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Tuesday, November 20, 2018 TENNIS Rabia I 12, 1440 AH Djokovic sets sights GULF TIMES on 2019 after ‘phenomenal’ year SPORT Page 3 SPOTLIGHT Qatar shooters on gold spree at Arab event

Qatar’s women’s and men’s teams pose with their medals after winning the team skeet titles in the 14th Arab Shooting Championships yesterday. At bottom, individual gold winner in skeet Masoud Saleh Hamad. PICTURES: Ramchand

By Sports Reporter training again and contested in the Masoud maintained pressure on the rah Mohamed, the overnight leader, 2. Kuwait (Abdullah Alrashidi 118, Doha Asian championship in Kuwait, which 2016 Asian championship silver win- were on the top after the qualifying Mansour Alrashidi 115, Abdulaziz was my fi rst event,” Masoud said. ner from Kuwaiti and led 51-49 after series with 109 each. They then were Alsaad 113) “The Arab championship is my sec- six more hits. Habib struck all the last involved in a shoot-off to decide the 3. Oman (Mohamed al-Gharibi 113, Ya- atar skeet shooters teamed ond competition. Big names like al- four to get to 53. There was a bit of dra- number one qualifi er, an honour which sir al-Nasseri 113, Naghmush al-Hattali up to help the country bag Rashidi, al-Attiyah, Habib and Rashid ma when Hamad failed once in his fi rst eventually went to the Kuwaiti. 110) three gold, one silver and Saleh were all competing and I’m really two shots. But he controlled himself Al-Shamaa kept her consistency in Qtwo bronze medals in the thrilled to have won this high-quality admirably and fi red both the fi nal tar- the fi nals and won her second skeet Women’s skeet (individual) 14th Arab Shooting Championships event. I’m quite confi dent now and gets to emerge as the champion. title with a 48-43 victory of al-Shar- 1. Eman Alshamaa (Kuwait) 109+2 & 48 yesterday. will work hard towards getting a place Rashid Saleh Hamad was pleased shani. 2. Reem al-Sharshani (Qatar) 103 & 43 At the Losail Shooting Complex, in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games,” he with the team’s gold and his individual 3. Sarah Mohamed (Qatar) 109+1 & 35 former Asian Games champion Ma- said. bronze medal. “It was a tough compe- RESULTS soud Saleh Hamad of Qatar won the Earlier in the day, Masoud survived a tition. The strong winds made it even Men’s skeet (individual) Women’s Skeet (team) men’s individual skeet gold as Qatar three-way shoot-off to make it to the tougher. But I managed to get two 1. Masoud Saleh Hamad (Qatar) 116+1 1. Qatar 318 (Sarah Mohamed 109, also won the men’s and women’s skeet top six after being tied with Habib and medals. I have lots of local and inter- & 54 (finals) Hajar Mohameed 106, Reem al-Shar- team titles. skeet after a gap of two years, defeated Abdulaziz al-Attiyah, younger broth- national competitions lined up and I 2. Saud Habib (Kuwait) 116+2 & 53 shani 103) Qatar’s woman shooter Reem al- World Cup bronze medallist Saud Ha- er of Rio Olympics bronze medallist will be putting in my best to ensure my 3. Rashid Saleh Hamad (Qatar) 118+2 2. Kuwait 299 (Eman Alshamaa 109, Sharshani fi nished second behind bib of Kuwait (54-53) in the fi nal. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah, at 116 each. entry into the third Olympic Games in & 42 Fatema Alzaabi 95, Shaikhah al-Rash- Kuwait’s Eman al-Shamaa in the in- “I’m very happy with this vic- From there he continued his surge. Tokyo in 2020.” Men’s skeet (team) idi 95) dividual skeet event. Sarah Mohamed tory. I just returned to the range after When the last 10 shots were left to de- In the women’s section, al-Shamaa, 1. Qatar 350 (Nasser al-Attiyah 119, 3. Oman 222 (Fatma al-Sulaimi 87, came third. two years. I was away from it due to cide the champion, he was one target the 2016 Asian championship bronze Rashid Saleh Hamad 118, Saeed Abush- Wahba al-Malki 75, Zahra al-Mahrouki Masoud, who was taking part in my work commitments. But I started ahead of Habib. medal winner from Kuwait, and Sa- arib 113) 60)

CRICKET/ABU DHABI TEST Dramatic Pakistan collapse gives NZ thrilling 4-run win AJAZ PATEL CLAIMS 5/59 AS KIWIS TRIUMPH BY THE FIFTH-SMALLEST MARGIN IN TERMS OF RUNS

AFP Abu Dhabi SCORECARD NEW ZEALAND 1ST INNINGS 153 Babar Azam run out 13 ebutant spinner Ajaz Pa- (K.Williamson 63, H. Nicholls 28; Yasir Sarfraz A c Watling b Patel 3 Shah 3-54) tel took fi ve wickets to lead a Bilal Asif b Patel 0 never-say-die approach from PAKISTAN 1ST INNINGS 227 (Babar Yasir Shah c Taylor b Wagner 0 New Zealand as they pulled off Azam 62, Asad Shafiq 43; T. Boult 4-54) Da thrilling four-run win over an indisci- H Ali c sub (Southee) b Patel 0 NEW ZEALAND 2ND INNINGS 249 (BJ plined Pakistan in the fi rst Test in Abu Watling 59, H. Nicholls 55, Hasan Ali Mohamed Abbas not out 0 Dhabi yesterday Defending a modest 176-run target, 5-45, Yasir Shah 5-110) Extras: (b 4) 4 New Zealand bowlers led by Patel (5- PAKISTAN 2ND INNINGS Total: (all out; 58.4 overs) 171 59), fast bowler Neil Wagner (2-27) and (overnight 37-0) Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Imam), 2-44 (Ha- Ish Sodhi (2-37) bowled out Pakistan Imam-ul-Haq lbw b Patel 27 feez), 3-48 (Sohail), 4-130 (Shafiq), 5-147 for 171 on a drama-packed fourth day at Mohamed Hafeez c de (Azam), 6-154 (Sarfraz), 7-154 (Asif), Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Grandhomme b Sodhi 10 8-155 (Yasir), 9-164 (Hasan) Azhar Ali lbw b Patel 65 Bowling: Boult 7-0-29-0, de Grand- homme 3-0-15-0, Patel 23.4-4-59-5, Haris Sohail c & b Sodhi 4 Sodhi 12-0-37-2, Wagner 13-4-27-2 A Shafiq c Watling b Wagner 45 Result: New Zealand won by four runs arm spinner Patel in the fi fth over. In skipper Sarfraz Ahmed fell for a second the sixth, Sodhi had Mohamed Hafeez time sweeping Patel, this time gloving caught in the covers and then three balls the ball to Watling. later held on to a return catch low to his Bilal Asif tried to slog a straight ball New Zealand cricketers celebrate after beating Pakistan in the first Test in Abu Dhabi yesterday. At left, man of the match left as Haris Sohail drove a full toss back from Patel and was bowled leaving Pa- Ajaz Patel with his trophy. at him. Pakistani nerves were eased kistan 154 for seven, still 22 runs short by the sight of Azhar and Asad Shafi q of victory. The earlier measure at the It is the fi fth smallest win in terms not an easy one. There was considerable down the 176 they needed for victory carefully rebuilding the innings with a crease had been replaced by chaos. In of runs in Test cricket history and gives turn from day one and all the spinners although New Zealand will have taken fourth wicket partnership of 82. the next over Wagner had Yasir Shah New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the three- bowled well.” some hope from Pakistan’s failure at Shafi q made a cultured 45, becoming caught in the slips and then Hasan Ali match series. “The attitude, certainly Azhar Ali fought a lone battle for Pa- the same ground last year to chase 136 the 11th Pakistani to reach 4,000 runs in attempted a slog-sweep off Patel, pick- today and throughout the game, was kistan with 65 and was the last man out against Sri Lanka. Kiwi spinners Patel Test cricket, but his dismissal in the last ing out substitute fi elder Tim Southee brilliant,” said New Zealand captain when he was trapped leg-before wicket and Ish Sodhi opened the bowling and over before lunch, edging Neil Wagner on the midwicket boundary. Kane Williamson who now has nine by Patel. He reviewed Bruce Oxenford’s immediately caused problems as Pa- to wicketkeeper BJ Watling, changed Azhar then tried to inch Pakistan wins in his 18 Tests in charge. decision but the television replays up- kistan lost three wickets in the fi rst six the game as Pakistan lost their fi nal across the line, farming the strike from “How those two bowlers Ajaz and held the decision. overs. seven wickets for just 41. After lunch, Mohamed Abbas. But with fi ve runs still Wagner bowled, for almost 20 overs, Resuming on 37 without loss, Paki- Imam-ul-Haq was trapped leg-be- Babar Azam ran himself out for 13, the needed to win Patel found the delivery was brilliant. We knew the surface was stan began the day as favourites to chase fore for 27 to a full length ball by left- guilty party in a mix-up with Azhar and to win the match for New Zealand. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, November 20, 2018 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Smith, Warner bans to be reviewed this week: Reports Tense victory a ‘good Sydney: Steve Smith and David Warner could have their one-year bans from international and state cricket reduced or adjusted after a review by the board of Cricket Australia (CA) this week, local media reports said yesterday. advertisement’ for Test Former Test captain Smith and vice-captain Warner were handed the bans by CA after the ball-tampering scandal earlier this year and are not scheduled to resume playing at the top level until the end of March 2019. Batsman Cam- cricket: Williamson eron Bancroft was handed a nine-month ban for his part in the aff air and is scheduled to ‘I think the fighting attributes of this team really shone through’ return to action at the end of December. AFP The Australian Cricket- Abu Dhabi ers’ Association have always contested the bans were overly-harsh and have con- ew Zealand skipper Kane Wil- tinued to push for all three to liamson praised his team’s be able to return to repre- never-say-die approach and sentative cricket immediately. described a tension-packed Those calls intensified after Nnarrow four-run win over Pakistan in a cultural review into Cricket the fi rst match yesterday a “good ad- Australia last month that vertisement for Test cricket.” suggested that the culture New Zealand defended a modest fostered in the game by the 176-run target, courtesy of 5-59 by left- governing body had contrib- arm spinner Ajaz Patel in his fi rst Test uted to the incident in a test and two wickets each by fast bowler against South Africa. Neil Wagner and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi That review led to the which bundled Pakistan out for 171 on resignation of chairman David the fourth day. Peever, who had forcefully It is the fi fth narrowest margin of maintained that the players victory in terms of runs in Test cricket should see out the full terms history. Williamson admitted the win of their suspensions. Sydney’s was dramatic, with fortunes fl uctuating Daily Telegraph reported that throughout the day on which Pakistan “serious discussions” had needed a further 139 with all ten wick- taken place among senior of- ets intact. ficials over allowing the play- “It certainly was dramatic,” said Wil- ers to return to state cricket, liamson. “Throughout the four days adding that the board would both teams were put under pressure. I consider lifting the suspen- think at the end of the day it was a great sions this week. advertisement for Test cricket.” Smith and Warner are two The fi ve-day format has been under of the best batsmen in world threat from the more vibrant Twenty20 cricket and the debate over and one-day internationals and the their bans is being played out mushrooming of the leagues around the against the backdrop of Aus- world. Patel sparked a mini-collapse at tralia’s continued struggles in the start when he trapped Imam-ul- all formats of the men’s game. Haq leg-before in the fi fth over of the With Australia’s defence of the day for 27 before Ish Sodhi had Moham- 50-overs World Cup start- mad Hafeez (ten) and Haris Sohail (four) ing in England at the end of in the same over. May and the defence of the Azhar Ali, the last man out for a fi ght- Ashes following in August and ing 65, added 82 for the fourth wicket September, there is clearly with Asad Shafi q (45) but Pakistan lost a desire among some Down their last seven wickets for just 41 runs. Under to get the duo back as Williamson said the pitch wasn’t easy. soon as possible. Both have “The wicket was challenging and Dejected Pakistani captain Sarfraz Ahmed (left) and his New Zealand counterpart Kane Williamson after the first Test in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (AFP) been keeping their hand in by both teams had to fi ght hard, and cer- playing Sydney club cricket tainly Pakistan had the upper-hand, but The second Test starts in Dubai from recent memory. In these conditions blamed poor batting for his team’s loss. and it was important for set players to and have received praise in some of the characteristics we held very Saturday while the third and fi nal, again Pakistan are a very strong side. To get “We have given away soft wickets. No- play on but that did not happen and you local media for the way they dear is the attitude to fi ght on. I think in Abu Dhabi from December 3. Wil- through them in four days and stay in body played a long innings. It is very have to praise New Zealand bowlers, es- have conducted themselves. the fi ghting attributes of this team re- liamson, who now has nine wins in his the match and come out with this result disappointing to say the least,” said Sar- pecially Patel.” Smith and Warner have both ally shone through and certainly today, 18 Tests in charge, described the win as must obviously rank as one of our best fraz. “The way we started off yesterday New Zealand lead in the three-match been retained by their IPL it’s important to build on a number of “one of his best.” wins.” we felt we will get through to the target series 1-0. The second Test starts in Du- franchises. parts to go in to the next game, for sure.” “Yes, without a doubt. The best in Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed easily. But then we lost three wickets bai on Saturday.

FOCUS ICC WOMEN’S WORLD T20 India prepared for extra pace Dottin leads West Indies to tense victory and bounce in Australia: Rohit Deandra Dottin of West Indies plays a shot as England wicket-keeper Amy Jones looks on Reuters during the ICC Women’s World T20 match in Brisbane Gros Islet, Saint Lucia on Sunday. (ICC)

ndia have the quality and confi dence in their batting ranks to master the extra pace and bounce on Australian wickets and ex- cel across formats, batsman Rohit Sharma saidI yesterday. India have never won a Test series Down Under but fancy their chances against an Australian team yet to recover from a ball-tam- pering scandal that led to bans for former captain Steve Smith, opener David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft. “This is one place we want to leave our mark on and do well as an unit,” Rohit told reporters in Brisbane where the three-match Twenty20 series kicks off tomorrow. “The last time we came here there were a few close games. We want to make it count this time around. There is real good feeling in the group across all three formats. The motive of the team is to try and seize all the moments and try and win. When you do well in places like Aus- tralia you feel good as a team. Thinking about the AFP Dunkley before snaring Shrub- despite their batting suff ering boundary came only in the 8th World Cup ahead it can only give you confi dence Gros Islet, Saint Lucia sole with an excellent catch off from yet another collapse. The over. South Africa contained the winning in places like Australia.” the bowling of captain Stafanie Windies topped Group A with Bangladesh batters without be- The Twenty20 Internationals will be followed Taylor. eight points while England fi n- ing very threatening, and the in- by a four-Test series beginning in Adelaide on eandra Dottin produced Two early wickets put the ished second with fi ve. South Af- nings petered out to 79 for fi ve. Dec. 6. Gabba, which Rohit considers to be Aus- a brilliant all-round pressure on the Windies in their rica (four), Sri Lanka (three) and tralia’s fastest surface, does not host any Test display as the West In- chase, but Dottin’s 46 steadied Bangladesh (zero) fi nished in that but Perth, known for assisting the quicks, is the dies clinched a nervy the ship and Shemaine Camp- order. BRIEF SCORES venue for the second match while Melbourne and Dfour-wicket victory over England belle struck 45. “The bowling has Marizanne Kapp top scored England: 115-8, 20 overs (Sophia Sydney host the last two tests. in St Lucia on Sunday to fi nish given me the most pleasure, but for South Africa with 25, but four Dunkley 35, Anya Shrubsole 29; “India have always played either at Perth or I’m enjoying the batting as well,” top of Group A at the Women’s other batters failed to convert Shakera Selman 2-15, Deandra Brisbane,” Rohit said. World Twenty20. said the 27-year-old Dottin. starts into big scores as two bat- Dottin 2-21) lost to Windies: 117-6 “This time around we are playing at Perth and The hosts and reigning cham- “Having lost two quick wickets, I ting collapses kept the Proteas to in 19.3 overs (Deandra Dottin 46, not Brisbane. Last time we played at Brisbane but pions will face Group B runners- had to bring it home for the team 109 for nine in their twenty overs Shemaine Campbelle 45; Anya not Perth. Those two conditions are obviously up Australia in the fi rst semi- and stay positive.” after being asked to bat. From be- Shrubsole 3-10). Player of the very challenging and Australia specially have tall fi nal on Thursday, with England England were woeful in the ing 48 for one in the Powerplay, bowlers who extract bounce and use it to their to play India on Friday looking to fi eld, with Dunkley, wicket-keep- and 60 for one soon after, they Match: Deandra Dottin advantage. Indian batsmen generally are not that repeat their World Cup fi nal tri- er Amy Jones and substitute fi eld- slid to 67 for four. Bangladesh South Africa: 109-9, 20 overs (Mar- tall. It’s not that easy for us. “But all the guys are umph over Harmanpreet Kaur’s er Fran Wilson all dropping sim- captain Salma Khatun took three izanne Kapp 25; Salma Khatun determined to change things around this time. It would suit his batting as he seeks to cement his side from last year. ple catches in the closing overs. wickets. 3-20, Khadija Tul Kubra 2-18) bt will be a challenge but we are ready to accept the place in the test squad. “The good bounce al- England slipped to 50-6 after But Kycia Knight strode out to the Bangladesh could have es- Bangladesh: 79 for 5 in 20 overs challenge.” lows me to play my game because I have grown 10.5 overs batting fi rst, before a crease and struck her fi rst ball for caped qualifi cation for 2020 if (Rumana Ahmed 34 not out). Rohit has scored heavily in the limited-overs up playing on cement pitches back home,” Rohit 58-run partnership for the sev- four to seal the win with three de- they had beaten South Africa Player of the Match: Marizanne matches in Australia and his strong backfoot play added. enth wicket between Sophia liveries to spare, to the delight of a with a big enough margin to also Kapp earned him a place in India’s Test squad after be- “I have done well in limited overs, but the chal- Dunkley and Anya Shrubsole large and partisan crowd. pip Sri Lanka on net run-rate, Semi-finals: On Thursday: Windies ing dropped following modest returns in South lenge obviously is red ball cricket, which right helped them towards a decent The second game of the day but made no attempt to go down v Australia at Antigua; On Friday: Africa earlier this year. now I am not thinking of, just want to do well in total. But Dottin, who fi nished was less exciting, as South Af- that path. Their Powerplay score England v India at Antigua The elegant right-hander said the extra bounce the T20 format and take it from there.” with fi gures of 2-21, dismissed rica beat Bangladesh by 30 runs was just 13 for one, and the fi rst Gulf Times Tuesday, November 20 2018 3 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Zverev so proud Djokovic sets sights aft er ‘astonishing’ on 2019 AFP London ovak Djokovic set his sights on the Australian Open on Sunday after a painful defeat in the fi nale in London NATP Finals at the hands of Al- exander Zverev took some of the gloss off an incredible season. Zverev also became only the fourth player to beat Federer and Djokovic The Serbian world number one looked unbeatable heading back-to-back in the semi-final and final of the same tournament into Sunday’s fi nal, winning all four of his matches in London Reuters pion who helped Britain’s Murray in straight sets and not dropping London to multiple major titles. serve once. “He obviously analysed the But his 21-year-old opponent match that I played with him a showed no fear at a packed O2 Zverev (R) hugs Djokovic after ermany’s Alexander few days ago, told me a few things Arena, trading heavy blows with their final on Sunday. Zverev described his ATP I had to do diff erent. I was more his illustrious opponent from the Finals title as “astonish- aggressive today,” Zverev, who will back of the court and outlasting Rafael Nadal and six behind Fe- ing” on Sunday after end the year ranked fourth in the him in long rallies to win 6-4, derer. Gbeating Roger Federer and No- ATP rankings, said. 6-3. “Overall it was a phenomenal vak Djokovic in consecutive days After this statement victory, A sanguine Djokovic was ea- season that I have to be defi nitely without losing a set. Zverev’s next task will be to go past ger to put the defeat into context very proud of,” Djokovic said. Just as against Swiss 20-time the quarter-fi nal of a Grand Slam after a memorable second half of What is frightening for Djoko- Grand Slam champion Federer for the fi rst time. Told that Djoko- the season, during which he has vic’s rivals is that — Sunday’s in Saturday’s semi-fi nal, the vic had predicted he could surpass clambered back to the top of the surprise defeat aside — he ap- 21-year-old produced a dashing his own achievements, including men’s game from the lowly rank- pears to be getting better. display of power and guile to stun 14 Grand Slam titles, Zverev was ing of 22 he found himself in as Widely regarded as one of the the in-form Djokovic 6-4 6-3. quick to urge some perspective. recently as June. greatest returners in the his- Not only did he become the “Oh, my God!” Zverev said. “I “Obviously no one likes to lose tory of the game, it is his serving youngest winner of the title since mean, I’ve won one of these. He’s a tennis match,” he said. “You try numbers that have been so strik- Djokovic 10 years ago, and the won fi ve. He’s won, I don’t know your best. But at the same time, ing during his run to the fi nal in fi rst German to triumph since what, 148 titles more than me. as I said on the court, you put London. Boris Becker in 1995, Zverev also Let’s not go there for now.” things in a larger perspective, see Federer remains a threat and became only the fourth player to After a couple of years fi nding things a bit diff erently. Nadal and Andy Murray are on beat Federer and Djokovic back- his feet and learning to deal with “When you get out of this feel- the road back from injury while to-back in the semi-fi nal and fi nal huge expectation levels, however, ing of a little bit disappointment Zverev will start next season full of the same tournament. Zverev’s Tour-leading 58 match that you lost, I mean, all the pos- of confi dence despite his poor Rafael Nadal has managed it wins this year is proof of a more itive things that I have to refl ect record at Grand Slams. three times, Andy Murray once mature attitude, and a greater on and also take from this season, But Djokovic will be the man to and David Nalbandian is the other. level of consistency. especially the last six months.” beat when the fi rst major of next “Obviously it’s quite astonishing, “I will do everything I can to The 31-year-old started his year comes round in Melbourne winning this title, beating two get better, to compete with them year with a miserable early exit in January — it is a venue where such players back-to-back, Roger always. I feel like I’m doing that,” at the Australian Open, followed he has won six times. and Novak, in semi-fi nals and fi - Zverev said. by elbow surgery and a string of “Having a Grand Slam so ear- nals. (It) Means so much,” Zverev With Russian Karen Khach- disappointing results on his re- ly in the season makes us train told reporters. anov, who beat Djokovic to win turn to the court. probably very hard and be kind “I’m incredibly happy and in- the Paris Masters, and Greek But since Wimbledon started of aware that we have to be at our credibly proud right now.” Stefanos Tsitsipas also making he has suff ered just three defeats best in the fi rst week of the year,” Djokovic had schooled Zverev huge strides, including a win over — including Sunday’s against he said. 6-4 6-1 on Wednesday in the Djokovic, Zverev believes the new Zverev — winning a fourth title “The fi rst Slam is there in Jan- round-robin stage, but follow- generation are starting to make at the All England club and fol- uary. I’ve had most success in my ing his victory over Federer, after inroads. lowing up by securing a third life, in my career, in Australia out which he was booed by fans over a “Obviously us young guys, US Open crown to leave him on of all four Slams. Hopefully I can controversial point in the second- we’re coming through,” he said. 14 Grand Slams — three behind keep that going.” set tiebreak, the German was a “We’ve still got multiple years diff erent proposition. for all of us ahead. A lot of things Zverev said the loss to Djoko- can happen. A lot of things can vic had prompted a diff erent ap- change. Djokovic tops year end rankings proach, following a discussion “I’ll do everything I can to be on with coach Ivan Lendl — the Germany’s Alexander Zverev is covered in ticker tape as he holds the ATP Finals trophy after he beat top. But the other guys are playing Novak Djokovic led the way Martin del Potro, with 6,385, eight-times Grand Slam cham- Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the final match on Sunday. great tennis, as well.” in the men’s tennis rankings just 35 behind Federer. issued yesterday after the last ATP tournament of the year, ATP top 10 as of November 19 with London Finals winner (previous ranking in parenthe- Alexander Zverev moving up sis): 1. (1) Novak Djokovic, Ser- Becker hails ‘superstar’ Zverev as best of new generation to fourth. bia, 9,045 points 2. (2) Rafael Munich: Alexander Zverev has number one Djokovic 6-4 6-3 proved he is the best of the next tournaments in the world tells together since August. The Serb Djokovic commands Nadal, Spain, 7,480 3. (3) Roger proven himself as the best of the next day to claim the biggest generation,” Becker, the last Ger- him, most importantly, but also “I’m happy he now has Lendl as a the standings with 9,045 Federer, Switzerland 6,420 tennis’ new generation of men’s crown of his career so far. man to win the ATP Finals in 1995, the world, that he is going to be coach because Ivan can tell him points from Rafael Nadal of 4. (5) Alexander Zverev, Ger- players following his maiden ATP Victory meant Zverev, who has told the BBC. the next big thing.” the same stories I can tell him and Spain (7,480) and Switzerland’s many, 6,385 5. (4) Juan Martin Finals triumph where he beat Rog- also won titles in Washington, “Beating Novak Djokovic in the Becker, a six-time Grand Slam win- brings an understanding of the Roger Federer (6,420), and del Potro, Argentina 5,300 er Federer and Novak Djokovic in Madrid and Munich this season, final was a big upset and a big ner, said Zverev had the potential game to his team,” the 50-year-old was awarded the year-end 6. (6) Kevin Anderson, South consecutive days, German great will finish in the top four of the victory for Sascha (Zverev). It was to be the “new superstar” of world Becker added. “Often it is a small leader trophy last week in Africa, 4,710 7. (7) Marin Cilic, Boris Becker has said. world rankings for a second the big match which we were all tennis and backed his compatriot margin and when you have some- London. Zverev beat Djokovic Croatia, 4,250 8. (8) Dominic After overcoming 20-times Grand straight year. waiting for from him. to deliver on his promise under one on the sideline who has been in Sunday’s decider at the ATP Thiem, Austria, 4,095 9. (9) Kei Slam winner Federer in the semi- “For years we have been saying “Yes... he’s beaten Djokovic and coach Ivan Lendl. there it has a big eff ect... It’s brave FinalsMLB and rose one place, at Nishikori, Japan, 3,590 10. (10) finals in London on Saturday, the tennis needs new faces and Federer before, but to beat them Eight-time major champion Lendl for Sascha to ask someone like the expense of Argentina Juan John Isner, United States, 3,155 21-year-old Zverev beat world strong new players — and he’s back-to-back in one of the biggest and Zverev have been working Lendl to join his coaching team.”

BOTTOMLINE Teen driver has spine surgery aft er horror crash

AFP “Just wanted to let everybody know that I am Hong Kong fi ne but will be going into surgery tomorrow morning,” she said. “Thanks to everybody for the supporting 17-year-old female driver spent 11 messages.” hours in surgery yesterday after frac- Japanese driver Sho Tsuboi, two photogra- turing her spine in a horrifying crash at phers and a marshal were also taken to hospital the Formula Three Macau Grand Prix. for treatment. AThe German racer Sophia Floersch hurtled The marshal suff ered a broken jaw, while an- into marshals and photographers after fl ying off other victim had abdominal pain from a lacer- the track on Sunday. ated liver, according to the medical reports. Floersch’s father, Alexander Floersch, said “I hope everybody’s OK after this crash, I yesterday his daughter had broken the seventh wish them the best recovery,” said European cervical vertebrae. He said her spinal cord was champion Mick Schumacher, the son of strick- not damaged and confi rmed that she had shown en F1 legend Michael, according to the Post. no signs ofparalysis ahead of surgery. Jean Todt, president of the International “She was admitted for surgery at 10am (0200 Motoring Federation (FIA), said the ruling body GMT),” a press spokesman for Macau’s health would investigate the crash. authority told AFP. The FIA “is mobilised to help those involved Dramatic footage captured gasps from the and analyse what happened,” he tweeted. crowd as the Van Amersfoort Racing driver’s “We will monitor the situation and make the car fl ew through the air and into safety netting necessary conclusions.” at the Guia Circuit’s Lisboa bend, a sharp right- Frits van Amersfoort, the principal of Flo- hander. ersch’s team Van Amersfoort Racing, told the Running 16th, she lost control in a contact BBC she was travelling at around 276 kph (171 down the straight, launched off a kerb and Photo on the right taken by Tony Wong on mph) at the time of the crash. bounced off Tsuboi’s TOM’s Racing car. November 18, 2018 and provided by Hong “It was nearly a rocket. Surviving was in- A medical report sent to AFP said Floersch Kong-based newspaper Apple Daily shows Van credible,” he told BBC Radio 5 live. “I don’t was admitted to the emergency room of a Macau Amersfoort Racing’s 17-year-old German racer think I’ve ever seen anything like this.” Macau street circuit, which has been graced by after hitting a barrier at Fishermen’s Bend dur- hospital with a spinal fracture in a stable condi- Sophia Floersch’s (above) car flying off the track “I haven’t seen all accidents in motorsport F1 greats such as Schumacher senior and Ayr- ing the Macau Grand Prix’s feature motorcycle tion. at the Formula Three Macau Grand Prix in Macau. but this was surely one of the worst I’ve ever ton Senna. race. Floersch had reassured her fans on Twitter Floersch spent 11 hours in surgery yesterday after seen.” At least three people have died on the Macau In 2012 Portugal’s Luis Carreira and Hong Sunday evening, before going into surgery the fracturing her spine in a horrifying crash at the Nineteen-year-old Briton Dan Ticktum of Grand Prix circuit. Kong’s Phillip Yau were killed within two days following day. Formula Three Macau Grand Prix. Red Bull Junior Team won the race on the fabled British rider Daniel Hegarty died last year of each other during the Macau Grand Prix. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, November 20, 2018 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Ariya claims $1mn bonus as Thompson Howell snaps 11-year wins fi nal event

Reuters Miami LEADING SCORES 270-Lexi Thompson 65-67- hailand’s Ariya Jut- 68-70 PGA win drought at anugarn won $1 million 274-Nelly Korda 69-67-67-71 and a clutch of LPGA 275-Brittany Lincicome 64- Tour honours as Lexi 71-73-67, Ryu So-yeon (KOR) ThompsonT closed out the sea- ‘To hang in there and turn it around, 69-69-69-68 son with a four-stroke victory 276-Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) I needed some good fortune on my at the CME Group Tour Cham- 70-71-69-66, Lydia Ko (NZL) pionship in Naples, Florida on 69-71-68-68, Marina Alex side and fortunately I had it’ Sunday. 69-67-71-69, Carlota Ciganda RSM Classic Ariya wrapped up the Race (ESP) 66-71-69-70 AFP to the CME Globe and accom- 278-Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 64- Washington panying $1 million bonus that 76-70-68 goes to the season-long scor- 279-Brooke M. Henderson ing leader with a six-under (CAN) 73-69-69-68, Amy harles Howell snapped 66 to tie for fi fth in the tour- Olson 63-72-76-68, Kim Sei- an 11-year US PGA Tour nament, six strokes behind young (KOR) 69-72-68-70 win drought Sunday in Thompson. 281-Danielle Kang 69-72-71- epic fashion, sinking a The world number one also 69, Jessica Korda 69-69- 20-footC birdie putt on the sec- captured player of the year 73-70 ond playoff hole to capture the award and the Vare Trophy for 282-Brittany Altomare 73- RSM Classic. the lowest scoring average on 73-68-68, Park Sung-hyun The 39-year-old American tour. “I am really proud of my- (KOR) 71-73-69-69, Charley had not won since Riviera in self,” Ariya said. Hull (ENG) 69-68-72-73, Gaby 2007 – a gap of 4,291 days – and “The fi rst three rounds I Lopez (MEX) 71-69-69-73 had lost four of fi ve prior playoff s couldn’t play golf at all because 283-Azahara Munoz (ESP) before conquering compatriot I was thinking about every- 72-69-73-69, Lizette Salas Patrick Rodgers to win at Sea Is- thing too much. Today I didn’t 69-71-72-71 land, Georgia. think about that, like never, so I 284-Tiff any Joh 71-72-71-70 “I just don’t even know (how I did a pretty good job today.” 285-Maria Torres (PUR) 73-74- did it). I haven’t been able to pull The winner of the US Wom- 71-67, Jane Park 72-72-71-70, it off in so long,” Howell said be- en’s Open and two other tour- Liu Yu (CHN) 68-72-74-71, Lee fore breaking down in tears. naments this year, Ariya briefl y Mi-hyang (KOR) 70-70-70-75 “It means a lot because I hung lost the Globe lead but rallied to 286-Megan Khang 71-67- in there. It means I can still win claim the big prize with birdies 71-77. out here.” on the 10th, 11th and 14th holes Squandering his lead with a before closing out her round up in Florida. It is so special to bogey-double bogey start, How- with two more. win in front of my family and ell battled back all day to match Thompson, last year’s Globe friends. Rodgers, whose 61-62 weekend winner, shot a two-under 70 “After this year, it has been a nearly took him to his fi rst PGA to rebound from a heartbreak- little up and down but to end it title. “To hang in there and turn ing loss at the 2017 tournament like this is very special.” it around, I needed some good and secure her fi rst title of the Thompson had a chance to fortune on my side and fortu- season. The victory continued win the tournament last year, nately I had it,” Howell said. the Florida resident’s streak of but missed a short putt on the “I’ve failed a lot of times. It was winning at least one tourna- fi nal hole to give Ariya the title. diff erent today.” ment for a sixth consecutive American Brittany Lin- Howell also secured a berth year. cicome (67) and South Ko- in his hometown event - next She fi nished at 18-under rean Ryu So-yeon (68) tied for year’s Masters at Augusta, Geor- 270 to defeat fellow American third at 13-under, while Ariya, gia - for the fi rst time since 2012 Nelly Korda, who shot a fi nal- New Zealand’s Lydia Ko (68), by ending his drought after 333 round 71 for second place. American Marina Alex (69) events and 1,154 rounds. “It’s very gratifying,” and Spaniard Carlota Ciganda It was third time charmed for Thompson said. “This is such (70) shared fi fth a shot further Howell, who had three birdie a special event for me growing back. putts on the 18th hole of the Seaside course to win the title, the fi rst in the last round and the second on the fi rst playoff hole before his sank the last. “I had messed up the fi rst two,” Howell said. “I was think- Charles Howell III of the United States poses with his wife Heather and their kids Charles and Ashley after winning the RSM Classic at the Sea ing whatever I do, don’t leave it Island Golf Club Seaside Course in St Simons Island, Georgia. (Getty Images/AFP) short. I’m still shocked that putt went in.” the playoff after each finished at the par-4 ninth. for the lead and a closing par set Luke List 69-68-63-65 It was the third career PGA 72 holes on 19-under 263 on the Rodgers followed with a birdie up the playoff . 269-Hunter Mahan 71-67-67- win for Howell, whose fi rst came Seaside and Plantation courses putt of 21 feet and 11 and a stun- 64, Ryan Armour 72-66-67-64, in 2002 at Williamsburg, Vir- at Sea Island, Georgia. ning 85-foot birdie eff ort at the LEADING SCORES Patton Kizzire 68-72-63-66, ginia. Webb Simpson, this year’s Play- par-3 12th, another another pair 263-x-Charles Howell 64-64-68- Richy Werenski 71-69-63-66, ers Championship winner, was of back-to-back birdies at 14 67, Patrick Rodgers 70-70-61-62 Matt Every 69-69-65-66, Anders RODGERS ‘GUTTED’ third in an all-American top 10 on and 15 and closed with a seven- 264-Webb Simpson 68-68-63-65 Albertson 70-66-66-67, David Rodgers, 26, matched his career- 264 with Ryan Blaum and Luke List foot birdie putt to fi nish off his 265-Ryan Blaum 69-65-65-66 Hearn (CAN) 68-66-67-68, Jason best PGA fi nish with the runner- sharing fourth on 265, Cameron 62. Howell opened bogey-dou- 266-Cameron Champ 68-63- Gore 68-63-66-72 up eff ort after failing in his fi rst Champ sixth on 266 and Chase ble bogey to squander his early 66-69 270-Nick Watney 69-64-72-65, PGA playoff . “It has been such Wright, Peter Uihlein, Kevin Kis- lead, battling back even as Rodg- 267-Peter Uihlein 66-71-67-63, Jonathan Byrd 72-67-66-65, a long building process the past ner and two-time major winner ers charged. He made the shots Chase Wright 67-69-67-64, Kevin Adam Schenk 69-69-67-65, year and a half. All the hard work Zach Johnson in seventh on 267. back with bordies at the fi fth and Kisner 70-69-63-65, Zach John- Scott Langley 70-67-67-66, Troy paid off with how well I played In a bogey-free fi nal round, Rodg- sixth, the latter from 21 feet, and son 70-66-65-66 Merritt 69-68-69-64, Corey Con- this week,” Rodgers said. “I’m ers blasted out of a bunker to birdie another from 24 feet to begin the 268-Austin Cook 66-73-65-64, ners (CAN) 69-67-70-64, Harold gutted to not get it done but con- to par-4 second, sank a four-foot back nine. Lucas Glover 69-67-67-65, Grae- Varner 68-70-66-66, Kyle Jones Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand poses with the Rolex Player of the grats to Charles.” birdie putt sat the par-5 seventh He birdied three in a row me McDowell (NIR) 67-68-67-66, 71-68-65-66, Brian Gay 69-67- Year trophy after the final round of the LPGA CME Group Tour Rodgers and Howell entered and drained a 45-foot birdie putt starting at 15 to match Rodgers Dominic Bozzelli 71-66-65-66, 65-69. Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. (AFP)

RUGBY England drop Care, Lozowski and Mercer Reuters miss out again when the team is pressure,” Jones said of Australia London named on Thursday. coach Michael Cheika. Family will decide my future: Schmidt Jones will be looking for an “He loves that, he’s a street immediate improvement from fi ghter, so it does make them Joe Schmidt says whether he stays on as Ireland rugby coach after crumhalf Danny Care Saturday, when a team featur- dangerous, But at the same time next year’s World Cup or moves on, with the likely destination New has paid the price for ing 11 changes from that beaten we’ve had a tough year, too, and Zealand, will be decided by his family. The 53-year-old New Zea- England’s poor fi rst-half narrowly by New Zealand found we don’t mind a scrap either, so lander – whose contract comes to an end after the sport’s quadren- against Japan, dropped themselves 15-10 down at half- it should be a good scrap.” nial showpiece in Japan – will announce his decision by the end of fromS a 28-man squad named by time before battling back to win November and it would be fair to say Irish fans will pray he opts to coach Eddie Jones for the fi nal 35-15. ENGLAND TRAINING SQUAD stay. The former school teacher has overseen the most successful November Test against Aus- “The schedule itself was good, Forwards: Charlie Ewels (Bath era in the national side’s history delivering three Six Nations titles – tralia. the cohesion was less than we’d Rugby), Jamie George (Sara- including the Grand Slam this year – and two historic wins over New Ben Youngs is the probable like,” Jones told Sky Sports News cens), Dylan Hartley (North- Zealand since taking over a demoralised outfit in 2013. starting scrumhalf, with Richard on Monday in relation to the ampton Saints), Alec Hepburn The first ever win over the All Blacks came in Chicago in 2016 and Wigglesworth providing back- short turnaround he put in place (Exeter Chiefs), Ted Hill (Worces- was followed by a first victory on home soil on Saturday – which has up. Care, who scored England’s to replicate next year’s World ter Warriors), Nathan Hughes led to many believing Schmidt could achieve the greatest goal of all opening try in his fi rst start since Cup programme. (Wasps), Maro Itoje (Saracens), New Zealand rugby coaches, the All Blacks post. March, was replaced by Wig- “It was always going to be dif- Courtney Lawes (Northamp- However, Schmidt said after the epic 16-9 victory over the All Blacks glesworth an hour into Satur- fi cult and we’ve some ideas on ton Saints), Ben Moon (Exeter in Dublin that he will focus on the United States Test next Saturday day’s contest. that.” In the continuing absence Chiefs), Brad Shields (Wasps), before a final discussion with his wife and four children. “I’m not that Northampton’s fl yhalf-centre of Billy Vunipola, Jones could Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), El- good at many things but I compartmentalise really well,” he said. Pier Francis has been included in be tempted to throw Hughes liott Stooke (Bath Rugby), Sam “So I’m happy to just park that. To be honest, I’d like to think about the squad announced on Mon- straight in against Australia, de- Underhill (Bath Rugby), Harry it but it’s very much a family decision and I haven’t really seen my day, but there was no place for spite his lack of game time. Williams (Exeter Chiefs), Mark family since I went to Chicago (for the 54-7 thrashing of Italy in early centre Alex Lozowski, who had “He did a session on Friday Wilson (Newcastle Falcons) November). We had a pretty good chat about it over the summer made way for Owen Farrell at and another yesterday and is not Backs: Chris Ashton (Sale and then we’ll just confirm things, one way or the other.” Schmidt halftime after a torrid 40 min- in bad nick,” Jones said. “We’ll Sharks), Joe Cokanasiga (Bath said he gets “reflected pride” out of the success of the team and utes against Japan. Loose for- see how he is this week – he’s in Rugby), Elliot Daly (Wasps), there are many backroom staff who don’t get the recognition they ward Zach Mercer is another to contention.” England coach Eddie Jones speaks to the media yesterday. (Reuters) Owen Farrell (Saracens), George deserve. He said Ireland’s players will be able to handle the expecta- be culled and is replaced in the Winger Chris Ashton is be- Ford (Leicester Tigers), Piers tions victories like Saturday’s over the All Blacks will provoke among squad by number eight Nathan ing monitored after a calf strain er, really stepped forward; and helped the team.” Francis (Northampton Saints), fans. We want to be as good as we can be, so we try to create our Hughes, available after serving a forced him off early against Ja- with Dylan (Hartley) it’s a really England will be chasing a sixth Jonny May (Leicester Tigers), own expectation,” he said. six-week suspension. pan. strong pair,” Jones said of his co- successive victory over the Wal- Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), “We’ll benchmark Saturday and say: ‘Can we reach that again? Can Manu Tuilagi is again included One man certain to start is captains, neither of whom start- labies, who ended their own poor Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben we make sure that we deliver at that level’. Now, you might deliver but, with Jones saying over the Farrell, who made an immediate ed against Japan. run with a solid but unspectacu- Te’o (Worcester Warriors), Manu that again and an All Black team might beat you. But you know weekend that he still has work to impact when he came on against “The offi cial title has prob- lar 26-7 win in Italy. Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Rich- you’re in the ball-park, you know you can foot it with the big boys do to get back to full fi tness af- Japan. ably encouraged him to be more “He’s my old mate, he’s always ard Wigglesworth (Saracens), when you can eke your way through an arm-wrestle like that.” ter a groin injury, he could well “He’s really grown as a lead- active in that area and that has at his best when they’re under Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers). Gulf Times Tuesday, November 20, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Avalanche beat OT Spurs beat Warriors, buzzer and Ducks Reuters Anaheim

abriel Landeskog scored the tying goal in the third period, and Mikko Rantanen delivered the game-winner with 1.3 seconds remaining in overtime Sunday to give the visit- ing Colorado Avalanche a 4-3 victory over the Anaheim James burns Heat GDucks. The Avalanche had a three-on-two advantage over the fi nal 15 ‘You can’t feel sorry for seconds after the Ducks’ Pontus Aberg was called for slashing. Rantanen’s slap shot from the slot got past Ducks goalie Ryan yourselves. You have to Miller just before a shootout was needed. The Ducks stayed competitive all game despite playing four commit to fighting and rookie defensemen for the fi rst time since 1994-95. Andy Welin- ski, Marcus Pettersson, Josh Mahura and Jacob Larsson all saw ac- with 51 points tion. Mahura was making his NHL debut. In a matchup of one of competing for 48 minutes’ the highest-scoring teams in the league against one of the lowest- AFP scoring, it was the low-scoring Ducks who struck fi rst. Los Angeles Brandon Montour put a wraparound goal past Colorado goalie Philipp Grubauer 4:45 into the game. It was just the fourth time in the Ducks’ past 16 games that they scored fi rst. he Golden State Warriors’ malaise It was Montour’s second goal of the season and fi rst since the deepened on Sunday with a third season opener at San Jose. The Ducks entered with an average of straight NBA defeat, the two- 2.05 goals per game, 30th in the 31-team NHL. time defending champions falling The Avalanche, who entered second in the NHL with 3.53 goals T104-92 to the Spurs in San Antonio. per game, tied the game 1-1 at 2:17 of the second period when Sven LaMarcus Aldridge scored 24 points Andrighetto scored to the short side against Miller. and grabbed 18 rebounds for the Spurs, The Ducks wasted little time to make an emphatic response, re- who thwarted the Warriors’ late rally bid, gaining the lead with a pair of goals 1:11 apart. keeping the champions winless in a three- Ryan Getzlaf scored game swing through Texas. on the power play at It’s just the third time since coach Steve 3:23 of the second peri- RESULTS od with a blistering slap Kerr took the helm at Golden State in 2014 Dallas 6-2 NY Islanders that the Warriors have lost three games on shot from out front that the trot. Grubauer struggled to Carolina 2-1 New Jersey They were held to a season-low in see because of traffi c. It Chicago 3-1 Minnesota points in a 107-86 loss to Houston on was Getzlaf’s fi fth goal Colorado 4-3 Anaheim Thursday – after which Kerr admitted the of the season. Ondrej team was both physically and “spiritu- Kase gave the Ducks a Las Vegas 6-3 Edmonton ally” banged-up – a reference to super- 3-1 lead at 4:34 of the star Stephen Curry’s groin injury and the second period when he redirected a Montour centering pass into spat between Draymond Green and Kevin the Avalanche goal. It was his fi rst goal of the season. Durant that saw Green suspended by the The Avalanche pulled within 3-2 at 18:05 of the second period team for one game. when Nathan MacKinnon took a rebound and put a shot past Mill- A day after a disappointing loss to the er. Landeskog tied the game at 11:20 of the third period with his Mavericks in Dallas, the Warriors still 13th goal of the season. MacKinnon and Rantanen each had a goal couldn’t fi nd their rhythm, losing for the and two assists for the Avalanche, as did Montour for the Ducks. fi fth time in seven games. Miller made 38 saves while Grubauer stopped 30 shots. “We’ve got to get back to our team identity,” Kerr said, saying they couldn’t LINDELL, RADULOV EACH SCORE TWICE AS STARS RIP ISLES give in to frustration despite the injury The Dallas Stars scored four unanswered goals in the second pe- absences of Curry and Green – who was riod Sunday afternoon and cruised to a 6-2 win over the host New again sidelined by a sprained toe. York Islanders. Esa Lindell scored twice in the second and Alexan- “Everyone has to come together,” Kerr der Radulov scored twice in the third for the Stars, who have won said. “You can’t feel sorry for yourselves. two straight following a two-game losing streak. Radulov’s second You have to commit to fi ghting, and ex- goal was the 100th of his career. Roope Hintz and Tyler Seguin also ecuting, competing for 48 minutes. We scored for Dallas. Goalie Ben Bishop made 37 saves. did that for maybe 24 minutes tonight... Anthony Beauvillier and Scott Mayfi eld scored for the Island- you’ve got to do that the whole time, ers, who had their two-game winning streak snapped and have lost playing with some poise and playing with four of six (2-3-1). Starter Thomas Greiss was pulled after giving a purpose. I don’t think we did that to- up three goals on 19 shots. Robin Lehner stopped 11 of 14 shots in night.” relief. The Islanders scored the only goal of the fi rst period follow- Durant led the Warriors with 26 points, ing a fl urry against Bishop. After Bishop turned back Ryan Pulock’s but made just eight of 25 shots – and only shot, Leo Komarov swooped in, collected the puck and dished a one of eight from three-point range. no-look pass to Beauvillier. With Bishop leaning toward his right, Klay Thompson scored 25 points on 11 Beauvillier fi red a shot past Bishop’s stick hand at the 3:36 mark. of 26 shooting, making just three of his The Stars began to turn the game around in the second. Lindell attempts from beyond the arc. tied the score 2:09 into the period, when his shot sailed past Gre- DeMar DeRozan scored 20 points and iss, who was shielded by teammates Nick Leddy and Luca Sbisa as Rudy Gay chipped in 19 for the Spurs, who well as Dallas’ Radulov. snapped a three-game losing streak. With the defeat, the 12-6 Warriors slipped to second in the Western Confer- ence, a game behind the Portland Trail Blazers who improved to 11-5 with a 119- 109 victory over the Washington Wizards. Damian Lillard scored 40 points and C.J. McCollom added 25 for the Trail Blaz- ers. Jusuf Nurkic scored 13 points with 14 rebounds and equalled his career high with eight assists as Portland bounced LaMarcus Aldridge of the San Antonio Spurs drives for two against Golden State Warriors at AT&T Center on November 18, 2018 in back from a loss at Minnesota. San Antonio, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP)

JAMES SCORES 51 AGAINST HEAT quarter on the way to a season high. ers’ next game is on Wednesday in Cleve- LeBron James launched his two-game re- “It’s just playing with greatness,” Lak- RESULTS land, where James led the Cavaliers to the union tour by dropping 51 points on the ers guard Lonzo Ball said after Los Angeles NBA crown in 2013. Red-hot shooting LA Lakers 113-97 Miami Miami Heat in his fi rst visit to his former wrapped up a 113-97 victory. “Tonight he lifted the Orlando Magic to a 131-117 vic- team since joining the Los Angeles Lakers took the game over.” Orlando 131-117 New York tory over the New York Knicks.The magic this season. James made 19 of 31 shots from the Portland 119-109 Washington drained their fi rst 10 shots from the fi eld James, who led the Heat to four NBA fl oor, including six of eight from three- San Antonio 104-92 Golden State and Aaron Gordon had 20 points in the Finals appearances and two titles before point range. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra fi rst quarter on the way to 31 as Orlando returning to his hometown club Cleveland wasn’t surprised by what he saw from the Memphis 100-87 Minnesota led throughout, building on the momen- Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (right) celebrates in 2014, made it look easy from the open- superstar he once coached. “I’ve seen it question, when he’s hitting the three like tum from their 130-117 victory over the with centre Nathan MacKinnon his game winning goal against ing tip off . He scored 19 points in the first before on our side,” Spoelstra said. “No that, that changes the equation.” The Lak- Lakers on Saturday. Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NFL Texans win as Redskins’ Smith hurt, Saints soar is something about this team right now,” fending Super Bowl champion. AFP RESULTS Los Angeles Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. Saints quarterback Drew Brees com- “They have a strong belief in each other Houston 23-21 Washington pleted 22 of 30 passes for 363 yards, four and came up big in the end. The defense touchdowns and no interceptions as the ouston rookie safety Justin did a good job and the off ense did just Pittsburgh 20-16 Jacksonville Saints won their ninth straight game and Reid’s touchdown off an inter- enough.” Indianapolis 38-10 Tennessee improved to 9-1. ception keyed the Texans’ sev- Houston took the lead for good on Dallas 22-19 Atlanta The Pittsburgh Steelers, meanwhile, enth straight NFL win on Sun- Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 54-yard fi eld goal, their failed to score in the fi rst half and trailed day,H a 23-21 victory over the Washington winning streak extended when Redskins Giants 38-35 Tampa Bay by 10 late in the fourth quarter before a Redskins, who lost quarterback Alex kicker Dustin Hopkins missed a 63-yarder Baltimore 24-21 Cincinnati rally capped by quarterback Ben Roethlis- Smith to an ugly season-ending leg injury. with three seconds remaining. Detroit 20-19 Carolina berger’s one-yard touchdown plunge with Reid intercepted Smith’s pass intended Worse than the defeat for Washington just seconds remaining that lifted Pitts- Denver 23-22 Chargers for tight end Jordan Reed in the end zone was the injury to Smith, who suff ered two burgh to a 20-16 victory over the Jaguars and ran the length of the fi eld for a touch- broken bones in his lower right leg mid- Oakland 23-21 Arizona in Jacksonville. down that put Houston up 17-7 with 2:38 way through the third quarter. New Orleans 48-7 Philadelphia “Horrible games that you fi nd a way left in the second quarter. The severity of the injury was clear im- Chicago 25-20 Minnesota to win? Pretty special,” Roethlisberger “As soon as I felt like I was in leverage, mediately, and Redskins coach Jay Gruden said. I looked back to see if the quarterback said Smith would need season-ending The Cowboys breathed life into their Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Chargers threw the ball and the ball was already in surgery “right away.” playoff chase with a 22-19 victory over the saw their six-game winning streak halted the air and it was just fl oating up there for “I know it was very painful for him and Atlanta Falcons. when Brandon McManus booted a 34- me,” Reid said. heartbreaking for a lot of people,” Gruden The Cowboys squandered a 10-point, yard fi eld goal as time expired to give the “I came down with it and at that point I said. fourth-quarter lead, but grabbed the win Denver Broncos a 23-22 victory. just saw daylight. I got tackled two times “He’s a great guy and hard worker and when Brett Maher booted a 42-yard fi eld The Detroit Lions snapped a three- before and this was actually the fi rst pick- one of the key leaders on this football goal with no time remaining and Dallas game skid with a 20-19 victory over the six of my life. team. These things happen in pro football, improved to 5-5 on the season. Carolina Panthers, whose decision to “So I saw the daylight and I had to hit it. unfortunately. Just hate to see them hap- go for a two-point conversion and a win I wasn’t going to let anyone stop me.” pen with a guy like Alex.” STEELERS HUMBLE EAGLES rather than an extra point to force over- The Texans now hold a two-game lead The 6-4 Redskins now face a Thanks- On a day when close fi nishes abounded, time backfi red. in the AFC South after the Tennessee Ti- giving showdown for the NFC East divi- the New Orleans Saints pummelled the The Chicago Bears strengthened their Washington Redskins’ Alex Smith is helped off the field after being tans’ 38-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. sion lead against the Dallas Cowboys on Philadelphia Eagles 48-7 – infl icting the position atop the NFC North with a 25-20 sacked and injured by Kareem Jackson of the Houston Texans in the “(It) wasn’t clean, but we know there Thursday. heaviest defeat ever meted out to a de- win over division rivals Minnesota. third quarter of the game at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, November 20, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY Bok captain Kolisi escapes ban despite headbutt AFP mitigating factors which meant nitely the most diffi cult oppo- London that the action did not meet the nent we will face on this tour,” red card threshold, including the Erasmus told reporters. player being illegally prevented “Warren (Gatland) has man- outh Africa captain Siya from rejoining the play by Scot- aged to build a superb side with Kolisi controversially land’s Peter Horne and the mod- lots of experience, and they are escaped a ban yester- erate force of the strike to the playing a good, balanced game, day despite headbutting side of the head,” it added. plus they have good depth and Scotland’sS Peter Horne dur- “The match offi cials did not quality in their squad. ing the Springboks’ 26-20 win see the incident at the time on “They put Tonga away last against Scotland. the fi eld of play.” weekend and the previous week TV footage appeared to show A citing commissioner warn- they defeated Australia, so we Kolisi’s head making contact ing is issued for off ences falling are preparing ourselves for the with the head of Horne as he just short of a red card and forms most diffi cult test of this tour.” tried to extricate himself from part of a player’s disciplinary South Africa lost 12-6 in 2014, being pinned to the fl oor by the record. 27-13 in 2016 and 24-22 last year Scotland centre in a pulsating Wales will be South Africa’s to Wales in Cardiff . They were encounter in Edinburgh on Sat- most diffi cult opponents on also beaten 22-20 by the Welsh urday. their November tour of Europe, in June in a one-off test played in A statement from global gov- even after losing at Twickenham Washington D.C. erning body World Rugby said to England and scrapping narrow Erasmus said lock Eben Etze- Kolisi, 27, had received a warning wins over France and Scotland, beth, the most experienced from citing commissioner David Springboks coach Rassie Eras- member of the tour squad, will Pelton for striking with the head mus said yesterday. be assessed today to prove his during the match at Murrayfi eld The South Africans face Wales fi tness after missing the last two but that the off ence did not mer- on Saturday in their last test of tests in Paris and Edinburgh. it a red card. the year hoping to overturn a run “Last week I said it was a “Having reviewed the video of defeats on their last three trips 50/50 for him to be ready, I’m angles, the citing commission- to the Cardiff . a little bit more optimistic this er determined that there were “In our view, Wales are defi - week,” Erasmus said.

BADMINTON SPOTLIGHT IOC warns Taiwan against name-change From ‘Super Dan’ that would rile Beijing

AFP sary expectations or specula- Taipei tions, the IOC wishes to reiter- ate that this matter is under its jurisdiction, in accordance with he International Ol- the Olympics Charter,” the let- to ‘First-Round Lin’ ympic Committee has ter said. warned Taiwan that it It added that the IOC would could lose its right to see any attempts to pressurise Tcompete if it tries to change its the local committee as external name for the 2020 Games in To- interference that could lead to kyo, ahead of a referendum that “protective measures”. will incense Beijing. “The IOC is hoping that the Taiwan will vote Saturday on interest of the Olympic Move- as legend falters whether the island should com- ment in Chinese Taipei will pre- pete as “Taiwan” and not “Chi- vail over political considerations ‘He used to be a legendary character admired by thousands of people on the nese Taipei” in a controversial so as not to disrupt the CTOC referendum alongside local elec- delegation and the athletes,” it world badminton stage. And now in such a state... time is ruthless’ tions. China, which still claims added. sovereignty over self-ruling democratic Taiwan, is particu- larly sensitive to the island’s use of names, emblems and fl ags at international events. These sensitivities – backed up by Beijing’s clout on the world stage – mean Taiwan is forced to compete as “Chinese Taipei” at the Olympics and other interna- Taiwan has never formally de- tional sports competitions. clared independence from China The IOC wrote to the Chi- and Beijing has threatened to re- nese Taipei Olympic Committee act with force if it ever did. The (CTOC) and the government Fri- Chinese Taipei name was agreed day saying that any name change upon in 1981. But since then was “under its jurisdiction” and there has been a growing sense warned of consequences if it felt of separate Taiwanese identity there was interference. on the island. The name-change It outlined a point in the Ol- campaign has already irked Chi- ympic Charter which says the na, with Beijing’s Taiwan Aff airs IOC has the right to suspend a Offi ce previously warning that national Olympic committee if Taiwan would “swallow its own its activities are “hampered” by bitter fruit” and sacrifi ce its ath- regulations or acts of govern- letes’ chances to compete in in- ment. The local committee has ternational games. already expressed concern that Its anger over the potential the island could lose its mem- referendum was blamed for the bership if it tries to push for the cancellation of an international name change. youth event due to be held in “The IOC does not interfere Taiwan next year. The event was with local procedures and fully axed following a vote by the East respects freedom of expression. Asian Olympic Committee in However to avoid any unneces- July.

Bulgarian boxing coach kicked out of Delhi event aft er ring protest Bulgarian coach Petar Yosifov ciation does not tolerate, in any Lesov was kicked out of the circumstances, such behaviour ongoing women’s world boxing against the AIBA values and championships in New Delhi AIBA Code of Conduct, espe- after he threw a bottle in the cially being a coach. ring to protest the loss of “The incident will be forwarded Olympic champion Stanimira to the Disciplinary Commission Petrova. for further review,” it added. Petrova accused the judges It is not the first time that judg- of “corruption” and her coach ing at an international boxing China’s Lin Dan hitting a shot against Mark Caljouw of the Netherlands in their men’s singles match during the badminton World Championships in Nanjing on July 30, 2018. (AFP) threw a tantrum after a 2-3 split event has been dogged by decision verdict in favour of controversy. AFP Roger Federer will be nearly 37 mota at the Hong Kong Open unfl attering label at the start of of people on the world badmin- India’s Sonia Chahal in the 57kg The International Olympic Shanghai by then, and unlike the Swiss last week. Lin’s long list of his career, before he fulfi lled his ton stage,” it said. “And now in category. Petrova, who won Committee (IOC) has threat- tennis great all the signs are that achievements include fi ve world potential. such a state... time is ruthless,” gold in the 54kg category in the ened to keep boxing out of he is already well past his prime. titles between 2006 and 2013, the article added, praising nev- 2014 edition, said it was not a the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and in Dan is regarded as the Time waits for no sportsman, back-to-back Olympic golds in ‘BRUTAL WINTER’ ertheless his enduring “tenac- “fair result”. beyond with issues around best badminton player even one of the best ever pro- 2008 and 2012 and six All Eng- “With his growing years and ity” and sportsmanship. “It is corruption by the judges,” judging being one of the major of all time but his bril- duced by China. land crowns. decline in status, ‘Super Dan’ Lin will, however, need “a the 27-year-old told reporters factors. liance has faded mark- Lin is currently ranked 13th, In 2011, he became the fi rst has shown obvious signs of fa- magic bullet” to reach the Tokyo after the pre-quarterfinals bout. IOC has been losing patience Ledly and Chinese fans and media below compatriots Shi Yuqi and player to complete the ‘Super tigue,” Chinese outlet The Paper Games, it warned. The International Boxing Asso- with boxing since a judging are readying his career obituary. Chen Long, and each country Grand Slam’ of badminton’s said following his loss to Mo- With his tattoos and rebel- ciation (AIBA) soon revoked the scandal at the 2016 Rio Games Widely known as “Super can send a maximum of two nine major titles. mota, the 24-year-old Japanese lious streak – and a rap sheet credentials of Lesov who won when all 36 off icials and ref- Dan” during his pomp, the men’s singles players to the Ol- Lin’s victories are often ac- who represents the new guard that included once hitting a the flyweight gold in the 1980 erees were 35-year-old Chinese last week ympics. companied by exuberant cel- at the top of men’s badminton. coach – Lin is something of an Olympics and has been a coach suspended while allegations of suff ered his ninth fi rst-round “It all depends because there ebrations when he rips off his Lin was caught in a “vicious unusual character in Chinese for nearly three decades. bout-fixing were investigated. defeat in 19 tournaments this are very many strong players in shirt and gives a military salute circle” of fi rst-round defeats, sports. For years he was hugely “The AIBA has decided to Newly-elected amateur boxing year, underlining his steep de- China,” Lin said of his chances to the crowd. which led to his ranking tum- popular, combining good looks remove the accreditation, and chief Gafur Rakhimov has cline. of making it a grand career fi - But he has won just one tour- bling, in turn giving him hard- with brilliant shot-making and therefore the right to be in the pledged to improve referee- The former world number nale in Tokyo. nament this year, the New Zea- er draws in tournaments, the athleticism. corner, from the coach of the ing in the blue riband Olympic one, who has won every major “They’re very strong so I have land Open in May. Shanghai-based website said. But some in China have never Bulgarian delegation Petar sport. With 72 nations in attend- prize in badminton – some of to be on top of them,” Lin, a fi ery Some Chinese media have A Tencent Sports article said forgiven him after he had an Yosifov Lesov due to his unac- ance, the world championships them multiple times – appears and controversial character taken to calling him “First- that Lin was in the midst of “a aff air while his wife, Xie Xing- ceptable behaviour,” the world is moving towards the business determined to go for a third Ol- down the years, said following Round Lin” because of his habit brutal winter”. fang, herself a former badmin- body said in a statement. end and will conclude on ympic title at Tokyo 2020. his latest opening-round loss, of falling at the fi rst hurdle. “He used to be a legendary ton world champion, was heav- “The International Boxing Asso- November 24. But badminton’s answer to to world champion Kento Mo- He was bestowed the same character admired by thousands ily pregnant in 2016. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 20, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

NATIONS LEAGUE Cahill’s Socceroos swansong limited to fi ve minutes

Sydney: Tim Cahill’s farewell appearance for Australia Southgate urges England will be limited to the last five minutes as the Socceroos look ahead to life without their record scorer — and wonder how to replace his goals. Cahill, 38, will earn his 108th and final cap in today’s to make 2019 even better friendly against Lebanon in Sydney, but coach Graham Arnold has thornier matters The modest manager credits his squad for keeping a humble approach amid all recent plaudits at hand ahead of Australia’s Asian Cup defence in January AFP in the United Arab Emirates. London Arnold said yesterday that Cahill, the former Everton forward, would be restricted areth Southgate has chal- to a five-minute cameo as lenged his vibrant young Eng- the Socceroos aim to make land side to build on a year to the most of valuable match remember after they clinched practice. “The first 85 minutes Ga place in the Nations League semi- is all about our perform- fi nals in dramatic style. Just over a year ance,” Arnold said, ahead of ago, England’s qualifi cation for the Australia’s final outing before World Cup was greeted with yawns and regrouping in late December a barrage of paper aeroplanes from fans for their Asian Cup prepara- disillusioned by decades of undera- tions. “There (are) no friendly chievement. games — the last five minutes But Southgate’s team won back their can be for Timmy.” place in the nation’s hearts over the The move echoes last course of a remarkable 2018 that saw week’s somewhat controver- them reach the World Cup semi-fi nals sial goodbye for England’s for the fi rst time since 1990. Although record scorer Wayne Rooney, that World Cup run ended with an who came out of international agonising extra-time loss to Croatia, retirement to make his final Southgate and his players have refused appearance as a substitute to be defi ned by failure in the way that against USA. While England their more vaunted predecessors in the have come on leaps and Three Lions shirt often were. bounds without Rooney, So when Andrej Kramaric gave reaching this year’s World Croatia the lead against the run of play Cup semi-finals, Australia in the second half of Sunday’s winner- haven’t found Cahill so easy takes-all shoot-out at Wembley, it was to replace. a coming of age moment for England’s The talismanic Cahill, prodigies. They rose to the challenge in known for his prodigious leap impressive style as Jesse Lingard came and knack of scoring impor- off the bench to equalise with 15 min- tant goals, has hit the net 50 utes left before captain Harry Kane times for his country, playing poked in the 85th-minute winner. in four World Cups. New- Kane and his team-mates celebrated look Australia’s lack of goals joyously as Wembley roared in delight was apparent in Saturday’s and an jubilant Southgate punched the 1-1 stalemate against South air on the touchline. The harmonious Korea, when the hosts domi- scene was a fi tting fi nale to England’s nated but had to wait until year of redemption and a far cry from stoppage time for Massimo the 1-0 win over Slovenia in October Luongo’s equaliser. 2017 that ensured they would qualify Arnold, who took charge for the World Cup. after this year’s disappointing That uninspiring display came while World Cup campaign, said the Southgate’s revolution was still tak- problem was so acute that he ing shape, played out to a soundtrack had ordered his forwards to of bored fans cheering when the paper do extra “finishing practice” aeroplanes they were launching from at their clubs. “We will set the the stands made it to the pitch. players’ programmes after Slammed as “lifeless, uninspired and England’s Raheem Sterling (left) and Croatia’s Antonio Milic vie for the ball as England manager Gareth Southgate (centre) looks on during the UEFA Nations League this game, especially the strik- mediocre” by one match report after Group match at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday. England won 2-1 to qualify for the semi-finals. (Reuters) ers, that when they go back the Slovenia game, England went to to club-land where we can’t the World Cup with expectations at an work,” he said. “The World Cup was far world. You are always loath to take off ing established England as a force to be volved with England,” Southgate said. control what they do at their all-time low. But Southgate was gradu- bigger (than the Nations League) but a player of that ability,” Southgate said. reckoned with, Southgate’s next task is “That feeling around the team is really clubs, that they work on a lot ally winning the hearts and minds of his you have to look at the next challenge. “His hold-up play, as well as the goals to maintain their progress, with an eye powerful and we have to build on that. of finishing practice,” Arnold players with his astute man-manage- This was a great opportunity to test he brings, is critical. He is so hungry to on ending their wait for a fi rst major Everybody who has played for us wants said. “Goal-scoring becomes ment and progressive game-plans. ourselves against top teams.” lead the team even further.” trophy since the 1966 World Cup. He to be part it.” Displaying the self-depre- a habit. It is about not only The modest England manager cred- Even that drab Slovenia match fore- Southgate’s commitment to allow- believes the momentum England have ciating touch that has won him so many putting the ball in the back its his squad for keeping a humble ap- shadowed the revival stirring beneath ing England’s young talents to express established on and off the pitch will admirers, Southgate laughed off sug- of the net, but it’s also about proach amid all the recent plaudits, all the surface as it was a late Kane goal themselves has paid rich dividends prove invaluable as they head into a pe- gestions that he has given England their having the confidence and the while keeping their focus on the that sealed the points. Fast forward 13 with Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rash- riod that includes the start of the Euro pride back. “We may be a new England the belief to score goals. It’s next opponent. “You can only have that months and another last-gasp Kane ford, Ross Barkley, Ben Chilwell and 2020 qualifying campaign and then the but we scored from a long throw and a also something that becomes consistency if you work on things every winner produced far more euphoria. Joe Gomez all delivering mature con- Nations League Finals. “Next year now free-kick, so maybe nothing changes!” natural for a player.” day and have the humility to go back to “He is the best goalscorer in the tributions to England’s success. Hav- looks like a really exciting time to be in- he smiled.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Mancini mulls Italy strike options with Barca’s Dembele should be experimental side for USA friendly ‘more responsible’, says Suarez AFP Milan

oberto Mancini will try out an ex- perimental side in today’s friendly against the United States in Genk as the Italian coach searches for a solutionR to Italy’s goalscoring problem after missing out on the Nations League knock- out stages. Saturday’s goalless draw with Portugal at the San Siro was enough for the Euro- pean champions advance to the semi-fi nals at Italy’s expense, and Mancini’s focus has turned towards Euro 2020 ahead of the qualifying draw in Dublin on December 2. The ex-Manchester City boss said Sunday he wants to “see young players in action” against the United States. Veteran Giorgio Chiellini has returned France’s Kylian Mbappe (right) and Ousmane Dembele share a joke during a training session yesterday on to club side Juventus and Lorenzo Insigne, the eve of their friendly match against Uruguay in Paris. (AFP) Alessandro Florenzi, Jorginho, and Ciro Immobile were also released back to rejoin AFP the 21-year-old France interna- But he most famously took a their respective clubs following and end to Saint-Denis, France tional, signed for an initial fee chunk out of Italy defender Gior- their Nations League campaign that was si- stronger from here.” see them in action,” said Mancini. “I think of 105mn euros, needs to follow gio Chiellini during Uruguay’s fi - multaneously frustrating and encouraging. One of Mancini’s problems is that his top there are many talented players out there, the more virtuous example set by nal group game in the 2014 World “Of course, there’s a long way to go and scorer is veteran defender Chiellini, who they just need to gain some experience, uis Suarez, a three-time some of his Barca colleagues. Cup, throwing himself to the we are working, trying to renew the na- has scored eight goals in his 100 appear- to ensure that we can have a bright future biter of opposition play- “Ousmane knows that foot- ground as Chiellini showed bite tional team with young players and a diff er- ances for the national team. The four-time ahead of us.” ers, said yesterday that ball is a privilege for every player, marks and Italy’s players pro- ent tactical approach,” Mancini said. Nearly world champions failed to qualify for the Italy have a good record against the Unit- Barcelona teammate maybe he should concentrate tested to the referee. nine million people watched the game as the 2018 World Cup after being held to a goal- ed States having lost just one in their 12 pre- LOusmane Dembele should be more and be more responsible Amid the chaos Uruguay won country embraces a younger, more vibrant less draw in the San Siro against Sweden vious meetings. That defeat was the most “more responsible” after he re- regarding certain things,” the a corner and scored the winning Azzurri after last year’s World Cup qualifi - last November. And they missed chances to recent encounter, in Genoa back in February portedly missed training follow- Uruguay striker told reporters goal that took them through and cation disaster. score against Portugal on Saturday. 2012, when Clint Dempsey’s 54th minute ing a marathon nocturnal video ahead of his country’s clash with knocked 10-man Italy out. Sua- “Scoring goals is an important detail, but “Now we still need to resolve that prob- strike lifted the United States to a 1-0 win. gaming session. Dembele was France at the Stade de France rez was handed a record nine- we played very well,” added Mancini, whose lem of scoring goals,” continued Mancini. “I In 2006, the USA fi nished with nine men dropped by the Spanish cham- today. “There are examples of game World Cup ban and barred side only scored two goals in their Group don’t think there’s too much that needs do- but held Italy 1-1 in the group stage of the pions for last week’s shock 4-3 professionalism at Barca that he from any football-related ac- A3 campaign. Since the former Manches- ing, as in some situations it’s purely about World Cup which the Italians went on to home defeat to Real Betis follow- can draw inspiration from. He’ll tivity for four months by FIFA, ter City and Inter Milan boss took over they shooting 5cm one way or 10cm higher up.” win. US coach Dave Sarachan will be with- ing what coach Ernesto Valverde continue to learn, with that self- meaning that he was unable to have scored just seven in eight games but Ninteen-year-old Juventus striker Moise out midfi elders Weston McKennie and Luca called a “sporting assessment”. confi dence that will enable him make his debut for Barca until Nations League performances against Po- Kean could play a role in Tuesday’s game, de la Torre from the side that lost 3-0 to But sports daily As reports that to succeed at Barcelona.” late October that year. land and Portugal have given hope for the along with Brescia midfi elder Sandro To- England in Wembley on Thursday. the Catalans are worried not Suarez has attracted contro- In 2011, he was banned for future. nali, 18, Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo, 19, and Ata- “With Italy, they are sort of in a rebuild- only that he might be addicted versy throughout his career. He eight matches by the Football “We’ll slowly sort out the attack... we lanta’s 22-year-old defender Gianluca Man- ing process, but are still one of the elite to gaming, but also that it might was banned for biting players Association for racially abusing are a little unlucky in some situations, but cini, who has scored in each of his last three countries in world football and so there is ruin his career at the club. during his time at Ajax — where Patrice Evra during a clash be- the team is proving that it can compete at league games. no question about the quality challenge they And Suarez, no stranger to dis- he was nicknamed “Cannibal” by tween Liverpool and Manchester any level in the future and we can only get “We need to get to know them better, to will provide,” said Sarachan. ciplinary issues himself, says that the Dutch press — and Liverpool. United.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

NATIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Nigel de Jong Seferovic hat-trick excited by Qatar’s ‘amazing’ 2022 World Cup plans stuns Belgium as member of the Nether- They don’t have to move around lands’ UEFA EURO 2012 as everything is within an area and 2014 FIFA World of about 50km. It’s going to be Cup squads, midfi elder an amazing experience for both NigelA de Jong knows what it takes players and fans. to host a memorable interna- tional tournament. Q. Having played in a FIFA Swiss reach semis After recently switching the World Cup, how much of a German Bundesliga for the QNB positive impact can this global Stars League, where he plays sporting event have on a host Belgium’s six-match unbeaten run since reaching the World Cup semi-finals ends for Al Ahli, de Jong is settled in country? Doha and feels confi dent Qatar I always say sport connects will host a truly memorable FIFA people, but I feel this is especial- World Cup in 2022. ly the case with football. Why? The former Manchester City, Because it’s the biggest sport in Galatasaray and AC Milan mid- the world and it brings diff erent fi elder spoke to www.sc.qa fol- nationalities and cultures to- lowing a tour of the Supreme gether. This will be a major boost Committee for Delivery & Lega- for Qatar – it will put the country cy’s Legacy Pavilion. Excerpts on the map. People always have their thoughts about the Middle Q. What do you make of East and countries like Qatar, but Qatar’s plans for the fi rst FIFA hosting the World Cup will give World Cup in the Middle East? people a better perspective of The fi rst impressions are this country and region. amazing – especially from my point of view as a former interna- Q. Finally, you moved to Qatar tional player. What Qatar is pre- in July. Before you came, did paring for players and the con- you speak to Wesley Sneijder siderations they have taken into about the QNB Stars League account is fantastic. For the fans and his experiences here? And and people coming to Qatar for how have you found it so far? this event, it’s going to be an in- Yes, of course – he’s one of my credible experience for everyone. best friends in football – so it was a chance for me to ask a lot of Q. How do you think the com- questions about the league and pact nature of Qatar 2022 will Qatar in general. benefi t players? He was very positive. Obvi- I think it has big advantages, ously every country and league for sure. As a player, especially have their advantages and dis- when you’re playing games and advantages but at the end of the taking part in training sessions, day you have to experience these you don’t want to travel for long things for yourself. I’m truly periods of time to go back to your happy I took the decision to come base camp or alternate between here and I’m happy with my ex- three or more hotels, as seen perience so far. in previous tournaments. In a My family love it as well. I country like Qatar, all the neces- work with wonderful people at sary facilities are very close by, so the club, and also outside it. I’ve travelling won’t be a problem. met a lot of nice people already But the compact tournament and I’ve only been here four Switzerland’s Haris Seferovic (right) scores past Belgium’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois during the UEFA Nations League match in Lucerne, Switzerland on Sunday night. (AFP) is not only benefi cial for play- months. Hopefully I’ll be here for ers – it’s great for the fans also. many years to come. AFP going to either France or the Netherlands, and he headed the ball across goal for already been relegated from Group B3, Paris who were locking horns last night. Seferovic to tap in his fi rst just after the while Austria were guaranteed to fi nish Roberto Martinez’s men saw their six- half-hour mark to keep the game alive. second. “We can be proud of the win. We match unbeaten run since reaching the Benfi ca striker Seferovic sent the crowd wanted to come here, to fi nish well with aris Seferovic starred with a World Cup semi-fi nals brought to an in Lucerne into raptures with a wonderful a win and we did that,” West Ham for- hat-trick as Switzerland staged shuddering halt. “We forgot to defend curling fi nish shortly before half-time as ward Arnautovic said, “He (Northern Ire- a sensational comeback to well, we gave Switzerland the opportu- a famous fi ghtback beckoned. land centre-back Gareth McAuley) tried thrash Belgium 5-2 in Lucerne nity to get back in the game,” said Spanish Switzerland continued to press at the to choke me, he tried to fi ght with me, Hon Sunday night and qualify for the Na- coach Martinez. “We had a lot of excite- start of the second period, with Shaqiri I don’t know why. It is not good to fi ght tions League fi nals in dramatic fashion. ment, we really wanted to fi nish top of the bending a free-kick narrowly over the with me.” Thorgan Hazard’s early double left group. The disappointment will make us crossbar. Shaqiri, who has been revital- Switzerland needing to win by two goals more focused when the (Euro 2020) qual- ised since joining Liverpool from Stoke in UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE to qualify from Group A2 but the hosts ifi cation starts.” the close season, was the architect of the RESULTS ON SUNDAY quickly fought back, with Ricardo Rod- Thorgan Hazard set the tone for the all-important fourth goal, creating space League A: Group 2: At Lucerne, Switzer- riguez’s penalty and Seferovic’s fi rst two game in only the second minute as dread- for a whipped cross which only needed a land: Switzerland 5 (Rodriguez 26-pen, goals seeing them into a 3-2 half-time ful defending by Swiss centre-back Elve- glancing touch from Elvedi. lead. Nico Elvedi nodded home a Xherdan di allowed him to slot home. The 25-year- Belgium still only needed one goal to Seferovic 31, 44, 84, Elvedi 62) Belgium Shaqiri cross in the 62nd minute, and old winger continued his excellent recent snatch top spot in the group, but Sefer- 2 (T. Hazard 2, 17); Group 4: At London: Vladimir Petkovic’s men sealed a stun- form with a magnifi cent individual strike ovic put that beyond reach of the away England 2 (Lingard 78, Kane 85) Croatia 1 ning win when Seferovic completed his in the 17th minute, carrying the ball for- side by twisting to head home in the 84th (Kramaric 57) treble late on. “I want to congratulate wards at pace before hammering a low minute. There was still time for Swit- League B: Group 3: At Belfast: Northern each player, there was a big mental re- drive into the bottom corner from the zerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer to be Ireland 1 (Evans 57) Austria 2 (Schlager 49, action, the players never gave up, they edge of the box. forced into saves by Eden Hazard and Bel- Lazaro 90+3) always believed. They played with will, The Borussia Moenchengladbach man gian substitute Michy Batshuayi, but the League C: Group 2: At Athens: Greece intelligence and with their heads.” said has now scored 12 goals for club and hosts held on and almost scored a sixth 0 Estonia 1 (Lambropoulos 44-og); At Swiss coach Petkovic. country this season. That left the hosts when Denis Zakaria was denied at point- After a thrilling match that continued with a mountain to climb, but Rodriguez blank range by Thibaut Courtois. Budapest: Hungary 2 (Szalai 29, Nagy 37) a trend of goal-fi lled encounters in the got them on the scoresheet in the 26th Earlier on Sunday, Valentino Lazaro Finland 0 inaugural edition of the Nations League, minute from the spot after Nacer Chadli scored an injury-time winner as Austria League D: Group 2: At Chisinau: Moldova 1 Switzerland will play at the fi nals in June fouled Kevin Mbabu. beat Northern Ireland 2-1 in a dead rub- (Ginsari 58-pen) Luxembourg 1 (Bensi 70); next year, alongside European champions Liverpool forward Shaqiri was start- ber in Belfast that Marko Arnautovic de- At Serravalle, San Marino: San Marino 0 Portugal and England, with the fi nal spot ing to have a bigger impact on the game scribed as a “fi ght”. Northern Ireland had Belarus 2 (Dragun 8, Saroka 52) Midfielder Nigel de Jong plays for Al Ahli in the QNB Stars League.

Spain, Portugal QNB STARS LEAGUE propose 2030 World Cup bid with Morocco Injured foot rules out Sadd’s Xavi for one month Madrid: Spain and Portugal are considering a joint intercontinental l Sadd will miss the services layoff . The club’s medical team gave bid with Morocco to host the 2030 of captain Xavi Hernandez the Argentinian the green light to take World Cup, Spanish Prime Minister for one month as he sus- part in training. Pedro Sanchez said yesterday. tained an injury during their Meanwhile, Al Rayyan announced QSLA Cup third round match against Al that Abdulrahman al-Korbi would Sanchez was on a visit to the Moroc- can capital of Rabat and met with Sailiya, that ended in a 3-3 draw last undergo a medical examination at Prime Minister Saadedin al-Othmani Friday. According to Al Sadd club’s Aspetar to determine the size of the and King Mohamed to discuss the website, Xavi underwent a medical tear he suff ered during their 3-1 win possibility of bidding for world soc- examination that confi rmed a torn over Al Shahania in Round 3 of the cer’s global showpiece tournament. muscle on his right foot. The Spanish QSL Cup last Friday. He is likely to be “I made a proposal to the govern- star is to undergo a rehabilitation out of action at least for two weeks. ment (of Morocco) to organise a programme for four weeks. Rayyan will play Umm Salal in Week joint bid between Spain, Portugal Meanwhile, Al Sadd’s South Korean 13 of the QNB Stars League on 23rd and Morocco to host the 2030 World midfi elder Jung Woo-Young con- November. Cup,” Sanchez told a news confer- tinued his recovery process from an ence. “We are launching a joint mes- ankle injury he suff ered during their AL DUHAIL DEFENDER LUCAS sage, which is that this will be a bid QNB Stars League Week 10 match RECOVERING FROM INJURY between two continents. The King against Al Ahli. He participated in Al Duhail defender Lucas Mendez is of Morocco is receptive, and we’re warm-up exercises. recovering from a muscle injury that going to work on it with Portugal. Currently Al Sadd has eight players kept him out of action. The Brazil- We’re very excited about it.” in the Qatar squad for the friendlies. ian, who is undergoing a treatment Spain, the 2010 world champions, They are Saad al-Dossari, Boalem programme under the supervision of hosted the 1982 World Cup and Khoukhi, Abdulkarim Hassan, Tariq the team’s fi tness coach, is one of the launched a failed bid along with Salman, Salem al-Hajri, Akram Afi f, most prominent defenders in the QNB Portugal to stage the 2018 tourna- Hassan al-Haydous and Pedro Stars League. ment which was awarded to Russia. Miguel. Five other players (Meshaal Duhail are gearing up for their QNB Portugal has never hosted the World Barsham, Hatem Kamal, Bahaa al- Stars League Week 13 match against Cup but held the 2004 European Lithy, Hassan Ahmed, Yousuf Abdel- Sadd resumed their training without of the league. group training. Al Khor, scheduled for 24th Novem- Championship in 2004 at which razaq) are with the Qatar U-23 team players who are on international duty. Meanwhile, Al-Sadd goalkeeper ber. Following their 1-1 draw with they lost in the final to Greece. while Baghdad Bounedjah has joined Al Sadd are second in the QNB Stars Saoud al-Hajri made his return to AL RAYYAN TO MISS SORIA, Umm Salal in Round 3 of the QSL Cup Morocco was unsuccessful in its the Algerian national team camp for League standings with 23 points. training after recovering from a partial REGAIN JONATHAN’S SERVICES last Saturday, Al Duhail players will campaign to stage the 2026 World 2019 AFCON qualifi er against Togo. Al Sadd head coach Jesualdo Fer- cruciate ligament tear that he suff ered Al Rayyan will miss striker Sebas- resume training on Tuesday. Players Cup, which was awarded to a joint Sadd are preparing for their away reira used yesterday’s session to work while playing the QatarGas League. tian Soria for two to three weeks due who are on international duty will join bid from the United States, Mexico match against Al Arabi, dubbed the on the physical fi tness of the available Al-Hajri will continue to train to an injury. At the same time, Al the squad later. Al Duhail are leading and Canada. Qatar Derby, in Week 13 of the QNB players, in order to ensure they are in under the goalkeeping coach Eduardo Rayyan got back the services of striker the QNB Stars League standings with Stars League on 24th November. Al top condition before the resumption Perez before joining the fi rst team for Jonathan Menendez after a long injury 31 points.