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Thursday, October 26, 2017 TENNIS Safar 6, 1439 AH Wozniacki swats GULF TIMES aside Halep to reach Singapore semis SPORT Page 6 FOCUS SPOTLIGHT QFA signs agreements QOC rolls out ‘Be An with and Athlete’ programme Korea associations for schoolchildren First stage of Qatar’s unique Athlete Development Pathway kicks off

QFA president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani with KFA president Chung Monggyu at Al Bidda Tower in Doha yesterday.

By Sports Reporter pleasure of visiting the Qatar nation- Doha al teams centre at Aspire, which is a world-class centre with great facili- ties and is set to open its doors soon for he Qatar Football Association the teams which will defi nitely help the (QFA) has signed co-operation teams achieve great results.” agreements with the Japan For his part, Monggyu said, “We Football Association (JFA) and have a long history of joint work and theT Korea Football Association at the this agreement will undoubtedly have QFA’s headquarters in Al Bidda Tower, a great positive infl uence on strength- Doha, yesterday. ening the relations between us and the QFA president Sheikh Hamad bin QFA. Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani signed the agreements with JFA president Kohzo “I am confi dent that Qatar will Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, HE Rabea Tashima and KFA president Chung stage a unique and successful Mohamed al-Kaabi and QOC secretary-general Jassim bin Rashed al-Buenain with school children during the day’s activities. Monggyu respectively. tournament. Qatar does not only The signing ceremonies were also represent the Middle East, it By Sports Reporter have fun playing it. The programme attended by QFA vice president Saoud represents the whole of Asia too,” Doha will be initially rolled out in three al-Mohannadi. KFA president Monggyu said sports – gymnastics, athletics and The agreement with Japan focuses swimming, across 12 schools in Qatar on co-operation in several key areas, “This is my second time visiting Qa- he Qatar Olympic Committee and progress will be monitored and mainly technical and professional ex- tar and I have already noticed the tre- (QOC) and Ministry of Edu- reviewed on a regular basis to ensure changes, national teams, exchange of mendous stadium and infrastructure cation and Higher Education goals are being met. Further schools expertise (including education progress being achieved to host the yesterday launched the fi rst and sports will then be incorporated and youth development), game de- 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. I am confi - stageT of Kun Riyadi (‘Be an Athlete’), until eventually all schools and sports velopment, player development and dent that Qatar will stage a unique and Qatar’s unique Athlete Development in Qatar are involved by 2022. referee development. The two organi- successful tournament. Qatar does not Pathway that aims to produce Qatari Commenting on Kun Riyadi, par- sations will also focus on joint eff orts only represent the Middle East, it rep- sporting champions. ticipating female gymnast al-Habshi to explore the possibility of organising resents the whole of Asia too. There- The fi rst phase, Quality, focuses on said, “I think it is so important that all friendly matches between the two as- fore, staging the World Cup in Qatar sports development amongst 0-7 year children, especially girls, are given the sociations. means that this is the second time Asia olds and will be rolled out across Qa- opportunity to try a range of diff erent The agreement with Korea is set to gets the opportunity to stage such a tar’s nurseries and schools, to get their sports from as young as possible so that establish a framework to strengthen prominent and important tournament, interest going in sport from the earli- they can see what they are interested in co-operation between the two asso- which is truly a great honour for all of est possible age. and where their talents lie. Kun Riyadi ciations, to encourage knowledge ex- us in the region.” Speaking at the launch event, QOC is a fantastic initiative to ensure that all change and to enhance football growth QFA’s al-Ansari said, “The co-oper- secretary-general Jassim bin Rashed Qatari sporting talent is identifi ed and in the respective countries. ation agreement comes in light of the al-Buenain, said, “The fi rst phase of developed and that every child can enjoy Both the presidents appreciated the common interests between both parties ‘Kun Riyadi’ aims to provide an op- as much sport as possible.” warm welcome by Qatar, and were de- in order to achieve the desired results and portunity for sports participation and The Qatar ADP is a fi ve-stage model lighted with the agreements. objectives, which ensure the overall long development from the earliest stage that provides a comprehensive frame- “I am delighted to come to my sec- term development of football for both of childhood. Our unique Athlete De- work for developing skills at critical pe- ond home Qatar and thank Sheikh Ha- countries. This is a great opportunity for velopment Pathway (ADP) is a funda- riods in an athlete’s development from mad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani QFA to adopt some of the development mental part of the QOC’s new vision early childhood to post-retirement. The for the warm welcome and hospitality,” strategies that the KFA has put in place and direction for sport, which strives next phases after Quality see partici- Tashima said. recently as it focuses heavily on the de- to achieve Qatari sporting success at pants aged 8-12 develop a foundation of “This agreement will benefi t both velopment of football.” every level. Identifying, developing diff erent skills to serve them in a range countries, especially as Qatar has be- QFA has now signed agreements and nurturing talented athletes at eve- of sports, before a tailored programme is come a great football power in Asia, with Oman Football Association (OFA), ry stage of their career is key to ensur- provided specifi c to children’s individu- and is preparing to host the 2022 FIFA Uzbekistan Football Federation (UFF), ing that they reach their full potential al needs from 13-18 years of age. World Cup Qatar in fi ve years’ time. By and the Korea Football Association but before that, it is vital that the kids At 19, tailored practice, training, com- following the size of the great achieve- (KFA) as part of its strategy to develop enjoy and love sport from the young- petition, and recovery regimes are provid- ment reached by Qatar I am certain football in Qatar and enhance its rela- est possible age. ed ensuring that athletes maximise their that Qatar has suffi cient time to host tionship with its various Asian coun- “This is exactly what we aim to potential. The fi nal stage of development and stage a unique tournament. I had terparts. achieve through the Quality stage of ensures that athletes remain active after ADP and it has been wonderful to see their careers and impart their knowledge today how much fun these young chil- and experience to future generations par- dren have had participating in the ac- ticipating in the pathway. tivities. We look forward to watching The Qatar Olympic Committee has the programme grow and develop over previously contributed to the invest- the months and years ahead.” ment of a number of distinguished Deputy Minister of the Ministry athletes through scholarship pro- of Education and Higher Education, grammes. The athletes would return HE Rabea Mohamed al-Kaabi, said, after receiving their university degrees “We are very pleased to work with to work for the institution, continuing the Qatar Olympic Committee on this to contribute to the development of project and we will work hard to en- and was a result of a three-year project Duha al-Habshi and Abdulla al- the national sports movement. sure its success. Our schools are in- involving the input of multiple stake- Hareth, who inspired the schoolchil- The ADP framework includes 39 cubators of talent and sporting skills, holders, sporting entities and world- dren by demonstrating their skills and sport specifi c models, each tailored to and it is the vision of the Ministry of class sport development experts from answering questions about their suc- enable optimum development within Education and Higher Education to the Aspire Academy to create a frame- cessful sporting careers. diff erent sports and disciplines, in- provide innovative and high-quality work unique for Qatar. This stage of Kun Riyadi has been cluding para-sport and women in opportunities for our students. The The Quality phase of the ADP was designed to encourage active play and sport. It will be rolled out with an in- Ministry has made physical education launched with participating schools exploration to help children develop novative Athlete Management System as one of the basic subjects within the at Qatar Foundation’s Student Centre, motor skills that will help them be- that centralises data gathering of all school syllabus and has used the high- with coaches from Qatar’s national come eff ective at running, jumping athletes, including sport science data, est international standards when cre- federations supporting schoolteachers and throwing later on in life. Lessons learning progress and injury history. ating its curriculum, thereby helping in running fun and engaging lessons and activities will focus on demon- This will enable insights into athletes’ the success of this programme.” focussing on gymnastics and athlet- strating sport to children and provid- training to be gathered, which will The ADP was launched in November ics. Also participating in the launch ing a joyful and supportive environ- also help to shape and improve future QFA president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani with JFA president 2016 by the QOC and Aspire Academy, activities were Team Qatar gymnasts ment where children enjoy sport and training programmes. Kohzo Tashima at Al Bidda Tower in Doha yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, October 26, 2017 FOOTBALL

COPA DEL REY FOCUS Leicester City Barca reserves cruise name Puel as towards Cup last 16 new manager By Paul Doyle in the wake of Claudio Ranieri’s shock sacking in February. Catlans have now won 12 and drawn one of their last 13 games in all competitions Puel’s record suggests he will bring the tactical savviness that eicester City appointed Shakespeare was accused of former Southampton lacking this season. head coach Claude Puel as The 56-year-old has a French their manager yesterday title among his managerial Lfollowing last week’s dismissal of achievements, having won Ligue Craig Shakespeare. He has signed 1 in 2000 with Monaco, the club a contract until June 2020 and at which he had spent his entire was described by the club’s vice- playing career. chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhan- He is perhaps reputed more as aprabha, as “a perfect fi t”. a builder of medium-sized clubs Leicester interviewed several and a cultivator of young tal- candidates for the position that ents thanks to his six-year spell has been held on a temporary in charge of Lille, who regularly basis for the past two matches qualifi ed for Europe by fi nishing by Michael Appleton, who will above clubs with more resources. revert to his assistant’s role. Puel He was voted the manager of the will be introduced to the media year in in 2005 for leading tomorrow and will take charge Lille to a second-place fi nish in of Sunday’s home match against Ligue 1 behind Lyon. Everton, who are without a full- He was appointed as the Lyon time manager. manager in 2008 and, despite Puel was let go by Southamp- leading the club to the semi- ton in June despite leading the fi nals of the 2010 Champions club to an eighth-placed fi nish in League, his reign ended unhap- the and the fi nal pily in 2011 amid criticism of his of the Capital One Cup. South- man-management and a dreary ampton fl opped in the Europa playing style. League and decent domestic He refurbished his image at results were not deemed good Nice by transforming a strug- enough to compensate for a style gling side with young players and of play that many supporters a thrilling attacking style before decried as too defensive. Several leaving in 2016 and taking over players disliked his rotation poli- at Southampton. Puel described cy. Puel told French media he was it as “a great privilege” to take let go “for a little bit more than the Leicester job. “The oppor- sporting reasons”. tunity to help the club build on Puel, who has since been with- its remarkable recent achieve- out a club, impressed Leices- ments is a truly exciting one,” he Paco Alcacer, Gerard Deulofeu and Jose Manuel Arnaiz took their chance to grab the goals for the holders in the Copa del Rey match against third-tier Real Murcia. ter during more than one set of said, “and I’m looking forward to talks. The Leicester squad will working with the owners, play- AFP Llorente blasted over from inside the area ity, Barca can concentrate on maintaining Recio’s free-kick had put the top-fl ight fi nd Puel a diff erent character to ers, staff and supporters to de- Madrid midway through the fi rst half. their four-point lead and secur- side, who have just one point from their Shakespeare, with whom many liver further lasting success.” He Alcacer headed home his fi rst goal ing a place in the last 16 of the Champi- fi rst nine league games, in front. Numan- players formed a warm relation- arrives with the club 14th in the since netting in last season’s Cup fi nal a ons League before the Cup continues in cia didn’t level until the 93rd minute ship during his many years as an Premier League, one point above much-changed Barcelona made minute before half-time from Deulofeu’s January. through Nacho Sanchez, but there was assistant before his promotion the relegation zone. light work of third-tier Real looping cross. The former Everton winger Valencia, Barca’s closest challengers still time for Alberto Escassi to hand Murcia to take a commanding scored his fi rst Barca goal against Malaga in La Liga, continued their fi ne form as them a lead to defend at La Rosaleda in 3-0 lead into the second leg of at the weekend and quickly added a sec- Rodrigo and Dani Parejo, from the pen- fi ve weeks’ time. theirA Copa del Rey last 32 tie on Tuesday ond with a fi ne individual run and fi nish alty spot, struck in the fi nal nine min- Another late goal from Christian San- night. With the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis seven minutes after the break. utes to secure a 2-0 fi rst-leg lead at Real tos handed Alaves a 1-0 win at Getafe. Suarez and Andres Iniesta handed the Arnaiz was the only one of Barca’s Zaragoza. And a double from Sergio Leon secured a night off , Paco Alcacer, Gerard Deulofeu youngsters who have shone for Barca B Sevilla shrugged off three straight de- 2-1 win for Real Betis away at Cadiz. and Jose Manuel Arnaiz, on his debut, this season in the second division, a tier feats to cruise towards the last 16 with a took their chance to grab the goals for the above Murcia, to be handed a debut by 3-0 win at Cartagena. Eduardo Berizzo’s SPANISH COPA DEL REY LAST 32 holders. Valverde from the start. And the 22-year- men had shipped nine goals in being FIRST LEG RESULTS “I’m happy because today we played old showed why when he cut inside to fi re thrashed at Spartak Moscow and Valencia Numancia 2 (Sanchez 90+3, Escasi 90+6) with people from the B team and those into the far corner from outside the area in the past week. Malaga 1 Cartagena 0 Sevilla 3 (Sarabia 25, that haven’t played as much and it was a four minutes later. However, fi rst-half goals from Pablo Correa 35, Muriel 51) good test for them,” Barca coach Ernesto “He’s a confi dent player,” added Val- Sarabia and Joaquin Correa settled their Real Zaragoza 0 Valencia 2 (Rodrigo 81, Valverde said. verde. “He’s good in one-on-one situa- nerves before Luis Muriel rounded off Parejo 90-pen) Barca have now won 12 and drawn tions, has a good shot and for him to de- the scoring six minutes into the second Getafe 0 Alaves 1 (Santos 87) one of their last 13 games in all competi- but with the fi rst team and score a goal is period. Malaga’s search for a win this Cadiz 1 (Fernandez 21) Real Betis 2 (Sergio tions, but took their time to break down great for him and the team.” season continues, however, as they con- Leon 6, 54) their humble hosts. Indeed, Murcia With the second leg at the Camp Nou ceded twice in stoppage time to lose 2-1 at Real Murcia 0 Barcelona 3 (Alcacer 44, Deu- Claude Puel left Southampton in the summer and has swiftly should have gone in front when Fernando in just over a month’s time now a formal- second-division Numancia. lofeu 52, Arnaiz 56) returned to the Premier League with Leicester. (AFP)

WORLD CUP PLAY-OFF SPOTLIGHT Captain Jedinak Isak, 18, shines for Dortmund in Cup romp back in Australia AFP his comeback after injury in August. Berlin Schalke are also into the third round after their 3-1 win at third-division We- squad for Honduras hen WI, while en- wedish teenager Alexander Isak joyed a 4-0 thrashing of fourth-tier Sch- AFP monitoring the health and fi tness shone for holders Borussia Dort- weinfurt. Sydney of every player to make sure that mund on Tuesday night in their The plum tie of the round was tak- the fi nal 23 are available for what 5-0 German Cup second-round ing place last night as RB Leipzig hosted is going to be a challenging cou- rompS at third-division Magdeburg. The Bayern Munich in a clash of last season’s aptain Mile Jedinak was ple of games,” he said. 18-year-old Isak scored and set up a top two. yesterday named in “We feel that we are right on goal on his fi rst start for the club with an extended Australia schedule with regards to our ar- star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubayemang GERMAN CUP RESULTS squad for next month’s rangements, logistics and intel- rested by the Cup holders. (aet denotes after extra time): two-legC World Cup play-off ligence for Honduras, and are Isak signed in January from Stockholm Paderborn 2 (Michel 7, Wassey 85) VfL against Honduras with Bristol comfortable that the work com- club AIK for a reported nine million euros Bochum 0 City defender also pleted and decisions made so far ($10.5mn). Dortmund hope the Sweden Wehen WI 1 (Blacha 76) Schalke 04 3 (Di returning from injury. will help us in our quest to quali- international, who had previously only Santo 26, Burgstaller 30, Mintzel 54-og) Aussies face home-and-away fy for Russia.” made four substitute appearances for the Fortuna Duesseldorf 0 Borussia Moencheng- clashes against the fourth- SQUAD side, can grow to become Aubameyang’s ladbach 1 (Hazard 52) placed team from the CON- Goalkeepers: Mark Birighitti (NAC future replacement. Isak laid on a goal Bayer Leverkusen 4 (Brandt 36, Alario 59, CACAF for a spot at next year’s Breda/NED), for Gonzalo Castro, who scored with his Wendell 89, Aranguiz 90+2) FC Union 1 World Cup fi nals in Russia. The (Levante/ESP), Mat Ryan (Brighton/ fi rst touch of the ball on 42 minutes, then (Daube 46) opening tie is in Honduras on ENG), (Genk/BEL). showed ice-cool fi nishing by slotting Magdeburg 0 Borussia Dortmund 5 (Castro November 10 with the return leg Defenders: (Bursaspor/ home on 47 minutes. 42, Isak 47, Yarmolenko 74-pen, Bartra 79, in Sydney fi ve days later. TUR), Milos Degenek (Yokohama The fl oodgates opened in the fi nal 16 Borussia Dortmund’s Alexander Isak (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring Kagawa 90) Aston Villa star Jedinak missed Marinos/JPN), minutes as Ukraine winger Andriy Yar- in the German Cup second-round win against third-division Magdeburg. (Reuters) Schweinfurt 0 Eintracht Frankfurt 4 (Haller the Socceroos’ fi nal qualifi ers (Rosenborg/NOR), Craig Goodwin molenko converted a penalty after a 14, 58, Wolf 63, Blum 85) with a groin problem, which also (Sparta Rotterdam/NED), Mat- handball as Magdeburg’s defence tired. lead evaporate in the Bundesliga, but they furt last Saturday. Greuther Fuerth 1 (Raum 46) Ingolstadt 3 kept him out of their Asian play- thew Jurman (Suwon/KOR), Ryan Defender Marc Bartra netted a header stay top of the league on goal diff erence Captain Marcel Schmelzer made his (Cohen 48-pen, Lex 83, Morales 87) off with Syria. But the experi- McGowan (Al Sharjah/UAE), Josh before Shinji Kagawa added a fi fth on 90 from Bayern Munich. Dortmund coach fi rst start after six weeks out with a leg Mainz 3 (Fischer 22, 67, Brosinski 101) enced midfi elder was included in Risdon (Western Sydney Wander- minutes. This was Dortmund’s fi rst win Peter Bosz made seven changes from the injury, while Germany winger Andre Holstein Kiel 2 (Schindler 54-pen, Drexler a 30-man squad by coach Ange ers/AUS), (Jiangsu in four games having seen their fi ve-point side which 2-2 drew at Eintracht Frank- Schuerrle came on for Isak late on to make 75-pen) aet Postecoglou, whose future is up Suning/CHN), Bailey Wright (Bristol in the air amid reports he will City/ENG) quit regardless of whether they : (AGF/ make the World Cup or not. DEN), (Hull City/ Postecoglou has retained 22 of ENG), Mile Jedinak (Aston Villa/ Real Madrid manager Zidane keen to complete Cup set the 23 players involved against ENG), (Sturm Graz/ Syria, with only the injured Brad AUT), (QPR/ENG), Madrid: Zinedine Zidane has won almost everything in after Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres. “Our by a US judge over the sweeping corruption scandal Smith missing. Striker Mathew (Melbourne Victory/ a stellar playing and coaching career but wants to put ambition this year is to win it because we know that that rocked world football. The US investigation, first Leckie and midfi elder Marl Milli- AUS), (Huddersfield an end to his drought in domestic cup competitions we can. For me it is not a minor trophy, for me it is an unveiled in May 2015, has seen federal prosecutors in gan were included although they Town/ENG), (Celtic/ this season. Zidane picked up FIFA’s award for coach of important trophy that we can win this year.” New York indict around 40 football and sports market- both miss the fi rst leg through SCO), (Melbourne the year on Monday having led Real Madrid to a first La Zidane is though was expected to name a much- ing executives with allegedly receiving tens of millions suspension. Victory/AUS) Liga and Champions League double for 59 years. changed side for the first leg of the last-32 tie with Cris- of bribes and kickbacks. The fi nal 23 will be fi nalised Strikers: (Melbourne He also won the World Cup, European Championship, tiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos among those aff orded Like many of the indicted, Hector Trujillo cut a deal next week, and Postecoglou said City/AUS), (Gronigen/ Champions League and league titles in Italy and a day off from training on Tuesday. with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to one count of he was confi dent whoever was NED), Tom Juric (Luzern/SWI), Rob- as a player but failed to win a domestic cup. “It’s not wire fraud and one count of wire fraud conspiracy in picked would help propel Aus- bie Kruse (Bochum/GER), Mathew a personal thing,” Zidane said with a wry smile when US JUDGE TO SENTENCE a US federal court in Brooklyn four months ago. He tralia to its fourth-consecutive Leckie (Hertha Berlin/GER), Awer asked if he had something against cup competitions. FIRST IN FIFA SCANDAL served as general secretary of Guatemala’s Football World Cup appearance. “There Mabil (Pacos de Ferreira/POR), Jamie Real began their Copa del Rey campaign last night A 63-year-old former Guatemalan football off icial is Federation from 2009 to 2015 and also was a judge on are a couple of weeks before the Maclaren (Darmstadt/GER, Nikita away at third-tier Fuenlabrada, whose ground is named expected today to become the first person sentenced the country’s constitutional court. group gets together so we will be Rukavytsya (Maccabi Haifa/ISR) Gulf Times Thursday, October 26, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

LEAGUE CUP Icardi brace takes Inter to top spot Bravo stars as City see off Milan: Mauro Icardi scored a double as Inter Milan went top of Serie A on Tuesday night with a 3-2 win over Sampdoria as victims of the Holocaust were remembered following anti-semitic acts Wolves in shoot-out by Lazio fans. Inter captain Icardi and Sampdoria coun- terpart Fabio Quagliarella Arsenal had substitute Eddie Nketiah to thank for the 2-1 extra-time win over second-tier side Norwich handed out copies of The Diary of Anne Frank and Ital- AFP ian Jewish writer Primo Levi’s memoir If This Is A Man to child mascots accompanying players onto the pitch at the anchester City goalkeeper San Siro. Claudio Bravo was the Pre- The initiative followed the mier League leaders’ hero controversy ignited after as they beat Championship Lazio fans defaced the Stadio Mleaders Wolves in a penalty shoot-out Olimpico, which they share to book their place in the quarter-fi nals with rivals Roma, during Sun- of the English League Cup on Tuesday day’s league game against night. Despite chances at both ends, the Cagliari with anti-semitic Etihad Stadium clash was still scoreless slogans and stickers showing after 30 minutes of extra time, send- images of Frank. ing the tie to spot-kicks. Bravo, much On the pitch the hosts led criticised after some unconvincing 3-0 after 54 minutes with displays last season and making just Slovak Milan Skriniar opening his third appearance of this campaign, after 18 minutes against his saved successive penalties from Alfred former club with another ex- N’Diaye and Conor Coady in a shoot- Sampdoria man Icardi adding out where the kicks were taken using to his tally on 32 and 54 the ABBA formula. minutes for 11 league goals Sergio Aguero, just one goal away this season. from becoming City’s all-time leading Inter go provisionally top goalscorer, sealed a 4-1 shoot-out suc- after their eighth win in 10 cess with a cheeky Panenka chipped games gave them 26 points penalty. But as the striker’s — one more than Napoli who eff ort was scored in a shoot-out he can reclaim top spot when remains level with Eric Brook’s City they travel to Genoa last record of 177 goals for the Manchester night. Despite his double club that has stood since 1939. Icardi was angered by his Arsenal, who changed their entire side slackening off late in the side from the 11 that beat Everton 5-2 second half. in the Premier League last weekend, “We have to deal better were fi ve minutes away from losing to with these situations and not second-tier Norwich City at the Emir- concede two goals like that,” ates. But England Under-19 striker Ed- Manchester City’s Claudio Bravo saves a penalty from Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Alfred N’Diaye in the shootout during the English League Cup fourth Round match at said the Argentina striker. die Nketiah equalised for the Gunners the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, Britain, on Tuesday night. (Reuters) “It makes us proud of what just 15 seconds after coming off the we’re doing, but it’s a long bench to send the game into extra-time Swansea 2-0, a result that saw Jose minute goal that Leicester took the lead road ahead and we must at 1-1 with his fi rst senior goal after Josh Mourinho’s men bounce back from a before Riyad Mahrez gave them some continue on it. We have to Murphy’s chip had given the visitors the shock league defeat by Huddersfi eld. breathing space just two minutes from improve many things, a game lead. And the 18-year-old Nketiah en- Bournemouth, fresh from just their time. Last night’s ties see Chelsea play like today can not be risked sured Arsene Wenger’s men would be in second Premier League win of the sea- Everton in the Toff ees’ fi rst match since because we had dominated.” the quarter-fi nal draw when he headed son last weekend, enjoyed a 3-1 vic- they sacked Ronald Koeman as their Dawid Kownacki got home the winner. tory at home to Middlesbrough. Jack manager while Tottenham Hotspur face one back for Sampdoria Premier League basement club Crys- Simpson put the Cherries ahead with a West Ham in an all-London clash. after 64 minutes with Fabio tal Palace were knocked out after suf- goal on debut before Marcus Tavernier Quagliarella adding a second fering a 4-1 loss away to Bristol City equalised for Boro. ENGLISH LEAGUE CUP RESULTS five minutes from time as the despite taking the lead at Ashton Gate. But Eddie Howe’s men restored their (aet denotes after extra time): Genoan side stayed sixth. Bakary Sako put the Eagles ahead in the lead through Callum Wilson’s 75th- FOURTH ROUND 21st minute. But second-tier Bristol minute penalty before Benik Afobe’s Arsenal 2 (Nketiah 85, 96) Norwich 1 City hit back through goals from Matt late goal put the result beyond doubt. (Murphy 34) aet Taylor, Milan Djuric, Joe Bryan and Cal- Leicester had to come from a goal down Bournemouth 3 (Simpson 49, Wilson lum O’Dowda. Managers at both ends to beat another Championship club 75-pen, Afobe 83) Middlesbrough 1 (Tav- of the Premier League table often regard Leeds United 3-1. ernier 56) the League Cup as an inconvenience The Foxes, without a manager after Bristol City 4 (Taylor 34, Djuric 39, Bryan and Palace’s latest loss was not so sur- sacking Craig Shakespeare, fell behind 60, O’Dowda 66) Crystal Palace 1 (Sako 21) prising given Roy Hodgson, the former at home to a 26th-minute goal from Leicester 3 (Iheanacho 30, Slimani 71, England boss, had made 10 changes to Pablo Hernandez. But they needed just Mahrez 88) Leeds 1 (Hernandez 26) the London club’s line-up. four more minutes to be back on level Swansea 0 Manchester United 2 (Lingard Elsewhere Jesse Lingard scored twice terms, Nigeria’s 21, 59) as League Cup holders Manchester scoring the equaliser. Manchester City 0 Wolves 0 aet Arsenal’s Edward Nketiah (centre) celebrates with Olivier Giroud after scoring United saw off Premier League rivals It was not until Islam Slimani’s 71st- Manchester City win 4-1 on penalties against Norwich City in London on Tuesday night. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Brewster blasts Brazil to send England to U-17 fi nal Toure hits out at League Cup ball nglish football chiefs and Checkatrade Trophy, all of yesterday defended the which are tested in accordance ball used in the League with the ‘FIFA Quality Pro- Cup after Manchester gramme for Footballs’ and meet City’sE Yaya Toure said it was the ‘FIFA Quality Pro’ standard,” worse than the much-maligned the statement said. Jabulani used in the 2010 World “All balls used in the profes- Cup. City and Championship sional game are required to club Wolves played with the meet this standard. Clearly, Mitre Delta ball in Tuesday’s preference is a subjective matter, League Cup tie at the Etihad but overall the entertainment Stadium, with the hosts needing provided across round-four ties a penalty shootout to advance would suggest that the ball used to the quarter-fi nals after the is not having a negative impact match fi nished goalless after in the competition. We will look 120 minutes. “I don’t like it, to to engage with Mr Guardiola and be honest,” said City and Ivory Manchester City to fully under- Coast midfi elder Toure. “They stand any concerns in advance of can do better than that. It’s too their round-fi ve tie.” light. Even in my country they can’t use those kind of balls. I LIVERPOOL'S WOODBURN think they have to be better than PENS NEW DEAL that because the ball was too Liverpool’s youngest-ever soft. It’s rubbish but that’s fi ne. goalscorer Ben Woodburn has The World Cup one (Jabulani) signed a long-term contract Brazil’s Paulinho (right) is dejected as Rhian Brewster of England (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring the second goal during the semi-final of FIFA U-17 World Cup was better than that one.” with the club after a whirlwind at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata yesterday. In the second semi-final, Spain beat a spirited Mali side 3-1 in Mumbai. (AFP) Guardiola, whose team play year for the academy graduate, with Nike balls in the Premier who also netted for Wales on his AFP American giants in Kolkata. three-time champions. The 77th minute well as Juventus. Ruiz already has a buy- League and Adidas balls in the senior debut. Woodburn scored Kolkata “We are going to work hard and hope- strike was third time unlucky for Brazil out clause of three million euros on his Champions League, lambasted in a League Cup tie against Leeds fully win (the tournament),” said Brewster goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao, who had not contract and Barcelona reportedly want the Mitre Delta, suggesting it United last November at the age after the game. Brewster linked up bril- let in a goal from open play in the tour- to increase that after the World Cup is was “not a serious ball for a of 17 years and 45 days to beat iverpool attacker Rhian Brewster liantly with Manchester City midfi elder nament until the last-four clash. Brazil over. professional game”. ’s record. scored a second hat-trick in two who provided the crosses for forwards Paulinho and Lincoln created Ferran Torres also joined the Spanish “We play with a diff erent ball. At international level, the games yesterday to dump Brazil the match winner. some slick moves but bad luck and Eng- party in the 71st minute to end matters It’s not Nike, Adidas I don’t forward made his senior bow out of the Under-17 World Cup Brewster put England ahead in the land goalkeeper Curtis Anderson kept the for Mali, who were earlier denied a goal by know, it’s a diff erent brand. It’s for Wales last month and Lsend England into their fi rst fi nal, where 10th minute despite an attacking start three-time champions at bay. the referee after the ball struck the pole unacceptable to play with the marked it with a goal in a World they will play Spain. European champions by the Brazilians. Brazil forward Wesley Spain’s star striker Ruiz had no such and landed inside the goal line. FIFA, the ball.... No weight, nothing. Cup qualifi er against Austria. Spain rode a double strike from star for- snatched an equaliser in the 21st minute worries as he scored twice in the fi rst half game’s world governing body, has used But the English Football Woodburn’s progress has been ward Abel Ruiz to beat a spirited Mali side to set up a thrilling match in front of a to pack off their opponents and make goal-line technology in senior events but League (EFL) released a state- rewarded by what Liverpool call 3-1 in the second semi-fi nal in Mumbai. near capacity crowd. But Brewster made their fourth fi nal. The in-form Ruiz found it was not on off er at the U-17 World Cup. ment defending the ball and a “long-term” deal — and its is Saturday’s fi nale in Kolkata will be a all the running. the net in the 19th minute via a penalty Mali striker Lassana N’Diaye fi nished adding it would talk to Guardiola understood the contract would re-run of the UEFA European Under-17 He put England ahead in the 39th and then doubled the lead for the Euro- with six goals in the tournament but his over his complaints. “The Mitre run over fi ve years. Woodburn Championship in May, which saw Spain minute, becoming the top goal scorer of pean champions in the 43rd minute. 74th-minute strike was a mere consola- ball used in this season’s Cara- joined Liverpool’s academy as beat England on penalties. Brewster, who the tournament with his sixth strike. His The Barcelona academy product has six tion for the African champions. Mali will bao (League) Cup is of exactly an under-sevens player and has scored three goals in the 4-1 quarter-fi - seventh goal of the event, which is being goals — one fewer than Brewster — in the now face Brazil for the third-place play- the same technical specifi cation risen through the ranks, being nal win over the United States, stole the hosted by India for the fi rst time, came in tournament and has been linked to Ar- off before the fi nal at Kolkata’s Salt Lake as the balls used in the Sky Bet named the Academy Player of show in England’s 3-1 win over the South the second half as it shut the doors on the senal and other Premier League sides, as Stadium. EFL (English Football League) the Year for 2016-17. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, October 26, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT EQUESTRIAN More than 300 riders for cycling league; Qatar Airways Cargo values relationship Royal Air Maroc extends sponsorship with Al Shaqab By Sports Reporter so that young riders can know more Doha about our league and how to feature in the races. We will introduce races for kids in the future. That is in our long- ith a signifi cant increase term plans.” in participation for the Royal Air Maroc’s Mena chief Ab- second edition of Royal derrahman Brahimi thanked QCTF for Air Maroc League, and their endorsement of the airline’s sup- Wthe sponsors extending their sup- port for the league. port for the league, things are looking “We see the league as an opportu- bright for Qatar Cycling and Triathlon nity to back sports events in Qatar. We Federation (QCTF) in the new season. applaud QCTF for promoting cycling More than 300 riders have regis- around the country,” Brahimi said. tered for the second edition of the “QCTF is busy organising quality rac- hugely popular league across vari- es and this helps the riders in develop- ous age brackets. In the fi rst edition, ing their sense of competition. more than 150 riders featured in the “Cycling is an integral part of gen- 10-round league that saw competi- eral fi tness. We can see more and more tions held from November 2016 until people taking up cycling. That bodes March this year. well for the sport’s growth in Qatar. “We are thrilled to have the support This year the number of entries has of Royal Air Maroc,” QCTF president QCTF president Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari (left) and Royal Air Maroc’s Mena chief exceeded 300, QCTF technical secre- Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari said. “We Abderrahman Brahimi (second from right) at a press conference yesterday. tary Andrej Filip said at a press confer- Al Shaqab executive director Khalifa al-Attiyah (left) receives a memento. tasted resounding success as partners ence yesterday. of the fi rst edition last season. We are success sports story. “Our objective is to help young riders He said, “The number of riders has By Sports Reporter profi cient in equine transportation. looking forward to another edition of “This is a platform to unearth the learn from the seniors. A sense of com- increased manifold. We have been busy Doha Its expansive network and freighter fun and fi tness. next generation of cyclists in the coun- petition is crucial for riders of all ages. I looking for new routes. Sometimes it is fl eet ease our collaboration by off ering “QCTF is also appreciative of the try. The cycling community is growing am sure the second edition of the league not easy to fi nd routes since there are speedy and safe equine transportation support provided by Qatar Chain Re- and we are thrilled to see the positive re- will be another success story,” QCTF roadworks going on. But then we also atar Airways Cargo presented for our major events in Doha and over- action (QCR) and Qatar Cyclists. It is sults from such events are having on the secretary general Jamal al-Kuwari said. get to fi nd some interesting routes that a memento of appreciation seas. We are particularly pleased with a team eff ort that has translated into a minds of the riders,” he added. “We are also reaching out to schools we may have never used before.” to Al Shaqab, a member of the cargo carrier’s dedicated staff and Qatar Foundation yesterday its spacious live animal centre at Ha- inQ the presence of both organisations’ mad International Airport that ensure FORMULA 1 senior leadership and media. stress-free transfer of our sensitive and The gesture highlighted the growing high value horses. We know we can rely business and long-term collaboration on Qatar Airways Cargo to provide the in equine transportation between the required special care during all phases two organisations. of transportation.” Qatar Airways Group chief executive Located in Qatar and spread over Akbar al-Baker said, “Every customer 980,000 sq.m. with a stable capacity is at the heart of our business, and we to accommodate more than 400 hors- celebrate our longstanding partner- es, Al Shaqab is a leading equine edu- Lewis set to fi nish ship with Al Shaqab, the region’s most cation resource and breeding centre for dynamic equestrian centre and glo- Arabian horses, off ering endurance and bal equine leader with whom we share equine education. common values of dedication, com- Qatar Airways Cargo has been trans- mitment and excellence. We have been porting horses for Al Shaqab since honoured to be Al Shaqab’s preferred 2012. To date, the cargo carrier has equine carrier over the years, and we fl own more than 700 horses for Al look forward to further cementing Shaqab. The airline transports more the job in our business relationship. At Qatar than 100 champion horses every year Airways Cargo, we provide the high- for their annual CHI Al Shaqab event. est standard of air transfer for horses The cargo carrier also transports Mercedes driver Hamilton has a 66-point advantage over Ferrari’s Vettel that guarantees care, comfort and safe horses for the Longines Global Cham- movement from origin to destination.” pionship Tour held at Al Shaqab every Reuters Al Shaqab executive director Kha- year, and will be transporting 100 hors- Mexico City lifa al-Attiyah said, “Qatar Airways es this November for the grand fi nale of Cargo is exceptionally professional and the Championship tour.

ewis Hamilton is a racing cer- tainty to become Britain’s fi rst four times Formula One world Kvyat will not return to Toro Rosso: Marko champion and any lingering Lsmidgen of a doubt should be swept Toro Rosso will continue with rookies Brendon Hartley and Pierre Gasly for away at a coronation in Mexico City on the rest of the Formula One season after deciding there is no way back for Sunday. Russian driver Daniil Kvyat. Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko, The Mercedes driver, 1/500 odds on a key figure at the two teams owned by the Austrian energy drink company, title favourite with British bookmakers told Germany’s Auto Bild the decision had been taken. “Kvyat will not return who know a safe bet when they see one, again. We do not believe he can make the turnaround in the long term,” said has a 66 point advantage over Ferrari’s the Austrian ahead of this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix. “Gasly and Hartley Sebastian Vettel with three races re- are finishing the season. Then we’ll see what happens.” Red Bull-owned Toro maining worth a grand total of 75. Rosso have yet to confirm their 2018 lineup. Hamilton is also well clear in terms Title permutations of the number of wins, the fi rst decider Nissan to replace Renault in Formula E in case of a points tie, with nine to Vet- Lewis Hamilton is 66 points clear of Ferrari’s Sebas- tel’s four. tian Vettel, with a maximum of 75 points still to be Nissan will become the first Japanese car manufacturer competing in For- Put simply, Vettel has to score 17 won from the three remaining races. mula E with an entry in the 2018/19 season of the electric car racing series, points more than Hamilton at the Au- If Vettel wins (25 points), Hamilton need finish replacing alliance partners Renault. Renault, whose e.dams team have been todromo Hermanos Rodriguez to keep no lower than fifth (10 points). Formula E champions for three years in a row, said in a statement yesterday his championship hopes on life sup- If Vettel finishes second (18), Hamilton needs that they would leave at the end of the 2017-18 season next July to focus on port as far as the next race in Brazil. only a ninth place (2) to be champion. Formula One. “To have a name like Nissan coming on board is a momentous Regardless of where the German Any other result for the German hands the title day for the series,” said Formula E chief executive Alejandro Agag in a sepa- ends up, Hamilton need only fi nish to Hamilton. rate statement. “It’s great to see our first Japanese manufacturer entering the fi fth to get the party started. Hamilton will become champion during the frame, showing truly how global the electric revolution is.” And if the Ferrari driver retires dur- race if Vettel retires. ing the race, Hamilton will be world Age not key factor in driver choice: Williams champion before he has even seen the “I can imagine every scenario,” team pionship for the fourth year in a row. home podium, and will have an extra chequered fl ag. boss Toto Wolff told reporters in Tex- Red Bull could also be in the mix local to cheer on when Alfonso Celis Jr Williams, sponsored by drinks company Martini, say age considerations will The high-altitude circuit could well as on Sunday night when asked if he on Sunday, with Max Verstappen also takes part in Friday free practice. not be key to deciding who races for them next season after their 18-year-old favour Ferrari more than Mercedes, but could envisage Hamilton not winning. very much in the spotlight after criti- New Zealander Brendon Hartley driver Lance Stroll had to wear team kit without alcohol branding in Japan Hamilton won from pole position last “This is motor racing. Sebastian had cising stewards for imposing a time will have a second chance to push his this month. It has been widely assumed that the former champions need year and arrives this time with a haul of a DNF (did not fi nish) in Singapore, penalty in Austin that demoted him claims for a Toro Rosso drive after someone over 25 for marketing purposes given that Canadian rookie Stroll fi ve victories from the last six races. scored little in Sepang (Malaysia) and from third to fourth. making a strong debut in the United is set to remain. Stroll had to go without alcoholic branding on his kit at the The pressure, what little there is DNF at Suzuka. That argument is likely to rumble on States last weekend. Japanese GP because he is below the legal drinking age. If both drivers were remaining, is all on Vettel. It will take “So it is not done until you’ve math- for a while. The 27-year-old has been kept on underage, that could cause a sponsorship headache. “What’s most important the biggest comeback the sport has ematically achieved it,” added the Mexican fans will meanwhile be fi rm- while Russian Daniil Kvyat is dropped for the team is to pick a driver lineup that will give us the best performance ever seen to deny Hamilton now, even Austrian, whose team have already ly behind Force India’s Sergio Perez, still to make way for the returning French and most exciting racing potential,” team technical head Paddy Lowe said. if Mercedes continue to urge caution. wrapped up the constructors’ cham- hoping for a dream appearance on his rookie Pierre Gasly.

GOLF Pressure on Matsuyama in WGC Shanghai defence

AFP “I don’t want to put a lot of pressure be able to stay on top of my game.” Shanghai or expectation on myself, I just want to Johnson backs ‘interesting’ shot clock let the tournament come to me, like it ‘LEFT IN THE DUST’ did last year. World number one Dustin Johnson American Johnson is all in favour. Prior to this Rahm had never even been efending champion Hideki “All I can do is try to play my best and threw his weight yesterday behind a “I think it would be very interest- to China before, never mind played Matsuyama admitted yes- hopefully I will play well.” European Tour initiative to try out a ing, you’d see a lot of guys getting the WGC-HSBC Champions, and the terday that he is under pres- Making Matsuyama’s task all the shot clock to speed up play, calling it penalties on our (US PGA) Tour,” 22-year-old said that he was relishing sure to replicate the storm- harder, he will also have to contend “very interesting”. the 33-year-old said ahead of the tasting golf in the country. ingD performance that propelled him with a growing challenge from the “I can’t wait for the tournament to Time will be of the essence at next WGC-HSBC Champions, which tees to WGC-HSBC Champions glory in home golfers. year’s Austrian Open when penalties off in Shanghai today. “That would get started, the course is in great shape, Shanghai one year ago. Prime among the Chinese who will will be imposed on players exceed- be quite fun, actually. I’d have plenty it’s a beautiful course that I think suits The Japanese opens his defence of Phil Mickelson, Jason Day and Brooks hope to be in the mix on the fi nal day on ing a stopwatch on each shot, Eu- of time but there’s a lot of guys that my game well,” said Rahm, the highest- “Asia’s major” today alongside world Koepka. Sunday are Li Haotong, a rising talent ropean golf’s ruling body the EPGA wouldn’t. They would be getting a ranked European in Shanghai at fi ve in number one Dustin Johnson of the The 25-year-old Matsuyama be- who underlined his potential with an said this week. penalty on every hole.” the world. United States and fast-rising Spaniard came the fi rst Asian to win a World Golf eye-catching third-place fi nish at the The June tournament, to be renamed Each group in Austria will have 50 Stenson, ranked number nine, is Jon Rahm. Championship a year ago and it was the British Open in July. The Shot Clock Masters, will be the seconds for the first player to play hoping to go one better than 12 months The trio are among the headline at- catalyst for a brilliant run that also de- Matsuyama said that he believes first time in history that golfers have a any given shot, and 40 seconds for ago. Fresh from more than a month off , tractions of a star-studded fi eld at the livered the WGC-Bridgestone Invita- Asian players still have a gap to make time limit on each shot. Failure to keep subsequent players. the 41-year-old said: “I wasn’t really $9.75mn showpiece at Sheshan Inter- tional title in August. up on the top American and European to it will see them penalised a shot. Players will get two time-outs per in the mix for winning the tournament national Golf Club. “It is diff erent coming back as de- players, with the top three in the world It is hoped the move will reduce round which will double their allot- (last year), Hideki was playing out- Other leading contenders at the fending champion,” said Matsuyama, all from the United States — Johnson, round times by 45 minutes and the ted time. standing and left everyone in the dust event, which is on the US PGA Tour the world number four who seared his Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. so it was more of a race for second. and European Tour, include last year’s way to victory last year by a compre- And he said that having got close to “I managed to get to that one (sec- runner-up Henrik Stenson, Olympic hensive seven shots from the Swede the top of the world rankings, he now coming up fast behind him. mitted Matsuyama. ond) so I left Shanghai happy and hope- champion Justin Rose and a clutch of Stenson and Daniel Berger of the United had a battle to stay there, particularly “To stay on top and continue on top, “That’s one of my goals and one of fully I will leave Shanghai happy this current and former major winners in States. with the likes of the powerful Rahm I am still learning how to do that,” ad- the things that I’m working on now is to year as well.” Gulf Times Thursday, October 26, 2017 5 SPORT

BASEBALL NHL Golden Knights stay hot with 4-2 victory Sizzling Kershaw over Blackhawks

By Chris Hine Again, the Hawks were out- Chicago Tribune shot 33-31, a growing trend throughout the season. The Knights would make it ike a lot of road ven- 2-1 when Tomas Nosek stuff ed pitches Dodgers to ues when the Chicago home a loose rebound off a Blackhawks are in shot from Deryk Engelland at town, T-Mobile Are- 5:46. Lna in Las Vegas has plenty of The Knights made it 3-1 red among the seas of black in the second period when and gray worn by the Golden Pierre-Edouard Bellemare Knights and their fans. converted a goal from the slot It gave Tuesday’s first- after two penalties expired World Series lead ever matchup between the on Ryan Hartman. Hartman Knights and Hawks the feel had gone off after confronting ‘I think (Houston) is a really good hitting team. They hit a lot of homers and don’t strike out’ of the many prize fights that Knights defenseman Brayden have taken place in Las Ve- McNabb for a hit McNabb put AFP gas with the crowd reacting on Nick Schmaltz. Hartman Los Angeles to each team’s next counter- was assessed slashing and punch. roughing penalties. The Knights continued their “Give them credit, they had layton Kershaw pitched hot start with a 4-2 victory a lot of structure to their game, seven scorching innings over the Hawks as they moved not a lot of time, not a lot of to lead the Los Angeles to 7-1-0 on the season while space,” coach Joel Quenneville Dodgers to a 3-1 vic- the Hawks fell to 5-3-2. said. “They might have quick- toryC over the Houston Astros in Oscar Dansk, making his er in certain areas. I thought game one of the World Series on fi rst NHL start, stopped 29 we were in a great spot there Tuesday. shots for the Knights while killing that four-minute pen- Backed by Justin Turner’s Corey Crawford had 29 for the alty. They scored the big goal two-run home run and Chris Hawks. that kind of took the momen- Taylor’s lead-off homer, Ker- “It is what we’ve seen so far tum away from us.” shaw steamrolled the vaunted out of how this team has been Jonathan Marchessault Astros off ense. playing out of the gate, how made it 4-1 for the Knights The temperature at fi rst pitch they’re playing in their own with a power-play goal from of 103 F (39 C) was a record for building,” captain Jonathan the left circle at 10:20 of the a Major League Baseball playoff Toews said. “It’s a fun exciting third period. Patrick Kane game, and a fi tting cauldron for atmosphere. No doubt they’re added his fi fth goal late for the the opening clash in the best- excited to play and just to go Hawks. of-seven series between teams out there and not necessar- But for most of the night, that each won more than 100 ily be the underdogs, but just the Hawks had little off ensive regular-season games. go out there and try to make fl ow and Quenneville hinted Kershaw set the tone by retir- teams make plays and score there might be changes to the ing the fi rst three Astros batters. and frustrate them.” lines before Friday’s game Then Dodgers centerfi eld- The Knights frustrated the against the Nashville Preda- er Taylor smacked a towering Hawks most of the night after tors. homer off the fi rst pitch thrown the Hawks got the fi rst score “I think that we got to man- by Astros starting pitcher Dal- of the night on a shorthanded age the puck better,” Quen- las Keuchel to put Los Angeles goal from John Hayden, his neville said. “Teams that hang up 1-0. fi rst goal of the season. onto the puck against us they It was only the fourth leadoff Hayden made a nice play to get more zone time and off of homer ever recorded in a World steal the puck at the Knights’ that they get shots and mo- Series game one. blue line and skated around a mentum in the game.” Keuchel, the 2015 American few defenders before beating League Cy Young award-winner, Knights goaltender Dansk to RESULTS settled down to retire Turner, the give the Hawks the lead 3 Golden Knights 4 Blackhawks 2 Cody Bellinger and Yasiel Puig minutes, 33 seconds into the Penguins 2 Oilers 1 (OT) and the duel between Kershaw game. Islanders 5 Coyotes 3 and Keuchel was on. But after that it was all Ducks 6 Flyers 2 “I felt good,” Kershaw said. Knights. Just 26 seconds later, Kings 3 Senators 2 (SO) “CT getting that monkey off our William Karlsson redirected a Sabres 1 Red Wings 0 back and getting that fi rst run shot from Colin Miller to beat Flames 3 Predators 2 (SO) across the board was huge.” Corey Crawford at 3:59. Canucks 1 Wild 0 Three-time Cy Young award- winner Kershaw, making his fi rst World series start, had faced just one batter over the minimum through the fi rst three innings when Astros third baseman Alex Bregman broke through with a solo homer to lead off the fourth. Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws a pitch against the Houston Astros in the first inning in game one of the 2017 Bregman pounced on a waist- World Series at Dodger Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports high fastball and powered it over the left fi eld fence, drawing a “I made a few mistakes,” he there,” Roberts added. “For him Turner, who said he thought the night,” Hinch said. “He was just grimace from Kershaw, who added. “Obviously Bregman got to get ahead, keep them off bal- heat made the ball travel further. a pitch or two less than Kershaw. promptly struck out the next me... For the most part, though, ance work them from front to “That was a good at-bat,” He wasn’t as fancy with the three batters. It was the only I’ll take it.” back, up and down, to all quad- Roberts said. “Grinded, got two punch-outs.” hiccup for Kershaw, who surren- After Bregman’s homer, Ker- rants - this was a special night strikes, behind the count and Dodgers relief pitcher Bran- dered three hits in seven innings shaw struck out the next three for Clayton.” Keuchel tried to come in with don Morrow retired the side in with no walks and 11 strikeouts batters to get back on track. Keuchel delivered a solid per- a cutter and left it out over (the the top of the eighth and closing - one shy of his playoff record of formance himself. After giving plate) a little bit. “Really took a pitcher Kenley Jansen set down 12. He threw 57 of his 83 pitches ‘Special night’ up the fi rst-pitch homer he re- great swing. three in the top of the ninth for strikes. “Tonight was one of those tired 12 of the next 15 hitters he “Gosh JT has had so many big to send the crowd of 54,253 at “I think (Houston) is a really nights, I think the fi rst time in faced. But after walking Taylor hits for us this year,” added Rob- Dodger Stadium into a frenzy. good hitting team. They hit a lot awhile, where we’ve seen all with two outs in the second he erts of Turner, whose four home The Dodgers, in pursuit of a of homers and don’t strike out. three of his pitches synched up,” surrendered a two-run home run runs in these playoff s are one shy seventh World Series title and There’s little room for error,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to Turner - the walkoff hero of of the Dodgers club record. their fi rst since 1988, will try to Kershaw said. “So it’s important said. “He just was repeating the the Dodgers’ game-two win over Astros manager A.J. Hinch build on their 1-0 lead when they for me to establish pitches, be delivery, held the velocity. Was the Chicago Cubs in the National lifted Keuchel with two outs in host game two on Wednesday. able to throw multiple things for throwing the baseball where he League Championship series. the seventh, after he gave up a The Astros are seeking a fi rst Vegas Golden Knights players celebrate a goal scored by their strikes, and I’m thankful I was needed to, where he wanted to. “I didn’t know if it was going deep single to Corey Seager. World Series crown in their sec- centre Jonathan Marchessault (No 81) during a game against the able to do that tonight. “Very talented team over to be a home run or not,” said “Keuchel was really good to- ond appearance. Chicago Blackhawks. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NBA LeBron leads revamped Cavaliers lineup over Bulls AFP going for my guys and getting with 25 points while 20-year- Jaylen Brown scored 23 points Los Angeles them the ball.” old Finnish rookie forward and rookie Jayson Tatum added While they struggled early, Lauri Markkanen scored 19 and 22 to power the Boston Celt- particularly defensively, the became the fi rst rookie in NBA ics over the visiting New York eBron James scored 34 Cavaliers (3-1) came together to history with 10 3-point baskets Knicks 110-89. points and passed out snap a fi ve-game losing streak in in his fi rst three games. Kyrie Irving had 20 points 13 assists to spark a re- meetings with the Bulls (0-3). and seven assists while Al Hor- vamped Cleveland Cav- Wade, a former James team- Gordon’s 41 leads Magic win ford added 13 points and 13 re- Laliers lineup to a 119-112 NBA mate on two NBA championship Aaron Gordon scored a ca- bounds as the Celtics improved victory over visiting Chicago on teams in Miami who joined the reer-high 41 points and sank the to 2-2. Tuesday. Cavs after playing in Chicago go-ahead 3-pointer with 35 sec- Turkey’s Enes Kanter led the Four-time NBA Most Valuable last season, was benched at his onds remaining to lead the host Knicks (0-3) with 16 points and Player James, whose 13-of-20 own request after struggling as Orlando Magic to a 125-121 vic- 19 rebounds while Latvian giant shooting included four 3-point a starter. tory over Brooklyn. Kristops Porzingis, who missed baskets, was shifted from for- J.R. Smith moved back into Evan Fournier scored 28 11 of his fi rst 12 shots, managed ward to point guard for the fi rst the starting backcourt with points, 12 of them in the game’s only 12 points. time in fi ve seasons as Cavs James while the frontline saw last 5:22, and Gordon also con- Victor Oladipo scored 28 coach Tyronn Lue juggled his Kevin Love moved from center tributed 12 rebounds. D’Angelo points while Cory Joseph added lineup in moving guard Dwyane to forward with Jae Crowder and Russell led the Nets (2-2) with 27 21 off the bench to power the Wade to a reserve role. Tristan Thompson took over in points. Indiana Pacers over host Minne- “I’m looking for my guys a lit- the middle. C.J. McCollum scored 23 sota 130-107 while Blake Griffi n tle bit more starting at the point, The lineup move came in part points, four of them in a game- scored 22 points to lead the host especially in transition. I’m be- because the Cavs are without ending 9-0 run, to power the Los Angeles Clippers over Utah ing more of a precise, precision Derrick Rose due to a sprained Portland Trail Blazers over New 102-84. passer and I’m not kind of full left ankle. Orleans 103-93. speed ahead in transition,” James Love added 20 points and 12 Portland stretched the NBA’s RESULTS said. rebounds for Cleveland while record longest win streak in LA Clippers 102 Utah 84 “I’m kind of looking at what’s Wade scored 11 off the bench in home openers to 17, having last Portland 103 New Orleans 93 going on and getting my guys the only his 12th game as a reserve lost one to the Los Angeles Lak- Indiana 130 Minnesota 107 ball, but for me, I just try to stay in 919 games over 15 NBA sea- ers in 2000. DeMarcus Cous- Boston 110 NY Knicks 89 in attack mode when need be sons. ins scored 39 points in a losing Cleveland 119 Chicago 112 Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (left) drives against Chicago Bulls guard David Nwaba in the and, if I see the hot hand, start Justin Holiday led the Bulls cause. Orlando 125 Brooklyn 121 fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Thursday, October 26, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Top seed Zverev pulls out of Next Gen Finals Reuters schedule would have made it extremely 2013, and under his guidance the 32-year- Basel, Switzerland tough for the German to have competed old won the 2014 Australian Open, the at both. He has won fi ve titles this year 2015 French Open and the 2016 US Open. and is the youngest player to qualify for “After much thought I have decided to ermany’s Alexander Zverev will the ATP World Tour Finals for 10 years. dedicate my future to my family,” Nor- miss the inaugural ATP Next The Next Gen Finals were launched man, 41, said in a statement yesterday. Gen Finals in Milan next month this year to showcase the top players aged “With two young kids at home, now to concentrate on his debut in 21 and under. It will feature shortened is the right time for me to be with them. Gthe ATP Tour Finals in London the fol- sets, shot clocks and no advantage scor- I could not have had a better player to lowing week. ing as the ATP tries out new innovations work with and this has been one of the Zverev’s stunning year, during which to appeal to a younger generation of Ten- most diffi cult decisions I have ever had to he briefl y rose to number four in the rank- nis fans. make.” ings, means the 20-year-old has qualifi ed The line-up will be Russians Andrey Wawrinka did not defend his US Open for both season-enders, and something Rublev, Karen Khachanov and Daniil title this year after a knee injury ended his had to give. Medvedev, Canadian Denis Shapovalov, season in August. “I have consulted with my team and American Jared Donaldson, Croatian “I would like to thank Magnus for the in order to best prepare for London, we Borna Coric and ’s Hyeon amazing four years we had together,” he have made the decision that it is best not Chung plus the winner of an Italian un- said. to play the week before in Milan,” Zverev der-21 event as a wildcard. “I will always be grateful for the work told the ATP’s website. All seven players have featured this and the time he spent on me to make me “Therefore, sadly, I will be withdraw- year in the top 50 of the ATP rankings this improve and become a three-time grand ing from the Next Gen ATP Finals. How- year. slam champion. ever, I still plan on making an appearance “He was not only part of my team but at the beginning of the event to support Wawrinka’s coach Norman steps also part of the family. For now, I’m fo- the tournament and show my apprecia- down for personal reasons cusing on my rehabilitation and I will take tion for my fans in Italy that were so sup- Three-times grand slam winner Stan time to decide with my team the neces- portive during my win in Rome earlier Wawrinka’s coach Magnus Norman is sary next steps.” this year.” ending his four-year partnership with the The Swiss was ranked third in the world Zverev’s withdrawal is a blow for the Swiss player for personal reasons. Swede in July, but has slipped to ninth following Alexander Zverev of Germany plays against Gilles Simon of France in their match during the ATP tournament in Vienna, new event, although the back-to-back Norman has worked with Wawrinka since his injury layoff . Austria, yesterday. (AFP)

TENNIS RUGBY Hartley cleared to lead England, Wozniacki swats Marler suspended

AFP part Benjamin Kayser. London “Rugby is rugby and if you say that any hit on the head is a red card, there will be 25 a aptain Dylan Hartley match,” the France hooker said. aside Halep to reach was yesterday cleared “The last thing we want is to to lead England in next go out and start playing on the month’s autumn Tests rules and to start saying to the butC prop Joe Marler will be referee ‘it was a cheap shot’. suspended for two of the three “We are not football. We are matches. An independent dis- just here to play hard and to ciplinary panel decided Hartley, keep on going. I don’t think it who pleaded not guilty, should was a red card, just a yellow.” Singapore semi-fi nals receive no further sanction af- Hartley received further ter being sent to the sin-bin for backing from Northampton di- ‘I just stayed positive, took the ball early and went for my shots’ striking Clermont prop Rabah rector of rugby Jim Mallinder, Slimani during Northampton’s who described the decision to Reuters 24-7 European Champions Cup cite Hartley as “unjustifi ed”. Singapore defeat on Saturday. “Citings like this do beg the But England coach Eddie question of whether Dylan is Jones will be without Marler being singled out for what has aroline Wozniacki pro- for next month’s matches happened in the past rather duced an almost per- against Argentina and Austral- than being judged solely on fect display to disman- ia after the Harlequins front- Saturday’s game,” he said. tle world number one rower pleaded guilty to striking Marler will miss both the Ar- SimonaC Halep 6-0, 6-2 at the Wasps player Will Rowlands gentina and Australia matches WTA Finals yesterday as the with his forearm during his after being banned for three Dane eased into the semi-fi nals side’s loss in Coventry. weeks, but will be available for with her second dominant vic- “It was found Hartley had the fi nal match against Samoa tory in as many matches. committed a reckless act of on November 25. Wozniacki had started her foul play in that he had struck fi fth appearance at the season- Slimani in the face. However, Gatland distances himself ending tournament with a 6-2, the committee was not sat- from new selection policy 6-0 victory over Ukraine’s Elina isfi ed that the off ence had Wales head coach Warren Svitolina and Romania’s Halep warranted a red card,” said a Gatland believes the criticism appeared equally as powerless statement from tournament directed at him over the new against the 27-year-old former organisers European Profes- national team selection policy number one. sional Club Rugby (EPRC). was unfair as he was not in- The Dane’s victory margin The entry-point sanction volved in the actual process. assured her of a last-four berth for striking with the hand is a A Welsh Rugby Union rule after the loss of four games in two-week ban, rising to eight change means no player with two matches while Halep lives to weeks and above according to fewer than 60 caps will be se- fi ght another day with her open- severity. Although the off ence lected if they play for a club ing straight-sets win over Caro- was deemed minor, Hartley’s based outside the country. line Garcia giving her a 1-1 record dismal disciplinary record, Scrumhalf Rhys Webb, who in the Red Group. which has robbed him of 60 has 28 caps for Wales and a Frenchwoman Garcia recov- weeks of his career, threatened mainstay in Gatland’s squad, ered from her opening loss to to increase any sanction given lashed out at the policy as it ef- rally past Svitolina with an epic and prevent him from captain- fectively ruled him out of the 6-7(7), 6-3, 7-5 victory later in ing England next month. 2019 World Cup after agreeing the day, a result that leaves the Argentina, Australia and to join French club Toulon next other three women in the group Samoa visit Twickenham on season. Gatland, 54, expressed all with a chance of joining Woz- successive weekends starting his disappointment over Webb’s niacki in the semis. on November 11, and while the exclusion but believes the new Wozniacki has been the form Northampton hooker is under policy is better for Wales. player on the WTA Tour this sea- pressure from Jamie George for “I was consulted on the new son, winning 58 matches, reach- his place in the front row, he policy, but I wasn’t involved in ing seven fi nals and claiming one is set to be retained in the role the process,” Gatland said. “I got tournament victory in Tokyo last he has performed throughout pushed out there from a media month. Jones’s reign. After the defeat perspective and it was almost The rankings show Halep as at Clermont, Hartley received like it was my idea. There was the world leader and Wozniacki support from the unlikely a lot of criticism of myself over in sixth but the Romanian was source of his French counter- this and I felt that was unfair.” utterly outclassed as her oppo- nent raced through the fi rst set in 23 minutes on the back of a 94 BADMINTON percent fi rst serve success rate. Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki celebrates winning her group stage match of the WTA Finals against Romania’s Simona Halep yesterday at the “I think I played really well Singapore Indoor Stadium. (Reuters) today and stayed aggressive throughout. I didn’t expect to be hand to break for a 3-1 lead and as she edged the tightest of fi rst Saina and Prannoy leading by that much in the fi rst an ace snuff ed out the only break sets. Svitolina broke early in the set and I started to think ‘what’s point the Dane faced all match as second to assume control un- happening? Am I really playing she moved within two games of til Garcia threw caution to the enter second round that well?’,” Wozniacki said in a victory. wind, after shedding a few tears courtside interview. Another forehand error hand- following a pep-talk from her IANS noy in the second round. HS Halep had been as much a ed Wozniacki a match point after father and coach Louis-Paul, Paris Prannoy got past South Korean spectator as the stunned crowd a little more than an hour, which and reeled off fi ve of the next six Lee Hyun II 21-15, 21-17 in 43 packed into the Singapore In- she duly converted with a fore- games to level the match. minutes. door Stadium and although she hand winner. The decider followed a similar ndian shuttlers Saina Ne- Praneeth overcame Thai- tried to rouse herself after get- “I just stayed positive, took pattern to the second set with hwal, HS Prannoy and the land’s Khosit Phetpradab 21- ting to 30-30 in the fi rst game of the ball early and went for my Svitolina keeping her nose ahead women’s doubles pair of 13, 21-23, 21-19 in an hour and the second set, Wozniacki held shots,” the Dane added. until Garcia fought back through Ashwini Ponnappa and N fi ve minutes. fi rm for a 1-0 lead. “It’s a great court for me as I a barrage of winners to reel off ISikki Reddy entered the sec- However, for Kashyap, it was putting spin on the ball to the last four games and seal her ond round, while Parupalli was a disappointing day after FLEETING RESPITE get in position for my shots and fi rst WTA Finals victory. Kashyap exited in the open- he lost to Indonesian Anthony The Dane had won 17 games in wait for the right opportunities Halep will hope to advance ing round of the French Open Sinisuka Ginting 23-21, 18-21, a row across her last two match- to hit my winners.” with a win over Svitolina tomor- World Superseries yesterday. 17-21 in an hour and 14 min- es before Halep fi nally got on Garcia was the more aggres- row, while Garcia faces the un- Saina Nehwal defeated Line utes. the scoreboard after 34 minutes sive of two well-matched play- enviable task of taking on Woz- Højmark Kjaersfeldt of Den- The women’s doubles pair when she held to love. ers, even forging a pair of set niacki with the world number mark 21-14, 11-21, 21-10 in 50 of Ashwini and Sikki cantered The respite was fl eeting, how- points in the opening tiebreak, eight needing a victory to stand minutes. past England’s Jenny Moore ever, as Wozniacki continued but sloppy forehand errors any chance of reaching the last France’s Caroline Garcia during her group stage match against Ukraine’s In the men’s singles, B. Sai and Victoria Williams 21-12, to punish Halep’s scrappy fore- handed Svitolina the initiative four. Elina Svitolina yesterday. (Reuters) Praneeth also joined Pran- 21-12 in 24 minutes. Gulf Times Thursday, October 26, 2017 7 CRICKET

FOCUS PAKISTAN VS SRI LANKA Sarfraz rejected spot-fi xing approach Pakistan aim to carry

AFP proached with an off er but promptly “By the Grace of Allah everything is momentum into T20s Abu Dhabi reported the matter to its anti-cor- getting normal. When you are going ruption unit. into a series you need to be normal and AFP ple and left seven Sri Lankan players The PCB said the incident was con- everything is going good so far.” Abu Dhabi and a staff member injured, resulted aptain Sarfraz Ahmed said veyed to the ICC, whose anti-corrup- Pakistan cricket was hit by a fi xing in the suspension of all international yesterday that he was the tion unit interviewed the player. scandal during the second edition of cricket in Pakistan, forcing them to Pakistan player who was ap- Sarfraz will lead his side in a three- the Pakistan Super League earlier this akistan will look to transfer play home matches in the United Arab proached by an alleged bookie match Twenty20 series against Sri year that saw Pakistan openers Sharjeel the momentum from their Emirates. duringC the one-day international Lanka starting in Abu Dhabi today. Khan and Khalid Latif banned for two- one-day whitewash against Sri Despite Pakistan hosting the Pa- series against Sri Lanka earlier this “Obviously I did my job of inform- and-a-half and fi ve years respectively. Lanka into the three Twenty20 kistan Super League fi nal in March month. ing, but I was not scared when I in- The most infamous spot-fi xing in- Pinternationals starting in Abu Dhabi and three T20 internationals against The wicketkeeper-batsman report- formed about it,” said Ahmed when cident to hit Pakistani cricket came on today and ending in Lahore three days a World XI — with players from seven ed the incident to the International he was asked if he feels under pressure the 2010 tour of England, when then- later. countries — last month, regular Sri Cricket Council (ICC) and the Paki- because of the incident. captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mo- Pakistan blanked Sri Lanka 5-0 in the Lanka skipper Upul Tharanga and fi ve stan Cricket Board (PCB) at the time. “I did become scared after I saw hamed Amir and Mohamed Asif were preceding one-day series and start the other players, as well as coach Nic The news of a Pakistani player ap- nominal hosts won 5-0. myself on the television. There was all given prison sentences for conspir- Twenty20 fi xtures as strong favourites Pothas refused to travel to Lahore. proached for fi xing made headlines The PCB confi rmed on Saturday so much talk about it on the television ing to bowl deliberate no-balls in the as the number two-ranked side, with That forced Sri Lankan selectors to before the fourth match of a series the that an unnamed player was ap- that I got scared. fourth Test at Lord’s. Sri Lanka a lowly eighth. hand all-rounder Thisara Perera, part If Pakistan sweep the T20 series they of the World XI, the captaincy and will come within a point of fi rst-place choose a new-look side. 2ND ODI New Zealand and could go top if India But Ahmed said his team will not un- beat the Black Caps in a three-match derestimate Sri Lanka. series next month. “It’s satisfying to win the ODIs and Aside from winning nine straight we will target that same winning mo- ODIs since lifting the Champions Tro- mentum but defi nitely we will not take phy in June, Pakistan have also won Sri Lanka lightly,” said Ahmed. nine of their last 11 Twenty20 interna- “Maybe they don’t have big names tionals — all since Sarfraz Ahmed took but their players have played in the past over as captain. and have done well. No team is weak in India prevail Off the fi eld too, Pakistan will hope T20s, so we have to be at our best.” to build on their eff orts to revive in- Pakistan’s pace bowling will be fur- ternational cricket back home with the ther boosted by the return of Mohamed last match to be played in Lahore on Amir who missed the ODIs with a shin Sunday. injury. That contest will see the return of Fill-in Sri Lanka skipper Perera Sri Lanka to Pakistan, eight years after hopes his team will put up a good fi ght. their team bus was ambushed by gun- “I am really happy to be leading the over NZ in Pune men on the way to the ground in Lahore team,” said Perera. “It’s a dream come on March 3, 2009. true for me and I hope this team can do Match looked under threat after curator was caught in pitch tampering storm The attacks, which killed eight peo- something special in this series.”

AFP Williamson blamed a poor batting Pune, India performance, particularly from those Sri Lanka sports minister joins Pakistan tour at the top of the order, for the compre- hensive defeat. alf-centuries from Shikhar “We weren’t good enough at the Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik top. We know we have to play a lot bet- fi red India to a comfortable ter to beat these guys,” he said. six-wicket win over New “We came here with high hopes. HZealand after a pitch-tampering storm We put a much better performance threatened the second one-day inter- in Mumbai and we need to be better national in Pune yesterday. again in Kanpur,” Williamson added, Dhawan scored a classy 68 and referring to Sunday’s third and deci- Karthik notched an unbeaten 64 as In- sive ODI. dia made 232-4 to clinch victory with 24 balls to spare and level the three- SCORECARD match ODI series 1-1. NEW ZEALAND The match had looked to be under M. Guptill c Dhoni b Kumar 11 threat after a groundsman at the Ma- C. Munro b Kumar 10 harashtra Cricket Association (MCA) K. Williamson lbw b Bumrah 3 stadium told undercover journalists R. Taylor c Dhoni b Pandya 21 that he had doctored the pitch before T. Latham b Patel 38 the game. H. Nicholls b Kumar 42 The Board of Control for Cricket C. Grandhomme c Bumrah b Chahal 41 Pakistani soldiers patrol outside the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium, where the last in India (BCCI) dismissed Pandurang M. Santner c Kohli b Bumrah 29 T20 is scheduled between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in Lahore, yesterday. (AFP) Salgaoncar, the pitch manager at the A. Milne lbw Chahal 0 Pune ground, after he described to T. Southee not out 25 Sri Lanka’s sports minister announced yesterday he would join the national India Today TV reporters, who were T. Boult not out 2 cricket team on their first match in Pakistan since gunmen attacked their team posing as bookies, how he had tam- Extras (lb3, w5) 8 bus in Lahore eight years ago. Dayasiri Jayasekara said Sri Lanka was satisfied pered with the surface. Total (9 wickets; 50 overs) 230 with security preparations for the Twenty20 final in Lahore later in October “The BCCI has zero tolerance to- Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Guptill), 2-25 (Wil- despite reservations from some players. “It is safe for our team. I am accom- wards any activity that brings the liamson), 3-27 (Munro), 4-58 (Taylor), panying them to demonstrate that it is safe for us,” Jayasekara told reporters game into disrepute,” Amitabh 5-118 (Latham), 6-165 (Nicholls), 7-188 in Colombo. “The ICC (International Cricket Council) has also said it is safe for Choudhary, the BCCI’s acting honor- (de Grandhomme), 8-188 (Milne), 9-220 us to tour Pakistan.” Several top players have pulled out of the three-match ary secretary, said in a statement. (Santner) series starting Thursday in the United Arab Emirates, concerned about secu- The International Cricket Council Bowling: Kumar 10-0-45-3 (w1), Bum- rity when the final shifts to Lahore on October 29. Sources close to Sri Lanka’s said that it had launched an investiga- rah 10-2-38-2, Jadhav 8-0-31-0 (w1), cricket board say coach Nic Pothas will also not join the squad in Lahore. It will tion into the pitch tampering claims Pandya 4-0-23-1 (w2), Patel 10-1-54-1 be Sri Lanka’s first visit to Pakistan since 2009 when gunmen opened fire on “to establish the facts”. India’s Shikhar Dhawan jumps in air as he plays a shot during the second ODI (w1), Chahal 8-1-36-2 their squad bus, killing eight people and injuring seven visiting team members Another curator was swiftly drafted against New Zealand in Pune, India, yesterday. (AFP) and support staff . No top international side has played in Pakistan since the in before match referee Chris Broad INDIA (target 231) attack. Players who expressed concerns about security — including batsman inspected the pitch and gave the game Henry Nicholls top-scored for New Kohli made 29. R. Sharma c Munro b Southee 7 Chamara Kapugedara and bowler Suranga Lakmal, who survived the 2009 the go-ahead to start on schedule. Zealand with 42 while skipper Wil- The right-handed Karthik hit four S. Dhawan c Taylor b Milne 68 assault — have been dropped from the series. Skipper Upul Tharanga, fast New Zealand captain Kane Wil- liamson’s miserable series continued, fours, including the last shot of the V. Kohli c Latham b de Grandhomme 29 bowler Lasith Malinga and batsmen Niroshan Dickwella have also been left liamson won the toss and chose to adding just three runs to the six he game which took India past the 231- D. Karthik not out 64 out of the squad. Sri Lanka Cricket chief Thilanga Sumathipala will also travel bat as the visitors looked to clinch the made on Sunday. mark required to win. H. Pandya c Milne b Santner 30 to Lahore with the team. series with a victory following their Left-hander Dhawan hit fi ve fours “We spoke about needing to bounce M.S Dhoni not out 18 six-wicket win in the opening ODI in and two sixes during his 84-ball knock back, and we’ve done that,” said a de- Extras (lb7, w9) 16 Mumbai on Sunday. before driving straight at Ross Taylor lighted Kohli who hailed Dhawan and Total (4 wickets; 46 overs) 232 India had other ideas though and at cover for a simple catch off Adam Karthik. Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Sharma), 2-79 UPDATE restricted the Kiwis to 230-9. Milne. “Shikhar has been hitting the ball (Kohli), 3-145 (Dhawan), 4-204 (Pandya) Fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar New Zealand fast bowler Tim really well and he’s getting good runs Bowling: Southee 9-1-60-1, Boult 10-0- claimed three wickets while paceman Southee had earlier claimed the wicket at the top. Dinesh as well, getting cru- 54-0, Milne 8-1-21-1, Santner 10-0-38-1, Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Yuzvendra of Indian opener Rohit Sharma for just cial runs for himself and for the team,” de Grandhomme 7-0-40-1, Munro Australian reporter Chahal chipped in with two each. seven runs while Indian captain Virat the skipper added. 2-0-12-0 denies trying to ‘destroy’ BANGLADESH’S TOUR OF OPINION Windies star Gayle Skipper Shakib seeks Smith, Warner say no DPA Bangladesh turnaround to four-day Tests Sydney journalist accused of trying to AFP AFP cricket has been played, I think it’s “destroy” Jamaican cricketer Bloemfontein, South Africa Sydney great when you get into that fi fth day Chris Gayle, has told a Syd- and enter that last hour, I think it’s a ney defamation trial that the really cool part of the game.” articlesA he published on the controver- hakib Al Hasan will be Bang- ustralia captain Steve Smith Warner was even more strident in sial batsman were well researched, lo- ladesh’s third captain on a dis- and star opener David his opposition, saying: “I have no in- cal media reported yesterday. appointing tour of South Afri- Warner say they have no de- terest in four-day cricket”. Gayle, a former West Indies captain, ca as they seek to regain some sire to play four-day Tests “You have so many variables in Test is suing publishers Fairfax Media over prideS in two Twenty20 internationals, inA a setback to international cricket match cricket — you’ve got weather, a series of articles claiming that he starting in Bloemfontein today. chiefs who have fl oated the idea. some games might be only getting exposed himself to massage therapist Bangladesh’s all-time leading all- At a board meeting in Auck- three days but it just takes one day Leanne Russell at a training facility in rounder was reappointed T20 cap- land this month, the International to have that weather come in and it Sydney during the 2015 Cricket World tain after a seven-year gap following Cricket Council unveiled plans for can ruin it,” he told the same website. Cup. the retirement from the format of always expected to struggle in South a long-awaited, nine-nation Test “Then on the fl ip-side, it’s a Test. Fairfax Media journalist Chris Bar- Mashrafe Mortaza. African conditions, the bowlers have championship in a bid to preserve “It’s the longevity, being out there rett is accused by Gayle’s lawyer of He takes over a squad that has al- been the most conspicuous failures the fi ve-day format’s status follow- on your legs, it’s grit, determination, deliberately wanting to bring down his ready suff ered humiliating defeats in on the tour. ing the rapid growth of Twenty20. those things come to my mind to ac- client after a later controversial inci- two Test matches and three one-day In two Tests and three one-day in- Among a raft of other reforms, tually want to keep playing fi ve-day dent, in 2016, where Gayle asked sports internationals. ternationals, the bowlers have cap- it also agreed to experiment with cricket. Like a timeless Test (a feature reporter Mel McLaughlin to have a So poorly have Bangladesh per- tured only 23 wickets at a combined four-day Tests, with South Africa of Test cricket in the 1920s and ‘30s), drink with him during a live television broadcaster ABC. formed that Test captain Mushfi qur average of 100.21. and Zimbabwe set to trial the fi rst in it’s basically survival of the fi ttest.” interview. Gayle denies that he exposed him- Rahim and one-day skipper Mortaza South Africa, though, will be with- December. Cricket Australia chief James Gayle was slapped with a fi ne of self and says that the reports “greatly were unable to hide their frustration out inspirational captain Faf du Ples- But Smith and Warner are not Sutherland has expressed support 10,000 Australian dollars (7,770 US injured” his business and professional in comments to Bangladesh media. sis, who suff ered a lower back disc keen, even if the hours and over re- for the trial, but indicated earlier dollars) by his team, the Melbourne reputation, the Daily Telegraph re- “I am not able to motivate my play- injury in the fi nal one-day interna- quirements of each day are extended this month it was unlikely Australia Renegades, for those comments. ported. ers or guide my bowlers,” Rahim was tional, which will keep him out of ac- to reduce disparity with the tradi- would take part any time soon. Barrett told the court yesterday that Fairfax Media is standing by the arti- quoted as saying after the Tests. tion for six weeks. tional format. “We were supportive of the trial... he sought responses to the incident cles saying the allegations are true and Mortaza said after the one-day The South Africans lost a T20 se- “Personally, I like fi ve so I would I think it’s about learning, it’s about involving Russell from governing bod- were in the public interest. games that “neither the batsmen nor ries against Sri Lanka last season de- like to keep it at fi ve,” Smith said in innovation, it’s about understand- ies such as Cricket Australia and the The defamation case, which began the bowlers took responsibilities”. spite outclassing them in the Tests an interview with cricket.com.au. ing whether these sorts of things can International Cricket Council, before on Monday, is expected to last two While Bangladesh’s batsmen were and one-day games. “Just the traditional way that Test work,” he told reporters. writing the articles, according to local weeks.

Thursday, October 26, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

QNB STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Markhiya, Technical battle Kharaitiyat adds spice to aim to carry momentum

By Sports Reporter ‘Qatar Clasico’ Doha l Markhiya take on Al Kharaitiyat today in Laudrup will seek his first-ever win over Al Sadd as The Lions coach the fi rst of six matches scheduled in Round 6 ofA the QNB Stars League. The kick-off will be at 7:30pm at the Al Arabi Stadium today. The encounter promises to be exciting given that both sides had tasted their fi rst victory in the league in the last round. Newly- promoted Markhiya beat Al Khor 1-0, while Kharaitiyat had it easy over Al Gharafa 4-1. Kharaitiyat are seventh in Markhiya coach Youssef Adam the table with four points and and Kharaitiyat coach Ahmad Markhiya occupy the bottom po- al-Ajlani (below) sition on three points. Both will be keen to amass as many points as possible. It will also be the comeback match for Markhiya coach Youssef Adam, who was brought back replacing Egyptian Ayman Mansour. Yousef is expected to fi eld the same starting 11 from the previ- ous game — Mohamed Muntass- er (goalkeeper), Medhat Mostafa, Tijan Jaita, Saleh al-Yahri, Saleh al-Yazidi, Quami, Alain Tore, , Robin Ghareeb, Nasser al-Nasr and Mubarak al- Saadi. Al Ajlani is also unlikely to change his winning start list — Ahmed Sufyan (goalkeeper), Abdelrahman Mesbah, Abdel- If you can’t handle pressure, rahman Abdullah, Anwar Diba, then football isn’t your cup of Abdulla al-Anzi, Mohamed Ab- tea! We’re optimistic and hope delrab, Rachid Tiberkenine, Mah- to stay in the fi rst division. We moud Saad, Al Mahdi Lekhmaci, target 25 points to achieve that Ali Alloub and Josue Mohy. goal. Kharaitiyat are also com- Yousef Adam said he was keen ing off their fi rst win, so let’s look to start his second stint with forward to an interesting game,” Markhiya with a win. “I’m look- he added. ing forward to yet another stint Meanwhile, Kharaitiyat coach as the Al Markhiya coach. I’ve Ahmad al-Ajlani said it was an Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira (left) will look forward to continuing his superiority in recent times over his Al Rayyan counterpart Michael Laudrup. always been a part of Markhi- important game for both the ya family and I can’t wait for teams. “We know Markhiya are By Sports Reporter They clinched the fi rst leg on the back Laudrup was hoping to reverse the dous will kill us. We should be creating my comeback match against also on a high following their Doha of Baghdad Bounedjah’s hat-trick, and trend of defeats and get one over their more opportunities to score,” Laudrup Kharaitiyat. I also look forward to fi rst victory in this season’s goals from Xavi Hernandez and Jugurtha bitter rivals. “Of course, a big game and said. once again working closely with league. This is an important Hamroun. big date. We are keen to take on Al Sadd “We’ve a strong squad. Even if we the team management and play- game for both teams and I hope he technical confrontation be- The Wolves extended their superior- mainly because we want to reverse the change three or four main players, the ers,” said Yousef yesterday. we continue to win. I think our tween Al Sadd coach Jesualdo ity in the second leg, winning 4-1, with trend of defeats against them in recent squad is still stronger this season. When He praised Mansour for lead- confi dence should be more high, Ferreira and his Al Rayyan coun- Hamroun, Baghdad, Morteza Moham- times. We must be playing at our best, the going is good, things are smooth in ing Markhiyas to win in the pre- having beaten Al Gharafa by a big terpart Michael Laudrup will med and Abdelkarim Hassan scoring, with or without the ball. There’re some the team camp as well. We’ve already vious round. “Ayman did a good margin in the last round. We’ll Talso hog limelight during the QNB Stars while Rodrigo Tabata gave Al Rayyan’s outstanding players on both sides and it played seven games, including in the QSL job in between, leading the side still put in a lot of eff orts,” he said League Round 6 ‘Qatar Clasico’ at the Al sole reply. must be nice for the players to showcase Cup, and won six of them,” added the to its fi rst victory last week. He “The delay in registering the Sadd Stadium tomorrow. Al Sadd emerged as victorious when their skills and also for others to watch Dane. did well at both training and fi rst victory in a league compe- While Portuguese Ferreira looks for- they met in the Qatar Cup and also the them in action,” said Laudrup. matches, and I thank him for tition will put you in a spot. The ward to continuing his superiority over fi nal of Emir’s Cup last season. The Rayyan coach called it a vital FIXTURES that. Technically, the players same happened to us. The sooner Al Rayyan in recent times, Dane Laudrup Ahead of the Clasico, Al Sadd are sec- match, which will decide the outcome Today: Al Markhiya vs Al Kharaitiyat Al Arabi are now more ready for the top it happens, the better. Negative will seek his fi rst-ever win over Al Sadd as ond in the table with 15 points, behind Al of the league positions. “From the league Stadium 7:30pm fl ight and there’s more harmony results will erode the fi ghting The Lions coach. Duhail on goal diff erence, while Al Rayy- standings’ point of view too, this is an Tomorrow: Umm Salal vs Al Khor at Al Ghara- among them. They needed time qualities of players. If you take The ‘Qatar Clasico’ is sure to be a an are third on 12 points. Al Sadd have an important match for us. We want to fi nish fa Stadium 5:20pm; Al Ahli vs Al Arabi at Al to perform well as a unit among our fi rst four matches, we put humdinger of a match even though Al all-win record whereas Al Rayyan lost in the top four and play in the AFC Cham- Ahli Stadium 5:20pm; Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan the big sides. up a strong showing against Al Sadd hold an edge over Al Rayyan go- one game (to Al Duhail). Al Rayyan (15) pions League. We’ve to be really, really at Al Sadd Stadium 7:30pm “Some of our players weren’t Rayyan and Umm Salal. Then we ing by their current form. Last season, have scored more goals than Al Sadd (14), strong on the fi eld. If not, players like On Saturday: Qatar SC vs Al Sailiya at Al Du- in a position to attend our pre- conceded a late equaliser against when the teams clashed against each but the latter conceded less goals (fi ve) as Xavi (Hernandez), Baghdad (Bounedjah), hail Stadium 5:20pm; Al Duhail vs Al Gharafa season training camp. My players Al Khor and lost to Al Sailiya af- other, Al Sadd had won in both phases. against Al Rayyan’s nine. Jugurtha Hamroun and Hassan al-Hay- Al Duhail Stadium 7:30pm aren’t under pressure to perform. ter taking the lead,” he added.

FOCUS Qatar beach volleyball team return to a warm welcome We are improving with every outing: Al Arabi coach By Sports Reporter in the forthcoming fi xtures Doha against Al Ahli, Al Kharaitiyat and Al Gharafa,” he added. Al Ahli coach Joaquin Capar- l Arabi coach Qais ros said last week’s win against Yaakoubi has said his Qatar SC has given side a major team’s performance boost. have been improving “The productive show against steadilyA ahead of tomorrow’s Qatar SC last week helped us QNB Stars League match against break the jinx of being winless Al Ahli. “Our game is improving in the league this season. It also after every outing. Good results enabled us to leapfrog to ninth in come from good performances. the standings. My wards are mo- Al Ahli are a side with a lot of tivated and working more harder. quality players, so we aren’t tak- The last match result has really ing them lightly. We’re 11th in the boosted their confi dence. It isn’t standings and we need to garner that Qatar SC played badly and more points at this stage. We we won. On the other hand, we hope they come sooner rather played better than them,” said than later,” he said yesterday. Caparros. Yaakoubi said he is still trying “It’ll be a diff erent matter alto- to fi nd out best possible com- gether against Al Arabi. They’ve bination for his side. “My duty some good players and they’re is to prepare the side in the best a tricky team. They proved that possible way. We had changed against Al Sadd in the ‘Qatar 90 per cent of the team at the Derby’. We must bring out our start of this season. We’re still best if we’re to cherish any hope in the process of trying out vari- of a victory. Each game is diff er- The delegation of Qatar’s Beach Volleyball team was given a festive reception upon their arrival at Hamad International Airport on Tuesday after winning the 2017 Asia ous combinations and permuta- ent. We need to be equally good Pacific Beach Volleyball Championship in South Sumatra, Indonesia and the AVC Beach Volleyball Tour Grand Front Osaka Open. Ali Ghanim al-Kuwari, President of the tions. I’m particularly keen on at both off ence and defence, and Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) and Ahmad Hussain, Member of the QVA Beach Volleyball Committee received the delegation at Hamad International Airport. my wards staying in good shape, play at a high level. There’s a The QVA President Ali Ghanim al-Kuwari lauded the achievements accomplished by the team as the two events brought together some strong teams. On the other hand, mentally and physically. I’ve new-found harmony among our the QVA President Ali Ghanim al-Kuwari crowned Al Khor winners of the first U-19 national beach volleyball series. In the final match held on Tuesday, Al Khor defeated Al confi dence in them and I hope we players and we hope to capitalise Sadd 2-0 (21-10 21-6). Qatar SC settled in the third place following their victory over Al Gharafa in the placement match. can score more number of points on that for better results.”