SPORT Thursday 5 October 2017

PAGE | 31 PAGE | 34 PAGE | 35 R uthless Halep Argentina hopes Pakistan’sPa Afridi dumps Sharapova on line in crucial spearheads out of Beijing Peru clash T10 revolution Ambitious eyes new era of excellence

Rizwan Rehmat Nada Arakji, among scores of daughters of this soil have lifted The Peninsula other sports dignitaries. our spirit in Qatar. WeWe will con- In August, Barshim won the tinue to strive for moremore glory. egional sports pow- world high jump title exactly a That’s our vision andd we havehave erhouse Qatar year after bagging the silver at the ability to build andnd iimprovemprove yesterday underlined the Rio . In 2012 our performances,” hehe said.said. its ambition to keep Barshim had won the bronze at “Qatar is one ofof the few producing world- the London Olympics. countries in the worldld ttoo esestab-tab- Rclass athletes who are capable In the last decade, Qatari lish a National Sportss Day. We of creating their own bench- athletes have excelled in track want to build on this. WWee hope mark of excellence at and field, shooting, handball, to achieve more. Thereforeerefore multi-discipline events like the basketball and motor sport we will take the sportss vision Olympic Games. events while winning a high of the Emir HH SheikhSheikh This was said by Qatar tally of medals at volleyball, Tamim bin Hamad Al TThanihani Olympic Committee (QOC) cycling, swimming and gymnas- with renewed vigourour to Chairman H E Sheikh Joaan bin tics events held around the Arab make things happen inin the Hamad Al Thani who empha- world. world of sports,” Sheikhheikh sised the role of youngsters in “Today is one of the most Joaan said. the taking the sporting move- important moments in Qatar’s “Qatar lays greatreat ment forward in Qatar and sporting past, present or future. emphasis on sports.. We around the world. It is a game-changing moment will continue to wowork.rk. Sheikh Joaan was speaking that will open sport up to more QOC has worked outout a at a gathering where QOC people than ever before, create new strategy. We wantnt to unveiled it’s new logo and a new heroes and fuel future suc- bring the world togetherther sports vision that would ‘trans- cess,” Sheikh Joaan said. using sports as a plat-at- form Qatar into a country “It feels like a sporting rev- form. We want too capable of producing top per- olution and the start of of a new Team Qatar website, achieve successss formances at the international something new. We want the the first-ever Team Qatar Club together,” the QOCOC platform’. people of Qatar to feel this and re-designed Team Qatar chairman said to thun-n- Yesterday’s ceremony was change, share it, celebrate it, social media channels. derous applause atat also attended by high jump connect to our athletes and sup- “There is no better day to Qatar National Con-n- World Champion Mutaz Essa port them on their inspirational unveil our new strategy. Qatar vention Centre. Barshim, Olympic show jump- journeys. We want to unite our has achieved outstanding suc- “It is our pleasurere to ing finalist Sheikh Ali Al Thani, whole nation through the power cess in the last decade or so,” unveil the new logo.. This Paralympic silver medallist of sport. We are all Team Qatar Sheikh Joaan said. reflects our ambitionsns and Abdulrahman Abdelqader, Asian and I can’t wait for us all to seize “The sporting success has shows the pride of ourur ppeo-eo- shooting medallist Khulood Al this opportunity,” he added. been possible because we ple. We want to educatecate our Khalaf and Qatar’s first female Yesterday’s star-studded believe in building societies youth through sports.s. Sports is to compete in two Olympics gathering also saw the launch through sports. The sons and the catalyst for change.ange. You have to show whatt it means. Sports brings peoplee of differ- ent cultures togetherher and it makes us respect eachch other. “Sports is hope andand oppor-oppor- tunity. Sports urges us to give the best version of ourselves.urselves. In 2006, I carried the DDohaoha Torch Relayy on lland,and, (QOC) Chairman H E Sheikh Joaan water and in the air. WWee got so bin Hamad Al Thani looks on during the launch of the new much respect from thehe world’sworld’s QOC logo and sports vision at the Qatar National Convention largest continent. That’sat’s wwhathat Centre yesterday. Pictures by: Mohamed Faraj sport does to everyoneyone - it brings joy and respect,”t,” SheikhSheikh Joaan said. “Every day, Qatar athletes The sons and daughters of are making themselves better through perseverance and fair this soil have lifted our spirit play. We want to connect with in Qatar. We will continue to our communities through our athletes. We want to do this strive for more glory. That’s through players, training staff, our vision and we have the clubs and the citizens,” Sheikh Joaan said. ability to build and improve “We are part of the interna- tional sporting movement. Let’s our performances: H E Sheikh QOC Chairman H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani (right) and Male Athlete of the Season make an effort to move forward Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and world champion Mutaz Essa Barshim pose for a photograph yesterday. with passion,” he concluded. 2011 2011 2017 2015 2015 2015 2021 2016 2019 2018 1988 2014 2010 2023 2022 2005 2006 Cup Games Gymnastics IAAF World FINA World Asian Games AFC Asian Cup AFC Asian Cup Championships Championships Championships Championships Championships Championships Championships Championships FIFA World Cup UCI World Road FIG Artistic World 5th GCC Women’s AAF World Indoor PC Athletics World HF World Handball AIBA World Boxing FIFA Confederations Championships (25m) 3rd West Asian Games FINA World Swimming 30 SPORT THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2017

Sjostrom lights up pool SWIMMING RESULTS 1: Men’s 100m Freestyle Gold: Vladmir Morozov (RUS) 46.87 Silver: Damian Wierling (GER) 47.82 Bronze: Benjamin Hockin (PAR) 47.89

2: Women’s 200m Freestyle I was fast and my performance was Swede bags three gold Sarah Sjastrom (SWE) 1:52.00 good. I am very happy on winning three Swedish sensation clinches Femke Heemskerk (NED) 1:53.11 gold medals. It’s always fun to be in three gold medals on the Duo Shen (CHN) 1:56.28 Doha and I am enjoying the contest.

Sarah Sjostrom opening day of the FINA 3: Men’s 50m Breaststroke On winning three gold medals airweave Swimming World Cup at the Hamad Aquatic Cameron Van Der Burgh (RSA) 25.70 I am very happy to beat Tom (Shields). Centre in Doha. Kirill Prigoda (RUS) 25.85 He won the last race (in Hong Kong) so Shymanovich Ilya (BLR) 26.24 it’s good to win this title. I am tired but there will be no excuses as I look 4: Women’s 100m Breaststroke forward to more races. Fawad Hussain Alia Atkinson (JAM) 1:04.21 Chad Le Close The Peninsula Rikke Pedersen (DEN) 1:05.55 After 200m Butterfly win Lena Kreundl (AUT) 1:08.07 wedish star Sarah Sjostrom I was in good form and I am happy the clinched three gold medals to 5: Women’s 100m Butterfly way I competed. I am looking forward to steal limelight on the opening Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 55.55 more wins as I have two more races in day of the FINA airweave Swim- Yufei Zhan (CHN) 57.31 Doha. ming World Cup, which Lok kin Chan (HKG) 57.98 Vladmir Morozov Sexploded into action with thrilling bat- On winning men’s 100m Butterfly gold tles at the Hamad Aquatic Centre in Doha 6: Men’s 100m Backstroke yesterday. Christian Diener (GER) 51:00 I build good momentum and I am South African speedster Chad Le Radoslaw Kawecki (POL) 51.11 delighted to win this contest. It was a Clos, former world champion Vladmir Vladmir Morozov (RUS) 51.13 tough one. I am now focusing on my Morozov of Russia and Hungarian speed next races. giant Katinka Hosszu also bagged two 7: Women’s 50m Backstroke Cameroon Van Der Burgh: Men’s 50 medals each to start the two-day con- Emily Seebohm (AUS) 28.29 Breaststroke winner test on a high note. Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 26.30 Sjostrom, who is comfortably lead- Maaike De Waard (NED) 27:06

I wanted to go little fast but overall I am ing the overall points standings for the title, started her campaign with a win in 8: Men’s 200m Butterfly satisfied because I clinched the gold. Action from the FINA airweave Swimming World Cup at the Hamad Aquatic Chad Le Clos (RSA) 1:49.59 women’ 200m freestyle, clocking 1:52.00 Doha has been my favourite venue and I Tom Shields (USA) 1:49.86 to overcome Dutch rival Femke Heem- Centre in Doha yesterday. The two-day championship ends today. love to compete here. Yuya Yajima (JPN) 1:52.08 skerk. She then touched 55.55 for a gold Alia Atkinson on Women’s 100m Breaststroke win in 100m butterfly and wrapped up her Le Clos also enjoyed a perfect day, (Shields). He won the last race (in Hong 9: Women’s 200m IM perfect run with a victory in 50m free- winning both two races he competed. Kong) so it’s good to win this title. I am Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 2:05.29 I loved the crowd support for me which style in 23.28. He avenged rival Tom Shields of USA tired but there will be no excuses as I Emily Seebohm (AUS) 2:06.65 gave me motivation. It was a good win The Olympic and world champion for Hong Kong defeat, with a victory in look forward to more races.” Earlier, the Femke Heemskerk (NED) 2:08.33 as I competed against top swimmers. who broke two world records in Doha 50m butterfly, touching 22.45. South African won 200m gold with a Emily Sebohm women’s 50m Backstroke in 2014 was delighted after her 3-for-3 Shields had to content with bronze time of 1:49.59, beating Shields who 10: Men’s 400m Freestyle winner run on the opening day. with China’s Qibin Zheng claiming the claimed silver. Detti Gabriele (ITA) 3:42.57 “I was fast today and my perform- silver. After losing the 50m backstroke final Wojdak Wojciech (POL) 3:42.98 ance was good,” the Swede said The race was 26th butterfly victory to Aussie star Emily Seebohm, most dec- Filip Zaborowski (POL) 3:44.75 yesterday. for Le Clos. orated female athlete in the series, “I am very happy on winning three “I am honoured to achieve this mile- Hosszu bounced back to win back-to- 11: Women’s 50m Freestyle gold medals. It’s always fun to be in Doha stone for my country. back gold medals. Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 23.28 and I am enjoying the contest.” “I am very happy to beat Tom The Iron Lady claimed silver in the Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) 23.82 50m backstroke but she looked invul- Femke Heemskerk (NED) 24.40 nerable in 200m IM and 200m backstroke races, which she clinched 12 - Men’s 200m breaststroke comfortably with times of 2:05.29 and Kirill Progoda (RUS) 2:01.24 2:02.06 respectively. Ilya Shymanovich (BLR) 2:04.77 “I am super excited after today’s Ilya Khomenko (RUS) 2:05.08 races,” said Hosszu who clinched six out of six gold medals in Hong Kong in the 13 - Men’s 100m Individual Medley earlier leg. Vladimir Mozorov (RUS) 51. 38 “I am looking forward to three races Pavel Sankovich (BLR) 52.61 on the final day. I love the atmosphere Tom Shields (USA) 53.21 in Doha and the support for me here is amazing.” 14: Women’s 200m backstroke Former world champion Morozov Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 2:02.06 was also in top form as he claimed gold Emily Seebohm (AUS) 2:04.15 medals in 100m freestyle and 100m IM. Xuwei Peng (CHN) 2:06.50 He clocked 46.87 for the 100m freestyle 15: Men’s 50m Butterfly title and took 51. 38 for the medley Chad le Clos (RSA) 22.45 triumph. Qibin Zheng (CHN) 22.74 “I am happy the way I’ve performed Tom Shields (USA) 23.04 today. I got the right momentum.”

It was world champion Detti Gabri- 16. Women’s 800m Freestyle ele of Italy, who again reigned supreme Jiangjiahe Wang (CHN) 8:15.35 in men’s 400m freestyle with a time of Bingjie Li (CHN) 8:18.14 3:42.57, beating rival Wojdak Wojciech Kapas Boglarka (HUN) 8:30.46 of Poland. Jamaican world champion Alia Atkinson also struck a gold medal after 17. Men’s 400m Individual Medley finishing the job in 1:04.21 which she felt Maksym Shemberev (AZE) 4:06.72 was not very fast. Ayrton Sweeney (RSA) 4:07.04 “I wanted to go little fast but overall Gergely Gyurta (HUN) 4:09.58 I am satisfied because I clinched the gold,” she said before praising Doha. 18. Mixed men’s 4x50m relay “Doha is one of my favourite venues The Netherlands 1:40.92

and I love to compete here,” she said. China 1:42.77 A swimmer takes part in the FINA airweave Swimming World Cup at the Hamad Aquatic Centre in Doha yesterday. As many as 18 more finals will be Germany 1:43.75 decided today, the final day. THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 31

Spanish player banned for Ruthless Halep eight months

London Reuters

panish tennis player dumps Sharapova Samuel Ribeiro Navar- Srete has been given an eight-month ban and fined $1,000 for “betting-related corruption offences”, the Ten- nis Integrity Unit (TIU) said on out of Beijing Tuesday. The TIU said an investi- gation had found the player Beijing WTA/ATP CHINA OPEN RESULTS Nick Kyrgios said he wanted made 28 bets on matches AFP to make up for his notorious melt- between January and March WOMEN down in Shanghai last year as he 2013, although none of the aria Sharapova 3rd round beat Mischa Zverev in the second bets related to matches in opened up on the Simona Halep (ROM) bt Maria Sharapova (RUS) round in Beijing. which he played. despair she feels in 6-2, 6-2 A year ago the supremely tal- Navarrete, 24, has a defeat after she was 2nd round ented but combustible Kyrgios career-high singles ranking ruthlessly knocked Caroline Garcia (FRA) bt Elise Mertens (BEL) 7-6 was suspended for his petulant of 723, which he reached in Mout of the China Open in the third behaviour at the Shanghai Mas- July 2016. (7/4), 6-4 round by Romania’s Simona Halep ters, where he argued with the Four months of his ban is Marin Cilic of Croatia reacts after winning a set yesterday. Peng Shuai (CHN) bt Monica Niculescu (ROM) 6-3, 6-2 crowd and appeared to give away suspended on condition that The world number two was Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) bt Samantha Stosur points in caving in to the German against Yasutaka Uchiyama of Japan during he commits no further an emphatic 6-2, 6-2 winner to (AUS) 6-3, 7-5 journeyman. their men’s singles second round match of breaches of the Tennis Anti- leave five-time Grand Slam cham- MEN: 2nd round The enigmatic Australian, the Japan Open tennis tournament in Tokyo Corruption Program, the TIU pion Sharapova still searching for Roberto Bautista (ESP) bt Aljaz Bedene (GBR) seeded eighth in the Chinese cap- yesterday. Cilic beat local favourite Uchiyama added in the statement. her first title since returning from 6-0, 4-0 retired ital, smashed his racquet on the 6-3, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals. a doping ban in April. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) bt Mischa Zverev (GER) 3-6, in anger, bending the head

It was the 26-year-old Halep’s 6-2, 6-2 in half, when he conceded the Ostapenko first victory over the Russian in Steve Darcis (BEL) bt Dusan Lajovic (SRB) 6-3, 6-4 opening set on Wednesday. Cilic crushes eight meetings. That earned the world Sharapova, a former number number 19 a warning from the qualifies for one now at 104 in the world rank- Beijing’s outdoor hard courts, is umpire and raised the spectre of ings following her 15-month the first woman into the quarter- one year ago. Uchiyama to season-ending suspension for taking meldonium, finals, where she will play either But the 22-year-old returned gave an insight into the roller- defending champion Agnieszka for the second set with renewed WTA Finals coaster of emotions in top-level Radwanska or Daria Kasatkina of determination and coasted into reach quarters tennis. Russia. the quarter-finals 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. Paris “Hard work is not good With world number one Gar- Kyrgios said facing Zverev - Reuters enough any more, maybe it was - bine Muguruza exiting in the first older brother of rising star I don’t know how many years ago round with a virus, Halep is now Alexander - a year after Shang- in Tokyo rench Open champion -- but that’s just not a factor any favourite. hai, and again in China, was the Jelena Ostapenko more,” said the 30-year-old, Sharapova said it was the best perfect opportunity to show how Tokyo Fbecame the seventh asked about comments in a book Halep had played against her -- far he has come. AFP player to qualify for the sea- she recently released. and Halep agreed. During one changeover the son-ending WTA Finals in “The reason I say that is The two met in the first round Australian appeared so relaxed op seed Marin Cilic crushed local favourite Yas- Singapore, the WTA said there’s some incredible moments, at the US Open a few weeks ago that he sat back on his chair, arms utaka Uchiyama 6-3, 6-4 yesterday to reach yesterday. very high moments, and there are and Halep said she was delighted behind his head, and sang along Tthe Japan Open quarter-finals. The Latvian, who will very low moments. to finally taste victory against with a pop hit being played over The towering Croatian, runner-up to Roger Fed- make her first appearance in “There have been times where Sharapova: “I’m really happy that the stadium loudspeakers. erer at this year’s Wimbledon and a former US Open the October 22-29 event, joins I get off the court and you think, I I could do this. “It’s my first vic- Kyrgios plays the Belgian champion, needed just over an hour to complete the Garbine Muguruza, Simona don’t wish this on my future child. tory against her and I just want to qualifier Steve Darcis in the last rout in Tokyo. Halep, Karolina Pliskova, Elina Halep, the second seed on enjoy the moment.” eight. Cilic, the current world number five and a semi- Svitolina, Venus Williams and finalist in Japan last season, hit 14 aces and dropped Caroline Wozniacki. only four of 34 points on his first serve as he advanced “I’m extremely happy to to play American Ryan Harrison in the last eight. qualify for my very first WTA Harrison upset fifth seed Kevin Anderson of South Finals,” the 20-year-old said Africa -- who reached last month’s US Open final, on the WTA website (www. where he was beaten by Rafa Nadal -- 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 wtatennis.com). “I’ve had a in a see-saw match. great season and hope I can Elsewhere Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman continue to play my best ten- advanced, the eighth seed thumping Bernard Tomic nis in front of all the fans in of Australia 6-3, 6-1, while Frenchman Adrian Man- Singapore.” narino overpowered Czech Jiri Vesely 6-3, 6-2. Ostapenko, who is In first-round matches, fourth seed David Gof- through to the third round of fin, instrumental in Belgium’s run to next month’s the China Open in Beijing, won Davis Cup final, beat Spain’s Feliciano Lopez 7-5, the second of her two career 6-1. titles at the Korea Open in Goffin ended a wretched run of six defeats in his Seoul last month. previous six finals by capturing the Shenzhen Open The top eight singles play- earlier this month. ers at the $7m prize money Meanwhile, Ukrainian Oleksandr Dolgopolov event will face off in a round- Simona Halep of Romania serves thrashed Russia’s Daniil Medvedev 6-1, 6-2 in another robin format for the Billie Jean during the China Open tennis first-round match. King Trophy. One place is still tournament in Beijing yesterday. Today, third seed Milos Raonic of Canada con- available for the showpiece The world number two beat five- tinues his return from wrist surgery at the hardcourt with Britain’s Johanna Konta time Grand Slam champion Maria event, whose previous champions include tennis currently holding eighth place Sharapova 6-2, 6-2 yesterday. greats John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer in the WTA Race to Singapore and Nadal. standings. What ban? Chinese in thrall to tennis ‘diva’ Sharapova

Beijing Sharapova’s return to the Suky’s right cheek was a to reports is not popular with AFP tennis circuit divided opinion, smudged Russian tricolour. some players because of her sup- with the Canadian Eugenie Bou- On her left arm and chest she posedly lofty attitude, had an ne fellow player labelled chard among her biggest critics, had written her version of Shara- initial two-year ban reduced to her “a cheater” and she is calling the five-time Grand Slam pova’s signature in black biro. 15 months after the Court of Arbi- Osaid to be unpopular in champion “a cheater” who “I love Maria Sharapova,” she tration for Sport ruled she was the locker room, but Maria should never have been allowed said, speaking prior to Sharapo- not “an intentional doper”. Sharapova remains a crowd to play again. va’s defeat. “She’s fair and On her first appearance back, favourite in China despite her But try telling that to Shara- beautiful, and so powerful and in Stuttgart in April, the crowd doping ban. pova’s fans in Beijing, where determined, she never gives up.” gave her a polite reception and “Welcome back goddess,” along with Rafael Nadal she was But what about that doping then in her Grand Slam return -- said one banner at the China the biggest draw at the China ban? Russia’s at the US Open -- the crowd was Open in Beijing this week, while Open and there were tears “I think that’s an American five-time largely supportive. a Russian flag had the words: “I among her supporters when she secret,” she replied, lowering her If her Chinese fans are keen Grand Slam got your back Maria.” was dumped out yesterday. voice slightly. to look forward, the Russian is champion Maria The 30-year-old Russian was Sharapova was emphatically Pushed to expand on her too and in one press conference in the Chinese capital this week beaten by world number two conspiracy theory, she pulled out Sharapova in Beijing she alluded to being for the first time since coming back Simona Halep, 6-2, 6-2. her smartphone and tapped Chi- “away from the game for a long to tennis in April from a 15-month Suky, 26, flew from Xiamen nese into a translation app. time”, without saying any more. suspension for taking the banned in eastern China to see her hero “Political intrigue” popped “She fights to win every tall. We walked past her and I But in what was the sixth substance meldonium. in the flesh for the first time this up on the screen in English. She game, even when it’s difficult was like, ‘Gosh!’” tournament of her stop-start The former number one is week. declined to go into further detail. and hard,” said Vivian, a student So that makes up for the ban? comeback, she was more forth- now 104 in the world and needed Chinese flags flutter all over Vivian and Lucia, both 20 who only volunteered so she “So what? It doesn’t matter,” coming when asked about the a wildcard to make it to the China the country at this time of year and volunteers at China’s biggest could catch a glimpse of the Lucia chipped in. “It’s in the past. unwavering support she gets in Open because of her lowly to mark the founding of commu- annual tennis event, are also die- Russian. So you never made a mistake?” China, where she won the Bei- ranking. nist China, but the only flag on hard Sharapova fans. “She’s also beautiful and so Sharapova, who according jing title in 2014. 32 SPORT THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2017 THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 33

Enhanced organisational 2017 QOC SPORT EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS structure approved at Golden Federation: QOC General Assembly Qatar Athletics Federation The Peninsula Outstanding Federation: Qatar Swimming Federation he Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) held its 33rd Extraor- dinary General Assembly meeting yesterday, attended by Men’s Team of the Season: Tits President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, along- side QOC Vice President, HE Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani, Qatar Equestrian Team Presidents of National Federations, and Chairpersons of the com- mittees affiliated to QOC. In a meeting held prior to the QOC’s new brand and strategy, Women’s Team of the Season: the General Assembly approved an enhanced organisational struc- Qatar Skeet Shooting Team ture with HE Sheikh Saud bin Al Thani as first Vice President while Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari was appointed second Vice Male Athlete of the Season: President and Jassim Rashid Al Buenain as Secretary General. The General Assembly also saw discussion regarding the annual Mutaz Barshim QOC sports events calendar and the agenda and requirements for Team Qatar athletes in upcoming competitions. Female Athlete of the Season: Sara Al Manaei

Promising Male Athlete of the Season: QOC hails Ooredoo’s Fares Ibrahim (Qatar Weightlifting and Fencing Federation), Abdellelah Haroun (Qatar Athletics support on ‘Sport Federation) Excellence Day’ Promising Female Athlete of the Season: Tala Abduljabbar, Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation

The Peninsula during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, all Association of Winners of the annual Sport Excellence Awards pose for a photograph with Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and officials of QOC and sport associations at the Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday.Pictures: Mohamed Faraj National Coach of the Season: oredoo yesterday National Olympic Committees Khalifa Ali Al Kubaisi, Bowling received the ‘Distin- (ANOC) events, FINA/Airweave Oguished Company for Swimming World Cup events, Supporting Sport’ Award at the and the Professional Coach of the Season: Qatar Olympic Committee World Cup Series. Hassan Bu Thalja, Qatar Paralympic Association (QOC), ‘Sport Excellence Day During 2017, Ooredoo has 2017’. also held a successful Ooredoo The prestigious annual Marathon and National Sport Male Administrator of the Season: event is organised by QOC to Day event at MIA Park. Oore- Qatar Olympic Committee unveils Khalifa Abdulmalek honour the best athletes, sport doo’s #OoredooSpeedTeam has officials, sport institutions and also grown in the past year, government and non-govern- with the company adding driv- Female Administrator of the Season: ment organisations for their ers Adel Hussain Abdulla, Al Anoud Al Naimi, Shooting contribution in boosting sport Mohammed Al Harqan and movement during the season Saeed Al Sulaiti to its growing 2016-2017. sponsorship team. Referee of the Season: Ooredoo Group CEO, Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al new strategy at historic ceremony Ibrahim Al Ni’mah, Volleyball Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al Thani, Ooredoo Group CEO, Thani, along with a host of said: “Ooredoo is a major sup- other senior executives from porter of sport across all levels The Peninsula Ooredoo attended the event, - grass-root, national and Male Para-Athlete of the Season: where Ooredoo was honoured international. We do this to not new chapter in Qatar’s Abdulrahman Abdulqader by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad only give back to our custom- historic sporting jour- bin Khalifa Al Thani, President ers and country, but to work ney was launched Female Para-Athlete of the Season: of QOC, with an award for its to encourage sports education yesterday at a ongoing support of all-levels of and inspire the next-genera- momentous and cel- Sara Masoud sport in Qatar. tion of athletes for Qatar. On ebratoryA gathering of Qatar’s As part of the company’s behalf of Ooredoo I am hon- entire sporting family. commitment to encouraging oured to accept this award President of the Qatar Olym- people to live more healthy and today and thank the Qatar pic Committee (QOC) HE Sheikh HEHorse Abdulla Owner bin Khalifa of the Al Thani, Season: Owner of Um Qarn Farm active lifestyles, Ooredoo is a Olympic Committee for their Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani united National Sponsor of the Qatar hard work and dedication to with Qatar’s sporting heroes at Olympic Committee and helped put Qatar on the sporting Doha’s iconic Qatar National Con- Jockey of the Season: support a host of initiatives map.” vention Centre to unveil a new Faleh Bo Ghneim vision to take sport in Qatar to even greater levels of success through a new brand and strategy. IbrahimQatari SaidHorse Al Malki Trainer of the Season: Commenting on the new ‘Team Qatar Club’ online brand and strategy, HE Sheikh Joaan said: “Sport showcases the Camel Trainer of the Season: very best of humanity and it Mohammed bin Khalid Al Attiyah, Al Shihannyah Hijin sporting forum launched inspires humanity to give the very best version of itself. It provides hope, opportunity and unity. This The Peninsula health and fitness tips from the is why I love sport so much, and best, and connect with other why I am so excited about today’s NasserCamel Bin Owner Abdulla of Al theMesnd Season: he Qatar Olympic Com- sports fans! I can’t wait share launch of the QOC’s new brand mittee (QOC) yesterday my stories, get closer to our and strategy. We are an ambitious Service to Sport: Tlaunched the ‘Team Qatar sporting community and show and optimistic nation and like Club’, a new online sporting the fun, exciting and human- every successful athlete, we are Ahmed Ali Al Ansari community. side to sport.” determined to continue to better The digital fan club will fea- Information about the ourselves, push our boundaries, Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani presenting an LEFT: Members of the ture as a private, members-only QOC’s overall new strategy for breakdown barriers and re-define award to QOC second Vice President Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari during the ceremony Qatari skeet shooting team, area on the new Team Qatar sport in Qatar was also sporting greatness.” yesterday. TOP RIGHT: Qatari Olympians pose for a photograph during the launch of the new Sarah Mohammed, Hajar Distinguished Governmental Institution in website and will provide exclu- unveiled yesterday, following Following Sheikh Joaan’s QOC logo. Mohammed and Reem MinistrySupporting of Education Sport: and Higher Education sive and behind the scenes a three-year process to develop speech, Qatar’s sports family yes- Al Sharshani who won content about the incredible world-class structures, proc- terday joined fans and officials in the Female Team of the journeys of Qatar’s athletes – esses and performance an inspirational ceremony to engaging and empowering more inspire, empower and educate our Yesterday, the QOC also rec- Season award, pose for a Distinguished Company in Supporting Sport: together with tips, advice, measures that will ensure that unveil QOC’s new logo to the young people through the power young people through the power ognised athletes, organisations photograph. Key awardees Ooredoo competitions, offers and much Qatar is achieving optimal world. of Olympic sport. The QOC hopes of sport. We hope that it will and individuals who have played included Mutaz Barshim, more. sporting success on multiple The logo builds on Qatar’s that the new brand will capture the inspire future champions in sport a significant role in achieving who won Male Athlete of Joining the fan club is quick levels. sporting heritage and patriotic attention of young people, speak and for sport.” sporting excellence for Qatar over the Year following his gold and easy and users can sign up The strategy aims to opti- roots by combining the national to them in a language that they “The QOC believes that Team the past year during its annual medal at the 2017 World Distinguished Governmental Institution in using existing social media mise partnerships between all flag and shield as a symbol of understand and create an identity Qatar’s athletes are the most Sport Excellence Awards. Athletics Championships, handles or an e-mail address of Qatar’s sporting entities, pride, whilst looking to the future that they associate with their sport- powerful tool to engage young Key awardees included Mutaz KataraOrganising Cultural Social Village Sport Programmes: here. uniting everyone behind one, with a contemporary, adaptable ing heroes and which they are Qataris in sport. The roll out of Barshim, who won Male Athlete Sara Al Manaei, who Commenting on the launch shared vision to become a lead- and innovative design, which is proud to wear and share. the new brand will focus on rais- of the Year following his gold won Female Athlete of of the Team Qatar Club, Qatar’s ing nation in bringing the world able to adopt multiple forms Explaining more about the ing awareness of Qatar’s athletes, medal at the 2017 World Athlet- the Season, following Distinguished Institution in Organising high jump World Champion together through sustainable across modern and traditional story of the brand, Sheikh Joaan building their fan bases and cre- ics Championships, Sara Al her two gold medals in Social Sport Programs: and double Olympic medallist, sports development. For the platforms. said: “Our new brand will reflect ating a compelling connection Manaei, who won Female Athlete last year’s Junior Arab Qatari Red Crescent Mutaz Barshim said: “I urge all first time, the QOC’s strategy ‘Team Qatar’ will become the the values of our nation, and the between Team Qatar and the of the Season, following her two Athletics Championships, my friends to join me in becom- incorporates the work of its public-facing brand of the QOC in values of sport. Like Qatar, it is community, in order to encour- gold medals in last year’s Junior and Ahmed Ali Al Ansari, ing a member of the Team National Federations to ensure a bid to create an image that is young, bold, passionate and age increased sports participation Arab Athletics Championships, who won the Service Qatar Club! This will be the a unified approach to deliver- fresh, sporty and dynamic, and dynamic. It shares our nation’s at every level - not just as cham- and Ahmed Ali Al Ansari, who to Sport Award for his OolaSport Sportswear Creativity: place to go for everything you ing the key objectives of which represents the unity of ambition, our optimism and our pion athletes, but at school, with won the Service to Sport Award huge contribution to the need to know about our ath- creating a more active Qatar’s entire sporting family. It has pride in the strength and ability family, at clubs - or as coaches, for his huge contribution to the development of youth letes and sport in Qatar, get society. been designed to support the QOC’s of our people. It is a brand for our officials, volunteers, administra- development of youth sport in sport in Qatar. new strategy by inspiring, future and one that we hope will tors and more. Qatar. 34 SPORT THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2017 Black leads F1: Heat on Hamilton in Japan all-around

Tokyo qualifying AFP Snapchat row Furious with tabloids Montreal ewis Hamilton is look- for labelling him ‘snap AFP ing to hit back from his prat’ and the ‘berc in defeat in Malaysia at the Merc’, Hamilton anada’s Ellie Black this weekend’s Japa- sulkily refused to grabbed the early lead nese Grand Prix, scene answer questions Cin qualifying for the Lof a bizarre ‘Snapchat’ row that women’s all-around final at after qualifying in overshadowed last year’s race. the World Artistic Gymnas- Suzuka. Britain’s triple world cham- tics Championships on pion was forced to play second Tuesday, leading the stand- fiddle to Red Bull’s Max Verstap- Sergio Marchionne has ordered ings after two subdivisions. pen in Sepang on Sunday after the team to fix the reliability The 22-year-old from securing his ninth pole of the problems that sabotaged their Halifax, who finished fifth in season and 70th of his career. race in Malaysia. the all-around final at last Despite stretching his For- “It’s really ugly when you’re year’s Rio de Janeiro Olym- mula One world championship in second place on the grid and pics, led the way with 55.766 lead over Ferrari rival Sebastian you can’t start the race,” he said points with three more sub- Vettel to 34 points with five races of Raikkonen’s cruel blow. divisions to come. left, Hamilton took a swipe at his “This kind of problem makes Russia’s Elena Eremina Mercedes team. us angry.” was second with 54.999pts “There are some real big Vettel, a four-time world while Belgium’s Nina Derwael problems that I can’t really champion with Red Bull, needs was third in the standings explain to you,” he said. “There a reversal of fortune after squan- with 53.598pts. is stuff that has been happening Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen (left) celebrates on the podium after winning the dering a golden opportunity to Amy Tinkler of Britain through the weekend that is not Formula One Malaysia Grand Prix next to second-placed Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton reclaim the championship lead meanwhile continued her acceptable for this great team.” in Sepang on Sunday. after crashing from pole in Sin- strong comeback from a torn Hamilton came into last gapore three weeks ago. calf muscle after finishing the year’s Suzuka race in a foul Hamilton, a three-time win- starting from the back of the grid, finishing fifth, Mercedes will There could be a further day in fifth, with 52.831. mood and seeking solace after ner in Japan, will be hoping for while Kimi Raikkonen suffered need to find some extra speed at twist for Ferrari at the high- Tinkler, a bronze medal- raising the possibility of a Mer- a better performance from his a calamitous engine failure that Suzuka, where Nico Rosberg’s speed Japanese circuit as the list in the floor routine at the cedes conspiracy against him car this week than in Malaysia. knocked him out of the race. 2016 victory completed a hat- German faces a possible five- Olympics last year, only following an engine fire in “Every point counts,” said Hamilton snatched the title trick of wins for the Silver place grid penalty if he needs resumed training in August Malaysia. Mercedes team principal Toto lead from Vettel at Monza last Arrows in Japan. a new gearbox after a colli- after undergoing surgery to But the Briton triggered fur- Wolff. month but Mercedes, who have Verstappen’s sizzling per- sion with Lance Stroll’s repair her injury earlier this ther controversy when he was “We got lucky again (in dominated the sport in recent formance in Malaysia suggests Williams following Sunday’s year. criticised for posting photos on Malaysia) and we expect a very years, face a growing threat from he may have turned the corner race. The 17-year-old from social media during a press close fight between ourselves, Ferrari and Red Bull. after retiring from seven of the Meanwhile, Honda officials Durham has also battled ill- conference. Ferrari and Red Bull at Suzuka.” Verstappen capped a fairy- first 15 races this season. will be bracing themselves for ness in the build-up to this Furious with tabloids for Hamilton, who has 281 tale 20th birthday weekend in More alarmingly perhaps for more potential road rage from week’s championships. labelling him “snap prat” and the points to Vettel’s 247, had Malaysia with his second For- Hamilton will be the pace shown McLaren’s Fernando Alonso, “I’m really buzzing with “berc in the Merc”, Hamilton warned Ferrari would push Mer- mula One victory, as Australian by Vettel, who set the fastest lap whose previous blue-tinged my performance,” she told sulkily refused to answer ques- cedes hard in Malaysia. team-mate Daniel Ricciardo and a new lap record as he dash- radio outbursts at Suzuka have reporters. “With the build-up, tions after qualifying in Suzuka But they dodged a bullet as took third. ingly carved through the field. left the engine suppliers squirm- it’s been a rough week. I’ve as the row rumbled on. Vettel finished fourth after But with Valtteri Bottas However, Ferrari president ing at their home race. been really ill. “I’m still not 100 percent but I’m a lot better than I was last week. I’m really happy to be out here representing again.” Argentina hopes on line Tinkler now faces a nerv- ous wait to see if she will finish among the 24 who will qualify for Friday’s all-around final. in crucial Peru clash “It’s quite hard waiting,” Tinkler said. “Waiting is more nervous than competing to be Montevideo WORLD CUP QUALIFYING would likely still see them qual- honest.” AFP ify for Russia -- with what ought Fixtures in next rounds of 2018 World Cup South to be a straight forward playoff American qualifying competition: rgentina’s stumbling 2018 assignment against New Zea- Today: World Cup qualification land awaiting -- a crowded table Yankees rally At La Paz Acampaign faces another Bolivia vs Brazil means Argentina can’t take any- past Twins awkward hurdle today as the At San Cristobal, Venezuela thing for granted. misfiring South American giants Venezuela vs Uruguay If South American champi- New York take on in-form Peru in Buenos At Santiago ons Chile -- currently in sixth Reuters Aires. Chile vs Ecuador place, one point adrift of Argen- The 2014 World Cup final- At Barranquilla, Colombia tina -- win their home match ists have lurched from one Colombia vs Paraguay against Ecuador, and fourth- uis Severino was disappointment to the next since At Buenos Aires placed Peru win or draw in knocked out just one out South America’s qualifiers Argentina vs Peru Buenos Aires, Argentina will Linto the first inning, but kicked off two years ago, with October 10: head into the final round of Didi Gregorius hit a three-run the two-time champions invar- At Sao Paulo, Brazil games next week outside both homer in the bottom of the iably failing to add up to the sum Brazil vs Chile the automatic qualifying and first, and the New York Yan- of their talented parts. At Quito playoff places. kees stormed back for an 8-4 Despite a formidable arse- Ecuador vs Argentina In a bid to avoid that sce- victory over the Minnesota nal of attackers led by Lionel At Asuncion nario, Argentina have sought to Twins in the American League Messi, the Argentinians have Paraguay vs Venezuela obtain every advantage possi- wild-card game on Tuesday. scored just 16 goals in 16 games, At Lima ble against Peru, who have Gregorius got the Yankees the second lowest total behind Peru vs Colombia reignited their qualification right back in the game after

already-eliminated Bolivia. At Montevideo campaign with consecutive wins Severino was booed off the A lacklustre 1-1 home draw Uruguay vs Bolivia over Uruguay, Bolivia and Ecua- mound for allowing three with Venezuela in their last out- dor. The match has been moved runs and four hits. Homers ing on September 5 left against Peru and next week’s to Boca Juniors’ intimidating La from Aaron Judge and Brett Argentina’s hopes of automatic challenging trip to Ecuador Bombonera ground, where steep Gardner helped New York Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi gestures during a training qualification for next year’s remaining, Argentina are in fifth stands surrounding three sides grab a 7-4 lead after four finals in Russia hanging by the place in the table, outside the top of the pitch help to create a session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires on Tuesday ahead of their 2018 innings, and the Yankees’ slenderest of threads. four automatic qualifying places. bearpit-like atmosphere in the FIFA World Cup South American qualifier against Peru to be bullpen took it from there. With just Thursday’s game While a fifth-place finish 49,000-capacity venue. held in Buenos Aires tomorrow. After Severino’s short out- ing, four New York relievers combined on the final 26 outs. Chad Green allowed one run in two innings before David Robertson (1-0) pitched a Age cheats under scanner at U-17 World Cup career-high 3 1/3 scoreless innings and was awarded the New Delhi weren’t born before January 1, MRI scans can determine Colombia at Jawaharlal Nehru sides will pose a threat,” Ama- win by the official scorer. AFP 2000. whether a player is below 17 with Stadium, while New Zealand deu told reporters in Mumbai. Tommy Kahnle delivered The measure was confirmed 99 percent accuracy, experts say, clash with Turkey in Mumbai. “It’s always difficult to face 2 1/3 scoreless frames, and he Under-17 World Cup after Nigeria, who have won the as they can show whether he or With the absence of Nigeria, an African side in this age group,” Aroldis Chapman finished it starting in India tomorrow tournament a record five times, she has stopped growing -- and with three-time winners the 52-year-old added. off after allowing a hit and Tshould feature only play- bombed out of qualifying after which usually happens after 17. Brazil weakened, the tourna- Brazil have been dealt a striking out three in the ninth. ers born this century, but officials they lost 26 squad members who “While it is the responsibil- ment is regarded as open and severe blow after star striker Greg Bird added a RBI sin- are taking no chances after were found to be over-age ahead ity of each member association unpredictable. Brazil coach Car- Vinicius Junior, who has drawn gle as the Yankees earned defending champions Nigeria of a key clash in August. to ensure that their players meet los Amadeu said that it won’t be comparisons with Paris-Saint their first postseason win were caught in a major age- Age fraud is also rampant in the age requirements, FIFA has easy for the South American Germain’s Neymar, was denied since beating the Baltimore cheating scandal. other countries, according to decided to conduct magnetic giants to break their 14-year-old release by his club Flamengo. Orioles in Game 5 of the AL All players at the competi- football officials, prompting FIFA resonance imaging of the wrist trophy drought with “too many India, hosting their biggest Division Series on Oct. 12, tion, which has helped launch to bring Magnetic Resonance at its U-17 competitions,” said a title contenders” in fray. football event yet, will also be 2012. The Yankees advanced the careers of Neymar, Ronald- Imaging equipment to the 17th FIFA spokesperson. “All the European teams are keen to mark their debut with a to face the defending AL inho, Andres Iniesta and Xavi edition of the tournament, which Play gets underway on Fri- very strong, including Spain and strong showing. They are in champion Indians in the AL Hernandez, will have their wrists is taking part in six Indian day in New Delhi, where England, while Mexico, United Group A with USA, Columbia and Division Series starting in scanned by MRI to check they cities. two-time champions Ghana play States and the South American Ghana. Cleveland. THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 35

Kolkata to host opening Sri Lanka target Pakistan record Test between Dubai because we know AFP they are a good India, SL team,” said Chandi- ri Lanka will hope their left-arm mal whose team will Mumbai, spinner Rangana Herath main- rise one spot to Reuters tains pressure on Pakistan when replace Pakistan on the second and final Test -- a sixth, even with a olkata’s Eden Gardens day-night affair with pink ball -- 1-0 result. will be the venue for S starts at Dubai Stadium tomorrow. Chandimal K the opening Test when The 39-year-old took 6-43 on the final anchored the batting India host Sri Lanka in a full day to fail Pakistan’s modest 136-run with a polished 155 series starting next month, the chase in the first Test in Abu Dhabi on in Sri Lanka’s country’s board (BCCI) Monday. first innings total of has announced. The narrow 21-run win gives Sri 419, ably filling in for India blanked Sri Lanka Lanka a unique chance for a series win the more experi- 9-0 across all three formats over Pakistan on their neutral venues of enced Angelo on their tour there earlier this where they have Mathews who didn’t year. never lost a series in nine attempts. Pakistan. Herath exposed the new bat- come with the squad The first Test starts from They have won five and drawn four ting line up of Pakistan, playing without due to a calf injury. Nov. 16 while Nagpur and series in the UAE ever since the 2009 ter- their batting greats Younis Khan and Mis- Sarfraz Ahmed Delhi will host the second and rorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus bah-ul-Haq for the time since they retired (pictured left) third tests respectively before forced them to play home matches out of in May this year. hopes Pakistan team the sides play three one-day Sri Lankan skipper moves on from the defeat in his first Test first day-night Test at the same venue last internationals and a same Dinesh Chandimal as . year but this will be the first time Sri Lanka number of twenty20 described Herath as “a “We will do our best to be more pos- feature in a pink ball Test. internationals. team man and an asset.” itive against Herath,” said Ahmed. “We Squads (from): Pakistan: Sarfraz The T20s will be played “I have no idea how have never lost in UAE so it’s also impor- Ahmed (capt), Azhar Ali, Shan Masood, in Cuttack, Indore and Mum- long he is going to play, tant to keep that record intact.” Sami Aslam, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, bai, BCCI confirmed but I am sure he will do Pakistan will be assess pacer Hasan Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Yasir yesterday. what he can for the Ali in the next two days after he had fit- Shah, Mohammad Asghar, Bilal Asif, Mir team,” said Chandimal of ness issues while they also hope Hamza, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, FIXTURES Herath who completed spearhead Mohammad Amir returns to Mohammad Abbas, Wahab Riaz 400 in his 84th form with the pink ball after going wick- Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Nov. 16-20 First test, Tests in Abu Dhabi. “He is etless in the first Test. Lahiru Thirimanne, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kolkata a team man and an asset.” Debutant Haris Sohail provided a pos- Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Nov. 24-28 Second test, The left-arm spinner itive in the batting after scores of 76 and Samarawickrama, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Nagpur also reached 100 wickets 34 while Azhar Ali scored 85. The match Dickwella, Rangana Herath, Lakshan Dec. 2-6 Third test, Delhi against Pakistan during will be the sixth day-night Test after the Sandakan, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lak- Dec. 10 First ODI, the first Test. innovation was first adopted by Australia mal, Nuwan Pradeep, Vishwa Fernando, Dharamsala “We need to be at our when they took on New Zealand at Ade- Lahiru Gamage Dec. 13 Second ODI, best again and can’t liade in 2015. Umpires: Nigel Llong (ENG) and Rich- Mohali underestimate Pakistan Pakistan beat the West Indies in their ard Kettleborough (ENG) Dec. 17 Third ODI, Visakhapatnam Dec. 20 First T20, Cuttack Australia’s Dec. 22 Second T20, It’ll be Johnson 2.0 in Ashes, Indore

Pattinson Dec. 24 Third T20, ruled out of Mumbai Ashes series warns fast bowler Starc WI name Sydney unchanged Reuters Sydney Sydney Daily Telegraph notice after his arrest during AFP yesterday. a night out. squad for ustralia fast bowler “If it’s not me, you’ve got Starc believes there is a James Pattinson will ast bowler Mitchell Starc Pat Cummins who can bowl chance for Australia’s bowl- Zimbabwe A take an indefinite (pictured right) fast bouncers and Josh Hazle- ers to land early break from cricket and has F warned England to wood bowling consistent line psychological blows on Eng- St. John’s, been ruled out of the Ashes expect a repeat of the carnage and length. It’ll be much like land, whose top order is AFP series against England after caused by Mitchell Johnson that attack did when Johnno relatively inexperienced reaggravating his lower back four years ago when Australia took all those wickets, I think aside from Alastair Cook and est Indies named an stress fracture, Cricket Aus- unleash their pace attack in we complement each other Joe Root. unchanged squad tralia said yesterday. The the upcoming Ashes Tests. really well. “They’ve obviously got Wyesterday for their 27-year-old will continue his A fully firing Australian “Throw in Jackson Bird, Root and Cook up the top, tour to Zimbabwe later this rehabilitation after pulling out attack looks formidable, with and Coulter-Nile is back who have played a lot of month. of Australia’s recent tour of spearhead Starc returning bowling really well. So we’ve cricket and are probably their The same 15 players that Bangladesh with inflamma- this week from a foot injury got five really good guys main guys with the bat,” he lost a three-match Test series tion in his back. to vie for a place with Pat there and if Patto is fit to go, said. 2-1 and five-match one day “We made the decision to Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, six.” “The guys in the top order international series 4-0 withdraw him from the tour Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jackson With Starc again raring to around them are pretty inex- against England, while win- of Bangladesh and monitor Bird and James Pattinson. go, Pattinson is the only perienced and, hopefully, we ning the only Twenty20 game his pain. He returned to bowl- With England’s top order injury cloud with inflamma- can exploit that here in our between the sides, will be ing after a period of rest and largely unproven, Starc said tion in his back. But England home conditions.” heading to Zimbabwe. unfortunately he is still expe- it could be much like the are in a state of disarray Despite this, Starc is not “The dedication, commit- riencing pain with bowling,” 2013-2014 Ashes, when the ahead of their arrival in late underestimating England, ment and focus in their CA science and sports medi- mustachioed Johnson took 37 October. even without Stokes. preparation and during the cine manager Alex Kountouris wickets with terrifying pace As well as an unsettled “He probably makes their series in England showed said in a statement. as Australia won 5-0. batting line-up, they could be team a bit more balanced but immense character for such “During this time we have “We’ve got a really solid without talismanic all- he’s not the be all and end all a young team in very difficult been monitoring him, includ- attack and we complement rounder Ben Stokes, who is of their team. There’s plenty of conditions against World- ing regular scans and recent each other,” he said in the suspended until further guys we need to worry about.” class competition,” said imaging has confirmed that Courtney Browne, chairman James has begun to reaggra- of the vate his previous lower back selection panel. stress fracture. “The lessons learnt on “As such, he has discon- Afridi spearheads T10 revolution that tour augurs well for the tinued bowling as part of his individual players and the recovery which unfortunately team’s continued develop- means that he will be unavail- Dubai, Afridi, who retired from international ment as a whole and we wish able for the beginning of the AFP cricket last year said he was thrilled at the them well on the Tour of Sheffield Shield and subse- idea. “When I was told of the idea I was Zimbabwe.” quently Ashes campaign. he United Arab Emirates will introduce thrilled and requested that I want to play,” West Indies will play two Whilst this is very disappoint- a new cricket format when big hitters said Afridi, famous as Boom Boom for his Tests against Zimbabwe fol- ing that James has TShahid Afridi (pictured) of Pakistan, big hitting. lowing a three-day tour reaggravated this old injury.” India’s Virender Singh, Sri Lanka’s Kumar England’s current one-day and match against Zimbabwe A Pattinson’s unavailabil- Sangakkara and England’s Eoin Morgan fea- Twenty20 captain Morgan was confident starting on October 15. ity ruins a potential ture in a T-10 league in December. that T-10 cricket will have an impact. Squad: fast-bowling quartet against The ten-over-a-side matches will spread “The whole concept is exciting,” said Jason Holder (capt), England, made up of the over 90 minutes (45 minute each side) in Morgan. “We all remember when the first Kraigg Brathwaite (vice capt), Victorian right-arm quick Sharjah, the details of which were announced time Twenty20 cricket was played and since Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine and the New South Wales here yesterday. then it (twenty20) has impacted the other Blackwood, Roston Chase, trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Twenty20 cricket was introduced in Eng- formats. Miguel Cummins, Shane Hazlewood and Pat land in 2003 while the first international “If this new idea takes off then I am sure Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Cummins. Twenty20 match was held between Aus- it will also impact the other forms of the Shimron Hetmyer, Kyle Hope, “I’m especially disap- tralia and New Zealand at Auckland in game.” Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, pointed to miss out on the February 2005. The four teams will be selected through , Raymon possibility to play in a home Since then the shortest format -- the a drafts later this month. Reifer, Kemar Roach. Ashes series,” said Pattin- other two are five-day Tests and 50-over cricket and will be a big step forward and Misbah said the new formats will be easy Schedule: son. “Over the next few internationals -- has become the most pop- people will definitely enjoy it,” said Iqbal. for ageing players as well. Tour match v Zimbabwe A - weeks I will discuss all ular amongst the fans around the world. The tournament will be as swift as the “Its an exciting idea and a good thing for Oct 15-17 available options available The league’s president Salman Iqbal format, lasting just four days from 21-24 players like me,” said 43-year-old Misbah 1st Test v Zimbabwe - Oct to me with medical staff, to hoped the idea will kick off. December with former Pakistan captain Mis- who retired in May this year. “It will need 21-25 work out the best plan to “Everyone has played T-10 cricket on bah-ul-Haq and Bangladesh’s Shakib Al just ten overs of batting and then fielding 2nd Test v Zimbabwe - Oct prevent this from happen- the streets and this will give more fire to Hasan also featuring. and at this age I can afford that.” 29-Nov 2 36 SPORT THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2017 Al Markhiya stun Al Sadd in QSL Cup

The Peninsula

l Markhiya yesterday scored once in each Ahalf to beat Al Sadd 2-0 at Al Duhail Stadium on what was day two of the QSL Cup. Mohamed Salah Elneel (20) and Nasser Al Nasr (90 +2) scored the goals for Al Markhiya who impressed with their attacking game. Yesterday’s match-up between the two sides - a repeat of the opening game of the QNB Stars League three weeks ago - kicked off on a fast pace as Al Markhiya attacked Al Sadd from the first minute. However, it was Al Markhiya who took the lead in the 20th minute. Ali Mujbel spotted Mohamed Salah Mahmoud Mohamed of Al Markhiya aims a shot at Al Sadd goal during their QSL Cup Elneel inside the Al Sadd box. match at Al Duhail Stadium yesterday. Elneel produced a spectacu- lar airborne header to deflect the ball into the Al Sadd net. campaign on a winning note. Mohsin Hassan chipped convert the ball into the net. In injury time, Nasser Al Sebastian Soria played in a cross to Soria who Meanwhile, a well-taken Nasr sealed Al Markhiya’s pivotal role as Al Rayyan charged into Al Ahli box penalty helped Umm Salal fantastic 2-0 win when he overcame last week’s loss to before calmly slotting the ball score first against Al Arabi scored the second goal. Al Duhail with a spirited dis- into the net. at Al Wakrah Stadium as Ahmed Salem, after picking play at Al Shamal Stadium. Soria was the man again Ibrahim Ndiaya was on tar- up a shot corner kick cross, Soria (17) and Abdulrah- as Al Rayyan doubled their get in the 74th minute as the slipped the ball to Al Nasr man Al Korbi (67) scored the lead in the 67th minute. After match ended in an one-all who fired home from close goals for Al Rayyan. hoodwinking his marker, draw. range. Al Rayyan opened the Soria slipped a low ball to Al Abdulrahman Mansour In another clash yester- scoring through veteran Korbi who easily deflected of Al Arabi got the equaliser Mohamed Salah Elneel (left) of Al Markhiya is challenged by Al Sadd day, Al Rayyan produced a striker Soria in the 17th the ball into the net from two minutes from time on player during their QSL Cup match at Al Duhail Stadium yesterday. quality game to beat Al Ahli minute at Al Shamal close range. Al Korbi had to what was day two of the QSL Pics: Baher Amin/The Peninsula 2-0 to start their QSL Cup Stadium. produce a sliding dive to Cup. England bank on ‘hot’ Kane to deliver World Cup spot

London may it continue in an England shirt.” Delph’s place, 21-year-old Spurs mid- AFP Since Kane returned to the interna- fielder Harry Winks will hope to get his tional fold at the end of last season first taste of senior international ngland will look to red-hot Tot- following a spate of injuries, his goals football. tenham Hotspur striker Harry have helped to keep Gareth Southgate’s Five points clear of Slovakia at the EKane to fire them to the World Cup England side on course for top of UEFA qualifying Group F, Eng- finals when they tackle Slovenia in their qualification. land need just two points from penultimate qualifying match today. His 93rd-minute equaliser pre- Thursday’s game and Sunday’s trip to After a barren August, 24-year-old vented England from falling to a first Lithuania to reach the World Cup for Kane hit brilliant form in September, defeat against Scotland since 1999 in the sixth time in succession. scoring 13 goals in eight matches for club June’s 2-2 draw in Glasgow and he net- But having been held to a 0-0 draw and country. ted twice as Southgate’s men won 4-0 in the reverse fixture against Slovenia a Victory over Slovenia at Wembley away to Malta last month. year ago, they know that completing the will give England a place at next year’s Kane and midfielder Jor- job at the first time of asking will be no World Cup in Russia and with Kane dan Henderson have shared the foregone conclusion. scoring goals so freely, his team-mates captaincy between them in England’s Third in the group, Srecko Katanec’s will take to the field buoyed by an extra last four games and the wearer of the Slovenia trail Slovakia by a slender point measure of belief. armband on Thursday will give a clue and are above Scotland on goal differ- “He is hot, isn’t he?” goalkeeper Joe as to Southgate’s long-term thinking on ence in a knife-edge battle for a play-off Hart said to journalists at England’s St the matter. berth. While Slovenia captain Bostjan George’s Park base earlier this week. Kane’s Spurs team-mate Dele Alli is Cesar is conscious of the threat posed “He is scoring just as many goals as unavailable due to suspension after by Kane and his team-mates, he says the people we have related to as world- being given a one-match ban by FIFA his team will approach the game with class and he has been doing it for many for flashing his middle finger during no sense of inferiority. seasons. Harry gets put in that bracket England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia last “I saw Kane is in great form, but and deserves to be. month. England have several other quality play- “He has (Mauricio) Pochettino, one Manchester United centre-back Phil ers too,” said Cesar, whose side complete of the hottest managers in the world, Jones and Manchester City midfielder their qualifying campaign at home to who regards him highly and there are Fabian Delph have both withdrawn from Scotland on Sunday. reasons for that. the squad, joining Spurs left-back Danny “We respect England, but we are not “Harry is just brilliant at what he Rose, Liverpool’s Adam Lallana and afraid of them. Last time we played them England’s Harry Kane looks on during a national football team training does and he is just one of the best out Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy on the at home and it was easier. Now we have session at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Ground in Enfield, north London there. He keeps scoring goals and you sidelines. to be focused for the whole match, oth- on Tuesday. cannot ask for any more than that. Long Drafted into the squad to take erwise we could be punished.” War-torn seek historic qualification

Malacca, Malaysia Australia in Malacca on Thurs- voiced support for the Syrian Syria, ranked 75th, have automatic qualification on goal away matches. “There is no AFP day, before the return leg in rebellion, and sharpshooter never reached the World Cup difference alone but they will be impossible in football and we Sydney next Tuesday. Omar al-Soma, whose long before and they needed Soma’s without their midfield talisman have proven that... we have a qualifying campaign that The winners go into a two- absence was also believed to be injury-time equaliser against Mile Jedinak and have shown chance to beat Australia.” has defied civil war and legged clash with the for political reasons. last month to take them into enough defensive frailty to give When Syria played in Singa- Ainternal splits has brought fourth-placed team from the “Reaching the Asian play-off the Asian play-offs. Syria hope. pore in the early stages of Syria within sight of a miracu- CONCACAF federation -- cur- is almost a miracle, no one Soma’s breakaway goal to “It’s a tough face-off with a qualifying, former head coach lous World Cup berth -- if they rently the United States. expected us to reach this stage make it 2-2 in the 93rd minute strong Australian team known Fajr Ibrahim and midfielder can overcome Asian champions On their way to Thursday’s given the tough circumstances in left an excited Syrian for its professional players and Osama Omari fronted a press Australia. game in Malacca, Syria have we face in our country,” TV commentator sobbing with a style that differs from any team conference wearing T-shirts Syria were given little chance scrapped to hard-fought draws al-Hakimsaid. happiness as he shouted his cel- we have already faced,” al- emblazoned with the image of a of making an impact in Asia’s against heavyweights South “It shows the will that the ebrations for two minutes. Hakim said. smiling Assad. qualifiers but after reaching the Korea and Iran, and wins over Syrians have and their ability to Syria start as second-favour- “I’m studying all their details Al-Soma and al-Khatib regional play-offs, they stand China, Uzbekistan and Qatar. achieve the impossible. We hope ites against Australia, who have to figure out the way we have to had been absent since voicing four games away from Russia Coach Ayman al-Hakim has to fulfil the dream of reaching the played the last three World Cups deal with them... mistakes are not their support for the rebels 2018. forged a resilient unit which has World Cup. It’s the dream of and reached the last 16 in 2006, allowed here, and although the fighting Assad’s forces, but Playing their “home” fixtures an added goal threat since the every Syrian, every member of losing controversially to even- Australian team is strong, we are their return this year under al- in Malaysia because of their return from the sidelines of for- our team, whether the players, tual winners Italy. used to facing the big teams, and Hakim has galvanised the country’s civil war, Syria face ward Firas al-Khatib, who had coaches, officials.” The Socceroos missed out on are no longer afraid of playing Qasioun Eagles.