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TENNIS Wednesday, November 15, 2017 Safar 26, 1439 AH Nadal exit leaves Federer GULF TIMES as last man standing SPORT Page 7 Buff on quits as suff er World Cup heartbreak

AFP football, because we failed at something this question.” Barzagli and all quitting the “I just said we were near the end and had to “It’s a very heavy result to bear, because I team, while also hung up his win, so send the strikers to warm up,” said Milan which also means something on a social level,” said an emotional Buff on as he con- was absolutely convinced that we had this Azzurri jersey. De Rossi. “I pointed to Insigne too. I just firmed his retirement. ferocious desire to overcome the obstacle.” “The era of four or five veterans comes to a thought perhaps it was better that Insigne Italian fans were struggling to come to terms close, the one of the hungry young play- come on instead.” tearful Gianluigi Buff on quit in- The 39-year-old goalkeeper, who lifted the with the prospect of a World Cup without ers coming through begins and that’s how Buff on even came up for two corners in a ternational football as four-time 2006 World Cup in Germany, who had been their national team. it should be,” said Ventura, who took over final desperate gamble but Italy fell desper- champions Italy sensationally hoping to compete in a record sixth World “It is really very sad because watching from Chelsea coach in 2016 ately short, leading to damning headlines in missed out on their first World Cup. the World Cup was something that really with a contract until June 2020. the Italian press. CupA finals in 60 years after a playoff defeat Buff on, who has 175 international caps, had brought us together as Italians,” said recent Italy dominated possession but struggled to “Italy, this is the apocalypse,” ran a to Sweden. already announced that the World Cup finals graduate Stefania Pusateri, heading for the create enough clear-cut chances, as Sweden headline on the website of sports daily Coach also said he would in Russia would be his last. exit after watching the match in a Rome bar. secured a first appearance at the finals since Gazzetta dello Sport. consider his future after the Azzuri drew 0-0 But Ventura made no announcement about “But what is sure is that the shock will be 2006 courtesy of Jakob Johansson’s first-leg “Wasted chances, a bit of bad luck but on Monday in the second leg of their tie with his position despite failing to lead the 1934, even worse for my father. He is 54 years old strike in Stockholm. zero goals in 180 minutes against the 1938, 1982 and 2006 winners to their 19th and he has never had to go through some- Ventura had made changes from Friday’s Swedes, who will go to Russia,” Gazzet- Sweden, who qualified 1-0 on aggregate. World Cup. thing like this.” defeat with Brazil-born Jorginho making ta commented. Distraught Italian fans reacted with shock The former Torino coach said he would Another Rome resident Enrico Doddi his Italy debut and Corriere dello Sport, said it will be pain- and disbelief while the Italian press called it first talk to the Italian federation president summed up the national disappointment, and Manolo Gabbiadini also handed starts, ful for the country to be on the sidelines an “apocalypse” for the team, who last failed before making a decision on his future. saying: “You cannot have a good World Cup although Napoli’s in-form winger Lorenzo when the World Cup kicks off in Russia to qualify for the 1958 World Cup and have “Resign? I don’t know. I have to evaluate an without Italy.” Insigne was again left on the bench. in June. played every other edition apart from the infinity of things. I have not yet spoken to the The game at Milan’s San Siro stadium As the clock ticked down, De Rossi was “It is an intolerable football shame, an president,” said Ventura. “It doesn’t depend witnessed a generational shift for Italy, with asked by Ventura to warm up but he pointed inaugural tournament in 1930. indelible stain,” the newspaper said. “I’m not sorry for myself but all of Italian on me, I’m not in the state of mind to face Buff on and fellow 2006 veterans Andrea at Insigne instead.

Five reasons Ventura’s for Azzurri’s future to be historic exit discussed WRONG COACH today Gian Piero Ventura was given the Italy job in the wake of Euro 2016 after five excellent years at Torino, who he Italy’s football federation (FIGC) will meet took from in 2011 to the Europa League round today to discuss the future of coach Gian Piero of 16 in 2015. In 2014 he led the club to seventh in Serie Ventura following their astonishing failure to A, their best league position since 1992, and gave them qualify for the World Cup. their first win over hated local rivals Juventus in two FIGC president Carlo decades. Tavecchio said a “shared Nonetheless he was an uninspiring replacement for An- solution” was necessary tonio Conte, a three-time winner who dragged a after Italy’s first failure rag-tag Italy to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016. Ventura to qualify since 1958, was a 68-year-old who had never managed one of Serie following their 1-0 ag- A’s big hitters and had only the 1996 title in his gregate defeat trophy cabinet. to Sweden in a two-leg IGNORING YOUNG TALENT playoff . Italy might not have players of the same calibre as the “We are deeply 2006 World Cup team, but there is still plenty of talent bitter and dis- of pick from. The key problem in this disastrous cam- appointed over paign was that Ventura did not play or sometimes even the failure to select Italy’s top young talent. qualify for the Italy’s entire starting 11 on Monday was over 25 and six World Cup, it were over 30, while young talent like Juventus’ Federico is a sporting Bernardeschi, Atalanta defenders Leonardo Spinazzola failure that and Mattia Caldara and Roma Lorenzo Pel- needs a shared legrini were barely anywhere to be seen. solution,” said Tavecchio in an INCOMPETENCE AT THE TOP FIGC statement. Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Carlo “For this reason I Tavecchio is responsible for the hiring of Ventura and called a meeting as such the blame for the arrival of the catastrophe he tomorrow... to conduct a thorough analysis and warned of should rest on his shoulders. decide on future choices.” Ventura did not step down on Monday and the FIGC is Ventura, whose contract was extended in dithering on firing him, with Tavecchio announcing he August to run until the Euro 2020 tournament, will decide his fate today. refused to step down immediately after the 0-0 draw against Sweden on Monday. A COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN The 69-year-old — the oldest man ever to coach The 74-year-old Tavecchio is a symbol of a gerontocratic Italy — was described by Tavecchio as a “master Italy where age is often valued more than youth. He of football” when he replaced Antonio Conte hired Ventura, who will be 70 in January, and Ventura following Euro 2016 and was initially given a stuck with the old guard, like De Rossi (34) and Andrea two-year contract. Barzagli (36). Ventura has never won a major title or coached Tavecchio was elected president of the FIGC after a any of AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus and landslide vote in his favour in 2014 that saw 18 of the has spent much of his career in the lower divi- 20 Serie A clubs back him against former AC Milan and sions. Italy midfielder Demetrio Albertini. However, he has enjoyed a long, steady career in Italy and has a reputation for nurturing LACK OF IDENTITY Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on young talent. Ventura’s inexperience at the highest level showed as reacts during the FIFA World Cup He also gained widespread respect following the qualifying campaign unfolded, as he failed to find a qualifier against Sweden at the San a five-year spell with Torino when he led them settled team or tactics. Siro stadium in Milan on Monday. out of Serie B and to several respectable fin- The coach’s mishandling of Jorginho and Lorenzo ishes in the middle and upper half of Serie A. Insigne angered critics, with the coach refusing to play Italy finished second in their European qualify- an attacking trident that would have got the best out of ing group behind Spain, forcing them to face wing dynamo Insigne with a midfield three that would Sweden for a place in Russia. have mirrored the system in which the pair shine at Ventura has been in charge for 17 games with 10 Napoli. wins, four draws and three defeats. (Reuters) Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, November 15, 2017 FOOTBALL

ROUND-UP Spurs must win trophy to show progress, says Arsenal’s Cech

rsenal goalkeeper Petr on his own, and has also headed Cech said fi nishing the ball. There would be no above rivals Tottenham reason to delay it.” Hotspur in the Premier The ex-Germany interna- LeagueA is not their priority, tional recovered quicker than adding Mauricio Pochettino’s expected and could boost side must win a trophy to prove mid-table Stuttgart against how far they have come under third-placed Dortmund, who SPOTLIGHT the Argentine. Tottenham are winless in their last four fi nished ahead of Arsenal for the Bundesliga games. Peter Bosz’s fi rst time in 22 years when they Dortmund badly need an away fi nished second in the league win ahead of next Tuesday’s last season. Meanwhile, Arsene home Champions League match Wenger’s side missed out on against Tottenham Hotspur, who Champions League football with are already into the last 16, while Coach Ventura an easy a fi fth-placed fi nish but ended the Germans have only a slim the season by lifting their third chance of progressing. FA Cup in four years. Gentner, who made fi ve ap- “There is always one odd year pearances for Germany in 2009 where things can change, but and 2010, says he would be com- the most important thing for us fortable playing with the mask. scapegoat but Italy is competing against the other “It doesn’t aff ect me, I have got teams for the Premier League used to it,” he said. title and for the glory,” Cech told Sky Sports. “We are not compet- SPAIN’S EYES MEGA ing against Tottenham Hotspur. TV RIGHTS DEAL Two years ago when we fi nished Spain’s La Liga president has deeper problems above them we were disap- Javier Tebas expects to boost its pointed because we didn’t win coff ers with a huge new televison the title. Our target is to win the rights deal as of 2019-2020 title and be successful during the that could be worth 2.3bn euros Ventura refused to step down after the match but is widely expected to lose his job season, not necessarily looking ($2.7bn) per year. Tebas told a at what Tottenham are doing.” press conference he hoped to Reuters 0-0 draw at home to Sweden. There was season and that interest only really Napoli playing some of the most excit- Pochettino’s Spurs have chal- seal a new deal by March 2018 Milan disbelief among the 75,000 fans in Mi- picked up for major tournaments. ing football in Europe. The question is lenged for the league title over and that the sum included feees lan's San Siro Stadium with 14.8 million Italy’s failures are not recent: they have whether the FIGC will opt for a wholesale the last two seasons, while their for domestic and international stunned Italians watching their national been eliminated in the group stage at the overhaul of their football, as Germany did recent victories over Real Madrid broadcasting rights. ith his monotone deliv- fall from grace on television. last two World Cups, results including a in the early 2000s, or whether a simple and have “I believe we will reach 2.3bn ery and forlorn expression, Ventura refused to step down after the shock defeat to Costa Rica in 2014. Since change of coach will do the trick. It is only placed them among the top clubs euros,” he said before voicing his Italy’s veteran coach Gian match but is widely expected to lose his lifting the trophy in 2006, they have won a few months since Ventura himself was in the Champions League. concerns over the potential costs Piero Ventura would make job this week. But the fact that the na- only one game out of six at the fi nals. praising Italy’s young generation of play- But having failed to win a ma- of Catalan independence. “We anW easy scapegoat for the country’s as- tion’s football federation (FIGC) turned The domestic game is also struggling. ers such as , Dan- jor trophy since the League Cup are in the middle of a problem tonishing failure to qualify for the World to the journeyman coach in the fi rst place Serie A, once the world’s richest league, iele Rugani, Alessio Romagnoli, Gianluigi in 2008, Cech believes winning that could have a massive impact Cup in Russia. The 69-year-old, Italy’s may have simply highlighted the many has lost its allure, unable to attract the Donnarumma and Davide Zappacosta. silverware is necessary for Spurs on the value of our competition,” oldest-ever coach, infuriated his coun- problems facing Italian football. same television money as its English and “The feeling is that they’re building to mark their recent progress. he said over fears that the three trymen by repeatedly consigning Napoli As with many other countries, Italy’s Spanish counterparts. The FIGC itself is something important,” said their 2006 “There was always something La Liga outfi ts — Barcelona, Es- winger , arguably their most illustrious coaches such as Antonio seen as the problem by many with some World Cup winning coach missing but I would say the panyol and Girona — would leave most inventive player, to the substitutes Conte, and Massimiliano media calling for a clearout of offi cials after a 0-0 friendly draw against Germa- diff erence was when Pochettino the Spanish league should the bench. Allegri, prefer to work with top club sides yesterday. Its president Carlo Tavecchio ny last year.”There is a wave of interesting came,” the 35-year-old from Catalan region eventually gain He baffl ed them by fi elding an unfa- and their huge fi nancial resources. The was elected in 2014 amid a racism row af- young players.” Czech Republic added. “They’ve independence from Spain. miliar and open 4-3-3 formation which FIGC managed to lure Conte into the job ter giving a speech in which he talked of As recently as August, the FIGC were been there in the last few years barely any other teams use, then sud- after the 2014 World Cup but the current a fi ctitious African player he named Opti so pleased with Ventura’s progress that so now I think they have to make COLEMAN WANTS FUTURE denly switching to a 3-5-2 for the two-leg Chelsea manager implied that he was Poba “eating bananas”. Tavecchio, who they gave him a two-year contract exten- sure they win something to show SORTED OUT QUICKLY World Cup playoff against Sweden. He bored when he complained of the long denied that his comments were intended sion, taking him until 2020. Buff on who the progression.” Wales manager Chris Coleman praised his players for trying to play his gaps between matches. to be racist, was still elected with the sup- ended his 175-match international career Arsenal, currently sixth in the hopes to complete his contract brand of football, without really explain- He also got into a row with clubs over port of the third and fourth tier clubs and on Monday, insisted that Italy would be standings, host third-placed negotiations by the end of the ing what that was. the release of players for training camps amateur leagues who hold the balance of back. “There’s defi nitely a future, be- Tottenham at the Emirates Sta- month but will not hold any And, having insisted that his mission and left after Euro 2016. Conte’s pred- power in FIGC elections. cause we have pride and strength,” said dium in the league on Saturday. ill feelings towards the coun- was to rebuild an ageing team, he fi elded a ecessor Cesare Prandelli appeared to hit Still, Serie A appears to have turned a the tearful goalkeeper. “We’re stubborn try’s football association if defensive quartet — including goalkeep- the nail on the head when he said that corner with more clubs owning their own and hard-headed. After ugly falls, we fi nd STUTTGART’S GENTNER they choose to go in a diff erent er Gianluigi Buff on — with a combined national team matches were treated as stadiums, Juventus reaching two Cham- a way to rise back up. A lot of these kids BACK AFTER HORROR IN- direction. Coleman’s contract age of 138 in Monday night’s decisive an unwelcome distraction to the club pions League fi nals in three seasons and are talented — I wish them a lot of luck.” JURY expires at the end of November Stuttgart captain Christian and although the 47-year-old Gentner could make a shock re- expects to hold talks with the FOCUS turn against Borussia Dortmund Football Association of Wales tomorrow, just two months after (FAW), last night’s international a nightmare collision left him friendly against Panama could with horrifi c facial injuries and be his fi nal game in charge. concussion. The 32-year-old Euro 2016 semi-fi nalists Wales Aft er ‘Miracle of Milan’, could Zlatan return? fractured his eye socket, nose failed to qualify for next year’s and upper jaw when the knee of World Cup fi nals in Russia and AFP in the San Siro to cheer on his former Swe- playing with Sweden a year and a half ago Cup for the fi rst time since 2006 thanks Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Cas- Coleman acknowledged the FAW Stockholm den teammates but insisted ahead of the and we are still talking about him,” An- to Jakob Johansson’s strike in that bruising teels smashed into his face while could opt for a change of guard. game there would be no comeback. “My dersson told reporters. “We need to talk fi rst leg. “I have never experienced anything challenging for the ball during a “None of us gain anything by it story with the national team is fi nished. about the great players we have in this like this,” said goalkeeper Robin Olsen. Bundesliga match in September. dragging. So yes, if its sorted by fter Sweden’s “Miracle of Milan” Maybe I could have done more, maybe I team,” insisted Andersson, whose side Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven was Only the quick thinking of then, great,” he told British media. booked them a berth at the World could have done less but my time (with beat France 2-1 at home and fi nished ahead overjoyed at the against-the-odds victory. Stuttgart’s team doctor saved “It’s impossible to say this is Cup fi nals and sent Italy crashing them) has come to an end,” he told Sky of the Netherlands to clinch second place “Jaaaaaaaa! It will be the World Cup for Gentner’s life on the pitch after going to be sorted out. I don’t out, could Zlatan Ibrahimovic be Sports Italy last week. in Group A of European qualifying. Sweden in 2018 after two strong matches he swallowed his tongue. The know and they don’t know until Aset for a return from international retire- Infl uences close to the player, however, “Now, when I am not a part of the team against Italy... Congratulations to the na- midfi elder needed two opera- we resume talks whenever that ment? felt a return would be good. “If the deci- they are playing with less pressure. People tional team!” he wrote on Facebook. tions to repair the damage to his is going to be. I have a support In the minutes after the Swedes hung on sion were mine, personally speaking, I’d are expecting less,” Ibrahimovic said of Newspaper Dagens Nyhete called the re- face, but has been training with a group around me that are inte- for a goalless draw on Monday night that take him,” the 36-year-old striker’s agent Sweden’s qualifi cation for the play-off s. sult “surreal”. Sweden’s Aftonbladet news- protective mask and is in line for gral in how I see us going to the secured one of the big World Cup upsets, Mino Raiola told Swedish daily Expressen. One player who has shone in his absence paper felt there was a magic touch behind a call-up to face Dortmund. next step. They (FAW) know the Ibrahimovic wrote “We are Zweden” on In the post-match press conference, is Emil Forsberg of RB Leipzig, watched the feat. “When Janne Andersson took “We have a few more training situation. They know my stance Instagram next to a photo of the delighted coach Janne Andersson was irritated by by Jose Mourinho, who was in the stands over the national team, there was noth- sessions, but if everything goes — how I want to work, who I team, deliberately adding the ‘Z’ of his reporters’ focus on whether their veteran alongside his injured striker in Sweden’s ing,” it wrote. “As if by magic, the players well until then, he could play,” want to work with, how I wWant name to his country’s. The Manchester former star could again pull on the yel- 1-0 win in Stockholm last Friday. hauled themselves up before fi nishing on Stuttgart coach Hannes Wolf it to go. But they may not see United striker, who retired from the na- low jersey at the fi nals in Russia next year. Italy totally dominated Monday’s match their knees, their palms turned to the sky. said. “He has trained a lot and it that way. That’s okay. There tional team in 2016, was among the crowd “This is incredible. This player stopped but Sweden earned a return to the World As in a prayer of thanks.” worked with the team, not just won’t be any bad feeling.”

NO JAMES RODRIGUEZ, NO PROBLEM AS COLOMBIA THRASH CHINA Chongqing, China: A Colombia side missing despite spending billions have been poor in lombia’s attacking midfielder Giovanni Moreno, a sporadic threat up front in the first period. they made it 2-0 on 61 minutes when Bacca, James Rodriguez punished China 4-0 away matches. who plays for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, But China, under Italian World Cup winner Mar- the Villarreal striker, bustled his way through in a friendly yesterday as coach Jose Peker- One of the changes by Pekerman saw Felipe some roughhouse treatment. cello Lippi, are struggling for goals and they the home defence and toe-poked the ball into man made wholesale changes from the team Pardo start and the Olympiacos winger scored Twice in quick succession he was scythed fired a successive blank having gone down 2-0 the bottom corner. defeated in acrimony in South Korea. after five minutes, drilling past Yan Junling down as his side headed into the break a goal to Serbia at home on Friday. Five minutes later Colombia extended their Edwin Cardona, who was accused of making after finding himself unmarked in the box, with ahead. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder Their best chance arrived in the 56th minute lead when substitute Borja lashed in from just a racist gesture in Friday’s 2-1 loss at South Ko- Miguel Borja hitting a second-half brace and Rodriguez was absent after he chose to head when winger Wu Lei took advantage of lax inside the box. rea, was again named among the substitutes Carlos Bacca getting the other. back to Bayern Munich — where he is on loan Colombian defending to nip in and bear down Moreno then rattled the underside of the bar for Colombia, who unlike China have qualified In a first half of few chances in the western from Real Madrid — after the defeat to South on goal, but goalkeeper Jose Cuadrado denied with a soaring header, before Borja stroked the for next summer’s World Cup in Russia. China Chinese city of Chongqing, the hosts gave Co- Korea. And in his absence Colombia were only him. Colombia improved after the break and ball into an empty net in injury time. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 15, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

FRIENDLY Last-gasp Muntari strike helps Qatar draw with Iceland Qatar’s Ahmed had a chance to win the game but fired wide

AFP Doha

last-minute equaliser from Qatar’s Moham- med Muntari meant Iceland warmed up for theirA World Cup fi nals debut in Russia next year without a win in two friendly matches in Doha. The 1-1 draw last night at Ab- dullah bin Khalifa Stadium fol- lowed up their 2-1 defeat against the Czech Republic in Qatar last week. Muntari slammed home from close distance to force a de- served draw for the World Cup 2022 hosts following a laboured performance by Iceland. And it could have been even worse for the Europeans as Qatar’s Ahmed Mohamed even had a chance to win the game very late on. Iceland had looked set for a routine victory after Vidar Orn Kjartansson scored the game’s opening goal in the 26th minute after being put through by skipper Gylfi Sigurdsson, who pounced on a mistake by the Qa- tari defence. But they were unable to see off Qatar’s Akram Afif (right) and Runar Sigurjonsson vies for the ball. a youthful Qatari side — whose average age was just 24 — and 20-yard shot, superbly saved by est nation to have qualifi ed for a Iceland, who qualifi ed for Rus- who did not qualify for next Ogmundur Kristinsson was the World Cup. Dentist-turned-in- sia in style in a group containing year’s fi nals. Qatar enjoyed lots closest they came to scoring. ternational football coach Heimir Croatia, Turkey and Ukraine, of possession though, in truth, Qatar’s Abdelkarim Hassan also Hallgrimsson fi elded a makeshift were more subdued in Doha. rarely threatened the Iceland forced a fi ne save late on from a side, and made several changes They also threatened rarely in a goal. When they did it was usu- free kick. throughout the game, though scrappy game and were hanging Qatar’s Mohammed Muntari celebrates after scoring against Iceland in a friendly match at Abdullah bin ally through the captain Hasan Iceland, with a population Everton’s Sigurdsson played the on by the end of the match as Qa- Khalifa Stadium in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil al-Haydos, whose 11th minute of just 330,000, are the small- full 90 minutes. tar pressed for the equaliser.

WORLD CUP PLAYOFF Gulf Cup deadline passes Honduras accuse Aussies of drone ‘espionage’ with no response Doha: A deadline given by Gulf responses at all,” said Gulf Cup AFP from injury. Both teams made the long Cup organisers asking Saudi football Federation general Sydney trip to Sydney for the return game but the Arabia, the United Arab Emir- secretary Jassim al-Rumaihi. “A Australians arrived 24 hours earlier, earn- ates and Bahrain to play in next decision will be made on the ing extra recovery time, by splashing out month’s tournament, hosted 16th.” Asked if he thought any onduras accused Australia of around Aus$1mn ($760,000) on a char- by Qatar, has passed without tournament was likely, Rumaihi using a drone for “espionage” tered fl ight. response. Organisers told AFP responded: “I hope so. Let’s be yesterday, giving an extra edge “This has been the longest World Cup yesterday that they would now optimistic on this.” to their winner-takes-all play- campaign taken by any nation in the meet later this week to decide The tournament could still Hoff to reach next year’s World Cup. Coach amount of games played and the kilome- whether to go ahead with the take place but just be played Jorge Luis Pinto called it “embarrassing” tres travelled, so you don’t want that to all tournament. “There was no between Qatar, Iraq, Oman, after a drone was spotted hovering near mean nothing,” Postecoglou said. response, we didn’t receive any Kuwait and Yemen. an offi cial training session — even though Australia have not lost at home in the Australian reports said it was being fl own current qualifying campaign, and 12 years by children. ago they won a playoff against Uruguay Pinto has also reportedly claimed that on penalties to reach their fi rst World Cup FOCUS Honduran media leaked information to fi nals in 32 years. They are now targeting Australia, and suggested the Socceroos their fourth straight World Cup, while swept for hidden cameras ahead of Fri- Honduras can reach their third in a row day’s 0-0 fi rst-leg draw in San Pedro with a surprise victory in Sydney. QPA welcomes Sula. “I think the incident is embarrass- Cahill, 37, who scored twice as Aus- ing for such an advanced country. I think tralia edged Syria to reach the intercon- it’s a pity,” Pinto said, when asked about tinental playoff , said he was no longer agreement between the drone. “(When Australia came to thinking about the injury that kept him Honduras) they checked every bathroom Honduras’ football coach Jorge Luis Pinto leaves a press conference in Sydney. (AFP) out of the fi rst leg. “Once I’m available for of the stadium to see if we had cameras. selection I don’t think about my ankle or FIFPro and FIFA What a shame, in a country with this cul- Australia coach Ange Postecoglou ear- Postecoglou, whose future is unclear anything like that,” the Socceroos’ record ture and level, asking to do that.” lier brushed off the claim of an informa- after he refused to dismiss reports he’s goal-scorer said. he Qatar Players As- intermediaries and the loan sys- He added: “Let’s not be naive. It’s es- tion leak, saying he was “not really con- about to quit, has been given a boost for “I just think about the end result of sociation (QPA) wel- tem of players to guarantee the pionage in football that begins to happen cerned about it to be honest”. “We are today’s game with talisman Tim Cahill contributing to getting to a fourth con- comed the agreement basic rights of the players. with this technology. It needs to be con- fl at-out focusing on ourselves. There was saying he’s ready to play after an ankle secutive World Cup. After this game all Tbetween the Interna- Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, Vice trolled. Like (the video assistant referee) a fair bit of drama around before the fi rst injury. Mathew Leckie and Mark Milli- of us have plenty of time to put our bod- tional Federation of Professional President of QPA, said that this made its way into football, drones have game, again we stayed right out of it,” he gan return from suspension, while Rob- ies back together, it’s a small sacrifi ce for Players (FIFPro) and world gov- agreement will be the fi rst step made their way into espionage.” said. bie Kruse also appears to have recovered such a big return.” erning body FIFA. to improve the regulations at QPA has received a letter from the national federations level FIFPro outlining the terms of the to guarantee the basic rights of SPOTLIGHT agreement concluded with FIFA football players. in which rules of player transfers “We are proud that during our have been amended. negotiation with Qatar Football According to the amended Association’s (QFA), we have rules, players will now have the scoured most of these rights. QFA president receives Iran ambassador to Qatar right to: The co-operation QFA and Qa- By Sports reporter ** Leave the club in the event tar Stars League have resulted Doha of ill-treatment to force them to to the implantation of the best accept amendments to the con- practices prior to FIFA-FIFPro tract, or in the absence of a salary deal. Such amendments to FIFA’s he President of the Qatar Foot- for two months. players status and transfer reg- ball Association (QFA), Sheikh ** Additional compensation ulation will ensure that such Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed estimated at 3 to 6 months of sal- rights are non-negotiable,” al- al-Thani received yesterday Mo- ary after the departure of a player Kuwari said. Thammed Ali Subhani, Iran’s ambassador from a concerned club that fails He concluded “the football to Qatar, in QFA’s headquarters located in to pay the salary. family in Qatar demonstrated Al Bidda Tower. The QFA Vice President ** If the club does not comply that it operates following inter- Saoud al-Mohannadi, QFA General Sec- with FIFA’s decision to compen- national best practices, which retary Mansoor al-Ansari, and Executive sate the players, the club will face was achieved with the co-opera- Director of the QFA President offi ce Ali an immediate ban on transfers. tion of Qatar FA and QSL. Dawood also attended the meeting. ** Any contractual provisions The QFA president and Iran’s ambas- granting clubs a period of delay sador to Qatar discussed bilateral rela- in payment of salaries will be tions and ways to strengthen and further prohibited. develop them. They also discussed mat- ** FIFA and FIFPro and foot- ters of mutual interest and agreed to pro- ball stakeholders will also work mote co-operation in the future. on: During the meeting, the QFA president ** The development of stand- and Iranian ambassador embraced the ard contracts for each country to fruitful relationship and ongoing com- guarantee the basic rights of pro- munication between the QFA and the fessional players. Football Federation Islamic Republic of QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani with Mohammed Ali Subhani (left), Iran’s ambassador to Qatar. ** Establishment of inde- Iran (FFIRI), which mainly focuses on pendent arbitration bodies in the exchange of knowledge and expertise how football plays a key role in promot- which aims to serve the game of football has become one of the most important each country that has a profes- for the development of football in both ing bilateral relations between all fed- in both countries. He also praised the role sports hubs in the world, and expressed sional system for resolving dis- countries. The QFA president stressed on erations. Ambassador Subhani expressed played by the QFA, which directly im- willingness to facilitate all the necessary putes between players and clubs. the importance of the deep rooted rela- his thanks and appreciation to the QFA pacts football in a positive way in Qatar measures to strengthen the relationship ** Studying the modifi cation tionship between the two federations and president for the remarkable reception, and the region. He pointed out that Doha between the QFA and the FFIRI. of the transfer system, the role of Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, November 15, 2017

ASHES ‘Wiser’ England ready for Aussie aggression: Root Reuters “I think we’re a little bit wiser them, we won’t be singling any to it this time around. guys out. “It’s still about making sure “Bring it on. It’s what it’s we’re absolutely prepared for about. You want that competi- ngland were out any scenario out there. tive element and those little in- by Australia’s aggres- “We’re expecting it to be hos- house rivalries, if you like.” sion during the ill-fated tile, we’re expecting it to be very Former England captain and 2013/14 Ashes campaign loud and rowdy atmosphere at media pundit Michael Vaughan butE captain Joe Root says they the Gabba. has accused Australia of making are fully prepared for short- “Hopefully we’ll be in a really things hard for England in their pitched bowling and on-fi eld good place and really ready for preparations by serving up low- chatter when the series kicks off that because I think we’ve got quality tour sides away from the in Brisbane next week. our heads round what to expect.” test venues. Root was a member of Alastair With all-rounder Ben Stokes The tourists will play another Cook’s side that was demolished absent from the tour, Root will modest Cricket Australia XI by a Mitchell Johnson-led pace have a bigger load to carry in in the remote northern city of assault and sledged relentlessly leading a team with a number of Townsville from Wednesday. throughout the 5-0 series de- inexperienced batsmen. Root said it was nothing dif- feat four years ago. Root, then Australia spinner Nathan ferent from the last tour. 22, won praise for a defi ant half- Lyon said last week the home “I think we’ve mentally ap- century in the Adelaide Test but, side’s bowlers would compete proached that slightly diff er- like the rest of the England bat- fi ercely for the England captain’s ently this time round and prob- ters, struggled to score runs on . ably slightly better, if I’m being most of Australia’s pitches. Root was unfazed by the brutally honest,” he said. “I think last time it maybe attention. “Obviously it would have been caught us out,” Root told report- “I’ve heard a lot of chat about nice to get a feel for the grounds, ers on Tuesday in Townsville them targeting me in particular,” especially for the guys who where England are preparing he said. haven’t played at those venues. for their fi nal warmup match “From our point of view we’ll “I don’t think it makes too against a Cricket Australia XI. be targeting every single one of much of a diff erence.” England captain Joe Root speaks to the media after a training session in Townsville yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Australia quick Cummins hoping Lanka dare to dream to be Johnson 2.0

Reuters bit of patience (seeing John- Melbourne son’s comeback). “I feel like I’m in the best position I can be, but we’ll at Cummins is un- have to wait and see - there’s of India Test upset certain whether his no guarantees,” added Cum- body can handle the mins of his hopes of playing a ‘We know India are the number one team at the moment and have seen them play demands of fi ve Ashes full series. Ptests but the young paceman Cummins burst onto the some really good cricket in the last two years. This will be a challenging series for us’ hopes to emulate Mitchell world stage with a seven- Johnson and become an Aus- wicket haul against South Af- tralian wrecking ball against rica in in 2011 England’s lineup. as an 18-year-old prodigy Cummins had to wait six but only managed to play his years between his fi rst and second test against India in second tests due to a rash of Ranchi in March this year. injuries and has only played There was a succession of two tests in succession twice, lower back stress injuries in- in India in March and on the between and he has been eased recent tour to Bangladesh. back slowly into the longer Johnson also had to come format. back from a string of serious Capable of bowling at ex- injuries to regain his place in press pace, he will vie with the Australian team before leading seamer Mitchell devastating England with 37 Starc to be the chief aggres- during the 5-0 white- sor against England, with the wash in 2013/14. slower Josh Hazlewood com- Johnson’s experience gives plementing the pair with line 24-year-old Cummins hope and length. that he can also make a big With his fi ve tests all played impact in the series starting in on away pitches, Cummins is Brisbane next week. relishing the prospect of bat- “We saw what Mitchell tling ‘the old enemy’ in front Johnson did last Ashes series of home fans. here - it would be a role I would “As a fast bowler, it’s (about) love to play,” Cummins told re- getting in their face and being porters in Brisbane yesterday. relentless in everything we “Having those fi ve or six do,” he said. “I just can’t wait years (on sidelines)... I think it to get out there. As a kid grow- will mean a bit more when I go ing up, you watch a lot of Test out there. cricket on TV. To be in that “It probably gave me a little position where I might play in bit of confi dence and a little one, I’m pumped.”

OPINION Sri Lanka’s players attend a practice session in Kolkata ahead of the first Test match against India. (AFP)

AFP Coach Nic Pothas, who took off on tough tours to South Af- Ponting predicts Mumbai over after left in rica and England next year. Shastri backs Dhoni once again June, said the India debacle had “First target is to win the fi rst taught his team vital lessons. Test and get momentum to win Mahendra Singh Dhoni was On in-form all-rounder Hardik sweep for Aussies aptain Dinesh Chan- “We learnt how Indian team the series,” wicketkeeper Wrid- once again backed by India Pandya being rested for the Sri dimal is dreaming of does well and the areas we need- dhiman Saha said on Monday. head coach Ravi Shastri who Lanka series, Shastri said: “This IANS England should “be looking in Sri Lanka making his- ed to improve,” he said. With leading all-rounder yesterday said those comment- team is not about one particular Sydney their own backyards” rather tory by winning a Test “It’s internal - the discipline, Hardik Pandya rested for the fi rst ing on the two-time World Cup- individual... we lose together, we than casting aspersions on inC India - despite being huge the culture and how the teams two matches, the focus will be Australia’s personnel. winning former skipper should win together.” underdogs against the world’s stick together,” Pothas said. on senior spinners Ravichandran look back at their own careers. Shastri lauded the players’ head of the gruel- Botham recently described top-ranked side when the series Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who “People should look back at athleticism, saying: “In terms ling fi ve-Test Ashes Australia’s top-order batting begins in Kolkata tomorrow. India infatuation were rested for the last month’s their career before commenting of fielding, this team is the very rubber against Eng- line-up as “one of the poor- Sri Lanka lost all nine matches “The mistake you can make limited-overs matches against on Dhoni. The former captain best in the world at the mo- land starting on No- est I’ve seen” while former - three Tests, fi ve one-day inter- here is come and be infatuated Australia and New Zealand. vemberA 23 in Brisbane, mind off -spinner Swann - who quit has a lot of cricket left in him ment and that’s something that nationals and a inter- with the Indian side and concen- The second Test begins on No- and it is the duty of the team to separates this team from Indian games from both sides have cricket mid-tour during Aus- national - as they were humiliated trating too much on them. We vember 24 in Nagpur with the back the legend,” Shastri said. teams of the past.” begun with former Australia tralia’s 5-0 Ashes whitewash at home by Virat Kohli’s tourists know they are a good side. But fi nal match starting in Delhi on The coach further added that India will take on Sri Lanka in skipper Ricky Ponting pre- in 2013-14 - claimed it was from late July to September. we played them months ago,” the December 2. The two sides will the culture of the current team three Tests beginning with the dicting a sweep for the hosts. “one of the weakest (batting) The island nation have still South African added. also play three one-day inter- is based on performance and Eden five-dayer on November Ponting, who led Australia line-ups they have had” over never won a Test on Indian soil Fifties from Dimuth Karu- nationals and three Twenty20 quality. 16, and this will be Shastri’s first in 77 Tests and four Ashes the past two decades. but they head for Eden Gardens naratne, Angelo Mathews and matches. “There is no one better than home Test series. campaigns, however favoured “I think they (Botham and with renewed hopes after win- Niroshan Dickwella gave Sri Dhoni on the field given his “This team always turns up on the tourists to win the historic Swann) should be looking ning both Tests against Pakistan Lanka a solid start to the tour in SQUAD ability behind the wicket and the park to win. We hope to win day-night fi xture in Adelaide, in their own backyards be- in the UAE last month and Chan- their two-day game against the India (from): Virat Kohli (capt), with the bat and his presence the series spread over one-and- as the conditions will favour fore they start worrying about dimal believes dreams can come Board President’s XI in Kolkata. Lokesh Rahul, Murali Vijay, of mind and sharpness on the half months before going to the swing duo of James An- ours. true. All-rounder Mathews, who Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar field.” South Africa.” derson and Stuart Broad in the “I don’t remember seeing “We did really well against Pa- is returning from a calf injury Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit second game. too many England teams, cer- kistan and the boys are in a good that made him miss the Pakistan Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, “My prediction is that I think tainly in the last 15 years any- shape,” Chandimal said. Tests, will be employed solely Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra it will be four-nil Australia, way, with some of the batsmen “We know India are the as a batsman. Veteran Rangana Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Moham- and I think the best chance that that I’ve seen them play over number one team at the moment Herath will lead Sri Lanka’s spin med Shami, Umesh Yadav, England have got will be in Ad- the last six to eight months. and have seen them play some attack, supported by Dilruwan Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant elaide where a night game, pink “Some of the guys I’ve seen really good cricket in the last two Perera and left-arm unorthodox Sharma. ball, the night time conditions I’m not too enamoured with,” years. This will be a challenging Lakshan Sandakan. Sri Lanka (from): Dinesh will suit Anderson and Broad he said. series for us. Kohli’s India are looking to Chandimal (capt), Dimuth down to the ground,” Ponting “I’ve been a bit more out- “We have never won a Test in consolidate their top Test rank- Karunaratne, Dhananjaya de was quoted as saying by crick- ward than normal about this India. So it’s a dream for us to ing and keep their winning run Silva, Sadeera Samarawick- et.com.au. “But if they don’t one because I honestly think win one this time. We need to intact on home soil. rama, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru win that one, I can’t see them that Australia will win really start well in this series,” he de- The Indians have not lost a Thirimanne, Rangana Herath, winning one.” easily,” Ponting added. clared. Sri Lanka lost all three home series in any format since Suranga Lakmal, Dilruwan Ponting also hit back at While the fi rst Test will be home Tests this year against In- being beaten by South Africa in Perera, Lahiru Gamage, Lakshan English greats Sir Ian Botham played at the Gabba in Bris- dia inside four days with Chan- one-dayers in 2015. Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando, and Graeme Swann’s com- bane, the second match will be dimal terming it their “worst Sri Lanka will be India’s last Dasun Shanaka, Niroshan Dick- Indian coach Ravi Shastri (right) with MS Dhoni. ments on the home side’s played from December 2-6 at ever” series. home challenge before heading wella, Roshen Silva. poor batting line-up, saying Adelaide. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 15, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NHL LeBron rallies Flames burn Blues Cavs over Knicks, in wild win The Sports Xhange twice for the Blues. Alexander New York Steen and Jaden Schwartz had a goal and an assist each. Paul ris Versteeg scored Stastny had two assists, and the go-ahead goal Allen fi nished with 30 saves. with 5:31 left in the third period as the HURRICANES 5, STARS 1 Warriors post win CalgaryK Flames skated to a Teuvo Teravainen scored wild 7-4 win over the St. Lou- three times in the opening is Blues on Monday night. 9:44 of the third period for his Trailing 97-92, the Cavaliers went on a 10-0 run to grab the lead Versteeg one-timed a pass fi rst career hat trick as Caro- from Troy Brouwer past St. lina extended its point streak AFP Warriors dumped visiting Orlan- Louis goalie Jake Allen to to fi ve straight games by beat- Washington do 110-100. Kevin Durant had 21 cap off a stretch of four goals ing Dallas. points and Draymond Green added — two by each team — in a Carolina, 3-0-2 in its last 20 to lead the Warriors. span of 2:43. Mark Jankowski fi ve, rebounded from a 4-3 eBron James scored 23 Joel Embiid scored 32 points and scored twice and set up one overtime loss Saturday night points and reserve guard grabbed 16 rebounds while Rob- for Calgary. Sam Bennett and to Chicago in which it surren- Kyle Korver added 21 as the ert Covington added 31 points and Johnny Gaudreau had a goal dered a pair of two-goal leads. LCleveland Cavaliers rallied Australia’s Ben Simmons added 22 and an assist each. Teravainen notched the natu- from a 24-point deficit on Monday points to power the Philadelphia Micheal Ferland and ral hat trick in his 212th career to edge the New York Knicks 104- 76ers over the host Los Angeles Michael Frolik (empty-netter) game. 101. Clippers 109-105. also scored for the Flames, Meanwhile, Dallas saw Four-time NBA Most Valu- A 10-1 Sixers’ run capped by two who fi nished their seven- its six-game winning streak able Player James added 12 assists Simmons free throws put the 76ers game homestand with a 5-2 against Carolina snapped and and nine rebounds for the visiting ahead 105-101. Austin Rivers sank a record. Matthew Tkachuk had has now been outscored 22-11 Cavs, who were down by two dozen 3-pointer for the Clippers but Cov- two assists. in the third period this sea- points in the third quarter before ington, whose 3-pointer put the Vladimir Tarasenko scored son. storming back for the victory. 76ers ahead for good, made four Trailing 97-92, the Cavaliers free throws in the final 10 seconds went on a 10-0 run to grab the lead, to seal the victory. James sinking a step-back 3-point- Greek star Giannis Antetok- er to give Cleveland a 100-97 edge ounmpo scored 27 points to lead with 83 seconds remaining, their the Milwaukee Bucks to a 110-103 first lead since 25-24 in the second victory over visiting Memphis. quarter. John Henson and Khris Middleton “I thought his defense is what each added 17 for Milwaukee. turned it,” Korver said of James. New Orleans forward Darius “He’s always going to get in the Miller sank four 3-pointers in the paint and make plays. That is where final 5:45 and netted 14 of his 21 he is really special. He is able to do points in the fourth quarter to lift everything. And he showed that in host New Orleans over Atlanta the fourth quarter.” 106-105. E’Twaun Moore led the Korver, who sank two 3-point- Pelicans with 24 points and De- ers in the last 4:35, made four late Marcus Cousins added 22 points, free throws to offset baskets by 16 rebounds and seven assists. Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hard- Jordan Clarkson scored 25 points Calgary Flames right wing Kris Versteeg (10) celebrates his goal away Jnr. James missed two late in 25 minutes off the bench to help with teammates against the St. Louis Blues during the third free throws but Jeff Green grabbed the Los Angeles Lakers defeat host period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 7-4. the rebound for Cleveland to deny Phoenix 100-93. Devin Booker PICTURE: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports the Knicks a potential tying shot at scored 36 points in a losing cause. the buzzer. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 24 Dwyane Wade added 15 off the points and grabbed 13 rebounds TRAGEDY bench for Cleveland while Harda- while Jimmy Butler added 21 points way led New York with 28 points and 10 assists to lead the Minne- and Porzingis added 20. sota Timberwolves over host Utah “King” James bumped French 109-98. French skier David teen guard Frank Ntilikina early C.J. McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic in the game and New York team- each scored 17 points to lead the mate Enes Kanter, a Turkish center, Portland trail Blazers over visiting Poisson dies in stood toe-to-toe with James, con- Denver 99-82. tinuing a spat that began on social John Wall scored 21 points to media that extended to post-game lead the Washington Wizards over training accident comments. visiting Sacramento 110-92. “You can’t just come in and mess with a rookie like that. Mess with a Results DPA World Cup tour in 2004, grown man,” Kanter said. “You can GOLDEN STATE 110 Orlando 100 Montreal winning a bronze medal in call yourself King, Queen, Princess, Philadelphia 109 LA CLIPPERS 105 downhill at the 2013 World whatever, but you can’t punk us.” PORTLAND 99 Denver 82 Championships and fi nish- Told of the remarks, James said, LA Lakers 100 PHOENIX 93 lpine skier David ing seventh in the same dis- “We got the win. I’m not going to Minnesota 109 UTAH 98 Poisson died on cipline at the 2010 Vancouver say that guy’s name again.” MILWAUKEE 110 Memphis 103 Monday aged 35 in Olympics. LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers takes a shot over Courtney Lee of the New York Knicks Even with star guard Stephen NEW ORLEANS 106 Atlanta 105 Aa training accident Nicknamed “Caillou,” the in the second half their game at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Monday. The Curry out with a bruised thigh, the Cleveland 104 NY KNICKS 101 at the Canadian ski resort of Frenchman was a popular Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks 104-101. defending champion Golden State WASHINGTON 110 Sacramento 92 Nakiska, France’s national fi gure on the World Cup cir- ski federation has said. cuit, fi nishing on the podium The Frenchman was re- only once, at Santa Caterina NFL portedly preparing for in Italy in 2015. He had an scheduled World Cup races eighteen-month-old son and due to take place in North his own father had died just America later this month. 15 days before his own death. The International Ski Fed- British Olympic skier eration (FIS) extended its Chemmy Alcott described condolences to Poisson’s Monday’s news as “tragic” in Newton throws for four TDs as teammates and friends upon a post on Twitter. The French hearing of the incident, say- Ski Federation did not give ing in a statement that the any details on how the ac- Frenchman was a “respected cident occurred, but said it and accomplished athlete.” would provide further details Panthers rout Dolphins Poisson debuted on the as soon as possible.

AFP ‘Being able to do this at home Washington made it a little bit more special. BASEBALL Our off ense is at our best when we’re in a rhythm and fl owing’ am Newton threw for 254 yards and four touchdowns and ran But Carolina’s Luke Kuechly intercept- Judge, Bellinger for 95 yards as the Carolina ed a Cutler pass and four plays later, New- CPanthers routed the Miami Dol- ton tossed a 7-yard touchdown pass to Ed phins 45-21 in an NFL game on Monday. Dickson with 19 seconds remaining in the win rookie awards Newton completed 21 of 35 passes while second quarter and the Panthers seized a Jonathan Stewart ran 17 times for 110 17-7 half-time lead. AFP 114 RBIs. The Yankees star also yards to spark the host Panthers, who im- Newton fl ipped a screen pass to Devin Los Angeles won the Home Run Derby in proved to 7-3, just behind fi rst-place New Funchess and he rambled into the end Miami in July. Orleans (7-2) in the NFC South division. zone on a 28-yard touchdown reception Andrew Benintendi of the It’s the fi rst three-game win streak for only 3:10 into the third quarter. ew York Yankees slug- Boston Red Sox fi nished second Carolina since a 14-0 start in 2015. After Carolina’s defenders stopped ger Aaron Judge and on the voting, with Baltimore’s “Being able to do this at home made it a Miami on downs to force a turnover, the Los Angeles Dodgers Trey Mancini third. little bit more special,” said Christian Mc- Panthers struck again with Cameron fi rst baseman Cody In the National League, Bell- Caff rey, who ran for one touchdown and Artis-Payne rushing 12 yards for a touch- BellingerN were named Major inger was also a unanimous pick caught a pass for another. “Our off ense down as the Panthers stretched their lead League Baseball’s 2017 rookies in the awards voted on by the is at our best when we’re in a rhythm and to 31-7. of the year on Monday. Baseball Writers Association of fl owing.” The Dolphins responded with their Judge, 25, became the fi rst America. The Dolphins fell to 4-5, missing a longest play of the season, a 66-yard Yankee player since Derek Jeter Bellinger, 22, smacked 39 chance to match Buff alo for second in the touchdown run by Kenyan Drake. The play in 1996 to pick up the American home runs in his debut season AFC East with their third loss in a row. snapped Miami’s club-record nine-game League award after a dazzling for the Dodgers, who lost in Carolina’s Graham Gano kicked a 40- touchdown run drought. debut season. game seven of the World Series yard fi eld goal in the fi rst quarter to open But Newton led the Panthers to answer Judge blasted 52 home runs to the Houston Astros earlier the scoring and the Panthers jumped quickly, his 69-yard run to the Miami during the regular season, this month. ahead 10-0 on McCaff rey’s 4-yard touch- 18-yard line setting up his 2-yard touch- breaking Mark McGwire’s Bellinger set an unwanted down run, which capped a 12-play, 85- down pass to McCaff rey four plays later as rookie record of 49 homers in record in the postseason with yard march with 7:05 remaining in the Carolina stretched the lead to 38-14. the process. 28 strikeouts, including 17 in second quarter. Newton connected with Funchess on His tally also surpassed Babe the World Series. Miami answered with a 10-play, 75- a 32-yard touchdown pass with 8:20 re- Ruth’s Yankees record for home Paul DeJong of the St. Louis yard touchdown drive that ended on Jay Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) slides for a first down in the first quar- maining but Miami answered with Cutler runs in a season. Cardinals was second in the Cutler’s 2-yard pass to Julius Thomas, ter against the Miami Dolphins at Bank of America Stadium. fi nding Jarvis Landry on a 9-yard touch- As well as his home run ex- voting with the Pittsburgh Pi- pulling the Dolphins within 10-7. Picture: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports down pass with 4:13 to play. ploits, Judge made 128 runs and rates’ Josh Bell third. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, November 15, 2017 SPORT

FOCUS Wales star Davies faces six months out with injury AFP It is a major blow for Wales “He is a massive loss, there is and the Scarlets to lose Davies, no doubt about that. They are who was British and Irish Li- big shoes to fi ll. I have got a lot of ons player of the series against work to do in the next three weeks ales and Scarlets New Zealand earlier this year. and through the Six Nations. centre Jonathan He went off during the final “I am not saying he is ir- Davies has been moments of Wales’ 13th suc- replaceable, but it (13) would ruled out for up cessive defeat against the Wal- defi nitely be one of the posi- Wto six months after suff ering a labies. tions you would least want to foot injury. Although Wales head coach lose. Davies sustained the injury Warren Gatland is set to make “It’s unbelievably disap- during Wales’ 29-21 loss to several changes for next Sat- pointing. But it’s just the way Australia on Saturday and will urday’s meeting with Georgia, it goes sometimes. We have to miss his country’s remaining Davies was an integral part of show a bit of resilience that we Tests against Georgia, New his autumn plans. have shown in the past. Zealand and South Africa. The 29-year-old missed “I am sure there will be play- Davies, who has 65 caps for the 2015 World Cup due to a ers who will put their hand up Wales, will need surgery and knee ligament injury, but he to play 13. We will just have to will likely also be sidelined for has been in world-class form look at it over the next three next year’s Six Nations tourna- throughout this year. Shaun games, and obviously the Six ment. Edwards, Wales assistant Nations.” “Jonathan Davies will un- coach and defence special- Harlequins centre Jamie dergo surgery to his foot fol- ist Edwards, admitted it was a Roberts was called into Wales’ lowing the injury sustained major blow to lose Davies. autumn Test squad as injury against Australia in the Under “Obviously, I am incredibly cover on Monday. Armour Series,” a Welsh Rugby upset for the player He is prob- Roberts, who has won 93 Union statement read. ably one of the form 13s, if not caps, missed out on a place “It is envisaged that recov- the form 13, in world rugby. He in the original 36-man party ery will be in the region of six is going to take some replac- announced by Gatland last Australia’s fly-half Bernard Foley (right) stops to shake hands with Wales’ centre Jonathan Davies as Davies is stretchered off the field injured at the months.” ing,” Edwards said. month. end of the rugby union international Test at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff . (AFP)

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Farah won’t rule out Oly marathon bid Kruis dropped by of getting a medal or close to a AFP London medal (in Tokyo), you will see me.” He has been retained on ritain’s Mo Farah says British Athletics’ World Class he could compete in Performance Programme de- the marathon at the spite doubts over his Olympic 2020 Olympics if he plans. But, now living in Lon- England ahead of feelsB confi dent of winning a don after splitting from con- medal. troversial coach Alberto Sala- Farah retired from the track zar, Farah is currently more in August to focus on road rac- concerned with winning the ing and has been coy about his London Marathon. Olympic future. “For me it is the biggest The 34-year-old had previ- marathon in the world, and it ously hinted he might not race is going to be tough. Mo Fa- Australia clash for Britain again, but Farah rah ain’t going to turn up and hasn’t completely ruled out win... it’s going to be hard to Farrell, Itoje retained in 25-man squad to face old rivals Australia on Saturday the opportunity of going for run,” he said. gold in Tokyo. Quizzed on whether he had Speaking after receiving his taught the Queen to do his fa- knighthood from the Queen at mous ‘Mobot’ celebration, Fa- Buckingham Palace on Tues- rah laughed, saying it was “far day, the four-time Olympic too rude – not in Buckingham champion said: “If I’m capable Palace”.

Semenya to attempt double again at Commonwealth Games Caster Semenya will again “We will be gunning for that attempt the 800 metres and in the next season. I think she 1500m double at next year’s can probably break it already Commonwealth Games before but we’ve got to find the right setting her sights on a world race because you don’t want record. to put all your cards on the The 26-year-old South African table and then get beaten,” he won gold in the shorter dis- told South Africa’s Independ- tance and a surprise bronze in ent Newspapers. the 1500m at the World Cham- Semenya won the 800m in pionship in London in August. London in one minute 55.16 “I will again be going for seconds, the fastest time in the double but I need to the event since 2008. improve on my tactics (for the “I believe a time of 1:52 is 1500m),” she told reporters. possible. It is just a matter of “The 1500m is a race that getting in the right race with excites me. I look forward to the right pacemaker,” said racing it.” Verster. Her coach Jean Verster said The world record of 1:53.28 the 800m world record would is now almost 35 years old be a priority for Semenya and was set by Czech Jarmila after the April Games at the Kratochvilova in Munich in Gold Coast in Australia. July 1983.

George Kruis, 27, has won 21 England caps since making his debut in 2014.

AFP to feature against the Wallabies (Leicester Tigers), Semesa Roko- Jones gets telling-off from his mum for swearing London at Twickenham after Ellis Genge duguni (Bath Rugby), Anthony was among the 10 players re- Watson (Bath Rugby), Danny England head coach Eddie was one of them, and I should leased by Jones. Care (Harlequins), Owen Farrell Jones has apologised for have shown more self-control,” ngland boss Eddie Jones Marler returns after complet- (Saracens), George Ford (Leices- swearing on television after he said. has axed George Kruis ing his three-week ban for strik- ter Tigers), Jonathan Joseph Saturday’s stuttering win over “It’s like anything, you go to for Saturday’s show- ing with the elbow and will either (Bath Rugby), Henry Slade Argentina - having received a a movie and everyone talks down with old rivals start or be named on the bench (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Youngs telling-off from his 93-year-old about it and says it’s going be Australia.E against Australia, depending on (Leicester Tigers). mother. fantastic. Then you sit there for Kruis started England’s 21-8 whether Jones decides to reduce Forwards Australian Jones, 57, was two hours and don’t enjoy it at victory over Argentina on Satur- Mako Vunipola’s workload. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), frustrated by his team’s patchy all. And that sometimes hap- day, but the second row forward Alex Lozowski has also been Nathan Hughes (Wasps), Maro performance in their 21-8 vic- pens at rugby games. HANDBALL has paid the price for a disap- dropped despite appearing as Itoje (Saracens), Joe Launch- tory at Twickenham and his “Unfortunately, it just doesn’t pointing performance. a second-half replacement bury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes frustration boiled over during a click. It’s not a perfect science. The 27-year-old Saracens on Saturday. Lozowksi’s exit (Northampton Saints), Chris post-match interview. If it was a perfect science, we star, who played 21 matches for means that his Saracens col- Robshaw (Harlequins), Sam “I have apologised for the would play brilliant rugby every Arabi, Sadd score wins Engalnd since 2014, was re- league Owen Farrell is likely to be Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs), language I used,” Jones told week, but we don’t.” leased yesterday in the latest involved against the Wallabies Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby), the BBC. “I got a phone call this blow for a player who has suf- after being rested for Argentina Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), morning from my mother – who in Association Cup fered a number of form and in- alongside Maro Itoje, who is also Jamie George (Saracens), Dylan is 93 – rapping me over the jury setbacks this year. Kruis was poised to make his comeback. Hartley (Northampton Saints), knuckles.” QNA Al Khor beat Al Rayyan 25-22 viewed as a key member of the Mike Brown is present among Joe Marler (Harlequins), Mako “I am in trouble with my mother Doha and Al Shamal beat Al Gharafa England team as recently as last the 25 despite being likely to Vunipola (Saracens), Harry Wil- and that’s a big enough punish- 24-23. year’s Six Nations, but he has miss out as he follows the return liams (Exeter Chiefs). ment for me. She still tells Al Duhail and Al Ahli were failed to maintain that progress to play protocols for concussion, Players released me not to swear. I am in the l Arabi and Al Sadd not part of the round as they and was dropped following an as is Jonny May who has made a back to their clubs: doghouse and certainly won’t registered victo- are preparing for the 20th error-strewn performance in the full return to training following Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby), Piers do it again.” ries in the second Asian Club Championship fi rst Test of the British and Irish his recovery from a hamstring Francis (Northampton Saints), England’s underwhelming win round of the Qatar which will be held from No- Lions tour to New Zealand. strain. Jones is due to name his Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), HandballA Association Cup at vember 20 to 30. failed to excite the crowd and Jones has decided to include starting line-up tomorrow. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), George Jones acknowledged that it had Duhail Handball Sports Hall Al Khor will take on Al Charlie Ewels instead of Kruis in Kruis (Saracens), Alex Lozowski not been the most entertaining yesterday. Gharafa, Qatar SC face Al the 25-man training squad gath- SQUAD (Saracens), Zach Mercer (Bath match. Al Arabi defeated Qatar Rayyan and Al Shamal will ered at their Bagshot base ahead Backs Rugby), Marcus Smith (Harle- “I think everyone was a bit Sports Club 30-27, while Al play Al Wakrah in the third of the Australia Test. Mike Brown (Harlequins), El- quins), Denny Solomona (Sale frustrated on Saturday and I Sadd beat Al Wakrah 29-27. In round which will take place Meanwhile, Joe Marler is set liot Daly (Wasps), Jonny May Sharks). the other matches of the day, from Monday. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 15, 2017 7 SPORT

RUGBY Duke of Richmond visits Losail DRFC hosts domestic XVs action as sport continues to thrive despite seige

By Sports Reporter lenges, there is a thriving rugby Doha culture right here in Doha, and that interest in the sport is con- tinuing to grow.” ast weekend, Doha Rugby DRFC hosted three Nation- Football Centre (DRFC) al Club Rugby Championship played host to a bumper games over the weekend, part weekend of live sport, of the Qatar Rugby Federation’s Ldemonstrating that, despite the (QRF’s) newly-reformatted do- blockade, there is a thriving rug- mestic XV’s competition. On by culture in Qatar. Thursday, the Qatar Camels beat “There was non-stop action at Doha Vets, while on Friday, Doha Doha Rugby Football Centre last Maroon – Doha RFC’s men’s fi rst weekend. From vets, to men, to team – won convincingly against ladies, to touch, there really was Al Khor, and Doha Gold – Doha something for everyone to enjoy,” RFC’s men’s second team – de- said Brook Tremayne, director of feated Blue Phoenix. Rugby at DRFC. Additionally, Doha RFC’s la- “This is an unusual year for us. dies played a sevens exhibition Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) president Abdulrahman al-Mannai (left) Due to the current political situ- match, and Doha RFC’s U17 girls and Losail International Circuit vice-president Khalid bin Hassan al-Rumaihi (right) yesterday ation, options for all our teams to went head-to-head against the received Charles Gordon-Lennox (second from left), the Duke of Richmond and the owner of travel are extremely limited. Qa- QRF’s U17 girls in another sev- Goodwood Estate in Sussex. Gordon-Lennox expressed his desire for further co-operation tar Rugby Federation’s domestic ens exhibition game. Finally, the between Qatar and the UK. He was all praise for the progress made by Qatar with regard league is providing local men’s weekend came to a close with to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. On his part, the QMMF chief briefed Gordon-Lennox on the clubs with the opportunity to a series of touch rugby games, developments in Qatar on the sports front and invited him to Qatar during the MotoGP in continue playing competitively, which, played each week, are part March. Gordon-Lennox is also the organiser of the Qatar Goodwood Festival held during the and last weekend proved that, of the ongoing ‘GAC Touch Rug- British summer. Matt Lamont, from Doha Maroon, scores a try against Al Khor. even despite the obvious chal- by League’.

TENNIS / ATP TOUR FINALS Nadal exit leaves Federer Spaniard pulls out after loss to Goff in, as last man standing says he ‘tried’

AFP 31-year-old body can cope with the REPORT London punishing demands of his physical brand of tennis. “I can’t complain. I feel very lucky afael Nadal’s dramatic with- about all the things that are happening drawal from the ATP Finals in to me,” said Nadal. Sock edges Cilic to London leaves Roger Federer “But on the other hand, it is true that as the only megastar standing I am probably the top player that had atR a tournament now looking seriously more injuries and more troubles in the short of star power. careers of everyone. It is always about keep dream alive The Spanish world number one pro- this challenge. But I am used to this and duced an astonishing never-say-die I know what I have to do. I think I am performance in his opening round- ready to do it.” AFP robin match at the O2 Arena late on The Spaniard is the only one of the London Monday despite obvious discomfort, “Big Four” never to have won the ATP digging deep to save four match points Finals and has pulled out a number before eventually succumbing to a te- of times previously before the event, ack Sock kept his dreams of a nacious David Goffi n. which is played on a fast indoor surface fairytale fi nish to his season alive With Novak Djokovic and Andy rather than his favoured clay. yesterday, beating Wimbledon Murray sidelined through injury, Fed- And his exit deprives the event of fi nalist Marin Cilic 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 erer is the only genuine star left in Lon- the chance of a dream fi nal with Fed- (4)J at the ATP Finals. don and is the clear favourite to lift his erer, which would have given Nadal the Cilic, who won the 2014 US Open, seventh year-end title at the grand old chance to hit back after four straight broke the American twice to win the age of 36. defeats to his eternal rival this year. fi rst set but found himself adrift in the For all the showbiz vibe at the event, So who is left to challenge the Swiss? second as Sock levelled the round-rob- the numbers do not lie — all the re- Former US Open champion Marin Cilic in match with two breaks of his own. maining competitors at the tourna- and America’s Jack Sock, fresh from In a see-saw deciding set, the ment have a single Grand Slam title winning the Paris Masters, are in his Croatian fi fth seed started quickly and came from nowhere to reach the end- between them, compared to Federer’s section, the Boris Becker group, along raced to a 3-0 lead before Sock, the of-season event, reaching London haul of 19. with Alexander Zverev. eighth seed, steadied himself, cancel- by winning the Paris Masters — and Nadal, who pulled out of the Paris World number three Zverev, 20, is ling out the break. breaking a run of European success at Masters this month with a knee injury, Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his singles match against Belgium’s David Goff in setting tongues wagging after an im- The match then settled back on serve Masters events stretching back to 2010. said it was a “miracle” that he stayed so at the ATP Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London on Monday. (AFP) pressive year in which he has won fi ve and went to a tie-break. Although Cilic This week, Sock lost his fi rst match close to Goffi n during his 7-6 (5), 6-7 tournaments, including beating Fed- edged ahead 4-2, Sock held his nerve, in the Boris Becker group to Roger Fed- (4), 6-4 defeat, insisting he had done make sense.” give me more chances the next season erer in the fi nal of the Rogers Cup in winning fi ve points in a row to seal the erer while Alexander Zverev beat Cilic, all he could. The Spaniard, who will be replaced to keep being at the top and fi ghting for Canada. victory. leaving both fi ghting for their lives yes- “My season is fi nished,” the Span- in the event by his compatriot and the most important things.” Nadal’s conqueror Goffi n, Dominic “That was a tough one for sure,” said terday. iard said. “Yeah, I had the commitment world number 10 Pablo Carreno Busta, Thiem, Grigor Dimitrov and Carreno the American. The top two players from each of the with the event, with the city, with my- said he hopes to be ready for the start of STELLAR YEAR Busta lurk in the Pete Sampras group “It’s been an interesting morning so two groups of four will progress to the self. I tried hard. I did the thing that I the 2018 season. Nadal has had a remarkable year after but none of those names will send shiv- far. The fi re alarm went off at 4:00 am semi-fi nals. had to do to try to be ready to play. But I “I am, of course, disappointed,” he missing a signifi cant chunk of 2016 ers down Federer’s spine. and we had to exit the building. But Later yesterday, the crowd was to am really not ready to play.” said. “But I am not going to cry. I had a through injury, winning a 10th French There’s no doubt that this is a major I love playing here in London. It’s an be treated to the latest episode in the “Is about the pain,” Nadal added. “I great season. I really appreciate all the Open title, cruising to victory at the US chance for somebody to step up and amazing atmosphere, you make me feel cross-generational rivalry between Fe- cannot hold with enough power to keep things that happened to me during the Open and regaining the world number make a name for themselves but with like home. derer and Zverev, with the tournament playing. I tried, but seriously it was whole season. Thanks life for this un- one spot. Federer still alive and kicking it would “I’m just excited to win and keep desperately needing a compelling story a miracle to be very close in the score forgettable one. But his latest injury will once again take a brave man to predict the start of myself alive.” after the withdrawal of world number during the match. It really doesn’t “I am going to work hard to try to raise questions about how long his a new era yet. Sock, the American number one, one Rafael Nadal.

TENNIS / DAVIS CUP Czech Stepanek retires at 38 No surprises for France, Belgium teams for fi nal AFP he said, himself. He played a magnifi - Brussels cent tournament (reaching the semis at last month’s Paris Masters). He’s ready to play if we need him.” he rival Davis Cup captains, Noah also said that Gasquet, slowed Johan Van Herck of Belgium this season by a series of health issues and Yannick Noah of France, (back, appendix), would be a credible avoided surprises yesterday as alternative. Tthey named their teams for the fi nal in “Richard is capable of regaining his Lille on November 24-26. form quickly, Noah said. David Goffi n, who will be the high- Van Herck said he had left his selec- est-ranked player in the fi nal at number tion late to keep “all options open”. eight in the world, will be joined once One Belgian doubt had been Darcis, Reuters threatened his career but Stepanek again in the Belgium team by Steve Dar- who has been suff ering an elbow prob- Prague battled back and won two grand cis (76th in the world), Ruben Bemel- lem. slam double titles with India’s Le- mans (106) and Arthur De Greef (174), “His elbow is fi ne,” Van Herck said ander Paes, the Australian Open in with Joris De Loore (279) as a reserve. at a press conference in Uccle, where zech Davis Cup winner 2012 and the US Open a year later. Van Herck said that Goffi n’s victory the Belgian players, except Goffi n, are Radek Stepanek announced Alongside Tomas Berdych, on Monday over Rafael Nadal at the training. Chis retirement from tennis Stepanek was also part of the Davis Masters in London was “a very good “He trained hard in the morning and yesterday after failing to recover Cup teams triumphed in 2012 and message for everyone”. played two hours in the afternoon, like his fitness following back surgery 2013. Noah retained the starting quartet everyone else,” Van Herck said. earlier this year, Czech media Stepanek had hoped to make an- that beat Serbia in the semifi nal in Sep- Belgium’s David Goff in will be the highest-ranked player in the final at number France are seeking to win the silver reported. other comeback after undergoing tember with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (15) eight in the world. (Reuters) salad bowl for a 10th time, although it The 38-year-old Stepanek won five back surgery but that dream was and Lucas Pouille (18) as the No. 1 and has not lifted the trophy since 2001. ATP singles titles and reached the never realised. No. 2, Nicolas Mahut (103) and Pierre- defi nitive. He can replace two of his possible,” Noah said at the French na- Belgium have never won the Davis Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2006 “I had to be realistic. I fought till the Hugues (80) as the doubles team and four starters in case of injury or poor tional training centre near Roland- Cup but they are appearing in their when he reached a career-high last breath but it is time to move Richard Gasquet (31) as Julien Benne- form up to the day of the draw on No- Garros in western Paris. second fi nal in three years. They lost in eighth in the world rankings. on,” Stepanek was quotes as say- teau (57) as reserves. vember 23. “Julien is not far off ,” Noah said of 2015 in Ghent to a Great Britain team The following year a back injury ing on www.idnes.cz website. Noah warned that his choice was not “I will make my decision as late as Benneteau. “He has surprised us, and, led by Andy Murray.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

TABLE TENNIS Minister honours Qatar SC and Al Sadd for Arab championship victories QNA Doha

inister of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali honoured Qatar SC and Al MSadd clubs after they won the fi rst and second positions in the 29th Arab Table Tennis Championship held in Lebanon from November 7-12. He met the delegation of the two teams on their arrival at Hamad Inter- national Airport. The minister expressed his satisfac- tion with the great successes achieved by the two clubs during the champion- ship, which ended in Beirut, after win- ning the Arab Club Championship. He expressed his pride with the re- sults achieved by Qatar SC and Al Sadd in this tournament, pointing out that Minister of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali (left) met the Minister of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali and other off icials with the players of Al Sadd and Qatar such a success can only be achieved by players at Hamad International Airport SC on their arrival at Hamad International Airport. reaching the highest levels of concen- tration, commitment and passion for level possible. possible number of champions in this ernment and people of Qatar. since the Arab Championships are the took part in this tournament. He said sport. He also hoped to increase the inter- sport. He said in a press statement that the strongest because of the participation the goal is to maintain this achieve- The minister said that table tennis is est for this sport in diff erent schools, For his part, Qatar Sports Club presi- winning of the championship is great of the most prominent Arab players in ment in the future. He thanked all the an exciting sport and that he hopes that noting that the ministry will have an dent Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin and excellent in light of the strong this important event. He added that players of Qatar SC and Al Sadd for this achievement would only boost the infl uential role in this regard in order to Nasser al-Thani dedicated the Arab Ta- competition from the teams partici- winning this title by Qatar Sports their efforts to reach the final and for continued eff orts to reach the highest create a suitable ground for the largest ble Tennis Championships to the gov- pating in the tournament, especially Club was not easy as many Arab clubs winning the title.

EQUESTRIAN IBSF WORLD BILLIARDS CHAMPIONSHIP QEF to host International Advani, Russell face off again, show jumping c’ship on this time in Long-Up semis consecutive weekends Whereas Aung Htay managed to By Sports Reporter Doha score a single break of 72 points ‘Our hope is that the Qatar riders will get highest number of points’ in between to settle for 175 only. In the other quarter-fi nal, By Sahan Bidappa hree days after they last England’s Robert Hall ousted the Doha met each other in the fi - other 2016 Long-Up fi nalist, In- nals of the 150-Up com- dia’s Sourav Kothari, to set up his petition, India’s Pan- last-four match with Myanmar’s wo high quality events – Qa- Tkaj Advani and England’s Mike Nay Thway Oo. tar International and Al Rayyan Russell will face off once more, Thirty three-year-old Hall Show Jumping championships – this time for a spot in the Long- had breaks of 206, 212 and 99 to will be held on consecutive week- Up fi nal of the IBSF World Bil- his name as he reached the 1000 Tends at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s liards Championship at the Al mark, while his opponent, Koth- (QEF) outdoor arena. Arabi Sports Club Indoor Hall ari, had 746 to his name, courte- The annual championships hosted by today. sy three 100-plus breaks of 170, the QEF, will begin with Qatar Interna- Advani, who had picked up his 146 and 110. tional Show Jumping meet from tomor- 13th world billiards title when he Hall’s opponent Thway, beat row. The four-star event will see 57 riders won the fi nal on Sunday against another Indian, Dhruv Sitwa- and 85 horses from 11 countries in action Russell, knocked out defend- la, in yesterday’s quarter-fi nal over three days. ing champion Peter Gilchrist of 1000-875. The FEI-sanctioned event will be fol- Singapore in the quarter-fi nals While Sitwala managed to craft lowed by another top-class tournament yesterday. as many as fi ve 50-plus breaks, – the Al Rayyan championship from No- Armed with breaks of 391, 257, including one of 186, Thway man- vember 23 to 25. 86, 80 and 55, Advani amassed aged to eke out the win. The three-day event features a Grand 1000 points to Gilchrist’s 796 in While the semi-fi nal will be a Prix Class of 160cm high fences within yesterday’s quarter-fi nal race to 1,250, the fi nal will be a the Arab League qualifi cations of riders Advani was in command- race to 1,500. and horses for the 2018 World Cup, which ing form since the start of the will be held in France next April. match. He posted a fi rst break RESULTS There are nine classes in total with of 391 points to take a handsome Last 12 three each to be contested tomorrow, on lead. He then stitched up another Aung Htay (Myanmar) beat Friday and Saturday. break of 257 to leave the English- Siddharth Parikh (India) 750-683 While revealing the details, QEF Event born Singaporean way behind. Peter Gilchrist (Singapore) Director Ali al-Rumaihi said: “We have (From left) Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) secretary-general Bader al-Darwish, QEF Event director Ali al-Rumaihi and Al Shaqab Gilchrist also had few breaks beat Dhvaj Haria (India) 750-657 received good response for both the Commercial director Omar al-Mannai at a press conference yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi (69, 99, 104 and 166) in between Nay Thway Oo (Myanmar) events, with each carrying 240,000 Euros but that wasn’t enough to catch beat Rupesh Shah (India) 750-555 in prize money. Besides that, it’s a good kiosks around the venue. There will be a up with the 32-year-old from the Sourav Kothari (India) beat platform for young Qatari riders to show lot of other community activities. There Indian city of Bengaluru. Chit Ko Ko (Myanmar) 750-535 their potential and learn.” will also be a raffl e draw and the prizes When everyone was expecting Quarter-finals Besides top Qatari riders like Sheikh Ali will be announced during the events,” al- a quick closure of the match, Gil- Robert Hall (England) beat bin Khalid al-Thani and Bassem Hassan Mannai said. christ made a last-ditch attempt Sourav Kothari (India) 1000-746 Mohamed, two-time Global Champions The Qatar International and Al Rayy- with a phenomenal recovery Mike Russell (England) beat Tour winner Edwina Tops-Alexander of an championships are annually held in break. However, before he could Aung Htay (Myanmar) 1000-175 Australia will be the star attraction. month of December and January respec- reach a comfortable position, he Pankaj Advani (India) beat Athina Onassis of Greece, Jordan’s tively, but has been pushed forward a hit a thick for cannon and missed Peter Gilchrist (Singapore) 1000- Hani Bisharat Ibrahim, Vladimir Tuganov month to give the riders an opportunity that to end the break on 296 796 of Russia and Turkey Derin Demirsoy are to take part in other competitions in the points. Thereafter, Advani scored Nay Thway Oo (Myanmar) other top riders in the fi eld. Riders from region. the required 83 points to step in beat Dhruv Sitwala (India) 1000- UK, Indonesia, Uzbekistan and Pakistan “We advanced the meets this year, to to the semi-fi nals. 875 will also make their presence felt. make it easy for the riders to participate in Russell confi rmed his berth in Bassem, who won the Doha leg of the all tours in Gulf. Between the Qatar events the medals round ousting Myan- SCHEDULE GCT last weekend, is currently second in and those in Saudi Arabia they have elev- mar’s Aung Htay by a huge margin. Semi-final (10am) the Arab League rankings with 44 points en days break in between, and another The 48-year-old Englishman Pankaj Advani (India) vs Mike just four behind Jordan’s Ibrahim. Al- twelve days between the events in Saudi exhibited some excellent bil- Russell (England) Rumaihi hoped that the two home events and the UAE. So we did to help and facili- liards and crafted breaks of 344, Nay Thway Oo (Myanmar) vs will help the Qatari riders accumulate tate the riders, so that they and horses can 219, 278 to reach 1000-point Robert Hall (England) crucial points as they look to qualify for get ample rest,” al-Rumaihi said. mark in around 90 minutes. Final (5pm) the next year’s World Cup. “Our hope is that the Qatar riders will Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani (right) trains at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s SCHEDULE get highest number of points during the outdoor arena yesterday. Tomorrow two championships. Bassem and Sheikh 13:30: Two Phases 120 cm Ali, who are always contesting in major tries from them,” al-Mannai said. which is a well-known and important Ol- 15:30: Table A, Against the clock 130/135 cm tournaments, are in a good position to He added that there was no special ympic sport. The tie up between QEF and 18:00: Special Two Phases 145 cm qualify,” he said. requirement to qualify for the events. Al Shaqab is a fruitful one and there will Omar al-Mannai, Commercial Direc- “There are no special criteria’s but we be continuous co-operation in the future On Friday: tor of Al Shaqab, said the level of compe- follow the process of the International too,” 13:30: Table A, Against the clock with tition will be high despite the absence of Equestrian Federation (FEI) for entries Qatari riders, who participate in the Jump 120 cm neighbouring boycotting countries. He for these two competitions. Anyone who National Series Hathab will also take part 15:30: Table A, Against the clock with stressed that they have not faced any is- feels that he or she can take part in the in the international championships. The Jump Off 135 cm sues with transportation of horses. competition at this level have been wel- three legs of the QR1mn Hathab series has 18:00: Qualifying competition for the FEI “We did not face any issue so far be- comed,” al-Mannai added. already taken place, with the remaining World Cup Table A, Against the clock 145 cause most of the participants and their On the QEF and Al Shaqab joining rounds to commence next month. cm horses are coming from Europe and Asia hands to organise equestrian events, al- The entry will be free for the specta- so we did not have any kind of negative Mannai said: “The guidance of HE Sheikh tors, with a fun zone for kids and other On Saturday impact. With regards to the regional par- Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of activities for families in place at the QEF. Table A, Against the clock 130/135 cm ticipants, we have riders from Kuwait and the Qatar Olympic Committee, led to the Both the events will be shown live on Al- Table A, One Round + Winning Round 145 cm Jordan. Other Gulf countries are welcome formation of a joint committee to organ- kass channels. “We also have collabora- Grand Prix – World Cup Competition | Two to take part but we did not receive any en- ise all events related to equestrian sport, tion with Bedaya for food and beverage Rounds 160 cm