SPORT Sunday 12 November 2017

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Qatar’s Bassem Mohammed wins Grand Prix of Doha at Al Shaqab Arena Pakistan put off West Indies series to March

Lahore AFP

akistan yesterday put off their three-match PTwenty20 series with the West Indies scheduled later this month to March next year, citing weather condi- tions as the reason for postponement. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi announced the new dates. “The weather conditions were not conducive so we did not take any risk and next year a full strength West Indies team will play three Qatar rider Bassem Mohammed poses for a picture with the one of the podium winners Twenty20 matches on March during the victory ceremony of the Qatar Round of Longines Global Champions Tour 29, 31 and April 1,” said Sethi at Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. Bassem won the Grand Prix of Doha after a pulsating at a press conference. battle in the jump-off. RIGHT: Bassem Mohammed celebrates his win in the Grand Prix A combination of smoke of Doha at Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. (See also page 24 and 25) Pictures: Lotfi Garsi and fog has paralysed daily life in Lahore, and also threat- ened the staging of Twenty20 internationals. Pakistan had hoped three-match series would further help them revive Qatar go down fighting to Czech Republic international cricket in their country, where foreign teams have been refusing to tour Armstrong Vas Action from the over security fears for eight The Peninsula match between Qatar years. and Czech Republic Pakistan hosted Zimba- atar went down fighting 1-0 to Czech in Doha yesterday. bwe for a limited over series Republic yesterday at Abdullah bin Kha- Czech Republic won in 2015 followed by staging Qlifa Stadium of Al Duhail club. of the final of the Pakistan 1-0. The match, part of Qatar’s preparations Super League and Twenty20 for the Gulf Cup which will take pace in Doha series with a World XI -- both from December 22 to January 5, saw the vis- this year. itors score an early goal and they held on to Last month Sri Lanka the lead till the final whistle. became the first high profile The Czech Republic, a traditional power- team to play a Twenty20 house in international football are currently international match in ranked at 48, did not qualify for the 2018 FIFA Lahore. World Cup. Sethi said the PCB and Qatar is also scheduled to play another Cricket West Indies have friendly match against world Cup-bound Ice- agreed to play Twenty20 land on November 14. Iceland, after making series for five years. a splash in their first foray into international “Pakistan and West Indies football tournaments in Euro 2016; Iceland boards have signed an agree- (ranked 21st in FIFA Rankings) are going to ment to play a series of T20 feature at next year’s World Cup. each year for the next five In 2016, the Scandinavian side presented years, first in Pakistan and a fierce appetite for tough football by beating then in the United States sub- former world Champions England before los- ject to the availability of the ing in the quarter-finals to hosts France. venue and dates,” said Sethi. Qatar coach Felix Sanchez is looking to A third team will also be try new players in a bid to form a powerful invited to USA for a tri-series, side in the build-up to the 2022 FIFA World said Sethi. Cup. QSL Cup: Al Rayyan aim to continue winning streak

Fawad Hussain QSL CUP Kharaitiyat at Al Ahli Stadium Action from last The Peninsula Round 4 fixtures tomorrow. week’s QSL Cup Today Group A leaders, Al Gharafa match between eaders Al Rayyan and Al Al Rayyan vs Umm Salal, Al Arabi Stadium, 16:05 have also earned three victories Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa will be looking to Al Sadd vs Al Arabi, Al Ahli Stadium, 18:15 from three matches, but Al Markhiya at Al Lcontinue their winning run Al Markhiya vs Al Ahli, Al Wakrah Stadium, Kharaitiyat are also in good Gharafa Stadium. and advance into the semi-finals 18:15 form with two wins, making the stage of the QSL Cup as Round Tomorrow Al Ahli Stadium fixture a must- 4 action begins today at differ- Al Gharafa vs Al Kharaitiyat, Al Ahli Stadi- watch battle. ent venues. um, 16:05 Meanwhile, in other Al Giants Al Rayyan who are Al Duhail vs Al Sailiya, Al Wakrah Stadium, 18:15 matches today, Al Sadd who are

leading Group B with three wins Qatar SC vs Al Khor, Al Shamal Stadium, on the bottom of Group B with from as many games will take 18:15 three consecutive defeats, will on Umm Salal today, targetting be hoping their youngsters to their fourth consecutive victory excel against Al Arabi at Al Ahli in the coveted tournament. who have been placed sec- Stadium. A win will almost confirm ond with a win and a couple The other match of the day their place in the semi-finals of of draws, are also unbeaten will be played between Al the tournament, aimed at test- in the competition so far and Markhiya and Al Ahli at Al Wak- ing young lot of players. Al offer a tough challenge to Al rah Stadium. Rayyan have so far showed Rayyan at Al Arabi Stadium Apart from Al Gharafa-Al aggressive display of football, today. Kharaitiyat match, tomorrow’s scoring nine goals with their On the other hand, Al fixtures also include a show- defence conceding just three Gharafa will also be eyeing a down between Al Duhail and Al goals. spot in the semi-finals when Sailiya besides a game between However, Umm Salal they will meet unconquered Al Qatar SC and Al Khor. 22 SPORT SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2017 Buffon says ‘no panic’ as We’ll make Cup despite Italy on brink of disaster

Milan setback, says Italy coach AFP taly must not panic as they Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini after sustaining bid to avoid missing a an injury during the 2018 World Cup IWorld Cup for the first qualifying match against Sweden at time in 60 years, goalkeeper Friends Arena in Stockholm on Friday. Gianluigi Buffon said after a 1-0 play-off defeat to Swe- den pushed them to the brink of disaster. Captain Buffon -- bidding to reach a record sixth World Cup finals in Russia -- is one of the last survivors of Italy’s golden generation of 2006 World Cup winners. But an Azzurri perform- ance in Stockholm branded “ugly and confused” leaves Italy with all to play for in Monday’s second leg in Milan to avoid failing to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1958. “We need to be as clear- Stockholm headed as possible to go to AFP the World Cup,” said Buffon, who conceded a shot by taly coach Gian Piero Swedish substitute Jakob Ventura (pictured below) I feel so strongly Johansson that was deflected insisted yesterday that the that we will by Daniele De Rossi. four-time champions will “We know we’ve lost, but still make the 2018 World qualify because I we have another 90 minutes ICup finals despite a 1-0 loss to saw the players in to overcome this complicated Sweden in the first leg of their the dressing room situation. The first rule is not play-off. to cry over it,” he told TMW Substitute Jakob Johansson and they were radio. grabbed the only goal of a angry: coach Gian “I expect a full San Siro to scrappy game in the 61st carry this team through, I minute with a low strike that Piero Ventura don’t want to think it’s the found the corner with the aid game of life, but I’m con- of a big deflection to leave Italy vinced that with the help of in danger of missing the World the public we will do it. Cup for the first time in 60 “We must be confident years. Monday, otherwise we have “I feel so strongly that we The last time Italy failed to already lost.” will qualify because I saw the reach the World Cup was for The 39-year-old added: players in the dressing room the 1958 tournament in Swe- “You have to keep your head and they were angry,” said den, but Ventura’s side were high and your shoulders Ventura who now must turn already under pressure going Swedish players celebrate after a goal against Italy during their 2018 World Cup qualifying straight. There are another 90 the tie around in the do-or-die into the tie after a disappoint- match at Friends Arena in Stockholm on Friday. minutes and we want to make second leg in Milan ing end to their Group G the most of it, we are strong.” tomorrow. campaign that featured a 3-0 on the bench until the 76th the World Cup campaign, de Rossi. It was the perfect time But former Italian inter- “They know they can do loss in Spain and a 1-1 home minute. Both sides created showed excellent pace off his for the AEK Athens midfielder national Andrea Pirlo believes better. It was a physical match draw with Macedonia. early half-chances, with Torino line to claw the ball away from to score his first international it is dangerous for the four- which surprised us but we are “There are still 90 minutes striker Belotti heading wide Toivonen, as neither team goal, having only come off the time World Cup winners to going to do better.” left to play,” aded Ventura, who when he should have done bet- managed to carve out a clear- bench four minutes earlier. rely too heavily on the atmos- took over from Antonio Conte ter, and Ola Toivonen firing cut opportunity in a first half “It’s fantastic, I put my goal phere generated by 65,000 after Euro 2016. past the post at the other end without an effort on target. down to instinct. Great timing frenetic fans in the San Siro “It was a tough, physical just seconds later. The visitors finally pro- for my first international goal,” to squeeze through. match that could have gone a Roared on by a vociferous duced a shot in anger shortly Johansson said. “The San Siro doesn’t different way if we scored first. home crowd, Sweden put Italy after the break when Antonio Italy immediately stepped score, I’ve never seen a fan “The performance of the under pressure with their Candreva fired a dipping shot up their game in search of a score,” said Pirlo, a member referee was good overall, but I direct style of play and Emil which was punched away by precious away goal and Man- of the 2006 World Cup win- think that he allowed the match Forsberg went close with a home keeper Robin Olsen. chester United full-back Matteo ning team who announced to be physical at the expense curling effort that flew over the A scrappy game was never Darmian rattled the post with this week he was retiring of technique... He probably crossbar. likely to be decided by a a thunderous long-range strike. from football. didn’t have complete control Italy suffered a blow when moment of brilliance, and it Insigne created a late open- The last time Italy failed of the match.” key midfielder Marco Verratti was a lucky break that gave ing for Immobile, but the Lazio to reach the World Cup was Andrea Belotti shook off an was handed a booking that Janne Andersson’s men the striker summed up a poor night for the 1958 tournament in injury to partner Ciro Immo- ruled him out of Monday’s sec- lead just after the hour mark. for Italy with a wild shot that Sweden. But Gian Piero Ven- bile up front, but the away ond leg for a lunging tackle on Johansson latched onto almost went out for a throw-in, tura’s side were already team struggled to pose a con- Marcus Berg. Toivonen’s header from an as Sweden closed out a win that under pressure going into the sistent attacking threat, as Veteran goalkeeper Gian- Emil Krafth long throw to fire gives them a real chance of tie after a disappointing end Ventura left in-form Napoli luigi Buffon, who will retire a shot that wrong-footed Buf- reaching the World Cup for the to their Group G campaign winger Lorenzo Insigne sitting from international duty after fon after spinning off Daniele first time since 2006. that featured a 3-0 loss in Spain and a 1-1 home draw with Macedonia. Toothless Peru held to a 0-0 draw in New Zealand

Wellington suspended over an “abnormal and languages and timezones,” Peru continued to build AFP result” from a drugs test. he said. patiently, although Farfan New Zealand worked tire- New Zealand showed early appeared to struggle as the tar- eru failed to break down a lessly in defence and rode their nerves, almost conceding a goal get man in Guerrero’s absence. resolute New Zealand luck at times, but grew in confi- in the sixth minute with indeci- He failed to capitalise as Pdefence in a 0-0 draw in dence as the game progressed. sive defending that forced keeper more New Zealand errors led to Wellington yesterday, leaving Peru coach Ricardo Gareca Stefan Marinovic to race back a goalmouth scramble 10 min- their dream of ending a 36-year praised New Zealand’s tenacity but and palm the ball off the line. utes before the break. absence from the World Cup said his side should have won and The visitors dominated in Peru came out firing in the finals hanging by a thread. he expected a big performance in midfield, allowing Andre Carrillo second half, forcing Marinovic “Los Incas” failed to score a the return leg in Lima on to pepper New Zealand’s box into two saves in two minutes. coveted away goal despite Wednesday.“If someone deserved with crosses searching in vain for He instinctively stopped Aldo largely outplaying New Zealand to win Peru deserved it. That’s a finish from striker Jefferson Corzo’s short range header then in the opening match of their what I feel,” he told reporters. Farfan. It was 20 minutes before calmly dealt with Edison Flores’ two-legged World Cup play-off He said the Kiwis would not the first meaningful New Zea- shot from the edge of the box. for a spot at next year’s tourna- be intimidated by Peru’s fanatical land attack, when Ryan Thomas Wood is expected to start in New Zealand’s Michael McGlinchey (right) competes for the ment in Russia. home support because New Zea- won a corner only to send the the return leg on November 15 Peru, ranked 10th in the land’s remoteness meant his side ball over the head of a leaping at the Estadio Nacional in Lima, ball with Edison Flores of Peru during their 2018 World Cup world to New Zealand’s 122, almost always played on the road. Tommy Smith. while Peru are likely to still be Qualifying play-off match in Wellington yesterday. were the better team but lacked “Honestly, we’ve been globe- There were chances at either missing Guerrero. a cutting edge, with the absence trotters for the last three years. end for New Zealand’s Kosta Peru have qualified for the quarter-finals in 1970. 2010 -- exiting the latter cam- of goal-scoring captain Paolo We’ve gone to some crazy envi- Barbarouses and Christian Cueva finals four times -- 1930, 1970, New Zealand have made two paign undefeated after three Guerrero, who is currently ronments and different cultures of Peru but both shot wide. 1978 and 1982 -- making the finals appearances -- 1982 and draws in the group stages. SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2017 SPORT 23

Argentina’s Sergio Aguero celebrates Young England side earns after scoring a goal against Russia during their international friendly at Luzhniki draw against Germans Stadium in, Moscow yesterday. London England’s Jordan Pickford makes a save against Germany during their international Reuters friendly at Wembley Stadium in London yesterday. ngland held world champions Germany to a 0-0 draw after giving debuts to five players as their inex- Eperienced team came through a first-half lesson to hold their own in a lively Wembley friendly on Friday. With a host of established players missing, England’s cal- low defence was routinely sliced open in the first period and they needed debutant goalkeeper Jor- dan Pickford to keep the Germans at bay. But England also had some bright moments, with midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek making an assured debut and having great chances at the start and end of the match. Germany were also in some- headed Sane’s follow-up off the but his close-range shot flew England manager Gareth what experimental mode and line. over the bar. Southgate, shorn of more than their coach Joachim Loew will Jones, the team’s most expe- England will face a similarly half his likely first-choice side, have been delighted in particu- rienced player, then limped off stiff test when they host Brazil was pleased with much that he lar with an impressive display and another debutant, Liver- on Tuesday while Germany take saw, despite the result leaving by Leroy Sane as his team pool’s 20-year-old Joe Gomez, on France as the teams start pre- England still searching for their stretched their unbeaten run to took his place to trim England’s paring for the World Cup finals first home win over their old 20 games since losing to France cap count to less than Germany in Russia next year. rivals since 1975.“In the first half in the Euro 2016 semi-finals. midfielder Mesut Ozil’s personal Aguero shines as we needed a couple of really England’s young starting tally of 86. INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY RESULTS good saves from Jordan Pickford team boasted 101 caps between The lack of experience and - we caused our own problems them and one of the debutants, familiarity was exposed again In Wembley Argentina down with a couple of those. But we Tammy Abraham, was a centi- soon afterwards when Pickford England 0 Germany 0 posed our own questions and I metre away from scoring with went full length to again deny In Paris thought we used the ball well,” his first touch in international Werner as Sane was seemingly France 2 (Griezmann 18, Giroud 71) Wales 0 Russia in Moscow Southgate told ITV. football after 90 seconds. given the freedom of Wembley. In Lille “Ruben Loftus-Cheek did Germany too were without Ter Stegen made an excellent Japan 1 (Makino 62) Brazil 3 (Neymar 9-pen, everything I know he can do. It some heavyweight players and reflex save to get low and palm Marcelo 18, Gabriel Jesus 36) took him 10 minutes to realise gave a debut to defender Mar- clear striker Jamie Vardy’s In Brussels Moscow by heading the ball off the he is OK at this level. He is capa- cel Halstenberg and had header early in the second half Belgium 3 (Hazard 17, Lukaku 55, 70) Mexico 3 Reuters line after Messi had chipped ble of anything. goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Ste- but the steam then gradually left (Guardado 30-pen, Lozano 56, 60) Akinfeev. He has the physical gen making his second the game. In Warsaw late goal by Sergio Although they attributes and can handle the appearance. Midfielder Jack Cork came Poland 0 Uruguay 0 Aguero lifted Argen- regrouped in the second ball. He will gain huge confi- They soon took control as on as a late substitute to make it In Viseu tina to a 1-0 win over half, Russia struggled to dence from it. There will be Sane clipped a 20-metre curler five England debuts on the night A Portugal 3 (Fernandes 32, Guedes 52, Mario

World Cup hosts Russia in keep possession, heavily harder tests as the likes of Ger- against the bar after 20 min- and another replacement, Jesse

90) Saudi Arabia 0 the inaugural match at relying on Akinfeev to deny many will have another gear to utes, Pickford saved well from Lingard, should really have won Moscow’s newly-renovated the Argentine attack. go to.” Timo Werner and Phil Jones it with the last kick of the match Luzhniki stadium Russia tested Argentina yesterday. for the first time in the 61st Aguero’s header found minute with a short-range Banana secures the back of the net in the shot by Denis Glushakov Australia frustrated in Honduras draw 86th minute, the striker tapped away by goalkeeper 2-2 draw for beating veteran goalkeeper Sergio Romero before Igor Akinfeev after his ini- defender German Pezzella Cameroon tial shot was blocked by the cleared the ball. Russian defence. Argentina’s friendly Honduras’ Romell Johannesburg Led by captain Lionel against Russia was the first Quioto (left) AFP Messi, Argentina were test match held at Moscow’s is marked by dynamic from the start of Luzhniki stadium, the Australia’s Bailey ves Banana scored in the friendly but were una- venue for the opening game stoppage time to sal- Wright during the ble to capitalise on their and final of next year’s vage a 2-2 draw for first leg of their Y chances in the first half. World Cup. Cameroon in Zambia yester- Argentina’s attack Originally opened in 2018 World Cup day at the end of a expertly combined to gen- 1956, Luzhniki was one of qualifying play- disappointing World Cup erate several scoring the venues for the 1980 off in San Pedro Group B campaign for the chances, with Messi finding Moscow Olympics. It hosted Sula, Honduras, African champions. Angel Di Maria in the box in the 2013 world athletics on Friday. The Zambia teenager Patson the 36th minute, but the championships before match ended in a Daka opened the scoring and Paris St Germain midfielder being closed for renova- goalless draw. set up Brian Mwila to put the could not control the ball. tions to prepare it for the hosts ahead again after a 1-1 “Some of the things that World Cup. stalemate at half-time in the we planned worked in this Argentina play Nigeria in central city of Ndola. clash against this tough the southern Russian city of Andre-Franck Zambo opponent,” Argentina man- Krasnodar, which will not Anguissa claimed the first ager Jorge Sampaoli told host any World Cup matches Cameroon equaliser and reporters. next year, on Nov. 14. Banana’s glancing header Konstantin Rausch kept Russia face Spain in a restored parity a minute into Russia alive in the opening friendly in St Petersburg on additional time. minutes of the second half the same day. The result saw the “Indomitable Lions” finisb third with seven points, hav- ing won only one of their six matches, at home to off-form Algeria last month. Cameroon had been Loew to test German World Cup hopefuls expected to mount a strong challenge for first place and a ticket to the 2018 finals in Berlin Loew sees this week’s “France have an extremely fast Berlin. He is also keen to see Russia as they chased a AFP matches, against England and attack and midfield and are more strikers Amin Younes of Ajax and record-extending eighth France, as a chance to try things dangerous in front of goal than Lars Stindl of Moenchengladbach World Cup appearance by an ermany’s friendly against out in preparation for the World England.” against the French. African country. France on Tuesday offers Cup. He plans to use the spring At Wembley, Germany dom- Loew is also likely to recall But after drawing in GJoachim Loew (pictured) internationals, against Spain and inated the first half and created several World Cup winners: Toni away game to Algeria and at a chance of revenge, but the Brazil, to bed in his lineup for several chances but faded in the Kroos and Sami Khedira, who home to Zambia last year, coach appears to be looking for- Russia. second half. “We need to move were rested against England, and they were trounced 4-0 by ward to the 2018 World Cup “England and France are the forward quicker after winning the man who scored the 2014 eventual group winners rather than back at Euro 2016. measuring sticks for us,” Loew the ball,” Loew said. “That’s World Cup winning goal Mario Nigeria two months ago to “There are certain players said Friday evening after the something we need to work on.” Goetze, who is returning after a effectively drop out of that I want to see tested against world champions drew 0-0 at On Tuesday, Loew will test long struggle with injury and ill- contention. the best,” Loew said ahead of the Wembley. “I want to see where some players whose places in the ness. Since losing to France in Nigeria drew 1-1 in Alge- meeting in Cologne with Les certain players are. That was World Cup squad are not Euros, Germany are unbeaten in ria Friday to finish with 14 Bleus, whose 2-0 victory in the more important than the result.” assured, such as fullbacks Mar- 20 matches, three short of their points, followed by Zambia Euro semifinals was Germany’s “I think France are a little cel Halstenberg of Leipzig and record, set between 1979 and (eight), Cameroon (seven) and last defeat. better than England,” he said. Marvin Plattenhardt of Hertha 1980. Algeria (two). 24 SPORT SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2017 SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2017 SPORT 25

Saeed Nasser Al Qadi guides Daydreamer Ec over an obstacle during the Class 09: Doha 2017 Invitational 1.30/1.40m event of the third round of Hathab Series at Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. Home hero Bassem lights up Doha GP

Rizwan Rehmat The Peninsula Qatari rider Bassem Mohammed guides Gunder over an obstacle atar’s celebrated rider Bassem during the final day of the Qatar Mohammed yesterday produced Round of Longines Global Champions the performance of his life as he guided Gunder to a flawless Tour at Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. Pictures: Lotfi Garsi Qroutine to win the Grand Prix of Doha at Al Shaqab after a pulsating battle in the jump-off. H H Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Mis- snad gave away the gleaning Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) trophy to Bassem after the Qatari clinched the fea- ture competition on the third and final day of the high profile show jumping event at Al Shaqab. Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Pres- ident H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani also attended the prize distribution ceremony. Bassem, who was the fifth to enter the track in the nine-rider jump-off, rarely looked in trouble as he guided the 11-year- old gelding with a masterful performance that drew a thunderous cheer from the packed Al Shaqab crowd. Gunder clocked a time of 35.31 sec- onds as Bassem secured the top prize of €132,000. Swiss star Janika Sprunger, astride Bacardi VDL, finished in second place in a time of 37.34 seconds. Sprunger, who entered the field in third place, set the time Al Qadi prevails as flawless to beat for Bassem who did so in admira- ble fashion minutes later. Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) - Doha H&M Christian K, who had Sweden’s CSI5* 1.60m Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha (€400,000) Peder Fredricson in the saddle, ended the 1.60m battle in third place. H&M Christian Rank Rider/Horse/Country Time Prize Money Daydreamer Ec steals the show K clocked a time of 37.41 seconds in the 1. Bassem Hassan Mohammed (Qatar) Gunder 35.31secs. €132,000 jump-off. 2. Janika Sprunger (Switzerland) Bacardi VDL 37.34 secs. €80,000 Sprunger got richer by €80,000 while 3. Peder Fredricson (Sweden) H&M Christian K 37.41secs. €60,000 Rizwan Rehmat Fredricson took home €60,000. The Peninsula Dutch rider Maikel Van der Vleuten CSI5* 1.55/1.60m Table A: Against the Clock (€160,350) (VDL Groep Verdi Tn, 37.76 seconds, 1. Kevin Staut (France) Silver Deux de Virton H D C 73.28secs. €52,800 atari rider Saeed Nasser €40,000) was the only other rider to pro- 2. Pieter Devos (Belgium) Espoir 73.97secs. €32,000 Al Qadi yesterday pro- duce a flawless routine. 3. Sergio Alvarez Moya (Spain) Carlo 74.23secs. €24,000 Qduced a well-timed The fifth spot went to Frenchman routine with Daydreamer Ec, Kevin Staut (Silver Deux de Virton H D C, clinching the feature event on 35.39 seconds, 4 penalties, €24,000) com- the final day of the third round pleted the top five in the last event of the this win happened,” Bassem said. of the hugely popular Hathab three-day LGCT Tour event. When asked about his turn at the Series. “It is an amazing feeling to win this on famous ‘tough hurdle’, Bassem said: “I was Bassem star of the day Daydreamer Ec managed a home soil. I had so many people watch- quick between the fences and there we flawless ride with Al Qadi, ing me including H H Sheikha Mozah and had time to go over well.” clocking a time of 38.99 sec- H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and The Qatari, who was placed 45th, 13th One Qatar’s most prominent riders, Bassem Gold medal winning Qatari team. onds to win the 1.30/1.40m my home fans,” Bassem said after the and 10th in the three other competitions Hassan Mohammed’s international show jumping Bassem qualified for his first FEI World Cup competition in jump-off at Al event. he featured in over the week, yesterday career began at the Doha Olympic Qualifiers in 2011. Final with Rosalia La Silla in 2013. He put in a Shaqab Arena. “It feels like a dream come true,” the candidly admitted he felt pressure in the Since then, Bassem has made a number of fantastic performance in the 2014 LGCT Antwerp The Qatari, who won the 30-year-old, who featured at the Olym- jump-off. key appearances on the Qatari Nations Cup team. Grand Prix with a new horse Primeval Dejavu, 1.20/1.30m class with Jessico on pic Games in Rio de Janeiro last August, “Of course, there is pressure. Every- His first international win came in Chantilly and finishing 4th. Later in the season, he became the Thursday, yesterday emerged added. body here (in Qatar) wanted me to win, I Valkenswaard in 2012 with Levicci. first Qatari ever to win an LGCT Grand Prix when a pleased man with his second “I am so happy to have got this win. wanted to make everybody and myself In 2014, he was part of the Asian Games he rode Victoria to victory in Monaco. win of the three-day event Thank God it happened at the right time. happy. I thank God for this victory,” he devised to groom young I’m so happy. It’s amazing,” he said. said with a huge grin on his face. Fast Facts: riders. Bassem, a gold medallist in the Team Second-placed Sprunger said: “It was Competed in the 2013 FEI World Cup Final “I am very happy. This has Event at the 2014 Asian Games, yesterday a competition and we had some tough bat- Competed at the 2014 World Championships been a great week of riding for was all praise for Gunder’s tles. I enjoyed my run with my horse. It’s 2014 Asian Games Team Gold medallist with Anyway me. We are enjoying compet- performance. a great finish.” 2014 LGCT Monaco Grand Prix winner with Victoria ing in the Hathab Series,” Al “My horse was excellent today and he 2015 LGCT Miami Beach Grand Prix Silver medallist with Palloubet D Halong The podium winners, Qatari riders Saeed Nasser Al Qadi (centre), Hamad Ali Mohamed Qadi said. “This series is help- was in a good mood. We really prepared 2015 LGCT Antwerp Silver medallist with Palloubet D Halong ing the young riders learn a A Al Attiyah and Nasser Al Ghazali pose for photograph during the victory ceremony of the very hard for this class and I’m happy that 2015 LGCT Valkenswaard Grand Prix Bronze medallist with California lot,” he added. Class 09: Doha 2017 Invitational 1.30/1.40m event at Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. Qatar’s Hamad Ali Mohamed A Al Attiyah joined forces with Clinton to claim the Hathab Equestrian Tour 2017/2018 Results Hathab Series Diamonds are 2017 second spot in a time of 39.84 seconds. Al Attiyah won QR Class 08: Doha 2017 Invitational 1.20/1.30m Hathab, meaning 7,000 for his efforts at Al Table A: Against the Clock with Jump-Off ‘Canter’ in Arabic, is an GCL Champions Shaqab Arena. initiative launched by Quel Homme, who had 1 Rakan Al Hasawi (Denver) 36.31 seconds QR6,250 HE Sheikh Joaan bin The Peninsula Nasser Al Ghazali in the sad- 2 Faisal Abdulhadi S A Al Marri (Le Premier K) 43.29 seconds QR5,000 Hamad Al Thani, dle, sealed the third place in a 3 Hamad Nasser Al Qadi (Jazly) 39.60 seconds QR3,750 President of the Qatar 4 Jaber Rashid Al Amri (Belucci van’t Vleminkhof) 39.36 seconds QR2,500 espite a dazzling win for Valkenswaard United in the Global time of 39.97 seconds. Al Ghaz- Olympic Committee. 5 Faleh Suwead Al Ajami (Carport) 40.72 seconds QR1,750 Champions League of Doha, Qatar, their nearest rivals Hamburg ali picked up QR 5,250. The series which is held Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri DDiamonds had done just enough by finishing fifth to strike gold either at Al Shaqab or (Beyonce, 35.50 seconds, Class 09: Doha 2017 Invitational 1.30/1.40m in the race for overall championship. Qatar Equestrian QR3,500) and Hamad Nasser Table A: Against the Clock with Jump-Off Some intrepid riding from the Mexico Amigos helped them secure Al Qadi (St Lucia, 37.22 seconds, Federation’s outdoor the final spot on the GCL podium in third. QR2,450) completed the top 1 Saeed Nasser Al Qadi (Daydreamer Ec) 38.99 seconds QR8,750 arena annually, will be League winners for 2017, Hamburg Diamonds collected a whopping 2 Hamad Ali Mohamed A Al Attiyah (Clinton) 39.84 seconds QR7,000 spread across seven €2m with Valkenswaard United taking runner-up spot and a cheque 3 Nasser Al Ghazali (Quel Homme) 39.97 seconds QR5,250 months with the final of €1,350,000. 4 Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri (Beyonce) 35.50 seconds QR3,500 leg to be conducted “We gave some hope to United, but at least we finished well,” 5 Hamad Nasser Al Qadi (St. Lucia) 7.22 seconds QR2,450 next April. said Harrie Smolders of the Hamburg Diamonds, who has secured an unprecedented double as the star Dutch rider is also the winner of I am very happy. This the 2017 Global Champions Tour series. Mohammed has been a great five. Al MArri and Al Qadi suf- of the popular riders in Qatar, Equestrian Federation (QEF) His team-mate Eric Lamaze, riding with a rib injury, added: “We gestures after week of riding for me. fered because of 4 faults each. guided Jazly to the third spot. and Al Shaqab, the Hathab wanted to win this — Harrie has done so many clears for the team so winning the it was my turn to help today.” We are enjoying Earlier in the day in the Jazly clocked 39.60 seconds as Series events are alternating Grand Prix of 1.20/1.30m, Rakan Al Hasawi Al Qadi took home a cash prize between Al Shaqab Arena and Hamburg Diamonds’ other key players this season have been John Doha after a competing in the produced a flawless ride with of QR3,750. QEF’s Outdoor Arena, Event Whitaker, Piergiorgio Bucci and Jos Verlooy. pulsating battle Debver to clinch the top hon- Jaber Rashid Al Amri Director Ali Al Rumaihi said at Valkenswaard United, who took the title in the inaugural GCL last Hathab Series. This in the jump-off. ours in a time 36.31 seconds. (Belucci van’t Vleminkhof, the launch of the event last year, were represented by Bertram Allen (Molly Malone) and Alberto series is helping the Al Hasawi won QR6,250. 39.36 seconds, QR2,500) and month. The series is being Zorzi (Fair Light van’t Heike) in this glittering final and both produced young riders learn a Faisal Abdulhadi S.A Al Faleh Suwead Al Ajami (Car- broadcast live on Al Kass Sports measured double clears to soar clear of a high class field of 18 teams. lot: Al Qadi Marri, astride Le Premier K, port, 40.72 seconds, QR1,750) Channel. “We came here knowing we had to win here today, and claimed the second berth in a completed the top five. Al Amri The 12-leg series will end unfortunately it wasn’t enough to win the League, but we gave it a time of 43.29 seconds. Al Marri and Al Ajami were slowed in April with a total prize good shot all year,” said Bertram. “We’ve had plenty of ups and downs the second prize of QR 5,000. down by 8 faults each. money of QR1m, organisers but at least we finished on a really great note.” Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, one A joint effort of Qatar announced last month. 26 SPORT SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2017

Japanese star Otani hopes to In-form Boston stretch continue 2-way style in the US

Tokyo AFP

apanese baseball superstar win streak to 11 games Shohei Otani (pictured Jbelow) yesterday voiced his wish to continue playing both on the mound and at the plate in the US, saying he has not given up either pitching or batting. The 23-year-old right- handed pitcher and left-handed hitter formally announced his plan to move to Major League Baseball in Boston Celtics forward Jayson NBA RESULTS 2018 a day after his team Brooklyn 101 Portland 97 Tatum (0) is fouled by Charlotte Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Hornets centre Dwight Howard Fighters accepted “his dream” O’ City 120 LA Clippers 111 (12) while driving to the basket to play in the country. Milwaukee 94 San Antonio 87 during the second half of their “I’m glad to have done Orlando 128 Phoenix 112 NBA game at TD Garden on Friday. both,” the two-way player, dubbed the ‘Japanese Babe Miami 84 Utah 74 Ruth’ by US media, told a Indiana 105 Chicago 87 news conference in Tokyo. Boston 90 Charlotte 87 “I want to further improve what I have done,” said Otani

Detroit 111 Atlanta 104 in a business suit with a navy blue tie -- the team colour of the Fighters. “At this stage I don’t think I will give up one of them,” he said. Otani hit .322 with 22 home runs and 67 runs-bat- ted-in in 104 games and had a 1.86 earned run average and 174 strikeouts in 140 innings for the Nippon Ham Fighters last season. He missed two months early this season and another stretch in July and August with injuries to his ankle and thigh -- but has still batted .332 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs this season, accord- ing to the latest update on the team’s website. Otani, who had ankle sur- gery last month and is undergoing rehabilitation, will soon start negotiations with US teams seeking him Los Angeles rallying from an 18-point def- seven rebounds and four Detroit Pistons won their Collins tossed in 16 points and through his agent. AFP icit then hanging on for a 90-87 assists, Marcus Morris had 14 fourth straight with a 111-104 eight rebounds, Dewayne Ded- The 6-foot-4-inch (1.93m) victory on Friday night over the and seven rebounds and Jaylen victory over the Atlanta Hawks. mon added 13 points and nine player, whose fastball tops he Boston Celtics jug- Charlotte Hornets. Brown scored 10 points and Jackson had 22 points and rebounds and Marco Bellinelli 100 mph (161 km/h), inked a gernaut continues to Boston scored a season- had 13 rebounds. six assists for the Pistons, who chipped in 14 points. one-year $2.37m contract steamroll its way low 11 points in the first quarter Kemba Walker led all scor- gave away a 19-point lead Detroit led 76-69 heading with the Fighters in through the NBA, and was down 18 early in the ers with 20 points despite before regaining control in into the fourth. The Hawks December. extending their win- third before sending the Hor- missing all six of his three- front of a crowd of 16,600 at closed the gap to five early in He will not become eligi- Tning streak to 11 games on nets to their fourth straight loss. point shot attempts, while Little Caesars Arena. the quarter and once again ble for free agency until after Friday despite a rash of inju- With unheralded guard Frank Kaminsky scored all 14 Andre Drummond had 16 midway through after Baze- the 2021 season, and there- ries that now includes all-star Shane Larkin leading the way, of his points in the first half. points, 20 rebounds and a more made a jumper. fore needed the team’s Kyrie Irving. the Celtics went on a 14-2 Walker, who missed a career-high seven assists for Bazemore’s three-pointer approval to negotiate with With Gordon Hayward out fourth-quarter surge to take jumper that would have put his Detroit, who improved to 9-3 from the top of the key and Major League teams. for the season and Al Horford control of the game and held team ahead with five seconds on the season. another from the wing tied it “As long as I play base- sitting out a second straight the Hornets to 11 points in the left, scored Charlotte’s final Avery Bradley tallied 20 94-94 with 3:49 left. ball, I want to be a number game with a concussion, Irv- fourth quarter. But the home eight points. points and Tobias Harris fin- The teams traded scores one player,” Otani said. ing suffered a possible team still had to survive a Hornets forward Dwight ished with 16 points and eight until Jackson’s three with 52.3 concussion less than two min- scramble at the end to Howard had a dismal night, rebounds. Ish Smith came off seconds left put the Pistons on utes into the game after taking survive. shooting two-for-eight from the bench to finish with 17 top 103-100. an elbow from teammate Aron Larkin finished with a sea- the floor, two-for-nine from points and five assists. Following Bellinelli’s miss, Baynes. son-high 16 points, while the foul line, while making Kent Bazemore had 22 Bradley made a free throw and No matter – despite the rookie Jayson Tatum, who is seven turnovers. points, five rebounds and five collected the rebound after revolving door on the infirmary playing with a sore ankle, Elsewhere, Reggie Jackson assists for the Hawks (2-10). missing the second try. Jack- – the Celtics just keep on win- scored 16 points. made two clutch three point- Dennis Schroder scored 17 son then drained another key ning without their Big Three, Terry Rozier had 15 points ers down the stretch as the points and 11 assists, John three-pointer to clinch the win.

NHL: Senators claim thrilling 4-3 victory over Avalanche

New York NHL RESULTS assist on the game-winner. Agencies Capitals 4, Penguins 1 Las Vegas 5 Winnipeg 2 Braden Holtby made 27 saves ark Stone’s second goal Dallas 5 NY Islanders 0 to notch his 200th career victory, of the night 59 seconds Florida 4 Buffalo 1 and John Carlson had a goal and M into overtime lifted the an assist as Washington defeated Ottawa Senators to a 4-3 victory Toronto 3 Boston 2 Pittsburgh. over the Colorado Avalanche on Washington 4 Pittsburgh 1 The Capitals’ TJ Oshie scored Friday in the NHL Global Series. the go-ahead goal, his seventh Carolina 3 Columbus 1 Ottawa Senators right

Ottawa won for the second goal of the season, in the second wing Mark Stone (61)

time in three games. Swedish Ottawa 4 Colorado 3 period, and Chandler Stephen- scores during the defenseman Fredrik Claesson, son added an insurance goal with overtime period of NHL Mark Stone and Chris DiDomen- 6:18 left. Phil Kessel was credited game against Colorado ico registered goals while Craig MacKinnon added goals. Seymon with the Penguins’ goal. Anderson made 16 saves. Varlamov made 28 saves. Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby, Avalanche at the Ericsson Colorado lost its second Stone took a feed from playing in his 800th career game, Globe Arena on Friday. straight game after a three-game Derick Brassard and hit the open was held without a goal for the winning streak. Alexander Ker- net with Varlamov out of posi- 10th straight game. Murray foot registered a goal and assist, tion. Swedish defenceman Erik stopped 27 shots for the and Nail Yakupov and Nathan Karlsson earned the secondary Penguins. SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2017 SPORT 27

Overton shines VALENCIA GRAND PRIX Qualifying grids for the Valencia motorcycling Grand Prix today: in England’s big MotoGP 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 1:29.897, 2. Johann Zarco (FRA/Yamaha Tech3) at tour victory 0.349, 3. Andrea Iannone (ITA/Suzuki) 0.502, 4. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) 0.563, 5. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 0.692, 6. Michele Pirro (ITA/Ducati) 0.867, 7. Valentino Adelaide, Australia Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 0.951, 8. Aleix Esparagaro (ESP/Suzuki) 0.960, 9. Andrea AFP Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 1.064, 10. Alex Rins 1.075 Moto2 raig Overton improved 1. Alex Marquez (ESP/Kalex) 1:35.050, 2. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Kalex) at 0.065, 3. his chances of an Eng- Mattia Pasini (ITA/Kalex) 0.105, 4. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) 0.132, 5. Brad Binder (RSA/KTM) 0.273, 6. Dominique Aegerter (SUI/Suter) 0.398, 7. Takaaki Nakagami Cland Test debut in this (JPN/Kalex) 0.412, 8. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Kalex) 0.417, 9. Xavi Vierge (ESP/Tech 3) month’s Ashes series with an 0.603, 10. Marcel Schrötter (GER/Suter) 0.633 impressive bowling perform- Moto3 ance in the emphatic tour win 1. Jorge Martin (ESP/Honda) 1min 38.428sec, 2. Joan Mir (ESP/Honda) at 0.445, 3. over the Cricket Australia XI Gabriel Rodrigo (ARG/KTM) 0.548, 4. Tatsuki Suzuki (JPN/Honda) 0.880, 5. Enea in Adelaide yesterday. Bastianini (ITA/Honda) 0.891, 6. Aron Canet (ESP/Honda) 0.971, 7. Ayumu Sasaki England needed just half (JPN/Honda) 1.064, 8. Marcos Ramirez (ESP/KTM) 1.064, 9. Fabio Di Giannantonio an hour to wrap up a com-

(ITA/Honda) 1.093, 10. Bo Bendsneyder (NED/KTM) 1.108 prehensive 192-run victory early on the final day of the four-day tour match at Adelaide Oval. The Somerset paceman took one of the three remain- ing wickets to fall to finish with three for 15 off 11 overs Marc Marquez on pole in Valencia to share the wickets among the pace battery. Overton is now firmly in line to make his Test debut at Cheste, Spain the Gabba for the opening AFP Commanding lead Test of the series on Novem- Honda’s Marquez can ber 23 and insists he is ready arc Marquez tightened only be denied a for the task. his grip on the MotoGP fourth MotoGP world “I’d like to think so but Mworld championship championship if he I’ve still got a bit of work to yesterday, by qualifying on pole finishes lower than do,” Overton told reporters. for the season-ending Valencia “It’s still a work in 11th and Ducati’s Grand Prix with championship progress. It’s just finding that Dovizioso wins. rival Andrea Dovizioso down the rhythm over here and I’d pre- grid in ninth. fer to be over-cooked than Holding a commanding yesterday morning. He recorded under-cooked going to 21-point lead in the champion- his best time early in the Brisbane.” ship standings, Honda’s session. On his chances of crack- Marquez can only be denied a The champion in waiting ing a spot in the England Test fourth MotoGP world champi- then hit the floor, as he so XI, Overton said: “You’re onship if he finishes lower than often has this season, after never quite sure, you just 11th and Ducati’s Dovizioso running wide at turn four, but keep on doing your thing and wins. once again escaped unharmed try not to worry about it too Marquez was even able to despite his visible much. shrug off his 27th crash of the frustration. “If you get a call up then season after posting his best time “I was disappointed because happy days if not I will be of 1min 29.897sec for his eighth when I stopped in the box I said supporting the team as much pole of the season. to Santi, my mechanic, I didn’t as possible. The Spaniard will be fol- feel the tyre was ready,” said “I’m just making sure I lowed by France’s Johann Zarco Marquez. Monster Yamaha Tech 3 French rider Johann Zarco (left), Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider bowl the best I can when I get and Italian Andrea Iannone on “For tomorrow we are good, Marc Marquez (centre) and Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Italian rider Andrea Iannone celebrate after a chance and hopefully that the front row of the grid. we are in pole position, good the second MotoGP qualifying session of the Valencia Grand Prix at Ricardo Tormo racetrack will be good enough. I’m con- It was a disastrous day for rhythm and this is the most in Cheste, near Valencia yesterday. Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez took fident it will be.” Dovizioso’s hopes of putting important thing.” the pole position. James Anderson took two pressure on Marquez as he Marquez’s time was never wickets on the final day to limped onto the back of the third threatened by the chasing finish with three for 12 off 10.2 row. pack, with Zarco 0.349 sec- Dovizioso and Marquez’s respectively alongside Michele champion Valentino Rossi (sev- overs while Chris Woakes, Marquez looked in ominous onds back in second and teammates Jorge Lorenzo and Pirro. enth) if he is to pull off an who triggered the CA XI sec- form as he posted the fastest Iannone more than half a sec- Dani Pedrosa start on the sec- Dovizioso will also need to unlikely comeback for his first ond innings collapse late on time in both practice sessions ond back in third. ond row in fourth and fifth battle past nine-time world world title. Friday, did not bowl yester- day to have four for 17 off 10 overs. Anderson, who is now the new team vice-captain in Jamieson leads place of the suspended Ben Shanshan is China’s first World No.1 Stokes, said he has been impressed with Overton’s by one-shot efforts on tour. Shanghai Feng’s ascent to the summit people at home,” said Feng, who It is also a third victory of the “He’s a big lad, gets plenty Sun City, South Africa AFP comes thanks to a nervy one- is from the southern Chinese city season for her and ninth career of bounce and he’s very skil- AFP shot victory over Moriya of Guangzhou and turned pro- LPGA win, one of those a major. ful too,” England’s all-time eng Shanshan is to be Chi- Jutanugarn after the Thai’s birdie fessional in 2007. As well as being China’s first Test wicket-taker said. cotland’s Scott Jamieson na’s first golfer ranked try on the 72nd hole lipped out, Feng, who also captured last number one, she was also the “He can swing the ball, produced only the sec- Fworld number one after to the delight of the home crowd week’s TOTO Japan Classic title, country’s first winner on the seam the ball and he brings Sond bogey-free round of she claimed back-to-back wins on the southern Chinese island added: “Hopefully there will be LPGA Tour (2012 Wegman’s something different to the the day yesterday to move with a thrilling victory at the of Hainan. more Chinese getting on the LPGA Championship). team. He’s settled in really one shot clear of the field Blue Bay LPGA yesterday. Feng’s fellow Chinese play- tours and more world number Her rise to the top was well.” heading into the final round No Chinese golfer, male or ers showered the trailblazer in ones coming up from China. widely celebrated in Chinese An England batting col- of the Nedbank Challenge at female, has ever topped the water on the 18th green at Jian “I just want 2017 to keep media, but the Beijing govern- lapse was averted only by Sun City in South African. rankings before and her slice of Lake Blue Bay Golf Club. going. A never-ending 2017, that ment has an ambivalent attitude Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten Jamieson signed for a history underlines the country’s She told LPGA.com: “I’m would be great.” towards golf, which is tradition- knock of 61 in the second five-under 67 to move to growing heft in a sport that was really, really excited and very The deposed number one ally viewed in China as innings of 207 and former fast eight-under par with over- banned under Mao Zedong. proud of myself and I think it’s Park was tied third and relin- bourgeois. bowler Ryan Harris, in charge night leader Frenchman Feng, who started the week special because I won this tour- quishes the top spot after just On the one hand Chinese of the CA XI, liked what he Victor Dubuisson two-putting third in the world, is projected nament to become world one week. authorities have shut dozens of saw. the last for a par in a round of to rise to top spot at the expense number one. For Feng, the Rio 2016 golf courses -- many of them “I think their batting is 71 to be in second place on of South Korean rookie Park “I finished first in China, so Olympic bronze medallist, it is illegal -- and curbed new con- vulnerable, absolutely, espe- seven under par. Sung-Hyun, the LPGA said. I actually claimed the world the culmination of more than a struction, while at the same time cially with no Stokes at six or The duo of South Africa’s Twenty-eight-year-old number one in front of all the decade of toil on tour. holding men’s and women’s seven,” Harris said. Branden Grace (68) and Ger- tournaments like the one that “But it depends on how many’s double Major-winning Feng won. our boys bowl at them. If Martin Kaymer (69) share The LPGA Tour heads back we’re loose and wide then we third at five-under par. to the United States next week won’t have them in any Jamieson went into the for the CME Group Tour Cham- trouble. third day of the $7.5m event pionship in Florida, the final “We’ve got some good sharing fourth place and three event of the 2017 season. intelligence and knowledge shots adrift of Dubuisson but on England and I’ll pass that found himself tied for the lead BLUE RAY LPGA on to our bowlers.” courtesy of birdies at the sec- Australia are delighted ond, fourth and ninth holes Leading final-round scores at the Blue Bay LPGA that England’s big two batting of the Gary Player-designed in Hainan, China yesterday (par 72) hopes, Joe Root and Alastair course. 279 - Feng Shanshan (CHN) 69-67-73-70 Cook, have not really fired on 280 - Moriya Jutanugarn (THA) 69-73-68-70 The Glaswegian then tour yet, the new captain hav- 284 - Megan Khang (USA) 71-72-73-68, Jessica went two shots clear with ing made one half century in Korda (USA) 71-72-70-71, Park Sung-Hyun (KOR) birdies at holes 13 and 14 his three innings and the 68-76-68-72, Ashleigh Buhai (RSA) 67-68-76- before Dubuisson, playing 73 former one having suffered two groups behind, birdied 285 - Sun Young-Yoo (KOR) 65-74-77-69, San- three failures. the 14th to cut the Scot’s lead dra Gal (GER) 71-70-73-71, Na Yeon-Choi (KOR) England head to north to just one. 67-77-68-73 Queensland on Sunday for “I was much better on 286 - Mi Hyang-Lee (KOR) 74-75-68-69, Austin their final Ashes warm-up the greens today than I had Ernst (USA) 68-75-72-71, Lee Jeong-Eun (KOR) game against the CA XI yet

been the first couple days, again, starting in Townsville

China’s Feng Shanshan (centre) celebrates after winning the Blue Bay LPGA golf tournament 67-76-70-73, Lizette Salas (USA) 67-73-73-73 so that was nice,” said on Wednesday, before the Jamieson. at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course on China’s southern Hainan Island yesterday. opening Test in Brisbane. 28 SPORT SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2017

Al Sulaiteen wins Qatar Endurance Cup Bottas denies Hamilton a practice sweep in Brazil

Sao Paulo Reuters

altteri Bottas denied Mer- cedes team-mate Lewis VHamilton a sweep of the Brazilian Grand Prix practice timesheets with the fastest time in yesterday’s final session. The Finn lapped the Interlagos The podium winners of the Qatar Endurance Cup, organised by the Qatar Endurance Committee, circuit in one minute 09.281 sec- pose for a photograph with officials during the victory ceremony held in Doha yesterday. LEFT: onds, a mere 0.003 quicker than Abdurahman Saad Al Sulaiteen astride Al Shaqab’s Gazelles Du Bosphore Ewalraid celebrates four-times Formula One world as he reaches the finish line to win the Qatar Endurance Cup 100km CEI event yesterday. champion Hamilton who had been fastest throughout Friday. Hamilton set a track record of 1:09.202 in Friday’s first session. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel were a close third and fourth, with the top four split Injury fears cast shadow over by just 0.058 of a second. Both championships have already been won, with Hamilton wrapping up his fourth world title in Mexico at the end of last month. Nadal-Federer dream clash Mercedes clinched their fourth successive constructors’ champi- onship in Texas in October with London “I hope. And if I didn’t believe I chasing his seventh Tour Finals title, three races to spare. AFP can be ready, for me, I wouldn’t be is happy to be back at the end-of- Rublev, Chung Australian Daniel Ricciardo here,” said the Spaniard, who will season showpiece after missing out was fifth for Red Bull, but will have afael Nadal (pictured left) also do battle with Dominic Thiem last year during a long layoff. set up Next Gen a 10-place grid penalty after later and Roger Federer (right) and Grigor Dimitrov in the ‘Pete “Last year I couldn’t be here so qualifying, and McLaren’s Fern- can set up a dream climax Sampras’ group. it’s nice to be here again because this ando Alonso sixth. to the 2017 season at the “I’m working every day, practis- year I had to start further back in the final showdown Hamilton, last year’s winner in ATP World Tour Finals, ing well and just trying to be ready rankings,” said the Swiss, who aston- Brazil, will be going for his 12th Rbut organisers are sweating on the for the action.” ished the tennis world by winning Milan pole of the season and 73rd of his Spaniard’s fitness and a new crop are The 31-year-old, forced to pull the Australian Open after months AFP career. itching to spoil the party. out of the Paris Masters last week away from the sport. The two all-time greats get star with a knee injury, is painfully aware Federer, at the grand old age of op seed Andrey Rublev swept billing in London after each won two that the ATP Finals is the one major 36, said he felt fresh after a season past racquet-smashing Borna Grand Slams and locked down the piece of silverware missing from his that had exceeded his expectations. TCoric of Croatia 4-1, 4-3 (8-6), top two rankings spots as Novak trophy cabinet and he wants to put So can anybody smash the Fed- 4-1 to reach the Next Gen ATP finals Mercedes team Djokovic and Andy Murray had that right. erer-Nadal duopoly at the title match on Friday. injury-plagued seasons to forget. “Being here is an important thing tournament featuring the season’s Rublev, the world number 37 The eight-man field at the O2 but for me the most important thing top players? who reached the US Open quarter- members Arena has an unbalanced look about is everything that happened to me The most likely candidate finals this year, needed just over an it but 20-year-old Alexander Zverev this year, the tournaments, compet- appears to be Zverev, who has rock- hour to see off Coric whose frustra- leadsleads a hungryhungry chasingchasing pack,pack, desper-desper- inging almostalmost every weekweek withwith a very etedeted up tthehe ranrankingsk to number three tions were summed up by his robbed in Brazil ateate to sstaketake a cclaimlaim ttoo competitivecompetitive levelleveloft of tennis,tennisennis, beingbeing afterafterano an outstanoutstandingutstannding season in which destruction of two racquets membershipmembership of thethe healthyhealthy until Paris,” he said.said. he hhasas wwonon ffiveive toutourna-rna- courtside. Sao Paulo ggame’same’s elite. AndAnd Nadal said although he ments, including two In yesterday’s final, the Russian Reuters WorldWWorll d welcomedwellcomedd tthehhe opportuopportunityniity MastersMMasters titles.tiitlles. was to face Hyeon Chung of South nnumberumber one to finish the yyearear with The singlessingles Korea who beat Russia’s Daniil ewis Hamilton has urged NNadal,adal, who another high-profile tournament, Medvedev 4-1, 4-1, 3-4 (4/7), 1-4, Formula One to improve wowonn tthehe clash againstagainst FedFed-- whiwhichch runsruns 4-0. security after armed robbers FrenchFrench Open erer, he was not uuntilntil Novem-Novem- “Today I played my best tennis L held up members of his Mercedes andand US OpeOpenn fixatefixatedd on the ber 19, bebeginsgins of the week. I’m really happy,” thisthis year, needneed to dedefeatfeat tthehe withwith TThiemhiem tak-tak- 20-year-old Rublev told atpworld- team outside the Brazilian Grand aadmitteddmitted on Swiss after four ing on Dimitrov. tour.com. Prix Circuit. FridayFriday that he straightstraight losses The toptop two in Rublev finished the semi-final “Some of my team were held isis not training to hhisis ooldld rivrivalal each ggrouproup qqual-ual- with 17 winners to only eight up at gunpoint last night leaving aatt 100 percentpercent in 22017.017. ifyify for the unforced errors. the circuit here in Brazil. Gun shots aheadahead of his tour- Federer, semi-finals.semi-finals. Coric, meanwhile, hit 12 winners fired, gun held at ones head. This namentn ament but 14 unforced errors. is so upsetting to hear,” the four- opopenerener “He was just playing too good for times world champion said on againstagainst Bel-Bel- me today. He was the better player Twitter yesterday. gium’sgium’ s on the court,” admitted the Croat. “Please say a prayer for my DDavidavid Gof- Chung won all of his three group guys who are here as profession- ffinin on matches to make the semi-finals, als today even if shaken. SSunday,unday, including a 4-0, 4-1, 4-3 (7/1) victory “This happens every single aalthoughlthough he over Rublev. He also saw off the Rus- year here. F1 and the teams need saidsaid he is likelylikely sian in Winston-Salem on the ATP to do more, there’s no excuse.” toto be fit enough Tour in August. toto pplay.lay. “I had to stay calm,” Chung said A team spokesman confirmed after seeing off Medvedev. that valuables were stolen but nobody was injured in the incident. Hold-ups are a known risk for teams in Sao Paulo and around the Interlagos circuit, with drivers Aspire Academy’s teams dominate Tri-Series travelling to and from their hotels with police escorts and in cars with The Peninsula Bundesliga club were much closer with Action bulletproof protection. only one goal making the difference in during the Britain’s Jenson Button was the spire Academy’s U-16, U-17, and the games of the U-18s and U-17s. Aspire Zone victim of an attempted robbery in U-18 football teams have emerged In one of the most tightly contested Foundation 2010, the year after he won the A victorious in the latest edition of matches, Aspire Academy and Eintracht Tri-Series title with Brawn GP, but the police the Tri-Series that featured popular Ger- Frankfurt’s U-16 teams went to a pen- football driver smashed his way through man club Eintracht Frankfurt, and for the alty shoot-out to decide the winner after tournament. traffic to escape when the gunmen first time Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa, their match ended 2-2 in regular time. the Aspire Zone Foundation owned foot- The Aspire Academy players showed seri- were seen approaching. ball team from Spain. ous mental strength throughout the Mechanics and other staff This year’s strong performance from match and managed to defeat their strong travel to and from the track by the Aspire Academy teams follows the German opponents from the spot. minibus and are advised against Qatar national team’s successful quali- The number of teams that have vis- wearing branded team clothing fication to the AFC U19 Championship ited Aspire Academy to compete in the away from the circuit. which is taking place in Indonesia next Tri-Series tournament has grown stead- A Mercedes team member was year, with the majority of Qatar’s play- ily since it was launched in 2012. Last also robbed at gunpoint in Mexico ers, coaches and medical teams from year, a total of 32 clubs and associations last year while travelling by car Aspire. participated in the tournament. Partici- from the airport to his hotel. During the fifth round of the interna- pating teams have included major Mercedes have won both of tional Tri-Series, Aspire Academy’s football clubs such as Liverpool FC (Eng- this year’s championships for the talented young-athletes achieved some land), Paris Saint Germain (France), Ajax fourth year in a row with Lewis impressive results to top their respective Amsterdam (Netherlands), Zenit St. Hamilton arriving in Brazil as a age groups. They dominated the games Petersburg (Russia), Nagoya Grampus four-times world champion. against Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa and Eight (Japan), Esperance de Tunis (Tuni- won without conceding a single goal in sia) and Palmeiras (Brazil) as well as Today’s race is the penultimate every age group. national youth teams from Canada and round of the season. The games against the German Denmark.