FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 3 RRUGBYUGBY | Page 4 aim All Blacks ring to go top of table changes for with win over game against Al Sailiya Wales

Thursday, October 31, 2019 TENNIS Rabia I 3, 1441 AH Svitolina storms GULF TIMES into semis of WTA Finals SPORT Page 7 fi nish with 34 medals at GCC Women’s Games

Sara Masoud Some of the winners pose with sports off icials

Mariam Farid

The curtains came down on the sixth edition of the GCC Women’s Games, with Qatar winning a total of 34 medals, which included nine gold, 14 silver and 11 bronze medals. Qatar participated in eight of the 11 disciplines which formed part of the Games. In shooting, Qatar got 3 medals, including one gold, while in fencing they won five medals. Qatar also won the handball and basketball titles. Qatar won 8 medals in athletics events, including two gold, won by Rania al-Naji in the hammer throw and Basahir Obeid in triple jump. In table tennis, Qatar won five medals, including three silver and one bronze. In taekwondo, Qatar won four medals, including a gold for Amina Abdul Karim in the 53kg class. In the para games section, Qatar won seven medals, with Mona al-Saadi winning gold in discus and shot put, while Sarah Masoud had one gold.

HORSE RACING AJS Wathanan keeps Ghazali’s hold on features Champion trainer’s ward emerges victorious in the Al Ruwais Cup; son, Mohamed, saddles four winners yesterday

By Sports Reporter

assim Mohamed Ghazali kept his stranglehold on the features in the new season strong as the championJ trainer saddled his third Cup winner of the season when AJS Wathanan proved un- stoppable in the Al Ruwais Cup, yesterday’s Purebred Arabian Handicap feature on dirt, at Qa- tar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Anas al-Seyabi helmed the gelding to a dominant six-and- a-half-length victory in the 1,900m race, with Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani’s Fuwairat, ridden by Adnan Hawa, in second. Soufi ane Saadi rode Alban de Mieulle-trained Diese to the horse’s second straight third place fi nish this season. While the father won the fea- ture, son Mohamed saddled four winners yesterday. JP Guillambert rode two Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (centre) presents a memento Mohamed bin Bader bin Abdulla al-Sada Mohamed bin Bader bin Abdulla al-Sada (right) presents the owner’s of younger Ghazali’s Arabian (left) at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim trophy after Al Ghazali Stud’s AJS Wathanan won the Al Ruwais Cup. charges to their fi rst career vic- tories, with Khalifa bin Sheail Thoroughbred Handicap event ridden by Meteb Ali al-Marri, by: 4 ¼, 2 ½, 2 ¾. Time: 2:03.61. rique). Won by: 2 ¾, 2 ¼, 3. Time: al-Kuwari’s Wishah winning the for horses rated 70-90. was the mare’s fi rst in three years. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Mo- 1:14.42. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate Riding in the colours of Ab- hamed Jassim Ghazali. al-Kuwari. Trainer: Mohamed Jas- for fi llies and mares, and Injaaz dullah Hassan Ali Abdulmalik, RESULTS Race 4: 1. Warsaan (Abdulaziz sim Ghazali. Stud’s Ebaady topping the Pure- Curatolo guided the gelding to a Race 1: 1. Wishah (JP Guillam- Jaber Dharman), 2. Nautical Mile Race 7: 1. Technicolour (Ryan bred Arabian Maiden Plate event. one-and-a-half-length victory bert), 2. Alanoud (Saleh Salem al- (Saleh Salem al-Marri), 3. Moamar Curatolo), 2. Rich History (Faleh The al-Kuwari-Ghazali com- over Faleh Bughanaim-ridden Marri), 3. Hamiah (Ryan Curatolo), (Khalid Abdulaziz al-Kuwari), 4. El Bughanaim), 3. First to Post (Anas bine had two more winners on the Rich History in the nine furlong 4. Enfrad (Faleh Bughanaim). Patron (Faleh Bughanaim). Won al-Seyabi), 4. Perigee (JP Guillam- day. Abdulaziz Jaber Dharman run. Won by: 1 ½, 8 ¾, 7 ½. Time: 1:21.81. by: 11, 3, 2. Time: 1:49.75. Owner: bert). Won by: 1 ½, 6 ¾, 3 ½. Time: rode Warsaan to a spectacular 11 In the Thoroughbred maiden Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al- Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Train- 1:56.04. Owner: Abdullah Hassan length victory in a Qatari-riders- race, Curatolo helmed Ahmed Kuwari. Trainer: Mohamed Jassim er: Mohamed Jassim Ghazali. Ali Abdulmalik. Trainer: Deborah only race — the Thoroughbred Kobeissi-trained Ex Miss to Ghazali. Race 5: 1. Lolita Du Panjshir Mountain. Handicap for horses rated 75 and a dominant six-and-a-half- Race 2: 1. Ex Miss (Ryan Curatolo), (Eduardo Pedroza), 2. Nomas Al Race 8: 1. AJS Wathanan (Anas below, while champion jockey length victory. 2. Raheeb Almeydan (Soufiane Shajaa (Meteb Ali al-Marri), 3. al-Seyabi), 2. Fuwairat (Adnan Harry Bentley’s fi rst winner of Eduardo Pedroza led a one-two Saadi), 3. Verstappen (Harry Bent- Texas (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Stam Hawa), 3. Diese (Soufiane Saadi), the season was Qatar-bred Tilal for owner-cum-trainer Hassan ley), 4. Braemar (Anas al-Seyabi). Al Naif (Ryan Curatolo). Won by: 4. Aziz’nafs (Gary Sanchez). Won in the six-furlong Local Thor- al-Matwi when he helmed Lolita Won by: 6 ½, ¼, 3 ½. Time: 1:50.76. 5 ½, ¾, Shd. Time: 1:20.84. Owner: by: 6 ½, 5 ¼, 2 ½. Time: 2:16.53. oughbred Handicap sprint. Du Panjshir to a breezy victory in Owner: Hassan Ali al-Abdulmalik. Hassan al-Matwi. Trainer: Hassan Owner: Al Ghazali Stud. Trainer: In the penultimate race of the the Purebred Arabian Handicap Trainer: Ahmed Kobeissi. al-Matwi. Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. day, Ryan Curatolo rode his sec- for horses rated 75 and below. Race 3: 1. Ebaady (JP Guillam- Race 6: 1. Tilal (Harry Bentley), ond winner of the day with De- The victory, where she fi nished bert), 2. Enjazaat (Faleh Bugha- 2. Admiral (Anas al-Seyabi), 3. Anas al-Seyabi rides AJS borah Mountain-trained Techni- more than fi ve lengths ahead of naim), 3. Jalal (Harry Bentley), 4. Dhergham Bu Thaila (Ryan Cu- Wathanan to Al Ruwais Cup win colour picking up a fi ne win in the stablemate Nomas Al Shajaa, Splasch (Anas al-Seyabi). Won ratolo), 4. Al Hadah (Carlos Hen- at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, October 31, 2019

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS England wary of World Cup backlash from NZ Protests over ban on

AFP “What happened at Lord’s is tournament as a launching pad Selector Ed Smith has con- Bangladesh’s Shakib , New Zealand going to be quite tough for those for their T20 World Cup prepa- fi rmed the England hierarchy guys, and there will be a fi re in rations, resting key players in will be watching Bairstow close- AFP their belly and a hunger to put the hope of building depth in ly with a view to eventually re- Dhaka, Bangladesh ngland wicketkeep- things right,” he said. their squad. turning him to the Test arena. er-batsman Jonny However, New Zealand have Proven performers Jason Bairstow believes New played down talk of payback, in- Roy, Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Ben SQUADS undreds of support- Zealand will be intent on sisting their focus is on building Stokes and Moeen Ali have New Zealand: Tim Southee ers of Bangladesh’s exactingE World Cup revenge in momentum for the T20 World been rested after a draining cricket Shakib (capt), Trent Boult (games 4 and the series that begins Cup being held in Australia in spell that included the one-day 5), Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Al Hasan protested in Christchurch tomorrow. October-November next year. World Cup and the Ashes Test Hyesterday after he was banned Ferguson (games 1-3), Martin The Black Caps suff ered the “We obviously have a lot of series against Australia. Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl for two years by the sport’s gov- cruellest of defeats in the fi nal T20 cricket on the horizon ahead Instead, the likes of Tom Mitchell, Colin Munro, Jimmy erning body for not declaring at- of the one-day showpiece, when of next year’s World Cup and a T20 World Cup preparation for Banton, Lewis Gregory, Pat Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim tempts to bribe him. the scores were tied after a Super tough fi ve-game series against the Black Caps, who are ranked Brown, Saqib Mahmood and Seifert, Ish Sodhi, , The ban on the 32-year-old Over but England won because England should be a great start six in the shortest form of the Matt Parkinson have been Blair Tickner. superstar was announced Tues- they had hit more boundaries. to the summer,” coach Gary game, four places below Eng- asked to step up and challenge England: Eoin Morgan (capt), day by the International Cricket Cricket chiefs have since Stead said. land. for a place at next year’s tour- Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Council (ICC), which suspended scrapped the obscure tie-breaker Paceman Tim Southee will They will play T20 series nament. Sam Billings, Pat Brown, Sam one year of the punishment after rule but Bairstow said the New lead New Zealand in the fi ve- against England, Australia, In- Bairstow will also have a point Curran, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Shakib “accepted three charges Zealanders would still be seeth- match T20 series, with regular dia, the West Indies, Bangladesh to prove after being left out Lewis Gregory, Chris Jordan, of breaching the ICC Anti-Cor- ing at the result and out to prove a captain Kane Williamson side- and Ireland before the World of the squad for the two Tests Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, ruption Code”. point in their fi rst meeting against lined by a hip injury. Cup. against New Zealand that will Matt Parkinson, Adil Rashid, Shakib made a public appeal for England since the decider. It begins an intense year of England are also using the follow the T20s. James Vince. support after being banned, un- leashing a fl ood of angry anti-ICC social media posts from his fans. over the years, I hope they, the REPORT Police said about 700 people fans, Bangladesh Cricket Board, took to the streets in Shakib’s the government, the journalists hometown of Magura, demand- will continue to support me in ing the ICC revoke the ban which my bad and good time,” Shakib came on the eve of Bangladesh’s told reporters after the ban was departure for a tour of India. announced. “The protesters shouted slo- “I am hopeful I will come back gans and marched along a high- to cricket soon. I will be stronger way. They also formed a human and will perform my responsibili- Warner and Smith chain as part of their action ties with more sincerity,” he said. against the ICC decision,” said Shakib, who has played 56 Tests, Saiful Islam, police chief in the 206 ODIs and 76 Twenty20 inter- western town. nationals, is Bangladesh’s biggest Protesters carried placards sporting hero and has regularly saying that Shakib was the vic- topped the ICC rankings for all- tim of a “conspiracy”. Smaller rounders since 2009. protests were held in the capital After the ban, Shakib stepped on fi re as Australia Dhaka, police said. down from the MCC World The Test and T20 captain ac- Cricket committee, which said it cepted charges that he had failed was “sorry” to lose him but sup- to disclose details of approaches ported his resignation, which made over a tri-nation series be- was “the right decision”. tween Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh’s new Twenty20 Zimbabwe in 2018 as well as the captain Mahmudullah said he 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL). had full sympathy for Shakib. thump Sri Lanka Shakib will be eligible to re- “We all are sad for him because turn from October 29 next year we know how important a player but he is ruled out of the T20 he is for the team,” Mahmudullah Half centuries by the two batsmen set up a nine win in second Twenty20 World Cup in Australia which said before leaving for India for starts October 8. the tour. Maybe he made a mis- AFP take. But he did not commit any Brisbane, Australia SHAKIB VOWS TO COME BACK crime. We still support Shakib. STRONGER We will continue to love him the “Those who have supported me way we used to,” he said. avid Warner and Steve Smith each smashed half-centuries as Aus- UPDATE tralia hammered Sri LankaD by nine to win the second Twenty20 in Bris- bane yesterday and wrap up the Scotland crush UAE series. It was another massive wake- up call for the Sri Lankans, to secure T20 World who arrived in Australia on the back of a 3-0 series win against Pakistan but have now been Cup ticket outplayed twice, after being crushed by 134 runs in Adelaide AFP Hosts UAE, whose squad had on Sunday. Dubai, United Arab Emirates been diminished by the suspen- They must now regroup for sion of four players after cor- the third and fi nal match in Mel- ruption investigations, only bourne tomorrow. cotland thrashed United narrowly missed an automatic Warner and Smith came to- Arab Emirates by 90 runs World Cup berth when they fi n- gether after Aaron Finch was yesterday in Dubai to ished third in their group on net caught down the leg side off Lasi- book a place in next year’s run rate. th Malinga for a golden duck, and T20S World Cup tournament. “We turned up when we were the pair produced a mas- Opener George Munsey belted pushed into a corner,” said cap- terclass. Warner was unbeaten on 65 as Scotland made 198 in their tain Ahmed Raza 60 and Smith 53. innings. Scotland won the toss, bat- Chasing 118 to win after Sri In reply, UAE were all out for ted first and quickly went on Lanka were restricted to 117 all out 108, with nine balls left, after 18.3 the attack. Skipper Kyle Co- off 19 overs, they reached their overs as Mark Watt and Safyaan etzer hit two fours in the sec- target with 42 balls to spare. Sharif each took three wickets. ond over. Munsey struck two “The bowlers did a terrifi c Scotland joined Namibia, reverse sweep sixes and a four job, we bowled in the right ar- Australia’s David Warner (left) speaks with Steve Smith after the victory in the Twenty20 match against Sri Lanka in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) Netherlands, Papua New Guinea in the third. eas and created chances and and Ireland, who had already By the time Coetzer was out restricted them to 117, which and Warner raced each other to “We didn’t get the score we laka, who called for a run after ka went for just one, feathering booked their places but are still for 34 in the 12th over, Scotland wasn’t enough on this wicket,” see who could make 50 fi rst. expected and the batsmen will hitting the ball then didn’t move. a catch to wicketkeeper Alex competing for the winner’s tro- were on 87. The assault contin- said Smith. The explosive Warner won the have to be more responsible. He attempted to make amends Carey off Stanlake. phy in UAE. ued as the new batsman, Michael “It’s nice and easy batting at battle, with his 14th T20 half- Shot selection is not that great by opening his bat, clubbing a It left them in deep trouble at The 14-nation tournament de- Leask smashed a six off the sec- the other end from Davy,” he coming off 30 balls, and we didn’t get any partner- huge six off Stanlake, before his 75 for six after 11.2 overs and the cides which six nations complete ond ball he faced. added. “He’s doing a terrifi c job. with seven fours. Smith soon ships in the middle overs.” luck ran out and he was clean- wickets kept tumbling as Aus- the 16-team fi eld for the World Munsey made 65, hitting fi ve Played beautifully the other day followed, grabbing his third 50, Two wickets from the tower- bowled by the lanky paceman tralia tightened the screws. Cup in Australia from October 18 of Scotland’s nine sixes. and backed it up tonight as well.” off 32 balls, with six boundaries. ing Billy Stanlake, in for Mitch- for 21. After Sri Lanka in Melbourne, to November 15 next year. “It’s always nice to score runs Warner scored his fi rst-ever There was nothing the Sri ell Starc who was attending his Spinner Agar then enticed Australia face Pakistan in three The fi nal spot was being de- for the boys as a collective bat- T20 century when Australia Lankan bowlers could do against brother’s wedding, and a brace rising star Avishka Fernando T20s in , Canberra and cided between Hong Kong and ting unit I thought we were bril- crushed Sri Lanka on Sunday, such quality batsmen, who were each for Ashton Agar, Adam into a big hit when on 17 and he . Oman in Dubai later. liant,” Munsey said. and he brought that scintillating never troubled. Zampa and Pat Cummins kept skied it straight to Cummins, Scotland had struggled in group UAE lost their fi rst wicket with form into Brisbane. Sri Lanka in check after they who took a diffi cult catch. BRIEF SCORES: Sri Lanka 117 play and fi nished only fourth in the score on four in the fi rst over. In his fi rst knock in the short MORE RESPONSIBLE won the toss and batted. When Niroshan Dickwella fell (Kusal Perera 27; Zampa 2-20, their seven-team group. Their best hope went in the format at international level “It’s a tough side and I think Australia got an early break- to Cummins for fi ve, Sri Lanka Stanlake 2-23) lose to Aus- “Not gone our way on this trip eighth over when top scorer Ram- since 2016, Smith was also fi r- with this kind of batting line-up through in the second over when began to crumble. tralia 118 for 1 (Warner 60 not but nice to get over the line in the eez Shazhad went for a brisk 34 ing — producing some glorious our score wasn’t enough,” said Kusal Mendis was run out after a Kusal Perera chopped onto his out, Smith 53 not out) by nine must-win game,” said ‘man of in the ninth over, bowled by Mark drives and clever singles as he Sri Lanka skipper Malinga. mix-up with Danushka Gunathi- stumps on 27 and Dasun Shana- wickets the match’ Munsey. Watt and caught by Munsey.

England appoint without a coach after Silver- career with an average of 39.84 runs cricket technical staff within the cricket Langer’s staff after helping Victoria South Africa suspend wood was promoted to head coach’s and a top score of 156 not out. Eng- aff airs department”, said a Zimbabwe to a sweep of domestic titles in first Gough as role earlier this month. land’s women’s team are the reigning Cricket (ZC) statement yesterday. class and one-day cricket. McDon- three top offi cials consultant 50-overs world champions and Keight- The decision to appoint a Director of ald, who played four Tests against Australian Keightley ley would be expected to mastermind Cricket was made at a ZC board meet- South Africa in 2009 and carved out Cricket South Africa said yesterday it had a triumphant campaign in next year’s ing in August as the country battled a successful first class career for placed three top off icials on “precaution- Former seamer Darren Gough has is England women’s Twenty20 World Cup in Australia. with financial challenges, a brief inter- Victoria, also coached the Melbourne ary suspension”. No names were given been appointed as England’s fast bowl- team head coach national suspension for government Renegades to the domestic T20 but South African media reported that ing consultant for the warm-up period Masakadza handed interference and poor performances championship in the “Big Bash” tour- they included Corrie van Zyl, the interim leading into November’s two-Test tour England named Australian Lisa Keight- on the pitch. Former batting all-rounder nament. “Andrew complements our director of cricket, who was seen as a of New Zealand, the country’s cricket ley, the first woman to score a century Zimbabwe’s Director Masakadza played 313 matches across coaching panel perfectly,” Langer front-runner for the full-time role which board (ECB) said yesterday. Gough at Lord’s, as the first full-time female of Cricket role all three formats for Zimbabwe and said of the 38-year-old, whose first holds responsibility for the national team. claimed 229 wickets in 58 Tests for head coach of their women’s cricket retired last month after 18 years on the major coaching job was at English The suspensions came less than two England between 1994 and 2003. “I’m team yesterday. The 48-year-old Zimbabwe have appointed recently international circuit. county side Leicestershire. “I have months before South Africa host England delighted to have Darren on board,” Western Australia and Perth Scorchers retired former national team captain no doubt his all-round knowledge in a four-Test series, with the positions of England head coach Chris Silverwood coach will take over in January from Hamilton Masakadza as their new McDonald appointed and man management skills will be director of cricket and team director yet said in a statement. “I have known him interim coach Alistair Maiden, who Director of Cricket, a new all-powerful a positive addition to our team.” The to be filled. CSA said suspensions were a long time and his vast knowledge was put in charge after Mark Robinson role aimed at improving the way the Australia assistant in-demand McDonald announced a related to a dispute over unpaid fees and experience at international level left in August. Keightley, who was a organisation develops the game on coach three-year deal last week to coach to players following the Mzansi Super will drive our bowling unit forward top-order batsman and occasional and off the pitch. Masakadza will take Indian Premier League side Rajas- League T20 tournament last year. The leading into the two-match Test series. bowler, played nine Tests and 82 up the position on November 1 and will Former Test all-rounder Andrew Mc- than Royals and is also head coach of other off icials reportedly suspended are He will be excellent around the group one-day internationals for Australia be “accountable for the recruitment, Donald has been appointed an assist- Birmingham Phoenix for the inaugu- COO Naasei Appiah and sponsorship and will settle in quickly.” England are from 1995 to 2005. She ended her ODI management and interaction of senior ant coach of Australia, joining Justin ral season of the Hundred. head Clive Eksteen. Gulf Times Thursday, October 31, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE SERIE A Inter hang on for win at Brescia aft er Rayyan aim to go Lukaku strike

Reuters strange.” Inter took early control and went ahead after 23 minutes. Martinez tried his luck from 25 stunning strike by metres, the ball hit Cistana’s top of table with Romelu Lukaku gave outstretched leg and looped over Inter Milan a 2-1 win helpless debutant goalkeeper En- at Brescia on Tuesday rico Alfonso who was stranded. althoughA they had to cling on for Inter midfi elder Roberto three points in the face of heavy Gagliardini was lucky not to be pressure from the promoted side. sent off when tempers flared at The win took Inter back to the end of the fi rst half, escaping the top of Serie A, at least for 24 with a yellow card despite push- win over Sailiya hours until Juventus, who are ing an opponent’s head with his two points behind, host Genoa hand. Brescia, who are 18th in the ‘WE HAVE PREPARED THE TEAM TO BE AT THE TOP LEVEL’ on Wednesday. Inter also main- 20-team table with seven points, tained a 100% away record with were far more aggressive after the By Sports Reporter Brahimi. “There is no specifi c fi ve wins out of fi ve. Inter went break and the complexion of the Doha problem in our squad. We have ahead midway through the fi rst game changed completed. put up some strong perform- half with a fortuitous goal from Home striker Mario Balotelli, ances, like the match against Al Lautaro Martinez, whose shot facing his old club, had a low shot uoyed by their win over which we did not deserve defl ected off defender Andrea turned around the post by Samir Al Arabi, Al Rayyan will to lose,” said Farikha. Cistana, before Lukaku score Handanovic and the Slovenian aim to go top of the ta- In another match today, Al with a stinging drive just past the goalkeeper also did well to block ble when they clash Shahania will take on Qatar hour mark. Alfredo Donnarumma’s close withB Al Sailiya in week 9 of the Sports Club. Milan Skriniar’s own goal in range eff ort. But, in a rare break QNB Stars League today. “Our preparations for this the 76th minute brought a feisty upfi eld, Inter snatched a second The Lions have 18 points from game was normal. Our goal is Brescia right back into the game in the 63rd minute as Lukaku eight matches so far and can to win, we are on the right track and ensured a nervy fi nale for the collected the ball near the touch- overtake Al Duhail (20) at least and we started to win points. visitors. line, cut inside and blasted a shot for a couple of days if they are Our main weapon is confi - “We got the three points and into the net from 25 metres, the able to put it across Al Sailiya. dence,” said Al Shahania coach I’m not interested in anything Belgian’s seventh league goal of “Al Sailiya will be diffi cult op- Jos Murcia else,” said Inter coach Antonio season. ponents, but we will play to win “Our performance in the last Conte, who complained about a Balotelli saw a close-range and continue our winning ways. three matches (three draws) was crowded fi xture list. “Sometimes header blocked by Handanovic We have prepared the team to be satisfying. This gives us extra you just have to win while suf- and then blasted the rebound at the top level,” said Al Rayyan confi dence. But we must con- fering. This terrible sequence of over before Brescia fi nally got coach . tinue to work hard and trust in matches continues,” he added. their goal when Dimitri Bisoli’s “We are proud to have beaten our ability to achieve victories. “We will play seven times in 20 shot was saved by Handanovic Al Arabi in front of more than Qatar SC coach days, and I’ve never seen that but ricocheted straight off Skrin- 10,000 fans in the last round. was of the opinion that it would with any other team. It’s very iar and into the net. That gives us extra motivation be a tough match. to keep winning,” he added. “This game is important for Overshadowed by Al Sadd and both Qatar SC and Al Shahania. Al Duhail over the past three Al Rayyan players celebrate their victory over I consider this match as one of years, Al Rayyan have made Al Arabi in the QNB Stars League last week. the most diffi cult. an impressive start this sea- “They have an intelligent son where they are yet to lose a coach who can lift the perform- match, having won fi ve so far Al Rayyan player Gabriel season. I could score an impor- ing off victories, while Al Sailiya ance of the team. We will try to and drawn three. Mercado added, “Our goal is to tant goal against Al Arabi, but in are coming from a draw against take advantage of the situation Asked if his team hoped to continue to do well, so we can the end I am not a hero because Al Shahania. We tried to beat as we play at home for the fi rst benefi t from the outcome of compete for the top position. Al the most important factor is the Al Shahania and get the three time this season. Saturday’s match between Al Sailiya drawing against Al Sha- team. As a professional player, points, but we were not success- “We have put behind our (big) Duhail and Al Sadd, Aguirre said hania in the last round will not thinking as an individual is not ful. We hope we will succeed victory over in the his focus was on today’s match. make us go easy against them. good for me.” against Al Rayyan. previous round and are now fo- “My focus is more on Al Saili- They have brought out strong Al Sailiya assistant coach “Although we lost some cusing on Al Shahania. ya match. We will not benefi t performances against teams Amine Farikha also said his team points, the team’s performance “We have a good group of from the positive results we got such as Al Sadd and Al Duhail. are confi dent. is improving after every game. players. The same group that Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku bows as he celebrates scoring their against Al Sadd and Al Duhail, if “The game will be diffi cult. “This is an important game As I said, Al Rayyan are having played against Umm Salal is go- second goal on Tuesday night. we do not beat Al Sailiya,” said We remember that Al Rayyan for us. Al Rayyan are currently their best time. They have many ing to face Al Shahania. The only Aguirre. suff ered against Al Sailiya last doing very well and are com- star players, especially Yacine addition will be Ahmed Moein. German fedn ‘dismayed’ over referee attacks SPOTLIGHT Berlin: The German football games in protest at the prob- federation said yesterday that lem. The DFB said that 80,000 was “dismayed and shocked” by matches are played under its Qatar Sustainability Summit honours QFA, QSL a spate of attacks on referees as auspices each week and that all one match off icial recovered in 80,000 have referees. hospital after a vicious assault. “The formula is simple: no foot- he Qatar Sustainabil- environmental conservation in tainability Summit, which has “We are dismayed, shocked and ball without referees,” said the ity Summit honoured Qatar, the region and world- great importance in the Qatar struck by the level of violence, letter. One club in the German the Qatar Football As- wide. National Vision 2030, and Dr rudeness and attacks against capital, Friedenauer TSC, took sociation (QFA) and The summit reviewed the Yousef. “We believe in the im- our referees in the amateur the unusual step of announcing TQatar Stars League (QSL) for signifi cant development that portance of sustainability and game,” the federation wrote it would be hiring a bodyguard their roles in promoting activ- Qatar has witnessed in the ar- its role. At QSL, we’ll have fu- in an open letter of support to to ensure the safety of referees ities to combat climate change eas of sustainability and envi- ture initiatives in collaboration referees which it said it sent to at their games. and encouraging green as well ronmental protection, in line with GORD to build sustaina- all its 24,544 clubs. The DFB’s “The increase in violence, in as sustainable initiatives. with the pillars of Qatar Na- bility in the sport,” said Ballan. cry of alarm comes after the particular against figures in The summit was held on tional Vision 2030. The summit featured panel referee in charge of a local authority, is a problem that 27th and 28th October, 2019, Hani Taleb Ballan, Board discussions on various sus- Frankfurt game on Sunday touches all of society,” the DFB at the St Regis Hotel, with the Member of the QFA and CEO tainability and green build- was knocked unconscious by a wrote in its letter. participation of a number of of QSL, received the honor- ing issues, and provided an player he had just sent off . “That in no way means that we offi cials, experts and those in- ary shield from Dr Yousef bin international and regional The off icial was helicoptered turn our backs and leave the terested in sustainability of the Mohamed al-Hor, Chairman perspective related to climate to hospital, where he remains responsibility to politicians.” environment, namely interna- of the Gulf Organisation for change challenges and solu- three days later. The federation appealed to tional agencies, research insti- Research and Development tions for a low-carbon future, This attack followed a weekend police and prosecutors to be tutions, government agencies (GORD). and networking opportunities Hani Ballan (L), Board Member of the QFA and CEO of QSL, receiving the strike this month by referees more diligent when investigat- and other organisations asso- On his part, Ballan thanked for professionals and decision- honorary shield from Dr Yousef bin Mohamed al-Hor, Chairman of the in Berlin in charge of amateur ing these attacks. ciated with climate change and all sponsors of the Qatar Sus- makers. Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD).

BOTTOMLINE Messi fi t and fi ring as Barca rout Valladolid

AFP the result never felt in doubt as victory Giant yellow banners with ‘Inde- and for a moment stopped dead in frus- Madrid, Spain sent Barcelona back to the top of La pendencia’ and ‘Llibertat’ written tration. Then it was Guardiola’s turn, Barcelona’s Lionel Liga, after Atletico Madrid were held to across them were unfurled before kick- only this time the nutmeg doubled up Messi celebrates a 1-1 draw by Alaves a couple of hours off but there was no sign of unrest. In- as a pass. ionel Messi made it clear he is fi t scoring their third goal before. stead, the mood turned celebratory as After half-time, Ansu Fati, making and back to his scintillating best on Tuesday night. Valverde’s side have now won seven Messi got to work. his last appearance before turning 17, by tearing apart Real Valladolid consecutive matches in all competi- It was his free-kick that Valladolid should have tucked away a Messi pass on Tuesday in a thumping 5-1 tions, a run that began by beating Vil- made a mess of clearing, as Sergi Guar- before two goals in the 75th and 77th Lvictory for Barcelona. larreal on September 24, when Messi diola lashed the ball against Joaquin minutes put Valladolid out of sight. Messi scored another spell-binding returned from injury to make his fi rst Fernandez and Lenglet reacted fastest, Messi cushioned Ivan Rakitic’s cute free-kick at Camp Nou after his sump- start of the season. his shot defl ecting in before two min- pass on his thigh and drove it into the tuous pass had already teed up Arturo He has needed time, admitting ear- utes were on the clock. corner and then slid in Suarez, who fi n- Vidal for Barca’s second. He then drove lier this month he was still short of ished for his eighth goal of the season. home his second late on before sliding sharpness even as goals fl ew in against MESSI RUNS THE SHOW In injury time, Messi should have had through Luis Suarez to make it fi ve. Sevilla, Eibar and Slavia Prague. The procession was briefl y halted his hat-trick but curled wide of the left Yet in truth his two goals and two But this display sent a resounding when Ter Stegen, perhaps unsighted, post when he seemed certain to score. assists were just the start of it, the de- message that Messi is back to his best slapped a cross straight into the shin of It might have been his fi rst mistake all fi ning moments of another mesmeric even if Valverde feels there is more to Olivas but the remaining 30 minutes of night. all-round performance that was dotted come. the fi rst half belonged to Messi. Atletico Madrid could have done with fl icks, passes and dribbles, not to “He is still getting back to full fi t- He switched the ball for Frenkie de with a drop of Messi’s attacking in- mention two humiliating nutmegs. ness,” Valverde said. “But he is getting Jong to slightly overhit a pass for Arturo spiration as they were held to a disap- “I don’t know what more I can say,” better and better.” Vidal and then replicated the Dutch- pointing draw by Alaves. said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde. Valladolid were perhaps unfortu- man’s eff ort but did it better, this time Alvaro Morata came off the bench to “There were wonders coming out of nate the 32-year-old was fresh after the picking out Vidal perfectly to score at score his third goal in as many games his foot,” said Valladolid’s Michel. “You postponed Clasico on Saturday meant the back post. but Lucas Perez hit a stunning late can only applaud and enjoy it.” Barcelona and Real Madrid were given Five minutes later he sent a free-kick equaliser at Menizorrotza to ensure a Valladolid had threatened to make a the weekend off . curling away from Jordi Masip, who tight contest between two of La Liga’s game of it when Kiko Olivas benefi tted It meant this was the fi rst game at scuttled across his line but could never most stubborn defences ended all from a rare Marc-Andre ter Stegen er- Camp Nou since violent protests broke reach the ball as it nestled in the top square. ror to equalise, after Clement Lenglet out across Catalonia after nine pro-in- right-hand corner. Atletico sit third, two points behind had struck in the second minute. dependence leaders were sentenced to Messi fl icked one through the legs of Barcelona and level with Granada, hav- But with Messi in this sort of mood, imprisonment on October 21. Oscar Plano, who threw his head back ing played one game more. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, October 31, 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Springboks coach impressed with NZ ring changes for balance of England game of farewells pack attack against Wales ‘WE HAVE TO GET ON WITH IT AND HOPEFULLY SHOW LAST WEEK WAS A BLIP’

Reuters confi dent in what they’re doing. Tokyo They understand what they want to do. “Mitch (John Mitchell) has added more detail on their de- outh Africa forwards fence, particularly around what coach Matt Proudfoot they do at the tackle. had a similar reaction “They have become far more to the rest of the rugby effi cient in what they do, in terms worldS watching England destroy of their effi ciency of execution, New Zealand in the semi-fi nal of it’s a lot better. the Rugby World Cup last week — “That is what we need to open-mouthed awe. match. It will be a tough game.” England beat the two-times Proudfoot, however, was defending champions 19-7 last equally equivocal his own pack, Saturday while the Springboks designed for clubbing opposition beat Wales 19-16 on the follow- sides into submission, would be ing day to set up a rematch of the able to match the power of Eddie 2007 fi nal on Nov. 2 at Yokohama Jones’s side. Stadium. The forwards now had a lot of “It was a great game to watch. experience from numbers one to Gee, it was a great game,” Proud- eight, as well as off the bench, foot told reporters yesterday of with several already exceed- what he thought of the England ing 50 caps each, while Tendai side’s semi-fi nal performance. Mtawarira had more than 100, “We... were impressed with Proudfoot added. “A lot of guys their game.” Proudfoot, who has have been there and done that... been involved with the Spring- and our coaching philosophy is boks since 2016, indicated Eng- to empower these guys to handle land’s forwards’ performance the situation,” he said. “What has against the All Blacks was a com- impressed me is how... they solve bination of the sharp edge of a their problems.” rapier with a slashing claymore. The Springboks team was also New Zealand team take part in a training session at Tatsuminomori Seaside Park in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) “They were very powerful well aware of what they could (but) it wasn’t just brute force, possibly achieve if they win their AFP one, maybe.” wing with Rieko Ioane on the set to captain the All Blacks for annual series against Australia. there was very intelligent play country’s third Rugby World Cup Tokyo Hansen, whose All Blacks left, while the 52nd and last time, over- “I don’t want to go into what from their pack,” he said. title, having won in 1995 and were chasing an unprecedented and make up a for- taking former hooker Sean Fit- I’m going to miss,” said Hansen, “Up front they’re a lot more 2007. third successive world title in midable centre combo. zpatrick in second place on the who was coach of Wales the last ew Zealand coach Japan, compared last weekend’s He stuck with his fi rst-choice all-time list behind Richie Mc- time the teams faced each other aimed stinging 19-7 defeat by England half-back combination of Richie Caw. at the World Cup, in 2003. “It’s a cheeky dig at Wales — their fi rst World Cup loss in 12 Mo’unga and Aaron Smith. “It’s been a weird few days not about me, it’s about the England fi ned for V-shaped yesterday when he said years — to losing a loved one. However, replaces but our focus is on Wales and a team.” Haka challenge Nthis week’s third-place play-off “This is the fi rst time I’ve had at hooker, Sam performance we can be proud Looking ahead to Friday, he would be like a fi nal for the Six to do this,” said Hansen ahead of Cane returns at openside fl anker of,” said the skipper, whose added: “We have to get on with England have been fined for which is to be donated to charity. Nations champions. a bronze medal game that will and comes in at 34th birthday was gatecrashed it and hopefully show last week their response to the haka before “England have been fined for a Hansen, who steps down fol- off er little consolation to the All blindside for Scott Barrett, who in rude fashion by England last was a blip.” Saturday’s World Cup semi-final breach of World Cup tournament lowing tomorrow’s game in To- Blacks, who have won 31 of their resumes his more accustomed Saturday. victory over New Zealand, World rules relating to cultural kyo after seven years in the All 34 meetings with Wales, last role in the second row. “I’ve had my time in the jersey NZ SQUAD Rugby said. England fanned out challenges, which states that no Blacks hot seat, admitted he was losing in 1953. and it’s time for someone else to ; , across the pitch in V-formation players from the team receiving still feeling the eff ects of New “They (England) played better ‘WEIRD FEW DAYS’ step in. It’s hard but I’ve known Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, as the All Blacks delivered the the challenge may advance Zealand’s “car crash” semi-fi nal than us. You can talk about it all “It’s a good backline,” said for a couple of years — the mind Rieko Ioane; Richie Mo’unga, challenge, with several players beyond the halfway line,” the defeat by England as he made you like but you only know what Hansen, whose side features is willing but the body is saying Aaron Smith; (capt), who crossed the halfway line sport’s governing body said in a seven changes to his side. it’s like when you suff er it. six players who started the 2015 ‘I can’t do this anymore’.” , Shannon Frizell; Scott standing their ground when statement. “This is in line with the “A lot of people might be say- “I don’t want to compare rug- World Cup fi nal. Hansen will bow out after 107 Barrett, ; Nepo off icials tried to usher them protocol which operates globally ing there’s not a lot on it and they by to death but it’s like someone “You’re pretty lucky if you matches in charge, with only 10 Laulala, Dane Coles, back. World Rugby regulations across the international game.” In could throw the ball around,” he losing a family member to a car can sub Goodhue and Lienert- defeats to date. REPLACEMENTS: Liam Colt- stipulate opponents must not the 2011 tournament France were said. crash.” Brown with SBW and Crotty, His successes include the 2015 man, , Angus Ta’avao, cross the halfway line while the fined 2,500 pounds ($3,216.75) “I think there is a lot on it. For Hansen, however, brought and Reece and Bridge with Ben World Cup, six Rugby Champi- , , haka is being performed. It did when they also advanced on the them it would be like winning in Ben Smith, a bit-part player Smith and Rieko.” onships and a perfect eight from , Anton Lienert- not disclose the size of the fine, haka before the final. the World Cup if they win this at this World Cup, on the right Number eight Kieran Read is eight in the Bledisloe Cup, the Brown,

BOTTOMLINE Jones eyes WC glory as career comes full circle AFP week of a game that generate appointment as England coach that led to Manu Tuilagi’s try in Tokyo headlines but also take pressure after the hosts suff ered an em- under two minutes. off his players. barrassing fi rst-round exit. Jones also chose as his cap- The latest example came on Jones’s impact was imme- tain Owen Farrell, once seen ddie Jones’s coaching Monday after Warren Gatland, diate. A fi tter England won a as a hothead but now a calm- career is set to come full coach of the Wales side beaten Grand Slam in his fi rst Six Na- ing infl uence, and has skilfully circle when his England by South Africa in the semi- tions and were on a roll that switched between using the Eside face South Africa fi nals, suggested England could would eventually end in a skipper and George Ford at fl y- in Saturday’s World Cup fi nal in have played their fi nal a week world-record equalling run of half in his “horses for courses” Yokohama. early following their 19-7 win 18 consecutive Test wins against strategy during the knockout Jones was the coach of his over New Zealand. major opposition. games. native Australia when Jonny “Well, guys, can you just send Jones, however, had told bi- England defence coach John Wilkinson’s drop goal in the dy- my best wishes to Warren to ographer Donald McRae in Mitchell, in charge of the All ing seconds of extra time saw make sure he enjoys the third 2016: “Wait until the third sea- Blacks’ team beaten by Jones’s England beat the Wallabies in and fourth place play-off ,” came son, mate. We might hit a bit of Wallabies in a 2003 World Cup the 2003 World Cup fi nal in his the acid retort from Jones. a low then.” semi-fi nal, said there was far home town of Sydney. His words proved prophetic, more to his boss than smart Yet two years later Jones was ‘LESS INTENSE’ with England losing fi ve match- quips. sacked after a run of eight de- Yet this tournament has also es in a row in 2018, but Jones “He’s a very good coach... feats in nine Tests, a dismissal seen Jones deeply moved by the never wavered in the belief that He’s always had a kind heart and that hurt a proud man and death of Jeff Sayle, his mentor at England could win the World has always been a guy that has left him with no qualms about Sydney’s Randwick club. Cup in Japan. wanted to learn and been willing coaching against Australia. Jones says he has mellowed to share as well.” Indeed at the 2007 World Cup since a stroke in Japan six years Tactical triumph Meanwhile Jones paid a typi- in France he was a consultant to ago, telling the Guardian last Last week’s stunning semi- cal tribute to his backroom the South Africa side that beat month: “I think I became less fi nal win over the tournament’s staff by saying: “The assistant England in a Paris fi nal. intense and learned to relax hot favourites, reigning cham- coaches have done an outstand- Jones, the son of an immi- more. pions New Zealand, was a tacti- ing job. grant mother whose parents “I’m sure the England players cal triumph for Jones. “If you look at the percentage were Japanese, played as a will fi nd that amusing.” He was responsible for the of work, I should probably give hooker for Sydney club Rand- Jones was coach of the Japan V formation that saw England my money back, but I probably wick but failed to win a Test cap. side that beat the Springboks confront the haka in a bid to won’t.” A teacher who then made the 34-32 at the 2015 World Cup, deny New Zealand a psycho- If England win the World familiar transition into rugby with the win turning him into a logical edge before kick-off , as Cup, however, Jones’s employ- coaching, Jones became a de- cult hero in Japan. well as the often questioned ers at Twickenham will reckon manding boss well known for The greatest World Cup up- selection of fullback Elliot Daly he was worth every penny of his outspoken comments in the set of them all also led to his — whose run initiated the move lucrative contract. Eddie Jones takes part in a training session at Fuchu Asahi Football Park in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, October 31, 2019 5 SPORT

BASEBALL MLS Ruidiaz shines as Seattle Sounders Nationals beat shock Los Angeles Astros, force game seven showdown ‘We have a great opportunity to play a game seven in the World Series in our ‘ballpark’

AFP “You can’t explain it.” Houston The Astros will try for their second title in three seasons while the Nationals seek the fi rst tephen Strasburg baffl ed crown in their franchise’s 50- Houston’s batters and year history. Anthony Rendon drove It would also be the fi rst World in fi ve runs to power Series title for Washington since theS Washington Nationals over 1924. the Astros 7-2 Tuesday, forc- Houston’s Justin Verlander, ing a one-game winner-take all who won a season-best 21 showdown for the 115th World games, surrendered three runs Series championship. on fi ve hits to suff er the loss and Washington pulled level at 3-3 remain winless in seven career in Major League Baseball’s best- World Series starts, the most of of-seven fi nal, setting up a sev- any pitcher without a win. His enth game to decide the title. 0-6 record is the all-time worst Strasburg allowed two runs World Series mark. on fi ve hits over 8 1/3 master- Washington clung to a 3-2 ful innings while walking two lead in the seventh when con- and striking out seven Houston troversy struck. batters, improving to 5-0 in the Nationals shortstop Trea playoff s after an 18-6 season. Turner was called out for run- “Big pitchers do what he did,” ning inside the basepath and Raul Ruidiaz of Seattle Sounders celebrates his goal against Los said Nationals manager Dave the decision was upheld after Angeles FC during the second half of their Western Conference Martinez. “I told him, ‘You were a 4 1/2-minute video review. It finals at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles. tremendous. You picked us up would cost Washington a run and because of you we’re going when Rendon smashed a homer AFP talisman Carlos Vela surged for- to game seven’,” added Martinez, to left fi eld. Los Angeles ward to win a free-kick 25 yards who was ejected late on after a After the inning, Martinez an- from goal. disputed call. grily moved toward the umpires, The Mexico international Washington’s Juan Soto and bench coach Chip Hale restrain- eruvian international stood over the dead ball as if to Adam Eaton blasted solo home ing him. But Martinez yelled un- Raul Ruidiaz scored shoot but instead left the strike runs in the fi fth inning and Hou- til home plate umpire Sam Hol- twice as the Seat- to Colombian midfi elder Atues- ston native Rendon hit a two- brook ejected him, leaving Hale tle Sounders shocked ta who duly curled in a sublime run homer in the seventh and a to take the team to the fi nish. Ptop seeds Los Angeles FC 3-1 to strike to beat Stefan Frei. two-run double in the ninth. Rendon’s two-run homer put clinch the Western Conference The Banc of California Sta- “Rendon stepped up big,” Washington ahead 5-2 and his fi nal and book a place in the MLS dium erupted and Los Ange- Martinez said. two-run double in the ninth Cup on Tuesday. les looked to be on a roll. Three That was enough run produc- added more insurance runs. Ruidiaz scored a goal in each minutes later Uruguayan inter- tion for the Nationals thanks to Washington took a 1-0 lead half to complete a superb victory national Brian Rodriguez tested Strasburg mystifying the Hou- but Houston scored two off for Seattle, who recovered from Frei with an angled shot from the ston hitters who had produced Strasburg in the fi rst, George falling behind to an early Edu- left which the Seattle goalkeep- 19 runs over the prior three Springer hitting a double, taking ard Atuesta goal to reach Major er could only parry away. Latif games. third on a wild pitch and scor- League Soccer’s championship Blessing’s rebound was blocked “I saw an incredible pitcher,” ing on Jose Altuve’s sacrifi ce fl y game for the third time. for a corner. Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. before Alex Bregman hit a solo The defeat left Bob Bradley’s Yet just when it seemed Los “He was really good. We didn’t homer. Los Angeles team shell-shocked Angeles had taken a grip on the put a lot of stress on him.” Martinez said Strasburg had after a record-breaking regu- game, Seattle roared back into Martinez became the fi rst been tipping his pitches to Hou- lar season campaign that made the contest with two goals in four World Series ejection since ston hitters in the fi rst inning, them favourites to win a maiden minutes. 1996, needing to be restrained giving clues as to his choices of MLS Cup. Peru’s 2018 World Cup striker from angrily confronting um- fastballs, curves, sinkers or slid- However the LAFC’s raucous Ruidiaz got the Sounders back on pires after a controversial call in ers. Banc of California Stadium home level terms in the 22nd minute, the seventh inning. “I said, ‘You’re tipping you’re crowd were silenced by a superb- leaving Los Angeles defender “I’m not going to criticize the Washington Nationals players Asdrubal Cabrera (13) and Victor Robles (16) celebrate after defeating the pitches. We need to fi x it,’” Mar- ly disciplined Sounders display. Eddie Segura for dead with a umpires about anything,” Mar- Houston Astros in game six of the 2019 World Series on Tuesday. tinez said. “After that he was Seattle will now face either wonderful turn, bursting into the tinez said. “I don’t really want lights out.” Toronto FC or defending cham- box and rifl ing home. to make this about me and take games this month, will start start for Houston. Houston was one of the heavi- After Eaton and Soto homer- pions Atlanta United in the MLS Los Angeles had barely di- away from what the boys did. three-time Cy Young Award “We have a great opportunity est favourites in years has turned ed for a 3-2 Nats lead, Houston Cup fi nal on November 10. To- gested the shock of the equaliser It was a judgement call. I don’t winner Max Scherzer in game to play a game seven in the World into a historic epic, the fi rst threatened in the fi fth when Josh ronto, who defeated Seattle in before Seattle made it 2-1. want to make it about one play.” seven after neck spasms kept Series in our ballpark,” Hinch World Series with road teams Reddick singled and took third the 2017 fi nal, face Atlanta in Again Ruidiaz was heavily The Nationals, who improved him out of game fi ve. Fellow said. winning the fi rst six games. on another Springer double to Georgia on Wednesday. involved, launching a counter- to 4-0 in playoff elimination right-hander Zack Greinke will But a World Series in which “It’s weird,” Martinez said. left. Tuesday’s match had got off attack which culminated with to a cagey start, with Los An- Uruguayan playmaker Nicolas geles quickly settling into their Lodeiro drilling a low fi nish past BOTTOMLINE slick passing game but unable to Tyler Miller from the edge of the create much in the way of goal- area. scoring opportunities against a The killer blow came in the well-organised Seattle. 64th minute, when Lodeiro again The breakthrough came after supplied the opening for Ruidiaz Hometown villain Rendon part 17 minutes, when Los Angeles whose low shot made it 3-1. FOCUS of World Series road magic Astros turn to NBA AFP one is not the same.” Houston Oddly enough, it’s the road teams who have an edge in MLB one-game deciders. legends Olajuwon, Visiting teams are 60-57 in MLB win- n a World Series where road teams ner-take-all playoff games, including a have won every game, Houston na- 20-19 mark in the World Series. Drexler for luck tive Anthony Rendon has sparked the Road teams have won three straight Washington Nationals into a winner- World Series game sevens, most recently AFP games in their own ballpark. Itake-all title showdown with his home- when the Astros beat the Los Angeles “You can see the disappoint- Houston town Houston Astros. Dodgers in 2017 for their fi rst World Series ment last week,” Olajuwon said. Rendon blasted a two-run home run, title. The Nationals are chasing the fi rst “And just to see that turn around smacked a two-run double and singled title in the 50-year history of the fran- rying to complete a and to be in this position to close home a run in the fi rst inning to power the chise, which began as the Montreal Expos championship come- it, you can imagine the players — Nationals over Houston 7-2 on Tuesday before moving to the US capital in 2005. back in the World Se- that was pressure.” to level Major League Baseball’s best-of- Washington has not had a World Series ries, the Houston Astros Olajuwon, like Drexler wear- seven fi nal at 3-3. champion since 1924 when the Senators Tturned to a pair of NBA legends ing an orange Astros jersey, The Astros won an MLB-best 107 games beat the New York Giants in game seven in Tuesday to help their fortunes, bounced the ball into the strike and were expected to rout a Nats tam that 12 innings. Washington twice saw teams Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde zone for his teammate at the was 19-31 in May and didn’t seal a playoff move away and went 33 years without a Drexler. plate and both laughed about the spot until the last week of the season. club until the Expos arrived. Nigerian-born American moment as they walked off the But for the fi rst time in any best-of- Three-time Cy Young Award winner Olajuwon, a gifted center who fi eld together. seven playoff series in MLB, the NBA or Max Scherzer, who missed a planned game led the Houston Rockets to two Drexler, who made the cer- NHL, road teams have won the fi rst six fi ve start with neck spasms, will pitch for NBA titles, threw out the cer- emonial “Play Ball” yell to start games and no one seems to know why it Washington against fellow right-hander emonial fi rst pitch at game six of the contest, and Olajuwon know has gone that way. Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) celebrates with left fielder Zack Greinke for Houston in the decider. the World Series with Drexler, a a little about overcoming adver- “We don’t know, but we’re going to Juan Soto (22) after hitting a two-run home run against the Houston Astros during Scherzer was benched hours before his standout swingman on the 1995 sity when down 2-0 in a playoff continue to try to ride this wave as long as the seventh inning in game six of the 2019 World Series on Tuesday. start, given a cortizone injection and was Rockets’ championship squad, series. possible,” Rendon said. “Maybe they enjoy PICTURE: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports able to work out in the bullpen during serving as catcher. Trailing the Phoenix Suns 2-0 our park and maybe we enjoy their park. game six before Nats manager Dave Mar- “To be in this position, it’s in the second round of the 1995 “We’re not going to ask questions. now, but I hope there’s one tomorrow,” haven’t lost four in a row at home all sea- tinez shut him down after Rendon’s two- truly an honour,” Drexler said. NBA playoff s, the Rockets rallied We’re just going to try to go out there and Hinch said. “We’re waiting until the last son. “This series has been very weird,” run homer produced a 5-2 cushion. “We’re all proud of the job that to advance in seven games and just have some fun.” game to have it on our side. We worked Hinch said. “If I had told you the series “They’d probably make a movie about they’ve done.” went on to sweep Orlando in the The Astros worked all season to claim really hard to get home-fi eld and we’re was going to be 3-3 going to a game seven, it,” Eaton said of Scherzer’s fi ghtback to The Astros led the Wash- NBA Finals. the best record in baseball but have little happy to play at home. We have no prob- I don’t think there’s a person in the build- pitch Wednesday. “He could come back ington Nationals 3-2 in Major “These guys have the heart of to show for their home-fi eld advantage for lem playing at home. This place will be ing that would have assumed that all road from the dead.” League Baseball’s best-of-seven a champion,” Drexler said. “They the championship decider. rocking.” The Astros have dropped three teams were going to win. Or it could be “Mad Max: The Road fi nal looking to take the title at never quit, no matter what odds “Doesn’t look like there is one right in a row to the Nationals in Houston. They “We’ve just got to make sure that last Warrior.” home after dropping the fi rst two they’re up against.” Gulf Times 6 Thursday, October 31, 2019 SPORT

NBA NFL Cards’ Murray gets fi rst shot at perfect Davis dazzles as 49ers defense

Reuters San Francisco is off to its best San Francisco start since 1990, when it won its fi rst 10 and fi nished 14-2. The 49ers have given up the fewest Lakers romp to big he San Francisco 49ers yards per game (224.4) in the will come dressed as the league and only 77 points, sec- most surprising team in ond-fewest to New England (61). the NFL when they visit They are also tied for second in Tthe Arizona Cardinals in Glen- the league with 10 interceptions, dale, Ariz., on Halloween night behind only the Patriots’ 19. today. Coleman, who fi nished with But make no mistake: The 105 yards rushing and 13 receiv- win over Grizzlies 49ers are convinced their NFC- ing against the Panthers, was the best 7-0 record is no disguise. third 49er to score at least four His display relegated LeBron James to a supporting role, although the veteran “It doesn’t really matter what touchdowns in a regular-season the outside world thinks,” cor- game, joining wide receiver Jerry superstar still chipped in with 23 points and eight assists nerback Richard Sherman told Rice and quarterback/running reporters after Tevin Coleman back Billy Kilmer. scored four touchdowns to help The Cardinals will provide an the 49ers rout the Carolina Pan- inviting target. Although their thers 51-13 in San Francisco last off ense has improved behind Sunday. Murray, they give up 401.7 total “We know what we have in this yards and 130.1 rushing yards per building. We knew the talent we game, both among the bottom 10 have. We just have to execute and in the NFL. focus on us and let the chips fall Defensive end Nick Bosa, who where they may.” followed Murray as the second Criticized by some for a rela- player taken in the 2019 draft, tively soft early-season sched- has seven of the 49ers’ 27 sacks. ule, the 49ers have scored at least Bosa had three of the Niners’ 31 points in four games and have seven sacks and an interception given up a touchdown or less in against Carolina. each of the last four, including a “He’s a freak. He’s a good shutout in rainy Washington two player, for sure,” Murray said. Sundays ago. “Have to keep my head on a The Cardinals (3-4-1) had a swivel, that’s for sure.” three-game winning streak bro- The Cardinals had two of their ken in a 31-9 loss at New Orleans three victories against the 49ers on Sunday, when they also lost last season, both with Josh Rosen running back Chase Edmonds to starting at quarterback. Johnson a hamstring strain. scored two rushing touchdowns Already playing without No. 1 in a 28-18 win in San Francisco, running back David Johnson (an- and wide receiver Christian kle, back), the Cardinals added Kirk caught the game-winning a potential starter in Kenyan 9-yard touchdown pass with 34 Drake, acquired Monday from seconds remaining in an 18-15 Miami for a conditional sixth- victory in Arizona. round 2020 draft choice. Kirk, who returned to the line- “With guys going down, you up last weekend after missing just have to fi nd a way to get it three games with an ankle injury, done,” said Arizona quarterback was Murray’s principal target Kyler Murray, who has passed against the Saints, with eight re- for 1,988 yards and seven touch- ceptions for 79 yards. downs against four intercep- Running back Matt Breida, tions. who leads the 49ers with 446 “That’s where we are right yards rushing, suff ered an ankle now. First prime time game for injury in the fi rst half and did not us. Try to put on a show and pro- return against Carolina. His sta- tect home. It should be fun.” tus for Thursday is unknown.

Rockets ban fan over alleged punching incident Houston: A Houston Rockets A 6-foot-3 guard from Long fan was charged with misde- Island City, NY, Bianchi was meanour assault after punching a second-round pick by the an assistant coach of the New Minneapolis Lakers in the 1954 Orleans Pelicans on Saturday NBA Draft out of Bowling Green. Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers pulls down a rebound against Bruno Caboclo (5), Marko Guduric (23) and Grayson Allen (3) of the Memphis Grizzlies during the night. He played 10 seasons with the second half of their game at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Authorities say Manuel Garcia Syracuse Nationals/76ers fran- hit New Orleans assistant Joe chise from 1956-66, including AFP who had been forced to evacu- early on and we needed someone the road to victory. Kendrick Nunn and Bam Ade- Boylan in the face after the the team’s debut campaign in Los Angeles ate his Brentwood mansion early to take over and give us a bit of Butler’s performance left bayo both had 17 points on a contest, a 126-123 Rockets win Philadelphia in 1963-64. He av- on Monday as wildfi res tore energy and that’s what I tried to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra purr- night when fi ve Miami players in Houston. Garcia’s girlfriend eraged 8.1 points, 2.5 rebounds through nearby hills and can- do,” Davis said. ing with delight. made double fi gures. also was arrested for trying to and 2.2 assists in 687 games. nthony Davis delivered yons in Los Angeles. Davis’s points tally included “He was running around at Adebayo had another big de- prevent police from reach- Following his playing career, a 40-point haul as the Davis, meanwhile, was happy a remarkable 26 of 27 free throw shootaround like it was a playoff fensive showing, pulling down ing Garcia. The fan has been Bianchi became the first head Los Angeles Lakers to take centre-stage with a dis- attempts, prompting Lakers game,” Spoelstra said. “He was 10 rebounds, making three banned for life by the Rockets. coach of the expansion Seattle Acruised to a blowout play that made him the fi rst fans into early season chants of just so excited to have an oppor- blocks and two steals on the In a statement to ESPN, the SuperSonics (1967-69) before defeat of the the Memphis Griz- Laker to record 40 points and 20 “MVP, MVP.” tunity to fi nally get started in the night. Pelicans said: “We are aware of coaching the ABA’s Washington zlies on Tuesday. rebounds in a game since fran- In Miami, Jimmy Butler regular season.” In Denver, the Dallas Maver- this incident but will have no Capitols (1969-70) and Virginia Davis lit up the Staples Center chise legend Shaquille O’Neal. dropped 21 points on his debut Miami though were anything icks relied on all-round off en- further comment.” Squires (1970-76). with a virtuoso performance, “Just wanted to play hard, as the Heat pulled away from but a one-man band, with Tyler sive eff ort to give them a 109- Harris County District Attor- Meanwhile, the Los Angeles hauling down a mammoth 20 wanted to go out there and help the Atlanta Hawks 112-97 to im- Herro leading the scoring with 106 win over the Nuggets. ney’s Off ice prosecutor Nathan Clippers exercised the third- rebounds and providing two as- my team win, and whatever I prove to 3-1 for the season. 29 points and Goran Dragic Maxi Kleber and Tim Harda- Beedle said in a statement, “We year options on guards Landry sists as the Lakers romped to a needed to do, that’s what I tried Butler had missed the fi rst adding 21 points, both from the way Jr. top-scored with 14 will get to the bottom of this Shamet and Jerome Robinson. 120-91 victory. to do,” Davis said. three games of the campaign bench. points apiece as nine players and hold them both account- Shamet, 22, has started four His display relegated LeB- The two teams were level at due to the birth of his daughter Herro’s points tally was the cracked double digits. able for their actions.” games for Los Angeles this ron James to a supporting role, 47-47 at half-time, but Davis but showed no signs of rustiness largest by a Miami rookie since In other news, former New season, averaging 10.3 points although the veteran superstar seized control in the third quar- in a solid fi rst outing. Dwyane Wade scored 31 in his RESULTS (HOME TEAM IN CAPS) York Knicks general manager in 32.8 minutes. A first-round still chipped in with 23 points ter as the Lakers outscored the Butler was quickly into his maiden season in 2004. and original Philadelphia 76ers pick of the Philadelphia 76ers and eight assists. Grizzlies by 39-20 in the deci- rhythm, nailing his fi rst four “That’s a cool accomplish- MIAMI 112 Atlanta 97 player Al Bianchi died Monday in 2018, he was traded to the Tuesday’s game was a wel- sive passage of the contest. shots and scoring 12 points in ment, but you’ve got to keep Dallas 109 DENVER 106 of natural causes. He was 87. Clippers last season. come distraction for James, “I knew we were a little bit fl at the fi rst quarter to set Miami on working,” Herro said. LA LAKERS 120 Memphis 91

NHL Bonino hat-trick lift s Preds to 4th straight win Agencies phia. NDominik Kahun, Sidney Crosby of the game on a power play at 4:00 of who are on a 1-4-1 skid. Entering the New York and Dominik Simon each had a goal and overtime, and visiting Washington de- contest, San Jose had killed 93.2% of its two assists, and the Penguins also got feated Toronto. short-handed situations. Boston’s pow- goals from Justin Schultz, Jared Mc- The Maple Leafs had killed off William er play was No. 2 in the league, scoring ick Bonino scored three goals Cann, Jake Guentzel and Zach Aston- Nylander’s tripping penalty in overtime, on 32.4% of its chances. for his third career hat trick, Reese in winning their second straight but Mitch Marner took a high-sticking and the Nashville Predators game and seventh in their past 10. penalty. This time, Ovechkin, who also DUCKS 7, JETS 4 pulled away for a 3-0 win had two assists, fi red home his 11th goal Troy Terry and Derek Grant scored Nover the visiting Chicago Blackhawks HURRICANES 2, FLAMES 1 of the season from the left circle. 1:10 apart to take control of what was a on Tuesday night. Pekka Rinne stopped Andrei Svechnikov scored twice in the tie game as host Anaheim used a four- all 20 shots he faced for his second con- third period, including one on a surpris- BRUINS 5, SHARKS 1 goal outburst in the second period to secutive shutout and the 57th of his ca- ing maneuver, as Carolina topped Cal- Boston scored two fi rst-period pow- rally and take down Winnipeg. reer. Nashville improved its season-high gary in Raleigh, N.C., to fi nish one of the er-play goals against the league’s top Ducks veterans Ryan Getzlaf and winning streak to four games in a row. best Octobers in team history. penalty-killing unit and never looked Adam Henrique also scored in the sec- The Blackhawks were blanked for the Svechnikov’s winning goal came on a back, dominating visiting San Jose. ond period as Anaheim set a season high second time in three games. They al- power play with 7:25 remaining. It was David Pastrnak and David Kre- for goals scored. Jets goalie Connor Hel- lowed 51 shots but stayed within reach his second straight two-goal game. The jci scored on the man advantage, and lebuyck was pulled from the game after for the majority of the game because Hurricanes improved to 8-3-1 to match Charlie Coyle, Chris Wagner and Bran- Grant scored the Ducks’ fourth goal of goaltender Robin Lehner made 48 saves, their most victories and points in Octo- don Carlo added even-strength tallies the second period. fi ve off his career high. ber in franchise history. as the Bruins won their fourth straight. A total of fi ve goals were scored by Rocco Grimaldi assisted on all three of Svechnikov’s fi rst goal was unortho- Pastrnak extended his points streak to both teams in the second period with Bonino’s goals. Craig Smith had two as- dox as he scooped the puck and held it 10 games (12 goals, 12 assists), and Brad four of them coming in a chaotic 2:52 sists, and Dante Fabbro had one. on his stick from behind the net, taking a Marchand had an assist to increase his span. lacrosse-style shot and putting the puck run to 11 straight (seven goals, 14 assists). Nikolaj Ehlers scored a pair of goals PENGUINS 7, FLYERS 1 past Calgary goalie David Rittich. Krejci also had an assist in his fi rst game for the Jets, who were coming off a vic- Seven Pittsburgh players scored, and San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl (48) battles for the puck against Boston off the injured list. tory over the Calgary Flames in the out- the Penguins rode a four-goal fi rst pe- Bruins left wing Anders Bjork (10) during the third period of their game on CAPITALS 4, MAPLE LEAFS 3 (OT) Brent Burns scored a goal, and Mar- door Heritage Classic but have now lost riod to a walloping of visiting Philadel- Tuesday. PICTURE: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports Alex Ovechkin scored his second goal tin Jones made 36 saves for the Sharks, fi ve times in their past seven games. Gulf Times Thursday, October 31, 2019 7 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Federer withdraws from ATP Cup Svitolina storms Reuters “It pains me to not be a part of Geneva the most exciting new event on the calendar, but this is the right thing to do if I want to continue oger Federer said yes- to play for a longer period of time terday he has with- on the ATP Tour.” drawn from the in- The $15mn dollar ATP Cup augural ATP Cup in will be hosted in Brisbane, Perth into semis of WTA AustraliaR in January next year so and Sydney. Eighteen countries he can spend more time with his qualifi ed for the tournament family. after a fi rst round deadline in Svitolina is the first player through to the semi-finals, Federer’s decision to withdraw September, with hosts Australia means Switzerland can no longer given a wildcard spot. having also beaten world number two Pliskova in take part in the nation-based The six additional nations will event on Jan. 3-12 and that six be added after the second entry straight sets on Monday more countries will now qualify, deadline on Nov. 13. Finals based on the world rankings of The countries will play in six their top players. groups of four for group stage, “It is with great regret that I round-robin play, with the group am withdrawing from the inau- winners and the two best sec- gural ATP Cup event,” Federer, ond-placed fi nishers across the who is currently ranked number groups reaching the ATP Cup Fi- three in the world, said in a state- nals in Sydney. ment. Each tie comprises two singles “After much discussion with and one doubles match. both my family and my team Top-ranked Novak Djoko- about the year ahead, I have de- vic and world number two Rafa cided that the extra two weeks at Nadal have confi rmed they will home will be benefi cial for both play, as has former world number my family and my tennis. one Andy Murray.

Djokovic survives wobble against little-known Frenchman

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball to France’s Corentin Moutet during the day three of the ATP World Tour Masters in Paris yesterday. (AFP)

orld number one qualifying for the season-ending Novak Djokovic ATP Finals ended with a 3-6 6-3 recovered from a 6-3 defeat by Canada’s Denis Elina Svitolina reacts during her match against stuttering start to Shapovalov. kickW off his Paris Masters cam- Simona Halep at the WTA Finals in Shenzhen Fognini, the 11th seed, needed to yesterday. (Reuters) paign with a 7-6(2) 6-4 sec- win the title at the Bercy arena ond-round victory over French to secure a spot in the Nov. 10-17 youngster Corentin Moutet tournament featuring the top yesterday. eight players of the season. The Serbian, looking to end the The exuberant 32-year-old year at top of the ATP rankings made a fine start before losing for a record-equalling sixth time, focus on Court One, sending a saved two set points before backhand long on the unseeded hammering his way past the Shapovalov’s first match point. AFP fought on but was noticeably “Hopefully I can recover tolina had the better of long before falling away against the 20-year-old Moutet. Belgian David Goff in, seeded Shenzhen, China hobbled and retired after the quickly,” she added. baseline rallies against an un- more consistent Svitolina. World number two Rafael Nadal, 12th, was also eliminated from fi rst set, which Pliskova won Pliskova said she was excited characteristically errant Halep, The result broke a deadlock who will leapfrog Djokovic in the race to London when he 6-3 in 51 minutes. Winless An- about her upcoming must-win who fi nished with 38 unforced between the pair with Svitolina the rankings if he wins in Paris, was beaten 7-5 6-3 by Bulgarian efending champion dreescu can’t qualify for the match against Halep. errors. now holding a 5-4 edge and ex- is in action later on Wednesday Grigor Dimitrov. Elina Svitolina stormed semi-fi nals, while Wimbledon “Of course, there’s going to “It’s about managing attack acting revenge for a semi-loss to against France’s Adrian He also needed to win the into the semi-fi nals champion Halep will play Plisk- be some nerves but I think that’s and defence for me,” Svitolina Halep at Wimbledon in July. Mannarino. title to qualify. Spain’s Roberto of the season-ending ova to decide the group’s second normal,” she said. “You lose, you said. “I’ve been working on this. The 25-year-old is hoping to Djokovic fell 5-3 behind in the Bautista Agut was also denied WTAD Finals after a commanding spot. go home. There’s not going to be That’s working well this week.” end a barren season on a high opening set before rallying back a ticket to London with a 7-6(2) win over Simona Halep yester- Andreescu, the youngest anything we’re not used to.” After a slow start, Halep came having failed to win a title since to 5-5 after staving off two set 7-6 (1) loss to Alex De Minaur day, while Canadian sensation player in the draw, said she heard Svitolina will fi nish top of back into the contest. A pow- last year’s WTA Finals triumph. points, forcing a tiebreak that he while Frenchman Gael Monfils Bianca Andreescu retired hurt her “knee crack” but was unsure Purple Group after taking ad- erful forehand winner down Halep said she had to sharpen won easily. kept his hopes alive by beating against Karolina Pliskova. whether she would play the dead vantage of an error-strewn Ha- the line clinched her break in her game to stay in the tourna- The 16-time grand slam French compatriot Benoit Paire Andreescu injured her left rubber against Svitolina tomor- lep to win 7-5, 6-3 in one hour the fi fth game before the play- ment. “I really want to win be- champion stormed through the 6-4 7-6(4). knee in the third game after at- row. and 39 minutes at the Shenzhen ers held serve. Halep misfi red cause I want to qualify from this second set to set up a meeting Austrian fifth seed Dominic tempting to return a wide serve. “It (the knee) kind of went Bay Sports Centre. Svitolina is sloppily in the 12th game as she group,” she said. with either Argentine Diego Thiem, who has already She received heavy strapping inwards,” she told reporters. the fi rst player through to the handed Svitolina the fi rst set “Hopefully I can recover be- Schwartzmann or Briton Kyle qualified for the London event at during the subsequent medical “Putting pressure afterwards semi-fi nals, having also beaten with a slew of unforced errors. cause I’m a little bit tired and Edmund. the O2, downed Canadian Milos timeout. on it really bothered me. I could world number two Pliskova in Halep started well in the play better than today,” she Earlier, Fabio Fognini’s hopes of Raonic 7-6(5) 5-7 6-4. The 19-year-old gamely barely bend my knee. straight sets on Monday. Svi- second set with an early break added.

GOLF Defi ant governor says Olympic marathon should stay in Tokyo

AFP Koike noted IOC chief Thomas McIlroy looks to regain number one spot Tokyo Bach after an IOC executive meeting on October 3 said he Reuters Northern Irishman added. “I feel like the had never seen a host city so Shanghai course suits my game and I like this tour- okyo’s governor in- well prepared. nament ever since I started coming here in sisted yesterday she The plan to move the events 2009.” still wants to see the came two weeks later and orld number two Rory McIl- The WGC (World Golf Champion- Olympic marathon was a “tremendous shock” to roy said he is motivated to get ships), four events held annually, are the heldT in the capital next year, Tokyo, she said. back into the winner’s circle highest-ranking tournaments in golf despite plans to move the “This proposal was made at this week’s WGC-HSBC behind the four majors and the Players event to northern Japan over with no explanation at all to ChampionsW tournament in Shanghai to Championship, and they off er comparable heat concerns. the Tokyo government or the further his quest to reclaim golf’s top prize money. Rose, who won the Shanghai The location of the marathon Tokyo metropolitan assembly ranking. event — dubbed Asia’s major — two years and race-walking events in until the last moment.” After securing a tied-third fi nish at the ago, is targeting another late surge in the next year’s 2020 Summer She said angry local Zozo Championship in Japan last week, European Tour’s Race to Dubai standings. Games has become a major residents had called the local McIlroy will return to action today at The title proved to be a springboard in sticking point between Tokyo government asking about the Sheshan International Golf Club, playing the fi nal phase of the 2017 season before off icials and the International decision. alongside American Xander Schauff ele he was edged out in the fi nal round in Du- Olympics Committee (IOC). There have been reports and England’s Justin Rose for the opening bai by Tommy Fleetwood in the race for The body said earlier this suggesting Tokyo wants to two rounds. the Harry Vardon Trophy, awarded to the month it would propose see the events start at 5am, or With world number one Brooks Koepka winner of the Race to Dubai. shifting the events to Sapporo even earlier, as a way to keep out of action with a knee strain, McIlroy Rose, 29th in this season’s European in northern Japan. them in the city. knows a fourth title triumph of the year on Tour money list, needs another run of Last week, the chair of the But Coates again yesterday Sunday could help him lay down a marker strong results this season. This week’s IOC’s coordination commission described the move as a done for next year. tournament is followed by three Rolex Se- John Coates, made clear the deal. “I want to get as many world ranking ries events. decision to move the events Coates said he was in Tokyo points as I possibly can and try to close “It’s been a good little hunting ground was final, but Tokyo off icials “to explain to her (Koike) the that gap on the number one,” McIlroy, who for me the last couple of years and it’s have not backed down. reasons, the detailed reasons has spent 95 weeks of his career ranked as a golf course I really enjoy,” he said of “Let me clearly speak as for those changes.” the world’s best, told reporters yesterday. Shanghai. the leader of the host city “We absolutely recognise and “I started this year maybe eighth or “With the way the points are weighted and the representative of we are so very thankful to the ninth in the world. If I play well the next with the prize fund in Turkey and Dubai, it the people of Tokyo, it is my people of Tokyo,” he added. few weeks, I’ll have a great platform going off ers me the opportunity to make a run.” wish for marathon and race Speaking to reporters into next year.” Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond will walk to be held in Tokyo,” afterwards Koike said “mutual McIlroy won his second and latest make his WGC debut and lead the Asian Governor Yuriko Koike said trust” was indispensable for WGC event in 2015 and since then has charge at the event, which will feature 35 at the start of a three-day a successful Games, and said had nine top 10 fi nishes in the tourna- of the top 50 players in the world rankings. meeting between IOC off icials, there were “no plans to spend ments, including a tied-fourth position in “It’s always good each time you get a Tokyo government and 2020 Tokyo taxpayer money for Shanghai in 2016. chance to step up your game and I’m just Rory McIlroy tees off at the 14th hole during the second round of the Zozo Champion- organisers. another venue” “I’ve always enjoyed WGCs,” the looking forward to tomorrow,” he said. ship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai, Chiba, on Saturday. (AFP)

Thursday, October 31, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS Former national player aims to nurture footballers Under President Nawaf al-Mudahka, Lusail Football Club and Academy have only gone from strength to strength

Lusail Football Club won the Qatar Amateur League third division title in 2018.

By Amjad Vanimal fi ve-year plan to take a grassroots Doha team from an amateur club to pro status by introducing profes- sional structures and coaching ootball has long been Qa- method,” al-Mudahka, who is tar’s most popular sport, also the president of Lusail Foot- and it received a mas- ball Club, said. sive boost ever since the “And the result was evident countryF won the rights to host when the club won the QAL third the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the division title in 2018.” exciting Asian Cup title win this year. We believe we should Simultaneously, there has been be able to win the a strong focus on local football second division soon. clubs and academies that have All our players are Qatar been trying to up the game at the ‘ nationals and if you look grassroots level. at the quality of players we Nawaf al-Mudahka, a former have and their potential, Qatar national football team there has been a substantial Nawaf al-Mudahka: Our goal is for everyone to get more out of football. PICTURE: Jayan Orma player, always had a dream of set- overall development as a ting up a football club where both team and guidance they needed. talent is one of the key things children and adults could de- “At Lusail Academy, we take And we are extremely to consider when managing a velop their skills and have a bet- — Nawaf al-Mudahka, players from a young age to thankful to Qatar team, as on the sporting fi eld or ter chance of playing top notch Lusail Football Club President adults and prepare them for our Football Association in a training class. Al-Mudahka football. future national team. Since in- ‘ President HE Sheikh believes talent is both born and After he fi nished playing, al- Armed with the confi dence ception, the academy has gone Hamad bin Khalifa bin bred. Mudahka wanted to do more for and excitement of winning the from strength to strength and Ahmed al-Thani for “Whatever I do today is what the sport, and thus, a local foot- third division title last year, the this year looks to be a year of giving us the chance and my mentor Tariq al-Naama (cur- ball club and an academy to nur- club are currently playing in the exciting opportunity and con- trusting us in our mission rent vice president, Aspire Zone ture aspiring players were born. second division of the league. Al- tinued growth. Our simple goal to promote future football Foundation) taught me. I learned He brought extensive knowl- Mudahka is quite pleased with is for everyone to get more out stars in Qatar a lot from him. He taught me edge and experience to the club, such encouraging progress, and of football, no matter what level — Nawaf al-Mudahka, many things about football which following a successful career stressed, “We believe we should they are at. We want to take this Lusail Football Club President I try to disseminate through my in professional football that be able to win the second division message across the country,” al- club and academy. spanned over many years. soon. All our players are Qatar Mudahka explained. “And we are extremely “I left Qatar national team in nationals and if you look at the Currently, the academy has Speaking about the objective thankful to Qatar Football As- 2008 after playing for the coun- quality of players we have and signed up with a number of pri- of the academy, al-Mudahka sociation President HE Sheikh try for almost eight years. I’ve their potential, there has been a Lusail Academy has signed up with a number of schools in Qatar to vate schools in Qatar to train said, “Our main plan is to be the Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed taken a path that is normally not substantial overall development train their students. their students, including Doha ‘right hand’ for . al-Thani for giving us the followed by most players, and I as a team.” English Speaking School, Oryx We make players ready to join chance and trusting us in our feel this experience has made a Speaking about the club’s will participate in the Asian clubs in football. Though this alone International School, Nord An- Aspire. This way Aspire spends mission to promote future foot- huge impact on me,”al-Mudahka new strategy, al-Mudahka said, championship within 7-8 years.” too is not always enough to suc- glia International School, Me- less time on these players and ball stars in Qatar,” al-Mudahka told Gulf Times. “Our strategy is to win the sec- ceed at a professional level, and saieed International School, Al ultimately makes them ready added. “Those who want to join “We entered the Qatar Ama- ond division of QSL within three ACADEMY’S AIM dreams of many young hopefuls Wataniya International School, for the national team with more us, let us know and together we teur League (QAL) third divi- years, and fi rst division within As with all sports, dedication, have shattered because they sim- Academy, RGS Guild- ease.” can do a lot for our great sport- sion in 2014 with an ambitious fi ve years. And Insha’Allah, we endurance and skill are foremost ply did not get the right training ford, and Dukhan English School. Identifying and developing ing country.”

FORMULA 1 Big six is the number for Hamilton in Texas

Reuters win tally to six on Sunday. only gone on to win three of them Austin, United States That would take his career to- and we certainly want to do bet- tal to 84 wins, seven behind the ter than that,” said team boss all-time record set by Ferrari Mattia Binotto. ewis Hamilton may not great Michael Schumacher on his “Austin will hopefully give us a need to score even a point way to seven titles. good opportunity to do so.” in Austin to become only If Hamilton fi nishes eighth on Red Bull will also hope to be the second six-times For- Sunday then the title is won re- on in the mix as Max Verstappen Lmula One world champion, but gardless, but he will not need to makes his 100th start and aims to the Mercedes driver will want to score any points at all to continue put a diffi cult Mexican weekend celebrate in style on Sunday. for another year as champion if behind him. The Briton is the most suc- teammate and sole rival Valtteri The winner in Texas has al- cessful driver in US Grand Prix Bottas does not win. ways come from the top two on history, his six wins including Bottas, 74 points behind with the starting grid. Mercedes have fi ve in Texas, and he has every in- three races remaining worth a started the last fi ve races there tention of adding to the tally after maximum 78, has yet to fi nish from the top slot. winning in Mexico last weekend. higher than fi fth in Texas and this There is plenty at stake further “The track is fantastic and it’s time the Finn needs to score at down the pecking order, with the been a good hunting ground for least 23 points more than Hamil- battle raging for position in the me, so very excited to go there ton to take the battle to . constructors’ championship al- and who knows whether we can Both Mercedes drivers also ready won by Mercedes. get the job done,” Hamilton said. have to contend with a frustrated While the top three teams — “We’ll hopefully have a good race Ferrari, race winners last year Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull there.” with now departed Kimi Raikko- — are locked in and McLaren also The chances of him not getting nen and determined to turn their look safe in fourth, the rest are the job done in a country that has qualifying prowess into some- scrapping for positions that carry become a home from home, and thing more substantial. big fi nancial implications when where he has become the face of Ferrari have been on pole po- the prize money is handed out. Formula One in magazines and sition for six consecutive races, Renault are a hefty 38 behind on television chat shows, look re- with front row lockouts in the McLaren but only nine points clear moter than remote. last two, but without success of Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso and Austin is a favourite track for since Singapore in September. Racing Point, who are tied on 64. the 34-year-old and he will also “We have started the past six Alfa Romeo, on 35, are just seven Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates his victory in the Formula One Mexican Grand Prix at the Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack in be fancied to round up his Texan races from pole position but have clear of ninth-placed Haas. Mexico City on Sunday. (Reuters)