finale at the prestigious state-of-the- the Tour in 2008, has continued to quality, cutting-edge venue. asked to carry the national art Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre. build on its reputation as a global If the final this year is anything like flag of Qatar at the opening The electrifying climax to the sea- sports destination and a hub for major 2015, when Portugal's Luciana Diniz ceremony of the Olympic son at Al Shaqab, a world-class international sporting occasions. Lead- won the title following a nail-biting Games at Rio 2016, he said: equestrian facility and part of the Qatar ing events like the final of the Longines three-horse race between herself, Scott "That was a great moment Foundation, will take place from today. Global Champions Tour have been part Brash and Rolf-Goran Bengtsson, the of pride for me. I carried a Al Shaqab was established as part of of this evolution and Qatari national culmination of this revolutionary sea- huge responsibility. I was India’s most capped player and all-time Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin riders, including Sheikh Ali bin Khalid son is sure to be a tense affair that even more excited in the Khalifa Al Thani's vision and passion Al Thani and Bassem comes right down to the wire. equestrian field as a result leading scorer Sunil Chhetri is seen in actionin of that responsibility." this file photo.