Football Attitude Change Needed

P 6 | FOOTBALL P 24 | CUE SPORTS ATTITUDE CHANGE NEEDED ORCOLLO, THE ACE OF BAIZE Seriousness, proper education and Dennis Orcollo, the star attraction at the discipline are important to raise the ongoing World 9-Ball Pool Championship, standard of teams in the Gulf region. talks about his thirst for success.

WEDNESDAY, SEpTEmBER 16, 2015 | Vol X | No.29 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on

Comeback campaigners Al Rayyan make their intentions loud and clear by thumping Al Sailiya in the Qatar Stars League’s lung opener. pAGES 8-11 DSP/Mohan

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 12 | FOOTBALL P 20 | POSTER Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 Zero tolerance SEBASTIEN Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW on fan trouble OGIER www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 3 EXCITEMENT NOW OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: JUST A TOUCH AWAY Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Fan violence in football must Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos be dealt with an iron fist A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko ANS’ support is very vital as it gives a psychological Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has pledged all Gopakumar K advantage and also motivates the players to raise assistance and support to FIFA to conduct an appropriate Joice Michael Fthe level of their performance, at least by a notch disciplinary investigation. Technical support Shaheen Mohammed or two. but, sometimes, playing in front of a partisan Acting General Secretary Windsor John also Abdul Naser M crowd can be a double-edged sword as the malaysian reiterated the continental body’s strong resolve to team experienced during their 2018 FIFA World Cup tackle such issues with a firm hand. He said security qualifier against Saudi Arabia last week. of fans and players was of utmost importance and A section of fans, angry with their 0-10 thrashing by assured that the AFC would ensure such incidents p.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 the UAE earlier, hurled flares into the ground, forcing won’t be repeated. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com the match to be abandoned with hardly a few minutes be it anywhere, it’s always a small group of ‘militant’ Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 of play left and the team trailing 1-2. It was rather or ‘ultra’ fans who create problems. We can’t justify this e-mail: [email protected] unfortunate that the supporters turned violent when by simply attributing it to their passion for the game. Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 their side came up with a vastly-improved display. Who being passionate is one thing, but expressing it in e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 knows, malaysia could’ve even forced a draw had the a manner not acceptable to the vast majority of the e-mail: [email protected] remaining minutes been played! civilised society is another. Such fans aren’t the real Instead, in all probability, FIFA is expected to award supporters of football or their team. On the contrary, the game to Saudi Arabia with a 3-0 score line and the they’re the detractors. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus malaysian FA is certain to face embarrassing questions I hope FIFA and AFC will conduct a thorough inquiry www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar and hefty fines, and probably even asked to play their and punish the offenders in a way that it’ll have a next home match behind closed doors. deterrent effect. www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar this incident has indeed heaped further shame on malaysia, which has been troubled by sporadic fan violence and an active presence of illegal betting and Publishers: ASpIrE printing, publishing and Distribution match-fixing syndicates. Printed at ASpIrE printing press the AFC, which has its headquarters in malaysia, Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi has strongly condemned the violence. president Editor-in-Chief

Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Full steam ahead Joker, villain, hero! Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 preparations for the International World No.1 Novak Djokovic e-mail: [email protected] paralympic Committee’s Athletics plays pantomime villain as he Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 World Championships, to be beats sentimental favourite e-mail: [email protected] held in Doha next month, are roger Federer and wins the US moving full steam ahead. Open to cap a great season. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 3

OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Fan violence in football must Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos be dealt with an iron fist A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko ANS’ support is very vital as it gives a psychological Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has pledged all Gopakumar K advantage and also motivates the players to raise assistance and support to FIFA to conduct an appropriate Joice Michael Fthe level of their performance, at least by a notch disciplinary investigation. Technical support Shaheen Mohammed or two. but, sometimes, playing in front of a partisan Acting General Secretary Windsor John also Abdul Naser M crowd can be a double-edged sword as the malaysian reiterated the continental body’s strong resolve to team experienced during their 2018 FIFA World Cup tackle such issues with a firm hand. He said security qualifier against Saudi Arabia last week. of fans and players was of utmost importance and A section of fans, angry with their 0-10 thrashing by assured that the AFC would ensure such incidents p.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 the UAE earlier, hurled flares into the ground, forcing won’t be repeated. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com the match to be abandoned with hardly a few minutes be it anywhere, it’s always a small group of ‘militant’ Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 of play left and the team trailing 1-2. It was rather or ‘ultra’ fans who create problems. We can’t justify this e-mail: [email protected] unfortunate that the supporters turned violent when by simply attributing it to their passion for the game. Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 their side came up with a vastly-improved display. Who being passionate is one thing, but expressing it in e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 knows, malaysia could’ve even forced a draw had the a manner not acceptable to the vast majority of the e-mail: [email protected] remaining minutes been played! civilised society is another. Such fans aren’t the real Instead, in all probability, FIFA is expected to award supporters of football or their team. On the contrary, the game to Saudi Arabia with a 3-0 score line and the they’re the detractors. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus malaysian FA is certain to face embarrassing questions I hope FIFA and AFC will conduct a thorough inquiry www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar and hefty fines, and probably even asked to play their and punish the offenders in a way that it’ll have a next home match behind closed doors. deterrent effect. www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar this incident has indeed heaped further shame on malaysia, which has been troubled by sporadic fan violence and an active presence of illegal betting and Publishers: ASpIrE printing, publishing and Distribution match-fixing syndicates. Printed at ASpIrE printing press the AFC, which has its headquarters in malaysia, Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi has strongly condemned the violence. president Editor-in-Chief

INSIDE P 14 | FOOTBALL P 26 | MOTORSPORT P 30 | ATHLETICS Martial art! Thunder Down Under! Femi supreme manchester United’s new Ace Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah Qatar’s Femi Seun Ogunode signing Anthony martial wins the World rally Championship’s comfortably wins 100m gold announces his arrival by support category in Australia to extend his at the rieti World Challenge notching up a dream goal lead at the top. meeting in Italy. against Liverpool. P 27 | PARALYMPICS P 28 | TENNIS Full steam ahead Joker, villain, hero! preparations for the International World No.1 Novak Djokovic paralympic Committee’s Athletics plays pantomime villain as he World Championships, to be beats sentimental favourite held in Doha next month, are roger Federer and wins the US moving full steam ahead. Open to cap a great season. 4 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 5

FOOTBALL

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Endroadhere would have given them quickly as early slip-ups in the confidence before they open league will put him under more QATAR’S LEKHWIYA BOW OUT OF THE AFC their campaign in the Qatar Stars pressure. “I’m okay with how the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DESPITE HOLDING League (QSL) against Qatar Sports With Al Sadd and Al rayyan game went, but we Club on Saturday, but it was not already showing their strengths in just didn’t do enough. SAUDI ARABIA’S AL HILAL IN THEIR to be. their opening matches, it will be a I’m satisfied with our SECOND-LEG QUARTERFINAL, WRITES the QSL holders are a pale big challenge for Lekhwiya. performance. In the first We hope to qualify MOHAMMAD AMIN-UL ISLAM. shadow of what they were under Even when belmadi was 20 or 25 minutes, it was michael Laudrup, who quit after successful on the domestic scene, difficult for us, but we for finals: Buitenweg a season. the Dane had helped he had failed to deliver at the improved as the game Lekhwiya win the league and continental tournament. wore on. In the second AtAr Under-16 coach Arno Buitenweg Qatar Cup while he was also this time too, he could not half, we had the chance expressed hope that his team could AUDI Arabia’s Al Hilal before Digao closed out the game responsible for their progress in take the team forward. He to attack more. We Qopen their campaign with a win against advanced to the semifinal of three minutes from time. the Asian competition. will have to overcome the were close to scoring turkmenistan in the Group C Asian Championship Sthe AFC Champions League Hilal, backed by their entourage belmadi would have hoped for a disappointment and regain the a third, but we lost qualifiers, which begin at the Aspire Dome on for the second season in a row of fans dressed in the club’s blue better start to his second stint. the faith. It will be difficult, but not concentration after they Wednesday. Iraq and tajikistan are the other teams after playing out a 2-2 draw shirts, were livelier of the two Algerian, who guided Lekhwiya impossible. equalised. in the group. against Qatar’s Lekhwiya in the teams right from the start. Captain to back-to-back QSL titles, in the A total of 44 teams, in 11 groups, are vying for quarterfinal second leg for a 6-3 Saud Al Kariri led their attack with 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, will » The writer can be contacted at: Djamel Belmadi, 15 slots for the finals, to be played in India from aggregate victory. speedy runs and put plenty of have to help his wards regroup [email protected] Lekhwiya coach. September 15 to October 2 next year. they will play either UAE’s All group winners and four best runners-up will Al Ahli or Naft tehran in the QUARTERFINAL QUARTERFINAL join hosts India. semifinal. THE QSL HOLDERS LOOKED Showed a lot of michael Laudrup Qatar managed only a third-place finish at the Hilal, who had left Lekhwiya A PALE SHADOW OF promise under enjoyed a great GCC Under-17 Championships last month in Doha, with a mountain to climb after WHAT THEY WERE UNDER GROUP STAGE belgian Eric Gerets GROUP STAGE season as Lekhwiya but buitenweg still exuded confidence. beating them 4-1 in the first leg en route to the last defeated Al Sadd “this is a new tournament and my boys will MICHAEL LAUDRUP. made debut as the eight, but lost to Gerets failed to and progressed to in riyadh, made it even tougher Qatar Stars League eventual champions repeat the good the last eight, but begin with renewed confidence, said buitenweg. for Djamel belmadi’s men when champions, but Guangzhou work as the cops under comeback “We hope to qualify for the finals in India next HOW could win only one again stumbled at Carlos Eduardo found space in pressure on the rival defence. Evergrande. coach Djamel year. I think the boys didn’t do that bad in the THEY of the six matches. the first hurdle. belmadi, they the box and slotted the ball past their performance in the first 15 FARED faltered against tournament where you had all the regional teams. Amine Lecomte to take the lead in minutes was almost reminiscent of Saudi Arabia’s We’re prepared for the Asian competition as well,” the 25th minute. their outrageous show in the first Al Hilal. said buitenweg. Lekhwiya’s Ţ but goals from Ismail leg at home. ŢGuangzhou “We’ll have the same 23 boys who played in performances Evergrande’s Huang mohammed in first-half added to their credit, Lekhwiya came in the AFC bowen, right, the GCC tournament. All players are very good and time and Chico Flores (71st) gave back into the match, but it was Champions celebrates with deserve more chances. Our aim is to develop and League so far. 2012 2013 2014 2015 team-mates after DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod Lekhwiya a glimmer of hope, not enough to stop Hilal. A victory scoring against encourage these boys for future national teams,” Kashiwa reysol. said the Dutchman. Iraq, who play against Qatar on Friday, are ššLekhwiya’s UAE’s Ahli have Chico Flores tries the toughest opponents as far as the hosts are to prevent Al Hilal’s concerned, but buitenweg said he would like to the advantage Ailton from getting take one game one at a time. ahead with the ball. Guangzhou reach semifinal despite draw UAE’s Al Ahli would be keen to “At this level, all teams are good and we’ll take join Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal UIZ Felipe Scolari’s Guangzhou Scolari, who arrived in June, will be got a lifeline on 12 minutes when their cushion with a beautiful one game at a time. In football, you lose too much as the second Gulf team in Evergrande scrapped their keen to secure the wealthy Chinese Cristiano nodded them in front. half-volley on the half-hour. time thinking about the opponents which I don’t the last-four of the AFC Lway into the AFC Champions club’s second Asian title just a year the brazilian forward climbed in receiving the ball on the edge of want to do. All teams are good and we’ll do our best Champions League. League semifinal as they fought out after his World Cup flop on home soil the penalty box to meet a free-kick the box, the Chinese international to win the opening match. then we’ll have a day to Ahli, managed by a bad-tempered 1-1 draw for a 4-2 with his native brazil. from close to the right touchline, and swept it home with a shot which focus on our game against Iraq,” added buitenweg, former Al Sadd coach Cosmin Olariou, have the aggregate win over Japan’s Kashiwa the no-nonsense coach earned a rocketed straight into the top corner. who coached the ASpIrE Academy’s U-15 team edge in Wednesday’s reysol on tuesday. reputation for his uncompromising but despite a team full of brazilian since 2012. return-leg quarterfinal Huang bowen’s sumptuous style after a series of pitch-side bust- SCOLARI, WHO ARRIVED talent, that was to be the only score However, buitenweg would be keen to improve against Naft tehran in first-half equaliser provided a rare ups while coaching league football in IN JUNE, WILL BE KEEN for Guangzhou, who now play either his team’s defence which looked patchy and Dubai, having won the moment of quality with the second his home country. TO SECURE THE CLUB’S Jeonbuk Hyundai motors or Gamba inconsistent at the recent GCC event. away leg 1-0. period more notable for robust It showed a different side to Osaka in the double-leg semifinal. the other last-eight SECOND ASIAN TITLE. challenges and yellow cards. Guangzhou, usually better known for tie in Osaka, between KICK-OFF All matches at the Aspire Dome. former champions Chelsea-linked defender Zhang the sort of free-flowing attack which COLLATED RESULTS Qatar vs turkmenistan, 4pm. Gamba Osaka from Linpeng was lucky to stay on the earned them a 3-1 win in Kashiwa in planted an unstoppable header into QUARTERFINALS Wednesday, September 16 tajikistan vs Iraq, 7pm. pitch after he went in two-footed last month’s first leg. the far corner. Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Japan and South Korean turkmenistan vs tajikistan, 4pm. side Jeonbuk motors, is expected drew Kashiwa reysol (JpN) 1-1 Friday, September 18 on ryosuke Yamanaka while Feng the Japanese side walked out at With the aggregate score at 3-2, Guangzhou win 4-2 on aggregate. Iraq vs Qatar, 7pm. to go down to the wire after the Xiaoting and Kim Young-Gwon also Guangzhou’s tianhe Stadium with the early goal stung the Chinese Lekhwiya (QAt) drew Al Hilal (KSA) 2-2 Qatar vs tajikistan, 4pm. Sunday, September 20 first leg ended in a goalless draw. saw yellow. much ground to make up, but they league-leaders but Huang restored Al Hilal win 6-3 on aggregate. Iraq vs turkmenistan, 7pm. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 5

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Endroadhere would have given them quickly as early slip-ups in the confidence before they open league will put him under more their campaign in the Qatar Stars pressure. “I’m okay with how the League (QSL) against Qatar Sports With Al Sadd and Al rayyan game went, but we Club on Saturday, but it was not already showing their strengths in just didn’t do enough. to be. their opening matches, it will be a I’m satisfied with our the QSL holders are a pale big challenge for Lekhwiya. performance. In the first We hope to qualify shadow of what they were under Even when belmadi was 20 or 25 minutes, it was michael Laudrup, who quit after successful on the domestic scene, difficult for us, but we for finals: Buitenweg a season. the Dane had helped he had failed to deliver at the improved as the game Lekhwiya win the league and continental tournament. wore on. In the second AtAr Under-16 coach Arno Buitenweg Qatar Cup while he was also this time too, he could not half, we had the chance expressed hope that his team could responsible for their progress in take the team forward. He to attack more. We Qopen their campaign with a win against the Asian competition. will have to overcome the were close to scoring turkmenistan in the Group C Asian Championship belmadi would have hoped for a disappointment and regain the a third, but we lost qualifiers, which begin at the Aspire Dome on better start to his second stint. the faith. It will be difficult, but not concentration after they Wednesday. Iraq and tajikistan are the other teams Algerian, who guided Lekhwiya impossible. equalised. in the group. to back-to-back QSL titles, in the A total of 44 teams, in 11 groups, are vying for 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, will » The writer can be contacted at: Djamel Belmadi, 15 slots for the finals, to be played in India from have to help his wards regroup [email protected] Lekhwiya coach. September 15 to October 2 next year. All group winners and four best runners-up will QUARTERFINAL QUARTERFINAL join hosts India. Showed a lot of michael Laudrup Qatar managed only a third-place finish at the promise under enjoyed a great GCC Under-17 Championships last month in Doha, GROUP STAGE belgian Eric Gerets GROUP STAGE season as Lekhwiya but buitenweg still exuded confidence. en route to the last defeated Al Sadd “this is a new tournament and my boys will made debut as the eight, but lost to Gerets failed to and progressed to Qatar Stars League eventual champions repeat the good the last eight, but begin with renewed confidence, said buitenweg. champions, but Guangzhou work as the cops under comeback “We hope to qualify for the finals in India next HOW could win only one again stumbled at Evergrande. coach Djamel year. I think the boys didn’t do that bad in the THEY of the six matches. the first hurdle. belmadi, they FARED faltered against tournament where you had all the regional teams. Saudi Arabia’s We’re prepared for the Asian competition as well,” Al Hilal. said buitenweg. Lekhwiya’s Ţ ŢGuangzhou “We’ll have the same 23 boys who played in performances Evergrande’s Huang in the AFC bowen, right, the GCC tournament. All players are very good and Champions celebrates with deserve more chances. Our aim is to develop and League so far. 2012 2013 2014 2015 team-mates after scoring against encourage these boys for future national teams,” Kashiwa reysol. said the Dutchman. Iraq, who play against Qatar on Friday, are the toughest opponents as far as the hosts are concerned, but buitenweg said he would like to Guangzhou reach semifinal despite draw take one game one at a time. “At this level, all teams are good and we’ll take their cushion with a beautiful one game at a time. In football, you lose too much half-volley on the half-hour. time thinking about the opponents which I don’t receiving the ball on the edge of want to do. All teams are good and we’ll do our best the box, the Chinese international to win the opening match. then we’ll have a day to swept it home with a shot which focus on our game against Iraq,” added buitenweg, rocketed straight into the top corner. who coached the ASpIrE Academy’s U-15 team but despite a team full of brazilian since 2012. talent, that was to be the only score However, buitenweg would be keen to improve for Guangzhou, who now play either his team’s defence which looked patchy and Jeonbuk Hyundai motors or Gamba inconsistent at the recent GCC event. Osaka in the double-leg semifinal. KICK-OFF COLLATED RESULTS All matches at the Aspire Dome. Qatar vs turkmenistan, 4pm. QUARTERFINALS Wednesday, September 16 tajikistan vs Iraq, 7pm. Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) turkmenistan vs tajikistan, 4pm. drew Kashiwa reysol (JpN) 1-1 Friday, September 18 Guangzhou win 4-2 on aggregate. Iraq vs Qatar, 7pm. Lekhwiya (QAt) drew Al Hilal (KSA) 2-2 Qatar vs tajikistan, 4pm. Sunday, September 20 Al Hilal win 6-3 on aggregate. Iraq vs turkmenistan, 7pm. 6 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 7 FOOTBALL | QATAR

şşJubilant Oman team members celebrate on the podium with Qatar Stars League CEO Hani taleb ballan, Needed, second left, and a tournament Director Hamad Saleh Al mannai, in right.

ŠşJosoor mentality Institute’s Hr change manager and Director of the game seriously because there’s top events. the AFC U-16 and U-19 Operations Mohammad Amin-ul Islam (Acting) Afraa Al a positive mindset,” Leushuis told Asked if any Gulf team will win qualification, which starts on Noaimi speaks at Doha Stadium Plus. the Asian U-23 Championship, Wednesday and October 2 the workshop. “All Gulf teams too may have Leushuis, who also trains the respectively, will pose big tests for DUCAtION and discipline a proper youth development Kuwait Olympic squad, said, “It’s Gulf teams. then there is the Asian are important to raise the programme in place, but unless U-23 Championship in Doha from Josoor’s Amman Estandard of Gulf teams in the players change their mentality, January 12 to 30. international competitions, says it’ll take some time to match with MOST GULF TEAMS HAVE One problem with Gulf teams workshop focuses Kuwait’s Under-19 coach Willem Asia’s best,” said the Dutchman. FITNESS PROBLEM AS is that almost all national team Leushuis. barring the UAE, who finished PLAYERS SLEEP LATE AND players represent regional clubs on modern venues “It has more to do with their a respectable third, all Gulf WAKE UP LATE. and there is not much interest in education and mentality. In representatives — Saudi Arabia, local leagues. OHA-bASED Josoor Institute, a centre countries like Iran, youngsters Kuwait, Qatar, bahrain and Oman “playing in your own backyard of excellence founded by the Supreme dream to become professionals — struggled at the Asian Cup in difficult because if they want to hardly helps. When you play in DCommittee for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL), and that desire is rooted in them. January in Australia, raising doubts achieve big, they need to change European leagues, you learn to organised a workshop for the first time abroad, in the the basics are correct and they take about their standard to compete in their mentality. handle pressure situations. It’s not Jordanian capital of Amman, to provide an overview

“most Gulf teams just about the technique or being K BijuRaj DSP/A on relevant aspects of modern venue operations and have fitness problem skilful,” said Leushuis. management during major events. ŠŠSaudi Arabia’s Nawaf Al Idrisu tries because the players Saudi Arabia, who once were a competition is a backward step SPECIAL AWARDS the two-day workshop, titled ‘An Introduction to to get the ball past sleep late and wake dominant force at the Asian level, considering the previous team’s Venue and Stadium management’, was delivered in Kuwait’s players. up late. there’s lack failed to win even the GCC U-17 triumph under Felix Sanchez Oman emerge as partnership with the Higher Council for Youth Jordan of seriousness. If and U-19 Championships. Last in the Asian Championship last BEST PLAYER and Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2016 they don’t follow year, the senior team was beaten at year. Zaheer Suleiman FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. a routine, it’s home by Qatar in the Gulf Cup final And their U-19 coach Joao U-19 champions (Oman) more than 90 delegates, including representatives quite tough to while their quest for a World Cup pereira will be under pressure from the Al Hussein Youth City, Jordanian military achieve success,” added finals berth after ’06 goes on. when they face Kyrgyzstan in an mAN played with a lot of character. It’s good to see them Sports Federation, City of Al Hassan for Youth, City Leushuis, whose maiden At the Asian Cup, the Saudis Asian qualifier on October 2 in fire and determination as maintain their composure during of King Abdulla for Youth, Supreme Council for coaching stint in the exited at the group stage. but their Doha. Oman, with back-to-back they beat bahrain 6-4 on tense moments. Such situations TOP SCORER Youth, University of Jordan, Jordan National team O Abdurahman region was with Dubai’s U-19 coach Saad Ali Al Shahry triumphs at the GCC U-17 and penalties to win the GCC Under-19 will help them develop their game,” Hashem Al Yami Volunteers, LOC staff and several organisations, Al Jazira club in 2000. exuded confidence. U-19 tournaments in Doha, are Championship at the Al Sadd said rasheed, whose side started (Saudi Arabia) attended the workshop. Easy money and “the development work is on showing promise, but it remains to Stadium last week. their campaign with a 0-1 loss to Addressing the gathering at the opening session, casual attitude are also the right path as our federation be seen how they will fare in Asian It was a commendable Kuwait in Group b. Higher Council for Youth Jordan’s president Dr Sami cited as reasons for is trying its best to bring back the qualifiers. performance from Oman, who had In the semifinal against Saudi mashour Al majali said, “We’re grateful to the Josoor Gulf sides’ struggle. glory days. We’ll bounce back,” said “the youth development work to come back from a goal down Arabia, Oman were reduced to 10 BEST Institute for partnering us for this workshop and Competing against Al Shahry. is a long-term process. We’ll try to draw level 1-1 at the end of men after goalkeeper Ibrahim Al GOALKEEPER helping promote local capabilities. We’re honoured to Omar Ali Hagi Japan or South Korea is UAE’s unimpressive results in to maintain our consistency in regulation time. Ibrahim Khalil put mukhaini received a red card for (Kuwait) have the institute and its very experienced group of like a steep mountain to the recently-concluded GCC events qualifiers. We’re working on the bahrain ahead in the 28th minute, his dangerous foul on Abdurahman speakers with us. climb while West Asian — they finished fifth in both U-16 junior teams who could bolster but rasheed Jaber’s side equalised Hashem Al Yami in the 70th. but “this workshop is an excellent platform to teams such as Iran, Iraq and U-19 tournaments in Doha — our future senior squads,” said through talal Khamis in the 69th. they fought back from 1-2 down FAIR PLAY exchange experiences and practices in various areas bahrain and Jordan too are proving surprised many. While for Qatar Oman U-19 coach rasheed to tie the score before winning 5-4 of managing venues and stadiums during mega to be tough obstacles. their sixth-place finish in the U-19 Jaber. in sudden death, where substitute events. It was a great opportunity for an elite group KUWAIT DEFEATED goalkeeper Ammar Al rusheidi of world-class experts to meet and discuss innovative COACHES SPEAK SAUDI ARABIA 1-0 IN made a stunning save to knock out practices, and the most recent global trends in sports THE THIRD-PLACE Saudis. and mega events industries,” added Dr Al majali. PLAY-OFF. In the other last-four clash, the workshop was led by world-class speakers bahrain beat Kuwait 1-0. including ImG Stadium management and Operations Kuwait defeated Saudi Arabia Vice-president Luis Silva, International Centre for In the shoot-out, bahrain started 1-0 in the third-place play-off, Sport Security Executive Director (Security and disastrously when talal Ali shot with mohammed mubarak risk Advisory) malcolm tarbitt and Qatar 2015 wide. though mohammed Yousuf, converting a penalty in the men’s World Handball Championship organising Ali Hassan and Ziad Ali converted 27th after being fouled committee’s ex-head of workforce tariq Kamal “We’ll try to “most Gulf teams “the development their attempts, Oman did not give by Adil Amin inside the Hamed. maintain our have fitness work is on the them any chance as Salah Saeed, box. A ‘Student Outreach’ activity too was organised to

DSP/A K BijuRaj DSP/A consistency in problems because right path as baqeet Salem, Ahmed Jamil, talal UAE finished fifth, give Jordanian students an insight into the world of the qualifiers. the players sleep our federation is and Omran Saeed all found the beating hosts Qatar sports and events. We’re working on and wake up late. trying its best to target. 1-0, thanks to a majid Al Over 50 students from universities across Jordan the junior teams there’s a lack of bring back the “the boys showed a lot of muhairi strike in the 75th. benefited from the opportunity to interact with who could bolster seriousness. If glory days. We’ll “the victory will renowned experts. our future senior they don’t follow bounce back. RESULTS motivate us to do well in Several ambassadors from the SCDL’s Generation FINAL the forthcoming AFC U-19 Amazing, a youth-based social development sides. a routine, it’s Oman bt bahrain 6-4 şOman’s Saad Ali Al Shahry, 1-1 after regulation time, Oman win on qualifiers in Doha,” rasheed ş programme that uses the power of football to quite tough to get mohammed Saudi Arabia. penalties Rasheed Jaber, said. Shahab is positively change society, were present at the success. THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF Oman. challenged Kuwait bt Saudi Arabia 1-0 outreach activity to speak about the initiatives and Willem Leushuis, by bahrain’s FIFTH-PLACE PLAY-OFF » The writer can be contacted at: mohammed positive impact it has been creating within their Kuwait. UAE bt Qatar 1-0 [email protected] Sadiq. communities. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 7

şşJubilant Oman team members celebrate on the podium with Qatar Stars League CEO Hani taleb ballan, second left, and tournament Director Hamad Saleh Al mannai, right.

ŠşJosoor Institute’s Hr manager and Director of Operations (Acting) Afraa Al Noaimi speaks at the workshop. Josoor’s Amman workshop focuses on modern venues OHA-bASED Josoor Institute, a centre of excellence founded by the Supreme DCommittee for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL), organised a workshop for the first time abroad, in the Jordanian capital of Amman, to provide an overview

DSP/A K BijuRaj DSP/A on relevant aspects of modern venue operations and management during major events. SPECIAL AWARDS the two-day workshop, titled ‘An Introduction to Venue and Stadium management’, was delivered in Oman emerge as partnership with the Higher Council for Youth Jordan BEST PLAYER and Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2016 Zaheer Suleiman FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. U-19 champions (Oman) more than 90 delegates, including representatives from the Al Hussein Youth City, Jordanian military mAN played with a lot of character. It’s good to see them Sports Federation, City of Al Hassan for Youth, City fire and determination as maintain their composure during of King Abdulla for Youth, Supreme Council for they beat bahrain 6-4 on tense moments. Such situations TOP SCORER Youth, University of Jordan, Jordan National team O Abdurahman penalties to win the GCC Under-19 will help them develop their game,” Hashem Al Yami Volunteers, LOC staff and several organisations, Championship at the Al Sadd said rasheed, whose side started (Saudi Arabia) attended the workshop. Stadium last week. their campaign with a 0-1 loss to Addressing the gathering at the opening session, It was a commendable Kuwait in Group b. Higher Council for Youth Jordan’s president Dr Sami performance from Oman, who had In the semifinal against Saudi mashour Al majali said, “We’re grateful to the Josoor to come back from a goal down Arabia, Oman were reduced to 10 BEST Institute for partnering us for this workshop and to draw level 1-1 at the end of men after goalkeeper Ibrahim Al GOALKEEPER helping promote local capabilities. We’re honoured to Omar Ali Hagi regulation time. Ibrahim Khalil put mukhaini received a red card for (Kuwait) have the institute and its very experienced group of bahrain ahead in the 28th minute, his dangerous foul on Abdurahman speakers with us. but rasheed Jaber’s side equalised Hashem Al Yami in the 70th. but “this workshop is an excellent platform to through talal Khamis in the 69th. they fought back from 1-2 down FAIR PLAY exchange experiences and practices in various areas bahrain to tie the score before winning 5-4 of managing venues and stadiums during mega in sudden death, where substitute events. It was a great opportunity for an elite group KUWAIT DEFEATED goalkeeper Ammar Al rusheidi of world-class experts to meet and discuss innovative SAUDI ARABIA 1-0 IN made a stunning save to knock out practices, and the most recent global trends in sports THE THIRD-PLACE Saudis. and mega events industries,” added Dr Al majali. PLAY-OFF. In the other last-four clash, the workshop was led by world-class speakers bahrain beat Kuwait 1-0. including ImG Stadium management and Operations Kuwait defeated Saudi Arabia Vice-president Luis Silva, International Centre for In the shoot-out, bahrain started 1-0 in the third-place play-off, Sport Security Executive Director (Security and disastrously when talal Ali shot with mohammed mubarak risk Advisory) malcolm tarbitt and Qatar 2015 wide. though mohammed Yousuf, converting a penalty in the men’s World Handball Championship organising Ali Hassan and Ziad Ali converted 27th after being fouled committee’s ex-head of workforce tariq Kamal their attempts, Oman did not give by Adil Amin inside the Hamed. them any chance as Salah Saeed, box. A ‘Student Outreach’ activity too was organised to baqeet Salem, Ahmed Jamil, talal UAE finished fifth, give Jordanian students an insight into the world of and Omran Saeed all found the beating hosts Qatar sports and events. target. 1-0, thanks to a majid Al Over 50 students from universities across Jordan “the boys showed a lot of muhairi strike in the 75th. benefited from the opportunity to interact with “the victory will renowned experts. RESULTS motivate us to do well in Several ambassadors from the SCDL’s Generation FINAL the forthcoming AFC U-19 Amazing, a youth-based social development Oman bt bahrain 6-4 şOman’s 1-1 after regulation time, Oman win on qualifiers in Doha,” rasheed ş programme that uses the power of football to mohammed penalties said. Shahab is positively change society, were present at the THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF challenged outreach activity to speak about the initiatives and Kuwait bt Saudi Arabia 1-0 by bahrain’s FIFTH-PLACE PLAY-OFF » The writer can be contacted at: mohammed positive impact it has been creating within their UAE bt Qatar 1-0 [email protected] Sadiq. communities. 8 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR

COVER STORY QSL WEEK 1 | SHORT TAKES AL RAYYAN 4 AL SAILIYA 0 AL ARABI 1 AL WAKRAH 0

promoted side rayyan began their campaign with Former Chelsea and Italy great Gianfranco Zola an emphatic victory. New paraguayan midfielder started his spell as Arabi coach on a victorious make Victor Caceres opened their account in the 17th note as his side eked out a hard-fought win over while striker Sebastian Soria made it 2-0 in the 33rd. Wakrah. Arabi, who did well only in patches, proven playmaker rodrigo tabata put it beyond found themselves in front in the 43rd due to an Ali Sailiya’s reach by netting in the 67th and setting up reheima own goal. though the reds were reduced mohammed Salah for the fourth in the 92nd. to 10 men in the 72nd, losing Ashkan Dejagah to a Lions red card, they held on to troop out winners. “I’m not a coach who’s AL RAYYAN CELEBRATE THEIR RETURN TO cent per cent satisfied THE QATAR STARS LEAGUE BY THUMPING with my team’s AL SAILIYA IN THIS SEASON’S LUNG performance. I always roaring take it one game at a OPENER, WRITES N GANESH. time. Considering that we’re making a return to start! the QSL, with many new ESpItE all his experience, Al Garcia’s exit towards the end, midfielder raoul Lee did well only in faces, we might need rayyan coach Jorge Fossati pulling his hamstring, which Fossati patches. some more time. the win, Dwas not fully sure how to described as “a negative”. the Spanish Sailiya did string together a few against a good team like comprehend their big win over Al forward is likely to be out of action good moves, but overall, they did not Sailiya, will definitely give Sailiya. for the next three weeks, during look sharp enough. us confidence to work AL KHOR 0 UMM SALAL 2 For a few seasons, Sailiya have which rayyan will play Al Kharaitiyat, Sailiya coach Sami trabelsi harped harder. been rayyan’s bogey team, but Umm Salal and Al mesaimeer. a little too much on refereeing and Umm Salal, who finished sixth last time, started in the right earnest, thanks to goals from foreign they did not sweat much in the While his attacking players stole the disallowed goal, claiming it would Jorge Fossati, Al rayyan coach. forwards Yannick Sagbo and Jeremie Aliadiere, both AL MESAIMEER 0 AL SADD 4 Qatar Stars League (QSL) opener last the limelight, Fossati’s real concerns have made a big difference. the former English premier League players. Ivorian week. Goals from new paraguayan should lie in defence, where Younis defeat definitely has put him under Sagbo found the back of the net in the 11th while Sadd scored four past debutants Al mesaimeer Frenchman Aliadiere virtually killed the game in the without reply. barcelona great Xavi Hernandez, who defensive midfielder Victor Caceres Yaqoub and mousa Haroon looked pressure ahead of Friday’s game 73rd. made his QSL debut, set up Lee Jung-Soo with a and Sebastian Soria put rayyan, tentative with Nathan ribeiro being against El Jaish. fine free-kick for the opening goal. However, it was şşAl Sailiya’s majdi nicknamed the Lions, firmly on track the only bright spot. With Uruguayan the management would be keen brazilian striker muriqui who hogged the limelight Siddiq, left, and as he netted a hat-trick, scoring in the 39th, 75th Al rayyan’s Victor at half-time while rodrigo tabata deep defender Gonzalo Viera having to ensure that they do not endure and 87th minutes. and substitute mohammed Salah joined the squad, Fossati could another disappointment like last Caceres vie for the ball even as rodrigo added the gloss as they sealed the rearrange his backline. He would season’s 11th-place finish. tabata gives a issue 4-0. want the team to be fully ready Elsewhere, Al Sadd posted a 4-0 chase. Yet, the match exposed a few of in time for the big match against victory over Al mesaimeer while Jaish their weaknesses, particularly in Lekhwiya, their first clash against a let slip the advantage and settled for a defence, and Fossati knows he should 1-1 draw with Al Ahli in arguably the plug them in order to withstand the best game of the week. Al Kharaitiyat onslaught of big teams like Lekhwiya GOALS FROM CACERES, pulled off the biggest upset, shocking and Sadd. SORIA, TABATA AND Qatar Sports Club 2-1. Fossati should be under a lot SALAH ENSURED Former Italy and Chelsea great of pressure at rayyan, whose RAYYAN’S EASY WIN. Gianfranco Zola began his Al Arabi management has high demands stint with 1-0 win over Al Wakrah despite being back in the top flight while Umm Salal scored a 2-0 win after a one-season gap. In his casual top-four team, on October 30. over Al Khor, in their coach Jean white and khaki linen, he never “I’m not a coach who’s cent Fernandez’s debut match. looked at ease prior to the kick-off, per cent satisfied with my team’s the tie between champions and was really nervy as Soria missed performance,” said Fossati. Lekhwiya and new-look Al a sitter off the very first move. “I always take it one game at a Gharafa was postponed but rayyan soon took the upper time. Considering that we’re making owing to the former’s AL KHARAITIYAT 2 QATAR SC 1 EL JAISH 1 AL AHLI 1 hand and maintained it till the end. a return to the QSL, with many new AFC Champions tabata, at 34, was silky smooth and faces, we might need some more League return-leg two goals in five minutes helped Kharaitiyat score Al Ahli came from behind to hold Emir’s Cup an upset win over last season’s fourth-place finishers runners-up El Jaish in a thrilling contest. New proved that the club was right in time. the win, against a good team quarterfinal. Qatar Sports Club. Yahia Kebe opened the account moroccan recruit Abderrazzaq Hamdallah put Jaish recently handing him another three- like Sailiya, will definitely give us in the 52nd while mohammed Yasser made it 2-0 ahead in the 38th while brazilian defender Lucas year contract. Caceres, though rough confidence to work harder,” he added. in the 57th. Ali Awad pulled one back for Qatar mendes conceded an own goal to eventually share SC a minute later, but they could not do anymore points. at start, gained confidence as the It was a disappointing start for damage. match wore on while Soria showed Sailiya. to add to their embarrassing he could end up as the team’s top result, they ended up a man less, scorer and Korean medio losing romanian defender Dragos Koh-myong-Jin performed steadily as Grigore due to a red card soon after if he were at rayyan for long. the hour mark. Among their other Yet, the sore note was Sergio recruits, brazilian forward Edinho was visible only when he headed home KICK-OFF in the seventh minute, an effort Al Sadd vs Umm Salal Thursday, Qatar SC Stadium, 6pm. ruled out offside. And September 17 Al Wakrah vs Al Ahli Cameroonian defensive Al Wakrah Stadium, 8.15pm. Al Kharaitiyat vs Al rayyan Al Khor Stadium, 6pm. Friday, Al Gharafa vs Al mesaimeer September 18 Al Gharafa Stadium, 6pm. El Jaish vs Al Sailiya Lekhwiya Stadium, 8.15pm. Al Arabi vs Al Khor Saturday, Al Arabi Stadium, 6pm. September 20 Lekhwiya vs Qatar SC the match between Lekhwiya and Al Gharafa was postponed due to the former’s AFC Champions League

DSP/Mohan Lekhwiya Stadium, 8.15pm. second-leg quarterfinal against Al Hilal on tuesday. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 9

QSL WEEK 1 | SHORT TAKES

AL RAYYAN 4 AL SAILIYA 0 AL ARABI 1 AL WAKRAH 0

“I’m not a coach who’s cent per cent satisfied with my team’s performance. I always roaring take it one game at a time. Considering that we’re making a return to the QSL, with many new faces, we might need some more time. the win, against a good team like Sailiya, will definitely give us confidence to work AL KHOR 0 UMM SALAL 2 harder. Umm Salal, who finished sixth last time, started in the right earnest, thanks to goals from foreign Jorge Fossati, Al rayyan coach. forwards Yannick Sagbo and Jeremie Aliadiere, both AL MESAIMEER 0 AL SADD 4 former English premier League players. Ivorian Sagbo found the back of the net in the 11th while Sadd scored four past debutants Al mesaimeer Frenchman Aliadiere virtually killed the game in the without reply. barcelona great Xavi Hernandez, who 73rd. made his QSL debut, set up Lee Jung-Soo with a fine free-kick for the opening goal. However, it was ş şAl Sailiya’s majdi brazilian striker muriqui who hogged the limelight Siddiq, left, and as he netted a hat-trick, scoring in the 39th, 75th Al rayyan’s Victor Caceres vie for the and 87th minutes. ball even as rodrigo tabata gives a chase.

AL KHARAITIYAT 2 QATAR SC 1 EL JAISH 1 AL AHLI 1

two goals in five minutes helped Kharaitiyat score Al Ahli came from behind to hold Emir’s Cup an upset win over last season’s fourth-place finishers runners-up El Jaish in a thrilling contest. New Qatar Sports Club. Yahia Kebe opened the account moroccan recruit Abderrazzaq Hamdallah put Jaish in the 52nd while mohammed Yasser made it 2-0 ahead in the 38th while brazilian defender Lucas in the 57th. Ali Awad pulled one back for Qatar mendes conceded an own goal to eventually share SC a minute later, but they could not do anymore points. damage.

the match between Lekhwiya and Al Gharafa was postponed due to the former’s AFC Champions League second-leg quarterfinal against Al Hilal on tuesday. 10 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 11 FOOTBALL | QATAR

THINGS LEARNT DURING THE OPENING WEEK

ABLE MUBELE midfielder, who started STREET SMART and stayed until the most talks about Al Ahli brazilian striker muriqui end, performed like a in the pre-season centred stole Spanish ace Xavi Of Xavi’s debut and seasoned customer. the around how the exit of Hernandez’s thunder by former Gharafa player prolific Congolese striker netting a hat-trick in their did the spadework for Alain Dioko (who left for opening match against their only goal when he Al Gharafa) would affect debutants Al mesaimeer. snatched the ball from them. but the brigadiers However, when he Ali Qadri and set up seem to have found the netted the third goal, one Abderrazzak Hamdallah. right replacement from man in the Sadd camp, Muriqui’s hat-trick Dioko’s own land. Firmin REINFORCEMENT Saleh badr, was little mubele, who made his annoyed as the young debut against El Jaish Al Arabi won against Al forward, who came on

increasingly frustrated as the game netted his second in the 74th, last week, quickly found Wakrah in a battle of as a substitute, was in PIX THE OF PICK Mohammad Amin-ul Islam wore on especially when Xavi was slotting home a rebound after Nadir his footing. He did not former champions, but it a more advantageous find the target, but a is doubtful whether the position to score. on the ball. belhadj’s shot from the left hit the terrific overhead volley, reds deserved full points. by the hour mark, the Sadd crossbar and ricocheted. a brilliant header and While forward Yousef ROARING FANS Ahmed, who joined from HE match between Al Sadd captain already had 10 crosses and muriqui added a third in the 87th. a stunning shot on the the rayyan fans are Al Sadd this season, turn, all in the first half, believing that their team and Al mesaimeer at the Al three shots on the goal to his credit. He, however, should have allowed added more teeth to their proved his calibre. “He’s can do wonders this time. Arabi Stadium last Sunday Like his compatriot and former team-mate Saleh Al badr to take a attack, the defensive T one of the best in Africa In the opener against line looked more solid šAl Arabi’s boualem Khoukhi tries to control the ball during their game was just another Qatar Stars League real madrid captain raul Gonzalez, crack at the goal, with the latter at and we’re expecting a Sailiya, they turned up š with the arrival of French against Al Wakrah. fixture. but it got a lot of attention who played at the Qatari club for an advantageous position inside the lot from him,” said Ahli in big numbers, which international rod Fanni. coach Zlatko Kranjcar. was a welcome sight not from the local and foreign media two seasons, Xavi is expected to box. muriqui did not think twice, Yet, the weakness in just for the club, but the as it marked barcelona great Xavi play a big role this season. Sadd but grabbed the chance. the midfield was sorely YOUNG SOLDIER organisers as well. they felt, something coach Hernandez’s debut. brazilian striker are one of the strong title Sadd thus won convincingly even Among the Qatar backed the team to the Gianfranco Zola admitted. muriqui came up with a three-goal contenders this time as well, even though it remains to be seen how Under-23 players who hilt and showered their “We’re trying to bring played last week, El stars with confetti and effort as Sadd won 4-0, giving the though it is too early to predict they will perform against strong in a new (Qatari) player. Jaish’s Othman Al ticker tapes. most cheers I discussed it with the Spaniard a winning start to his anything. contenders like Lekhwiya and El Yahri was arguably the were reserved for rodrigo management,” said Zola. Doha stint. Jaish, and tricky opponents Umm most impressive. the tabata. Xavi, who left the Catalan Salal and Al Ahli. club in the close-season, made THE CLASSY SPANIARD’S “All teams are strong and it memorable with a fine assist, STRONG PRESENCE IN even the bottom-placed sides Benlamaalem is swirling a free-kick from the left THE MIDFIELD IS SURE TO had created problems in the last which South Korean centre-back BOLSTER SADD. season,” Amouta said. “We’re happy out for a month Lee Jung-Soo headed home in the to start with a win, but there’s still Qatar Sports Club will be 11th minute. a long way to go. We just need to without central defender Ismail the classy Spaniard’s strong If Xavi’s midfield orchestration play consistently well.” Benlamaalem for a month presence in the midfield is sure to delighted coach Housseine Amouta, However, it was a confident start after the moroccan sustained a ligament injury in his right knee bolster Sadd as they look to regain who hailed him as a global star, the for a squad which looked compact Al Sailiya sign during their 1-2 defeat to Al the league title they last won in the moroccan was equally happy with in every department. the return Kharaitiyat. defender Mousa the 2012-13 season. muriqui. of Khalfan Ibrahim, who replaced Qatar SC had signed Al Sailiya have signed defender the 35-year-old, who had spent “Last year, we missed him in Ali Asad in the 75th, was a positive benlamaalem in July after šAl Sadd’s Nadir belhadj receives treatment during their match against Al Mousa Al Barakah from Al š 17 years at barcelona and won some crucial matches. I’m happy sign. the former Asian player of the Algerian rafik Halliche was mesaimeer. Arabi. ruled out for six months, due to everything on offer with the club that muriqui is back with a bang. Year underwent a lower abdomen He is expected to figure in a knee ligament tear. and his national team, was in the He’s a big asset for us,” said Amouta. surgery last month to rectify a Sailiya’s squad for their next thick of things against the promoted muriqui, who missed quite a muscle tear. game against El Jaish. side. few matches last season due to “It was good to see him back. Sailiya coach Sami trabelsi, He showed the kind of form and a calf muscle injury, scored the We hope he starts in the first team meanwhile, held a lengthy energy required for the top level. He tournament’s first hat-trick. He soon,” said Amouta. team meeting following their 0-4 defeat against Al rayyan controlled the midfield proceedings tapped in a diagonal pass from last week. He analysed the and initiated attacks with razor- Hassan Al Haidous on the right » The writer can be contacted at: game and pointed out the Xavi sharp passes. mesaimeer got in the 39th for his first goal. He [email protected] errors his players committed Hernandez during the match. Reality check for Mesaimeer DSP/Mohan rOmOtED side mesaimeer hope to come back strongly in the rebound was saved by Sadd keeper ššAl Sailiya’s Faouzi Ayesh attempts an acrobatic shot during their tie Qatargas League endured a torrid start to their next round of matches, but the Saad Al Sheeb. against Al rayyan. Pcampaign as they went down team needs to adapt to the highest the difference in standard from Sunday ŠŠAl Sadd’s 0-4 to Al Sadd. For mesaimeer, level quickly.” between the promoted sides and muriqui, left, being it was always going to be tough Striker Erivelto Silva was leading teams was evident last time challenged by the Qatargas League (Second Division) as last season’s runners-up Sadd impressive, but lacked support. as Al Shahaniya and Al Shamal will kick off on Sunday. Al mesaimeer’s muhannad Adnan. had the likes of Xavi Hernandez, returned to the Second Division reserve teams of 14 Qatar Stars League Nadir belhadj, Qatar national team after just one season in the top clubs and four Second captain Hassan Al Haidous and THIS WAS OUR FIRST flight. Division sides — Al muriqui in their ranks. GAME AND WE HAD Shahaniya won five of their 26 markhiya, muaither “We couldn’t have done better TO FACE ONE OF THE matches while Shamal managed to SC, Al Shahaniya and against a top side like Sadd. TOUGHEST OPPONENTS. collect full points from just one. Al Shamal — will vie for this was our first game and we Gacanin hopes his players would honours in the competition. muaither will take on had to face one of the toughest do well to avoid a similar fate. Al Kharaitiyat in the opening opponents,” mesaimeer’s their only chance to equalise came “We don’t have quality players tie at the Al Sailiya Stadium. Croatian coach rodion in the 34th minute when the and it’s going to be difficult, but our Gacanin said. “However, brazilian’s firmly-struck first aim is to secure enough points it was a good learning free-kick hit the near post, but to stay in the competition. I think experience for us. We rashed Al Ghofrani’s shot off the we can achieve that,” he said. A K BijuRaj Divakaran, Vinod DSP/Mohan, ššAl Ahli’s Younis Ali, left, and pejman montazeri succesfully challenge El Jaish’s Abderrazak Hamdallah. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 11

THINGS LEARNT DURING THE OPENING WEEK

netted his second in the 74th, last week, quickly found Wakrah in a battle of as a substitute, was in PIX THE OF PICK slotting home a rebound after Nadir his footing. He did not former champions, but it a more advantageous find the target, but a is doubtful whether the position to score. belhadj’s shot from the left hit the terrific overhead volley, reds deserved full points. crossbar and ricocheted. a brilliant header and While forward Yousef ROARING FANS Ahmed, who joined from muriqui added a third in the 87th. a stunning shot on the the rayyan fans are Al Sadd this season, turn, all in the first half, believing that their team He, however, should have allowed added more teeth to their proved his calibre. “He’s can do wonders this time. team-mate Saleh Al badr to take a attack, the defensive one of the best in Africa In the opener against line looked more solid šAl Arabi’s boualem Khoukhi tries to control the ball during their game crack at the goal, with the latter at and we’re expecting a Sailiya, they turned up š with the arrival of French against Al Wakrah. an advantageous position inside the lot from him,” said Ahli in big numbers, which international rod Fanni. coach Zlatko Kranjcar. was a welcome sight not box. muriqui did not think twice, Yet, the weakness in just for the club, but the but grabbed the chance. the midfield was sorely YOUNG SOLDIER organisers as well. they felt, something coach Sadd thus won convincingly even Among the Qatar backed the team to the Gianfranco Zola admitted. though it remains to be seen how Under-23 players who hilt and showered their “We’re trying to bring played last week, El stars with confetti and they will perform against strong in a new (Qatari) player. Jaish’s Othman Al ticker tapes. most cheers I discussed it with the contenders like Lekhwiya and El Yahri was arguably the were reserved for rodrigo management,” said Zola. Jaish, and tricky opponents Umm most impressive. the tabata. Salal and Al Ahli. “All teams are strong and even the bottom-placed sides Benlamaalem is had created problems in the last season,” Amouta said. “We’re happy out for a month to start with a win, but there’s still Qatar Sports Club will be a long way to go. We just need to without central defender Ismail play consistently well.” Benlamaalem for a month However, it was a confident start after the moroccan sustained a ligament injury in his right knee for a squad which looked compact Al Sailiya sign during their 1-2 defeat to Al in every department. the return Kharaitiyat. defender Mousa of Khalfan Ibrahim, who replaced Qatar SC had signed Al Sailiya have signed defender Ali Asad in the 75th, was a positive benlamaalem in July after šAl Sadd’s Nadir belhadj receives treatment during their match against Al Mousa Al Barakah from Al š sign. the former Asian player of the Algerian rafik Halliche was mesaimeer. Arabi. ruled out for six months, due to Year underwent a lower abdomen He is expected to figure in a knee ligament tear. surgery last month to rectify a Sailiya’s squad for their next muscle tear. game against El Jaish. “It was good to see him back. Sailiya coach Sami trabelsi, We hope he starts in the first team meanwhile, held a lengthy soon,” said Amouta. team meeting following their 0-4 defeat against Al rayyan last week. He analysed the » The writer can be contacted at: game and pointed out the [email protected] errors his players committed during the match. Reality check for Mesaimeer

rOmOtED side mesaimeer hope to come back strongly in the rebound was saved by Sadd keeper ššAl Sailiya’s Faouzi Ayesh attempts an acrobatic shot during their tie endured a torrid start to their next round of matches, but the Saad Al Sheeb. against Al rayyan. Pcampaign as they went down team needs to adapt to the highest the difference in standard 0-4 to Al Sadd. For mesaimeer, level quickly.” between the promoted sides and it was always going to be tough Striker Erivelto Silva was leading teams was evident last time as last season’s runners-up Sadd impressive, but lacked support. as Al Shahaniya and Al Shamal had the likes of Xavi Hernandez, returned to the Second Division Nadir belhadj, Qatar national team after just one season in the top captain Hassan Al Haidous and THIS WAS OUR FIRST flight. muriqui in their ranks. GAME AND WE HAD Shahaniya won five of their 26 “We couldn’t have done better TO FACE ONE OF THE matches while Shamal managed to against a top side like Sadd. TOUGHEST OPPONENTS. collect full points from just one. this was our first game and we Gacanin hopes his players would had to face one of the toughest do well to avoid a similar fate. opponents,” mesaimeer’s their only chance to equalise came “We don’t have quality players Croatian coach rodion in the 34th minute when the and it’s going to be difficult, but our Gacanin said. “However, brazilian’s firmly-struck first aim is to secure enough points it was a good learning free-kick hit the near post, but to stay in the competition. I think experience for us. We rashed Al Ghofrani’s shot off the we can achieve that,” he said. A K BijuRaj Divakaran, Vinod DSP/Mohan, ššAl Ahli’s Younis Ali, left, and pejman montazeri succesfully challenge El Jaish’s Abderrazak Hamdallah. 12 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 13 FOOTBALL | QATAR/ASIA

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Zero tolerance on fan trouble Mansoor Mansoor abandoned three minutes is of utmost importance to the to panic. Al AnsariAl Ansari N Ganesh from time. malaysia, who were AFC. We’ll take measures to ensure “You see, it’s a new format and Divakaran DSP/Vinod thrashed 0-10 by the UAE in the that it doesn’t happen. We’re everybody is getting used to it. If previous week, were trailing 1-2 at also closely working with FIFA to you look at Europe, when it started rOWD troubles such as that time. ensure that the investigations are the same format, there also had INTERVIEW the one in Kuala Lumpur reacting to the incident, AFC rightly carried out. It’s for FIFA to big scores. San marino, malta and Cduring last week’s World Acting General Secretary Windsor make a final call,” said Windsor, all... Look at them now. the gap Cup qualifier between malaysia John, who replaced long-serving who will take charge as general has reduced. ‘We’re proud to host and Saudi Arabia cannot Alex Soosay, said the governing secretary in November. “Our idea has been to allow be tolerated, according body was looking at it seriously. smaller teams to play the bigger to a leading official of “the AFC has taken a very strong ones. We need to support all AFC U-23 tourney’ the Asian Football stand because incidents like this OUR IDEA HAS BEEN development programmes, Confederation (AFC). affect the image of Asian football,” TO ALLOW SMALLER starting with grass-roots to youth AtAr Football Association We’ve been striving to build a the home fans, Windsor told Doha Stadium Plus in TEAMS TO PLAY THE development, so that member (QFA) General Secretary strong side for the ’22 World distraught by their an exclusive interview. BIGGER ONES. associations at the lower level Qmansoor Al Ansari Cup, but our aim has also been team’s performance, “It speaks two things. the fans push themselves up. that’s said they were proud to host to qualify for and compete in disrupted the match are more passionate about Asian where Andy roxburgh, our the inaugural AFC Under-23 all major tournaments. A lot last week by football and always want to get there were several big- new technical director, Championship. of players who were part of throwing flares the best out of their national margin defeats in the Asian is going to work. We Speaking to Doha Stadium the Asian U-19 Championship and fireworks teams, which it should be. but Zone qualifiers, especially on brought him specially to Plus on the sidelines of the success in myanmar last year and onto the on the other hand, we need to be the first match day earlier this address the situation,” draw ceremony held last week, subsequently represented our pitch and careful with the organisation of month, which, many felt was said Windsor. Al Ansari, who is also CEO of country at the FIFA U-20 World the match matches. because if it happens the reflection of the poor overall the Qatar Local Organising Cup in New Zealand will be seen had to be all the time, then we won’t have standard of the game on the Committee (QLOC), added the in action at this tournament. Windsor families and kids going to the continent and huge gulf in host team was keen to put up a We’ll host the West John stadiums. standard among teams. However, fine display. Asian Football Federation DSP/Mohan “the security of fans and players Windsor said there was no need Championship, for U-23 teams ЂЂWhat makes you proud as from September 30 to October TEAMS hosts of the tournament? 14, which will allow several of ЃЂFirstly, we all know that the the participating sides to prepare GROUP A GROUP B Qatar, Iran drawn into same group U-23 Championship is considered well for the continental event. Qatar Saudi Arabia Syria Japan as the second biggest tournament OStS Qatar are in Group A, the London Games, are clubbed hope the valuable experience they a tough group. We just want to expressed confidence. Iran North Korea on the continent after the Asian along with China, Iran and with Saudi Arabia, North Korea gain will help them during their prepare as good as possible and “I’m satisfied with the draw. It’s China thailand Cup. Since the event is also the OUR AIM HAS ALSO GROUP C GROUP D Syria after the draw for the and thailand in Group b while appearances at the senior level,” enter the tournament in a very a tough one, but we’re confident Olympic qualification, it’s of great BEEN TO QUALIFY FOR H Iraq Jordan Asian Football Confederation’s 1988 quarterfinalists Australia, said Al mohannadi, who is also good condition,” said Spaniard of doing well. Except for maybe South Korea Australia significance to all teams. AND COMPETE IN ALL (AFC) inaugural Under-23 the UAE, Jordan and Vietnam form vice-president of the Qatar Football Sanchez. Yemen, all three teams in our group Uzbekistan UAE Every team will be striving MAJOR TOURNAMENTS. Championship was made last Group D. Association. Australia team manager — Iraq, Uzbekistan and ourselves Yemen Vietnam to reach the Olympics and also week. AFC Acting General Secretary Qatar, who have drafted many matthew Sheppard felt they were — are capable of doing well in the become the champions of Asia. the tournament, to be played Windsor John conducted the lucky to have avoided some of the competition,” said Shin. Keeping that in mind, I should We always chalk out big plans from January 12 to 30, has added draw, assisted by former Qatar top teams. Iraq are finding it tough to get say the QFA is proud to host the and ensure the right sort of relevance as it will double as internationals Khaled Salman THERE’RE NO EASY GAMES “there’re no easy games at ready due to the ongoing sectarian event. It’s an amazing feeling. preparations for our teams, so qualification for the rio Olympics, and badr bilal, and attended by a AT THIS LEVEL AND WE’RE this level and we’re lucky to have violence in that country, but they Qatar is represented the best way to be held later next year. Al host of dignitaries from the Asian LUCKY TO HAVE AVOIDED avoided some of the top teams. are not ready to give up. LOGO ЂЂHow do you look forward to possible. Sadd, Al Arabi, Qatar Sports Club football family. SOME OF THE TOP TEAMS. Vietnam are playing in our region “You all know the current the Asian Under-23 Championship’s new logo, unveiled its organisation? and Lekhwiya Stadiums are the Speaking at the draw, AFC and they’re tricky opponents. situation in Iraq, which makes it last week, is inspired by the tournament’s theme ЃЂWe had the privilege of ЂЂHow’re you planning to venues. Vice-president Saud Abdulaziz Al Jordan and UAE are West Asian difficult for us to prepare. but we “Future Stars of the Game.” hosting the Asian Cup in 2011. market the tournament? Its design has a rotating ball, with five weaving Ѓ Asian U-22 champions Iraq mohannadi expressed hope that talented players from the Asian teams, so they know the conditions stay optimistic. We’ll announce the elements revolving around a star. Its success put us on a great ЂFootball has a huge fan base, are pooled along with regional Asia’s future stars would shine U-19 Championship winning side in Qatar better than us. Our target team next month, which means the star is strategically positioned to show where Asia pedestal as far as organisation of but we always use all channels challengers Yemen, London brightly in the tournament. into the team besides elevating its is to qualify for the rio Games and the boys will have three months to sits on the world map. TROPHY major events is concerned. We to optimise its reach. media Olympics bronze medallists South “the U-23 players, many of mastermind Felix Sanchez as the we want to work hard to achieve prepare. We’ll then work hard and the five elements represent the five regions aim to keep gaining experience plays a big role. We’ve strong covered by the Asian Football Confederation the promising talents vying for Korea and formidable Uzbekistan whom are already regulars in top U-23 team coach, have twice made it,” said Sheppard. try to do our best,” said Iraq team — East, West, ASEAN, South and honours at the Asian Under-23 and prove that we’re capable of partnerships with different in a strong Group C. teams, are finishing their school it to the Olympics, in 1984 and ’92. South Korea coach Shin tae- manager Abdulkareem Farhan Central. tournament have something holding more of them. We’re entities, so our events definitely splendid to fight for after the Japan, who finished fourth at and will be keen to impress. We “As expected, we ended up in Yong felt they got a tough draw, but Khalaf. Asian Football Confederation also striving to deliver the best get a lot of mileage. (AFC) last week came up with a of entertainment and services Social media plays a big role “We’ve a great team in place and “I believe ours is a tough “We’re in a strong group, new trophy for the showdown. possible to competing teams and nowadays in delivering messages “As expected, we ended up in a tough Asian Football Confederation member associations, media, to the public. there’ll be a lot of a majority of our players feature group, but it doesn’t matter which has hosts Qatar and Vice-president Saud Abdulaziz Al group. We just want to prepare as good guests, fans and everyone. We’re marketing plans and strategies in as possible and enter the tournament regularly in first division clubs. much. If you want to win highly-rated Iran. Syria are mohannadi and Acting General We’ve a genuine chance to the tournament, you need also a tricky side. I rate Qatar Secretary Windsor John jointly really looking forward to the place. All participating teams are in a very good condition. All 16 teams unveiled it at the tournament’s tournament, starting with its of big stature, and they’ll all be reach the final in Doha. We to be strong, whoever your as the group favourites not draw. are equally strong. Obviously playing preparation. followed closely and passionately desperately want to play at the opponents are. We’ve already just because they’re the hosts, Standing on a sturdy base, its at home will be an extra motivation for in Doha during the tournament, rio Olympic Games. We still have started our preparations. We held but that they’ll be well prepared. design wraps around to convey us. We’ll try to combine our players who’re the notion of an embracing ЂЂA host team’s good thanks to the presence of those four months to prepare and we’ll use the time overseas camps in turkey and the Netherlands, We’ll give it our best shot and try to impress event. Group A coaches.Group busy with the club activities and prepare well in advance. performance is vital to any countries’ expatriate fans in Qatar. wisely. We’ll play a few friendlies and do our best and played a few friendly games. We’re going in the competition. the handles and edges of the As I said, we want to be at the peak of our fitness by the trophy are inspired by the fluid tournament’s success... I believe it’ll be a to turn our dream into reality. to be strong in time for the tournament. Ѓ

HOW THEY REACTED HOW time the tournament starts. Fu Bo, China. shapes in the competition’s ЂOur national teams form highly-competitive event and official logo. Felix Sanchez, Qatar. Muhannad Al Fakeer, Syria. Mohammad Khakpour, Iran. a prestigious project for us. great success as well. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 13

Zero tolerance on fan trouble Mansoor Mansoor is of utmost importance to the to panic. Al AnsariAl Ansari

AFC. We’ll take measures to ensure “You see, it’s a new format and Divakaran DSP/Vinod that it doesn’t happen. We’re everybody is getting used to it. If also closely working with FIFA to you look at Europe, when it started ensure that the investigations are the same format, there also had INTERVIEW rightly carried out. It’s for FIFA to big scores. San marino, malta and make a final call,” said Windsor, all... Look at them now. the gap who will take charge as general has reduced. ‘We’re proud to host secretary in November. “Our idea has been to allow smaller teams to play the bigger ones. We need to support all AFC U-23 tourney’ OUR IDEA HAS BEEN development programmes, TO ALLOW SMALLER starting with grass-roots to youth AtAr Football Association We’ve been striving to build a TEAMS TO PLAY THE development, so that member (QFA) General Secretary strong side for the ’22 World BIGGER ONES. associations at the lower level Qmansoor Al Ansari Cup, but our aim has also been push themselves up. that’s said they were proud to host to qualify for and compete in where Andy roxburgh, our the inaugural AFC Under-23 all major tournaments. A lot there were several big- new technical director, Championship. of players who were part of margin defeats in the Asian is going to work. We Speaking to Doha Stadium the Asian U-19 Championship Zone qualifiers, especially on brought him specially to Plus on the sidelines of the success in myanmar last year and the first match day earlier this address the situation,” draw ceremony held last week, subsequently represented our month, which, many felt was said Windsor. Al Ansari, who is also CEO of country at the FIFA U-20 World the reflection of the poor overall the Qatar Local Organising Cup in New Zealand will be seen standard of the game on the Committee (QLOC), added the in action at this tournament. continent and huge gulf in host team was keen to put up a We’ll host the West standard among teams. However, fine display. Asian Football Federation Windsor said there was no need Championship, for U-23 teams ЂЂWhat makes you proud as from September 30 to October TEAMS hosts of the tournament? 14, which will allow several of ЃЂFirstly, we all know that the the participating sides to prepare GROUP A GROUP B Qatar Saudi Arabia U-23 Championship is considered well for the continental event. Syria Japan as the second biggest tournament Iran North Korea on the continent after the Asian China thailand Cup. Since the event is also the OUR AIM HAS ALSO GROUP C GROUP D Iraq Jordan Olympic qualification, it’s of great BEEN TO QUALIFY FOR South Korea Australia significance to all teams. AND COMPETE IN ALL Uzbekistan UAE Every team will be striving MAJOR TOURNAMENTS. Yemen Vietnam to reach the Olympics and also become the champions of Asia. Keeping that in mind, I should We always chalk out big plans say the QFA is proud to host the and ensure the right sort of event. It’s an amazing feeling. preparations for our teams, so Qatar is represented the best way LOGO ЂЂHow do you look forward to possible. the Asian Under-23 Championship’s new logo, unveiled its organisation? last week, is inspired by the tournament’s theme ЃЂWe had the privilege of ЂЂHow’re you planning to “Future Stars of the Game.” hosting the Asian Cup in 2011. market the tournament? Its design has a rotating ball, with five weaving Ѓ elements revolving around a star. Its success put us on a great ЂFootball has a huge fan base, the star is strategically positioned to show where Asia pedestal as far as organisation of but we always use all channels sits on the world map. TROPHY major events is concerned. We to optimise its reach. media the five elements represent the five regions aim to keep gaining experience plays a big role. We’ve strong covered by the Asian Football Confederation the promising talents vying for — East, West, ASEAN, South and honours at the Asian Under-23 and prove that we’re capable of partnerships with different Central. tournament have something holding more of them. We’re entities, so our events definitely splendid to fight for after the Asian Football Confederation also striving to deliver the best get a lot of mileage. (AFC) last week came up with a of entertainment and services Social media plays a big role “We’re in a strong group, new trophy for the showdown. possible to competing teams and nowadays in delivering messages Asian Football Confederation member associations, media, to the public. there’ll be a lot of which has hosts Qatar and Vice-president Saud Abdulaziz Al highly-rated Iran. Syria are mohannadi and Acting General guests, fans and everyone. We’re marketing plans and strategies in also a tricky side. I rate Qatar Secretary Windsor John jointly really looking forward to the place. All participating teams are unveiled it at the tournament’s tournament, starting with its of big stature, and they’ll all be as the group favourites not draw. preparation. followed closely and passionately just because they’re the hosts, Standing on a sturdy base, its in Doha during the tournament, but that they’ll be well prepared. design wraps around to convey the notion of an embracing ЂЂA host team’s good thanks to the presence of those We’ll give it our best shot and try to impress event. performance is vital to any countries’ expatriate fans in Qatar. in the competition. the handles and edges of the trophy are inspired by the fluid tournament’s success... I believe it’ll be a Fu Bo, China. shapes in the competition’s ЃЂOur national teams form highly-competitive event and official logo. a prestigious project for us. great success as well. 14 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 15 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

“roberto, next time tell me go before you When managers lose their temper because we’ve to “We don’t travel. control that, HELSEA manager Jose mourinho said. Chelsea’s third defeat in five premier Jose. I don’t mourinho swore at Everton “We don’t control that, Jose. I don’t League games and they now sit Jose Mourinho, control that. Cboss roberto martinez after control that,” martinez replied. fourth from bottom in the table. Chelsea manager. being made to wait for his to which mourinho responded but mourinho remained defiant, Roberto Martinez, post-match news conference with an expletive. saying he was the man to salvage Everton manager. following the champions’ 1-3 loss at “When he beat us 6-3 (last their season. Martial art! Goodison park last week, according “the results are too wrong for to british media. our quality and our status and MANCHESTER UNITED’S NEW SIGNING A furious mourinho decided to NOW IT’S EASY TO the players deserve much more ANTHONY MARTIAL ANNOUNCES HIS interrupt martinez while he was CRITICISE ME AND than they’re getting,” he said. speaking with a group of journalists THE PLAYERS THAT “right now it’s easy for ARRIVAL BY NOTCHING UP A DREAM GOAL near the pitch. EVERYTHING IS WRONG. everyone to criticise me and the AGAINST LIVERPOOL, WRITES TOBY DAVIS. As manager of the away team, players that everything is wrong, mourinho had expected to be but I disagree. I’m the champion, allowed to address the media first so season), he was such a nice man. I the players are the champions. that his team could set off on their prefer him like that,” martinez said the way we’re playing is not journey back to West London. after the Chelsea boss stormed away. as bad as the results suggest AD Anthony martial dared first-half performance, when they “roberto, next time tell me go the loss to Everton, courtesy of because everything is going to dream about how his dominated possession, but created “It doesn’t before you because we’ve to travel,” a Steven Naismith hat-trick, was against us,” he said. Hmanchester United debut nothing, than their thrilling get any better would pan out, he would probably second-half display. than that, does it? manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has have dismissed any notion of A goalless first half was followed Coming in and coming on, De Gea signed a new four-year contract, the club said last Villa would love to scoring a wonder goal to down their by a much more determined start scoring against Liverpool like week, just days after a proposed transfer to real fierce rivals Liverpool as idle fantasy. to the second when Daley blind that. signs new madrid collapsed. the footballing gods were beautifully curled United into the “He has done well to get in that contract the Spain international, 24, almost joined madrid recruit Adebayor certainly smiling on the French lead from a training ground-inspired position and I thought the finish was on transfer deadline day, but the deal fell through as teenager as he danced past three set piece and Ander Herrera doubled terrific, how he just slotted it home, the necessary paperwork was not filed in time and StON Villa manager tim Sherwood would flailing defenders and slotted the the advantage from the penalty spot. he was so calm and composed. You the clubs blamed each other for the bureaucratic jump at the chance to sign Emmanuel failure. His previous deal was set to expire at the end ball calmly into the back of the net, Christian benteke’s spectacular can’t ask for a better start. He has Adebayor if he showed the right attitude and of the season, and he had been widely expected to A sending the home fans wild and late bicycle kick gave Liverpool faint announced himself and everyone join madrid on a free transfer next year. desire, but fears the togo forward prompting an ironic chorus of ‘what has seen it on the big stage. I’m sure may now be frozen out of a waste of money’. his confidence will be sky high after football until January after the winger capped an excellent I HAVE TO BE TOTALLY that. It’s a good way to settle him leaving tottenham Hotspur. 3-1 victory with the moment of the HONEST, I DIDN’T KNOW and if that has raised expectations Spurs said last Sunday that match and announced his arrival AN AWFUL LOT ABOUT then so be it, that’s part of the United have changed beyond Adebayor had been released to the fans who had been openly HIM, BUT I DO NOW. game,” the 34-year-old added. from his contract by mutual questioning the wisdom of spending While the end-to-end action agreement. the 31-year-old has an initial £36m on a player, who had towards close had fans on their feet, recognition, says Ferdinand not played for Spurs this season and was left out of shown little more than potential at hope their tame performance did it clearly was not to Van Gaal’s liking. both their premier League and Europa League squads. former club monaco. not truly merit before 19-year-old “We played better in the first IO Ferdinand feels manchester that’s the question you’ve got to ask start selling them the dream,” said “I wouldn’t hesitate if he had the desire to want United manager Louis van Gaal, martial, who had come on as a 65th- half,” the Dutchman said. “We United have changed beyond yourself. I don’t think man United are Ferdinand. to come and play football,” Sherwood said. “He’s who had come under scrutiny minute substitute, ended the match had far more control, but we Rrecognition since he left Old going to win the league this year. the 36-year-old spent 12 years at too good a talent — I’ve seen that first hand — to for sanctioning the deadline-day as a contest with four minutes didn’t create much. “I’m very trafford and is worried about the “You look at young players, United, winning six premier League not play any football, but unfortunately I don’t think deal and had even been accused remaining. happy with the first goal club’s ability to attract the best (Everton’s) John Stones for example. titles, three League Cups and the ’08 there’s any window open for him now.” of ‘panic-buying’, was suitably United midfielder michael Carrick because that’s what we young English players. He’s a young English player. He’s Champions League title, but despite impressed if typically understated. said it was the perfect way for practised in many training the former centre-back is one going to give whoever he goes to 10 having only left a year ago, he barely “Not a bad goal I think,” he martial to introduce himself to his sessions. that goal of 22 senior players to have left years’ good service. When you go in recognises the club now. said. “He did alright. He scored a team-mates and supporters. decided the match United on a permanent basis since for a player like that, you’ve got to “I was talking to Nemanja Vidic Ex-England keeper marvellous goal and physically he “I have to be totally honest, I because they had to Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 the other day on the phone and can play in the premier League.” didn’t know an awful lot about him, come at us, giving as part of a drastic restructuring we were both saying the change Springett is dead Van Gaal had oddly been more but I do now! to start like that, you us more space so we process started by the legendary Rio is unreal in terms of the personnel impressed with United’s drab can’t really ask for more,” Carrick said. could score more.” manager’s successor David moyes Ferdinand and the transfer policy,” he said, HE England goalkeeper who waited more and accelerated by incumbent Louis prior to United’s 3-1 win over than 40 years for his World Cup winners’ “Not a bad goal I think. He did alright. He van Gaal. Liverpool. Tmedal has died aged 80, following a short scored a marvellous goal and physically the Dutchman has spent more “We were saying, ‘If they had illness. he can play in the premier League. şşmanchester than £250m on new players since spent £50m when we were there, Ron Springett, England’s United’s Anthony becoming manager last year, we’d have won how much more?’ first-choice keeper at the 1962 martial celebrates Louis van Gaal, after scoring against but with United in transition, “It’s totally different and it doesn’t World Cup, was a member of manchester United manager. Liverpool. Ferdinand worries that his old club look like anything that I knew when the ’66 World Cup winning are no longer the draw they once I was there. It’s just all changed. squad, but was kept out of the were. Everything’s changing other than the team by Gordon banks. “I’m thinking trophies. Where am groundsman and chef.” It took 43 years for Springett’s HEADLINES QUOTE TWEET STAT GOAL MOMENT PLAYER I going to go?” said Ferdinand, who United are also a different prospect role to be acknowledged with silverware, as a attracted interest from barcelona, on the pitch. policy change by FIFA saw the goalkeeper and his • Champions Chelsea “morgan Schneiderlin “Yeeeeessss manchester City have Christian benteke Daring Dyer (Leicester Steven Naismith 11 points off top after is martial’s translator, @67Kelechi!!!!!!!” kept six consecutive (for Liverpool against City 3-2 Aston Villa) (Everton) real madrid, Chelsea and roma Gone are the devil-may-care fellow non-playing squad members from the ’66 1-3 loss at Everton but if he talks like that manchester City right- top-flight clean sheets manchester United) Substitute Nathan After coming on in the before joining United from Leeds attacking and dramatic stoppage- final presented with winners’ medals in a Downing • Iheanacho winner at on the pitch, that’s all back pablo Zabaleta, for the first time in the belgian striker Dyer bravely headed ninth minute, Scottish United in ’02. time winners, and in their place Street ceremony in 2009. palace gives leaders we need. out through injury, on their history. met Jordon Ibe’s winning goal past brad forward scored his first “If I’m looking at it now and all Van Gaal has introduced a patient, Springett, who made 33 appearances for England man City fifth win Ashley Young hails Kelechi Iheanacho’s deflected cross with Guzan to complete hat-trick in English those clubs come in for me now, I’m probing style where keeping between ’59 and ’66, began his career at Queen’s • Fightback puts Anthony martial after late winner at Crystal stunning overhead kick fightback from 0-2 football to inspire thinking who’s got a better chance of possession is key. park rangers in ’53. HIGHLIGHTS Leicester second, he scores a memorable palace. that recalled Wayne down and send his side to a 3-1 win giving me a trophy. Is it man United? It has prompted reports of He signed for Sheffield Wednesday in ’58 and martial scores as man debut goal for rooney’s famous goal Leicester up to second. against Chelsea. Utd beat Liverpool manchester United. against manchester City. “Would you sit there and say man training-ground dissent, and when he moved back to Qpr in ’67, his brother United have got the best chance of Ferdinand says, “the philosophy is peter, also a goalkeeper, moved in the opposite winning me silverware as a player? completely different.” direction as part of the deal. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 15

manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has De Gea signed a new four-year contract, the club said last Villa would love to week, just days after a proposed transfer to real signs new madrid collapsed. contract the Spain international, 24, almost joined madrid recruit Adebayor on transfer deadline day, but the deal fell through as the necessary paperwork was not filed in time and StON Villa manager tim Sherwood would the clubs blamed each other for the bureaucratic jump at the chance to sign Emmanuel failure. His previous deal was set to expire at the end Adebayor if he showed the right attitude and of the season, and he had been widely expected to A join madrid on a free transfer next year. desire, but fears the togo forward may now be frozen out of football until January after leaving tottenham Hotspur. Spurs said last Sunday that United have changed beyond Adebayor had been released from his contract by mutual agreement. the 31-year-old has recognition, says Ferdinand not played for Spurs this season and was left out of both their premier League and Europa League squads. IO Ferdinand feels manchester that’s the question you’ve got to ask start selling them the dream,” said “I wouldn’t hesitate if he had the desire to want United have changed beyond yourself. I don’t think man United are Ferdinand. to come and play football,” Sherwood said. “He’s Rrecognition since he left Old going to win the league this year. the 36-year-old spent 12 years at too good a talent — I’ve seen that first hand — to trafford and is worried about the “You look at young players, United, winning six premier League not play any football, but unfortunately I don’t think club’s ability to attract the best (Everton’s) John Stones for example. titles, three League Cups and the ’08 there’s any window open for him now.” young English players. He’s a young English player. He’s Champions League title, but despite the former centre-back is one going to give whoever he goes to 10 having only left a year ago, he barely of 22 senior players to have left years’ good service. When you go in recognises the club now. United on a permanent basis since for a player like that, you’ve got to “I was talking to Nemanja Vidic Ex-England keeper Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 the other day on the phone and as part of a drastic restructuring we were both saying the change Springett is dead process started by the legendary Rio is unreal in terms of the personnel manager’s successor David moyes Ferdinand and the transfer policy,” he said, HE England goalkeeper who waited more and accelerated by incumbent Louis prior to United’s 3-1 win over than 40 years for his World Cup winners’ van Gaal. Liverpool. Tmedal has died aged 80, following a short the Dutchman has spent more “We were saying, ‘If they had illness. than £250m on new players since spent £50m when we were there, Ron Springett, England’s becoming manager last year, we’d have won how much more?’ first-choice keeper at the 1962 but with United in transition, “It’s totally different and it doesn’t World Cup, was a member of Ferdinand worries that his old club look like anything that I knew when the ’66 World Cup winning are no longer the draw they once I was there. It’s just all changed. squad, but was kept out of the were. Everything’s changing other than the team by Gordon banks. “I’m thinking trophies. Where am groundsman and chef.” It took 43 years for Springett’s I going to go?” said Ferdinand, who United are also a different prospect role to be acknowledged with silverware, as a attracted interest from barcelona, on the pitch. policy change by FIFA saw the goalkeeper and his real madrid, Chelsea and roma Gone are the devil-may-care fellow non-playing squad members from the ’66 before joining United from Leeds attacking and dramatic stoppage- final presented with winners’ medals in a Downing United in ’02. time winners, and in their place Street ceremony in 2009. “If I’m looking at it now and all Van Gaal has introduced a patient, Springett, who made 33 appearances for England those clubs come in for me now, I’m probing style where keeping between ’59 and ’66, began his career at Queen’s thinking who’s got a better chance of possession is key. park rangers in ’53. giving me a trophy. Is it man United? It has prompted reports of He signed for Sheffield Wednesday in ’58 and “Would you sit there and say man training-ground dissent, and when he moved back to Qpr in ’67, his brother United have got the best chance of Ferdinand says, “the philosophy is peter, also a goalkeeper, moved in the opposite winning me silverware as a player? completely different.” direction as part of the deal. 16 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 17 MIXEDFOOTBALL ZONE | INTERNATIONAL | QATAR

şşAC milan’s mario WEEKLY ROUND-UP RESULTS balotelli controls As of Sunday the ball during their EPL match against Inter milan. Leicester bt Aston Villa 3-2 Rare milestone for Ronaldo Sunderland lost to tottenham 0-1 Arsenal bt Stoke 2-0 Crystal palace lost to man City 0-1 EAL madrid forward the 30-year-old from madeira place in the history books. I hope Everton bt Chelsea 3-1 Cristiano ronaldo secured is up to fourth on the list of he can continue to add to his It’s Black & Blues! man United bt Liverpool 3-1 Rhis place in the history all-time top scorers in La Liga goalscoring account for his own Norwich bt bournemouth 3-1 books after becoming the club’s behind Hugo Sanchez (real, 234), benefit and that of the team,” he N EmpHAtIC strike by Guarin broke the deadlock just who missed a chance to make it maximum 12 points. Watford bt Swansea 1-0 record scorer in La Liga with a telmo Zarra (Athletic bilbao, 253) added. West brom drew Southampton 0-0 Fredy Guarin gave Inter before the hour, the Colombian three wins out of three when they VfL Wolfsburg dropped four five-goal haul at Espanyol last ronaldo had not scored in milan a 1-0 derby win forward powering towards the drew 0-0 at malaga. points off the pace in third after SPFL week. real’s first two league games this A Aberdeen bt Celtic 2-1 over AC milan at the San Siro last area and unleashing a left-foot a goalless draw at promoted the portugal captain and SOMEONE WHO SCORES season, but his spectacular Dortmund’s record Dundee Utd lost to Kilmarnock 1-2 SO MANY GOALS Sunday to leave them as the only shot which left Diego Lopez Ingolstadt. motherwell drew ross County 1-1 FIFA ballon d’Or holder, who return to form bodes well for team with nine points from their floundering. In Germany, borussia Dortmund partick lost to Dundee 0-1 put five past Granada in La Liga DEFINITELY HAS A PLACE the club’s Champions League PSG held opening three Serie A games and set a club record with a ninth St Johnstone bt Hamilton 4-1 last season, was unstoppable at IN THE HISTORY BOOKS. aspirations. plunging their neighbours into Messi strikes straight win in all competitions In France, champions paris Saint- Inverness bt Hearts 2-0 Espanyol in a 6-0 victory. While lauding ronaldo, further trouble. In Spain, Lionel messi came off when they beat Hanover 96 4-2 Germain dropped their first Ligue LA LIGA ronaldo has netted a benitez said there was still room milan, who have angered new the bench to earn defending with two goals from pierre-Emerick 1 points of the season when they Granada lost to Villarreal 1-3 remarkable 230 goals in only and rival Lionel messi (barcelona, for improvement in the team. coach Sinisa mihajlovic with their champions barcelona a 2-1 victory Aubameyang. they stay top of the were held to a 2-2 home draw by Athletic bilbao bt Getafe 3-1 203 appearances for real since 285). “You’ve to really put an performances, have three points. at Atletico madrid while Cristiano bundesliga. Girondins bordeaux. Celta Vigo drew Las palmas 3-3 moving to Spain’s top flight from “the numbers speak for emphasis on the five goals and malaga drew Eibar 0-0 the fiery Serb, who made some ronaldo hit five goals in a 6-0 the club’s fourth straight win pSG, for whom Edinson Cavani Espanyol lost to real madrid 0-6 manchester United in 2009, two themselves,” said real coach the fact that he could’ve scored surprisingly outspoken criticism romp at Espanyol to become real in the league kept them ahead, scored two goals, are still top with Sporting Gijon lost to Valencia 0-1 more than the club’s former rafael benitez. more. Despite that, we need to of his team since replacing Filippo madrid’s record La Liga scorer. on goal difference, of champions 13 points from five matches. Atl madrid lost to barcelona 1-2 striker raul, who needed 550 “Someone who scores so keep working because there’re

Inzaghi in the close season, was bayern munich, who needed a Stade rennes are a point behind real betis bt real Sociedad 1-0 REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini games to amass 228 goals. many goals definitely has a things to be improved,” he said. however satisfied with their controversial late penalty to edge in second place after a 2-0 win Levante drew Sevilla 1-1 performance against Inter. BORUSSIA DORTMUND SET past Augsburg and keep their 100 over nine-man Nantes — Georges SERIE A Šşreal madrid’s “I’m not angry this time, the A CLUB RECORD WITH A per cent record intact. Ntep and Giovanni Sio scoring in Verona drew torino 2-2 Balotelli shows he Cristiano ronaldo being challenged by result is disappointing but the lads NINTH STRAIGHT WIN IN referee Knut Kircher conceded the second half. Sassuolo drew Atalanta 2-2 Empoli drew Napoli 2-2 Espanyol’s michael Ciani. played well,” said mihajlovic. ALL COMPETITIONS. after the game that he had made palermo drew Carpi 2-2 is a reformed man “I’ve found my team again. I a mistake when he ruled bayern Lazio bt Udinese 2-0 can be happy when we lose and winger Douglas Costa was fouled Inter milan bt AC milan 1-0 C mILAN’S mario balotelli may have been unhappy when we win, because barca’s victory preserved their but thomas mueller made the Frosinone lost to roma 0-2 on the pitch for only half an hour in their if we keep playing like this then perfect start to the season and they most of it with his penalty Fiorentina bt Genoa 1-0 derby against Inter, but his performance Juventus drew Chievo 1-1 A it’ll be a success. playing in front lead with a maximum nine points to see bayern also was enough to suggest he can turn over a new of 70,000 people is different to from three matches. real, who on the BUNDESLIGA leaf following his unhappy spell at Liverpool. playing against Empoli and I’m have yet to concede a goal, are Hoffenheim lost to Werder bremen 1-3 His burly presence immediately unsettled Schalke bt mainz 2-1 happy to have seen the spirit again second with seven points. bayern munich bt FC Augsburg 2-1 the Inter defence as he cajoled his team-mates, that I want,” he added. Villarreal and Celta Vigo also Leverkusen lost to SV Darmstadt 0-1 provoked his opponents and twice came close to milan forward Luiz Adriano have seven points after the former Hanover lost to Dortmund 2-4 equalising from long-range. went clear of the Inter defence won 3-1 at Granada and Celta Hertha berlin bt Vfb Stuttgart 2-1 milan Chief Executive Adriano Galliani has three times in the first half, but squandered a 3-1 advantage to FC Ingolstadt drew VfL Wolfsburg 0-0 praised balotelli’s dedication in training and, his first effort was saved by Samir draw 3-3 at home to 10-man E Frankfurt bt FC Cologne 6-2 although supporters may feel they have heard it borussia m’bach lost to Hamburg 0-3 Handanovic, the second went over Las palmas. before, the maverick forward looked sharper than the bar and the third was blocked they are joined on seven LIGUE 1 at any point during his season with Liverpool. Ajaccio lost to monaco 0-1 by a defender. points by basque club Eibar, Within minutes of coming on in milan’s 0-1 Nantes lost to rennes 0-2 marseille bt bastia 4-1 defeat, he provoked combustible Inter midfielder Lyon drew Lille 0-0 Felipe melo into picking up the yellow card that Lorient bt Angers 3-1 the brazilian had been threatening to receive all montpellier lost to Saint-Etienne 1-2 evening. Nice lost to Guingamp 0-1 Shortly after that, ‘Supermario’ thumped the foot troyes lost to Caen 1-3 toulouse drew reims 2-2 of the post with a long range shot, then produced a pSG drew bordeaux 2-2 booming free-kick which forced Samir Handanovic BRAZILIAN C’SHIP to make a superb save. palmeiras bt Figueirense 2-0 “the mario balotelli we saw is the one we want Coritiba lost to Internacional 0-1 to see every match,” said team-mate riccardo Corinthians drew Gremio 1-1 montolivo. Corinthians bt Joinville 3-0 “He’s training well. Let’s give him time and then Atletico mineiro drew Cruzeiro 1-1 come Christmas we’ll see how he’s getting on and Gremio lost to Sao paulo 1-2 Vasco bt Atletico paranaense 2-0 how much he has changed.” he added. Vasco bt ponte preta 1-0 balotelli had a relatively successful and

ponte preta bt Santos 3-1 uneventful first spell in milan, scoring 26 goals in Gea REUTERS/Albert Sport bt Fluminense 1-0 43 Serie A appearances over the course of one- and-a-half seasons which ended just over a year ARGENTINIAN C’SHIP Juventus defender Leonardo real supporters applaud when Atl rafaela drew belgrano 1-1 ago. Bonucci blasts Bonucci criticised supporters things are difficult, to help tigre bt Velez Sarsfield 3-0 there had been some misdemeanours during his who jeered the Serie A the team,” bonucci wrote on Huracan bt San Lorenzo 1-0 first stint with the club. this time around, Galliani finicky Juve champions off the pitch after Instagram. Independiente bt racing Club 3-0 has ordered a good conduct clause to be inserted their 1-1 draw at home to “Juventus are those who go Nueva Chicago lost to Argentinos Jrs 1-2 supporters Olimpo bt Sarmiento 1-0 into his contract. Chievo. on to the pitch, those who are San martin lost to Godoy Cruz 1-2 balotelli must not damage the image of the club Juventus, Italian champions on the bench, those who go Defensa bt Arsenal 1-0 and his twitter, Facebook and Instagram posts will for the last four seasons, have to the stadium and those who taken only one point from their are at home in front of the be closely monitored. first three league games and television. He will be banned from extravagant haircuts needed a late paulo Dybala “the motto of Juventus is and clothing, smoking and visiting night clubs. penalty to avoid a third straight to keep going until the very He should turn up in time for training while his loss. end and to get to the end you şşInter milan’s drinking will also be restricted. “It’s easy to come to the need to be united. I believe in Fredy Guarin “He definitely did well after he came on,” said stadium and applaud when Juventus, in the team and in scores against everything is going well. the the project,” he added.

REUTERS/Giorgio Perottino REUTERS/Giorgio AC milan. coach Sinisa mihajlovic. “He’s training well and will surely give us a big hand. He knows what he has to do, he has to continue working and now isn’t the time to judge him.” www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 17

şşAC milan’s mario balotelli controls the ball during their match against Inter milan. Rare milestone for Ronaldo EAL madrid forward the 30-year-old from madeira place in the history books. I hope Cristiano ronaldo secured is up to fourth on the list of he can continue to add to his Rhis place in the history all-time top scorers in La Liga goalscoring account for his own books after becoming the club’s behind Hugo Sanchez (real, 234), benefit and that of the team,” he record scorer in La Liga with a telmo Zarra (Athletic bilbao, 253) added. five-goal haul at Espanyol last ronaldo had not scored in week. real’s first two league games this the portugal captain and SOMEONE WHO SCORES season, but his spectacular FIFA ballon d’Or holder, who SO MANY GOALS return to form bodes well for put five past Granada in La Liga DEFINITELY HAS A PLACE the club’s Champions League last season, was unstoppable at IN THE HISTORY BOOKS. aspirations. Espanyol in a 6-0 victory. While lauding ronaldo, ronaldo has netted a benitez said there was still room remarkable 230 goals in only and rival Lionel messi (barcelona, for improvement in the team. 203 appearances for real since 285). “You’ve to really put an moving to Spain’s top flight from “the numbers speak for emphasis on the five goals and manchester United in 2009, two themselves,” said real coach the fact that he could’ve scored more than the club’s former rafael benitez. more. Despite that, we need to striker raul, who needed 550 “Someone who scores so keep working because there’re

REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini games to amass 228 goals. many goals definitely has a things to be improved,” he said.

Šşreal madrid’s Balotelli shows he Cristiano ronaldo being challenged by Espanyol’s michael is a reformed man Ciani.

C mILAN’S mario balotelli may have been on the pitch for only half an hour in their Aderby against Inter, but his performance was enough to suggest he can turn over a new leaf following his unhappy spell at Liverpool. His burly presence immediately unsettled the Inter defence as he cajoled his team-mates, provoked his opponents and twice came close to equalising from long-range. milan Chief Executive Adriano Galliani has praised balotelli’s dedication in training and, although supporters may feel they have heard it before, the maverick forward looked sharper than at any point during his season with Liverpool. Within minutes of coming on in milan’s 0-1 defeat, he provoked combustible Inter midfielder Felipe melo into picking up the yellow card that the brazilian had been threatening to receive all evening. Shortly after that, ‘Supermario’ thumped the foot of the post with a long range shot, then produced a booming free-kick which forced Samir Handanovic to make a superb save. “the mario balotelli we saw is the one we want to see every match,” said team-mate riccardo montolivo. “He’s training well. Let’s give him time and then come Christmas we’ll see how he’s getting on and how much he has changed.” he added. balotelli had a relatively successful and

uneventful first spell in milan, scoring 26 goals in Gea REUTERS/Albert 43 Serie A appearances over the course of one- and-a-half seasons which ended just over a year Juventus defender Leonardo real supporters applaud when ago. Bonucci blasts Bonucci criticised supporters things are difficult, to help there had been some misdemeanours during his who jeered the Serie A the team,” bonucci wrote on first stint with the club. this time around, Galliani finicky Juve champions off the pitch after Instagram. has ordered a good conduct clause to be inserted supporters their 1-1 draw at home to “Juventus are those who go into his contract. Chievo. on to the pitch, those who are balotelli must not damage the image of the club Juventus, Italian champions on the bench, those who go and his twitter, Facebook and Instagram posts will for the last four seasons, have to the stadium and those who taken only one point from their are at home in front of the be closely monitored. first three league games and television. He will be banned from extravagant haircuts needed a late paulo Dybala “the motto of Juventus is and clothing, smoking and visiting night clubs. penalty to avoid a third straight to keep going until the very He should turn up in time for training while his loss. end and to get to the end you drinking will also be restricted. “It’s easy to come to the need to be united. I believe in “He definitely did well after he came on,” said stadium and applaud when Juventus, in the team and in coach Sinisa mihajlovic. “He’s training well and will everything is going well. the the project,” he added. surely give us a big hand. He knows what he has to do, he has to continue working and now isn’t the time to judge him.” 18 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 19 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

SPECIAL COLUMN Swiss lawmakers to ‘World Cup in 28 bring in ‘Lex FIFA’ days not possible’

AWmAKErS in Switzerland have paved the way WENtY-EIGHt days is not enough time to for new rules that make it easier for authorities play the 2022 World Cup, the world players’ Lto clamp down on corruption at sporting bodies Tunion FIFpro said last week. Facing daunting task based in the country such as FIFA. FIFpro General Secretary Theo Anti-corruption campaigners van Seggelen said he was 209 member federations to give him accord and of proper standards light of the corruption crisis that has reform committee headed by former have pushed Swiss authorities also worried about the Andrew Warshaw a second chance to overhaul the of election behaviour in the way engulfed the organisation under his Olympics guru Francois Carrard and for years to bring sports bodies possibility that domestic organisation. the UEFA boss is now lobbying for watch. was keen to get in first. Whether under more legal scrutiny. competitions could continue With UEFA switching its majority support. the presedential hopefuls now his eight-point plan will gain the both chambers of while the tournament was Y ANY standards, it has been support from prince Ali to platini and In other words, with his pride have until October 26 to gain at least support of FIFA’s top brass remains to parliament have now agreed to under way. a remarkable week in football the Jordanian almost certainly once badly hurt, he feels he was used by five written nominations if they wish be seen since he delivered his plan the latest draft of the new law “Our concern is that it’s Bpolitics and governance. First, again being without the backing of platini last time. to be official candidates. prince Ali independently. dubbed ‘Lex FIFA’, the FIFA law. the senate approved impossible for the players to play a tournament in prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan, his own Asian confederation, the prince Ali didn’t mention platini will doubtless gain the support of Yet, it includes several important it last week. A final vote on the law will be held four weeks. Can you imagine...you play on Saturday the young reformer who simply 39-year-old royal faces a daunting by name of course, but the inference his native Jordan and probably the ideas the world at large would like on September 25, a spokesman for parliament and Sunday in the different competitions,” said Van won’t give up, announced he’s task in getting anywhere near the was clear when he said, “I conceded United States which backed him last to see implemented, from term said. Assuming it passes and is not challenged in a Seggelen. having a second crack at the FIFA backing he secured last time. that election. Not because I wasn’t time. limits and enhanced integrity checks ‘Blatter had sold TV referendum, it will likely come into force some time “then they’re travelling for two days, and then presidency. then the crackdown on but in his bullish announcement the best candidate, but because One might’ve thought that after to a total overhaul of the Executive in 2016. they play four or five or seven games. corruption within FIFA burst into the speech in his homeland, the others were using me to make being bruised by the manner of his Committee designed to prevent rights for cut price’ the law would let Swiss authorities investigate “there’s no rest period, there’s no preparation for public domain with the publication outspoken advocate of substantive room for themselves. they didn’t defeat to blatter, he would have future conflicts of interests. suspected private corruption without first receiving any national team, that’s crazy. Everybody now is of a comprehensive blueprint for change at FIFA didn’t mince his have the guts to run, but I did. Ever stuck by his previous intention to “We hear people talking about IFA president Sepp Blatter sold World Cup an official complaint from inside the organisation in coming to the conclusion that it’ll be very difficult to reform. words as he put his message since president blatter promised walk away from football’s world reforms with sometimes very little television rights to the Caribbean for much less question. play a tournament in such a short time. Let’s take prince Ali’s across as to why he was entering his resignation just a few days later, governing body and leave the battle substance... We’ve a lot of empty Fthan their market value, according to a report by announcement first. many seasoned the fray for a second time in quick they’ve been scrambling to secure ground to the likes of michel platini, words like ‘more transparency, better Swiss television station SRF. observers have expressed surprise at succession. the job for themselves.” Chung mong-Joon and a number governance, more democracy’,” said blatter, who will step down as president after new his decision to bid again, even with “ten months ago, I was the only UEFA is furious at prince Ali’s of less-known candidates who’re Scala. “these are nice words, but we elections in February, allegedly sold the tV rights to Sepp blatter out of the way. person who dared to challenge mr unprovoked onslaught on its man, already seen as also-rans. need to articulate what it means.” the then Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president Jack No candidate has lost twice and blatter for the presidency of FIFA. I but it’s understood that platini’s but prince Ali clearly believes FIFA, he warned, had reached Warner for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa for just with UEFA boss michel platini the ran because I believe that FIFA needs attempt to woo other confederation that now he’s no longer shackled a watershed point as far as public $250,000 and those for the next World Cup in brazil for early favourite to inherit blatter’s change. And I had the courage to chiefs rather than individual national by FIFA protocol — he’s out of the opinion was concerned. many would $350,000, claimed SRF. crown on February 26 next year, fight for change when others were associations — anathema to prince organisation completely having lost agree, so let’s hope his proposals the tV station showed the relevant contracts from prince Ali’s move can be construed afraid.” Ali’s philosophy — is at the heart of his ExCom place — he can speak don’t end up on the backburner ’05 on screen during its 10 vor 10 programme, claiming as either courageous or foolhardy that appeared to be a deliberate his mind more persuasively without and are replaced by a far more this was “around five per cent of the market value”. depending on your point of view. attack on platini who, with blatter fear of offending anyone in power. watered down version submitted by Warner, the former president of the Confederation the former FIFA no longer in opposition, has now PRINCE ALI CLEARLY Whether he has gauged the mood Carrard and his team. If that ends up of North, Central American and Caribbean Association vice-president says he decided to put his own head BELIEVES THAT NOW HE’S correctly is the big question. being the case, FIFA will again face Football, has been accused of corruption several times wants to finish what above the parapet. platini NO LONGER SHACKLED BY No sooner had he announced ridicule, with two sets of proposals in his career and is currently under investigation by he started when he and the prince have FIFA PROTOCOL. his candidacy than some of the potentially in parallel to each other. the United States Department of Justice for wire fraud, lost to blatter by fallen out spectacularly very reforms he would like to put in You couldn’t make it up. Well, racketeering and money laundering. ŠŠA police officer 133 votes to 73 over the Frenchman’s place were made public in a detailed actually you could because this, after by comparison, the tV rights for brazil ’14 in France extinguishes a flare on the in may, but the previously barely the breakdown. this is allied to talks 25-page report issued by Domenico all, is FIFA. alone were bought in ’05 by tF1 for $147m. In total, tV pitch during the fact is he’ll have disguised ambition and between the pair in France in Scala, the Swiss businessman the next critical date is the rights fetched $2.38bn across the world. match between malaysia and his work cut out what the latter perceives mid-July when prince Ali took the brought in three years ago as ExCom meeting in December when Australian businessman Jaimie Fuller, founder Saudi Arabia in convincing the as nothing less than a view that platini actually had no independent chairman of a new Scala’s reforms will be approved, or of the “New FIFA Now” movement pushing for Kuala Lumpur. majority of FIFA’s betrayal of their previous forward-looking vision for FIFA. audit and compliance committee. otherwise, ahead of the February 26 greater transparency in world football’s governing Not that their relationship was Scala has always pushed for electoral Congress when it’s hoped body, said this was the first time blatter himself had ever as solid as either would have greater change than blatter or they’ll be on the agenda and given been implicated directly in a document relating to a Malaysia, from bad to ugly! us believe. It’s speculated that his Executive Committee were the green light for implementation. corruption case. prince Ali had to persuade the comfortable with and drew up his that, of course, is when blatter, who FIFA issued a statement saying, “FIFA doesn’t administration and a failure to was secretary general of the Asian UEFA membership not to boycott recommendations in the wake of the wants to leave a positive legacy, comment on allegations made in the press .” M Jegathesan develop grass-roots talent. Football Confederation from ’78 to the last election in may after the Swiss’ decision to step down. steps down and it remains to be meanwhile, Swiss law enforcement officials but it was not always so. 2007. idea had apparently been floated the timing couldn’t have been seen whether his successor will be confirmed last Sunday that the Attorney General’s Former colonial masters britain malaysia’s national side has by platini when blatter, initially at more deliberate. Scala knew well comfortable with Scala’s plan for Office would investigate a contract for media rights to OOLIGANISm, match fixing bequeathed a passion for football plummeted to 169 in FIFA rankings. least, refused to step down in the that blatter had set up his own radical change. the ’10 and ’14 World Cups. and humiliation on the field and malaysia’s ‘tigers’ were once a the Football Association of H— malaysia has emerged source of pride. malaysia (FAm) is now paying as Asian football’s problem child, Stars of club and country were for the decades of failure to build with the country’s most popular youth-development programmes sport rapidly becoming a national and the loss of playing fields to the embarrassment. POLITICS IS TRUMPING bulldozers of development. Unruly fans piled on the disgrace PROFESSIONALISM IN malaysia’s political and economic last week, forcing the abandonment ADMINISTRATIVE AND wheels are greased by connections, of a World Cup qualifier against PLAYER DECISIONS. patronage and outright cronyism. COMMANDMENTS TOUGHER INTEGRITY TERM LIMITS FOR ELECTION TO EARNINGS TO BE FEWER COMMITTEES BETTER GOVERNANCE BIDDING RULES FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO 8 CHECKS ON OFFICIALS TOP OFFICIALS FIFA EXCOM PUBLICISED WITH FEWER AT CONFEDERATION WORLD CUP HOSTING FIFA’S ORGANISATION Saudi Arabia as smoke-spewing Velappan says this has leeched the following are the eight points in the reform plan It has been proposed that FIFA president, ExCom the Executive the remunerations MEMBERS AND NATIONAL there were no additional AND STRUCTURE flares flew onto the pitch and around into football, with politics trumping for FIFA proposed by its Audit all members of the FIFA members, secretary Committee would of FIFA president, Scala wants a ASSOCIATION LEVELS proposals to the changes the ExCom would be the stands. feted as heroes during a 1970s and professionalism in administrative, and Compliance Committee head Executive Committee general and independent be directly elected other members of “significant“significant reductionreduction the continental which have been split into a governing Domenico Scala. Sparked by seething anger over ’80s “golden era” when malaysia was leadership and player decisions. and other holders of committees’ members by FIFA Congress, FIFA ExCom, secretary of the number and confederations and 209 introduced since 2011. body to deal with a record 10-0 drubbing by the UAE able to compete with Asian giants Accountability, however, is a key positions within are limited to three which comprises general and chairmen sizesize ofof standingstanding national associations Under the changes, the strategic matters and the governing body are terms of four years its 209 member of independent committees”.committees”. HeHe hashas would have to issue host nation will now be supervisory committee in the previous week, the outburst Japan, South Korea and Australia, sensitive issue. subjected to integrity each. He also wants associations. Currently, committees would also proposed that “adequate” ethics and chosen by the Congress and a management crystallised the malaysian game’s though it never won an Asian Cup or the FAm has been headed for 31 checks. He also wants similar limits introduced they are elected by be made public. All committeescommittees whichwhich disciplinary regulations from a shortlist of three board. long-running slide into violence, qualified for the World Cup. years by royal figures from the state the same checks to be at confederation and their continental football-related income have a high risk of and “have to comply candidates chosen by carried out on officials at national association confederations, which, and compensations conflictsconflicts ofof with high standards of ExCom. corruption and chaos. “We stood at the forefront of of pahang. Strict laws discourage continental confederation levels. however will retain must be disclosed interestinterest mustmust havehave governance”. Experts say the core of the football back then. but today, we’ve criticising the royals, which is widely and national association a right to propose comprehensively. independentindependent problem is declining standard become the laughing stock of the believed to have muted demands for levels. candidates. chairmen.chairmen. blamed on years of wayward football region,” said peter Velappan, who aggressive reform. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 19

Swiss lawmakers to ‘World Cup in 28 bring in ‘Lex FIFA’ days not possible’

SEBASTIEN OGIER SEBASTIEN OGIER 22 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 23

Spaniard Valero rivera will remain in charge of the Qatar Rivera to remain senior national team until the 2020 tokyo Olympic Games. the legendary coach, who helped the country finish runners-up at as Qatar coach till the IHF World Championship in Doha early this year, extended HANDBALL Tokyo Olympics his contract with the Qatar Handball Association last week. He is currently preparing the team for the Asian Olympic Qualification tournament, which will be held in Doha in November. 9 Barcelona’s hat-trick editions of the IHF Super Globe have been held so far dream is dashed C bArCELONA came to Qatar through a stage of transition eyeing a hat-trick of world as some senior players, like Ftitles, but their campaign Nikola Karabatic, who starred in came to a grinding halt in the barcelona’s previous two triumphs semifinal, where they lost to in Qatar left. eventual champions Fuchse berlin. Asked whether his team missed barcelona fought with all their players like Karabatic (who joined Globe ANK the Qatar Handball Association RESULTS were might, but a last-minute penalty paris Saint-Germain), pat came outsiders Complex Hall, hardly anything FINAL ruled when the scores were level at 25- pascual’s reply. RFuchse separated the teams. Fuchse berlin bt mKb-mVm Veszprem 28-27 out of the 25, knocked the holders out. “players like Karabatic bring berlin had the world at No wonder, the match went 24-24 after regulation time, Fuchse tournament the Spanish giants restored a lot of experience to the table win in over time their feet after defeating to over time after the teams with injuries. some pride by beating Sydney and it isn’t easy to get overnight at their feet! THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF mKb-mVm Veszprem of were locked 24-24 at the end of FC barcelona bt Sydney FC 30-20 “We came here University in the third-place replacements. the new players Hungary 28-27 in over time regulation time. PLACEMENT MATCHES with nothing to play-off. who’ve come are good, but they in the final of the International Kent robin tonnesen’s two Al Ahly bt Esporte Clube taubate 28-24 lose. We’re proud of their coach Xavier Pascual said need time. the new season has WILD-CARD ENTRANTS FUCHSE BERLIN’S SHOCK Handball Federation’s Super Globe strikes with 90 seconds left in the Club Africain bt Al Sadd 26-20 ourselves,” said tonnesen, he was disappointed with the just started and there’s plenty of Championship. second half of the 10-min over time Al Ahly bt Club Africain 20-17 who was the toast of performance. time to get our act together. Our VICTORY OVER EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS VESZPREM Esporte Clube taubate bt Al Sadd 32-24 the victory of the wild-card virtually proved decisive as Fuchse team-mates. “Obviously, we’re disappointed. squad still boasts players of calibre IN THE SUPER GLOBE FINAL IS THE STUFF OF entrants over European champions, won by the thinnest of margins to defending champions FC barcelona the German club have been Not defending the title was a bit like Gudjon Sigurdsson, Danijel LEGEND, WRITES SAJITH B WARRIER. was the stuff of legend which cap a fine Super Globe debut. in the semifinal, that Fuchse won a making a meteoric rise for the hard for us to digest. but we’ve Saric as well as Filip Jicha nobody could have imagined before It was the second time in as close match. past few years. First earning to accept the reality and move and skipper Victor tomas is the tournament started. many outings, following their Fuchse thus ended Spanish clubs’ promotion to the bundesliga forward,” said pascual. marshalling his resources well,” In an evenly-contested final at single-point victory over two-time stranglehold on the Super Globe as, in 2007, Fuchse made their the team has been going pascual added. for the first time since tHW Kiel’s Champions League debut four years triumph in 2011, the title returned later. to Germany. A year later, they qualified for Qatar’s sole representative Al Sadd failed to Sadd impress at the IHF Super Globe Championship. barcelona had triumphed in the the Champions League and in may Last year’s runners-up Sadd lost to Sydney previous two editions while Atletico this year they clinched their maiden fail to University 17-21 in the quarterfinal and could not European Cup, which helped them impress lift themselves in the placement matches. earn a wild-card entry. they went down 24-32 to Esporte Clube THE GERMAN CLUB that the Super Globe crown, taubate in the fifth- place play-off before HAVE BEEN MAKING A which they received from Qatar suffering a 20-26 loss at the hands of Club METEORIC RISE FOR THE Olympic Committee Secretary Africain in the seventh-place match. “We lost motivation after the quarterfinal loss. General Dr thani Abdulrahman Al PAST FEW YEARS. the format was such that there was no second Kuwari, came just four months after chance,” rued Sadd coach Mongi Bannani. the European triumph will certainly madrid had won it in ’11. In fact, herald a new dawn for the berlin Spanish clubs had triumphed in six side. ŢŢSydney of the eight previous editions. “We had no pressure. We Australian amateur University’s moritz “We feel being on top of the watched videos of our opposition Schade attempts to score in the match world. We beat two best teams, and just played our way. We’re against mKb-mVm barcelona and Veszprem, en route fighters. We’re the European Cup side makes history Veszprem. to clinching the title. they’re the winners and one of the top five sides who fought in the Champions teams in the German league, YDNEY University made history win one. We came on the court with League final. So that puts things which is among the best by becoming the first club from that in mind knowing exactly what into perspective. I think people need in the world. Of course, SAustralia to win a game at the to do with each of their moves and I )) to respect us more,” said a beaming now, we’re the world rr Super Globe Championship. think that paid off. We had a strong 11 EE GG Fuche coach Erlingur richardsson. champions. It’s a super 11 (( the only amateur team in the defence and I think that made the ll As richardsson said, Fuchse’s effort,” said senior 0 iiee competition, the university side difference,” said Sydney captain 2 KK victory was no flash in the pan. player and centre- W impressed in their quarterfinal win Sebastien traverso. HH they had a man for every occasion. back petar tt over hosts Al Sadd. Funding for handball is

If bjarki Elisson did the star turn Nenadic. )) though they could not progress limited in Australia in general pp SS EE in the semifinal by converting a (( further in the tournament, losing and Sydney University are no 2 dd rrii crucial penalty to knock barca out, 1 dd to mKb-mVm Veszprem in the exception. but they have been 0 aa tonnesen came up with lethal m semifinal, they had already made successful with finding sponsors, 2 oo iicc

DSP/Mohan tt strikes in the title clash. ee their presence felt. courtesy of honest efforts from ttll the duo helped them overcome AA Sports is a way of life in Australia, players and officials. )) the absence of star players pp but handball is still in its infancy. the ššmembers of SS “We feel being on top of the 3 ((EE Fuchse berlin paul Drux and mattias 1 aa fact that Sydney University joined n world. We beat two best teams, celebrate the 0lloo Zachrisson, who 2 ccee a very short list of teams from the triumph as Dr thani aarr R barcelona and Veszprem, en route both b U Oceania region to have won a game to clinching the title. they’re the Abdulrahman Al FFCC O Kuwari and IHF N ss at a major international competition p)) O oonn sides who fought in the Champions president Dr Hassan ES ppii highlights the importance of their 14 (( H m moustafa applaud. na F hhaa League final. So that puts things 0 llo O cc win against Sadd. 2 rrcce vvee ba L tt fifi into perspective. I think people C L aass “When you come here for the F RO LL r)) fourth time and haven’t won one need to respect us more. 15((GE 0 lliin 2 berr game, at some point you kind of stop hsse Erlingur Richardsson, Fuchse berlin coach. Fucc yourself from believing that you can www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 23

Spaniard Valero rivera will remain in charge of the Qatar Rivera to remain senior national team until the 2020 tokyo Olympic Games. the legendary coach, who helped the country finish runners-up at as Qatar coach till the IHF World Championship in Doha early this year, extended Tokyo Olympics his contract with the Qatar Handball Association last week. He is currently preparing the team for the Asian Olympic Qualification tournament, which will be held in Doha in November. 9 Barcelona’s hat-trick editions of the IHF Super Globe have been held so far dream is dashed C bArCELONA came to Qatar through a stage of transition eyeing a hat-trick of world as some senior players, like Ftitles, but their campaign Nikola Karabatic, who starred in came to a grinding halt in the barcelona’s previous two triumphs semifinal, where they lost to in Qatar left. eventual champions Fuchse berlin. Asked whether his team missed barcelona fought with all their players like Karabatic (who joined RESULTS were might, but a last-minute penalty paris Saint-Germain), pat came FINAL ruled when the scores were level at 25- pascual’s reply. Fuchse berlin bt mKb-mVm Veszprem 28-27 out of the 25, knocked the holders out. “players like Karabatic bring 24-24 after regulation time, Fuchse tournament the Spanish giants restored a lot of experience to the table win in over time with injuries. some pride by beating Sydney and it isn’t easy to get overnight THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF FC barcelona bt Sydney FC 30-20 “We came here University in the third-place replacements. the new players PLACEMENT MATCHES with nothing to play-off. who’ve come are good, but they Al Ahly bt Esporte Clube taubate 28-24 lose. We’re proud of their coach Xavier Pascual said need time. the new season has Club Africain bt Al Sadd 26-20 ourselves,” said tonnesen, he was disappointed with the just started and there’s plenty of Al Ahly bt Club Africain 20-17 who was the toast of performance. time to get our act together. Our Esporte Clube taubate bt Al Sadd 32-24 team-mates. “Obviously, we’re disappointed. squad still boasts players of calibre defending champions FC barcelona the German club have been Not defending the title was a bit like Gudjon Sigurdsson, Danijel in the semifinal, that Fuchse won a making a meteoric rise for the hard for us to digest. but we’ve Saric as well as Filip Jicha close match. past few years. First earning to accept the reality and move and skipper Victor tomas is Fuchse thus ended Spanish clubs’ promotion to the bundesliga forward,” said pascual. marshalling his resources well,” stranglehold on the Super Globe as, in 2007, Fuchse made their the team has been going pascual added. for the first time since tHW Kiel’s Champions League debut four years triumph in 2011, the title returned later. to Germany. A year later, they qualified for Qatar’s sole representative Al Sadd failed to Sadd impress at the IHF Super Globe Championship. barcelona had triumphed in the the Champions League and in may Last year’s runners-up Sadd lost to Sydney previous two editions while Atletico this year they clinched their maiden fail to University 17-21 in the quarterfinal and could not European Cup, which helped them impress lift themselves in the placement matches. earn a wild-card entry. they went down 24-32 to Esporte Clube THE GERMAN CLUB that the Super Globe crown, taubate in the fifth- place play-off before HAVE BEEN MAKING A which they received from Qatar suffering a 20-26 loss at the hands of Club METEORIC RISE FOR THE Olympic Committee Secretary Africain in the seventh-place match. “We lost motivation after the quarterfinal loss. General Dr thani Abdulrahman Al PAST FEW YEARS. the format was such that there was no second Kuwari, came just four months after chance,” rued Sadd coach Mongi Bannani. the European triumph will certainly madrid had won it in ’11. In fact, herald a new dawn for the berlin Spanish clubs had triumphed in six side. ŢŢSydney of the eight previous editions. “We had no pressure. We Australian amateur University’s moritz “We feel being on top of the watched videos of our opposition Schade attempts to score in the match world. We beat two best teams, and just played our way. We’re against mKb-mVm barcelona and Veszprem, en route fighters. We’re the European Cup side makes history Veszprem. to clinching the title. they’re the winners and one of the top five sides who fought in the Champions teams in the German league, YDNEY University made history win one. We came on the court with League final. So that puts things which is among the best by becoming the first club from that in mind knowing exactly what into perspective. I think people need in the world. Of course, SAustralia to win a game at the to do with each of their moves and I ) to respect us more,” said a beaming now, we’re the world r Super Globe Championship. think that paid off. We had a strong 1 E G Fuche coach Erlingur richardsson. champions. It’s a super 1 ( the only amateur team in the defence and I think that made the l As richardsson said, Fuchse’s effort,” said senior 0 ie competition, the university side difference,” said Sydney captain 2 K victory was no flash in the pan. player and centre- W impressed in their quarterfinal win Sebastien traverso. H they had a man for every occasion. back petar t over hosts Al Sadd. Funding for handball is

If bjarki Elisson did the star turn Nenadic. ) though they could not progress limited in Australia in general p S E in the semifinal by converting a ( further in the tournament, losing and Sydney University are no 2 d ri crucial penalty to knock barca out, 1 d to mKb-mVm Veszprem in the exception. but they have been 0 a tonnesen came up with lethal m semifinal, they had already made successful with finding sponsors, 2 co ti strikes in the title clash. e their presence felt. courtesy of honest efforts from tl the duo helped them overcome A Sports is a way of life in Australia, players and officials. the absence of star players ) but handball is still in its infancy. the Sp 3 (E paul Drux and mattias 1 a fact that Sydney University joined n 0lo Zachrisson, who 2 ce a very short list of teams from the ar R both b U Oceania region to have won a game FC O N s at a major international competition p) O on ES pi highlights the importance of their 14 ( H m na F ha 0 lo O c win against Sadd. 2 rce ve ba L t fi C L as “When you come here for the F RO L r) fourth time and haven’t won one 15(GE 0 lin 2 ber game, at some point you kind of stop hse Fuc yourself from believing that you can 24 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 25

the Qatar billiards and Snooker Federation is providing free live QBSF provides streaming of the entire World 9-ball pool Championship for the live streaming first time in its six-year history. It is being done in co-operation CUE SPORTS with online portal Kozoom. With all 14 tables being streamed live on http://live.qbsf.qa/, fans can select which table they want to watch and switch between them at their convenience. Bustamante is sorely missed IGHt Filipinos, including Dennis the 51-year-old, who won his QbSF to move the event to the more Orcollo, Carlo biado and Warren maiden world title in Doha five spacious Al Sadd Hall in ’11 and to Al EKiamco, made it to the main years ago when he beat Chinese Arabi Hall in the following years. draw of this year’s competition, taipei’s Kup po Cheng in front of “there is certainly a bit of electricity but one name, that of Francisco a packed crowd, is a household missing in bustamante’s absence,” bustamante, is conspicuous by its name in pool circles. said World pool-billiard Association absence. many Filipinos had thronged (WpA) press Officer ted Lerner. rarely has so much been spoken the Qatar billiards and Snooker Lerner, an American who has about a player who is not in the fray been covering the game extensively for the World Championship. for WpA over the years, believes Affectionately called “Django” by THERE IS CERTAINLY A BIT bustamante’s absence from the his peers after the lead character of OF ELECTRICITY MISSING 128-entry field is glaring. the film by the same name, he has IN BUSTAMANTE’S “Whenever ‘Django’ played in been a regular since Doha started ABSENCE. Doha all these years, hordes of organising it in 2010, winning the Filipino expats in Qatar, starved for a title as well in the same year, and taste of home, turned up en masse the absence of the Filipino star was Federation’s (QbSF) main facility in to cheer on their hero and legend,” definitely felt. mumtazah when bustamante won said Lerner. DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod though bustamante did not his maiden world title. Chants of though there are many players specify the exact reason for ‘Django’, ‘Django’ reverberated at from the philippines, like pulling out of the tournament, the crowded hall to such an extent Doha-based Antonio Gabica who it is presumed that some sort of that many spectators had to be was a ’13 finalist and always makes Francisco commercial commitment forced evicted out. a splash in Qatar, bustamante is š Bustamante šDennis Orcollo him to skip the event. that sell-out crowd forced the missed for sure. lines up a shot during his opening round match. Ready to fight tooth & Niels! EIGNING champion Niels No wonder, Feijen calls it a player, he has been working hard Feijen is keeping the cards tough task. on improving his safety game Rclose to his chest as he “Defending a World 9-ball pool and practising his defence looks to emulate American Hall title is very tough. What I did last religiously with Dutch coach Alex of Famer Earl Strickland’s feat of year is a thing of the past. this Lely. being the only player to defend year is a new hungry field and if “I know how to win in Doha. the world title. you want to beat top players, you It’s a matter of sharpening all the of Ever since Strickland captured better be ready,” said Feijen, who pencils, emptying the mind and Waleed the first two World 9-ball titles in preparing for pool war,” he added. Majed 1990 and ’91, no player has been the 38-year-old opined life had baize! able to defend it. DEFENDING A WORLD changed a lot since the start of

the unpredictable nature of TITLE IS VERY TOUGH. 2014. Walker Richard Photo/ FILIPINO DENNIS ORCOLLO, THE STAR ATTRACTION AT THE ONGOING WORLD 9-BALL POOL the tournament can be gauged WHAT I DID LAST YEAR IS “It was an amazing roller-coaster AceCHAMPIONSHIP, TELLS SAJITH B WARRIER ABOUT HIS HUMBLE BEGINNING AND THIRST FOR SUCCESS. from the fact that it has produced A THING OF THE PAST. 15 months. I think I was peaking Waleed leads Qatar’s charge 20 different winners in 24 past mentally. I won six tournaments editions. in a row starting from an event at World 9-Ball Pool C’ship Strickland has won it three has been on the circuit for close to prior to the ’14 world title. then though the Qatar billiards and Snooker Federation HOUGH it is generally Success has followed him world stage. I chased my dreams could start playing only after he fell the UAE in ’11. times while Germany’s thorsten two decades. I became the runner-up at the (QbSF) has been hosting the World 9-ball pool presumed that most Filipinos everywhere and he is seen as the and I’m happy to see that I’m asleep. these days, you get a lot Orcollo’s advice to the present Hohmann and His world title which came World Cup. this year, I won the Championship since 2010, Waleed majed’s pre- take to pool just like duck to flag-bearer of the blue baize in his close to realising all my sporting of family support and it helps you generation is plain and simple, Chinese taipei’s 15 months ago has made the Euro tour in February and then the quarterfinal appearance last year is the best T performance till date by a local player. water, there are many who opt for country. ambitions,” said Orcollo, after grow as a player,” recalls Orcollo, “Success is sweet, but its secret Chao Fong-pang Dutchman more confident. European 8-ball title and another And the organisers hope a Qatari it more as a livelihood than sport. the 36-year-old, a star attraction opening his campaign with a 9-4 who first picked a cue stick at the is sweat. believe in yourself and are two-time Generally known as an Euro tour a few weeks ago,” he player goes a step further this Southeast Asian Games 9-ball at the ongoing World 9-ball pool win against Spain’s Diaz-pizarro age of eight. success will follow. champions. aggressive added. time. pool champion Dennis Orcollo is a Championship at the Al Arabi Francisco in the $200,000 prize His career really took off after “but you’ve to guard against “Earlier getting to case in point. Sports Club, is riding high on money tournament. he joined the manila-based bugsy complacency as well. What you the round of 64 itself A fisherman in his initial years, confidence this year after winning promotions billiards League in did last week doesn’t matter in this was considered a big Orcollo struggled to meet ends gold at the Southeast Asian Games ’04. two years later, he earned sport. You’re only as good as your achievement. Now Waleed has raised that bar after his meet, often had to sleep on in Singapore in June. the 2010 WHEN I LOOK BACK AT international acclaim following his next shot”. pre-quarterfinal appearance pavements and had to manage Guangzhou Asian Games gold THE WAY I’VE COME AND fourth-place finish at the US bar last year. I hope someone with one meal a day. but his life medallist had also won the 8-ball SEE WHERE I’M NOW, I box 9-ball Championship. betters it this time,” said QbSF changed when he sold a little World Championship in ’11, but FEEL HAPPY FOR SURE. the ’10 Asian Games gold ORCOLLO’S Executive Director Mubarak Al bit of gold he got from a river in is yet to conquer the world title in medal and 8-ball world title in the ACCOMPLISHMENTS Khayareen. exchange for a membership in a 9-ball. following year made him an icon in Waleed, who is ranked 24th in the world, leads local pool parlour. that changed his And as he look to set that record Orcollo hopes to inspire scores of his country. 9-ball pool gold at 2010 Qatar’s charge in the main draw that also features Guangzhou Asian Games bashar Hussein, mohammed bin Ali, Ali Al Obaidly, destiny. straight, Orcollo reflects on the way Filipinos who want to take up the “It was my first world title and 8-ball pool world title in the UAE mohanna Al Obaidly, Abdullatif Fawal, mohammed in 2011 Niels Orcollo showed his talent on he has come up. game. that made me believe in myself. Saeed and meshal turkey. US Open 10-ball champion in 2012 Feijen the blue baize and it did not take “When I look back at the way “I’m always ready to give them Earlier, I used to panic when I was “If at least one Qatari player can reach the 10-ball pool gold at 2013 Southeast long for the small-town boy from I’ve come and see where I’m now, I a helping hand. I don’t want them getting closer to the semifinal Asian Games in myanmar quarterfinal, I consider it as a huge improvement mount Diwalwal to move to the feel happy for sure. After spending to struggle the way I did. I used and final. Since that triumph in 9-ball pool gold at 2015 from our side. It’s a bonus if they go further,” busy manila, which was a hub for years on the road, playing for to give up many nights of sleep, Fujairah, I started fully trusting in Southeast Asian Games Al Khayareen added. in Singapore pool players. the rest, as they say, money in dilapidated pool halls, just to practise my skills. I was my ability and mental strength,” is history. I realised that I belonged to the staying with my grandfather and Orcollo said about his triumph in www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 25

the Qatar billiards and Snooker Federation is providing free live QBSF provides streaming of the entire World 9-ball pool Championship for the first time in its six-year history. It is being done in co-operation live streaming with online portal Kozoom. With all 14 tables being streamed live on http://live.qbsf.qa/, fans can select which table they want to watch and switch between them at their convenience. Bustamante is sorely missed IGHt Filipinos, including Dennis the 51-year-old, who won his QbSF to move the event to the more Orcollo, Carlo biado and Warren maiden world title in Doha five spacious Al Sadd Hall in ’11 and to Al EKiamco, made it to the main years ago when he beat Chinese Arabi Hall in the following years. draw of this year’s competition, taipei’s Kup po Cheng in front of “there is certainly a bit of electricity but one name, that of Francisco a packed crowd, is a household missing in bustamante’s absence,” bustamante, is conspicuous by its name in pool circles. said World pool-billiard Association absence. many Filipinos had thronged (WpA) press Officer ted Lerner. rarely has so much been spoken the Qatar billiards and Snooker Lerner, an American who has about a player who is not in the fray been covering the game extensively for the World Championship. for WpA over the years, believes Affectionately called “Django” by THERE IS CERTAINLY A BIT bustamante’s absence from the his peers after the lead character of OF ELECTRICITY MISSING 128-entry field is glaring. the film by the same name, he has IN BUSTAMANTE’S “Whenever ‘Django’ played in been a regular since Doha started ABSENCE. Doha all these years, hordes of organising it in 2010, winning the Filipino expats in Qatar, starved for a title as well in the same year, and taste of home, turned up en masse the absence of the Filipino star was Federation’s (QbSF) main facility in to cheer on their hero and legend,” definitely felt. mumtazah when bustamante won said Lerner. though bustamante did not his maiden world title. Chants of though there are many players specify the exact reason for ‘Django’, ‘Django’ reverberated at from the philippines, like pulling out of the tournament, the crowded hall to such an extent Doha-based Antonio Gabica who it is presumed that some sort of that many spectators had to be was a ’13 finalist and always makes Francisco commercial commitment forced evicted out. a splash in Qatar, bustamante is Bustamante him to skip the event. that sell-out crowd forced the missed for sure. Ready to fight tooth & Niels! EIGNING champion Niels No wonder, Feijen calls it a player, he has been working hard Feijen is keeping the cards tough task. on improving his safety game Rclose to his chest as he “Defending a World 9-ball pool and practising his defence looks to emulate American Hall title is very tough. What I did last religiously with Dutch coach Alex of Famer Earl Strickland’s feat of year is a thing of the past. this Lely. being the only player to defend year is a new hungry field and if “I know how to win in Doha. the world title. you want to beat top players, you It’s a matter of sharpening all the Ever since Strickland captured better be ready,” said Feijen, who pencils, emptying the mind and Waleed the first two World 9-ball titles in preparing for pool war,” he added. Majed 1990 and ’91, no player has been the 38-year-old opined life had able to defend it. DEFENDING A WORLD changed a lot since the start of

the unpredictable nature of TITLE IS VERY TOUGH. 2014. Walker Richard Photo/ the tournament can be gauged WHAT I DID LAST YEAR IS “It was an amazing roller-coaster from the fact that it has produced A THING OF THE PAST. 15 months. I think I was peaking Waleed leads Qatar’s charge 20 different winners in 24 past mentally. I won six tournaments editions. in a row starting from an event at World 9-Ball Pool C’ship Strickland has won it three has been on the circuit for close to prior to the ’14 world title. then though the Qatar billiards and Snooker Federation times while Germany’s thorsten two decades. I became the runner-up at the (QbSF) has been hosting the World 9-ball pool Hohmann and His world title which came World Cup. this year, I won the Championship since 2010, Waleed majed’s pre- Chinese taipei’s 15 months ago has made the Euro tour in February and then the quarterfinal appearance last year is the best performance till date by a local player. Chao Fong-pang Dutchman more confident. European 8-ball title and another And the organisers hope a Qatari are two-time Generally known as an Euro tour a few weeks ago,” he player goes a step further this champions. aggressive added. time. “Earlier getting to the round of 64 itself was considered a big achievement. Now Waleed has raised that bar after his pre-quarterfinal appearance last year. I hope someone betters it this time,” said QbSF Executive Director Mubarak Al Khayareen. Waleed, who is ranked 24th in the world, leads Qatar’s charge in the main draw that also features bashar Hussein, mohammed bin Ali, Ali Al Obaidly, mohanna Al Obaidly, Abdullatif Fawal, mohammed Niels Saeed and meshal turkey. Feijen “If at least one Qatari player can reach the quarterfinal, I consider it as a huge improvement from our side. It’s a bonus if they go further,” Al Khayareen added. 26 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 27

MIXED ZONE | QATAR

,ŠşFrom left ֫ ֫ MOTORSPORT PARALYMPICS Ali rashid Al SPORTS SECURITY ֫ mohannadi, Vitaliy Dovgun Major competitions’ and Viacheslav Preparations are in full swing Skoromnov on manipulation in focus the podium. Nasser, thunder Aju George Chris SHOOTING OrE than 60 government officials, ֫ international experts and leaders in sport Mwill gather in Doha on Wednesday and AtAr’S preparations for the thursday for the first technical meeting on the International paralympic Qatar’s Ali goes manipulation of sports competitions, organised Committee’s (IpC) Athletics şşryan Down Under! Q montgomery and jointly by UNESCO and Doha-based International World Championships, to be held at Amir Al mulla at the down fighting

Centre for Sport Security (ICSS). AtAr’S Nasser Saleh Al start penalty denied the Ukrainian. view,” said Nasser, who was lucky the Qatar Sports Club from October Divakaran DSP/Vinod press conference. the meeting will follow up on the Attiyah won the World It was double delight for not to hit a tree after stalling his 21 to 31, are moving full steam recommendations of the Declaration of berlin, Qrally Championship’s Qatar as Abdulaziz Al Kuwari engine in the opening stage of the ahead. montgomery said. Championships,” said Abdelqader. Sajith B Warrier adopted in 2013 by the Fifth World Conference of support category (WrC2) in finished third. last day. IpC Athletics chief ryan Qatari shot putter Abdelrahman Qatar paralympic Committee Sport ministers. Australia to extend his lead at the With three rounds to go, Nasser the third-place finish helped montgomery, who was in Doha Abdelqader, who set a new world Executive Director Amir Al mulla, the Declaration of berlin seeks to improve and top. is on top of the championship Abdulaziz jump from sixth to third last week to oversee the GCC para- record with a 10.68m heave on who was also the CEO of the GCC AtAr’S Ali rashid Al mohannadi fought hard enhance international co-operation between Nasser and his French table with 97 points. He has a in the standings. Athletics Championships, was the first day of the event, sounded Championships, congratulated the till the end, but went down to Vitaliy Dovgun governments and all other stakeholders on issues of co-driver mathieu baumel “It has been a very good rally pleased with the overall progress. excited about the challenges ahead. participants. Qin the 50m rifle 3 positions at the Qatar access, investment and integrity of sport. seemed to have quickly overcome and I’m very happy to have “the GCC competition was a test “Frankly, I didn’t think I could “I comment each and every Shooting and Archery Association Cup last week. Some of the key recommendations include the disappointment of their WITH THREE ROUNDS TO finished on the podium. We event and was organised at short set a world record. but the home athlete who took part in the GCC Ali and Dovgun were engrossed in a close battle improved sports governance; a zero-tolerance policy crash from the middle East rally GO, NASSER IS ON TOP had good pace in most of the notice. but the Qatari administrators crowd, who came to watch event. While some set new personal at the Losail range, but the latter held his nerve at within the sport movement, especially against doping Championship’s Lebanon leg and OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP stages. We lost a bit of time on handled it quite well. Everything me throw, spurred me on. the bests, a few world records were ŢşJassim Al crucial junctures to clinch gold. and the manipulation of sports competitions; greater were in a class of their own Down TABLE WITH 97 POINTS. the long one, but in general the proceeded like clockwork and not a record has given my confidence a also broken. I hope such events will Sanadi, left, and Dovgun scored 450.8 points, a mere 1.1 more Abdulrahman Al collaboration in the early detection of manipulation; Under in a Ford Fiesta rrC. speed has been good and a big single complaint was raised. I’m quite huge boost. I’m hoping to break further help spread awareness about Najjar strike a happy than Ali. Olympian Viacheslav Skoromnov brought preventive measures and monitoring in accordance It was Nasser all improvement on the start of the happy with the overall organisation,” more world marks at the World the sport in the region,” he said. pose. up the last spot on the podium. with national and international law and an effective, the way, until 17-point lead over protasov while season. most importantly, I’m Ali said he could not focus much on the event. TABLE TENNIS “It was a good competition and I should’ve won proportionate disciplinary regulation combined with Yurii protasov Abdulaziz is third on 72. third in the championship now,” ֫ specific national and international legislation. gave him a “It wasn’t an easy rally, but this said Abdulaziz, who had won in it, but I struggled to stay focused. both Vitaliy and ICSS president mohammed Hanzab said, close fight in is a big result in the defence of our Australia in 2013. Skoromnov were there till the end and made the “Gathering technical experts and officials from all the final leg. title. It’s an important 25 points for the next round will be held in Qatar for Asian C’ships event quite tough,” said Ali. four corners of the globe, this meeting will provide an but a jump us from the championship point of France from October 1 to 3. meanwhile, Oleg Engachev won gold in 25m important platform to strengthen international policy AtAr will compete in Vukelic told Doha Stadium Plus. rapid fire pistol with a new national record. to combat manipulation in sport.” the 22nd IttF-Asian the Serb, who took charge in Engachev had an identical 290 in both stages and QChampionships in pattaya, January, 2014, said the sport was surpassed the previous record of 476 which stood in .BOXING thailand, from September 26 to on the rise in the country. the name of Noor murad ֫ October 5. “there’re some youngsters “Yes, I’m really glad with my performance as I got “It’s a tough tournament and the who’ve done well in the Arab a new national record. It was a good going for me Doha getting ready Chinese will dominate like every and GCC competitions. that’s very in my second home. I’ve been living here for five year, but playing at the Asian event positive,” said Vukelic, who picked years,” said russia-born Engachev, who had won the for Amateur Worlds will be a huge learning experience Abdulrahman Al Najjar and Jassim gold in 25m Centre Fire pistol at the Asian Games in for our players,” Qatar coach boris Al Sanadi for special praise. Incheon, South Korea, last year.

Mohammad Amin-ul Islam BASKETBALL ֫

NtErNAtIONAL boxing Association Executive Director Karim Bouzidi was impressed with Asian Youth 3x3 camp evokes overwhelming response IQatar’s preparations for the Amateur World Championships, to be held at the Ali bin Hamad Al HE inaugural Asian Youth 3x3 “this is Qatar Olympic Academy’s said Al Jabir. meanwhile, FIbA co-ordinator Youth Olympics since then. the next Attiyah Arena from October 5 to 15. camp, currently under way at second Asian-level initiative in QbF Executive Director Saadoun Nicolas Widmer, who is running step is to start zonal or continental “Doha has organised a number of top events. We Tthe Al Gharafa training Gym, two years. In 2014, it organised a Al Kuwari said the local body was the camp, was thrilled with the championships,” he said. look forward to welcoming thousands of fans. the has evoked a huge response. swimming camp on the sidelines pleased to take a leading role in increased attention the sport was “FIbA’s vision is to get 3x3 local organisation is of the highest standard and on the first-of-its-kind initiative of the FINA Short Course Worlds. popularising 3x3. getting. included in the ’20 tokyo Olympics. behalf of the global boxing family, features 139 participants from 23 It isn’t simply about playing or “Having won the world title last “It’s certainly gaining in popularity but we want to have at least one I want to thank Qatar Olympic Asian countries. learning basketball. We’re trying to year, we’ve established ourselves as among youth. Since its launch in million registered players with us by Committee Secretary General Dr Qatar Olympic Committee’s Sport educate the participants about how a strong 3x3 nation in a short time. ’10, more than 120 countries have that time. We’re working towards thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari Affairs Department Director Khaleel to use healthy diet, fitness and body We’re happy with the camp’s large started practising it. We’ve had that goal,” he added. for his efforts in bringing the Al Jabir said the country was proud care to maximise their potential so turnout and will conduct more such five world youth championships, the fortnight-long camp will championships to the Arab world to host the event. that they can become future stars,” events in the future,” he said. two world championships and two conclude on Friday. for the first time. It’ll certainly be a the Qatar motor and motorcycle Qatar Superbike, qualification spectacular event,” said bouzidi. New Federation’s domestic season will be held on Friday with the Al Kuwari exuded confidence that Qatar would begins with the opening races slated for Saturday. deliver a great event. season round of the Qatar Superbike the second round on “We’re committed to delivering an event that’ll raise begins Championship and Qatar October 17 will be held along the bar and inspire a new generation of boxers in the Challenge for cars at the Losail with the World Superbike country,” said Al Kuwari. on Friday International Circuit on Friday. Championship’s season-ending Event supervisor pat Fiacco also said it would be a Unlike in the previous years, race while the penultimate leg Superbike and Supersport on march 25, 2016, is a support world-class competition. categories will have separate race for the motoGp season “the standard of boxing will be incredible as it’ll qualifying practice and races. opener. have the world’s best boxers. It’ll elevate the sport in Qatar Challenge will take the seven-round series will the whole region,” said Fiacco. place only on Fridays. For the end on may 7. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 27

,ŠşFrom left ֫ PARALYMPICS Ali rashid Al mohannadi, Vitaliy Dovgun and Viacheslav Preparations are in full swing Skoromnov on the podium.

Aju George Chris SHOOTING ֫

AtAr’S preparations for the International paralympic Qatar’s Ali goes Committee’s (IpC) Athletics şşryan Q montgomery and World Championships, to be held at Amir Al mulla at the down fighting

the Qatar Sports Club from October Divakaran DSP/Vinod press conference. 21 to 31, are moving full steam ahead. montgomery said. Championships,” said Abdelqader. Sajith B Warrier IpC Athletics chief ryan Qatari shot putter Abdelrahman Qatar paralympic Committee montgomery, who was in Doha Abdelqader, who set a new world Executive Director Amir Al mulla, last week to oversee the GCC para- record with a 10.68m heave on who was also the CEO of the GCC AtAr’S Ali rashid Al mohannadi fought hard Athletics Championships, was the first day of the event, sounded Championships, congratulated the till the end, but went down to Vitaliy Dovgun pleased with the overall progress. excited about the challenges ahead. participants. Qin the 50m rifle 3 positions at the Qatar “the GCC competition was a test “Frankly, I didn’t think I could “I comment each and every Shooting and Archery Association Cup last week. event and was organised at short set a world record. but the home athlete who took part in the GCC Ali and Dovgun were engrossed in a close battle notice. but the Qatari administrators crowd, who came to watch event. While some set new personal at the Losail range, but the latter held his nerve at handled it quite well. Everything me throw, spurred me on. the bests, a few world records were ŢşJassim Al crucial junctures to clinch gold. proceeded like clockwork and not a record has given my confidence a also broken. I hope such events will Sanadi, left, and Dovgun scored 450.8 points, a mere 1.1 more Abdulrahman Al single complaint was raised. I’m quite huge boost. I’m hoping to break further help spread awareness about Najjar strike a happy than Ali. Olympian Viacheslav Skoromnov brought happy with the overall organisation,” more world marks at the World the sport in the region,” he said. pose. up the last spot on the podium. Ali said he could not focus much on the event. TABLE TENNIS “It was a good competition and I should’ve won ֫ it, but I struggled to stay focused. both Vitaliy and Skoromnov were there till the end and made the Qatar for Asian C’ships event quite tough,” said Ali. meanwhile, Oleg Engachev won gold in 25m AtAr will compete in Vukelic told Doha Stadium Plus. rapid fire pistol with a new national record. the 22nd IttF-Asian the Serb, who took charge in Engachev had an identical 290 in both stages and QChampionships in pattaya, January, 2014, said the sport was surpassed the previous record of 476 which stood in thailand, from September 26 to on the rise in the country. the name of Noor murad. October 5. “there’re some youngsters “Yes, I’m really glad with my performance as I got “It’s a tough tournament and the who’ve done well in the Arab a new national record. It was a good going for me Chinese will dominate like every and GCC competitions. that’s very in my second home. I’ve been living here for five year, but playing at the Asian event positive,” said Vukelic, who picked years,” said russia-born Engachev, who had won the will be a huge learning experience Abdulrahman Al Najjar and Jassim gold in 25m Centre Fire pistol at the Asian Games in for our players,” Qatar coach boris Al Sanadi for special praise. Incheon, South Korea, last year.

BASKETBALL ֫ Asian Youth 3x3 camp evokes overwhelming response HE inaugural Asian Youth 3x3 “this is Qatar Olympic Academy’s said Al Jabir. meanwhile, FIbA co-ordinator Youth Olympics since then. the next camp, currently under way at second Asian-level initiative in QbF Executive Director Saadoun Nicolas Widmer, who is running step is to start zonal or continental Tthe Al Gharafa training Gym, two years. In 2014, it organised a Al Kuwari said the local body was the camp, was thrilled with the championships,” he said. has evoked a huge response. swimming camp on the sidelines pleased to take a leading role in increased attention the sport was “FIbA’s vision is to get 3x3 the first-of-its-kind initiative of the FINA Short Course Worlds. popularising 3x3. getting. included in the ’20 tokyo Olympics. features 139 participants from 23 It isn’t simply about playing or “Having won the world title last “It’s certainly gaining in popularity but we want to have at least one Asian countries. learning basketball. We’re trying to year, we’ve established ourselves as among youth. Since its launch in million registered players with us by Qatar Olympic Committee’s Sport educate the participants about how a strong 3x3 nation in a short time. ’10, more than 120 countries have that time. We’re working towards Affairs Department Director Khaleel to use healthy diet, fitness and body We’re happy with the camp’s large started practising it. We’ve had that goal,” he added. Al Jabir said the country was proud care to maximise their potential so turnout and will conduct more such five world youth championships, the fortnight-long camp will to host the event. that they can become future stars,” events in the future,” he said. two world championships and two conclude on Friday. 28 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 29

TENNIS

NOVAK DJOKOVIC FLAVIA PENNETTA bt Joao Souza (brA) 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 First round bt Jarmila Gajdosova (AUS) 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 bt Andreas Haider-maurer (AUt) 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 Second round bt monica Niculescu (rOm) 6-1, 6-4 bt Andreas Seppi (ItA) 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 third round bt petra Cetkovska (CZE) 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 bt roberto bautista Agut (ESp) 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 Fourth round bt Samantha Stosur (AUS) 6-4, 6-4 bt Feliciano Lopez (ESp) 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) Quarterfinal bt petra Kvitova (CZE) 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 bt marin Cilic (CrO) 6-0, 6-1, 6-2 Semifinal bt Simona Halep (rOm) 6-1, 6-3 Joker, TITLE TO PATH bt roger Federer (SUI) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 Final bt roberta Vinci (ItA) 7-6 (7-4), 6-2

ššroger Federer Djokovic takes and Novak Djokovic Pennetta’s picture perfect Open! pose with their inspiration trophies. Or Flavia pennetta, summing most unlikely title showdown that from ‘300’ up her tumultuous, shocking, put Italy firmly in the spotlight of villain, Ffascinating and heart-warming New York’s gaze. Novak Djokovic admitted he US Open triumph was easily pennetta, who is engaged to took inspiration from cult movie OVAK Djokovic probably felt the men’s game. said. “As a father and a husband, described in a single word. perfect. fellow-Italian tennis player Fabio hero! ‘300’ and its Scottish star Gerard WORLD NO.1 NOVAK DJOKOVIC PLAYS like he was battling against He has won nine slams in the last experiencing a different variety of butler, who was on hand to roar pennetta, the oldest maiden Fognini, said she would play to N20,001 people in the US Open five years, collecting the Australian things in my life, it’s a completely him to victory in the US Open Grand Slam finalist in the Open the end of this season, including PANTOMIME VILLAIN AS HE BEATS final last Sunday, with Grand Slam Open, Wimbledon and US Open in different approach to tennis today. final against Swiss roger Federer. era, became the first Italian to tournaments in Wuhan, beijing king roger Federer on the other 2011 just as he has this year, and has I feel more fulfilled. I feel more As he celebrated with his win the US Open women’s crown and possibly the elite eight- SENTIMENTAL FAVOURITE ROGER FEDERER side of the net backed by an Arthur held down the No.1 ranking in four complete as a player. physically family and team, he also sought and did so last week with an woman WtA Finals in Singapore. AND WINS THE US OPEN TO CAP A GREAT Ashe Stadium full of his opponent’s of the past five seasons. stronger, mentally more experienced out butler, who was watching efficient 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 victory over Having battled injuries on a from the player’s box. closest friends. and tougher as well.” childhood friend and compatriot regular basis in recent years, SEASON, WRITES LARRY FINE. “We’re good friends. So he As the match reached its gripping Djokovic showed plenty of that happened to be in the city last roberta Vinci. pennetta said she made the climax, they cheered every point I FEEL MORE COMPLETE. toughness after he scraped his right couple of days, so I invited him before accepting the trophy decision to call time on her career Federer won and celebrated STRONGER, MENTALLY arm, the back of his right hand and to come,” said Djokovic. and $3.3m for the win that easily at last month’s toronto event. Djokovic’s errors as the Serb dug MORE EXPERIENCED AND right leg when he tumbled to the “I actually sent him a photo marked the greatest triumph of her “Sometimes it’s getting hard for deep to eke out a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 TOUGHER AS WELL. ground in the first set, after a and a message last night. I was career, the 33-year-old announced me to compete. this is the important triumph. three-hour delay due to rain, but watching the ‘300’ movie. When her retirement. point,” she explained. “When you’re I went to my box, I looked at there may have been a time carried on regardless. “my life is perfect,” pennetta said in the court, when you’ve to play him. I said, ‘this is Sparta. It felt when Djokovic would have been the mellowed Djokovic said Federer had not dropped a set in great.’ when asked how she would look 24 weeks in the year, you’ve to unsettled by his treatment, but he appreciated this Grand Slam the entire tournament, but Djokovic “that’s one of the most back at the championship. “perfect. fight every week.” the world No.1 swallowed any treble even more than his ’11 wiped out that distinction in 42 inspiring movies I watched. So this one was my last US Open resentment and maintained his breakthrough. minutes. actually, yeah, he’s a very cool match and I couldn’t think to finish composure until he found himself “I’m a different player, a different the Swiss great had lost only two guy,” he said. in a better way.” PENNETTA kissing the silver trophy for his 10th person today than I was ’11,” he break points in the tournament, but the film, based on Frank two weeks ago, no one could FACT FILE miller’s graphic novel, tells the Full name Flavio pennetta Grand Slam. matched that number within his first story of how a group of 300 have predicted a final between “I can’t sit here and criticise the four service games against one of the 26th-ranked pennetta, then Date of birth February 25, 1982 Spartans under King Leonidas birth place brindisi, Italy crowd,” said Djokovic, who crowned the game’s greatest returners. hold out against the advancing rated a 150-1 outsider, and the residence Verbier, Switzerland a brilliant season in which he won Djokovic, meanwhile, saved persian masses led by Xerxes. 43rd-ranked Vinci, an even more Height 1.72m three Grands Slam and was runner- 19 of 23 break points held unfancied 300-1. However, they ranking 26 WtA tour 11 up in the fourth at roland Garros. by Federer and rose up to RESULTS All finals. refused to be swayed by the odds, singles titles “On the contrary, I think it’s logical capitalise on six of his 13 SINGLES beating world No.2 Simona Halep Grand Slam 1 (2015 US Open) to expect that a great player and opportunities in the final. MEN and top-ranked Serena Williams singles titles Career prize a champion like roger has the He was up by two breaks Novak Djokovic (Srb) bt 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, respectively in the semifinals, and $13,804,282 roger Federer (SUI) 6-4 money majority of the support anywhere I in the final set, only to see WOMEN fought their way through to the play him. He absolutely deserves to Federer roar back to break him Flavia pennetta (Italy) bt 7-6 (7-4), have the support he does because of once and threaten again in roberta Vinci (Italy) 6-2 all the years and success that he had the final game before the Serb DOUBLES Djokovic wins third Slam of year Heat treatment and the way he carries himself on finally secured victory in a little MEN Novak Djokovic clinched his third Grand Slam title of 2015 and 10th the first week at Flushing meadows saw daily temperatures pierre-Hugues Herbert/ 6-4, 6-4 career major with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 triumph over sentimental soar to 35 degrees while crushing humidity led to a record 12 and off the court. No question about less than three-and-a-half hours. Nicolas mahut (FrA) bt Jamie favourite roger Federer in the men’s final. Shrugging off a three-hour men quit their matches before the end of the second round. the it,” he said. the win puts Djokovic level with murray/John peers (Gbr/ rain delay and the overwhelming hostility of the Arthur Ashe Stadium players who quit found no sympathy from roger Federer. “We’ve AUS) While Federer reached exalted bill tilden on 10 slams. Next up are crowd, the 28-year-old world No.1 captured his second title in New been here in North America for some time. It was more on the WOMEN

MEMORIES York to add to his ’11 triumph. warmer side, but it’s not like impossible. really no excuse for status with his collection of an rod Laver and bjorn borg on 11. martina Hingis/Sania mirza 6-3, 6-3 that,” he said. all-time record 17 Grand Slam then roy Emerson at 12, and rafa (SUI/IND) bt Casey Dellacqua/ Serena stumped by Vinci code titles, Djokovic is now the Nadal and pete Sampras with 14, Yaroslava Shvedova (AUS/ KAZ) Serena Williams was set fair to become the first woman since Steffi Nadal’s decline and fall player dominating just below Federer. MIXED Graf in 1988 to capture a calendar Grand Slam and lift a 22nd major rafael Nadal’s sad, rapid decline continued at the US Open where martina Hingis/Leander paes 6-4, 3-6, title. Unfortunately for the 33-year-old American world No.1, nobody he surrendered a two-set lead to lose 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to (SUI/IND) beat bethanie 10-7 told roberta Vinci. the Italian world No.43 clinched a shock 2-6, 6-4, Fabio Fognini. the third-round loss for the 14-time major winner mattek-Sands/Sam Querrey 6-4 semifinal victory in the one of the biggest stunners in the history of was his earliest in 10 years in New York. He also finished a Grand DJOKOVIC (USA) the sport. Slam season without a major title for the first time since 2004. FACT FILE SINGLES Full name Novak Djokovic BOYS From drone to delight Golden girls lose shine Date of birth may 22, 1987 taylor Fritz (USA) bt tommy 6-2, 6-7 Flavia pennetta certainly had a tournament to remember, not least as maria Sharapova withdrew on the eve of the tournament because birth place belgrade, Serbia paul (USA) (4-7), 6-2 GIRLS she became the oldest first-time Grand Slam title winner in the Open of a knee injury. Five of the remaining top 10 seeds failed to get residence monte Carlo, monaco Era. the 33-year-old then announced her retirement from the sport. beyond the second round. Canada’s Eugenie bouchard slipped and Height 1.88m Dalma Galfi (HUN) bt Sofia 7-5, 6-4 Kenin (USA) Earlier in the competition, her second round match against romania’s fell in the locker room and suffered a concussion that forced her to ranking 1 monica Niculescu was held up when a drone crashed into the stadium. pull out of her fourth-round match against roberta Vinci. Atp tour singles 55 titles ROLL OF HONOUR Last 10 champions 10 (2008, ’11, ’12, ’13, ’15 Grand Slam Australian Open; ’11, ’14, singles titles ’15 Wimbledon; ’11, ’15 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 US Open) MEN Novak Djokovic marin Cilic rafael Nadal Andy murray Novak Djokovic rafael Nadal Juan martin del potro roger Federer roger Federer roger Federer Career prize $86,366,648 WOMEN Flavia pennetta Serena Williams Serena Williams Serena Williams Samantha Stosur Kim Clijsters Kim Clijsters Serena Williams Justine Henin maria Sharapova money www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 29

PATH TO TITLE TO PATH bt roger Federer (SUI) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 Final bt roberta Vinci (ItA) 7-6 (7-4), 6-2

MEMORIES York to add to his ’11 triumph. warmer side, but it’s not like impossible. really no excuse for martina Hingis/Sania mirza 6-3, 6-3 that,” he said. (SUI/IND) bt Casey Dellacqua/ Yaroslava Shvedova (AUS/ Serena stumped by Vinci code KAZ) Serena Williams was set fair to become the first woman since Steffi Nadal’s decline and fall MIXED Graf in 1988 to capture a calendar Grand Slam and lift a 22nd major rafael Nadal’s sad, rapid decline continued at the US Open where martina Hingis/Leander paes 6-4, 3-6, title. Unfortunately for the 33-year-old American world No.1, nobody he surrendered a two-set lead to lose 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to (SUI/IND) beat bethanie 10-7 told roberta Vinci. the Italian world No.43 clinched a shock 2-6, 6-4, Fabio Fognini. the third-round loss for the 14-time major winner mattek-Sands/Sam Querrey 6-4 semifinal victory in the one of the biggest stunners in the history of was his earliest in 10 years in New York. He also finished a Grand (USA) the sport. Slam season without a major title for the first time since 2004. SINGLES BOYS From drone to delight Golden girls lose shine taylor Fritz (USA) bt tommy 6-2, 6-7 paul (USA) (4-7), 6-2 Flavia pennetta certainly had a tournament to remember, not least as maria Sharapova withdrew on the eve of the tournament because GIRLS she became the oldest first-time Grand Slam title winner in the Open of a knee injury. Five of the remaining top 10 seeds failed to get Era. the 33-year-old then announced her retirement from the sport. beyond the second round. Canada’s Eugenie bouchard slipped and Dalma Galfi (HUN) bt Sofia 7-5, 6-4 Kenin (USA) Earlier in the competition, her second round match against romania’s fell in the locker room and suffered a concussion that forced her to monica Niculescu was held up when a drone crashed into the stadium. pull out of her fourth-round match against roberta Vinci.

ROLL OF HONOUR Last 10 champions 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 MEN Novak Djokovic marin Cilic rafael Nadal Andy murray Novak Djokovic rafael Nadal Juan martin del potro roger Federer roger Federer roger Federer WOMEN Flavia pennetta Serena Williams Serena Williams Serena Williams Samantha Stosur Kim Clijsters Kim Clijsters Serena Williams Justine Henin maria Sharapova 30 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 31

Italian Fabio Aru wrapped up a debut grand tour Aru wins triumph when the Astana rider coasted over the line on the final day’s ceremonial ride into madrid to win Tour of the 70th edition of the tour of Spain. the 25-year-old MIXED ZONE | INTERNATIONAL Spain from Sardinia went one better than his second-placed finish behind his idol Alberto Contador at Giro d’Italia to confirm his status as one of the young riders.

ATHLETICS ֫ BOXING ֫ Qatari sprinter Femi puts up good shows Mayweather signs off in style mErICA’S Floyd mayweather very beginning,” said mayweather the 49-0 career record set by former AtAr’S Femi Seun Ogunode proved he would Jr signed off as he had after retaining his WbC and WbA heavyweight champion rocky be a man to watch out for in sprints next Aplanned, going out unbeaten welterweight titles in the mGm marciano, is widely regarded as one Qyear after comfortably winning 100m gold and on his own terms as ‘the best Grand Garden Arena. of the best defensive practitioners (9.93sec) at the rieti World Challenge meeting in Ever’ after improving his career “I always knew what I wanted of all time while his ability to Italy last Sunday. record to 49-0. to do — be outspoken, be one of a out-think opponents and adjust In wet and rainy conditions, Jamaicans Nesta Carter After a stellar 19-year run that kind. to be in the sport for 19 years strategy midway through fights is and Julian Forte finished second and third, in 10.06 produced world titles in five weight and to be world champion 18 years, unparalleled among contemporary and 10.09, respectively. divisions and earnings in excess of I’ve had a remarkable career. fighters. Earlier, Femi set a new 200m Asian record at the $800m, mayweather bade farewell “If you put opponents in front of However, he has also been

season-ending Diamond League meeting in brussels, West AFP/William to the ring with a clinical display me, we see what they can do. It’s all a polarising figure because of belgium. to earn a unanimous decision over about that IQ. I’m 10 steps ahead of his arrogance and flamboyant compatriot Andre berto. any fighter,” he said. showmanship, and has certainly not the quadruple Asian Games gold medallist made ššFrance’s ֫ Sebastien Ogier en MOTORSPORT the most of the absence of his American training route to winning “I had a game plan from the the 38-year-old, who matched always endeared himself to fans. partner and beijing World Championships runner-up in Australia. Justin Gatlin to win the non-Diamond League race in ֫ ššUSA’s Floyd 19.97sec. He thus bettered the previous time of 20.03, New Zealand mayweather CRICKET set by Japan’s Shingo Suetsugu, way back in 2003. punches compatriot Antigua’s miguel Francis (20.22) and Jamaica’s Hat-trick hero! teenager Ko Andre berto during their WbA/WbC Australia clinch rasheed Dwyer (20.27) were second and third rANCE’S Sebastien Ogier 20.3sec behind. RESULTS makes history welterweight title respectively. clinched his third successive “It’s the most difficult rally WRC bout. Femi had also finished second in 100m in the World rally Championship to open the road and still we 1. Sebastien Ogier (FrA) Volkswagen 2:59:16 New Zealander Lydia Ko one-day series F 2. Jari-matti Latvala (FIN) Volkswagen at 12.3 became the youngest belgian capital. though he clocked the same time (WrC) for Volkswagen last Sunday managed to win,” Ogier said. 3. Kris meeke (Gbr) Citroen 32.6 woman to win a major when as Gatlin, 9.98, he lost out on photo finish. France’s after winning in Australia. It was his seventh victory in 10 UStrALIA thrashed England by eight 4. A mikkelsen (NOr) Volkswagen 38.5 the 18-year-old carded a 5. Hayden paddon (NZ) Hyundai 55.1 Jimmy Vicaut (9.99) took bronze. the 31-year-old became just rounds this season and it helped final-round 63 to claim wickets in their fifth and final One-Day meanwhile, world champion Dafne Schippers the third driver to win a him secure the championship with MOTOGP International at Old trafford to win the 1. marc marquez (ESp) Honda 48:23.8 the Evian Championship in A defeated reigning Olympic champion Allyson Felix hat-trick, joining his countryman three rallies still to go. 2. bradley Smith (Gbr) Yamaha tech3 at 7.28 south-eastern France. series 3-2 and take some consolation for the pain in the 200m. the Dutchwoman finished in 22.12sec, Sebastien Loeb and Finland’s the 31st victory of his career also 3. Scott redding (Gbr) Honda marc VDS 18.7 Her eight-under-par final of Ashes defeat. ahead of Felix (22.22) and Jamaica’s Elaine thompson tommi makinen. helped him move above marcus 4. Loris baz (FrA) Yamaha Forward 26.2 round took her to 16-under Australia won the first two ODIs, but the hosts 5. Valentino rossi (ItA) Yamaha 33.1 (22.26). In another highlight in brussels, tunisia’s “It’s an amazing season, the Gronholm into outright second for the championship, six came back in the third and fourth one’s to force the STANDINGS better than American Lexi Habiba Ghibri set a season’s best time and African best I’ve ever done. No place overall for the most ššmembers of the victorious Great britain and Ireland team. series to the decider. WRC thompson. record of 9mins, 5.36sec in the 3,000m steeplechase. mistakes, so many great career wins. DRIVERS the previous youngest the result looked inevitable long before lunch, GOLF major champion was with England dismissed for 138 and captain Eoin performances and this Loeb, who won 1. Sebastien Ogier (FrA) 235 ֫ one is once again a very nine consecutive titles 2. Jari-matti Latvala (FIN) 134 morgan pressel who was six morgan retiring hurt after being hit on the head 3. Andreas mikkelsen (NOr) 110 months older than Ko when high one,” said Ogier. between 2004 and ’12, 4. mads Ostberg (NOr) 90 by a bouncer from Australia’s mitchell Starc in the the French driver won holds the record with 5. thierry Neuville (bEL) 86 she won the 2007 Kraft seventh over. Fielders rushed to help morgan after the final seven stages in 78 wins. Only Loeb, Juha CONSTRUCTORS Great Britain and Nabisco Championship. he was struck on the back of the head, with Starc “to finish with two birdies Australia, including all five held on Kankkunen and makinen (both 1. Volkswagen 343 visibly shaken by the incident. 2. Hyundai 177 doesn’t happen often. It’s the last day, to win the four) have won more titles than 3. Citroen 164 definitely one of the top With England winning the toss and opting to three-day gravel road event. Ogier. Kankkunen won twice in the 4. m-Sport 148 Ireland supreme rounds of my whole life,” bat, Australia’s bowlers let rip and seized crucial teaming up with his longtime 1980s and twice in the ’90s while 5. Volkswagen II 76 said Ko. early wickets, reducing the hosts to 22 for three MOTOGP co-driver Julien Ingrassia, Ogier makinen stitched together four on NGLISHmAN Jimmy mullen britain and Ireland. It was the lowest final and later 72 for six before wrapping up the 1. Valentino rossi (ItA) 247 round by a winner of a completed the rally 12.3sec faster the trot between ’96 and ’99. 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ESp) 224 helped lead Great britain and meanwhile, belgian thomas England innings in only 33 overs. women’s major, surpassing than his Finnish teammate Ogier currently has 235 points 3. marc marquez (ESp) 184 Ireland to a comfortable victory pieters won the Dutch Open after mitchell marsh was the pick of Aussie bowlers Femi Seun 4. Andrea Iannone (ItA) 159 E the 64 Karen Stupples carded Jari-matti Latvala. this season, 101 more than over the United States as they England’s Lee Slattery bogeyed the with figures for four for 27, outshining the much Ogunode 5. bradley Smith (Gbr) 135 when triumphing at the ’04 Northern Ireland’s Kris second-placed Latvala, who has regained the Walker Cup at royal final hole with a play-off looming. british Open. quicker Starc and pat Cummins.ers. meeke finished third, a further won twice this year. Lytham. the 21-year-old became Slattery had been chasing back- In reply, Australia, with the help of Aaron Finch the first player to post a perfect 4-0 to-back European tour victories 70 not out in a 109-run unbroken partnership with britain’s world and Olympic record at the event since paul Casey following the recent russian Open George bailey, cruised to victory with more than Farah holds champion Mo Farah retained his Great North run title after Marquez the winner amid chaos after a seven-under-par 63 in the half their overs to spare. off Kenyan a thrilling battle with Kenyan third round left him sharing the Australia got their hands on some sort of trophy duo Stanley biwott over the half ALENtINO rossi extended the joy was short-lived in a thrilling to go but his hopes vanished when THOMAS PIETERS WON overnight lead with Spain’s rafa on this tour, but not the one they most wanted. marathon course. his motoGp lead over dry-wet-dry race involving two pit he crashed on the next lap just as THE DUTCH OPEN AFTER Cabrera-bello. Farah completed the course Vluckless Yamaha team-mate stops to change bikes. rossi, who ended up fifth, ENGLAND’S LEE SLATTERY Instead it was pieters who in 59:23.37sec quicker than his Jorge Lorenzo to 23 points at the With marquez’s Honda was brought in for his took a back-to-back tour time last year, with biwott BOGEYED THE FINAL HOLE. San marino Grand prix despite team pitting the reigning switch back to slick tyres. win, following a second behind after pushing the home a strategy blunder that handed champion with 10 laps two british riders stood up his Czech favourite all the victory to Spaniard Marc Marquez. remaining, rossi and on the podium in the and Luke Donald in 1999 at Nairn. masters way. Farah received rossi had the 92,000-strong Lorenzo — who had top category with bradley the home side were in a strong victory last huge support from the home crowd cheering as he started on pole — stayed Smith second on a tech3 position after the foursomes as they month. thousands of fans lining took the lead at misano’s marco out. Yamaha and Scott redding third carried a 10-6 lead into the singles Elsewhere, Lee Kyung-Hoon the route from the start in Simoncelli circuit in eastern Italy but Lorenzo came in with eight laps for marc VDS Honda. and they finished the job by taking shot a final round five-under-par Newcastle. Another Kenyan, the necessary three-and-a-half 66 to win the 58th Korea Open by mike Kigen, who trailed in ŠAustralian March 20 April 3 April 10 April 24 May 8 May 22 June 5 June 26 July 10 points during the first four matches. four strokes. Leading by two at the š second behind Farah last year, captain Steve Smith Qatar Argentina America Spain (Jerez) France Italy Spain Netherlands Germany MOTOGP 2016 Victories by Ashley Chesters, start of the last day, Lee finished holds the trophy set the pace but could not (Catalunya) shake Farah or his compatriot PROVISIONAL Cormac Sharvin, mullen and a half the tournament at 13-under-par to as he celebrates biwott and had to CALENDAR July 17 Aug 14 Aug 21 Sept 11 Sept 25 Oct 9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Nov 6 with team-mates britain Austria Czech San marino Spain malaysia Japan Australia Spain from paul Dunne sealed a fifth win capture his first national title and Lydia Joe burns, left, and settle for third. republic (Aragon) (Valencia) in six competitions on home soil for first on the OneAsia tour. K0 Aaron Finch. Brown Reuters/Philip www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 31

Italian Fabio Aru wrapped up a debut grand tour Aru wins triumph when the Astana rider coasted over the line on the final day’s ceremonial ride into madrid to win Tour of the 70th edition of the tour of Spain. the 25-year-old Spain from Sardinia went one better than his second-placed finish behind his idol Alberto Contador at Giro d’Italia to confirm his status as one of the young riders.

BOXING ֫ Mayweather signs off in style mErICA’S Floyd mayweather very beginning,” said mayweather the 49-0 career record set by former Jr signed off as he had after retaining his WbC and WbA heavyweight champion rocky Aplanned, going out unbeaten welterweight titles in the mGm marciano, is widely regarded as one and on his own terms as ‘the best Grand Garden Arena. of the best defensive practitioners Ever’ after improving his career “I always knew what I wanted of all time while his ability to record to 49-0. to do — be outspoken, be one of a out-think opponents and adjust After a stellar 19-year run that kind. to be in the sport for 19 years strategy midway through fights is produced world titles in five weight and to be world champion 18 years, unparalleled among contemporary divisions and earnings in excess of I’ve had a remarkable career. fighters. $800m, mayweather bade farewell “If you put opponents in front of However, he has also been to the ring with a clinical display me, we see what they can do. It’s all a polarising figure because of to earn a unanimous decision over about that IQ. I’m 10 steps ahead of his arrogance and flamboyant compatriot Andre berto. any fighter,” he said. showmanship, and has certainly not “I had a game plan from the the 38-year-old, who matched always endeared himself to fans.

֫ ššUSA’s Floyd New Zealand mayweather CRICKET punches compatriot teenager Ko Andre berto during their WbA/WbC welterweight title Australia clinch makes history bout. New Zealander Lydia Ko one-day series became the youngest woman to win a major when UStrALIA thrashed England by eight the 18-year-old carded a final-round 63 to claim wickets in their fifth and final One-Day the Evian Championship in AInternational at Old trafford to win the south-eastern France. series 3-2 and take some consolation for the pain Her eight-under-par final of Ashes defeat. round took her to 16-under Australia won the first two ODIs, but the hosts for the championship, six came back in the third and fourth one’s to force the better than American Lexi š šmembers of the victorious Great britain and Ireland team. thompson. series to the decider. the previous youngest the result looked inevitable long before lunch, GOLF major champion was with England dismissed for 138 and captain Eoin ֫ morgan pressel who was six morgan retiring hurt after being hit on the head months older than Ko when by a bouncer from Australia’s mitchell Starc in the she won the 2007 Kraft seventh over. Fielders rushed to help morgan after Great Britain and Nabisco Championship. he was struck on the back of the head, with Starc “to finish with two birdies doesn’t happen often. It’s visibly shaken by the incident. definitely one of the top With England winning the toss and opting to Ireland supreme rounds of my whole life,” bat, Australia’s bowlers let rip and seized crucial said Ko. early wickets, reducing the hosts to 22 for three NGLISHmAN Jimmy mullen britain and Ireland. It was the lowest final and later 72 for six before wrapping up the helped lead Great britain and meanwhile, belgian thomas round by a winner of a England innings in only 33 overs. women’s major, surpassing Ireland to a comfortable victory pieters won the Dutch Open after mitchell marsh was the pick of Aussie bowlers E the 64 Karen Stupples carded over the United States as they England’s Lee Slattery bogeyed the when triumphing at the ’04 with figures for four for 27, outshining the much regained the Walker Cup at royal final hole with a play-off looming. british Open. quicker Starc and pat Cummins.ers. Lytham. the 21-year-old became Slattery had been chasing back- In reply, Australia, with the help of Aaron Finch the first player to post a perfect 4-0 to-back European tour victories 70 not out in a 109-run unbroken partnership with record at the event since paul Casey following the recent russian Open George bailey, cruised to victory with more than after a seven-under-par 63 in the half their overs to spare. third round left him sharing the Australia got their hands on some sort of trophy THOMAS PIETERS WON overnight lead with Spain’s rafa on this tour, but not the one they most wanted. THE DUTCH OPEN AFTER Cabrera-bello. ENGLAND’S LEE SLATTERY Instead it was pieters who BOGEYED THE FINAL HOLE. took a back-to-back tour win, following up his Czech and Luke Donald in 1999 at Nairn. masters the home side were in a strong victory last position after the foursomes as they month. carried a 10-6 lead into the singles Elsewhere, Lee Kyung-Hoon and they finished the job by taking shot a final round five-under-par the necessary three-and-a-half 66 to win the 58th Korea Open by points during the first four matches. four strokes. Leading by two at the ŠšAustralian captain Steve Smith Victories by Ashley Chesters, start of the last day, Lee finished holds the trophy Cormac Sharvin, mullen and a half the tournament at 13-under-par to as he celebrates with team-mates from paul Dunne sealed a fifth win capture his first national title and Lydia Joe burns, left, and

in six competitions on home soil for first on the OneAsia tour. K0 Aaron Finch. Brown Reuters/Philip 32 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

PEOPLE

World No.3 Maria Sharapova Badou Jack earned a split Hull City lifted the suspension of will compete in her eighth WtA decision win over George Groves midfielderJake Livermore, who Finals, to be held in Singapore to defend his WbC super tested positive for cocaine in April, from October 23 to November 1. middleweight boxing title. after an FA commission ruled the 28-year-old russian tennis While two judges scored there were ‘specific and unique’ player, who missed the US the tie in the US-based circumstances relating to the Open due to an injury, had Swede’s favour (115-112 death of his baby son. won the season-ending and 116-111), the third went the 25-year-old tournament on her debut with Groves (114-113). Jack footballer, who in ’04 and reached the improved his record to donned the England final in ’07 and ’12. 20-1-1 as the Englishman fell to cap once, had faced his third defeat in 25 fights. a two-year ban.

Former tennis star James World record holder big wave Newly-appointed Australian Blake was detained by New surfer Shawn Dollar was rushed test vice-captain David York police, handcuffed and to hospital with a broken neck Warner has been ruled out thrown to the floor in a case after a surfing accident in of the tour of bangladesh in of mistaken identity. Former California. In a statement posted October due to a fractured world No.4 blake, 35, was on the titans of mavericks thumb, Cricket Australia said. apprehended by five police surfing contest’s Facebook page, He suffered the injury during officers in connection with an Dollar was said to be in stable the team’s ODI series against investigation into the theft of condition after breaking his England. While surgery is not mobile phones. He suffered neck in four places required, he will not be fit in cuts to his leg and elbow. and suffering a time for bangladesh. concussion.

STAR OF THE WEEK STEVEN NAISMITH

tEVEN Naismith made the space afforded to him with a Everton’s stunning 3-1 left-foot shot into the bottom right Svictory over English premier corner of the net. the 28-year-old League champions Chelsea his raced on to an intelligent through own when he came off the bench ball from barkley and produced an early on and fired a brilliant adept finish from a tight angle past hat-trick at Goodison park last begovic to complete his hat-trick in week. the 82nd. Naismith, who came on as a Naismith’s only start this season ninth-minute substitute, scored came in the Capital One Cup at twice in the first half and capped a barnsley, but now it is difficult to fine individual display with a third see how, at least in the short term, late into the game to condemn coach roberto martinez can keep Chelsea to their third defeat in five him out. matches. “It would’ve been all too easy for the Scotland international made Steven not to be ready and not to an instant impact and put roberto be happy to not be in starting XI, martinez’s side in the lead in the but he gave us a real example of 17th with a well-crafted goal. the focus, concentration and the real forward deftly evaded John Obi standard of this dressing room,” mikel and Nemanja matic, slipped said martinez. the ball out wide to the impressive “Steven’s performance typified brendan Galloway, and then got in the effort and the character that between Zouma and terry to guide we’ve at Everton. to score a perfect a header past Asmir begovic. hat-trick against the current Everton’s determination to champions, I think that shows you capitalise on a spell of dominance a lot. was rewarded with a second “I think he’s the type of example goal and Naismith struck again that we want at Everton to the following neat build-up play younger players, to show them that involving ross barkley and romelu you need to be ready and you need Lukaku. to prepare yourself so that when Chelsea defender branislav you get your opportunity on the Ivanovic declined to close down pitch, you can take it. It was a real Naismith just outside the penalty joy to see Steven enjoying that sort area and the Scot responded to of performance,” he added. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 33

SPORT THIS WEEK

Undefeated American Jermall Charlo wrested the IbF junior QATAR middleweight title from WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 42-year-old Cornelius FOOTBALL bundrage, dethroning Qatar Stars League, Al Sadd vs Umm boxing’s oldest current Salal, 6pm, Al Sadd Stadium; Al champion with a dominating Wakrah vs Al Ahli, 8.15pm, Al Wakrah third-round stoppage in Stadium. Connecticut. Charlo, 25, knocked FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 MOTORSPORT his compatriot down four times Qatar Superbike and Qatar FOOTBALL Challenge, 4.15pm onwards at Losail before the bout was ended in the Qatar Stars League, Al Kharaitiyat vs International Circuit. third round. Al rayyan, 6pm, Al Khor Stadium; Al Gharafa vs Al mesaimeer, 6pm, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Al Gharafa Stadium; El Jaish vs Al FOOTBALL minnesota timberwolves’ Sailiya, 8.15pm, Lekhwiya Stadium. Qatar Stars League, Al Arabi vs AFC Under-16 Championship Al Khor, 6pm, Al Arabi Stadium, head coach and president Flip qualification, turkmenistan vs Saunders will take a leave of CUE SPORTS Lekhwiya vs Qatar SC, 8.15pm, tajikistan, 4pm and Iraq vs Qatar, Lekhwiya Stadium. absence from the NbA club as World 9-ball pool Championship, 7pm at Aspire Indoor Stadium. 2pm onwards at Al Arabi Sports Club MOTORSPORT he remains in hospital from (till Friday). complications related to his Qatar Superbike Championship, FOOTBALL 3.30pm onwards at Losail cancer treatments, the team AFC Under-16 Championship International Circuit. said. the 60-year-old, who qualifiers, Qatar vs turkmenistan, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 is being treated for Hodgkin’s 4pm and tajikistan vs Iraq, 7pm at lymphoma, is currently Aspire Indoor Stadium. FOOTBALL SHOOTING AFC Under-16 Championship undergoing treatment at a local qualification, Qatar vs tajikistan, 4pm hospital. Association Cup, 4.30pm onwards at and Iraq vs turkmenistan, 7pm at Losail Shooting range (till Saturday). Aspire Indoor Stadium. MOVERS&SHAKERS INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 FOOTBALL CYCLING Champions League group phase. World road-racing Championships Australian Haddin TENNIS in richmond (till September 27). WtA at Osaka, Quebec City (till SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Sunday). MOTORSPORT hangs up his gloves THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Singapore Formula One Grand prix. GOLF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 ENACIOUS Australian after performing below his usual EpGA at Italian Open, milan; USpGA TENNIS wicketkeeper and batsman high standards in the opening at bmW Championship (Lake Forest) (all till Sunday). Atp at metz and St petersburg; WtA Brad Haddin announced game and returned home last at tokyo, Seoul, Guangzhou (till T September 27). his retirement from international month for family reasons. cricket after a stellar career. Haddin played 66 tests, FOOTBALL Vice-captain of the but had to wait until he Europa League group phase. test team for much was 30 to win his first FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 of the last two years, test cap following the TENNIS the 37-year-old will retirement of Adam Davis Cup semifinals (till Sunday). continue to play Gilchrist. RUGBY twenty20 cricket for the Only three Australian World Cup in England (till October 31). Sydney Sixers. wicket-keepers played “I came to the realisation more tests than Haddin — after Lord’s,” Haddin said. Ian Healy (119), Adam Gilchrist (96) “I’ve had a privileged run, but I lost and rod marsh (96). the hunger on the Ashes tour. It was And his 270 dismissals as a an easy decision to retire,” he added. wicketkeeper sit behind only Haddin controversially lost his Gilchrist (416), Healy (395) and place on Australia’s England tour marsh (355) for Australia. Gayle signs up for PSL

HE West Indies’ former Committee Head Najam Sethi. captain Chris Gayle has the agency that manages Tagreed to play in the Gayle, one of the most valuable pakistan Super League twenty20 players, also (pSL), scheduled to be confirmed that he had held in Doha from signed the pre-draft February 4 to 24, 2016, agreement. officials confirmed. the inaugural edition “Names like Gayle are of pSL will feature five stars who attract fans. franchisee-based teams. they add huge commercial Gayle’s compatriots value to the tournament and Darren Sammy and Sunil are also a great source Narine along with former England of inspiration for our budding batsman Owais Shah are also players,” said pCb Executive expected to be part of the pSL. 34 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 35

the pair of shoes worn by roger bannister when the briton ran Bannister’s the first sub-four minute mile in 1954 were sold by auctioneers Christie’s for £266,500 last week. the black kangaroo leather shoes sold for shoes, with six spikes on each sole, were accompanied by a letter MOSAIC £266,500 of provenance signed by bannister, 86, who was selling them to benefit charitable causes. Expected to fetch between £30,000-50,000, they were bought by an anonymous bidder.

HEALTH CAMEO Yet another reason Ferrari F1 team drives with Shell Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell announced an extension to quit smoking of its long-running sponsorship deal with the Ferrari Formula One motor racing team for another five EOpLE with type 2 diabetes who smoke have years. the partnership with the Italian team, dating significantly higher risks of heart disease, back to the 1930s, is the longest in the sport. Shell Pstroke and death than diabetic non-smokers, will become the ‘innovation partner’ of Ferrari. Shell a new study shows. continues to provide Ferrari with Shell V-power race they also had higher risks of clogged arteries, fuel and Shell Helix Ultra motor oil besides dedicating heart failure and reduced blood flow to the limbs. at least 21,000 man the risks were lower for diabetics who quit hours and 50 smoking, but still moderately higher than risks full-time technical among never smokers, the researchers wrote in the staff to the innovation journal Circulation. partnership. “We wanted to know whether smoking was related to total mortality and cardiovascular events Cash prizes make among diabetics and whether smoking cessation kids eat more one of five DFb official partners, would reduce the risks,” said lead author An pan, Nickel ties up with the sponsorship tier beneath the a professor at the Huazhong University of Science fruits, veggies six premium partners (bitburger, and technology in China. Russian football Coca-Cola, Commerzbank, Want kids to eat more fruits According to the Centers for Disease Control and Deutsche telekom, Deustche post and vegetables? Show them the the russian Football Union and SAp). CHARITY prevention, smoking can worsen the health risks money, a US study suggests. confirmed a new sponsorship that go along with diabetes, such as heart and researchers conducted agreement with mining giant kidney disease, nerve damage and blindness. an experiment in six Utah Norlisk Nickel. the deal will see Paris Saint-Germain pan’s team pooled the data from 89 earlier elementary schools, offering the company become a partner of the governing body and the studies of smoking among adults with type 2 some kids cash and others praise for eating these healthy russian national football team. diabetes and found that diabetic smokers were to refugees’ aid LIFESTYLE foods, while a third group around 1.5 times more likely to experience clogged of children got no incentives rENCH champions paris Saint-Germain will arteries, stroke, overall heart disease and heart at all. Fruit and vegetable donate €1m to two associations, through their failure. consumption was significantly Alibaba boost for Ffoundation, to help the influx of refugees across higher in the group of students Europe, the club announced last week. who got cash rewards. sports industry “the foundation will commit to long-term Cash prizes may have helped convince kids overcome their assistance alongside the French popular Make Chinese online giant Alibaba fear of trying new things, said set up a new company to focus relief and UNHCr with the goal of study co-author Greg madden, on professional sports. the creating solidarity projects in France your own a psychology professor at the McDonald’s backs Alibaba Sports Group aims to and internationally,” pSG said. Utah State University in Logan. “transform the China sports this followed a series of “the rewards can be used German football industry” and “bring greater and donations and projects put into place to encourage children to better products and services to the German by top clubs such as real madrid, AS repeatedly try fruits and consumers, sports participants vegetables, and there’s some football and fans alike,” said Alibaba CEO roma and bayern munich after the arrival evidence to suggest that federation Daniel Zhang, who will also be of thousands of refugees into Europe. repeatedly tasting novel foods (DFb) chairman of the new company. Following roma’s gesture to donate €575,000, Pact!HE pUmA pact has been tools and motivation they need announced increases their acceptability,” Alibaba’s partners in the venture the European Clubs Association announced a plan launched in the middle in their commitment to make said madden. an extension include founder Jack ma’s involving teams playing in the Champions League and East as part of its global themselves faster, stronger and the study included 882 to its Yunfeng Capital and Internet T sponsorship with fast food giant Europa League. Forever Faster campaign, fiercer. students offered prizes for company Sina as well as news mcDonald’s. the deal, that started which has a dedicated focus on Globally, pUmA is working with eating more fruits and veggies, and sports websites. 640 children who were praised in 2003, includes the opportunity training. a group of elite ambassadors — by teachers for doing this and for children to escort the German — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment PARTNERSHIP Asking the question “What’re the world’s fastest man Usain a third group of 770 kids who national team players on to the www.csm.com you training for?”, pUmA is bolt, multi-platinum recording did not get any recognition at all pitch at games. mcDonald’s is @FastTrack_ME challenging individuals and artist rihanna, English football based on their food choices. adidas in deal with teams to put more energy into club Arsenal and manchester training and more positivity into City’s star striker Sergio Aguero Spanish federation sport. — leading and inspiring TECHNOLOGY pUmA’s take on training is consumers to train harder like ErmAN sportswear and equipment that it is not an end goal, but a them, #NomatterWhat. manufacturer adidas will continue its means to a more positive self regionally, pUmA middle Revolutionising TV viewing! Gsponsorship of the Spanish football and a stronger game. the more East is working with key federation (rFEF) until 2026. energy you put in, the more you training, fitness and nutritional ppLE last week revealed technology giant gave Apple tV a the iphone maker has already Under the terms of the get back. ambassadors offering a sneak a glimpse of its plans to makeover, complete with a changed tV viewing, making it agreement, which had originally pUmA pact is a consumer peek into the training regimens Aconquer the living room full-fledged App Store. easier to watch shows almost been scheduled to run until ’18, engagement platform available that these individuals undergo which, analysts say, the tech but as it zeroes in on the living anywhere. the Apple tV will have adidas will continue to supply through the pUmAtrAC app that to make sure they are on giant has neglected as its other room, the company will face fierce a special focus on games, aiming kits and apparel to all rFEF teams, was recently updated to track top of their game, capturing gadgets strengthen their hold on competition from firms such as to win over casual players as the including the Spanish national and measure a host of training their motivations and tactics consumers. Amazon and roku, whose products iphone has. team. activities shareable through to constantly improve and At a San Francisco offer many of the Apple tV’s Apple tV will run the same “adidas is the global leader in football and Spain social media. the pact drives the elevate every game they play event where it also features at lower price. operating system as the ipad is one of the strongest teams in the world which brand’s rally cry, #NomatterWhat, with energy, excellence and rolled out new the new Apple set-top boxes and iphone, making it easy for makes this partnership a perfect fit,” said the firm’s and guides consumers with the enthusiasm. iphones and a go on sale at the end of October developers to bring their games to chief executive Herbert Hainer. larger ipad, the starting at $149. the device. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 35

the pair of shoes worn by roger bannister when the briton ran Bannister’s the first sub-four minute mile in 1954 were sold by auctioneers Christie’s for £266,500 last week. the black kangaroo leather shoes sold for shoes, with six spikes on each sole, were accompanied by a letter £266,500 of provenance signed by bannister, 86, who was selling them to benefit charitable causes. Expected to fetch between £30,000-50,000, they were bought by an anonymous bidder.

CLOSE-UP

şşWinning smile! Italy’s Flavia pennetta reacts after beating compatriot roberta Vinci 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 in the US Open tennis final in New York.

ŠşMissed it! montpellier’s benoit paillaugue passes the ball to team-mates even as he is tackled by Stade Francais players during their French top 14 rugby Union match. montpellier won

44-20. Guyot AFP/Pascal Photo/Martin Paluszkiewicz Photo/Martin

ŢšPerfect potting! ššFiery Ford! ŢšFinding target! Germany’s thorsten Hohmann lines up a shot against Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah takes to the air in his Ford Fiesta Fuchse berlin’s robin tonnensen tries to score against Jordan’s Nizar mosbah during their World 9-ball pool during the WrC 2 race in Australia. the Qatari won by a mKm-mVm Veszprem during their IHF Super Globe Championship tie in Doha. Hohmann won 9-3. 13.5sec margin to extend his lead in the championship. handball final in Doha. Fuchse won 28-27 in over time.

REUTERS/Mike Segar REUTERS/Mike ŠşPower-packed! bosnia and Herzegovina’s Andrija Stipanovic, centre, is challenged by russia’s Semen Antonov during their Eurobasket group tie in montpellier. russia won 81-61. AFP/Pascal Guyot AFP/Pascal

ŠşTotal control Juventus’ paul pogba controls the ball during their Italian Serie A football match against visitors Chievo, which DSP/Mohan AFP/Marco Bertorello AFP/Marco DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod ended 1-1 in turin. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 37

şşWinning smile! Italy’s Flavia pennetta reacts after beating compatriot roberta Vinci 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 in the US Open tennis final in New York.

ŠşMissed it! montpellier’s benoit paillaugue passes the ball to team-mates even as he is tackled by Stade Francais players during their French top 14 rugby Union match. montpellier won

44-20. Guyot AFP/Pascal

ŠşTotal control Juventus’ paul pogba controls the ball during their Italian Serie A football match against visitors Chievo, which

ended 1-1 in turin. Bertorello AFP/Marco 38 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 39

5 6 3 2 3 1 It is your turn now. tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSp. 3 MIND 9 1 7SQUARE 8 Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE 3 7 9 8 1 2 8 5

P 4 | FOOTBALL P 37 | BOXING QAtAr KEEp WINNING COUNtDOWN bEGINS Qatar continue their winning spree by defeating The Qatar Boxing Federation marks 7 5 6 8 4 Hong Kong and top Group C in the second the 30-day countdown to the round of World Cup Asian Zone qualification. Amateur World Championships. SUDOKU-490 1 3 5

udoku3 is a number-placing 5 7 puzzle based on a 5 6 3 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 9, 2015 | Vol X | No.32 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on 9x9 grid with several given numbers. S the object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in 2 3 1 the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. 3 9 1 7 8 tArt Solution-489 HEAD S pAGES 8-25 Holders Lekhwiya enjoy a slight advantage even as Sadd, Jaish, Gharafa and 3 7 Rayyan all look capable of upsetting their applecart.

2 7 5 3 8 4 1 6 9 Q SL EW 2015-16 PREVI 3 9 1 7 6 5 4 2 8 9 8 1 2

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 32 | SWIMMING Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals P 24 | POSTER Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Trying hard to Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 XAVI & ZOLA 4 8 6 2 9 1 5 7 3 Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW bridge the gulf! 7 1 9 5 2 3 6 8 4 8 5 Mawater launched to 8 3 4 9 7 6 2 5 1 7 5 6 8 4 Hat-trick-seeking cops 5 6 2 1 4 8 9 3 7 need to fear Al Sadd held accident victims 9 5 3 6 1 7 8 4 2 In view of the growing number of road due to accidents. By taking the lead 1 3 5 Four-time Qatar Stars League champions Lekhwiya 1 4 7 8 5 2 3 9 6 accidents in Qatar, the Ministry of Youth in creating awareness of road safety are once again considered title favourites (Doha and Sport and Ministry of Interior have and carrying out rescue operations 6 2 8 4 3 9 7 1 5 3 5 7 Stadium Plus, September 9). jointly launched the Mawater project. voluntarily, we’re setting an example they had missed out on a hat-trick of league titles Mawater’s volunteering motorists will for others to follow,” Mawater general when Al Sadd won it in the 2012-13 season. rest reach the accident spot and help the co-ordinator Abdulla Al Hajri told a assured, the cops will try to ensure history doesn’t needy in addition to organising road- Press conference. repeat itself. but Sadd have a special player in Spanish safety awareness campaigns. Abdulla Al Hajri sent the details and “Each day, we’re losing many lives Mohan photographs. legend Xavi Hernandez and are capable of upsetting Lekhwiya’s applecart again. Fans are looking forward to some intense action on TOP TWEETS the field. Saad Al Dayyani, Doha. Saretsky, Lord emerge champions Michael Saretsky and John Lord won the Flight Piyushkumar Patel won the longest putt award A and Flight B category respectively in the ‘start and Jean-Dominique Lucas took the longest Fantastic QSL package of the season’ tournament held at the Doha drive honour while Jay Branch and Simon Novak Djokovic battled vintage Roger Federer the Qatar Stars League preview package in your Golf Club. Fifty two competitors were seen in Rowlands bagged the closest to rope and action in the event, organised by the Qatar Golf closest to pin prize respectively. and around 20,000 vocal fans at the Arthur Ashe weekly’s September 9 edition stood out for both its Lovers and played on a stroke play format. P K Mathew sent the details and photograph. 2 7Stadium 5 to emerge3 as triumphant8 4 in the1 US Open6 9 content and design. men’s final. From the start of the match, it was the team-by-team analysis was packed with quite obvious who the crowd favourite was. But 3 9the Serb1 persevered 7 to pull6 off a5 hard-earned 4 win2 8 information and very professionally done. over his more decorated Swiss opponent. It was I’m a Qatar resident since 1985 and have witnessed Djokovic’s third Grand Slam title of the season and firsthand the evolution of sports journalism in the 4 810th overall.6 While2 Twitter9 fans1 congratulated 5 7 3 country. Your team has clearly raised the bar. the winner wholeheartedly, Federer received an Mohan Menon, Doha. 7 1almost 9 equal amount5 of2 love. Here3 are some6 of 8the 4 reactions. Ever-widening gulf! Qatar Kerala football tourney from Thursday 8 3 4 9 7 6 2 5 1 the Gulf nations’ failure to produce swimmers The Qatar Indian Football Forum under the auspices of the Qatar it achieves our main goal, which of note, despite their close proximity to sea and (QIFF), an organisation which Football Association (QFA) and is to create a platform that allows Richard Deitsch reminded me of Karpov, so ESPN Stats & Info would raise blisters on cold promotes the sport among Indian to be played on Thursdays and different communities in Qatar abundant availability of resources, is baffling Doha( @richarddeitsch focused! 5@ES p6NStatsInfo 2 1 4hard steel8 ! beating9 the3 b est 7 expatriates, will organise the Fridays. The final will be at the to play football,” said QFA Acting I will not write off roger Novak Djokovic: 9th major of All time! Well played Stadium Plus, September 9). Ninth Qatar Kerala Inter-District Qatar Sports Club Stadium on Executive Director of Operations Federer until he says he’s Marion bartoli title in the last 5 years; more #Federer ...WHAt A CLASSIC! the interview with Arab Swimming Confederation Tournament from Thursday. November 13. Hamad Al Kuwari. done. @bartoli_marion 9than any5 other3 2 players6 1 7 8 4 2 chief taha Al Kishry was an eye-opener. I feel Arab Sixteen teams will vie for honours “We’re happy to support the QIFF K Aziz sent the details and massive congratulations @ combined over that span. Bruce Arthur nations should do a lot more to promote the sport. in the event, being organised in organising the tournament as photograph. Juan M. del Potro DjokerNole 4 his triumph @bruce_arthur If Doha is serious about hosting the Olympic @delpotrojuan but what a performance by 1Dave Zirin4 7 8 5I just love2 how3 much 9 6 Games, then it should urgently start developing a Awesome final @ @rogerfederer @usopen 2 @EdgeofSports Federer keeps getting his women’s team in the sport. DjokerNole @rogerfederer!! amazing champs. Djokovic does things I’ve heart broken, and trying CDC off to flying Congrats Nole on another 6never 2seen on8 a court. 4 3again. 9 7 1 5 Sunil Devdas, Doha. great run to win a Grand Mahesh Bhupathi Watching him at his best Slam title!! @maheshbhupathi always feels like a revelation. Pat Cash start, Hanan win Every damn time. @therealpatCash Bring home the stars! Amidst emotion, drama Construction Development Company (CDC) thrashed Congrats to #NovakDjokovic Aakash Chopra and the greatest player of It’s great to hear about the pakistan Cricket board’s Lovely Littles by 57 runs in the inaugural match of the Dan Wolken I keep underestimating this @cricketaakash all time, the break point decision to host its inaugural twenty20 League in annual Qatar Veterans’ Cricket League. Federer’s loss is discussed statistic only shows how @DanWolken guys toughness not only Doha (Doha Stadium Plus, September 9). CDC, who made first use of the wicket, posted a healthy Federer competing at this beat #Federer but 17,000 more than Djokovic’s Grand clutch and mentally tough 185 for eight in the allotted 20 overs. K Tharindu level nearing his 35th fans many v disrespectful. the pakistan Super League will help a lot in Slam victory...tells you about ND is.#usopen. top-scored for CDC with 36. In reply, Lovely Littles were birthday is borderline promoting the sport in Qatar. the huge pakistani the cult of Fedex #USOpen never in the hunt and were restricted to 128 for seven. miraculous. He’s just The Bad Doctor expatriate population in the country will ensure the #Legend. feDeris Hanan XI defeated Engineering Supplies by 61 runs and running into a monster in @doctoratlarge @3shoG10 Asian town Stadium is packed. Sarandeep B defeated MIC by eight wickets in other his prime. Just as in the movie, in real Garry Kasparov “Nothing is harder on With so many popular players expected to confirm action. Two matches were called off due to rain. life too, the Joker proving @Kasparov63 the soul, than the smell their participation, this could well be Doha’s big ticket CDC Business Development Manager Sanjiv Jain Federer was still kicking of dreams, while they’re Ray Hudson to be the biggest villain. to fame. Who knows, it may even become cricket’s inaugurated the tournament, which is into its 27th @rayHudson but a classy, stylish villain like a champ, but Djokovic evaporating #rogerfederer edition. with great killer instinct. #UsOpenFinal. #djokovic !!! His genius #UsOpenFinal. next Sharjah. Mansour Khan, Doha. Naveed Munir sent the details and photograph. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 16, 2015 39

It is your turn now. tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSp. Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE

Mawater launched to held accident victims

In view of the growing number of road due to accidents. By taking the lead accidents in Qatar, the Ministry of Youth in creating awareness of road safety and Sport and Ministry of Interior have and carrying out rescue operations jointly launched the Mawater project. voluntarily, we’re setting an example Mawater’s volunteering motorists will for others to follow,” Mawater general reach the accident spot and help the co-ordinator Abdulla Al Hajri told a needy in addition to organising road- Press conference. safety awareness campaigns. Abdulla Al Hajri sent the details and “Each day, we’re losing many lives Mohan photographs.

Saretsky, Lord emerge champions Michael Saretsky and John Lord won the Flight Piyushkumar Patel won the longest putt award A and Flight B category respectively in the ‘start and Jean-Dominique Lucas took the longest of the season’ tournament held at the Doha drive honour while Jay Branch and Simon Golf Club. Fifty two competitors were seen in Rowlands bagged the closest to rope and action in the event, organised by the Qatar Golf closest to pin prize respectively. Lovers and played on a stroke play format. P K Mathew sent the details and photograph.

Qatar Kerala football tourney from Thursday The Qatar Indian Football Forum under the auspices of the Qatar it achieves our main goal, which (QIFF), an organisation which Football Association (QFA) and is to create a platform that allows promotes the sport among Indian to be played on Thursdays and different communities in Qatar expatriates, will organise the Fridays. The final will be at the to play football,” said QFA Acting Ninth Qatar Kerala Inter-District Qatar Sports Club Stadium on Executive Director of Operations Tournament from Thursday. November 13. Hamad Al Kuwari. Sixteen teams will vie for honours “We’re happy to support the QIFF K Aziz sent the details and in the event, being organised in organising the tournament as photograph. CDC off to flying start, Hanan win Construction Development Company (CDC) thrashed Lovely Littles by 57 runs in the inaugural match of the annual Qatar Veterans’ Cricket League. CDC, who made first use of the wicket, posted a healthy 185 for eight in the allotted 20 overs. K Tharindu top-scored for CDC with 36. In reply, Lovely Littles were never in the hunt and were restricted to 128 for seven. Hanan XI defeated Engineering Supplies by 61 runs and Sarandeep B defeated MIC by eight wickets in other action. Two matches were called off due to rain. CDC Business Development Manager Sanjiv Jain inaugurated the tournament, which is into its 27th edition. Naveed Munir sent the details and photograph. WE WON’T LET YOU GET AWAY FROM THE GAME Catch every pulse of action... Stay tuned www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

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