Djokovic to Lead Stellar Line-Up in Doha Qatar Exxonmobil Open 2019 Begins on December 31

SPORT Friday 23 November 2018 PAGE | 17 PAGE | 19 Al Rumaihi continues Root’s England to dazzle as QNB target rare Qatar International series sweep Championship begins in Sri Lanka Djokovic to lead stellar line-up in Doha Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2019 begins on December 31

Djokovic, the THE PENINSULA Serbia’s Novak Djokovic poses with the DOHA 2017 ExxonMobil Qatar Open trophy 2018 Wimbledon at the Khalifa International Tennis World No.1 Novak Djokovic is billed to and US Open Complex in Doha in this ﬁle photo. kick-start his 2019 season with the champion, tops Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2019 which the entry list of will be held from December 31, 2018 to January 5, 2019 at the Khalifa Inter- star players which national Tennis and Squash Complex includes world in Doha. Djokovic, the 2018 Wimbledon and No. 8 Dominic US Open champion, tops the entry Thiem, Nikolov list of star players which includes world No. 8 Dominic Thiem, Basilashvili, David Nikolov Basilashvili, David Goffin, Goffin, Karen Karen Khachanov and this year’s Khachanov and French Open semifinalist Marco Cecchinato. this year’s French Open semi-ﬁnalist Marco Cecchinato.

No. 4 Tomas Berdych, who has not three-set win over Britain’s Andy Goffin debuted at the Doha event been competing since June, are all in Murray in 2017 to claim a back-to-back in 2018 -- when he beat Dutch Robin the first places of alternates list and triumph. Haase in the first round, before losing will probably make it in the main He is also the absolute favorite to Spain’s Fernando Verdasco in the draw. this time around after having had an round-of-16. Of the 32 singles players and 16 amazing second half of 2018. Tournament Director Karim Alami doubles team featuring in the six-day Meanwhile for Goffin, the Doha said, “It is our pleasure to once again event, all eyes are definitely going to event will be the Belgian’s first tour bring some of the world’s best players be on Djokovic, the 14 Grand Slam- event when he returns from an injury. to Qatar at this year’s Qatar Exxon winner, who will be a making a return The 2017 Nitto ATP Finals runner- Mobil Open. Fans of the sport are, In all, 25 players made the entry to the tournament after pulling out of up announced recently that he was without any doubt, in for a week-long list while three slots are allotted for the 2018 event due to injury. shutting down his 2018 campaign due festival of top-notch tennis with unpar- wild card entrants and four for The 31-year-old Serb, who will be to an elbow injury. The 27-year-old last alled hospitality that we are well noted qualifiers. making an appearance in Doha for the played at the Shenzhen Open -- where for. We look forward to welcoming all The three-time Major winner Stan fifth time, defeated former world No.1 he lost in his opening match at the the players and the teeming fans to Wawrinka, the defending finalist Rafael Nadal for his maiden title in tournament to three-time Grand Slam this year’s event which promises to be Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action. Andrey Rublev and the former world 2016 and he followed it up with a champion Andy Murray. the best so far.” Broadcasters review production plans for IAAF Doha Worlds

THE PENINSULA to showcase the Doha skyline in the good attendance at the meeting and I James Lord, Director of Platforms event and the first-ever in the Middle DOHA background. think a lot of the broadcasters were and Distribution at IAAF, said: “We’ve East. Introducing a number of world firsts interested to come here and portray ath- been delighted to welcome the world’s Avid athletics fans can select from World broadcasters attended a World into the coverage, IAAF Productions have letics in a little bit different venue than broadcasters to Doha this week and an array of options that allow them to Broadcasters Meeting (WBM) in Doha new and exciting plans to make graphics we have ever been at before. So, I think extremely proud to share our production follow their champion, sit in traditional last week to see first-hand the facil- a far more integral part of the coverage everyone is really excited,” he added. plans which will showcase this great Arab cushioned Majlis seating or choose ities, services and processes available and the overall storytelling of the Cham- Patterson highly praised prepara- sport and engage with existing and new finish line seats. to them at the IAAF World Champion- pionships and the athletes. tions for the midnight marathon that audiences in all new ways.” Family and group discounts are also ships Doha 2019, while IAAF Produc- The new plans place athletes at the takes place for the first time at the World “The feedback has been incredibly on offer for those looking to attend with tions also unveiled its exciting plans front and centre of the production and Championships. positive from our broadcast partners and their families or groups of friends. for the event. go behind the scenes like never before. “I think the Organising Committee our close working relationship with the Tickets start at an affordable €14 and A day of presentations and visits out Speaking of his experience at the and the host broadcaster have done a LOC has brought many new possibilities include options that cater for all tastes, to Khalifa International Stadium and the WBM in Doha and what broadcasters phenomenal job to get things ready with to the World Championships. We are including finish line tickets that become Marathon Course along Doha’s Corniche think of the host venue and facilities, regards to the lighting and planning for really excited to be counting down the available to the public for the first time showcased a completely new production Grier Patterson, Deputy Division Pres- the marathon. weeks and months to the start of the ever. plan designed to be the most innovative ident at Tokyo Broadcasting System “Marathons are extremely popular Championships on 27 September 2019,” Traveling fans will have access in the and progressive ever at a World Cham- (TBS), said: “The meetings have been in Japan and we draw very big audiences Lord added coming months to travel packages that pionships, driving key audiences around very constructive and very productive. in Japan. So, I think the midnight mar- The WBM meeting comes after the include flights, hotel accommodation the world by being bold and creative. The stadium and the warm-up facilities athon is going to be a very neat presen- Local Organising Committee (LOC) put and transfers. Broadcasters saw the first glimpse all look fabulous, so we are really excited tation of Doha because of the way the tickets on sale to fans all over the world Further information on ticketing is of how the innovative midnight mar- about what lies ahead for us next year. city is lit up. I think it is going to shine as Doha continues to show its readiness available at https://iaafworldathletics- athon will be brought to life on screen “I think in Doha there was a really very nicely,” Patterson added. to host the world’s biggest athletics champs.com/doha2019/

The ﬁrst ever midnight marathon at IAAF World Championships will be brought to life on screen to showcase the iconic Doha skyline in the background. FRIDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 17 ACL Draw: Al Duhail, Al Sadd in tough groups

AGENCIES AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2019 - GROUP STAGE DRAW Ain on April 8 and 23 in their KUALA LUMPUR home and away fixtures. WEST ZONE They will play their fifth Qatar football giants Al Duhail Group A: Al Wasl (UAE), Al Zawraa Club (IRQ), Winner of Playoff 4, Winner group match on May 6 against and Al Sadd were pitted in Group of Playoff 2 Esteghlal FC, followed by the C and D respectively as draw for Group B: Al Ittihad (KSA), Al Wadha FSCC (UAE), Uzbekistan 1st Club, final group match against Al 2019 AFC Champions League Winner of Playoff 3 Hilal on May 20. (ACL) group stage was held Group C: Al Duhail SC (QAT), Al Hilal (KSA), Al Ain (UAE), Esteghlal FC (IRN) On March 5, Barca legend yesterday. Group D: Persepolis (IRN), Al Sadd (QAT), Al Ahli Saudi (KSA), Winner of Xavi Hernandez-led Al Sadd The competition’s official Playoff 1 will take on Al Ahli in Jeddah draw took place in Kuala and will meet Persepolis in Lumpur, and representatives of EAST ZONE Doha on March 12, in their next Al Duhail, Al Sadd, Al Gharafa Group E: Korea Rep. 3rd Club, Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS), Winner of Playoff match. ‘The Wolves’ face the and Al Rayyan attended the 4, Winner of Playoff 2 play-off qualifier in an away ceremony. Group F: Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN), Korea Rep. 2nd Club, Melbourne game, next. In Group C, Al Duhail have Victory (AUS), Winner of Playoff 3 Later, Al Sadd will host the been placed along with Saudi Group G: Japan 2nd Club, China PR 2nd Club, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors play-off qualifier in Doha on April Arabia’s Al Hilal, United Arab (KOR), Buriram United (THA) 22 before another home game Emirates’ Al Ain and Iran’s Group H: Sydney FC (AUS), Kawasaki Frontale (JPN), Shanghai SIPG (CHN), against Al Ahli on May 6. Esteghlal. Winner of Playoff 1 Al Sadd will take on Perse- Al Sadd, winners in 2011, also polis in their last group match in face tough opponents as they Tehran. have been drawn with Saudi UAE’s Al Wahda, Al Ittihad of Wehdat of Jordan, Kuwait SC Persepolis, who lost 2-0 to Arabia’s Al Ahli and Iranian Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan and Zob Ahan of Iran in Kashima Antlers on aggregate in giants Persepolis, the last edi- champions Lokomotiv. Al Rayyan play-off. this year’s final, will begin their tion’s finalists, in Group D. will fight with Saipa of Iran and Al Duhail will begin their campaign in the West Zone’s Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa Minerva of India in play-off. group campaign against Group D. can also make it to the group Al Gharafa have the chance Esteghlal FC on March 5, 2019. Asia’s premier club football The top scorer of the 2018 stage as they will feature in the to qualify for Group A, which A week later, last year’s QNB competition, which features 32 AFC Champions League play-offs. includes Al Wasl of the UAE and Stars League champions will teams, is split into two geographic tournament, Al Sadd’s If qualified, Al Rayyan will Al Zawraa of Iraq. take on Al Hilal. zones, east and west, until the Baghdad Bounedjah. join Group B, which includes the Al Gharafa will vie with Al Al Duhail will meet UAE’s Al final. Al Rayyan eye win over Umm Salal as QSL resumes

FAWAD HUSSAIN However, it’s a fact now that Al Duhail Al Rayyan’s skipper THE PENINSULA QSL FIXTURES are edging closer to it, so we aim to be Rodrigo Tabata in the top four,” Souza said. Former champions Al Rayyan will be celebrates after Today Meanwhile, Umm Salal assistant looking to surge into top 3 in the QNB scoring a goal against 4pm: Qatar SC vs Al Ahli coach Bouziane Ben Arabi said his Stars League (QSL) standings when they Al Kharaitiyat in this at Qatar SC Stadium team, which slipped to 7th position, was take on Umm Salal in their Round 13 September 1 ﬁle photo 6:30pm: Umm Salal vs targeting a strong comeback. clash at Al Gharafa Stadium today. Al Rayyan at Al Gharafa Stadium “My first match in charge, against The QSL is resuming after a two- 6:30pm: Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Al Rayyan, has turned out to be a very week break due to international com- Shahania at Al Khor Stadium tough one. We lost a lot of points of late. petitions, and Al Rayyan’s Under-23 We’ve been mainly working on coach Gilson Souza, who is super- Tomorrow boosting the players’ morale, so we can vising the senior side, said that his 4pm: Al Sailiya vs Al Gharafa make a strong comeback against Al team was targeting full points in at Al Ahli Stadium Rayyan. today’s game. 4pm: Al Khor vs Al Duhail “I’m a coach, I definitely love my Al Rayyan sit on 4th spot in the QSL at Al Khor Stadium job and I’ll do everything to succeed in standings with 22 points from 12 6:30pm: Al Arabi vs Al Sadd it. Umm Salal have to get back to the matches so far. Al Duhail (31), Al Sadd at Al Arabi Stadium winning path and we’ve to give every- (23) and Al Sailiya (22) occupy the top thing to the team,” he added. three places. “Al Rayyan are a good team, but we Souza said his team will have to by history and statistics,” the coach augurs well for the team and we can a 3-1 margin in the third round of QSL had held them to a draw in the first leg,” display a quality show to earn victory said. “We know that our opponents achieve better results in the coming Cup,” he added. said Bouziane. in the match. aren’t having a good run of late. But games,” Souza said. The coach said Al Rayyan’s aim is In other matches today, Qatar SC “We’re preparing very hard. We’ve we’ll be wary of them and we’ll play “The two-week break in the QNB to finish inside the top 4 club. will host Al Ahli while Al Kharaitiyat to prove our capabilities on the pitch, for a win. Our team hasn’t been Stars League didn’t affect our team. We “It’s difficult to assess the level of and Al Shahania will square off at Al where victories are achieved and not defeated in the last four games. That played and won against Al Shahania by the team. Our goal was title triumph. Khor Stadium. In-form Al Rumaihi bags top prize on opening day

CHINTHANA WASALA Ajami in the saddle, rounded up the Haidan’s 12-year-old mare Mubarak Yousef Al Rumaihi THE PENINSULA top five of the €7,000 Belucci Van ‘T Vleminkhof com- guided Bolandro over an obstacle competition. pleted a round against the clock during the feature event on the Popular Qatari rider Mubarak Yousef Earlier, in the 120/130cm event, without any errors in 50.27 seconds opening day of the QNB Qatar Al Rumaihi continued his amazing Apple Bee, with Haidan in the to earn him the winner’s prize International Show Jumping form with double podium finishes saddle, clocked a time of 63.93 to €1,000 and later, his 11-year-old Championship at the Qatar including top spot in the feature event clinch top spot. gelding Colijn completed the same Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) as three-day QNB Qatar International The winner received a cash task in 52.72 to seal the second prize. Outdoor Arena yesterday. Show Jumping Championship kicked cheque worth €1,250. Hugo Z, with Hamad Nasser Al off, yesterday. Canavaro De Muze (ET), ridden Qadi in control, finished the job in At the Qatar Equestrian Feder- by Jaber Rashid Al Amri won the 53.32 seconds, as Abdulla Rashid ation’s (QEF) Outdoor Arena, Al second place after completing the Al Amri (Cinderella B) and Rumaihi wowed spectators with same task in 67.17 seconds. Mohammad Hazim Abara (Ambre two flawless rides to seal first and Saeed Nasser Al Qadi grabbed De Beaufour) came fourth and fifth third spots in the feature event on third position after guiding Day- respectively. inaugural day. dreamer EC to finish the round in The three-day championship Al Rumaihi, who won five 69.18 seconds. which is co-hosted by Qatar Eques- podium spots at the recently-con- Meanwhile, the opening event trian Federation (QEF) and Al cluded Al Rayyan Championship, of the day saw Hussain Said Haidan Shaqab, carries an overall prize bag manoeuvred his 12-year-old winning both first and second of €51,000 and a total of nine stallion Bolandro to secure the top places. competitions. price in the Two Phases (Max. 140cm) event and later guided QNB QATAR INTERNATIONAL SHOW JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP: RESULTS Vivaldi K to seal the third place in the same event. COMP. (1) TABLE A, AGAINST THE CLOCK, MAX. 115CM, PRIZE MONEY €4,000 Bolandro completed the first Rank/Horse Rider Time (secs) Prize money phase in 49.86 seconds, and the 1 Belucci Van 'T Vleminkhof Hussain Said Haidan 50.27 €1,000 stallion went on to complete the 2 Colijn Hussain Said Haidan 52.72 €800 second round in 37.85 seconds to 3 Hugo Z Hamad Nasser Al Qadi 53.32 €600 win the event, as Al Rumaihi got 4 Cinderella B Abdulla Rashid Al Amri 53.57 €400 richer by €1,960. 5 Ambre De Beaufour Mohammad Hazim Abara 53.85 €280 Vivaldi K earned the talented Qatari rider second podium finish COMP. (2) TABLE A, AGAINST THE CLOCK, MAX. 120/130CM, PRIZE MONEY €5,000 when the 16-year-old gelding 1 Apple Bee Mohammed Saeed Haidan 63.93 €1,250 clocked times of 51.39 and 39.28 2 Canavaro De Muze (ET) Jaber Rashid Al Amri 67.17 €1,000 seconds to finish third which 3 Daydreamer EC Saeed Nasser Al Qadi 69.18 €750 earned another €1,225 for Al 4 Frappant Mohammed Saeed Haidan 73.94 €500 Rumaihi. 5 Anyway Ii Rashid Towaim Al Marri 76.28 €350 Colibri 19, with Nasser Al Ghazali in the saddle, recorded COMP. (3) TWO PHASES, MAX. 140CM, PRIZE MONEY €7,000 times of 48.48 and 38.22 respec- Rank/Horse Rider 1st phase 2nd phase Prize money tively to secure second place. He 1 Bolandro Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi 49.86 37.85 €1,960 won €1,575 in prize money. 2 Colibri 19 Nasser Al Ghazali 48.48 38.22 €1,575 Casanova, ridden by 3 Vivaldi K Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi 51.39 39.28 €1,225 Mohammed Saeed Haidan, and 4 Casanova Mohammed Saeed Haidan 48.69 43.85 €875 Carport with Faleh Suwead Al 5 Carport Faleh Suwead Al Ajami 47.96 45.28 €490 18 SPORT FRIDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2018 Three-way Davis Cup final: France pick tie for lead at golf’s Tsonga, Chardy for singles World Cup REUTERS fans, is the last one before the LILLE century-old competition is MELBOURNE revamped next year. AFP France captain Yannick Noah The 2019 competition will do sprang a surprise at yesterday’s away with the ‘home and away’ Cameron Smith birdied the Davis Cup final draw ceremony format after an opening qualifi- 18th to give Australia a share when he named Jeremy Chardy cation round and will culminate of the lead with England and and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as his in an 18-nation finals week in South Korea on the opening singles players for the opening Madrid in November. day of the golf World Cup day’s action in Lille. Meanwhile, thirty amateur yesterday. Already without the likes of tennis players were invited to They conquered the Met- Richard Gasquet and Gael play through the night on ropolitan Golf Club in Mel- Monfils for the final against Wednesday to test the Davis Cup bourne with 10-under par 62s Croatia, Noah decided to leave final claycourt constructed inside in opening fourball action, out Lucas Pouille, the top-ranked Lille’s huge Stade Pierre Mauroy. with Malaysia, Belgium and player in his squad. Last weekend’s rugby inter- defending champions World number 40 Chardy national between France and Denmark a stroke further will open the tie today against Argentina in the same venue back. Croatia’s Borna Coric with meant organisers faced a quick The American pairing of Tsonga then taking on Marin turnaround to lay down the clay Kyle Stanley and Matt Kuchar Cilic. surface in time for this week- are four off the pace in a Cilic and Coric are ranked end’s historic final against group of seven nations, seventh and 12th respectively, Croatia. including France and Japan. making captain Zeljko Krajan’s The French and Croatian Smith and partner Mark decision on his singles players a teams have practised on another Leishman were among the straightforward one. site while the court was con- favourites coming into the France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (left) and Croatia’s Borna Coric shake hands next to the Davis Cup trophy “I’m a little surprised Jeremy structed, but they will get their US$7m tournament and they on the eve of the final in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France, yesterday. (Chardy) plays,” Cilic said at the feet on the match surface after lived up to expectations in draw ceremony, “I was expecting its overnight test carried out by blustery conditions, Lucas and Jo. opportunity to change on Sunday matches against Cilic, although defending champions and are players from a local club. although forecast storms held They will have the probably with Lucas entering in they have played only once since trying to win the title for the 11th “At first, I will not lie, I off. the place of Jeremy.” 2015 and Tsonga won their last time, while Croatia are seeking thought it was a joke,” Alexander Nothing would make Already without the Tsonga, 259th in the ATP clash, nearly two years ago in to repeat their triumph of 2005 Landtsheere was quoted in English Ryder Cup team- likes of Richard Gasquet rankings, missed seven months of Rotterdam. when they won the cup in French daily L’Equipe after mates Ian Poulter and Tyrrell and Gael Monfils for the the year because of knee surgery Chardy, 31, has impressed Slovakia. taking to the court at 2330 local Hatton happier than spoiling and has played only 11 singles Noah during practise and his 2-1 Croatia captain Zeljko Krajan time (2230 GMT) on Wednesday. the Australian party. final against Croatia, matches this year on the Tour. head-to-head record over Coric said Noah’s selections had not Players took turns to hit on It looked like the rival Noah decided to leave He lost in the first round in may have been a factor in his taken him by surprise. the court until 0400 in a bid to sporting nations would be out Lucas Pouille, the his most recent tournaments, in decision. He is 2-3 against Cilic. “I know he can sometimes bed down the surface for the tie playing together in the top-ranked player in his Vienna and Paris. Saturday’s doubles will see take a joker out of his pocket,” which starts today. second-round foursomes, but squad. Leaving out the 32nd-ranked home pair Nicolas Mahut and Krajan said. “It does not always “It was impossible to refuse,” a late charge by the Pouille is a potential gamble Pierre Hugues-Herbert take on work according to the ranking. said Louis Delcour. impressive South Korean World number 40 although the 33-year-old Mate Pavic and Ivan Dodig. “I thought Chardy could be “We train in small clubs. For team of An Byeong-hun and Chardy will open the tie Tsonga, a former world number Sunday’s reverse singles his joker this weekend. I hope it us, being there is an honour, we Kim Si-woo vaulted them into five, has a fine pedigree and a would see Tsonga face Coric in will not be as successful as usual are unlikely to have this chance a share of the lead. today against Croatia’s big-match character. He also a possible deciding fifth rubber, in the Davis Cup.” again. Australia will instead Borna Coric with Tsonga played in last year’s final when although the captains are The final, being played on “If we had to play eight hours tee-off today with Malaysian then taking on Marin Cilic. France beat Belgium. allowed to change their teams clay inside the Stade Pierre in a row we were ready to do it duo Gavin Green and Ben He has lost five of his seven during the tie. France are the Mauroy, which can hold 28,000 I think.” Leong, who combined for two eagles and five birdies. “It was good team golf really. I think it was just solid all around,” said Green. “The holes I birdied, he African great Griezmann must prove worth didn’t birdie, so we always had alternate holes, which we did well on and it is a good Drogba retires thing especially in this to Atletico in Barcelona clash format.” from football England sunk 10 birdies, and Poulter, a team event AFP REUTERS Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann veteran, said it was crucial LONDON BARCELONA to do so in the fourball format to get into a good Ivory Coast and Chelsea great Didier Drogba Barcelona’s interest in signing Atletico position. (pictured, below) announced his retirement Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann In fourballs, or better after a 20-year career. was the worst kept secret in football ball, both players have a ball The 40-year-old scored 164 goals in 381 last season and tomorrow the but only the better score appearances for Chelsea, winning four Frenchman will face the club he so counts for each hole. In four- Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the nearly joined when they meet in a somes, or alternate shot, 2012 Champions League, while he is also mouth-watering La Liga clash. teammates take it in turns to Ivory Coast’s all-time record goalscorer When Griezmann fired Atletico to play the same ball. with 65. victory over Olympique de Marseille “Foursomes (the second Drogba most recently played for in the Europa League final in May it and fourth rounds) is a com- Phoenix Rising in the United Soccer League. was widely viewed as his last stand pletely different game,” “I wanna thank all the players, man- for Diego Simeone’s side before a Poulter said. agers, teams and fans that I have met and move to Barca but they successfully Belgium’s Thomas Pieters made this journey one of a kind,” he wrote convinced the Frenchman to stay. and Thomas Detry matched in a statement on Twitter. He revealed his decision to remain England’s back nine score of “If anyone tells you your dreams are at Atletico in a remarkable televised 30. too big, just say thank you and work harder documentary called ‘The Decision’, and smarter to turn them into a reality.” which angered the Catalans, not least TOP 5 FIRST ROUND SCORES Drogba played club football in six dif- because it was made by Barca ferent countries in total, with the majority defender Gerard Pique’s Kosmos pro- 62 - South Korea (An Byeong-Hun/ of his success coming in France and duction company. Kim Si-woo), England (Tyrrell Hat- England. Atletico Chief Executive Miguel ton/Ian Poulter), Australia (Mark He won the Premier League Golden Angel Gil Marin had warned Leishman/Cameron Smith) Boot in 2006-07 and 2009-10, netting 104 Griezmann, 27, of the pitfalls of joining 63 - Malaysia (Gavin Green/Ben times in the English top flight in total, and a club like Barca. Leong), Belgium (Thomas Pieters/ also scored a dramatic late equaliser when “Griezmann needs to decide if he him staying at Atletico, is also said to however, with his cause bolstered by Thomas Detry), Denmark (Thorbjorn Chelsea beat Bayern Munich on penalties wants to make history at Atletico have put Costa’s nose out of joint, his role in helping France win the Olesen/Soren Kjeldsen) in the Champions League final six years ago. where everything is built around him according to reports in the Spanish World Cup. 64 - Ireland (Shane Lowry/Paul Drogba’s last game was Phoenix’s 1-0 or go to a club where he will never go media. “For me, he deserves it,” said Dunne), India (Anirban Lahiri/Ga- loss to Louisville City in the USL Cup final down in history,” said Gil Marin. Griezmann’s lack of domestic goals defender Juanfran. on November 8. But Griezmann has struggled this has not stopped his team mates touting “Lionel Messi and Cristiano ganjeet Bhullar) term, producing talismanic perform- him for the Ballon d’Or award, Ronaldo perform at such a level which 65 - Italy (Andrea Pavan/Renato ances in games such as the 2-0 win makes them the best but last year Paratore), Sweden (Alexander over Borussia Dortmund in the Cham- Griezmann hit that level with goals and Bjork/Joakim Lagergren), New Zea- pions League but failing to galvanise trophies and if you analyse it properly land (Ryan Fox/Mark Brown), Vene- his team at difficult places like Vil- he should win it.” zuela (Jhonattan Vegas/Joseph Naf- larreal, Leganes and Celta Vigo. Griezmann needs to Yet if Griezmann is to justify being fah) He has three goals in 12 league mentioned in the same breath as Barca’s 66 - Finland (Mikko Korhonen/Mik- games, a meager tally which can be decide if he wants to Messi and or Juventus’ Ronaldo, he ko Ilonen), France (Alexander Levy/ traced to the dire form of fellow striker make history at Atletico needs to take a step forward and prove Michael Lorenzo-Vera), South Africa Diego Costa. where everything is built he is able to win pivotal matches on (Dylan Frittelli/Erik van Rooyen), Griezmann usually thrives due to around him or go to a club his own, as the Portuguese and Greece (Peter Karmis/Alexander Tra- the aggression and work rate of Costa, Argentine regularly do. where he will never go nacher), Japan (Satoshi Kodaira/ whose form has suffered over the last Guiding Atletico to a first league Hideto Tanihara), China (Li Haotong/ few months, struggling with injuries down in history: Atletico win over Barca since 2010, which

and failing to score in the league. would take them top of the table and Wu Ashun), United States (Kyle

Chief Executive Miguel Stanley/Matt Kuchar) The Frenchman’s salary hike, two points clear of the champions he which the Frenchman said was key to Angel Gil Marin turned down, would be a good start. FRIDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 19 Kubica makes ‘unbelievable’ return with Team Williams

REUTERS confirmed by deputy principal dark times after his life- has welcomed news of Kubica’s ABU DHABI Claire Williams at the Abu Dhabi changing crash when a steel Formula One comeback next Grand Prix yesterday. guardrail penetrated his car and season, not least because it Polish driver Robert Kubica “We all knew it might be arm in a minor rally in Italy. made the five times world (pictured), whose Formula One something not achievable,” he I am so happy He has undergone extensive champion feel that little bit career seemed over when he added. he’s coming back. surgery and his arm remains younger. partially severed his right Kubica said his comeback Fernando (Alonso) noticeably thin and twisted. The “Is Robert older than me?” forearm in 2011, will make an showed nothing was impossible, is leaving and I was Pole said last year that, while was Hamilton’s first question astonishing race return with the ranked as one of the greatest there were some limitations when asked for his reaction to Williams team next season after achievements of his life and he going to be the with the movement of his arm, the news regarding Kubica’s eight years out. was ready to go racing. second oldest driver he felt in better shape physically return. The 33-year-old, winner of His last Formula One race but now I can remain than before. “Oh, perfect,” continued the the Canadian Grand Prix with was in 2010 with Renault. the third. I can’t tell “If I think I will not be able 33-year-old Mercedes driver, BMW Sauber in 2008, will Kubica was Williams’ to drive competitively enough, whose birthday is in January, partner British rookie George reserve and development driver you how happy I am I would not be here,” he said. when that fact was confirmed Russell at a once-dominant this year after missing out on the about that: Lewis The Pole’s confirmation by reporters. team that has fallen on hard race seat to Russian rookie Hamilton means Canadian Lance Stroll “I am so happy he’s coming times and is last in the standings. Sergei Sirotkin, who has scored will be moving to Force India, back. Fernando (Alonso) is “It is a story which probably just one point from his 20 races whose current incumbent leaving and I was going to be nobody has believed and the to date and now faces an learn,” said Kubica. “In 2019 we forward. I know what it takes Esteban Ocon is resigned to a the second oldest driver but now only one who probably never uncertain future. are all starting from zero so I am and what I have to do.” season on the sidelines as a Mer- I can remain the third. I can’t tell gave up was myself,” Kubica “I was ready in January but not afraid that I have been away Kubica thanked those who cedes reserve. you how happy I am about that,” told reporters after being this year gave me more time to for eight years. I am looking had helped him through the Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton he added.

Australia pick Root’s England target rare two uncapped players for India series sweep in Sri Lanka Test series REUTERS REUTERS England order with a greater SYDNEY COLOMBO stability. “One thing we all know Australia have named two uncapped England will be hoping to com- about Jonny is whenever he’s players in an inexperienced squad to plete the rare feat of securing got a point to prove or is up take on India next month in their first a 3-0 series sweep in Sri Lanka against it, he generally comes home series since Steve Smith and when Joe Root’s confident out and does something pretty David Warner were banned for a year touring side take on the special,” Root said. following the ball-tampering scandal. depleted hosts in the third and “Hopefully, we see that Opening batsman Marcus Harris final Test today. with Jonny this week -- that and paceman Chris Tremain were Ricky Ponting’s all-con- determination and drive to included in the 14-man squad quering Australian side were really hammer that spot home announced yesterday to take on the the first to win 3-0 in Sri Lanka for himself. It’s an opportunity top-ranked Indian tourists in the first 14 years ago, while a Virat for him to try and nail that spot two Tests in the four-match series in Kohli-led India repeated the down and he’s more than Adelaide and Perth. feat in August last year. capable of doing it.” Harris, who hit an unbeaten 250 Having ended a 17-year The 29-year-old Bairstow for Victoria against New South Wales wait for a series win in Sri has admitted his frustration at last month, was preferred to Matt Lanka, England will climb a getting injured in training Renshaw and looks likely to open the place to second in Test rankings before the first Test of the tour batting with Aaron Finch, who got his behind India, who they beat 4-1 and losing his place to Foakes. first taste of Test cricket against at home this year, reversing a “It’s difficult. No one wants Pakistan in October. 4-0 away series loss to Kohli’s to not be playing,” Bairstow “Marcus Harris has forced his way side at the end of 2016. said this week. into the squad after an impressive “Only two sides have won “The last two-and-a-half start to the Sheffield Shield campaign 3-0 here... and they were both years I’ve been in the team, and for Victoria,” head selector Trevor the number one side,” Root told England’s captain Joe Root (right) takes a catch as Jos Buttler looks on during a practice session it was only three Tests ago I Hohns said. reporters this week. at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo on Wednesday. was in the top 10 batters in the Usman Khawaja has recovered “So it would give the guys world. And then you’re not from the operation he underwent a huge amount of confidence follow-on to this tour to be took eight wickets in the last England have made two playing.” after injuring his knee against if we could carry the going on and playing in India match in Pallekele, including changes to their team with Foakes hit a century on his Pakistan and will bring some momentum, skill levels and now. It’s a very difficult place career-best figures of 6-115 in seamer Stuart Broad coming in Test debut and has been out- welcome experience to the top order. smart nature with which we’ve to go and play, but we would the second innings.Dananjaya for the rested James Anderson, standing as wicketkeeper, The first Test against India begins played these first two Tests into have a good chance. Better than misses the dead rubber to have while Jonny Bairstow replaces freezing Bairstow out of the on December 6 with the series con- the next one. we had previously. his bowling action assessed in injured all-rounder Sam reckoning. cluding in Melbourne and Sydney “It would be a nice “It’s hard to say (how we Australia this week after he was Curran, who is out with a side But England desperately around the New Year. would do), but the most reported by match officials for strain. need a reliable number three Ricky Ponting’s important thing is that we’re a suspect action during the Wicketkeeper Bairstow, who after Moeen Ali and Ben AUSTRALIA SQUAD all-conquering on that upward curve. We’re Galle loss. missed the first Test due to an Stokes failed in the previous Australian side were where we want to be.” Sri Lanka will also be ankle injury, will play as a spe- two Tests -- as did Root Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, Usman Kha- the ﬁrst to win 3-0 in The hosts have been without regular skipper Dinesh cialist batsman with Ben Foakes batting at four below a waja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, weakened by the loss of spin Chandimal as he recovers from retaining the gloves after also nightwatchman. Sri Lanka 14 years ago, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine ace Rangana Herath to a groin injury that he picked up impressing with the bat. Root pointed out that (captain), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, while a Virat Kohli›s retirement after the opening in the series opener. Pace Root was backing Bairstow England had still won both

India repeated the feat Test in Galle and they will also bowler Suranga Lakmal will to cement his place at the trou- games, but acknowledged that Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Chris in August last year. be deprived of promising off- continue to deputise as captain blesome number three spot, he needs Bairstow to seize his Tremain, Peter Siddle. spinner Akila Dananjaya, who in his absence. which would also provide the chance.

Bangladesh’s Mominul ton propels Bangladesh Mominul Haque plays a shot during the ﬁrst AFP (four) and Mahmudullah Riyad SCOREBOARD Kemar Roach struck in the first day of the ﬁrst CHITTAGONG (three). Bangladesh first innings over of the morning, dismissing Test against Electing to bat first, Bang- Imrul Kayes c Ambris b Warrican ...... 44 opening batsman Soumya Sarkar West Indies Shannon Gabriel took four ladesh seemed to be coasting Soumya Sarkar c Dowrich b Roach ...... 0 for a duck. in Chittagong, wickets in three overs after towards a big total once Mominul Mominul Haque c Dowrich b Gabriel ...... 120 Mominul shared 104 runs yesterday. Mominul Haque slammed a brought his hundred with a six Mohammad Mithun c Dowrich b Bishoo .... 20 with Imrul Kayes for the second century on the opening day of the and four in successive overs Shakib Al Hasan b Gabriel ...... 34 wicket and another 48 runs with Mushfiqur Rahim lbw Gabriel ...... 4 first Test between Bangladesh before the tea break. Mahmudullah Riyad b Gabriel ...... 3 Mohammad Mithun for the third. and West Indies in Chittagong But Gabriel struck back in Mehidy Hasan b Warrican ...... 22 Leg-spinner Devendra yesterday. the final session. He first had Nayeem Hasan not out ...... 24 Bishoo dismissed Mithun for 20 Bangladesh reached 315 for Mominul caught behind before Taijul Islam not out ...... 32 to give West Indies their only eight at stumps, thanks to successfully reviewing a not out Extras (b3, lb5, nb4) ...... 12 success of the second session. Mominul’s 120 off 167 balls -- his leg-before decision against Total (eight wickets; 88 overs) ...... 315 Bishoo could have also taken eighth Test hundred. He now Mushfiqur Rahim in the same To bat: Mustafizur Rahman the wicket of Mominul, had Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Soumya), 2-105 (Imrul), 3-153 shares the record with Tamim over. (Mithun), 4-222 (Mominul), 5-226 (Mushfiqur), Dowrich not dropped a sharp Iqbal for scoring the most Test In his next two overs, Gabriel 6-230 (Mahmudullah), 7-235 (Shakib), 8-259 (Mehi- chance when the batsman was centuries for Bangladesh. bowled Mahmudullah and Shakib dy) on 67. It was his fourth century this respectively to leave Bangladesh Bowling: Roach 15-2-55-1, Gabriel 18-2-69-4 (nb3), Warrican earlier struck at year -- only India’s Virat Kohli reeling on 235 for seven, from a Chase 11-0-42-0, Warrican 21-6-62-2 (nb1), Bishoo the stroke of lunch when he had has scored as many Test cen- solid 222 for three. 15-0-60-1, Brathwaite 8-1-19-0 Imrul caught by Sunil Ambris at turies in 2018 so far. Left-arm spinner Jomel War- forward short-leg for 44. Gabriel ended Mominul’s rican bowled Mehidy Hasan for two sessions to complete his third Warrican was unlucky not record innings after the tea break 22 to pile misery on Bangladesh, century in consecutive innings at to get Imrul early when the left- to finish with 4-69 in a devas- before the tail-enders restored the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury hander was reprieved by a tating spell that also included the some parity. Stadium. no-ball on 16. The batsman was prized wickets of Shakib Al Mominul, who hit 10 fours He helped steady Bangla- also put down by Roston Chase Hasan (34), Mushfiqur Rahim and a six, dominated the opening desh’s innings after pace bowler at second slip off Roach on three.