SPORT Friday 25 November 2016 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 Proteas in charge Barca, City intoto after Du Plessis's last 16 as PSG century control fate Magnificent Madsen joins Hall at the top

The Peninsula LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR QATAR LADIES OPEN anna Koerstz Madsen fired a commanding (-9) Lydia Hall (Walse) 67, 68 Swedish golfer Anna Nordqvist signs autographs second round score of Nanna Koerstz Madsen (Denmark) 69, 66 66 to surge to the top (-8) Aditi Ashok (India) 70, 66 during a coaching clinic for local children on the of the leaderboard Annabel Dimmock (England) 69, 67 driving range at the Doha Golf Club yesterday. Nalongside Lydia Hall on nine- (-7) Alexandra Vilatte Farret (France) 70, 67 under at the inaugural Qatar (-6) Caroline Hedwall (Sweden) 71, 67 Ladies Open (QLO). Linda Wessberg (Sweden) 71, 67 Nordqvist inspires local The 22-year-old Danish star Noora Tamminen (Finland) 67, 71 racked up seven birdies to post the Johanna Gustavsson (Sweden) 69, 69 students at Doha Golf Club

joint-lowest round of the week so (-5) Connie Chen (South Africa) 71, 68

Pamela Pretswell (Scotland) 72, 67 far, only matched by three other The Peninsula golfers were also given the players in the field, including Oona Vartiainen (Finland) 72, 67 chance to pick up a club Malene Jorgensen (Denmark) 72, 67 India’s Aditi Ashok who posted a ne of the world’s best themselves and put Nor- Nicole Garcia (South Africa) 69, 70 66 yesterday morning. female golfers, Anna dqvist’s tips into practice. Marta Sanz Barrio (Belgium) 70, 69 Lydia Hall, who shared the Becky Morgan (Walse) 69, 70 ONordqvist held a The Swede added: lead after day one, continued her (-4) Anna Nordqvist (Sweden) 68, 72 captivating and inspira- “There’s a lot of good talent fine showing at Doha Golf Club Sarah Kemp (Australia) 69, 71 tional golf clinic for here even though some of with a round of 68 as she looks to Chloe Leurquin (Belgium) 69, 71 schoolchildren yesterday at them have never touched a add to her sole Ladies European Netherlands' Nanna Koerstz Madsen hits to the green Whitney Hillier (Australia) 72, 68 Doha Golf Club, as part of golf club. Who knows, Tour (LET) win. Annabel Dimmock during the second day of the inaugural Qatar Ladies Anne Van Dam (Netherlands) 69, 71 the history-making Qatar maybe in a couple of years and Ashok follow the leading pair Open at Doha Gold Club yesterday. INSET: Welsh Sophie Giquel-Bettan (France) 69, 71 Ladies Open. they will start playing golf. It in tied-second on eight-under, golfer Lydia Hall drives during the second day. Ashleigh Simon (South Africa) 70, 70 The Ladies European is a great opportunity and I with Alexandre Vilatte Farret tour event is the first of its am happy they get to try it.” rounding off the top five on kind in Qatar and it is hoped And it wasn’t just golf seven-under. happy with her all-round game over the final two days. earlier this month, and secured that in the years to come, advice the young students Madsen, who has already heading into the weekend at QLO. The 28-year-old said: “I feel top-ten finishes in four of five the tournament will grow took home, as they were secured five top-ten finishes on Madsen said: “Nothing was quite calm and patient this week. events in the run up to her mem- its legacy and prompt the each given a signed hat tour this year, including her really going bad. My driving was I’ve got a new caddie on the bag, orable win. next generation to get into from the golf star to wear maiden win at the Tipsport Golf good and the putting was better Paul Doherty. We’re working well The 18-year-old, who played the game. proudly on the range and Masters, was understandably than the last couple of months. and he’s keeping me in the present. with LPGA and Solheim Cup star Students from Doha round off a memorable “I’ve been having a few bad He’s experienced playing on the Anna Nordqvist for the first two English Speaking School morning. rounds the last couple of months Challenge Tour and MENA Tour rounds, is not feeling added pres- were greeted by the Sol- Nine-year-old Carl Top of the leaderboard and I don’t really know why. The and he’s a good player, so he sure to prove herself further as one heim Cup star Nordqvist on Louis said: “It was really fun Madsen has already game just hasn’t been what I want knows what it’s like to be in cer- of the best talents in world golf. the range, where she took and a good experience. I will secured five top-ten it to be. I got a new putter this tain positions and under The QLO Village is expected to them through the basics of never forget this. week so I needed a change and pressure.” see even more action across the the game and demonstrated “I think hitting the ball finishes on tour this that’s working pretty well. “I’ll continue going as I am and weekend, offering a fun-filled, free the skills that have made with the driver is really year, including her “I’ve done a lot of hard work stay patient. I’m driving the ball day out packed full of activities her the 14th ranked wom- exciting because you get to maiden win at the with the putter and when you’re really well. I’ll try and get a few such as mini golf, volleyball, table en’s player in the world. see how far it goes – I just Tipsport Golf Masters. tired of something it’s good to try more putts to drop.” tennis and football games, as well Nordqvist said: "I think love golf.” something new.” One of the most exciting young as a Batak reaction wall and culi- this is a cool opportunity for The children warmed Lydia Hall continues Co-leader Hall is also enjoy- talents on tour and certainly one nary delights from the Belgian kids to try out golf. I started up for their masterclass in her fine showing in ing fresh changes to her game in to watch over the final two days Cafeand rooftop St. Tropez golf when I was 13, but I the QLO Village, where they Doha with a round of the form of a new caddy this week, will be fan-favourite Aditi Ashok. Lounge. would have loved trying it played miniature golf, table 68 as she looks to add but the Brit maintained that her The Olympian clinched her first The free-to-attend Qatar out in school and having tennis and football games, to her sole Tour win. hot start to the tournament ever LET title at her home event, Ladies Open concludes tomorrow that chance to learn." and tested their reflexes on wouldn’t change her mentality the Hero Women’s Indian Open at Doha Golf Club. The budding young the Batak reaction wall. WTCC champion Lopez seeks points in season finale

The Peninsula We want another trophy. We will push for maximum. I hope Lopez off to a ome world champi- to give my fans with a podium ons may take things finish," the 33-year-old added. easy. That can't be When asked about his perfect start said of Jose Maria future, the Morrocan said: "I Lopez, the reigning really don't know. I think SFIA World Touring Car Cham- WTCC winners have the The Peninsula pionship (WTCC) winner. opportunity to drive with fac- The 33-year-old Argentine tory teams. I still don't know ose Maria Lopez yesterday begun his final goes into the final round of the what will happen but my aim FIA World Touring Car Championship WTCC in Qatar tomorrow is to stay in WTCC. It feels like J(WTCC) appearance for now with the fast- knowing he has sealed the FROM LEFT: Mehdi Bennani (Sebastian Loeb Racing), Jose Maria Lopez, the reigning a nice championship. We est time in first practice at WTCC DHL Race world title with points to spare. have live coverage back of Qatar. FIA World Touring Car Champion, Tiago Monteiro (Castrol Honda WTC) and Robert "I would like to finish with home." The three-time world champion – who Dahlgren (Polestar Cyan Racing) speak to media during a press conference at Losail points. I want to look back at Robert Dahlgren, who hopes to return to WTCC action again in the the fantastic three years," International Circuit yesterday. drives for Polestar Cyan Rac- future – posted a best lap of 2m02.182s in his Lopez, with a table-leading tally ing, said: "It's great to be back. Citroen around the Losail Circuit. of 361 points, said yesterday. team this season. This time the anything. I still have a contract to be strong. Hopefully we fin- Great events all the time. There That was 0.621 seconds faster than sec- "The time I spent with balance is different. We will try wit Citroen. At the moment I ish on top," the 40-year-old are strong teams and drivers. ond-quickest Hugo Valente, whose LADA them (Citroen Racing) gave me to do better in qualifying. We can't confirm anything." Portuguese said. This is the place I want to be. came to a halt on track at the end of the ses- good memories," he added have good tyres. It won't be Tiago Monteiro, who Moroccan star Mehdi Ben- It is a bit a tough track to show sion. Volvo drivers Thed Björk and Robert with a smile when asked about different than any other race," drives for Castrol Honda WTC nani, who drives for Sebastian your performance. I will try to Dahlgren led the way early on and finished his future status. he said. Team, said he will be compet- Loeb Racing, yesterday said he stay forward." up third and fourth respectively. Lopez said he seeks to "I mean you feel it's differ- itive this week 'feels at home' competing at Gabriele Tarquini of LADA Rob Huff was the top Honda in fifth in compete with the world's best ent (this week). There's a lot of "There are lot of points to the state-of-the-art Losail Sport Rosneft said: "I have front of LADA duo Gabriele Tarquini and at all times. things on the mind. I know for catch. It's not easy. You can lose International Circuit (LIC). raced in Italy and in England. Nicky Catsburg. On his final WTCC appear- "You always try to do best sure a lot of people will see a from this situation considering "It's like my second coun- But in Qatar it is fantastic. The ance, Yvan Muller was eighth with Tiago with your team," Lopez said. good race," Lopez said. "I am the level of performance. I will try. There is pressure for sure," difference is there for every- Monteiro and Mehdi Bennani completing the "Sometimes it depends on the trying to enjoy myself," he said. do my best. I need some bal- Bennani said. body to see. The lights are top 10. Daniel Nagy spun off into a gravel trap performance on the car. I have When asked about his ance on my side. I want to finish "I want to do my best for great. You don't feel the differ- early in the session, and although he was able the chance to be get points. It's future with any other team, on a good note. I want to win my Arab fans. The trophy is in ence. Driving is close to normal to get his Honda moving again, the session the last race for me and my Lopez said: "I can't confirm another race. Our objective is our pocket but racing is racing. light." was halted while the track was swept. SPORT FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2016 21

South African skipper Faf du Mercedes title South Africa on top Plessis celebrates after scoring a Faf du Plessis single-handedly lifts the century against Australia during Proteas before declaring at 259 for nine the thiat the Adelaide Oval in rivals braced for leaving him unbeaten on 118 after the Adelaide yesterday. tourists had been struggling at 95 for four. more Max attacks Australia are fighting off the threat of their sixth straight Test defeat and first- Abu Dhabi have got other drivers hot ever home Test series whitewash. Reuters under the helmet about the youngster's attitude and disre- he Formula One title fight gard for reputations and rules. between Mercedes team At the same time, Verstap- Tmates Lewis Hamilton pen has won the 'Driver of the and Nico Rosberg tops the bill Day' online vote among fans so at Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand many times now that it has Proteas in charge Prix but the 'Max Verstappen become a standing joke. show' could be just as All of it, the praise and the entertaining. criticism, is like water off a After a sensational wet race duck's back. in Brazil that saw the 19-year- "Whatever people think, after Du Plessis ton old Red Bull driver surge from whether he pisses them off or 16th to third place in the clos- not, he's here to race," his father ing laps, the Dutchman arrives and former racer Jos said after at Yas Marina with a rare buzz Verstappen's third place in Bra- around him. zil behind the Mercedes pair. The sport's youngest race "He doesn't care," added winner can provide more thrills Verstappen senior when asked Adelaide SCOREBOARD Quinton de Kock, who has scores -- and spell trouble for the title how his son responded to crit- AFP of 84, 64 and 104 in the series, contenders. icism in drivers' briefings. "He South Africa (I innings): Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-36, 3-44, 4-95, 5-117, 6-149, S Cook c Smith b Starc 40 7-161, 8-215, 9-220 had a failure by comparison, He and Australian team doesn't mind." kipper Faf du Plessis put D Elgar c Khawaja b Starc 5 Bowling: Starc 23-5-78-2 (1nb), Hazlewood 22-5-68- managing just 24 off 33 balls. mate Daniel Ricciardo will not Verstappen was slammed his ball tampering con- H Amla c Renshaw b Hazlewood 5 4, Bird 16-3-57-2, Lyon 15-1-45-1 Vernon Philander lost a third be content just to watch from earlier in the year for 'moving troversy behind him to JP Duminy c Wade b Hazlewood 5 Australia (I innings): umpire review when 'Snicko' the sidelines as Hamilton and under braking', an aggressively defy Australia's bowl- F du Plessis (not out) 118 U Khawaja (batting) 3 detected the faintest of edges off championship favourite Ros- defensive change of line that ers and produce his T Bavuma c Wade b Bird 8 M Renshaw (batting) 8 Hazlewood to Matthew Wade for berg battle it out. forced a clarification of the Smost satisfying century to put Q de Kock c Wade b Hazlewood 24 Extras (LB2, NB1) 3 four nearing the dinner break, "Nico is driving with the rules. V Philander c Wade b Hazlewood 4 Total 14 South Africa in early control of K Abbott lbw b Bird 17 To bat: David Warner, Steve Smith, Peter Handscomb, while Kyle Abbott chipped in championship in mind," Red Ironically, it was four times the day-night third Test in K Rabada stpd Wade b Lyon 1 Nic Maddinson, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc, Josh with a spirited 17. Bull principal Christian Horner world champion Vettel who Adelaide. T Shamsi (not out) 18 Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird. Wade, recalled to the told reporters on Wednesday. was first to fall foul of stewards

Du Plessis was booed by the Extras (B3, LB8, W2, NB1) 14 Bowling: Philander 4-2-10-0 (1nb), Abbott 3-3-0-0, national side for dumped glove- "He is going to be watching for the offence with a penalty

Total (9 wkts decl.) 259 Rabada 3-2-1-0, Shamsi 2-1-1-0 crowd as he walked out to bat, man Peter Nevill, had five his mirrors more than most in Mexico that demoted him following a ball-tampering inci- dismissals, four catches and a going into turn one, and ... our from third to fifth. dent for which he was found stumping. guys, they're not in that posi- If Verstappen has shaken guilty and fined, but cleared to unbeaten knock of 110 denied Surprisingly, technically, I was Temba Bavuma failed to get tion so they will simply be going up the sport with his unortho- play in the match. Australia victory to earn the Pro- the best this whole series. I felt a start when he edged Jackson for it. dox lines and bold overtaking But he single-handedly lifted teas a backs-to-the-wall draw. really good, but in the context of Bird for eight and Starc recov- "It is Nico's to lose and we manoeuvres, the occasional the Proteas before declaring at Du Plessis scampered everything else, (it was) the best," ered from his early Cook blunder could be Lewis' best friend if we moments of petulance and 259 for nine leaving him through for two off Josh Hazle- du Plessis said. to entice a thick edge from Dean get both of our cars between accusations of arrogance, he unbeaten on 118 off 164 balls wood to bring up his sixth Test Hazlewood was the best of Elgar to Khawaja at third slip for him and Nico." takes it all in his stride. after the tourists had been strug- century prompting a smattering the Australian bowlers with four five. While Ricciardo is sure of "I think not only in Formula gling at 95 for four against Steve of boos amid the applause of the wickets for 68. He received ironic cheers third place overall, Verstappen One but a lot of sports, when Smith's revamped team. 32,255 crowd. Only opener Steve Cook pro- from the home crowd when can take fourth from Ferrari's younger people come in and The Australians, with David "I was extremely motivated vided any material support to his replays confirmed it was a legal Sebastian Vettel -- the two are they do well there is always a Warner unable to open the today. I was really driven to captain with 40 after profiting delivery. just five points apart -- and that bit of talk going on," he said this innings because of the time he make a big performance and from an early reprieve. Renshaw then took his first will be extra motivation. month. spent off the field having treat- score a hundred," du Plessis said. Cook had a major let-off on Test catch to dismiss Hashim Verstappen and Vettel "That's pretty normal. I'm ment when the declaration was "To be really honest when I four, when he was struck on the Amla for five off Hazlewood. clashed in Mexico last month, just being myself to be made, negotiated 12 overs to be got to 100 I wasn't expecting to back pad by Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood struck again in one of several incidents that honest." 14 without loss at the close of day still get booed, so that was pretty given out leg before wicket in the the over after drinks, coaxing an one. disappointing." day's third over. inside edge off JP Duminy to give English-born debutant It was a tribute to his focus But he was called back to the Wade a catch for five. Only 12 points separate rival Mercedes teammates Nico Rosberg and opener Matt Renshaw played and concentration as du Ples- crease when replays found that Australia are fighting off the Lewis Hamilton, promising a close-fought season finale in Abu Dhabi watchfully for eight with Usman sis played a chanceless Starc had over-stepped. threat of their sixth straight Test Nico Rosberg Lewis Hamilton Khawaja on three. innings, making him stand out Cook eventually fell in the defeat, after losing 3-0 in Sri points points It was yet another crucial in contrast to the problems fifth over of the middle session Lanka in July and August. They 9 race wins 9 race wins knock by du Plessis at the experienced by his when he sparred at Starc and are also on the brink of their Adelaide ground where four team-mates. nicked to Smith at second slip. first-ever home Test series 350 SEASON BREAKDOWN years ago his defiant 376-ball "My best (Test hundred). Dashing wicketkeeper whitewash. pts Nico Rosberg: Remains in pole position, can win title by finishing third to Hamilton in Abu Dhabi 300 Hamilton engine failure Rosberg regains lead 250 New Zealand lose Boult for second Test REMAINING RACES Hamilton takes lead Nov 27: Abu Dhabi for first time 200 Winner: 25pts Hamilton in his left knee since the recent Pakistan, who have not lost Rosberg has AFP India tour and irritated it fur- a series to New Zealand for 31 24-point gap ther in the first Test against years, have fond memories of 150 ew Zealand suffered a Pakistan which New Zealand their last appearance in Hamil- Rosberg and Hamilton crash out after Rosberg’s victory in Japan gives blow on the eve of the won by eight wickets. ton nearly six years ago. colliding in Spain second Test against Paki- "We were optimistic he They beat New Zealand by 100 Mercedes third successive N Rosberg Constructors’ crown stan yesterday when bowling would be ready for Hamilton, 10 wickets and Asad Shafiq, who wins first 4 races spearhead Trent Boult (pictured) but during training on Wednes- scored 83 in his sole innings 50 was ruled out with a knee injury. day he felt further pain and has then. Matt Henry was expected to subsequently been ruled out of Senior New Zealand bats- be elevated to share the new ball the Test," Hesson said. man Ross Taylor, who had 0 in Hamilton with Tim Southee, With the Seddon Park innings of six and eight in the although New Zealand delayed wicket expected to produce January 2011 encounter, con- naming their side until today's toss. more swing that Hagley Oval did firmed he will undergo surgery Italy USA China Spain Japan Brazil New Zealand coach Mike for the first Test in Christchurch, next Wednesday, immediately Russia AustriaBritain Mexico Bahrain MonacoCanadaEurope Belgium Australia HungaryGermany Malaysia Hesson said Boult had been Doug Bracewell has been added after the Test, to remove a Singapore Source: FIA troubled by "minor discomfort" to the New Zealand squad. growth in his left eye. Other race winners: Verstappen, Ricciardo © GRAPHIC NEWS Tokyo won't make 2020 venue changes but will cut costs

Tokyo recommended changing three But the city is now leaning temporary seats, the Nikkei said. "As for the process and the IOC reforms known as Reuters venues in an effort to rein in towards building new venues Similar modifications would details of the working group "Agenda 2020," carried out with costs projected to hit ¥3tr for these and several other be made for planned gymnas- meetings, all four parties have the aim of keeping the Olym- okyo's government is ($26.6 bn), some four times the events in Tokyo as originally tics and swimming venues, it already agreed that these will pics more sustainable, urge the unlikely to make major initial estimates made when planned, although it would cut said, adding that a final decision not be announced publicly until use of existing facilities when Tchanges to the plans for Tokyo won the right to host the the price tags by modifying will be made at a working group we reach a conclusion," Tokyo possible - even in other cities or several 2020 Olympic Games Games. plans, the Nihon Keizai Shim- meeting of officials from Tokyo, 2020 added in a statement. countries - if it makes financial venues, including one it had Among the proposals was bun (Nikkei) and other papers the central government, 2020 Tokyo's original bid pledged and practical sense. proposed moving elsewhere, moving rowing and canoe/ reported, quoting people con- organisers and the International to keep most venues within 8 But IOC President Thomas but it will make efforts to pare kayak sprint events some 400 nected with the matter. Olympic Committee (IOC) at the km of the athlete's village in Bach said last month that while costs, Japanese media said km (250 miles) north of Tokyo For the rowing and canoe/ end of November. downtown Tokyo, though sev- the IOC was concerned about yesterday. to use existing facilities rather kayak site, known as the Sea Both a Tokyo government eral have already been moved. rising costs for the Tokyo Tokyo governor Yuriko than building new ones in the Forest Waterway, the city official and Tokyo 2020 Cycling will take place in Shi- Games, the experience of the Koike ordered a review of bal- capital, a move opposed by both planned to cut costs to ¥29.8 bn declined to comment, citing zuoka prefecture, about 200 km athletes had to be a priority for looning Olympic expenses that Olympic and sports officials. yen from ¥49.1 bn by building ongoing discussions. (125 miles) west of Tokyo. any planning. 22 SPORT FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2016 Afif wants to inspire next Qatari generation

The Peninusla Ronaldo from Brazil. Now I rep- that I joined Markhiya Club in and train with him we learn resent my country, Aspire, Gijón, the second division, and then I from him. He follows our devel- he fast-paced and so for sure I want to inspire a joined Aspire Academy. I was opment closely, and he has a skilful forward Akram young generation. almost 11 years old at the time, great experience in football. Afif said that it is an We have a young generation and started training there full In the Asian U-23 tourna- honour to be the first of talented players who play in time. Then I had spells in Sevilla, ment he was with us in the Qatari player to fea- Spain, in Celtic, in Eupen, play- and then joined Belgian side coaching staff and it was a fan- Tture in La Liga, Spain's action ers who will represent Qatar in Eupen. tastic experience for me. He will filled football league. the future. It’s been quite a journey, but be a great coach. He faced many Afif made his debut for Q: How determined are you I come from a sporting family. challenges during his career and Sporting Gijon against Athletic to break into the starting eleven My father used to be one of the was able to overcome them. Bilbao in August 2016. in your first season at Sporting most skilful players in Doha, Q: By the time of the 2022 Ahead of his team’s big trip Gijon? Hassan Afif, who is a legend at FIFA World Cup Qatar, you will to play in the Estadio Santiago A: I have a contract with Vil- Gharafa Club. My brother Ali is be in your prime as a player and Bernabeu against league lead- larreal for four years and am on also a national team player, so have gathered more experience. ers Real Madrid tomorrow, the loan to Gijón this year, and I am I come from a football family. Just how much are you looking 19-year-old Qatari spoke exclu- only 19 years old so I am not in Q: For a recent Under-23 forward to that tournament? sively to sc.qa, and discussed a rush. I really respect the deci- competition you had Xavi A: My target is to achieve growing up in a football family, sion of the coach when I don’t among the coaching staff guid- the best level of my career dur- admiring Brazil’s Ronaldo as a play, because I know I will play ing the team. How is he as a ing the 2022 FIFA World Cup. youngster, and why he believes later on. coach? The experiences I gain over the his national team can dream big La Liga is a very tough A: Xavi is a legend, he coming years will help me when in 2022. league, but I am willing to played with Messi and against I am 25, in 2022. Q: You became the first improve myself and willing to Ronaldo. Every time we see him The aim is to have a strong Qatari player to play for a club obey the coach’s orders. The team to represent the country in La Liga , do you see yourself most important thing is learn- in a good way. as an inspiration for a new gen- ing Spanish, and I am learning We don’t just want to par- eration of Qatari youngsters? the language so I think I can ticipate, we want to go far. We A: For sure it is an honour adapt well and help the team My target is to want to challenge the other for me to be the first Qatari in stay in La Liga this year. I am on nations to win the World Cup. La Liga. I represent my country, the right way but I just need to achieve the best This is our aim. And we are able my national team, Aspire, and I be patient. level of my career to do it, especially if we look at would like to inspire the next Q: Where did your football during the 2022 the young generation of Qatari generation of players from journey start as a youngster players abroad, and also play- Qatar to play in La Liga or any growing up in Qatar? FIFA World Cup. ers in our current national team of the other European leagues. A: As any young boy in who will still be with us, we will It is a responsibility and an hon- Doha, I started playing in the have a very good team and we Akram Afif our at the same time. neighbourhood, in the Aziziyah still have six years left to My idol growing up was area near Aspire Academy. After develop until the tournament. Barca, City into last 16 as PSG control fate

Barcelona's Lionel Paris Sanchez was brought down by for the Germans, but Ecuador Messi celebrates AFP Grzegorz Krychowiak and international Christian Noboa after scoring Olivier Giroud rolled home the fired competition debutants Ros- a goal against ionel Messi fired Barcelona resulting spot-kick. tov to a first group stage victory Celtic during their into the last 16 of the Arsenal looked to be in pole with the winner on 67 minutes. UEFA Champions LChampions League on position to finish top of the group In Madrid, French duo Kevin League match Wednesday after a 2-0 win at when an attempted clearance Gameiro and Antoine Griezmann Celtic as they were joined in the from Marquinhos ricocheted off netted second-half goals as at Celtic Park knockout rounds by Pep Guar- an unfortunate Marco Verratti Atletico -- runners-up twice in Stadium in diola's Manchester City. and squirmed past Alphonse the past three seasons -- regis- Glasgow, Scotland The Argentine star returned Areola for a fluke own goal. tered their fifth win in as many on Wednesday. from illness to score both goals But Lucas ensured Unai matches in the Champions Gareth at Celtic Park -- the second from Emery's side departed with a League. Southgate the penalty spot -- to send the point as his header from Hatem Besiktas launched a remark- five-time European champions Ben Arfa's corner flicked off Alex able second-half recovery as through as winners of Group C. Iwobi and flashed past David they fought back from three City recovered from a goal Ospina 13 minutes from the end. goals down against Benfica to Southgate down in Germany to earn a 1-1 Both PSG and Arsenal have draw 3-3 in Istanbul. draw at Borussia Moenchengla- 11 points with one match to play, Benfica, champions of offered dbach as both sides finished with but the French outfit own the Europe in 1961 and 1962, 10 men. head-to-head edge on away appeared to be sailing through England job Raffael grabbed the opening goals after the reverse fixture at to the last 16 after cruising 3-0 goal for Gladbach on 23 minutes, the Parc des Princes in Septem- ahead inside barely half an hour but David Silva poked in Kevin ber finished 1-1. through goals from Goncalo London De Bruyne's cross just prior to Bayern Munich crashed to a Guedes, Nelson Semedo and AFP CHAMPIONS LEAGUE the break before Lars Stindl and shock 3-2 defeat in Rostov and Ljubomir Fejsa. But the Turks Fernandinho saw red in the sec- could face a daunting draw in the pulled one back on the hour areth Southgate has RESULTS ond half. next round after Atletico courtesy of Cenk Tosun before been offered the Eng- Group A French champions Paris Madrid's 2-0 victory over PSV two goals in the final seven min- Ludogorets 0 - 0 FC Basel land manager's job and Saint-Germain seized control of Eindhoven guaranteed Diego utes from Ricardo Quaresma and G Arsenal 2 - 2 Paris St Germain could be confirmed in the role Group B their own destiny in Group A Simeone's men first place in Vincent Aboubakar revived their as early as Monday, accord- Napoli 0 - 0 Dynamo Kiev with a 2-2 draw away to Group D. Douglas Costa rifled qualification hopes. ing to British newspaper Borussia Moenchengladbach 1 - 1 Manchester City Arsenal. Bayern ahead on 35 minutes in Napoli were held 0-0 at reports yesterday. Group C Edinson Cavani turned in Russia, but Rostov equalised home by Dynamo Kiev and must Southgate, who recently Celtic 0 - 2 Barcelona Blaise Matuidi's cross at the far through Sardar Azmoun on the take at least a point from their completed a four-game stint Atletico Madrid2- 0 PSV Eindhoven post to hand PSG an 18th-minute stroke of half-time before going trip to Benfica in a fortnight, Group D as interim manager, was Besiktas 3 - 3 Benfica lead at the Emirates Stadium. ahead courtesy of a Dmitri Poloz while Besiktas will punch their interviewed by a five-man Rostov 3 - 2 Bayern Munich But the Gunners hit back on penalty. ticket to the knockout stages if panel at the St George's Park the stroke of half-time as Alexis Juan Bernat swiftly levelled they win in Ukraine. national football centre in Burton-on-Trent, central England, last Monday. Southgate is the only can- didate to have been Gerrard calls time on career interviewed for the post and newspapers including The Daily Telegraph, The Guard- London retirement from playing appearances for Liverpool, Liverpool, many of which as ian and The Sun said he had AFP professional football," Ger- the third-highest total captain, and to have played been offered the job. rard said in a statement. behind Ian Callaghan and my part in helping the club England's Football Asso- ormer Liverpool and "I have had an incredi- former team-mate Jamie to bring major honours back ciation has not commented England captain Ste- ble career and am thankful Carragher, scoring 186 goals. to Anfield, none more so on the process. Fven Gerrard for each and every moment Gerrard made 114 appear- than that famous night in Southgate, 46, is thought announced his retirement of my time at Liverpool, ances for England, a tally Istanbul. to have been offered a four- from professional football England and LA Galaxy." bettered only by Peter "At an international year contract, which would yesterday at the age of 36, Although the Premier Shilton, Wayne Rooney and level, I feel privileged to take him through to the 2020 calling time on an emblem- League title famously eluded David Beckham, and scored have won 114 England caps European Championship. atic career. him, Gerrard did win two FA 21 international goals. He and to have had the honour The former Middles- Gerrard spent 17 years Cups, three League Cups, the appeared at six major tour- of captaining my country. I brough manager stepped up at his home-town club Liv- UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup naments, captaining will always look back with from his role as England erpool, 12 as captain, and and the Community Shield. England at the 2010 World great pride at every time I Under-21s coach after Sam won seven major honours His finest hour came in Cup, Euro 2012 and the 2014 pulled on the England Allardyce left his post in the including the 2005 Cham- Istanbul in May 2005, when World Cup. shirt." wake of a newspaper sting. pions League before he inspired Liverpool to "I feel lucky to have Gerrard has been linked Southgate oversaw two finishing his career with an come from 3-0 down experienced so many won- with a coaching role at Liv- wins and two draws in his 18-month stint at LA against AC Milan at half- derful highlights over the erpool, as well as Celtic and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard Celebrating winning four games at the helm, cul- Galaxy. time of the Champions course of my career," Ger- Newcastle United, where minating in a 2-2 friendly "Following recent media League final to win the rard said. former Liverpool managers UEFA Champions league football final against AC draw against Spain at Wem- speculation surrounding my club's fifth European Cup. "I am proud to have Brendan Rodgers and Rafael Milan at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul in this bley last week. future, I can confirm my In total he made 710 played over 700 games for Benitez respectively work. May 25, 2005 file photo. FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 23 Organisers release Decemeber 13 match tickets

The Peninsula on December 13 . As the date of this unique friendly match irst Batch of Tickets for approaches, the Local Organis- Qatar Airways Match of ing Committee (LOC) placed F Champions between FC tickets for sale on the website of Barcelona and Al Ahli Saudi FC the Qatar Football Association will be Released via Qatar Foot- (QFA), www.qfa.qa starting yes- ball Association Website. terday and will be available till T he highly anticipated match November 24. will be held at the Thani Bin Jas- Every supporter will be able sim Stadium (AlGharafa Stadium) to buy up to a total of four

tickets, on one or both of the two also be available in a number of available categories, the first Cat- locations including local malls. Holidays (www.qatarairways. the treble during the 2014/2015 egory will cost QR200 while the Further details will be com/cup) or accredited travel season comprising of the LaLiga, second category will be QR100. announced early next month, via agents in the Arabian Gulf, fans Copa del Rey and UEFA Cham- The LOC, which comprises the QFA’s social media of the two teams can get many pions League titles. representatives of the Supreme channels. offers and promotions, includ- Committee for Delivery and Qatar Airways, the official ing flight tickets, hotel Legacy, QFA, and Qatar Stars sponsor of the two football accommodation, and match BARCELONA League (QSL), said it was giants, will host the match. tickets. VS delighted to announce the launch In October 2014, the national In the 2015/2016 season, Al AL AHLI of ticket sales and to support the carrier of the State of Qatar Ahli won the Saudi Professional event between two of the most announced a sponsorship agree- League. The club also won the FC Barcelona and popular teams in the world. ment for three seasons with Al Ahli. Saudi Super Cup and the Kings Al-Ahli Saudi FC will The LOC has also confirmed Earlier this year, Qatar Air- Cup. FC Barcelona won their play in Doha on plans to release a second batch ways extended its FC Barcelona 23rd La Liga title this year, the December 13 at Thani of tickets on the QFA website sponsorship for another season, Copa del Rey and are the reign- Bin Jassim Stadium (Al which also will include the VIP with the deal running until June ing champions of the FIFA Club Gharafa Stadium). tickets. Tickets will 2017. Through Qatar Airways World Cup. The club won Former champions El Jaish aim to extend their Al Gharafa snatch lead over Al Kharaitiyat points with late strike The Peninsula Thursday, Al Wakrah grabbed The Peninsula when asked about Al QSL champions, it will be very diffi- the lead through Hamood Kharaitiyat. cult and are a side with plenty ormer Qatar Stars League Abdulla Al-Yazidi who found the atar Stars League El Jaish will have six games EL Jaish stars Seidou of quality. We are preparing for (QSL) champions Al back of the net in the 18th (QSL) leaders El Jaish over the month of December, Keiya and Majid the match, and the aim is that FGharafa yesterday relied minute. Al-Yazidi showed will be looking to and Lamouchi stressed the Mohammed are we get a result and not loose on a controversial penalty in the remarkable pace, ourtunning maintain top spot importance of looking after the doubtful for the game. heavily like we did against second half to beat hosts Al Khor two defenders before slotting Qwhen they entertain a players over this period. Lekhwiya and Al Sadd.” 2-1 and grab three points. the ball past Khalifa Nasser Al- struggling Al Kharaitiyat side “During this period of games Muaither have won Muaither have won their last Substitute Mohammed Raz- Dosari for his side's first goal. today evening at Lekhwiya and recovery, six games in one three games in the QSL, and zaq converted a penalty in the Two minutes later, Al Wak- their last three games stadium. month is many so we must take Birol beleives his side are 88th minute to seal Al Gharafa's rah jumped to a 2-0 lead in the QSL, as for Al El Jaish head coach Sabri care of our players. We only improving all the time after a fesity win in what was the eight courtesy a slick effort by in-form Lamouchi gave his thoughts to have one pitch to train on, which Rayyan they will be slow start. round match played at Al Khor Mohsine Moutaouali who scored the local media.Opening the leaves us at a disadvantage, but looking to get back to Head coach Michael Laudrup Stadium. in the 40th minute off a penal- press confernce, Lamouchi we are working on ways to winning way. gave his thoughts to the local Earlier yesterday, an enter- ity kick. stressed that his side need to improve our situation.” media ahead of the game. prising clash saw minnows Al Al Wakrah barely settled keep up the same intensity Lamouchi concluded his We face El Jaish full of confi- “We will play one of the form Shahaniya hit back from a two- down with their celebrations against their opponents. press conference noting that two dence after we showed fighting teams in the QSL, who are full goal deficit to share spoils with when Al Shahaniya reduced the “In the game against Al key players won’t play today. spirit against Al Sailiya.” of plenty of confidence at the Al Wakrah at Grand Hamad deficit through Abdulla Khalid Kharaitiyat, we need to play with “Seidou Keiya, Majid “Our professionals have not moment. They have showed that Stadium. who scored in injury time (45 + 2). the same determination and Mohammed are doubtful for the been at the best so far this sea- they have a very good side, and Al Gharafa, who fought off Alive to the goal-scoring application. We are in first place, game. Anyway, we will put out son. Unfortunately they where three wins in the league under- stiff challenges from Al Khor, opportunity off what turned out but we have been lacking defen- our best side for the match injured and they couldn't effect lines this.” started strongly in the first half. to be an indirect corcner kick, sively and we have to improve.” against Al Kharaitiyat.” the side early in the season. Now As for Al Rayyan they will be In the 16th minute, Al Khalid made the most of a lose “I respect this team, they As for Al Kharaitiyat, they they are getting better, and looking to get back to winning ways Gharafa grabbed early lead ball inside the Al Wakrah box. have changed players they are head into the game off the back improving and we need to give following their 1-1 draw with rivals thanks largely to a powerful fin- Stationed inside the box, Khalid more physical, they have of a narrow 1-0 defeat to fellow them time to reveal their true Lekhwiya. ish by Brazilian star Johnson shot past goalkeeper 24 Moh- changed their coach and their strugglers Al Sailiya. Assistant potentials,” explained Kharaiti- Third place Lekhwiya meet Kendrik Costa. mad Abdulla Enyas for his side's situation is a bit critical,” coach Taufik Zaboub gave his yat’s assistant coach when asked Umm Salal tomorrow aiming to The 24-year-old Brazilian first goal. explained the French coach thoughts to the local media about the Thunders profession- snatch the second spot that they share forward - after receiving a long Both teams walked off the ahead of today'stoday's game.gam als players form this season. with Al Sadd. Sixth placed Umm ball from the midfield - fired a Grand Hamad Stadium pitch “We are facingfaci the In other games, Muaither- Salal are looking for their third win bullet from inside the box as his with Al Wakrah leading 2-1. leagueleague leadersleader who faces a tough challenge as they of the season. Umm Salal's Head shot flew past goalkeeper Baba After tense exchanges in the played iinn the meet Al Rayyan. Muaither coach coach Bülent Uygun revealed that Djibril who could little to save second half, Al Shahaniya owed ChampionsChamp Phillipe Birol stressed the chal- his side will be without two key his side from conceding a goal their thanks to Mohamed Tiaiba league,league, we lenge ahead for his side. players in defence Jawad Ahnash in the first half. who managed a slick equaliser respect them. “We are playing the QSL and Anderson Martins. In the 53rd minute, Moroc- in the 88th minute. An can football striker Mouhssine unmarked Tiaiba easily beat The leading goal scorer Iajour made it 1-1 for Al Khor, goalkeeper Enyas from close of Qatar Stars League this flicking a lose ball into the next range following a pass from the season, El Jaish's Romarinho from close range. left flank. (front) in action in this file The drama took place in the In what was match number photo. 85th minute when Al Gharafa's 50 this QSL season, Al Shahaniya Muneer Mazeed slipped a ball suffered with two yellow cards towards a teammate inside Al - Mohanad Adnan (15) and Khor box. Mohamed Bader Sayyar (71). The ball hit Reza Shanbeh The round eight action con- Najafi's foot and richetted tinues with four games towards Al Khor's Sultan scheduled today. Mohammed Alenezi who inver- dently touched the ball with his QATAR STARS LEAGUE hand. Yesterday’s results Referee Mohammed Ahmed Al Shahania 2 - 2 Al Wakrah Al-Shammari - resisting pres- sure from screaming Al Khor Al Khor 1 - 2 Al Gharafa players - awarded the penalty Today’s fixtures to the former QSL champions. Al Sailiya vs Al Ahli After a couple of minutes' (Hamad Bin khalifah Stadium) delay on the touchline close to Al Khor dugout, Razzaq found Umm Salal vs Lekhwiya the net with a well-taken spot (Seham Bin Hamad Stadium) kick in the 88th minute. Muaither SC vs Al Rayyan In the dying seconds of the (Thani Bin Jassim Stadium) clash, Iajour flicked a ball from El Jaish vs Al Kharaitiyat close range but Al Gharafa goal- (Abdullah Bin Khalifah Stadium) keeper Yousof Hassan Ali Tomorrow's Fixture El Jaish head coach blocked the shot on the goalline. Al Arabi vs Al Sadd Sabri Lamouchi (Grand Hamad Stadium) In the day's first clash on