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Friday, November 15, 2019 FOOTBALL Rabia I 18, 1441 AH Lippi quits as GULF TIMES China coach aft er defeat to Syria SPORT Page 3 FOOTBALL Qatar drawn with the UAE, Yemen and Iraq in Gulf Cup Defending champions Oman are in Group B where they are joined by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain

By Sports Reporter Doha

sian Champions and hosts Qa- tar have been placed in Group A along with the UAE, Yemen and Iraq for the 24th Gulf Cup Aaccording to the tournament’s draw which was held at the Grand Hyatt Ho- tel yesterday. Defending champions Oman are in Group B where they are joined by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. The draw was conducted for the sec- ond time following the late inclusion of Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain in the tournament. Earlier, the tournament was sched- uled to go ahead with only five teams – AGCFF President HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait and Yemen. (C) and Vice-President Jassim al-Shukali (L) at the draw yesterday. The tournament will begin on No- At bottom, the Gulf Cup trophy is displayed. vember 26 and will finish on December 8. The new fixtures and venues are to be revealed shortly. The draw was conducted in the pres- ence of HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, the President of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federa- tion (AGCFF), Jassim al-Shukali, Vice A general view shows the groups following the draw for the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup in Doha yesterday. President, Mansour al-Ansari, General Secretary, Qatar Football Association, FIFA World Cup which Qatar would be Rumaihi said it was a fair draw. the favourites. So we are hoping we can and other officials representing Qatar hosting,” he added. “I think it’s a fair draw, and I am sure win the title.” and the football federations of the re- “I am sure the Gulf Cup will be excep- that the quality of football will be very Hamid al-Shaibani, Chairman of gion. tional, not only from the organisational high. To have all the eight teams would the Competitions Committee of the “All football fans in the Gulf are very point of view but also from the point of be a huge boost for the game and I am AGCFF, said that the schedule will be happy that all the eight teams are par- view of brotherhood, co-operation and sure there would be a huge turnout of announced shortly. ticipating in the tournament,” Oman’s unity. fans.” Earlier, with only five teams, only one al-Shukali told reporters after the draw. “We are confident it will be a special Al-Rumaihi added, that as a Qatari, stadium – the Khalifa International – “The standard of tournament will event with lots of fans. Also, the Gulf he hped the host nation would win. was earmarked for the tournament. But be very high and it will especially ben- Cup and the Club World Cup will be re- “As a Qatari it will be great for us if now another stadium could be added to efit the teams who are also engaged in hearsals for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.” we win the event. Our team is strong accommodate the increased number of the qualifying tournament for the 2022 AGCFF General Secretary Jassim al- and since we are hosting it we are also matches, he added.

WORLD SQUASH Kiwi Coll to take on Egypt’s Momen in fi nal

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

or the fi rst time since 2015 a non-Egyptian will feature in the PSA Men’s World Squash Championship fi nal after New Zealand’sF Paul Coll won yet another fi ve-game thriller, this time against Marwan ElShorbagy, in the semi-fi nal yesterday. Coll, who is also the highest-ranked non-Egyptian in the world at fi ve, will take on world number three Tarek Momen in today’s fi nal, which prom- ises to be a cracker given that both the players will be going for their fi rst world title. For Momen, he will have a second the game was in the decider, where it game at winning quick points and he straight shot at the title having reached stayed neck and neck midway through did exactly that at the start of the fi rst the fi nal against compatriot Ali Farag the game at 6-6. However, a few errors three games. I did not feel like I was in Chicago earlier this year, and would cost ElShorbagy crucial points, and playing terrible squash, there were want to go one better at the glass court New Zealand’s Paul Coll celebrates after yet another five-game thriller, this time against Marwan ElShorbagy, in the Coll nailed the game ball at the fi rst just a few wrong shot selections. of the Khalifa International Tennis and semi-final yesterday. At right, Egypt’s Tarek Momen plays a shot against Marwan ElShorbagy. PICTURES: Jayan Orma opportunity yet again, and celebrated “(In the end), I was just trying to run Squash Complex today. his win in an 84-minute slugfest with my backside off and trying to volley In the fi rst semi-fi nal, Momen went the win. had “more reserves in his legs” than old narrowly took the fi rst game 11-9. In a roar. as much as possible and push up the 0-1 down against fi fth seed Simon “There was pivotal moment in the he did and that eventually proved the the second, Elshorbagy took an injury “It is a pretty surreal feeling, but court. I had to make him work and I Rosner before winning the next three second game when I was 6-3 down. I diff erence as he couldn’t close out the break at 2-0 after Coll’s move past him like I said yesterday, I am just going tried to put the pace through the roof.” games off of an energy-sapped German was so glad to come back to win that games he initially led. at the T caught him on his right knee. to enjoy the moment as it is, but then in a little less than an hour for a 3-1 (9- game and from then on I just kept push- In the second semi-fi nal, the young- While initially on his return, the focus on tomorrow because tomor- RESULTS (semi-finals) 11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-6) victory. ing and tried to use my speed advantage er ElShorbagy, who had beaten his elder break didn’t seem to have aff ected the row is the biggest match possible and 2-Tarek Momen (EGY) bt 5-Simon Rös- “It was a really good match today. a little bit to close out the match. brother and the top seed Mohamed in Egyptian much as he surged to take an I want to fi ring for that,” said Coll, ner (GER) 3-1: 9-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-6 (58m) Simon pushed himself really hard and “But I am not done. I have been there the quarter-fi nal on Wednesday, just 8-3 lead, but Coll then took fi ve straight who is the fi rst New Zealander since 4-Paul Coll (NZL) bt 9-Marwan ElShor- he gave it everything at the beginning. I already and I know how it feels. The fo- fell short of his second appearance in points to restore parity. A couple of ref Ross Norman in 1986 to reach a men’s bagy (EGY) 3-2: 9-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-6, 11-7 was really struggling to cope, but at the cus is to recover and to prepare myself a World Championships fi nal, losing to decisions later, Coll had the game ball World Championships fi nal, and is 3-3 (84m) end of the day, this is the semi-fi nals of for a big battle and to fi nally lift the tro- Coll 2-3 (11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 6-11, 7-11). He and he nailed it at the fi rst opportunity in head-to-head in PSA events against TODAY’S SCHEDULE (final) the World Championships and nerves phy that I have always dreamed of.” had lost to Mohamed in the 2017 fi nal to level the match 1-1. Momen. 5:30pm: 2-Tarek Momen (EGY) vs have to play a role,” Momen said after Rosner admitted that his opponent in Manchester. Yesterday, the 26-year- Twenty-three odd minutes later, “Marwan is one of the best in the 4-Paul Coll (NZL) Gulf Times 2 Friday, November 15, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS FIFA Club World Cup winners’ trophy Ooredoo Cup to be displayed at Souq Waqif today second round matches today he QNB Stars League has and Al Duhail drew 2-2 with Al taken a long break and Gharafa. it is Ooredoo Cup time The Ooredoo Cup, formerly again. The Round 2 fi x- QSL Cup, provides younger turesT will be held today (three players with more playing time matches in Group A), and tomor- and exposure. The tournament, row (three matches in Group B). which has a group-cum-knock- The fi xtures are Al Wakrah out format, off ers new opportu- vs Umm Salal (16:00) at Al Ahli nities for sponsors, partners and Stadium, Al Rayyan vs Al Ahli stakeholders to highlight their (18:10) at Al Ahli Stadium and brands. Al Sadd vs Al Shahania (18:10) First-team players, Under-23 at Al Khor Stadium on Friday players and Under-19 players can (Group A), Al Gharafa vs Qatar compete in the tournament. All SC (16:00) at Al Ahli Stadium, 12 QNB Stars League teams are The FIFA Club World Cup trophy displayed at Al Zubara Fort (left) and National Museum of Qatar. Al Arabi vs Al Sailiya (18:10) at Al divided into two groups and the Wakrah Stadium and Al Duhail top four sides from each group he FIFA Club World Cup win- Hassan al-Kuwari, said: “We are proud time. I encourage you all to visit the Souq Al Sadd SC (host country representa- vs Al Khor (18:10) at Al Khor Sta- will progress to the knockout ners’ trophy will go on display and delighted to have been chosen to host on Friday. It will be a wonderful event for tive), Liverpool FC (UEFA), CF Monter- dium on Saturday (Group B). quarter-fi nals. in Doha’s famous Souq Waqif one of the world’s most prestigious tour- all the family, and an opportunity to get a rey (CONCACAF), ES Tunis (CAF) and Al Wakrah and Qatar SC are Al Gharafa are the reigning today as Qatar’s preparations to naments. Friday’s event marks a symbolic fi rst glimpse of the trophy the teams will Hienghène Sport (OFC). The CONME- leading Group A and B respec- champions. They beat Al Du- Thost the pinnacle of global club football moment in our countdown to welcoming be competing for next month.” BOL and AFC representatives will be tively with three points each. hail 1-0 in last edition’s fi nal. Al in December continue. Football fans are the champions of each of the six confed- Today’s event will mark the beginning confi rmed on 23 and 24 November re- Al Wakrah are followed by Al Gharafa had triumphed in the invited to have their photo taken with the erations. of four weeks of activities involving the spectively. Rayyan, Al Ahli, Umm Salal, Al previous season as well. coveted prize, which will be the centre- “The tournament will also provide an- FIFA Club World Cup winner’s trophy, The Last Minute Sales Phase for the Shahania and Al Sadd in that Even though the teams will piece of a special event from 7pm to 9pm. other momentous moment for the Qa- during which it will appear at various FIFA Club World Cup began yesterday order in Group A. Al Gharafa are miss some of their international In addition to catching a glimpse of the tari public on the road to 2022, as for the landmarks across the country, includ- at FIFA.com/tickets. Tickets are aff ord- second in Group B, followed by players who will do duty for their trophy, attendees will have the chance fi rst time we welcome thousands of club ing Aspire Park, numerous malls, hotels ably priced in three categories, ranging Al Duhail, Al Arabi, Al Khor and countries during the break, the to watch a host of cultural performances fans from all over the world to watch the and embassies. The FIFA Club World Cup from QR25 for Category 3 tickets to the Al Sailiya in that order. tournament is a good oppor- which showcase Qatar’s diversity and games taking place here. It’s a small taste 2019 will kick off on December 11 and fi rst three matchdays, up to QR400 for In Round 1 Group A action on tunity for them to make up for hospitality. Commenting on the planned of what’s to come in 2022 – and a won- conclude on December 21. The full match Category 1 tickets for the double-header 11th October, Al Sadd lost 1-5 to the lapses and prepare for the activities, the tournament’s Local Or- derful opportunity for the world to see schedule is available on FIFA.com. comprising the third-place play-off and Al Wakrah, Al Ahli beat Umm tough times ahead in the QNB ganising Committee Marketing Director, what it will be like in just three years’ Five teams have qualifi ed to-date: the fi nal. (sc.qa) Salal 2-0 and Al Shahania lost Stars League, where Al Duhail 0-3 to Al Rayyan. In Round 1 are leading the table, followed Group B action on 12th October, by Al Rayyan, Al Gharafa and Al AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS QUALIFIERS Al Khor drew 1-1 with Al Arabi, Sadd in the top bracket after 10 Al Sailiya lost 0-4 to Qatar SC rounds. Congo keep Mane in check, but Senegal cruise to victory Nigeria, third at the recent Cup of Nations, fought back to defeat Benin 2-1

AFP Johannesburg BOTTOMLINE he failure of Liverpool star Sadio Mane to score did not prevent Senegal cruising to a 2-0 win over Congo Brazzaville on Wednesday Turkey and France Tas 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualify- ing began. France-based duo Sidy Sarr and Habibou Diallo netted within three qualify for Euro 2020 minutes during the fi rst half in Thies near Dakar to ensure the Teranga Lions col- AFP and the Turks — who have been lected maximum points. Istanbul rejuvenated since Senol Gunes Senegal fi nished runners-up to Algeria returned to take charge in Febru- in the 2019 Cup of Nations, the second ary — and can now move top of time they collected silver medals in a bi- urkey booked their place the group. ennial competition they have never won. at Euro 2020 yesterday Former national team goal- Mane and Napoli centre-back Kalidou after a goalless qualify- keeper Gunes took Turkey to Koulibaly are the stand-out players in ing draw with Iceland third place at the 2002 World a team expected to win Group I, where Twhich also sent world champions Cup during his fi rst spell as man- Guinea-Bissau overcame eSwatini (for- France to next year’s fi nals. With ager between 2000 and 2004, merly Swaziland) 3-0 in the other fi xture. two teams qualifying from Group and guided his team to qualifi - Nigeria, third at the recent Cup of Na- H, leaders Turkey are four points cation with relative ease, beat- tions, fought back to defeat Benin 2-1 in ahead of third-placed Iceland ing and drawing with France and southeastern city Uyo with Samuel Kalu with one match remaining after losing only one match. That up- scoring the second half match-winner. the stalemate in Istanbul, with turn in form comes after a dread- Veteran Stephane Sessegnon gave Be- France a point behind Turkey in ful slump under previous coach nin an early lead they retained until the second. Mircea Lucescu that saw Turkey stroke of half-time when Victor Osimhen Iceland needed to win to have fail to qualify for the last year’s levelled by converting a penalty. Benin any chance of qualifying thanks World Cup in Russia and relegat- eliminated highly-fancied Morocco at to their inferior head-to-head ed to third-tier League C in the the last-16 stage of the Cup of Nations record with the French but will UEFA Nations League. in Egypt last July and took Senegal to the now have to hope they make the The hosts largely kept Iceland wire before making a quarter-fi nals exit. playoff s at the end of the quali- at bay in a match of few chances, In the other Group L match, Jane fying phase. Didier Deschamps’ but had to thank Merih Demiral Thabantso netted in the fi nal minute to France would have qualifi ed for making sure of qualifi cation earn Lesotho a 1-1 draw away to Sierra for the Euros with a win over when he brilliantly cleared Hor- Leone, who had taken a 72nd-minute Moldova later last night regard- dur Magnusson’s header off the lead through Kwame Quee in Freetown. less of the result between Iceland line with eight minutes to go. Cameroon, automatic 2021 tourna- ment participants as hosts, are taking part to get competitive match practice and began disappointingly when held Moussa Wague (left) of Senegal vies for the ball with Anzouana Yhoan of Congo during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying 0-0 at home by Cape Verde in Group F. match at the Lat-Dior stadium in Thies, Senegal, on Wednesday night. (AFP) The Indomitable Lions went to Egypt dougou: Burkina Faso 0 Uganda 0 this year as defending champions, but twice within 60 seconds midway through draw against Kenya in Alexandria. Group C managed only one win in four matches the opening half to turn the tide. Mahmoud Abdel Moneam opened the : At Khartoum: Sudan 4 (Agab 7, and were eliminated by Nigeria in the Another Europe-based professional, scoring for the Pharaohs, three minutes Eltetsh 44, Diogo 62-og, El Rasheed 77) round of 16. Sulayman Marreh, got a third goal one before the break, while Kenya’s Michael Sao Tome e Principe 0 That unexpectedly early exit cost coach minute from time as the Gambia avenged Olunga levelled the score for the visitors Group D: At Luanda: Angola 1 (Eduardo and former Dutch star Clarence Seedorf home and away 2022 World Cup qualify- seven minutes after the hour-mark. 3) Gambia 3 (Ceesay 17, 18, Marreh 89) his job with Portuguese Toni Concei- ing losses to Angola two months ago. The Pharaohs seemed aff ected by the Group E: At Bangui: Central African cao taking his place, assisted by Francois The widest winning margin was absence of Liverpool winger Mohamed Republic 2 (Mabide 5, Mafouta 90+2) Omam-Biyik. Porto forward Vincent achieved by Sudan, who walloped Group Salah, who missed the game due to in- Burundi 0 Aboubakar was recalled to bolster the at- C outsiders Sao Tome e Principe 4-0 in jury, as they failed to impress against Group F: At Yaounde: Cameroon 0 Cape tack, but Cape Verde held fi rm in Yaounde Khartoum, where the losers were reduced Kenya (108th), a team that they outrank Verde 0 for a precious point. With Cameroon to 10 men by a 22nd-minute red card. by almost 60 places in the FIFA October guaranteed one of the two qualifying Defending champions Algeria debut ranking. Group I: At Bissau: Guinea-Bissau 3 places, Cape Verde will battle with Mo- yesterday at home to Zambia and will be (Jorginho 40, Piqueti 45, Mario 73) zambique and Rwanda for the other slot. defending a 16-match unbeaten record RESULTS eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) 0; At Thies, The shock among the fi rst 11 qualifi ers of since losing a 2019 Cup of Nations quali- Senegal: Senegal 2 (Sarr 26, Diallo 28) Group A: At Windhoek: Namibia 2 144 was the Gambia coming from behind fi er in Benin. Congo Brazzaville 0 (Adoassou 66-og, Katjiukua 77) Chad 1 to win a Group D match 3-1 in Angola. (N’Douassel 68) Group L: At Uyo, Nigeria: Nigeria 2 (Osim- After Wilson Eduardo put the Ango- EGYPT HELD AT HOME BY KENYA hen 45-pen, Kalu 62) Benin 1 (Sessegnon lans ahead in the third minute in Luanda, Yesterday, Egypt started their 2021 quali- Group B: At Blantyre, Malawi: Malawi 1 5); At Freetown: Sierra Leone 1 (Quee 72) Turkey players and staff celebrate after they qualified for the Euro Switzerland-based Assan Ceesay netted fying campaign with a disappointing 1-1 (Mhango 68) South Sudan 0; At Ouaga- Lesotho 1 (Thabantso 90) 2020 tournament in Istanbul yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Friday, November 15, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS ROUND-UP Atletico’s Costa suff ers Lippi quits as China slipped disc tletico Madrid forward Diego Costa is set for a spell on the sidelines after suff ering a slipped disc.A “The club’s medical staff have done some scans on Diego Costa to assess the neck prob- coach aft er Syria loss lems he has been suff ering from in the last few days. Those tests have revealed that the striker is UAE lose to Vietnam 0-1, while Iran fall to a 1-2 defeat against Iraq suff ering from a slipped disc,” said a statement from Atletico. Reuters “In the next few days he will Hong Kong be assessed by neurosurgery specialists in order to establish a defi nitive treatment plan.” arcello Lippi has resigned Atletico did not state for as head coach of the China how long Costa would be out national team after seeing but Spanish media reports said his side slip to a 2-1 loss to he would miss Atletico’s next MSyria in qualifying for the 2022 World La Liga game away to Granada Cup in Dubai yesterday. The Italian quit on Nov. 23. Costa, 31, has had during his news conference after an a largely unsuccessful second own goal from defender Zhang Linpeng stint at Atletico since rejoining left China fi ve points adrift of the table- the club from Chelsea in January topping Syrians at the halfway point of 2018. He has started eight of the qualifi cation group stage. his side’s 11 La Liga games this “My pay is very high, and I take all season, scoring two goals. the blame,” Lippi was quoted as saying by the Chinese media. “I am quitting as IBRAHIMOVIC CONFIRMS China coach.” Only the winners from GALAXY EXIT each of the eight qualifi cation groups Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahi- for the fi nals in Qatar will advance to the movic confi rmed his departure next round, with the four runners-up from the Los Angeles Galaxy on with the best records also progressing. Wednesday, but gave no clue China, who are attempting to qualify over his future plans or possible for the World Cup for the fi rst time since retirement. The 38-year-old 2002, are currently in second place in striker’s departure from the Group A with seven points alongside Galaxy had been widely expect- the Philippines, with Syria holding a ed following the club’s elimi- maximum 12 points from their fi rst four nation from the Major League games. This is the second time this year Soccer playoff s last month. that Lippi, who led Italy to a World Cup Ibrahimovic, who joined the triumph in 2006, has left the role as Galaxy in the opening months of China’s head coach. The 71-year-old, the 2018 campaign, announced who also won fi ve Serie A titles and a the end of his Californian Champions League across two spells sojourn in a characteristically in charge of Juventus, reversed his de- enigmatic post on Twitter. “I cision to stand down from the role in came, I saw, I conquered. Thank January having refused to sign a new you @lagalaxy for making me contract following the team’s quarter- feel alive again,” Ibrahimovic fi nal exit at the Asian Cup. wrote. “To the Galaxy fans — His return came in March after com- you wanted Zlatan, I gave you patriot Fabio Cannavaro helmed the Zlatan. You are welcome. “The country during the China Cup friendly story continues...Now go back tournament on an interim basis and was to watch baseball.” followed by a series of attempts to bol- Iraq players celebrate after scoring against Iran in the World Cup 2022 qualifier at the Amman International Stadium in Amman, Jordan, yesterday. (Reuters) The Galaxy said in a brief ster the national squad. statement the club had parted England-born midfi elder Nico Yen- feat against Iraq. Van Marwijk endured top of Group H while Turkmenistan re- company with Ibrahimovic by naris became the fi rst overseas-born a miserable evening as his UAE side — mained in the race for a place in the next mutual agreement. “We would player to be selected by China. Soon who played the last 50 minutes with 10 round with a 3-1 win over North Korea. like to thank Zlatan for his con- after Elkeson, a Brazilian striker who men after Khalifa al-Hammadi was sent Japan maintained their perfect record tributions to the LA Galaxy and has set scoring records in the Chinese off — lost to Vietnam to drop to third in thanks to goals from Takumi Minamino Major League Soccer,” said LA Super League, was the fi rst player with- Group G. The Vietnamese lead with 10 and Genki Haraguchi, which sealed a Galaxy President Chris Klein. out Chinese ancestry to gain citizenship points with Thailand in second on seven 2-0 win for Hajime Moriyasu’s side over “Since his arrival in 2018, and play for China. after their 2-1 defeat against Malaysia Kyrgyzstan to give the Samurai Blue 12 Zlatan has positively infl uenced Those additions, though, have not ensured Tan Cheng Hoe’s team remain points from four games. the sport of soccer in Los Ange- been enough to improve the squad and in contention for a place in the next Japan lead Group F from Kyrgyzstan, les. We are grateful for his work Lippi has been under pressure since his phase of the competition. who are level on six points with third- ethic and passion. We thank team was held to a 0-0 draw last month Wilmots’ Iran lost to old foes Iraq, placed Tajikistan after their 4-3 defeat Marcello Lippi. (Reuters) Zlatan for his professionalism by the Philippines with Alaa Abbas scoring in injury time to Myanmar. Salem al-Dawsari broke and immeasurable impact on Meanwhile, Bert van Marwijk’s Unit- to give Srecko Katanec’s side command Uzbek hearts in Tashkent with a last- the Los Angeles community and ed Arab Emirates and Marc Wilmots’ of Group C, which they lead with 10 minute lob to give Saudi Arabia a 3-2 the soccer community in North Iran also suff ered defeats that could points, two clear of Bahrain, who drew win in Group D. America as a whole.” have serious ramifi cations for their 2022 0-0 with Hong Kong. Iran have six Herve Renard’s Saudi side leapfrog Ibrahimovic has been strongly World Cup qualifi cation hopes. The points. There was better news for Pau- Uzbekistan into fi rst place, two points linked with a return to Italian big-name European coaches endured lo Bento as his South Korea team drew clear of Vadim Abramov’s team, while club AC Milan, where he played a torrid time in Asia’s second round of 0-0 with Lebanon in Beirut in a match in Group E Seminlen Doungel scored in for two seasons between 2010 preliminaries with the UAE beaten 1-0 played behind closed doors due to se- injury time to earn India a 1-1 draw with and 2012, scoring 42 goals in 61 by Vietnam and Iran falling to a 2-1 de- curity concerns. South Korea stay on Afghanistan. league appearances.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Arsenal legend Henry to coach Sparv ready to lead Finland to the MLS side Montreal Impact promised land as Euro spot beckons AFP Montreal Reuters Stockholm Finland captain ormer Arsenal star Tim Sparv. (Reuters) Thierry Henry was yes- fter 17 years of service in his na- terday appointed coach tion’s colours, Finland captain at MLS franchise Mon- Tim Sparv is on the cusp of do- trealF Impact on a two-year con- ing something that no senior male tract as he gets a new chance of FinnishA footballer has managed — lead- management after a disastrous ing his side to the fi nals of a major football spell at Monaco. “Welcome to tournament. A win against Liechtenstein in Montreal @ThierryHenry!” the front of a capacity crowd in Helsinki today Major League Soccer (MLS) club will guarantee the Finns, better known for tweeted. Henry, whose baptism their prowess at winter sports such as ice by fi re as a manager ended in his hockey and cross-country skiing, a berth at fi ring by French club Monaco in Euro 2020. “It’s hard to put it into words. It’s January, will coach Impact for a world-class player at Arsenal viously also turned down off ers just amazing the opportunity that we have minimum of two seasons. “Hen- where he scored 228 goals in 377 to be an assistant coach, setting — a home game against Liechtenstein, the ry signed a two-year deal, with appearances, making him the his eyes on the top job after al- stadium is going to be packed. It’s hysterical an option for 2022,” the club said English club’s record goalscorer. ready having been number two to in Finland right now,” he said. on its website. After winning the World Cup Roberto Martinez when Belgium Finland took part in several Olympic soc- Henry, 42, who helped France on home soil in 1998, he played reached the semi-fi nals of the cer tournaments, but few Finnish fans count win the World Cup in 1998, is in three further World Cups in 2018 World Cup. that as an achievement. Instead, they have land to a championship, so I think it was a Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup as sourc- familiar with the MLS, hav- 2002, 2006 and 2010. Henry’s hiring by the Impact waited patiently to take their place among surprise and maybe a disappointment for es of inspiration, Sparv said Finland’s heart ing played from 2010 to 2014 He is also France’s all-time is expected to help revitalise the the footballing nations of the world, with many that they never managed it.” and togetherness would see them through. with the New York Red Bulls. He leading scorer with 51 goals in 123 Montreal club, which has strug- Sparv cheering them on from the terraces The names and clubs of the current squad “Everybody plays for the fl ag on the front scored 51 goals and had 42 assists games, in front of Michel Plati- gled over the years to score big, before fi rst lining up for them at under-15 may be less well-known — Sparv plays for of the shirt, rather than the name on the in 122 games with the club. “It’s ni. His much-heralded return missing the playoff s in 2019 af- level in 2002 and then for the senior side for FC Midtjylland in Denmark — but a combi- back. You can see that the players in the an honour to coach the Montreal to Monaco ended in the sack as ter fi nishing ninth in the East- the last decade. nation of defensive organisation, team spirit Finnish national team love the team. No- Impact and return to MLS,” said the team plummeted to second- ern Conference. The team has “It was a dream of mine to represent the and the goals of striker Teemo Pukki, who one creates any issues or problems,” he said. Henry. “It’s a league I know well, from-bottom in the league. long been overshadowed by its national team when I was growing up. If you plays for Norwich City in England’s Premier Italy currently top Group J with 24 points in which I had some very nice So he must still prove himself stronger Canadian rival, Toronto were a young Finnish footballer back then, League, have put them on the brink of quali- from their eight games, with Finland sec- moments. I’ve always kept an eye as a coach and show he is capable FC, which lost 3-1 to the Seat- you looked up to Sami Hyypia, Jari Lit- fi cation. ond on 15 with their fi nal two games against on the club and now I’m here.” of standing up to the team’s own- tle Sounders in the 2019 MLS manen, Antti Niemi, Jussi Jaaskelainen — it “Pukki brings that X-factor, the simple Liechtenstein and away to Greece. Armenia Henry becomes the seventh er Joey Saputo, who is reputed to Cup on Sunday. In Montreal, was a big deal for me when I fi rst came into playing philosophy that everybody knows and Bosnia could still pip the Finns to sec- coach of the Montreal Impact in meddle in the aff airs of his man- Henry reunites with his former the national team in 2009. has helped us. He’s been so amazing for us,” ond place, but not if Sparv’s side beat Liech- just eight years, succeeding Co- agers — including stopping by France teammate Bacary Sagna “These guys were still there, so it was a he said of the 29-year-old Pukki, who has tenstein, a team with no wins and only two lombian Wilmer Cabrera, who the team’s locker room to share and former Barcelona teammate fantastic opportunity for me to learn from netted seven of Finland’s 12 goals in qualify- points and two goals scored so far in qualify- was acting coach for two months post-game criticisms. Bojan Krkic, as well as French guys who had played in big clubs, won ing. “We know that if we create a chance for ing. “I can’t imagine what it will be like if we after the dismissal in August of Henry could have contented defender Rod Fanni. “Henry will Champions Leagues. That was pretty cool. Teemo, he’ll score nine times out of 10. He’s win. People have been talking about these French coach Remi Garde after 10 himself as a highly-paid TV pun- bring a new energy to our club,” You have to remember, this was the golden really developed into a star player.” fi nal two games for weeks,” Sparv said. “We months in charge. dit in Britain, but his desire to Impact president Kevin Gilmore generation,” the midfi elder explained. Citing his side’s defensive stability and still have some work to do, but it’s going to Henry made his name as a coach remained strong. He pre- said in a statement. “Everybody expected them to bring Fin- Iceland’s recent success in qualifying for be a big party all over Finland if we make it.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, November 15, 2019 SPORT

MOTORSPORT SPOTLIGHT Bryan brothers to bow out aft er Ferrari seek fresh 2020 US Open

Reuters The Bryans also won Olympic London gold at London 2012 and were part of the US Davis Cup-win- ning team in 2007. ob and Mike Bryan, the Mike claimed two more Grand start on F1 home greatest doubles pair Slam titles with Jack Sock in in the history of tennis, 2018 after Bob was sidelined have announced they with a hip injury. Bwill end what they describe as a “Mike and I chose to fi nish our “magical ride” in 2020 after one 2019 season after the US Open, more crack at the US Open. even knowing there was a strong The 41-year-old Californian chance we’d qualify for the ATP twins, famous for their trade- Finals,” Bob said in an ATP state- straight in Brazil mark chest-bump celebration, ment on Wednesday. will bid farewell at Flushing “After much discussion, we Should Vettel win he will move level with Schumacher on four Brazilian triumphs Meadows, scene of their Grand decided that it would be best to Slam debut in 1995. rest our minds and strengthen DPA Playing almost exclusively our bodies in preparation for Sao Paulo with each other throughout their 2020 which will be our fi nal sea- 25-year careers, the Bryans cap- son on the ATP Tour. tured a professional era record “For the last 21 years, we have errari arrive at the For- 118 titles, including 16 Grand been so grateful for the oppor- mula One Brazilian Grand Slam titles, 39 ATP Masters tunity to live out our dreams of Prix looking to bounce 1000s and the ATP Finals title playing professional tennis. It back from both a disap- four times. has truly been a magical ride.” pointingF race in the United States and allegations of cheating — that they strongly denied. “I think overall it’s been a good hunting ground for us and hope- fully it will be like that again this weekend,” their driver Sebastian Vettel said in the team preview for Sunday’s race at the classic Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo. Vettel is the more likely Scude- ria contender on the 90th anni- versary of the team being formed given Charles Leclerc will “drop at least 10 grid places — but quite likely a lot more,” according to the F1 website, for using a new power unit. Should Vettel win he will move level with Michael Schumach- er on four Brazilian triumphs. World champion Lewis Hamilton has two, the same as his hero and File photo of USA’s Bob Bryan (left) and Mike Bryan. (AFP) local icon Ayrton Senna. Ferrari experienced a sudden drop in performance at the US Zverev denies illegal phone Grand Prix, something Red Bull’s use at ATP Finals Max Verstappen claimed was re- lated to the governing FIA issuing Alexander Zverev denied he not have his phone with him a clarifi cation on how fuel could was using his phone illegally on court. be delivered. during his ATP Finals round- “My phone was in the locker “That’s what happens when robin defeat to Stefanos room,” he said. “I always leave you stop cheating, of course,” he Sebastian Vettel at the Interlagos racetrack in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yesterday. (AFP) Tsitsipas at London’s O2 it there. I don’t know what told Dutch television. Leclerc Arena. they saw, but it was definitely branded the accusations “a joke” some of that momentum into the On occasion Hamilton has summer break, but we were able Albon will also be on a high hav- The defending champion not a phone.” as the young drivers, widely con- winter work.” eased off with the title won to take pole in Austin and will try ing confi rmed his race seat for was asked about the incident When asked what he might sidered potential future world Mercedes, having secured a but celebrated championship to fi ght for a front row start again next season. While that next term during the post-match press have been touching in his bag, champions continued a rivalry sixth successive drivers’ and number fi ve by winning in Bra- at Sao Paulo,” said Wolff . will already loom large in the conference following his 6-3, the German said: “I mean, a which has bubbled this season constructors’ double, will be zil last year. Victory again would Ferrari have claimed six pole thoughts of the ‘big three’ teams, 6-2 defeat on Wednesday. water bottle? Empty water with on-track clashes. without team chief Toto Wolff take him to 84 career race wins positions from the last eight the midfi eld pack of McLaren, TV footage that circulated bottle maybe?” “We should be back to our nor- who is staying in Europe to “fo- and within seven of Schumach- races but Red Bull will expect to Renault, Racing Point and Toro on social media appeared to Zverev beat Rafael Nadal mal performance level and show cus on other open topics.” er’s all-time best of 91. The cir- be competitive again having been Rosso have no such luxury. Only show him touching something earlier in the week but his some fi ghting spirit to fi nish the Hamilton and Valtteri Bot- cuit at Interlagos is a relatively unlucky not to win with Verstap- 57 points separates McLaren in in his bag at a changeover comprehensive defeat season on a high note,” said team tas will defi nitely fi nish fi rst and short 4.309 kilometres meaning pen 12 months ago. fourth from Toro Rosso’s seventh during the match. by Tsitsipas leaves his principal Mattia Binotto. second in the standings but Wolff the margin for error in Saturday’s Verstappen could yet catch in the constructors’ standings Rules state players cannot tournament hopes in the “That will be important in insisted: “We have two races to go qualifying is small. Leclerc for third in the standings and with each place worth mil- access any electronic devices balance ahead of his final order to confi rm we are making in the 2019 season and we want to “We have generally not had the but is fending off Vettel from be- lions in prize money, there will be during matches. group match against Daniil progress with our car and to take end this season on a high.” fastest car on Saturdays since the hind. His teammate Alexander no let up. But Zverev, 22, insisted he did Medvedev today.

TENNIS/ATP FINALS Tsitsipas through to semis; Berrettini signs off with victory Reuters Tsitsipas later revealed he had needed a London painkilling injection in a foot injury. Yet despite having already reached the semis, he will not take his foot off the gas Matteo Berrettini returns against Dominic ebutant Stefanos Tsitsipas crushed against Nadal today when he could knock the Thiem during their round-robin match on day defending champion Alexander Spaniard out. five of the ATP Finals at the O2 Arena in London Zverev 6-3 6-2 on Wednesday to “I’m going to give it my all. I’m going to try yesterday. (AFP) book his place in the last four of the to give my soul, and I think it’s also a very good ATPD Finals with a match to spare. challenge for me in order to prepare for more The 21-year-old, the fi rst Greek player to diffi cult matches in the semi-fi nals,” he said. qualify for the elite eight-man season-ender, “It’s going to educate me, and I’m going to try backed up his opening round-robin win over to get and absorb as much as I can from that.” Daniil Medvedev with another virtuoso per- formance at the O2 Arena and is yet to lose a BERRETTINI SIGNS OFF WITH set. VICTORY OVER THIEM His emphatic victory secured a top-two Matteo Berrettini became the fi rst Italian to place in the group and left Zverev, world win a match in ATP Finals history as he signed number one Rafael Nadal and Medvedev off with a 7-6(3) 6-3 defeat of off -colour Do- scrapping to join him in tomorrow’s semi- minic Thiem at the O2 Arena yesterday. fi nals. The afternoon tussle was a little fl at as A year ago Tsitsipas was winning the Next- Thiem had already sealed a place in the semi- Gen title in Milan — the ATP’s showcase event fi nals after group wins against Roger Federer for up-and-coming players — and in his two and Novak Djokovic, while Berrettini could matches so far in London he has bolstered the not progress. impression that he has the game to start col- But the powerful 23-year-old Berrettini, lecting Grand Slam titles. making his debut at the tournament, pro- His swashbuckling all-court game, with duced some eye-catching tennis to make sure a booming serve, aggressive groundstrokes, he heads home with a morale-boosting win. deft volleys and silky movement have made The 200 ranking points and $215,000 for him an instant crowd favourite at the O2 Are- the group stage win capped a stunning year na. for Berrettini who was outside the top 50 in All those weapons were on display against January but will end the season ranked eighth. Zverev in what was the youngest, in terms of The only other Italians to qualify for the combined age, match at the ATP Finals since elite season-ender were Corrado Barazzutti in Andy Murray played Juan Martin del Potro in 1978 and Adriano Panatta in 1975 and neither 2009. managed to win a match. Zverev’s last three matches at the O2 were Berrettini served for the fi rst set at 5-4 after straight sets victories over Roger Federer, No- breaking the Thiem serve to love in the previ- vak Djokovic and Nadal — a trio with 55 Grand ous game, but a netted volley handed back the Slam titles between them. break. The Italian dominated the tiebreak and But the form of Monday’s group-stage win grew in confi dence in the second set as Thiem, over Nadal deserted him as Tsitsipas, with suff ering with a cold, failed to repeat the daz- whom he is said to have a frosty relationship, zling form he displayed when beating Djoko- beat him for the fourth time in fi ve matches. vic in a three-set thriller on Tuesday. Tsitsipas broke in the eighth game when A running backhand pass gave him a break Zverev opted to follow in a weak second serve for 4-2 in the second set and he closed out the and made a mess of a low volley. win in dominant fashion. From that point on it was one-way traffi c. Despite losing, Thiem has won the group Zverev’s level tailed off alarmingly in the and will be joined in the semi-fi nals by either second set and Tsitsipas wrapped things up Djokovic or Federer who clash for the 49th with an ace. time in an evening blockbuster. Gulf Times Friday, November 15, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Pavelski’s Harden erupts for two-goal night 47 pts as Rockets carries Stars past Flames

Reuters New York, United States down Clippers oe Pavelski scored twice, and Justin Dowling notched his fi rst NHL goal Lakers cruise to a blowout 120-94 victory over injury-decimated Warriors to lead the visiting Dal- lasJ Stars to a 3-1 victory over the AFP Calgary Flames on Wednesday Los Angeles, United States night. Ben Bishop stopped 24 shots to net the win for the Stars, who are ames Harden was labelled on an 8-1-1 run that has pushed “amazing” by Houston them up the standings. coach Mike D’Antoni af- After a goalless opening pe- Jter erupting in a fourth- riod, the Stars controlled the quarter scoring spree to lead bulk of play following the fi rst the Rockets to a 102-93 victory intermission, and they were re- over the Los Angeles Clippers on warded when Pavelski produced Wednesday. a power-play goal 3:22 into the Harden led the scoring with second period. 47 points, including seven Denis Gurianov took the puck to three-pointers, while the former the net during a rush and was de- However, Pavelski’s empty- NBA MVP also added six re- nied, but Pavelski was on the spot net tally with 93 seconds re- bounds and seven assists. for the rebound and cashed it in for maining iced the aff air. The Houston talisman plun- his fourth goal of the season. The Stars, who also celebrat- dered 17 points late in the fourth Dowling doubled the Dallas ed Corey Perry’s 1,000th NHL quarter to help transform an lead 6:38 into the third period. game, paid a price for the win. 84-80 defi cit with 5min 52sec Seconds after Calgary’s Mikael Forward Andrew Cogliano left remaining into victory. Backlund whiff ed on a wide- the game early in the third period “It’s not like we haven’t seen open net, Dowling made his 34th due to a lower-body injury. it before, and we’ll see it again,” big-league game one to remem- Calgary goalie Cam Talbot was Rockets head coach D’Antoni ber. Dowling, who grew up in the strong in the net during a 29- said. town of Cochrane, Alberta, just save performance, but yet again “He’s amazing. He’s just a outside Calgary, sped away on he received too little off ensive master of the game. It’s what I an odd-man rush, then patiently support. Talbot has won just one expect. He’s a special player, no froze the goalie before depositing of his fi ve starts this season. doubt about it.” the puck into the cage. The Flames fell to 2-2-1 in Harden shouldered the bulk The 29-year-old had no points their past fi ve games. of the Rockets’ off ensive duties, in 13 prior games this season. with Russell Westbrook (17) and The Flames received a golden RESULTS Clint Capela (12) the only other chance to get back in the game Houston players to score double thanks to a four-minute power Ottawa 4-2 New Jersey fi gures. play just before the midway point NY Islanders 5-4 Toronto The Clippers were led by of the third period, and Sean Mon- Washington 2-1 Philadelphia Kawhi Leonard, who had 26 ahan put them on the board with (SO) points, 12 rebounds and seven the man-advantage marker. Mon- assists. ahan was on the spot for a rebound Dallas 3-1 Calgary Lou Williams had 20 off the to make it a 2-1 game with 10:03 Chicago 5-3 Las Vegas bench for the Clippers while remaining in regulation. JaMychal Green added 14 as the Clippers fell to 7-4 with the de- feat. The Clippers also had coach Pacers’ Oladipo progressing Doc Rivers ejected in a surreal exchange late in the fourth quar- towards return ter which saw his son — Rockets shooting guard Austin Rivers — Reuters but we haven’t been able to urging offi cials to toss him. New York, United States practice a lot in the last week “It was a really good mo- or so because we’re limited ment,” Austin Rivers joked af- with the players that we have,” terwards. ndiana Pacers guard Vic- McMillan said. “(Oladipo) “I enjoyed it a lot. I’m not tor Oladipo is on track to hasn’t been able to get in a lot gonna lie to you. I really did en- Ireturn to game action. of work with those off -days joy that.” For his first full-court, 5-on-5 and us having to manage the Houston Rockets guard James Harden (right) dribbles the ball around Los Angeles Clippers forward JaMychal Green (centre) during the third practice since rupturing his group that we have.” LAKERS ROUT WARRIORS quarter of the NBA at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, United States, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) right quadriceps tendon in Team president Kevin Pritch- The Rockets improved to 8-3, January, Oladipo was assigned ard said over the summer the leaving them hard on the heels day, LeBron James scoring 23 Walker was backed by Jayson The Sixers, playing without to the Pacers’ G League aff ili- Pacers were “hopeful he’ll be of the Los Angeles Lakers, who RESULTS points and Kyle Kuzma 22 in a Tatum with 23 points and Jaylen the injured Joel Embiid, fell ate in Fort Wayne on Tuesday, back December or January.” cruised to a blowout 120-94 comfortable win. Brown with 22. Turkish star to 7-4 after the loss while Joel Memphis 119-117 Charlotte where he practised with the The two-time All-Star injured win over the injury-decimat- The Lakers, who have not Enes Kanter meanwhile pulled Embiid Orlando improved to team and then rejoined the the tendon in his right knee in ed Golden State Warriors on Orlando 112-97 Philadelphia have reached the playoff s since down nine rebounds as well as 4-7. Pacers to continue his rehab. a Jan. 23 win against the To- Wednesday. Boston 140-133 Washington 2013, lead the Western Confer- contributing 13 points. In Portland, the reigning Pacers head coach Nate ronto Raptors and had surgery The Warriors, who reached Houston 102-96 LA Clippers ence with a 9-2 record. But it was a frustrating night NBA champion Toronto Raptors McMillan was present at the later that month. fi ve consecutive NBA Finals In the Eastern Conference, for Washington’s Bradley Beal, eased past the Trail Blazers af- practice. He said Oladipo isn’t Oladipo, 27, averaged 18.8 from 2015-2019 have endured Minnesota 129-114 San Antonio the Boston Celtics improved to who fi nished with 44 points, ter another superb display from ready to run full court every points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists a nightmare start to the sea- LA Lakers 120-94 Golden State 9-1 to remain on top of the ta- fi ve rebounds and six assists yet Pascal Siakam. day, but the workout was and 1.7 steals in 36 starts before son, with a long-term injury to Toronto 114-106 Portland ble after a 140-133 defeat of the somehow ended on the losing Siakam, who had scored 24 noteworthy progress. the injury. Oladipo was the Stephen Curry depleting a squad Washington Wizards. side. points in a win over the Lakers “I don’t think this will be some- league’s Most Improved Player already attempting to adjust Kemba Walker had 25 points in In Orlando, Nikola Vucevic on Sunday, once again led the thing he continues to do, the in 2017-18, also earning first-team from the loss of Klay Thompson The Lakers were in no mood to an impressive all-round scoring scored 25 points as the Magic scoring with 36 points, receiv- full court. I think he’s still in the All-Defensive and third-team (knee) and departure of Kevin show the Warriors any mercy at display by the Celtics, who saw jolted the Philadelphia 76ers ing backing from Fred VanVleet half court now playing 5-on-5, All-NBA honours that year. Durant to the Brooklyn Nets. the Staples Center on Wednes- seven players reach double digits. with a 112-97 victory. who fi nished with 30.

MLB Mets’ deGrom, Astros’ Verlander win second Cy Young Awards

Reuters jor-league high 223 innings. that point in early June, he With Wednesday’s winners, New York, United States “It’s truly incredible,” said dropped his ERA from 3.45. He there are now 21 pitchers that Verlander, who led the majors in went at least seven innings in 19 have won multiple Cy Young wins. starts over the season. Awards. ew York Mets right- “You know, 2011 was just a “Last year, it was kind of Verlander fi nally picked up hander Jacob deGrom magical season, but I hadn’t re- smooth sailing all year,” deGrom his second trophy after fi nishing ran away with the vot- ally had to grind through much said. “But this year, I had to kind second in 2012, 2016 and 2018. ing to repeat as the at that point in time. I lot has of recover from that little rough He had narrow losses to David Nwinner of the National League Cy changed since then personally patch and fi gure out a way to get Price in 2012 and Rick Porcello in Young Award, while Houston As- and professionally, but I think it it done and go out there and fi x 2016. tros righty Justin Verlander edged just makes it that much sweeter.” some mechanical things.” This time, he came out on top a teammate to win the AL trophy For the fi rst time in AL his- DeGrom becomes 11th pitcher over Cole, who was 20-5 with a for a second time Wednesday. tory, teammates fi nished fi rst and to win in consecutive years, the 2.50 ERA and a major-league- DeGrom went 11-8 with a 2.43 second in the voting, with the last being Washington’s Max best 326 strikeouts in 212 1/3 in- ERA in 32 starts, striking out an Astros’ Gerrit Cole being a close Scherzer in the National League nings. NL-best 255 in 204 innings. second. Verlander picked up 17 in 2016 and 2017. “Having come so close a cou- He earned 29 of 30 fi rst-place fi rst-place votes and 171 points Scherzer tied for second in this ple of other times, just every- votes. in balloting by the Baseball Writ- year’s voting with the Los Ange- thing, all that this means, it’s just “I said it was a dream to win ers Association of America, with les Dodgers’ Hyun-Jin Ryu, who such an incredible feeling,” Ver- one, but to win back-to-back, Cole earning the other 13 fi rst- picked up the other fi rst-place lander said. honestly, I’m kind of speechless place nods and 159 points. No vote. Charlie Morton of the Tampa right now,” he said on MLB Net- other pitcher placed second on Scherzer’s teammate on the Bay Rays was third, followed by work. any ballot. World Series champion Nation- the Cleveland Indians’ Shane Verlander, 36, previously DeGrom, 31, is the fi rst Mets als, Stephen Strasburg, tied for Bieber and Lance Lynn of the won in 2011, when he also took pitcher to win in back-to-back fourth with the St. Louis Cardi- Texas Rangers. home the American League MVP seasons and the second in fran- nals’ Jack Flaherty. Verlander is the fourth pitch- award. He was 21-6 with a 2.58 chise history to win multiple Verlander’s season included er in Astros’ history to win the ERA in 34 starts this season, times, joining Tom Seaver (1969, his third no-hitter — Sept. 1 at award, joining Dallas Keuchel striking out 300 for the fi rst time 1973, 1975). He started this sea- Toronto — and his 3,000th career (2015), Roger Clemens (2004) in his career while pitching a ma- Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros previously won the award in 2011. (AFP) son with a 3-6 record, but from strikeout. and Mike Scott (1986). Gulf Times 6 Friday, November 15, 2019 NFL

FOCUS Patriots stand in way of Eagles extending streak After an ugly loss at Dallas, Eagles have responded with wins over Bills and Bears Bears, Rams try to salvage season on Sunday night

Reuters that ended a four-game losing New York, United States streak. Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw three touch- wo teams left wonder- downs against the Lions and ing how everything has at least quieted the criticism of Tgone wrong this season his rough season for one week. will clash Sunday night in Los Trubisky enters Week 11 ranked Angeles, with both trying to 26th in the NFL with 1,390 revamp their off enses behind yards passing and 21st with a quarterbacks under some 63.6 completion percentage. heavy scrutiny. His eight touchdown passes The Chicago Bears and Los are tied for 28th. Angeles Rams will meet in a The Rams are the team now night game for the second taking the heat after a slug- consecutive season, but under gish offensive performance far diff erent circumstances this at Pittsburgh on Sunday led time around. to a 17-12 defeat. The offense Last season at Chicago, the delivered just a field goal, Rams were the NFL’s hot team with the defense scoring in early December with just a touchdown and getting one loss and an off ense that a safety. Cooper Kupp, the churned out points in bunches Rams’ leading receiver this before the Bears put on the season, did not have a recep- defensive show of the NFL tion. season in a 15-6 victory. Personnel changes and inju- Less than a year later, the ries on the line have put the Rams no longer are mass-pro- Rams’ chances of an off ensive ducing points and the Bears revival in jeopardy. Center aren’t getting the same kind Brian Allen joined tackle Joe of play as a team, although Noteboom with season-ending it did all come together for knee injuries. Tackle Rob Chicago last Sunday in a 20-13 Havenstein (knee) will not play victory over the Detroit Lions against the Bears.

the defending Super Bowl cham- earn it, the people that are in the pion Patriots will be entering a locker room. We’ve got to show game following a loss, 37-20 on up to work every day with a great the road against the Baltimore sense of determination, commit- Ravens. ment to doing our best for each Actually, that loss snapped a other and for the team. We’ll try 13-game winning streak, which to go get a win and it starts this had included three playoff games week in Philly.” during the team’s Super Bowl run The Patriots’ defense has 32 a season ago. sacks this season (fourth in NFL), Since 2002, the Patriots are and putting pressure on Wentz In this November 3, 2011, picture, Philadelphia Eagles running back Jordan Howard is in action against the Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, United States. (TCA) 44-8 following a loss. will be paramount if New Eng- New England was uncharac- land is able to start a new win- Reuters and at home against the Chicago up a 19-0 lead over the Bears be- that you talk about, get guys tinued to drop passes throughout teristically sloppy against the ning streak with a road win in a New York, United States Bears. As a result, the Eagles have fore struggling the rest of the way open, and help them get open the fi rst nine games. Ravens with two costly turno- diffi cult environment. pulled into a tie for fi rst place in a 22-14 victory. and then make the plays when Head coach Doug Pederson vers, including a rare intercep- Conversely, the Patriots realise with the Cowboys in the NFC “Obviously he’s (Jackson) the plays are there to be made.” doesn’t believe it’s a huge prob- tion by quarterback Tom Brady. the importance of putting points he Philadelphia Eagles East. unique, so it isn’t going to be just But outside of tight end Zach lem. But the Patriots still stayed close up early and often. will be searching for their The Eagles added wide receiv- one guy that does that,” Eagles Ertz (46 receptions, tied for “The ball is going to fi nd the late in the game until two fourth- “Anytime you play a defense third consecutive victory er Jordan Matthews this week for off ensive coordinator Mike Groh fourth in NFL among tight ends), open guy,” he said matter-of- quarter touchdowns by Balti- like that, you know they’re not when they host the New his third stint with the franchise said. Wentz has been unable to move factly. Pederson confi rmed that more. going to beat themselves,” Pa- TEngland Patriots on Sunday. since deep threat DeSean Jack- “We have plenty of good play- the ball downfi eld with his wide left tackle Jason Peters had recent “Hopefully, it will be a great triots off ensive coordinator Josh After falling below .500 at 3-4 son was placed on injured reserve ers that are out there in the hud- receiving corps consisting most- arthroscopic surgery on his knee, second half of the season,” said McDaniels said. “You know after an ugly loss at Dallas, the after undergoing abdominal sur- dle with (quarterback) Carson ly of Nelson Agholor, Alshon Jef- but was at practice on Wednes- Brady, who has 14 touchdowns they’re not going to make a bunch Eagles have responded with wins gery. The off ense has been incon- (Wentz) and we have to fi nd ways fery and Mack Hollins. day. and fi ve interceptions this sea- of simple mistakes and give you over the Buff alo Bills on the road sistent, as evidenced by rolling to create those explosive plays Agholor and Jeff ery have con- For the fi rst time this season, son. “But it’s really up to us to easy yards and opportunities.”

BOTTOMLINE Eagles captain skeptical of NFL motives regarding Kaepernick workout

By Marcus Hayes the league can protect itself from The Philadelphia Inquirer (TCA/DPA) further litigation. Former teammate Reid thinks workout a PR stunt for the league ESPN.com reported that Kaepernick’s camp was invited to hiladelphia Eagles cap- AFP manager is going to be able to participate in the tryout on Tues- tain Malcolm Jenkins has Los Angeles, United States make this trip? But, as far as I day morning and that teams were wanted Colin Kaeper- know, Colin is going to be there informed via league memo Tues- nick back in the NFL for and he’s going to perform, cause day afternoon about the unusual Pmore than two years. Now that Saturday afternoon workout. arolina Panthers safety I know he’s ready.” the NFL appears willing to facili- Eric Reid expressed ESPN meanwhile reported that Teams typically allot time on tate Kaepernick’s return, Jenkins Cscepticism about an Kaepernick’s camp had asked Tuesdays for workouts, since isn’t buying it. NFL-organised workout for close for the workout to be held on they spend Saturdays traveling “I have my doubts about the friend and former teammate Tuesday next week in order and/or preparing for Sunday league,” Jenkins said. “Now the Colin Kaepernick on Wednesday, to allow more team off icials to games and since their scouting league can say, ‘Look, we gave questioning whether this week- attend. The request was turned departments usually spend Sat- you a chance.’ I’d be naive to not end’s scheduled practice was down by the NFL. urdays scouting college games. be leery.” little more than a publicity stunt. Reid has been one of Kaeper- The NFL will tape the workout Like many of his peers, Jenkins Speaking to reporters Wednes- nick’s staunchest allies during and the interview session, both believes that the NFL is using the day, Reid questioned whether his period of activism. of which will be held at the Fal- hastily arranged audition Saturday the workout was a sincere The safety was the first 49ers cons’ practice facility. in Atlanta [in Georgia] as a way to attempt by the NFL to help player to kneel alongside The ESPN report said that the wash their hands of the Kaeper- Kaepernick, who has repeatedly Kaepernick in 2016, and joined league decided to hold the work- nick matter once and for all. been targeted for criticism by US the quarterback in a 2017 legal out in response to an October 10 Kaepernick could not decline President Donald Trump. action against the NFL alleging statement from Kaepernick’s rep- the invitation, of course; doing so “It feels like the same play from he was being unfairly denied resentatives that said no team had would absolve the owners, who the NFL,” Reid said. “It feels dis- employment, a case that was even bothered to work Kaepernick have, at least implicitly, black- ingenuous. At this point it feels settled in February. out since he opted out of his con- balled Kaepernick and his contro- like a PR stunt. Reid feels Kaepernick still has tract in the winter of 2017 (be- versial baggage. This is a one-time, “They told Colin that he has the plenty to off er any team willing to cause the Niners had told him they a take-it-or-leave-it proposition, opportunity. But it’s the Saturday sign him. “He’s in the prime of his planned to release him). completely on the league’s terms. before a game. Teams are travel- career,” Reid said. “He still has a That was more than a month Kaepernick had to take it. ling on Saturdays. In this September 12, 2016, picture, Eric Reid and Colin Kaepernick (right) take a knee during the national cannon for an arm. He can still run. ago. The trade deadline has passed, Jenkins resents this hollow of- “What head coach or general anthem before their game against the Los Angeles Rams. (AFP) Too late for his career? No.” and most teams know what their fer. He looks around the league immediate future holds. and sees plenty of need at the Jenkins smells a rat. quarterback position, both rooms stabilised and likely would The best Kaepernick, now 32, player. As such, they are likely co-founded (McCown sits on thers. Kaepernick remains un- He isn’t convinced that past and present. He could look avoid any disruption to their sea- could likely hope for is that a team to take a look at Kaepernick. The the 12-man task force), whose employed. Kaepernick will get a chance re- around his own locker room. The sons, however brief a disruption with progressive ownership and Lions, Falcons, and Redskins said stated charter is “MAKING AN Jenkins remains a Kaepernick gardless how badly a team might Eagles coaxed 40-year-old jour- the addition of Kaepernick might postseason aspirations falls into they will attend. IMPACT ON SOCIAL JUSTICE supporter even if it goes unap- need a quarterback, even one neyman Josh McCown out of re- be. a quarterback crisis. Jenkins has ESPN.com reported that the AND RACIAL EQUALITY”. preciated. who is 4-2 in two postseason tirement when backup Nate Sud- Rebuilding teams have put the seen that happen before — with Cowboys also will send a repre- Jenkins has sat across from Reid, Kaepernick’s closest ally, runs and came 5 yards [4.5 me- feld was injured in training camp. reins in the hands of their young the Eagles, in both 2017 and 2018 sentative. NFL offi cials for years. Better accosted Jenkins on Lincoln Fi- tres] short of a likely Super Bowl “There’s been plenty of quar- quarterbacks, as Washington did — but the Birds never called Kaep. Jenkins was one of the fi rst than most, Jenkins understands nancial Field [home stadium of XLVII win over the Ravens. terbacks hurt year already,” Monday with Dwayne Haskins. In keeping with team policy NFL players to join Kaepernick in the level of animosity between the Eagles] and called Jenkins a “I mean, hopefully, it’s for Jenkins said. He shrugged and Off enses are as established and concerning scouting matters his protest of police brutality and Kaepernick and the owners. “sellout” after the teams met on real,” Jenkins said. “Hopefully he sipped a post-practice smoothie. as complex as they will get; the the Eagles declined to say if they racial injustice during the play- Kaepernick and former 49ers October 21, 2018. can show them he can play. That “Why now?” learning curve would be massive would attend the workout Sat- ing of the national anthem. From teammate Eric Reid fi led a griev- Jenkins said he has not been he can throw. That he’s in shape.” Why now, indeed. for any new quarterback, much urday in Atlanta, but they have those protests grew the Players ance against the NFL that was in contact with Kaepernick for And if he does? By Week 11, playoff -bound less one who took his last snap consistently indicated that they Coalition, a group of current and settled in February. Reid is in more than a year. He wonders if Jenkins shrugged again, raised teams have their quarterback before Donald Trump took offi ce. always evaluate every available former NFL players that Jenkins his second season with the Pan- the tryout is a means by which his eyebrows, and walked away. Gulf Times Friday, November 15, 2019 7 CRICKET

FOCUS FOCUS Shami-led pace Sri Lanka to play pack puts India two Tests in Pakistan

AFP But the announcement of a on top in fi rst Test Test series, still the most high- Karachi ly regarded cricket format, is an important step — especially India were 86 for one at stumps after Rohit Sharma was caught behind for six est cricket will return when it involves Sri Lanka. to Pakistan after a long “The Test series sched- AFP gap of 10 years after Sri ule was confirmed today after Indore, India Lanka agreed to a tour Cricket Sri Lanka gave their Tfor two matches next month, thumbs-up...following a high- the Pakistan Cricket Board an- ly successful visit last month,” ohamed Shami led nounced yesterday. said a Pakistan Cricket Board an inspired pace at- The vote of confidence from statement. tack to give India Sri Lanka is hugely symbolic, as The first Test will be played the opening day it was the attack on their team in Rawalpindi from December Mhonours after they bundled out bus during a visit to Lahore in 11-15, while the second Test Bangladesh for 150 in the fi rst 2009 which drove internation- will be held in Karachi from Test yesterday. al cricket away from Pakistan December 19-23. Shami claimed three wickets, as the country grappled with “Sri Lanka’s one-day and while fellow quicks Ishant Sharma militancy. T20 tour not only delivered se- and Umesh Yadav took two apiece Six policemen and two civil- curity from the top draw, but to pack off the tourists early in the ians were killed while seven Sri packed houses sent out a loud fi nal session in Indore. Lankan players were injured in and clear message about the India were 86 for one at the attack. security situation in the coun- stumps after Rohit Sharma was For years afterwards, Pa- try as well as passion for the caught behind off paceman Abu kistan hosted all its “home” game,” the PCB said. Jayed for six. games in the United Arab Emir- “This is fabulous news for Mayank Agarwal, on 37, and ates as foreign teams refused to Pakistan and its reputation of Cheteshwar Pujara, on 43, put visit the cricket-mad country being as safe and secure as any on an unbeaten 72-run stand to for security fears. other country in the world,” see off the day’s play. But Pakistan has seen a dra- added PCB director of interna- Agarwal survived a reprieve matic improvement in secu- tional cricket Zakir Khan. on 32 when Imrul Kayes dropped rity in recent years, and inter- The PCB statement quoted an easy chance at slip off Abu. national cricket has begun to Cricket Sri Lanka’s chief exec- Pujara looked solid in his 61- creep back. utive Ashley de Silva as saying ball stay so far as he hit seven Minnows Zimbabwe be- they were “pleased” to confirm boundaries. came the first team to return the tour. But it was the Indian bowlers Pakistan in 2015 for one-days “We are comfortable and who stood out after Bangladesh and Twenty20s, followed by a convinced conditions are suit- skipper Mominul Haque elected Twenty20 series by a World XI able and conducive for Test to bat on a green wicket at the in 2017, a one-off T20 match cricket,” he was quoted as say- start of the two-match series. against Sri Lanka later that ing. Yadav, Sharma and Shami year, and a visit by the West In- The two Tests will be part of took wickets in the morning dies in 2018. the World Test Championship, session before Mushfi qur, who Sri Lanka also completed which is being played between top-scored with 43, and Haque three one-day internationals the top nine teams of the world, put on 68 for the fourth wicket. and as many Twenty20s in Ka- culminating in a final in June Spinner Ravichandran Ash- rachi and Lahore last month. 2021. win broke the stand after get- ting Mominul bowled for 37. It was his 250th wicket in home Tests, and he added to Waqar excited by Pakistan’s teen quicks the tally by then bowling Mah- mudullah for 10. Sydney: Pace great Waqar ian team featuring Test aspir- Shami ended Mushfi qur’s re- Younis believes Pakistan’s ants Joe Burns, Travis Head, sistence and struck on succes- young and largely untested Usman Khawaja, Marcus Harris sive deliveries to stop the Bang- fast-bowling attack can cause and Cameron Bancroft for 122 ladesh tail from wagging. big problems for Australia then restricted them to 91 for in their imminent Test series two in the second innings. Shami bowled Mushfi qur as the team looks to bounce “All those batters have played and then trapped new man Scorecard back from a poor Twenty20 for Australia or are knocking at Mehidy Hasan lbw, prompting campaign. the door,” added Younis. the umpires to break for tea. Bangladesh 1st innings 8-140 (Liton), 9-148 (Taijul), 10-150 Following the retirement of “So getting them out early and Taijul Islam then played out Shadman Islam c Saha (Ebadat) Mohamed Amir and Wahab bowling out the entire team Shami’s hat-trick ball after b Sharma ...... 6 Bowling: Ishant 12-6-20-2, Yadav Riaz this year, Pakistan have cheaply will probably give us a the break, but was later run Imrul Kayes c Rahane b Yadav ...... 6 14.3-3-47-2, Shami 13-5-27-3 (w1), brought 16-year-old Nasim Shah very good message, that we are out for one. Mominul Haque b Ashwin ...... 37 Ashwin 16-1-43-2, Jadeja 3-0-10-0 and 19-year-old pair Musa Khan here for the business. Yadav cleaned up Ebadat M. Mithun lbw b Shami ...... 13 India 1st innings and Shaheen Afridi to Australia, “We want to win and we want to Hossain to wrap up the innings Mushfiqur Rahim b Shami ...... 43 Mayank Agarwal not out ...... 37 along with veteran seamer challenge this Australian side, in 58.3 overs. Mahmudullah b Ashwin ...... 10 Rohit. Sharma c Liton b Abu...... 6 Imran Khan senior. so there’s definitely confi- At the start, Bangladesh en- Liton Das c Kohli b Sharma ...... 21 Cheteshwar Pujara not out ...... 43 While Imran destroyed Aus- dence.” dured three maidens before Mehidy Hasan lbw b Shami...... 0 Total: (1 wicket, 26 overs) ...... 86 tralia A in Pakistan’s warm-up The first of two Tests against getting their fi rst run through Taijul Islam run out Fall of wicket: 1-14 (Rohit) match in Perth this week with Australia gets underway in Bris- Imrul, but he managed just (Jadeja/Saha) ...... 1 Bowling: Ebadat 11-2-32-0, Abu 5-32 in their first innings, Nasim bane next week, with Pakistan fi ve more before becoming the Abu Jayed not out ...... 7 8-0-21-1, Taijul 7-0-33-0 produced eight high-quality looking to improve after losing fi rst wicket. Ebadat Hossain b Yadav ...... 2 Toss: Bangladesh overs in the second innings. the Twenty20 series 2-0. Sharma struck in the next Extras (lb3, w1) ...... 4 Umpires: Marais Erasmus (RSA), Younis, Pakistan’s bowling Babar Azam and Iftikhar over to send Shadman Islam Total: (all out, 58.3 overs) ...... 150 Rod Tucker (AUS) coach, said he saw enough Ahmed, who are both in the back to the pavilion, also for six. Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Imrul), 2-12 TV Umpire: Narendra Menon during the match to suggest Test squad, were the only Batting remained tough for (Shadman), 3-31 (Mithun), 4-99 (IND) Nasim and Afridi, in particular, Pakistan batsmen to make an Mominul and Mohamed Mit- (Mominul), 5-115 (Mahmudullah), Match referee: Ranjan can shine on Australia’s hard, impact over the short format. hun, who was trapped lbw for 6-140 (Mushfiqur), 7-140 (Mehidy), Madugalle (SRI) fast pitches. But Younis believes their bat- 13 by Shami fi nding swing and “Of course, that sort of per- ting stocks are deep enough to seam movement. formance (against Australia cope with a Test barrage from It could have been worse for vived when put down by skip- years, with one year suspended, A) makes you feel that you’re Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Bangladesh had India not been per Virat Kohli at third slip. for failing to report approaches not naive being here and you Mitchell Starc and James Pat- sloppy in the fi eld. Bangladesh, who lost the by bookmakers. can really do the job,” he said tinson. Rahane, who spilled three preceding Twenty20 series 2-1, The series is Bangladesh’s in The Sydney Daily Telegraph “I don’t think Pakistan is worried Mohammed Shami (right) celebrates along with Virat Kohli as they chances at fi rst slip, dropped had a troubled build-up when fi rst in the new world Test newspaper yesterday. about facing them or scared of walk back to the pavillion during the first day of the first Test against Mominul when he had made star player and captain Shakib championship currently led by Pakistan dismissed an Austral- any of them,” he said. Bangladesh at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore yesterday. (AFP) only three, and Mushfi qur sur- Al Hasan was banned for two India.

BOTTOMLINE Bancroft , Burns back as Ashes fl ops axed mental health issues. Hohns suggested he would open cluded, pulled out of contention AFP Pucovski out of Test contention with mental health issues Sydney But he made the most of his op- with Warner, pointing out that earlier Thursday citing his “men- portunity, top-scoring with 49 in “he has Test hundreds on the tal wellbeing”. Hohns said Neser their fi rst innings total of 122 all board and has combined very well was included due to “his ability Sydney: Young batting prodigy with team management in from cricket to deal with similar ameron Bancroft and Joe out to put himself in the reckon- with David in the past”. move the ball both ways, giving Will Pucovski pulled out of con- Perth,” said Cricket Australia’s challenges. Burns got the nod yester- ing after failing to make an impact Harris and Khawaja miss out the team another bowling option tention for a place in Australia’s head of national teams Ben Pucovski, who announced day for Australia’s Test in the Ashes on his return to Test after failing to impress in England depending on the conditions”. Test team to play Pakistan yes- Oliver. himself with a superb 243 for squad to face Pakistan, cricket after a ball-tampering or in the Australia A match, which “We are blessed to have four of terday as he continues to battle “Will’s decision not to nominate Victoria against Western Aus- withC Usman Khawaja and Marcus ban. was seen as a “bat-off ” for the the best fast bowlers in the world mental health issues. for Test selection was the right tralia last season, has a history Harris axed after fl opping during He is one of three specialist Test slots up for grabs. challenging each other for spots The 21-year-old informed man- one in the circumstances and of mental health battles. the Ashes series against England. openers, along with Burns and “As always there were play- and most importantly playing as a agement of his decision during one that everyone in the Aus- Following that double century, Bowling allrounder Michael Warner, but is more likely to play ers who were unlucky to miss group,” he added. Australia A’s three-day clash tralian cricket family supports.” he took a long break and later Neser was also included as a down the order if selected for the the squad. Those players remain against Pakistan in Perth, which Pucovski’s decision comes just told reporters: “It was one of back-up to the formidable pace two Tests starting in Brisbane fi rmly in the national selection Australia Test squad: Tim ended in a draw Wednesday days after middle-order bats- those things where what it attack of Josh Hazelwood, Pat next week, followed by a day- frame and will continue to be Paine (capt), Cameron Bancroft, and was seen as a “bat-off ” with man Nic Maddinson withdrew looked like from the outside Cummins, Mitchell Starc and night clash in Adelaide. monitored closely,” added Hohns. Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Josh at least two Test spots up for from the Australia A match for wasn’t quite matching up with James Pattinson. Burns was unlucky to be over- Middle-order batsman Travis Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus grabs. Pucovski scored five in similar reasons. what it was on the inside.” Bancroft was only rushed into looked for the Ashes having Head, who was dropped for the Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, his only knock. That move came after short- “I was more confused than at the Australia A team at the last scored a century in the last Test he last Ashes Test, was given another Michael Neser, James Pattinson, “We applaud Will for having the format specialist Glenn Maxwell any other time in my life,” he minute this week when Nic Mad- played against Sri Lanka in Feb- chance after young prodigy Will Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mat- courage to discuss his situation opted to take a “short” break added. dinson pulled out to deal with ruary. National selector Trevor Pucovski, widely tipped to be in- thew Wade, David Warner

Friday, November 15, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Group win for Black Granite; Al Lusail takes feature again French recruit Challenge De Ghazal, owned by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani, makes a winning debut

Al Jeryan Stud representative Mohamed bin Hamad al-Attiyah receives the owner’s trophy from QREC CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi yesterday after Al Lusail won the Ras Laff an Cup. PICTURES: Juhaim

By Sports Reporter with Al Moatasem al-Balushi guiding Doha Abha to a close second. The win was Thomas’ third of the evening, having earlier ridden two of ven as champion trainer Jassim Alban de Mieulle’s wards to victory - Mohamed Ghazali saddled yet Al Shaqab Racing’s Gtnah in the Oaks another feature winner with Trial for four-year-old Arabian fi llies Injaaz Stud’s Black Granite top- and Umm Qarn’s Jabir to a maiden win. pingE the Barzan Cup (Group 3), Al Lu- Frenchman De Mieulle was the most sail handed Qatari trainer Hadi Nasser successful trainer on the day hav- al-Ramzani a Cup win for the second ing saddled two more winners - Umm JP Guillambert rides Black Granite to Barzan Cup (Group 3) victory at the QREC yesterday. straight week at the Qatar Racing and Qarn’s Aafreen and Rihab - both ridden Pedroza), 2. Saakhen (Jimmy Quinn), (Ryan Curatolo), 4. Al Harqah (Edu- 2:08.86. Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yes- by Soufi ane Saadi in Oaks Trial for Lo- RESULTS 3. Primitorio (Soufiane Saadi), 4. ardo Pedroza). Won by: ¾, ¾, ¾. Time: Alban de Mieulle. terday. In the fi nal race of the evening, cal Thoroughbreds and Local Arabians Race 1: 1. Challenge De Ghazal (Tomas Tadeem (JP Guillambert). Won by: 4 1:38.78. Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: JP Guillambert, who had guided anoth- respectively. Lukasek), 2. AJS Sabeeha (Ronan Tho- Race 8: 1. Gtnah (Ronan Thomas), 2. ½, ¼, ¼. Time: 1:10.85. Owner: Hussain Alban de Mieulle. er Ghazali ward, Luchador, to a victory Besides Luchador, the colours of mas), 3. Alsdry (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Jahraa (JP Guillambert), 3. Neearah Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi. Trainer: in the Umm Salal Oaks Trial for three- Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari were in AJS Hamayem (Fausto Henrique). Won Race 6: 1. Luchador (JP Guillambert), (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Talaib (Harry Ibrahim al-Malki. year-old Thoroughbred fi llies earlier in the winner’s circle one more time dur- by: 2 ¼, ¼, Shd. Time: 1:45.82. Owner: 2. Queen Shaahd (Harry Bentley), 3. Bentley). Won by: 2 ¼, ½, 8 ¼. Time: the evening, was astride seven-year- ing the evening when Bentley rode Mo- His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Race 4: 1. Flash Henry (Harry Bentley), Room To Improve (Pier Convertino), 2:08.59. Owner: Al Shaqab Racing. old Black Granite and they beat the fa- hamed Jassim Ghazali-trained Flash Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. 2. Return to Senders (JP Guillambert), 4. Ex Miss (Ryan Curatolo). Won by: Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. vourite, The Blue Eye, a His Highness Henry to a handicap victory. Ibrahim 3. Wa’ad (Fausto Henrique), 4. Forced 2, ½, ½. Time: 1:54.65. Owner: Khalifa Race 9: 1. Al Lusail (Ronan Thomas), 2. The Amir’s Trophy (Group 1) winner by al-Malki-trained Show Of Strength too Race 2: 1. Jabir (Ronan Thomas), 2. (Ryan Curatolo). Won by: 2 ½, 1, 1 ¾. bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Abha (Al Moatasem al-Balushi), 3. Sha- a quarter of a length. returned a handicap winner on the day. Ginkeau (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Jabalah Time: 1:11.36. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail Mohamed Ghazali. In the longest race of the day, the Earlier in the evening, French recruit (Soufiane Saadi), 4. Salamat (Tomas man Bu Thaila (Eduardo Pedroza), 4. al-Kuwari. Trainer: Mohamed Jassim Race 7: 1. Rihab (Soufiane Saadi), 2. Surra Man Raa (Anas al-Seyabi). Won 2000m Ras Laff an Cup, Al Lusail won Challenge De Ghazal, owned by His Lukasek). Won by: ¾, 9 ¼, 2 ¾. Time: Ghazali. yet another feature, when he led a one- Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa 1:45.30. Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Aaila (Ronan Thomas), 3. AJS Jamra by: 1/4, 3, 3/4. Time: 2:05.56. Owner: two for al-Ramzani and the colours of al-Thani, made a winning debut in Qa- Alban de Mieulle. Race 5: 1. Aafreen (Soufiane Saadi), (Fausto Henrique), 4. Diyala (Harry Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi Nasser 2. Irtiqaa (Harry Bentley), 3. Wadhah Bentley). Won by: 1 ½, Shd, 3 ½. Time: al-Ramzani. Al Jeryan Stud under Ronan Thomas, tar in a maiden race. Race 3: 1. Show Of Strength (Eduardo SPOTLIGHT Qatar beat Singapore in friendly Al Bidda Group signs sponsorship deal with Qatar’s squash star al-Tamimi By Mikhil Bhat Doha

heikh Suhaim bin Abdul Aziz al- Thani’s Al Bidda Group signed a two-year sponsorship agreement with Qatar’s top squash player Ab- dullaS Mohamed al-Tamimi yesterday. Al-Tamimi put up a fantastic show at the ongoing PSA Men’s World Squash Champi- onships, which will conclude today at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, reaching the third round. The Aspire Academy graduate beat 15th seed Gregoire Marche and world number 28 Mathieu Castagnet, and gave Egyptian world number 3 Tarek Momen a massive scare in a fi ve-game thriller during the tour- nament. Al Bidda Group Chairman Sheikh Suhaim had a front row seat to this week’s squash action with al-Tamimi in the court, Mohammed Muntari’s (left) strike and an own-goal from Shahdan Sulaiman gave Qatar a 2-0 win over and watching the 24-year-old play some Singapore in a friendly match yesterday. Qatar hosted the match as they prepare for next Tuesday’s of the best squash of his career was good 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifying match against Afghanistan in Tajikistan. enough to earn him a two-year contract. “Most of the time, he is not in Doha and is travelling for his tournaments; so you can’t watch him play live. It is only on TV. This tournament was a chance for us to see him and his performance live. So we decided after seeing his potential, his performance and how professional he is to support him,” Al Bidda Group Chairman Sheikh Suhaim bin Abdul Aziz al-Thani (right) with Abdulla Sheikh Suhaim said during the signing of Mohamed al-Tamimi after signing a two-year sponsorship agreement yesterday. the agreement yesterday. “We are proud as a Qatari company to will continue for many many years InshaAl- sure, but this time I was enjoying, and that’s sponsor a great Qatari player. We think he lah,” al-Tamimi said. when I perform my best.” has a great future to represent Qatar in big “My priority is to do my job for this Asked about his short and long term tournaments in a good way. We are here to country, make everyone proud, because the goals, he said, “My goal now is focusing on support him in his endeavours. “I am proud country has done a lot for me since I was the tournament in London (Channel Vas of him. I have known him since he was very young, especially with Aspire Academy and Championships starting November 19). young. In the last couple of years, I was sup- Qatar Squash Federation as well. So to have Then I will have a really hard winter camp at porting him. But after what I saw at the Qatari companies and Qatari people sup- Aspetar in December, doing altitude train- tournament, (I realised) he has a great po- porting is always a good thing,” he added. ing, and get ready for the next season, and tential to become one of the top players in “It always gives that extra motivation. try to get back the ranking that I lost due to the coming years. We don’t expect anything When there are tournaments you want to the surgery. I went from 23 to 47. The goal is back from him, but what we need is he rep- play, while applying you know you will get to try and get back close to that ranking. resent Qatar in the best way possible.” the support you need, and as an athlete you “Over the long run, I want to be top 10, Al-Tamimi, who has won four titles in his always look at that, no matter how much I want to be world champion. I feel good career, including the 2016 Australian Open you love the sport, and how much you are about it. Hopefully in the future it is com- and the 2018 Malaysian Open, was under- doing things for yourself. “For me I just love ing soon. It will be good to have branding of standably pleased with the support. “I am the support. I just love that the people, the a Qatari company while I do that. It will be really pleased signing today with Sheikh Su- royal family, they are watching their son, good and it will give me more motivation to Qatar’s coach Felix Sanchez. haim and Al Bidda Group. And hopefully it brother. Sometimes it puts you under pres- do everyone proud in the country.”