www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 25 PAGE | 27 Murray cruises into Hamilton seekseks China Open Suzuka quarter-finals hat-trick

THURSDAY 6 OCTOBER 2016 • 5 MOHARRAM 1438 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Qatari players taking part in a training session in Suwon yesterday.

We have been eagerly waiting for this day, says QCF President

The Peninsula

DOHA: Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016 (pictured), says the country has been eagerly waiting to host the mega event. “We have been eagerly wait- ing for this day ever since we won hosting rights for the UCI Road Ambitious Qatar chase World World Championships. Now that it is so near, we are very excited. For a big number of people, this event will be the culmination of years of hard work,” the guiding force behind cycling’s evolution in Qatar said. Cup lifeline in South Korea After being established in 2001, the Qatar Cycling Feder- ation (QCF) moved extremely quickly to launch the region’s 2018 WORLD CUP first-ever stage race, the Tour of New coach Fossati faces test Qatar, a year later. In 2009, more ASIAN QUALIFIERS history was created when Qatar but highly optimistic ahead initiated the Gulf region’s first TODAY’S FIXTURES of crucial qualifier women’s event, the Ladies Tour Group A: of Qatar. Qatar vs South Korea And in a few days from now, AFP China vs Syria the country will celebrate its big- Iran vs Uzbekistan gest cycling success story — the Group B: UCI Road World Championships SUWON: Just 12 days into the job Jorge Fos- Japan vs Iraq Doha 2016. Sheikh Khalid, QCF sati faces his first test as Qatar coach when his United Arab Emirates vs Thailand President since 2001, was excited side play away at South Korea in a crucial 2018 Saudi Arabia vs Australia to share his thoughts about the World Cup qualifier today. mega event’s impending start. The highly ambitious 2022 World Cup hosts “We have been preparing are sixth and bottom of Group A after losing to host this competition since their first two games -- away to Iran and, sur- Qatar’s new football coach We won’t lack in QCF’s formation in 2001. One of prisingly, home to Uzbekistan -- in the third Jorge Fossati speaks our main aims had been to bring round of AFC qualifying for Russia. during a press briefing effort, says star the UCI Road World Champion- Qatar are yet to score a goal in a group held in Suwon yesterday. ships to the Middle East for the where the top two teams automatically qualify. first time. Before jetting off for South Korea, Fossati striker Soria “In the past, each time we said he was still hopeful that Qatar could reach hosted the Tour of Qatar, Ladies their first World Cup. The Peninsula Tour of Qatar and Tour of Zuba- “I believe that Qatar can qualify. It will be rah races, we were adding to our very, very difficult but I am optimistic,” said I have confidence in my side: Fossati knowledge base in anticipation the 63-year-old, conceding that third place SEOUL: Influential striker of delivering an exceptional UCI and play-off qualification might be his team’s Sebastian Soria yesterday Road World Championships best bet. The Peninsula “These boys are not in pledged a wholesome effort in experience. I can confidently Fossati, formerly manager of Qatar League training for only 10 days. Qatar’s key 2018 FIFA World Cup say that my team is now ready. Champions Al Rayyan, will rely largely on Car- They have been in training qualifying match against hosts We will deliver on our promises,” reno’s team, drafting just one new player into since long. They will play Korea today. he said. his 23-man squad. SUWON: New Qatar coach with responsibility as the “We will make every effort Sheikh Khalid was quite Defence may prove the key in Suwon, Jorge Fossati yesterday the people back home have possible to get a positive result. It happy with the way in which though Fossati did see his team beat Serbia exuded confidence in his high hopes. is an important match for us and members of Qatari and expatri- 3-0 in a friendly in Doha last week with Uru- side Qatar just a day ahead “I think Korea are we know it,” Soria said yesterday. ate populations have taken up guayan-born forward Sebastian Soria scoring of the 2018 FIFA World Cup coached by a very good Soria is expected to play key cycling. a hat-trick. The squad also includes Akram Afif, qualifying game against hand (Uli Stielike). He has role with fellow forward Rodrigo “In 2001, there were nei- the first Qatari to play in the Spanish La Liga. hosts Korea at Suwon Sta- helped his side withstand Tabata and Hassan Al Haydos. ther infrastructure nor enough Form - and history - suggests Qatar have a dium. pressures,” Fossati said. “Every team member seeks aficionados for our sport. Fast- tough task against Uli Stielike’s team. “It is a difficult match Fossati said Qatar will a positive result. We have a plan forward to 2016 and we have In seven matches against each other, Qatar for us as we are facing one be playing to win though ‘a for Korea so that we get things several iconic parks — at Aspire have beaten South Korea once, back in 1984. of the best sides in Asia,” draw won’t be a bad result’. going our way. We need a good Zone and near the Doha Sheraton The two teams met at the same stage of Fossati said in a press con- “We want three points show after the two losses (last — that provide ample facilities to qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup, South Korea ference yesterday. or a single point as we have month). We are aware that we cyclists. Dedicated cycling tracks winning 2-1 in Seoul and 4-1 in Doha. “Korea has one of the a job to do. The players have are playing one of the biggest have been constructed in differ- The Koreans - spearheaded by in-form Tot- best set-ups anywhere with been very receptive to my sides in Asia. But we believe in ent parts of the country alongside tenham forward Son Heung-Min - have taken a professional outlook. They ideas. They have done well our own abilities to deliver on pedestrian walkways. This is a four points from their first two matches, beat- have an experienced side. so far,” he said. the big stage,” the veteran striker great initiative by the Qatari gov- ing China and drawing with Syria - Qatar’s next However, I am confident “This is a game we must said. ernment as it promotes our sport opponents, on October 11. that my players can do it. enjoy and fight for. We must “I can assure you that the in a big way. Hundreds of cyclists “My players have the learn from mistakes. It boys in maroon are all charged make use of these facilities, espe- QATAR vs SOUTH KOREA ability to face up to the feels good to have come to up. They are ready for a big cially during winters. We’ve seen hosts. The boys have done a stadium where you have fight tomorrow. We have ambi- an explosion of interest in our At Suwon World Cup Stadium Qatar’s coach Jorge Fossati in action 8.00pm. Korea time - 2.00pm Qatar time good work to prepare for played before and won,” he tions and getting points is one of sport in recent years,” he said. this game,” Fossati said. said. during a training session. them,” he said. THURSDAY 6 OCTOBER 2016 25

Encarnacion smashes winning Qatar sailors set for home regatta homer as Blue

QR2000 and QR1500. The organis- Jays claw Orioles Qatar Sailing and ers have lined up more prizes in the Optimist section, with the top three Marine Sports winners below the age of 12 receiv- AFP Federation to host ing QR2000, QR1500 and QR1000 respectively. five-day international Sailors in the Optimist section TORONTO, CANADA: Edwin regatta from October above 12 years finishing in the top Encarnacion smashed the win- three positions will receive QR2000, ning home run as the Toronto 11-15 at Katara Beach QR1500 and QR1000. Blue Jays downed the Baltimore The youngest boy and girl in the Orioles 5-2 in an 11th-inning Optimist section will each get QR thriller to win their American The Peninsula 2000. In the Optimist Team Rac- League wildcard duel on Tues- ing, the first placed team will collect day. QR3000 and the second and third Dominican star Encarna- position will fetch them QR 2000 cion homered to left field off DOHA: Hosts Qatar will have 16 sail- and QR1500. Winners in the Laser Ubaldo Jimenez for a three- ors taking part in the five-day sailing 4.7, Laser Radial, Laser Standard, 470 run score to send Toronto into regatta which begins at Katara Beach and Hobie-16 will each get QR4000. an American League Divi- from October 11, organisers of the The second and third place winners sion Series against the Texas event announced yesterday. will take home QR3000 and QR2000 Rangers. The sailors from the host nation respectively. It was a dramatic end to a will compete with another 50 sailors In preparation for the event, the nerve-jangling game which drawn from nine different countries organizing committee, led by QMSF erupted into controversy in the including India, Iran, Kazakhstan, President Khalifa Al Suwaidi – is in seventh inning when a fan threw Great Britain, Tunisia, Kuwait, Spain, the process of holding several meet- a can onto the field as Baltimore France and Italy, informed officials ings to discuss all organizational outfielder Kim Hyun-Soo caught of Qatar Sailing and Marine Sports matters and ensure the smooth run- the final out. Federation (QMSF) ning of the event. The incident drew a furious The event will be held in five cat- A file picture of last year’s action from the international regatta organised by Qatar Sailing and Marine Qatar sailing team : Kheired- response from Baltimore’s play- egories. Optimist, Laser Radial, Laser Sports Federation. This year’s event begins from October 11. dine Bouchema, Ali Al Sharshani, ers, with center fielder Adam Standard, 470 and Hobie-16. Abdulla Al Sharshani, Mohsin Al Jones angrily gesticulating into Kazakhstan with 20 sailors will Sharshani, Mohammed Al Shar- the stands. lead the field with the biggest dele- “The regatta is open to boats of and a coach may be entered by their The Optimist team racing will shani, Yacine Benzarti, Ghanim Al Baltimore manager Buck gation in Doha followed by India with the Optimist, Laser 4.7, Laser Radial, coaches or team leader”, said offi- take place on October 11 while for the Sewaidi, Mohammed Al Sewaidi, Showalter also stormed out of 16 sailors. Kuwait has send entries Laser Standard, 470 & Hobie-16 cials of QMSF. next three day sailors will compete Abdulrahman Al Nasr, Abdol- the dugout to left field to voice of seven competitors for the event. classes in the fleet racing. In team Competitors for Optimist class in different categories. The closing lah Ajineh,Mohammed Al Zaini, his disgust with the umpiring The regatta will be governed by racing with Optimist class, 8 teams must be born in 2001 or after and ceremony will be held on October 15. Waleed Al Sharshani, Ali Al Muf- crew before returning. the rules as defined in The Racing (maximum 2 teams per country) those in the Laser 4.7 class must be The overall winner in the Opti- tah, Abdulrahman Ajineh, Faris Al As the tension mounted, the Rules of Sailing (RSS) and World Sail- consisting of four or five sailors born in 1999 or after, according to the mist class will get QR 3000 and the Bakri , Hassan Al Baker, and Abdulla final innings became a question ing Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS) (maximum 3 of the same gender) technical specifications of the event. second and third place winners Al Tamimi. of who would blink first.

Ryder Cup GCC squash tournament for juniors kicks off in Doha star Pieters eyeing US tour card

AFP

ST ANDREWS, UNITED KING- DOM: Ryder Cup rookie sensation Thomas Pieters wants to repeat his impressive showing at Hazeltine by pushing for full membership of the US PGA Tour early next year. The 24-year-old Belgian will contest four events, including two on the regular PGA Tour, ahead of making his US Masters debut Representatives of teams taking part in the GCC U-15 and U-19 squash championship for boys attend a draw ceremony on the eve ofthe tournament in Doha yesterday. in April. Last week’s Ryder Cup at The event is contested in the singles category and in team section. Players from four countries including hosts Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain are taking part in Hazeltine saw Pieters become the the tournament. first European rookie to win four points on his first appearance, although the United States won the match 17-11. Pieters will begin his tilt at earning full membership of the PGA Tour for 2017/18 in February’s Murray cruises into China Open quarter-finals Genesis Open at the Riviera Club in suburban Los Angeles -- the same course where as an amateur he won the 2012 National Colle- ATP/WTA AFP Slam champion Svetlana Kuznet- Andy Murray of giate Athletic Association title. China Open Results sova, 31, in two sets, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2. “I’ve played a lot of amateur golf Keys will play either two-time Britain hits a Men’s Singles return to Andrey in the US so I’m looking forward to 2nd Round Wimbledon champion Petra Kvi- going back there at the start of the BEIJING: Andy Murray stormed tova or French Open winner Garbine Kuznetsov of Russia Andy Murray (GBR x1) bt Andrey during the men’s new year, and particularly Riviera, Kuznetsov (RUS) 6-2, 6-1 into the China Open quarter-finals Mugaruza in the quarter finals. single second round where I won before,” said Pieters at Kyle Edmund (GBR) bt Roberto with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Andrey The American is targeting a spot St Andrews yesterday ahead of this Bautista Agut (ESP x7) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 Kuznetsov yesterday, as on the outer in the final to qualify for the eight- of the China Open week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Cham- Alexander Zverev (GER) bt Jack Sock courts the tournament’s younger player WTA Finals in Singapore for in Beijing yesterday. pionship on the Scottish course. His (USA) 6-4, 6-2 players appeared in control. the first time. Murray won 6-2 6-1. management team indicated that all David Ferrer (ESP x5) bt The 49th-ranked Russian broke Briton Johanna Konta is also still four events, plus the Masters, along Fabio Fognini (ITA) 6-3, 6-4 Murray’s serve in the first game, bat- in the running to qualify for the sea- with a number of other invitations 1st Round tling through four deuces to take the son finale for the first time -- and throughout 2017 will count towards Richard Gasquet (FRA x8) bt Sam first point of the match. possibly break into the top ten -- as Pieters securing full 2017/18 Tour Querrey (USA) 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 The world number two dropped she beat Timea Babos 7-5, 6-2. membership. Pablo Carreno-Busta (ESP) bt Bernard another serve in the first set, and Twenty-one-year-old British Tomic (AUS) 6-3, 6-1 Meanwhile the quietly spo- one in the second, but otherwise qualifier Kyle Edmund outgunned Malek Jaziri (TUN) bt ken Pieters, now ranked 39 in Guido Pella (ARG) 6-4, 6-4 allowed the 25-year-old little room 18th-ranked Roberto Bautista Agut the world, sought to play down Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) bt Steve Johnson as he closed out the match in 76 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to set up a quarter final his impressive Ryder Cup debut. (USA) 7-5, 6-7 (9/11), 6-4 minutes. meet with Murray. “It’s tough to talk about my Adrian Mannarino (FRA) bt Albert The women’s top seed Angelique Meanwhile, German teenager individual performance when Ramos (ESP) 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 Kerber booked her spot in the round Alexander Zverev beat American you lose on a team,” he said. “You Women’s Singles 3rd Round of 16, beating Barbora Strycova in Jack Sock, who is five years his go there as a team, so you win or Madison Keys (USA x8) bt Svetlana two sets, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4). senior, 6-4, 6-2. He will face 13th- you lose as a team. Kuznetsova (RUS x9) 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 “I was just trying to be more ranked veteran David Ferrer, 34, in “I did play great and I’m really 2nd Round aggressive, so that was my plan, to the next round. happy to have earned four points. Angelique Kerber (GER x1) bt Barbora just to go for it, and (to make) her Zverev claimed the scalp of But three of those points were Strycova (CZE) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) run,” Kerber said after the match. world number 10 Dominic Thiem with Rory (McIlroy) so I don’t see Elina Svitolina (UKR x16) bt Sabine The German two-time Grand in the first round of the China Open, Lisicki (GER) 6-4, 6-4 it as my four points.” Slam champion will meet 22-year- a week after he beat world number Daria Gavrilova (AUS) bt Timea Pieters is hopeful the expe- Bacsinszky (SUI x12) 4-6, 6-0, 6-4 old Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who three Stan Wawrinka to claim his rience of contesting a Ryder Cup Karolina Pliskova (CZE x5) bt Darya downed Savine Lisicki 6-4, 6-4. maiden career title in St Petersburg. will stand him in good stead. Kasatkina (RUS) 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (9/7) Other members of the younger Twenty-two-year-old Caroline “I feel I can learn a lot from Johanna Konta (GBR x11) bt Timea generation also took charge Garcia crushed the home crowd’s playing in the Ryder Cup and more Babos (HUN) 7-5, 6-2 Wednesday. hopes as she ousted Peng Shuai, 30, than I think I would learn playing Caroline Garcia (FRA) bt Peng Shuai Ninth-ranked 21-year-old Madi- after a tense three set tie break, 6-3, in the Majors,” he said. (CHN) 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (6/4) son Keys dismissed two-time Grand 3-6, 7-6 (7/4). 26 THURSDAY 6 OCTOBER 2016 SPORT

Spiranovic warns Australia of a Spain seek Italy revenge as ‘hostile’ Saudi crowd bruised France face Bulgaria Reuters

outstanding leader in the group.” JEDDAH: Australia defender Mat- Burnley defender Michael Keane has thew Spiranovic has warned his The Azzuri host Spain also been called up to replace Stoke team mates to expect a “hostile” three months after City’s Glen Johnson, who was ruled reception when the Socceroos out through injury. take on Saudi Arabia in their Asian knocking them out A slip-up against Malta, ranked section World Cup qualifier in Jed- of Euro 2016 as 176th in the world, is unthinka- dah today. pressure mounts on ble, but Slovenia could prove sticky Australia lead Group B on goal opponents with a squad notably con- difference from the Saudis, with Southgate to shake taining Atletico Madrid goalkeeper both teams boasting 100 percent off the ghost of Jan Oblak. England needed a late records after two games. Rooney goal to win in Ljubljana in Spiranovic had a bruising Allardyce’s scandal Euro 2016 qualifying. experience on his last trip to the 2. Spain seek Italy revenge: kingdom, when Western Sydney Italy and Spain meet in a heav- Wanderers faced Saudi club Al- yweight clash in Turin just over three Hilal in Riyadh in the second leg of AFP months after the Azzurri knocked the their victorious 2014 Asian Cham- reigning champions out of Euro 2016 pions League final. in the last 16 at the Stade de France. The 28-year-old centre back Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle was head-butted by Al-Hilal’s PARIS: European qualifying for the scored Italy’s goals that day but much Nasser Al-Shamrani in the second 2018 World Cup in Russia resumes has changed in the short time since. half of the scoreless draw and also this week with every nation playing For a start, both sides now have new spat at by the volatile striker after twice after starting their campaigns coaches, with Giampiero Ventura the final whistle as the Austral- last month. Five relatively impor- replacing Chelsea-bound Antonio ian side claimed a 1-0 aggregate tant games arise amid a vast array Conte at the helm of Italy and Julen victory. of matches: Lopetegui taking over from Vicente Al-Shamrani, who was given 1. Southgate leads troubled del Bosque. an eight-match ban for the behav- England: “Spain will be in a new state of iour, has been recalled to the England turn their back on the mind and will be looking to avenge Saudi Arabia team for the match brief Sam Allardyce era as caretaker their Euro 2016 defeat to us,” said at King Abdullah Sports City manager Gareth Southgate leads the Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci. France’s forward Antoine Griezmann (centre) kicks a ball during a training session ahead of their game Stadium. team in a double-header of Group F “They have the best players. All you against Bulgaria in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines near Paris, France, today. “I’ve never played in front matches against minnows Malta at need is a look at their squad list to of such a crowd,” China-based Wembley and away to Slovenia. tell you that.” Italy won 3-1 in Israel Spiranovic told Australian media Allardyce left his post last week in their Group G opener last month against Bulgaria before facing their month ended in a creditable 1-1 draw playing Ukraine on Sunday. That in Jeddah. after just 67 days at the helm, depart- while Spain hammered Liechtenstein main Group A rivals, the Nether- away to Finland, with Valon Beri- match will be played in the Polish “It was surreal, just a sea of ing “by mutual consent” after being 8-0. After today’s game, Spain visit lands, in Amsterdam next Monday. sha scoring their maiden World Cup city of Krakow. blue and white, very loud, hos- caught giving advice about how to Albania on Sunday while Italy go to Bulgaria have a new coach in Petar goal in the Group I encounter. It was 5.Iceland and Turkey meet tile, not friendly at all. circumvent transfer rules and mock- Macedonia. Hubchev, who played when they last a remarkable result given that FIFA again: “It was a pretty smooth leadup ing his predecessor, Roy Hodgson, in 3. France look for kick-start: came to France in 1993. That night, only gave their approval for a host of Iceland’s remarkable journey until the game, although every- a newspaper sting. His one game in Didier Deschamps’ France return to a 2-1 Bulgarian win famously denied players to represent the Balkan out- to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 one’s Instagram account was charge ended in a 1-0 win in Slova- the Stade de France when they play their hosts a place at the following fit on the day of the game. started with a 3-0 home win against abused. All the Al-Hilal fans were kia, secured by a late Adam Lallana Bulgaria tomorrow, their first match year’s World Cup in the USA. Now Albert Bunjaki’s side play their a stunned Turkey in Reykjavik in giving it to us. goal. there since losing in extra time to There are two new faces in the first “home” game, although they their opening qualifier in September “It was packed to the rafters, Southgate, the England Under- Portugal in the Euro 2016 final. Since French squad in defence in the shape will face Croatia in the Albanian 2014. Now with Heimir Hallgrimsson 65,000 screaming men, basically. 21s coach, has recalled Manchester that agonising defeat, Les Bleus got of Athletic Bilbao stopper Aymeric city of Shkoder because the facili- in sole charge after Lars Lagerback It was insane.” United duo Marcus Rashford and off to something of a false start in Laporte and the defender Presnel ties in Pristina, the Kosovan capital, departed following the Euros, Ice- Victory for the Socceroos Jesse Lingard and confirmed that their WC qualifying campaign, draw- Kimpembe of Paris Saint-Germain. are not yet deemed up to the stand- land host Turkey again in World Cup would go a long way to securing Wayne Rooney will continue as ing 0-0 away to Belarus. 4. Kosovo play first ‘home’ game: ards of FIFA. In an extremely tough qualifying Group I. Both teams drew their passage to a fourth consecu- captain, describing him as “the They could really do with a win Kosovo’s competitive debut last group, they follow today’s match by 1-1 in their opening matches. tive World Cup appearance. WC qualifier: Chile face Ecuador test

AFP Bravo, Sanchez and Vidal are all expected to start at Quito’s Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa, which is some 9,000 feet above sea level. Chile, like MONTEVIDEO: Chile face a daunt- many visitors to the stadium, have ing trip to Ecuador today as they often struggled in the thin air and attempt to get their faltering 2018 so far have not won a competitive World Cup qualification campaign fixture at the arena. back on track at a venue where they Ecuador, meanwhile, head into Bayern Munich celebrating after winning their 2015-2016 Bundesliga title for a record 4th time in a have never won. the game looking to rediscover their row after their match against Hannover 96 in Munich, Germany, in May 2016. After eight rounds of South winning habit. After starting qualifi- America’s marathon qualifying ers with four straight wins, Ecuador campaign, two-time Copa America have taken only one point from their champions Chile are languishing in last four games. German clubs top European seventh place, two points adrift of In other matches today, Uru- Ecuador in fifth. guay will be confident of holding With back-to-back Copa Amer- onto their position at the top of the ica victories in 2015 and 2016, the standings when they face Venezuela supporters league ahead of EPL Chileans have been the dominant in Montevideo, with star strikers force in competitive South Ameri- Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez both can football in the past year. expected to play. Despite being able to call upon Venezuela are bottom of the AFP In overall terms, the Pre- five percent this season with eight the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Arturo 10-nation standings with no wins eighth-placed Bolivia in Natal. mier League is still number one in matches played. Vidal (Pictured) and Claudio Bravo, from eight games, although they Argentina, who are level with Europe with 13.7 million fans attend- Rising ticket prices and security Chile have stumbled from one set- gave Argentina a mighty scare in Brazil on 15 points, will face Peru ing matches against 13 million for fears following a string of attacks back to the next so far. Last month their last outing on September 6, in Lima, with coach Edgardo Bauza PARIS: It may have vast wealth and the German league. But the Pre- by extremist groups in France are they were beaten 2-1 by Paraguay taking a 2-0 lead before eventually mulling how best to plug the gap an enviable array of talent but Eng- mier League has 20 clubs playing among factors keeping fans away. in Asuncion and were then held to being held for a 2-2 draw. created by injury to captain Lionel land’s Premier League (EPL) plays 380 matches a season against 306 Didier Quillot, secretary gen- a 0-0 draw by minnows Bolivia at A resurgent Brazil meanwhile Messi. second fiddle to Germany’s Bundes- for the Bundesliga, with its 18 clubs. eral of Ligue 1, said the state of home in Santiago. will attempt to extend the feelgood Bauza has indicated either liga when it comes to drawing the The disparity translates into signifi- emergency still in effect following Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi factor created by back-to-back Juventus’s Paulo Dybala or Atletico crowds, figures show. cantly higher attendance per match the extremist attacks is a key factor. has recalled playmaker Jorge Valdi- wins over Ecuador and Colom- Madrid’s Angel Correa could start in The Bundesliga attracted an in Germany. “The whole leisure sector is down,” via following a 10-month exile while bia last month when they take on Messi’s place. average of 42,685 fans per game For La Liga -- still home to world he said. Marseille are emblematic of in the 2014-2015 season, according football’s biggest stars in Cristiano the French problems. The new Velo- to the figures compiled by Deloitte, Ronaldo at Real Madrid and Lionel drome stadium has drawn average the multinational consulting firm, Messi at Barcelona-- 9.8 million fans crowds of 30,290 this season against placing it well ahead of the Premier attended matches in the same sea- 53,130 in 2014-15. Rooney tired of debating League with 36,163 fans per match son, at an average gate of 25,734. Italy’s Serie A lagged in fifth over the same season. Last season, and for the first time place, with 8.2 million fans turn- The Bundesliga topped the Euro- in its history, Spanish football drew ing out at an average of 21,586 per AFP “I don’t know, it’s a question for pean table of fan support with the more than 10 million fans in testi- match. Ticket prices and televised Gareth,” a visibly annoyed Rooney Premier League next, followed by mony to the health of the game. coverage of games are cited as rea- told reporters on Tuesday. Spain’s La Liga a distant third. The same cannot be said for sons but also the poor state of Italian LONDON: Wayne Rooney (pic- “The question of where I’m In France and Italy fans are stay- France and Italy, both suffering stadiums, about half of which date tured) has promised to accept going to play... it’s getting a bit tired ing away in droves, with an alarming declines in support for the sport. back to before 1949. whatever role England manager the question of whether I’m going drop in support for the game, nota- France’s Ligue 1 clubs drew an In contrast, Premier League Gareth Southgate wants him to to play as a striker, in midfield or bly in France, a World Cup winner in average of 22,362 fans per game for clubs have been pouring fortunes play after admitting he is tired of as a number 10. 1998 and host of Euro 2016. a total of 8.5 million spectators in into facilities and Arsenal, Leicester the debate about his best position. “I’ve answered that ques- Billions in broadcasting revenue 2014-2015 and the trend has been City, Hull, Manchester City, South- Rooney has spent the best days tion many times and it’s the same has flooded the coffers of English downward ever since. ampton, Swansea and West Ham all of his glittering career as a striker, answer: I’ll play wherever the man- Premier League clubs allowing the The following season the fig- boast stadiums built over the past but he was deployed in midfield by ager wants me to play. likes of Manchester United and oth- ure dropped to 20,894 and despite 15 years. Liverpool recently greatly then England boss Roy Hodgson at “I don’t pick myself, I haven’t ers to splash out in total a record £ hosting of Euro 2016 to attract more upgraded Anfield while Tottenham Euro 2016 after finishing last sea- picked myself ever and I will play 1.165bn ($1.54bn/€1.39bn) to attract fans into the stadiums, attendance are building a new home and Chel- son with Manchester United in the to instructions,” added irritated big names ahead of this season. is still falling, down more than sea are planning to do the same. same position. Rooney. SPORT THURSDAY 6 OCTOBER 2016 27

Hamilton seeks Suzuka hat-trick after Sepang blow

Reuters Sebastian Vettel at the start. Rosberg, whose Finnish father The former champions and Jap- Vettel will drop three grid places Keke took the 1982 title, is keeping anese manufacturer, who own the in Japan as punishment for tipping his focus squarely on Japan. Suzuka circuit, renewed their once- Rosberg into the spin. “I’m quite liking my approach dominant partnership last season but SUZUKA: Lewis Hamilton will have “It’s not how you fall, it’s how you of just seeing it as a weekend-on- endured a bruising year. to dig deep to overcome the heart- get back up,” Hamilton told reporters. a-weekend basis so don’t have such Fernando Alonso criticised the Al Rayyan’s new head coach Michael break of Malaysia as he heads into “If I can find strength from within thoughts and just accepting the way engine as ‘GP2’ standard during last Laudrup (second left) speaks with Sunday’s Formula One Japanese to be able to come to these next races it went today,” he said. year’s race but the team have made supporting staff during a training session. Grand Prix needing a third straight and perform like I’ve performed this “Next is Suzuka where I want to steady progress this season and are win at the Suzuka Circuit to revive weekend then, providing the car holds try and win again.” optimistic about their chances of fin- his flagging title prospects. together, good things will come.” MercedesMercedes can win tthehe construc- ishingishing in tthehe points on homehome soil.soil. The triple world champion’s hopes Sunday’s engine failure was thehe tors’tors’ cchampionshiphampionship on SundaySunday forfor thethe Laudrup takes first of claiming a fourth title were dealt a latest in a spate of reliability issueses thirdthird year in a row.row. heavy blow last Sunday at the Sepang that have plagued Hamilton’s 201616 McLarenMcLaren will also be hoping to put circuit when he was forced to retire campaign and prompted the Britonn on a strong showingshowing in engine sup- with a blown engine while hold- to hint at a conspiracy. plierplier Honda’s Al Rayyan session ing a comfortable lead with 16 laps “Someone doesn’t want me to winin home race.race. remaining. this year. My question is to Mercedes.s. That allowed Australian Daniel We have so many engines made butut The Peninsula South Korea. In other news, Al Ricciardo to score his first win of the mine are the only ones failing thisis Rayyan has announced a friendly year ahead of Red Bull team mate Max year,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. match against Al Khor in what will Verstappen in the team’s first one-two “Someone needs to give mmee be Michael Laudrups first match finish since the 2013 Brazilian Grand some answers because this is notot DOHA: Al Rayyan welcomed new in charge of the Lions. The tie is Prix. acceptable. We are fighting for thehe head coach Michael Laudrup for his set to take place this evening at Al Had Hamilton won, scoring a championship and only my engineses first training session with the squad. Khor stadium, and will be the first landmark 50th career victory, he are failing. It does not sit right withh Before the session, Laudrup opportunity for the Danish coach to would have vaulted back to the top me.” and his backroom staff spoke with have a look over his side in a match of the overall standings ahead of Mer- Hamilton turned a deficit of 43 the players to outline his vision for situation. cedes team mate Nico Rosberg. points to Rosberg earlier in the sea- the team. Notable absentees for Al Al Rayyan will then resume Instead he heads to Japan needing son into a 19-point advantage over Rayyan included Rodrigo Tabata preparations for the third round of to bridge a 23-point gap to the Ger- the German with a streak of six wins and Sebastian Soria who are cur- QSL action, when the reigning Qatar man, who finished third in Malaysia from seven races, but he is running Lewis Hamilton rently away on international duty Stars League champions will take after being spun around and dropped out of time to mount another come-- with the Qatar national team in on Al Sailiya on October 15. to the back of the field by Ferrari’s back with only five races left. Al Shahaniya appoint Abdulla hangs on to slender Nando as team manager T2 lead at Rally of Morocco The Peninsula

DOHA: Al Shahaniya Head of Football Mohamed Al Shammari revealed that they have appointed Nissan’s Qatari rally OILIBYA RALLY OF the current reserve team head coach MOROCCO 2016 Ze Nando to assume temporary star faces strong management of the football team, opposition from his Positions after leg 3 following the resignation of their (T2 class - unofficial): head coach, Fathi Al Jabal. main series rival Yasir 1. Adel Hussein Abdulla (QAT)/Sébastian De- Al Jabbal resigned with the club Saeidan with two launay (FRA) Nissan Patrol : 9hr 50min 34sec. after just two Qatar Stars League stages remaining 2. Yasir Saeidan (SAU)/Alexei Kuzmich (RUS) games in charge. Toyota Land Cruiser 200: 9hr 52min 43sec. Revealing details of the resigna- tion, Al Shammari said; “Following 3. Abdullah Saleh (SAU)/Michael Orr (GBR) Al Shahaniya Sports Club’s Head Toyota Land Cruiser : 10hr 22min 06sec discussions held within Club Man- The Peninsula agement, we have decided to of Football Mohamed Al Shammari 4. Nicolas Falloux (FRA)/Antonia de Roissard accepted Al Jabbal’s resignation, (FRA) Toyota Land Cruiser: 11hr 41min 03sec Jabbal was present at Tuesday’s for us, and winning could be con- 5. Mohammed Al-Harqan (QAT)/Nasser Al- training session to say farewell to sidered a six pointer especially at ERFOUD, MOROCCO: Nissan’s Adel Kuwari (QAT) Toyota Land Cruiser: 11hr 41min the players.” the end of the season.” Hussein Abdulla gained and main- 37sec, etc Al Shammari also noted the aim Al Shammari also placed faith tained a slender lead in the FIA T2 of management during this period; in his side after their encouraging category at the OiLibya Rally of “We will aim to find a suitable man- start. “Everyone knows that we are Morocco after the second half of a ager quickly. We do not want this one of the favourites to be relegated. gruelling Marathon stage of 315km situation to effect the team and it’s But the team is working very hard, yesterday. good moral at the moment.” and I believe we can beat relega- The Qatari led the eighth round Talk turned to the clubs cam- tion this term.” of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Coun- paign in the QSL so far “The team Al Shahania will now continue try Rallies at the overnight halt, after lost their first match to the QSL title their preparations for the coming his main series rival Yasir Saeidan Adel Hussein Abdulla in action on his T2 Nissan Patrol in Morocco. holders Al Rayyan, which is under- QSL matches, with the Oryxes will lost time late on Tuesday after- standable. Whilst the second game, be taking on Umm Salal on October noon, but the Saudi hit back on day the win over Muaither meant a lot 14 at Qatar SC stadium. three to regain much of the lost time “One of the other drivers took outright T2 category lead through his first position by the narrowest in the frantic battle for the FIA T2 a different route and came ahead the closing kilometres of the Mar- of margins. Championship for Series Production of me and I got stuck in his dust. athon stage on Tuesday afternoon Qatar’s Mohammed Al Harqan Cross-Country Vehicles. My main competitor overtook me when Saeidan was delayed. was third fastest on the day but “I started the day 25 minutes and I got delayed in the dust and I The Qatari driver was classified Saudi driver Abdullah Saleh holds Umm Salal lose friendly ahead of Yasir,” said Adel Hussein, hit a tree that I could not see on the in an excellent 21st overall and 25 third in the overall classification. who now leads his rival by just 2min right side of the car. After that, the minutes ahead of the Saudi in the Adel Hussein is running a Nis- 09sec after losing time following a car stopped and my navigator could overall rankings heading towards san Patrol with support from Nissan The Peninsula Despite the defeat, Umm Salal collision with a tree. not open his door. We managed to the third selective section of 315km Qatar, Nissan Middle East and the head coach Bülent Uygun will use “The beginning of the stage was repair the car and continued at the yesterday. Abdullah Saleh was a Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Fed- the friendly as a good opportunity to sandy and then it became very rough same rhythm.” distant third and Marco Piana held eration (QMMF) and is working assess his squad ahead of the restart with a lot of stones. I was driving “Yesterday was a Marathon fourth place. alongside French navigator Sébast- DOHA: Qatar Stars League side of the league following the interna- within a certain rhythm, not push- stage, so the strategy was to take Saeidan clawed some time back ien Delaunay for the first time. Umm Salal suffered a 4-0 defeat tional break. Umm Salal will now ing too much and not driving slowly. things easy but, tomorrow, is a long through the checkpoints on the Two further selective sections of by Saudi Arabian Pro League side continue training and will be look- I was taking things easy, because the and rough day and we hope to stay third stage and completed the sec- 319km and 230km take place today Al Raed. Raed blew the Orange For- ing to maintain their unbeaten start tracks were so narrow and twisty leading the T2 category and try and tion in a time of 3hr 32min 06sec. and tomorrow, with the route head- tress away with three goals in the to the season when they take on Al and you cannot set fastest times on build a gap to the end.” Adel Hussein carded a time of 3hr ing to a finish in Erfoud tomorrow second half to confirm the comfort- Shahaniya in the third round of QSL those roads.” Adel Hussein grabbed the 55min 29sec to hang on grimly to afternoon. able victory. action. Broad targets England ODI Anderson confident of return in India Tests return for 2019 World Cup Reuters tests in Bangladesh after aggra- would return to the side with Reuters New Zealand, and Broad has only fea- vating the injury to his left the five-Test series against India tured in two matches during that rebuilding shoulder blade that caused him starting in Rajkot on Nov. 9. period. England and Wales are hosting the to miss the first test against Anderson, who has amassed 2017 Champions Trophy and the World Cup LONDON: England seamer James Pakistan. 463 wickets in the five-day for- LONDON: Fast bowler Stuart Broad two year later, and the 30-year-old Broad Anderson (pictured) is confident “I feel fine,” Anderson told mat, hopes to be fully fit to has fallen out of contention for a regu- is determined to do everything necessary he will be fit to play some part in ESPNcricinfo at Lord’s. “It’s a take on the world’s top-ranked lar starting place in England’s one-day to fight his way back into the side. the team’s Test tour of India start- frustrating injury where every- test side in conditions that are international side but the test stalwart is “I’m desperate, as I think every Eng- ing in November after sitting out thing feels good, the rest of my unlikely to assist the pacemen. “desperate” to represent his country at the land cricketer would be, to play at the this month’s two-match series body feels great, but as soon as “I’m not going to miss the 2019 World Cup on home soil. 2019 World Cup in England,” Broad, who in Bangladesh with a shoulder I try to bowl I’ve got a bit of pain entire trip, no,” he said. Broad, who climbed to the top of the has taken 178 wickets in 121 ODIs, told Sky injury. there. “I’m very confident I’m going test bowlers rankings earlier this year, Sports. “It is a long way away but it will The 34-year-old, England’s “It’s something that’s going to to be involved in the India series, was part of the England side that made an creep up.” most prolific wicket-taker in take a few more weeks to rest and it is a frustrating injury, some- embarrassing group stage exit at the 2015 Since last appearing in those two ODIs tests, sustained a stress fracture recover. I’ve got another scan in thing I want to get right, but it World Cup and has barely featured since. in South Africa in February, Broad failed to during the home series against three weeks to see if it’s healed does happen in cricket. England have prospered in white-ball feature in England’s home one-day series Sri Lanka in June, although he did enough for me to start bowling.” “In sport, you get injured, cricket after making sweeping changes to wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan and was play three matches against Paki- England’s director of cricket, you’ve just got to deal with it and their tactics and personnel in the wake of also overlooked for the three matches in stan in July and August. Andrew Strauss, recently said hopefully I can get as fit as possi- the disastrous showing in Australia and Bangladesh, beginning tomorrow. He was ruled out of England’s he was unsure when Anderson ble as soon as possible.”