SPORT Tuesday 29 November 2016 PAGE | 27 PAGE | 28 Cavaliers Ashwin's triple rally to beat strike leaves 76ers England reeling Top officials to join discussions at Soccerex Asian Forum in Doha Qatar ExxonMobil The Peninsula Open: Online ticket ll India Football Federa- sales begin today tion (AIFF) General Secretary Kushal Das and The Peninsula United Arab Emirates Football Association nline sales of tickets for the 2017 Qatar (UAEFA)A General Secretary, Moham- ExxonMobil Open, the 25th Anniver- med Hazzam Al Dhaheri will head a O sary edition, will start on the panel entitled “Breaking New Ground: organisers’ website www.qatartennis.com Asia’s New Football Event Hosts” at today. the upcoming Soccerex Asian Forum The event, which will be held in Doha on Decem- which will be held ber 5 and 6. from January 2-7 India will host a FIFA tournament at the Khalifa for the first time when the 2017 FIFA International U17 World Cup takes place at the Tennis and cricket-loving nation. Squash Complex, India has started to emerge on the is attracting some football scene with the rapid growth of the biggest of the Indian Super League over names in men’s recent years. Kushal has been a huge tennis including part of this, and will talk about how the newly United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) General Secretary, Mohammed Hazzam Al Dhaheri the upcoming FIFA tournament will crowned world continue to encourage growth and (left) and All India Football Federation (AIFF) General Secretary Kushal Das. No. 1 Andy Mur- development of the sport in the ray, the defending 2017 Qatar country. front of a home crowd, a chance the international PR firm Hill+Knowlton. champion and ExxonMobil Open For the UAE, hosting a major Officials share national team rarely has. For the UAE, With 25 years experience in public world No. 2 tournament is a more familiar thoughts hosting the FIFA Club World Cup ena- relations and media business across Novak Djokovic, Tournament Director responsibility than that of India, as bles the Champions of the UAE the Middle East including countries the 2012 cham- Karim Alami the country has previously held both UAEFA General Secretary Arabian Gulf League to compete such as Morocco, Tunisia, Bahrain and pion Jo-Wilfried the 2009 and 2010 FIFA Club World and AIFF General Secretary against the likes of Real Madrid will Egypt, Bashar will call on his signifi- Tsonga and Tomas Cup tournaments, and is preparing will head a panel entitled undoubtedly attract an influx of cant regional insight and Berdych among many others; who will be sweat- to host both the 2017 and 2018 edi- “Breaking New Ground: media attention, not to mention mil- communications expertise to drive ing it out for both cup and glory. tions of the competition as well as the Asia’s New Football Event lions of viewers around the world. the discussion. “Over the years, the Qatar Exxon Mobil AFC Asian Cup in 2019. Hosts” at the upcoming The chance for the club to be seen by Hosted with the support of the Open has developed to be one of the most Mohammed has been instrumen- Soccerex Asian Forum in that many people creates huge Supreme Committee for Delivery and sorts after tennis tournament in the region. tal in the securing of these Doha on December 5 and 6. growth opportunities for clubs, the Legacy and the Aspire Zone Founda- We are very happy to welcome the world once tournaments for the nation, beating league and the country in general, tion, the Soccerex Asian Forum will again to Doha for the silver anniversary edi- the likes of Iran, China, Lebanon, boosting infrastructure and creating feature expert insights from the top tion of this prestigious tournament. Once Oman, Thailand, Bahrain and Saudi country. a lasting legacy. of the football industry and high-level again, lovers of tennis will have the oppor- Arabia in the bidding process. As one Both nations will also benefit With both men pivotal to the networking opportunities for dele- tunity of watching their stars, including the of the most well developed countries from the fact that a host nation par- hosting of these events the Forum will gates, giving them a chance to recently crowned world No.1 Andy Murray, in the Asian region, the UAE has all ticipates in the tournament, meaning provide top level insight into major connect and mix with some of the key play live and direct in Doha. This year’s event the resources to stage global tour- the country has a real opportunity to event delivery in Asia and the learn- rights holders in the business. promises to be greater than the previous and naments, with state of the art raise the profile of the sport. With the ing’s that can be taken forward into More information on the Soccerex the fans will definitely have a swell time,” stadiums, viable transport methods, whole world watching, these global Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA Asian Forum in Qatar could be Tournament Director Karim Alami said. high quality hotels and the infra- competitions provide countries such World Cup. obtained by contacting Chris Brook- To purchase tickets and all other infor- structure needed in order to host and as India and the UAE with the chance The session will be moderated by man at chris.brookman@hkstrategies. mation please visit www.qatartennis.org grow the game further within the to show their abilities on the pitch in Bashar AlKadhi, the CEO, MENA of com or on +97156 505 9820. Record number of competitors vie for ‘Qatar’s Strongest Man’ title

The Peninsula and focusing on deadlifts to improve my strength. It’s he popularity of “Qatar’s impressive to see what Aspire Strongest Man” competi- Zone have done to promote T tion, spearheaded by healthy lifestyles through com- Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF), munity participation in exciting has encouraged the highest events like Qatar’s Strongest number of participants to date Man.” to take part in the fourth edition Members of the community of the tournament, bringing the are welcome to visit and cheer total number to 14 competitors for their favourite competitor who will face off on Friday, on Friday, December 02nd at December 2 at the Aspire Zone. designated spectator areas in Commenting on growing Aspire Park opposite the out- interest in the event, Abdullah door pitches from 3:00 – 8:30 Al Khater, Manager of Events at pm. AZF, said: “Our goal at Aspire Aspire Zone has also set up Zone Foundation is to continu- corresponding spectator events ally improve the quality and to make the day fun and enter- variety of events we offer to the taining for the entire family, community. The growing pop- such as You.fo training and per- Abdullah Al Khater, Manager of Events at Aspire Zone ularity of the competition has formances, kids’ activities and generated a lot of interest from Foundation, congratulates one of the participants during food stalls. participants looking for a the 2014 Qatar's Strongest Man competition in this file photo. Qatar’s Strongest Man com- chance to show off their skills RIGHT: Action from last year's competition. petition is a part of a year-round and strength. We are excited to series of events, hosted by AZF, see these ranks grow.” regulations of the competition weight and car lifting. Winners tests that assessed their fitness Christopher Oketch (Kenya). designed to promote sports The surge in popularity has and explain the point-system are decided based on a points- levels. Ishak Cibola of Kenya, who activities and encourage healthy enabled AZF to create two divi- ranking, ahead of the fourth edi- system, with points awarded The fastest participants to participates in the event for the lifestyles among community sions within the tournament: tion of the competition at the based on the speed and weight complete 200-kg-weight lifts second occasion, said: “I have members within competitive one for Qataris and one for AZF yesterday. with which participants com- and a 20-metre walk while car- been impressed with the level and professional settings. The expatriates and GCC visitors Qatar’s Strongest Man' ena- plete each challenge. rying 120 kg weights in each arm of competition this year, which tournament follows the recently who wish to partake in this bles participants to come The 14 participants quali- qualified to the final round. This has become significantly more concluded Aspire International competition and showcase their face-to-face in a number of fied to compete this year were year’s competition also wel- challenging. I have even 6.50 Race, the Aspire Splash and strength and endurance. challenges, including truck pull- chosen from 131 entrants after comes back defending switched up my training routine Dash, the Aquathon Series and The participants were ing, deadlifting, lifting sand successfully completing a series champion Fahad Al Haddad to stay ahead of my fellow par- the currently ongoing Aspire briefed on the rules and bags, flipping giant tyres, heavy of rigorous physical and health (Qatar) and the 2014 winner ticipants, training 5 days a week Banks Tournament. SPORT TUESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2016 27 Kenyan rugby Cavaliers rally to beat 76ers players call off Cavs dominate Cleveland Cavaliers' forward LeBron James bonus strike LeBron James and drives past Philadelphia Kevin Love power 76ers guard Gerald Nairobi the offence Henderson during the third AFP through three quarter at Wells Fargo quarters for the Center. The Cavs won enya's striking sevens players agreed to defending champs 112-108. resume training yesterday after a deal was reached to pay them their outstanding The Cavaliers have K bonuses for the 2015-2016 season, the Kenya the top record in Rugby Union said. the Eastern The bonus dispute had threatened Kenya's Conference and are participation in the opening leg of the HSBC World off to their best Series in Dubai this weekend. 15-game start in "The matter has been settled and the players team history. can now focus on the Dubai and Cape Town tour- naments," said KRU vice-chairman Thomas Opiyo. Los Angeles "It has been a tough week but finally we have AFP had a breakthrough and we can now concentrate on matters on the pitch." eBron James deliv- The team will, however, have very little time ered his third to train before their departure for Dubai later triple-double of yesterday. the season as the The players had demanded match-by-match Cleveland Cava- bonuses totalling about 20 million shillings Lliers are off to one of the best ($200,000) before they resume training. starts in franchise history A deal brokered by the Kenyan sports minis- with a 112-108 win over Phil- try will see government pay them 13 million adelphia on Sunday. shillings, while the national federation will foot James and Kevin Love the rest of the bill. powered the offence through The dispute had delayed the naming of the three quarters before Kyrie final 12-man touring squad, which new coach Irving took over in the fourth Innocent Simiyu announced yesterday. for the defending champion The world's leading sevens try scorer Collins Cavaliers who improved to Injera and fellow winger Oscar Ouma have been 13-2 on the season. tallied 12 points and 12 contributed 11 and Dario when the Kings faced a nine- NBA RESULTS left out of the squad for Dubai. Irving scored 20 of his 39 rebounds. The Cavaliers Saric added 10. point deficit. Cleveland ...... 112 Philadelphia .. 108 Ouma and Injera, who holds the all-time points in the final quarter, have the top record in the "They can go to another But the centre helped Denver ...... 120 Phoenix ...... 114 record of 235 tries, will also miss out on the Cape Love had 25 points and 11 Eastern Conference and are level and they did," 76ers Sacramento seize command Sacramento ....122 Brooklyn ...... 105 Town Sevens on December 10-11. rebounds and Cleveland ral- off to their best 15-game coach Brett Brown said. "We by shooting six of nine in the Milwaukee...... 104 Orlando ...... 96 Simiyu has included two new caps -- Brian lied from an early 14-point start in team history. all felt it and saw it. I feel third. Indiana ...... 91 LA Clippers ...... 70 Tanga and Darwin Mukidza -- in the squad that deficit to win at 76ers' Wells "Whoever has the hot that's the lesson we all Rudy Gay added 22 Dallas ...... 91 New Orleans ....81 will play Australia, France and Japan in Dubai.

Fargo Center. hand, we want to continue learned since we've been points, eight assists and eight Houston ...... 130 Portland ...... 114 The squad also features the return of Cyprian "When you have great to get it to him," James said. together." rebounds for the Kings. Dar- LA Lakers ...... 109 Atlanta ...... 94 Kuto of Menengai Cream Homeboyz and Kabras players, it can come from "Kyrie understands what Philadelphia closed a ren Collison contributed 18 Sugar's Dan Sikuta, while Leonard Mugaisi returns any of us at any given needs to be done in order for five-game homestand at 2-3. points for Sacramento. after a long injury lay-off. moment," said Irving. "When us to win. He showcased that "I think we're getting Sean Kilpatrick led the 19 points and Kenneth The Kenyan women's team will take part in one of us gets it going, we today." better," Brown said. Nets with 22 points, but Faried added 14 points and the women's international invitational category, always continue to go to that Joel Embiid had 22 DeMarcus Cousins Brooklyn was outscored nine rebounds for the and are drawn in Pool B where they will face Ire- person. It can be anybody's points and nine rebounds, scored 18 of his 37 points in 34-18 in the third quarter Nuggets. land, Belgium, Belgium and Tribe 7s. night. We're always trusting and Jahlil Okafor added 14 the third quarter and the and lost its seventh straight The backcourt of Eric each other. points and nine rebounds for Sacramento Kings snapped contest. Bledsoe and Devin Booker "That fourth quarter was Philadelphia, who lost to a seven-game road losing In Phoenix, Wilson combined for 65 points for just for me to be Cleveland for the eighth con- streak to Brooklyn with a Chandler scored 25 points Phoenix. PJ Tucker added 21 All Blacks coach aggressive." secutive time. 122-105 win. and Jameer Nelson added 21 points and Tyson Chandler James added 26 points, Ersan Ilyasova and Ger- Cousins got off to a slow to help the Denver Nuggets had 10 points and 15 13 assists and 10 rebounds ald Henderson scored 13 start by missing his first outgun the Phoenix Suns rebounds, but the Suns had Hansen turns focus for another triple-double points each, Sergio Rod- three shots and going zero 120-114. to play from behind the and Tristan Thompson riguez had 12, Nik Stauskas of five in the second quarter Emmanuel Mudiay had entire game. to Lions tour

Paris Hayes breaks drought as Boston beat Tampa Reuters fter wrapping up the season by beating France to earn a 13th win in 14 matches on Boston ASaturday, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen AP NHL RESULTS immediately turned his thoughts to next year's Winnipeg ...... 3 Nashville ...... 0 highly anticipated British and Irish Lions tour of immy Hayes capped Boston's Boston ...... 4 Tampa Bay ...... 1 New Zealand. three-goal second period with his Arizona ...... 2 Edmonton ...... 1 A first loss in 111 years to Ireland, who also Jfirst of the NHL season and Carolina ...... 3 Florida ...... 2 beat Australia, and the performances of an improv- Tuukka Rask stopped 30 shots as the Ottawa...... 2 NY Rangers ...... 0 ing Scotland and an impressive England under Bruins snapped a three-game losing Philadelphia ...... 5 Calgary ...... 3 Eddie Jones on the November end-of-season tours streak by beating the Tampa Bay has underscored the challenge his team will face Lightning 4-1 on Sunday. next June. Rask lost his bid for his fourth Only one Lions side have been successful in shutout with 2:39 to play when Vic- New Zealand, with the Carwyn James coached tor Hedman scored. But he improved 1971 team enthralling crowds with a toughened to 12-4. pack and mercurial backline, but Hansen said next David Pastrnak had his team- year's version would be incredibly tough to beat. leading 13th goal, and David Backes "They are probably going to be the best Lions and Dominic Moore also scored. team to come down for a long time, with what Ben Bishop made 26 saves for they have got to select," Hansen told reporters in Tampa Bay, which lost its second Paris. straight. He said he was planning a pre-season camp Hayes tipped David Krejci's pass for about 40 players in January to assess fitness into the top right corner late in the levels. second to make it 3-0. He then "It will allow them to go into Super Rugby in reached over his shoulder and the best nick that we can possibly get them into motioned as if he was removing his at that point," added Hansen. scoring drought from his shoulders. "Sometimes you get the luxury of allowing It was his first goal since Feb. 24. players to go through the June series and getting Boston scored just four total them in the right condition. They have got to turn goals in its previous three games. up in the right condition. In Raleigh, Jeff Skinner had a "We just can't afford anyone to be behind the goal and an assist in Carolina's 3-2 Boston Bruins centre Austin Czarnik (front) and Calgary Flames eight ball in June." win over Florida, who fired coach defenseman Brett Kulak vie for the puck during the third period at Hansen said he was relatively pleased with Gerard Gallant after the game. TD Garden in Boston, USA on Sunday. his side's performances this year, especially after Tom Rowe, who was promoted they lost so much experience with the interna- to general manager before the sea- tional retirements of six stalwarts following the son, will assume the coaching duties, getting his first of the season. in a shootout Friday night in the lengthy streak, as well as his own 2015 World Cup. said a source who spoke on condi- In Edmonton, Jamie McGinn desert. 15-1-1 lifetime mark against the While they romped through their first 10 tion of anonymity because the team broke a tie with 3:44 left and Mike The Coyotes have won three of Oilers. matches, the last four in November had proved hadn't announced the moves. Smith made 41 saves in Arizona's 2-1 their last four to improve to 8-10-2. In other games, Philadelphia extremely valuable for the coach ahead of the Carolina goalie Michael Leighton victory over the Oilers. They are also 21-0-4 against Edmon- won 5-3 at home to Calgary with Lions tour and looking towards the 2019 World stopped 31 shots in his first NHL McGinn was left all alone in front ton in the last 25 meetings, the Anthony Stolarz making 29 saves for Cup in Japan. game this season. Cam Ward started and beat goalie Cam Talbot to the longest stretch since Philadelphia his first NHL win, Ottawa won 2-0 The All Blacks' 40-29 loss to Ireland in Chi- the previous nine games for stick side. went 32 games in a row without a at the New York Rangers for its cago, a 21-9 victory in the return clash in Dublin Carolina. Radim Vrbata also scored to help regulation loss to Los Angeles more fourth straight victory, and Winni- before the season-ending 24-19 win over a much Viktor Stalberg and Derek Ryan the Coyotes complete a home-and- than 30 years ago. peg beat the visiting Nashville 3-0 improved France had been just what his side also scored for Carolina, with Ryan home sweep. They edged the Oilers Smith couldn't explain the to end a five-game losing streak. needed. 28 SPORT TUESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2016 Du Plessis is South Africa's hero, Australia's villain

SydneySydney triumph that sent hosts Australia era only by the great West Indies sides he got in this test match shows the per- ReutersReuters plummeting into crisis. of the 1980s and 90s. son that he is and the character he has." His contribution was not without "Mission successful," he told Du Plessis was delighted with the hat coach Russell DDomingo was controversy and he flirted with being reporters in Adelaide. way the pace bowling unit of Vernon forced to field a ququestion about Australia's Public Enemy Number One "The last four days wasn't planned Philander, Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Tthe captaincy of thethe South Africa when he was found guilty of ball tam- but Australia fought back nicely. We Abbott had "stepped up" in the team in the wake of the AAdelaide day- pering after being pictured applying came here to win the series, which we absence of Steyn. nightnight test was testimonytestim to the saliva to the ball with a mint in his did in Hobart. It was an incredible Asked how he would remember impact Faf du PlessisPl had on mouth. series to win it 2-1 and to do it three the series after all the furore sur- thethe series. His retort to being booed onto the times in a row is a huge effort." rounding the ball tampering verdict, Standing ini as skipper pitch at Adelaide, however, was an Domingo confirmed that the which he has appealed, du Plessis was for the injuredinjur AB de Vil- innings of 118 not out, a knock that totemic de Villiers would return as clear. liers and wwithout pace might have said nothing about his skipper for the home series against "I will remember it for winning the spearheadspearhead Dale Steyn integrity but spoke volumes about his Sri Lanka if he has recovered from his series. That's what we came here to for all bubut a day and ability to deal with pressure. elbow injury but paid tribute to the do," he said. a half ofo the cam- The Proteas lost the test despite contribution of his temporary "There was a little bit of huff and paigpaign,n the the century but that in no way dimin- replacement. puff over the last few days but to over- 32-year-old32-ye bats- ished his pleasure at South Africa's "He's been outstanding," said the come what happened and score that man delivered a third straight series triumph in Aus- coach. "The team supported him hundred is something I will remem- Faf du Plessis 2-2-11 series tralia, a feat matched in the modern throughout and just the hundred that ber forever."

Ton-up Taylor keeps focus to set Pakistan big target

Hamilton AFP

oss Taylor shrugged off his eye 369 problems to score a superb Pakistan chase a 369-run target Runbeaten century as New Zealand to win the second Test. They set Pakistan a formidable 369-run tar- will have to better the record get to win the second Test yesterday. fourth-innings succesful run Taylor finished 102 not out despite chase at Seddon Park, only being cleared to play two days 212 for 4 by Australia in 2000, before the Test after scarring on his left to save the two-Test series. eye grew bigger and threatened his vision. He is due to have surgery on Wednesday. Pakistan made an early breakthrough New Zealand declared late on the when they dismissed Jeet Raval for two fourth day in Hamilton at 313 for 5 and with the New Zealand score on 11, but Pakistan were one without loss after fac- they struggled to assert themselves ing three overs before stumps. despite the wicket continuing to show The tourists will have to better the life. Williamson and Latham fell in the record fourth-innings succesful run middle session, and Henry Nicholls (26) chase at Seddon Park of 212 for 4 by Aus- and Colin de Grandhomme (32) went tralia in 2000 to win on Tuesday's final after the tea interval as the target for day and save the two-Test series. Pakistan continued to grow. The highest fourth-innings total on New Zealand, having won the first the ground is 344 for 6 by Sri Lanka in a Test, need only a draw to beat Pakistan England's Alastair Cook is bowled out by India's Ravichandran Ashwin during their third Test cricket match drawn Test nearly 26 years ago. for the first time in 13 Test series dating at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali yesterday. New Zealand skipper Kane William- back to 1985. son called the innings to a close after a Taylor and Latham had both strug- trademark cut to the boundary from Tay- gled for runs through the recent South lor took him to his century. Africa and India tours as well as the first Earlier Tom Latham laid the foun- Test against Pakistan. dations for the declaration with a battling Taylor showed no sign of his vision Ashwin's triple strike 80 in a welcome return to form and Wil- problems when he opened his account liamson made 42. with a four off Imran Khan, setting the tone for an innings that contained 16 boundaries. He survived an lbw appeal on 16 in leaves England reeling what was otherwise a chanceless knock, placing the ball with precision, particu- larly with his cut stroke. Latham lived on the edge. He sur- Mohali Ashwin strikes bowler, soon trapped Ben surpassing his 68 at Lord's vived a runout appeal and had a moment AFP Stokes lbw for five as the in 2014, fell 10 runs short of apprehension when the big screen visitors slipped further. of his maiden Test ton. But mistakenly put up the word "out". avichandran Earlier the Indian his 80-run stand with Jay- On 41 he was dropped by Sami Aslam Ashwin rattled 134 innings saw five half-cen- ant Yadav underpinned and he made his way through lbw shouts. England's top Lower-order batsmen turies before the hosts, who India's impressive lower- But his luck deserted him when he order with three resumed the day on 271-6, order performance. tried to fend off a Wahab Riaz bouncer gave the hosts control wickets to leave were bowled out for 417 in The left-handed Jadeja, and the ball looped off his glovers to Sar- of the game in Mohali Rthem reeling on 78 for four the afternoon session. who started the day on 31, fraz Ahmed behind the stumps. at stumps on day three of to give India a 134-run Ravindra Jadeja top- took over responsibility for Wicketkeeper Ahmed was also in the the third Test yesterday, lead in the first innings. scored with a dominant 90 piloting the innings after action to remove Williamson who feath- still trailing India by 56. while Jayant Yadav's 55 -- the fall of his overnight ered a good-length Imran delivery in the The visitors had earlier his maiden fifty in only his partner Ashwin for 72. third over after lunch to break a 96-run conceded a 134-run first- second game -- gave the Ashwin's wicket ended stand with Latham. innings lead after India's England bowlers a frustrat- a 97-run seventh-wicket De Grandhomme contributed a lower-order batsmen gave 3 for 19 ing two sessions of play stand between him and whirlwind 32 off 21 balls to a 35-run part- the hosts control of the yesterday. Jadeja. nership with Taylor while BJ Watling was game in Mohali. Ravichandran Ashwin 's Seam bowler Stokes The pair had lifted India not out 15 at the close. At close of play Joe Root 3 for 19 has reduced claimed his third Test five- after the loss of four wick- For Pakistan, Imran was the most (36) and nightwatchman England to 78 for 4 at wicket haul while ets in the final session on effective bowler with three for 76 while Gareth Batty (0) were at the the end of day three of leg-spinner Adil Rashid Sunday. Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz took crease. third Test. took four wickets. Skipper Virat Kohli (62) a wicket each. Ashwin drew first The 27-year-old, and Cheteshwar Pujara (51) blood, getting England Jadeja, who registered his also contributed SCOREBOARD skipper Alastair Cook career-best Test score half-centuries. New Zealand (I innings): ...... 271 bowled for 12. from his end as he bam- Pakistan (I innings):...... 216 The England skipper boozled Moeen Ali (5) with SCOREBOARD New Zealand (II innings): had been living danger- a flighted delivery, causing J Raval lbw Amir ...... 2 ously, with two lbw calls the batsman to give away England (I innings): ...... 283 Bowling: Anderson 21-4-48-0; Woakes T Latham c Ahmed b Riaz ...... 80 against him going for a catch to mid-on. India (I innings): 24-7-86-0; Ali 13-1-33-0 (nb1); Rashid 38- K Williamson c Ahmed b Imran ...... 42 reviews, first by India and Root, who opened in M Vijay c Bairstow b Stokes ...... 12 6-118-4; Stokes 26.2-5-73-5 (w3); Batty R Taylor (not out) ...... 102 H Nicholls c Ahmed b Imran ...... 26 then by the batsman him- place of Hameed, tried to P Patel lbw Rashid ...... 42 16-0-47-0. C Pujara c Woakes b Rashid ...... 51 England (II innings): C de Grandhomme c Azhar b Imran ...... 32 self. But he survived only steady the innings with V Kohli c Bairstow b Stokes...... 62 A Cook b Ashwin ...... 12 B Watling (not out) ...... 15

to see his stumps shattered Jonny Bairstow, but the A Rahane lbw Rashid ...... 0 J Root (batting) ...... 36 Extras (LB-6, W-6, NB-2) ...... 14

later on. wicketkeeper-batsman's Total (for 5 wkts decl) ...... 313 K Nair (run out) ...... 4 M Ali c J Yadav b Ashwin ...... 5 England were already resistance did not last long. R Ashwin c Buttler b Stokes ...... 72 J Bairstow c Patel b J Yadav ...... 15 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-107, 3-159, 4-219, 5-254. hurt by the absence of Off-spinner Jayant R Jadeja c Woakes b Rashid ...... 90 B Stokes lbw Ashwin ...... 5 Bowling: Amir 22-4-86-1 (2w); Sohail 17-2-69-0; Imran teenage opener Haseeb Yadav got Bairstow, who J Yadav c Ali b Stokes ...... 55 G Batty (batting) ...... 0 20.3-4-76-3; Riaz 19-3-53-1 (2nb); Azhar 6-0-19-0; Shafiq U Yadav c Bairstow b Stokes ...... 12 Extras (B-4, LB-1) ...... 5 New Zeland's Ross Taylor plays a 1-0-4-0. Hameed, who is in danger top-scored with a dogged M Shami (not out) ...... 1 Total (for 4 wkts) ...... 78 Pakistan (II innings): of missing the series with a 89 in England's first innings defensive shot during day four of the Extras (B-8, LB-4, W-3, NB-1) ...... 16 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-39, 3-70, 4-78. second cricket Test match against Sami Aslam (batting) ...... 1 hand injury and has yet to of 283 but this time was Total (all out) ...... 417 Bowling: Shami 7-2-17-0; U Yadav 1-0-7- Azhar Ali (batting) ...... 0

bat in this innings. caught behind for 15. Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-73, 3-148, 4-152, 0; Ashwin 12-3-19-3; Jadeja 12-4-18-0; J Pakistan at Seddon Park in Hamilton Total (for no loss) ...... 1 Mystery spinner Ash- An unrelenting Ashwin, 5-156, 6-204, 7-301, 8-381, 9-414, 10-417. Yadav 6-1-12-1. yesterday. Bowling: Southee 2-1-1-0, Henry 1-1-0-0. win kept up the pressure the world's top-ranked Test TUESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 29 Argentina clinch maiden Davis Cup title

Zagreb Davis Cup straight back and forced the final Reuters twist to seal the contest in four Argentina joined the hours 53 minutes, laying the path rgentina lifted their list of Davis Cup for Delbonis to finish the job. first Davis Cup title winners after losing His team mate did so superbly, after Juan Martin Del all four finals they had holding serve throughout his one- Potro and Federico previously contested. sided contest with Karlovic as he Delbonis won Sun- kept running the Croatian ragged day'sA reverse singles to complete Battling Del Potro with punishing baseline shots. the South American nation's launched a ferocious The Argentine fans, includ- spectacular comeback in a 3-2 comeback and played ing the country's former soccer victory over hosts Croatia in the through the fifth set World Cup winner Diego Mara- final. with a broken finger dona in the VIP box, treated their Del Potro fought back from on his left hand. team to a standing ovation at the two sets down to beat Marin Cilic end of the tie as disappointed 6-7(4) 2-6 7-5 6-4 6-3 before home supporters left the Zagreb Delbonis swept aside Ivo Kar- catch a ball in the fifth set," Del Arena in a hurry. lovic 6-3 6-4 6-2 in the decisive Potro, who had struggled with Argentina coach Daniel rubber, sparking wild celebra- wrist injuries in recent years, told Orsanic, who has Croatian roots, tions among several thousand a news conference before rush- heaped praise on all his players away fans in the Zagreb Arena. ing back courtside to watch but singled out Del Potro's Argentina joined the list of Delbonis pick apart Karlovic. heroics. Davis Cup winners after losing "This was an emotionally "What Del Potro did was all four finals they had previously exhausting match and one of the amazing. He represents his coun- contested and their dismal biggest wins of my career. try with so much pride and he record in the title showdown Thanks to all those who pre- also showed how good a player appeared set to continue when vented me from retiring, I was he is," he said. Cilic came within a set of clinch- very close to never playing again "His achievement today bor- ing Croatia's second title. and, well, here I am." ders on the impossible, while The 2005 winners saw the Having clinched the opening Argentina's Leonardo Mayer, Federico Delbonis, Guido Pella, Juan martin del Potro and coach Federico played a perfect match red carpet pulled from under set tiebreak, Cilic raced through Daniel Orsanic celebrate with the trophy after beating Croatia to win the Davis Cup World and was on top of every ball their feet, however, as a battling the second set before Del Potro, Group final at the Arena hall in Zagreb, Croatia on Sunday. throughout the contest." Del Potro launched a ferocious who improved his record against A delighted Delbonis added: comeback and played through the Croatian to 9-2 in all com- "The team captain elected me to the fifth set with a broken finger petitions, started his comeback He broke Cilic's serve in the but fell behind again at the start favourite. Once again Del Potro play the final rubber but anyone on his left hand. with a passing shot between his ninth game of the fourth set and of the fifth, handing the initiative showed nerves of steel and the on this team is always ready to "It happened when I tried to legs. then held his own to draw level back to the home crowd heart of a lion as he broke step up."

Tennis-ATP Tour singles IOC urges 'unwavering commitment' by Tokyo standings Player Points Tokyo TOKYO 2020 over options for moving some Tokyo 2020 1 (1) Andy Murray (Britain) 12410 AFP venues intensified. Tokyo is eyeing ways 2 (2) Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 11780 to save money after warnings that costs 3 (3) Milos Raonic (Canada) 5450 okyo and other upcoming Olympic could hit an eye-watering $30bn -- four host cities must make an "unwaver- $30bn times the initial estimate and almost tri- 4 (4) Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) 5315 Ting commitment" to achieving a Tokyo is eyeing ways to save ple that of the 2012 London Olympics. 5 (5) Kei Nishikori (Japan) 4905 successful Games, the International Olym- money after warnings that costs Options include relocating venues for 6 (6) Marin Cilic (Croatia) 3650 pic Committee (IOC) urged on Monday, as could hit an eye-watering $30bn -- canoeing and rowing as well as volley- 7 (7) Gael Monfils (France) 3625 cost overruns plague the run-up to Tokyo's ball, and scaling back plans for a new four times the initial estimate and 2020 event. swimming venue. Koike and Bach agreed 8 (8) Dominic Thiem (Austria) 3415 almost triple that of the 2012 AOC backs $50m In a video message to a debriefing in last month to set up a working group to 9 (9) Rafa Nadal (Spain) 3300 the Japanese capital on the Rio Olympics, London Olympics. try to control costs. 10 (10)Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) 3060 lottery to keep IOC chief Thomas Bach hailed them as IOC official Christophe Dubi said ear- "marvellous games" held in a "marvellous lier this month the rowing and canoeing Australia in the city." Bach has previously praised the Rio could take place in Miyagi prefecture, 250 Tennis - WTA Tour "Organising the Olympic Games is an Games, which were generally seen as suc- miles (400 kilometres) north of Tokyo, singles standings sport race intensive process that requires creativity, cessful despite Brazil's political and and the volleyball in Yokohama south of Players Points discipline and collaboration with many economic crisis and security and attend- the capital, following recommendations Sydney people and stakeholders," he said. ance problems. from a Koike-appointed panel of experts. 1 (1)Angelique Kerber (Germany) 9080 Reuters "Most importantly, it requires unwa- Koike, now spearheading a cost-cut- But Tokyo officials have faced resist- 2 (2)Serena Williams (U.S.) 7050 vering commitment." ting fight, told the meeting that she wants ance from 2020 organisers, who argue that 3 (3)Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) 5600 ustralia's Olympic chief The three-day debriefing has drawn to learn from Rio, where she said materi- moving some events to Miyagi, which was 4 (4)Simona Halep (Romania) 5228 John Coates (pictured) senior officials from the IOC and Olym- als for some facilities were recycled to badly hit by Japan's 2011 tsunami disaster, 5 (5)Dominika Cibulkova (Slovakia) 4875 has backed calls for an pic organisers from Rio and Tokyo as well build a school. could actually cost more because the region A 6 (6)Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) 4600 a $50m ($37.35m) lottery to as the hosts of the Winter Games in 2018, Koike said that Tokyo wants to intro- lacks the proper infrastructure. boost funding for sport and South Korea's Pyeongchang, and 2022, duce a spirit of avoiding wastefulness by Dubi said on Sunday that detailed options 7 (7)Garbine Muguruza Blanco (Spain) 4236 keep the country competitive which are being held in Beijing. "drawing on efforts in Rio as well as the for moving some Tokyo venues would be pre- 8 (8)Madison Keys (U.S.) 4137 in the face of rising spending Among others taking part were Tokyo IOC's long experience, wisdom and sented at a meeting involving the IOC, Tokyo 9 (9)Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) 4115 by their rivals. governor Yuriko Koike and Rio de Janeiro knowledge". 2020 organisers, the Tokyo metropolitan gov- 10 (10) Johanna Konta (Britain) 3640 Sports-mad Australia has mayor Eduardo Paes. The debriefing came as negotiations ernment and the Japanese government today. traditionally punched above its weight at the Olympics but 10th place on the medals' table in Rio earlier this year continued a decline from Mercedes to confront Rosberg-Hamilton 'anarchy' fourth in Sydney in 2000 and Athens four years later. John Wylie, chairman of Abu Dhabi it mean?' Everything is Wolff may be more wor- the Australian Sports Com- AFP possible. ried by the prospect of a mission chairman, said on "Maybe we want to give revived challenge from Red Monday the country was at a ercedes' celebrations them more freedom next year, Bull and Ferrari after the rules "moment of truth" and called over Nico Rosberg's or go with the harsher side are changed. on the government to set up Mfirst world title have where we feel the values were Red Bull boss Christian an online lottery by the end been overshadowed by "anar- not respected. I am not sure Horner has made clear he of next year to benefit sport chy" between the world yet where my finger is going believes his team will mount and the arts. champion and Lewis to point or the needle is going a serious title bid next year. The call was supported by Hamilton. to go." "It's been an amazing sea- Mark Arbib, a former sports Some reports have said Hamilton has said Mer- son," Horner said. minister recently appointed the team could even punish cedes should have just let the "Our expectations at the Athletics Australia chief, and the Briton for slowing down teammates race out their beginning of the year were to Swimming Australia boss John the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on rivalry. get in the top-five so as to Bertrand. Australian Olympic Sunday in the hope that arch- "I don't think I did any- emerge as the nearest chal- Committee President John rival teammate Rosberg could thing dangerous, I don't think lenger to Mercedes." Coates also gave enthusiastic be overtaken and lose the title. I did anything unfair," said The 2017 season will see backing to the idea. Hamilton twice rejected Hamilton. heavier, faster cars, by up to "We are 100 percent sup- team instructions to speed up "We were fighting for the five seconds a lap, with wider portive of the lottery as Rosberg came under threat championship, I was in the wings and tyres. Many pad- proposal," he said. from Ferrari's Sebastian lead so I control the pace." dock observers believe this "Olympic sport is in des- Vettel. But Hamilton's behaviour will give Red Bull's highly- perate need of funding. We Mercedes chief Toto Wolff and future relationship with rated designer Adrian Newey are being out-funded by other said "It's very simple: anarchy Rosberg will be only one of a a chance to create another countries, particularly Brit- does not work in any team host of new challenges next race-winning machine. ain and Germany. I would and in any company. A prec- season when Formula One Horner believes the give the lottery wholehearted edent has been set." ushers in a raft of rule changes changes will up the pressure support and I hope it gets up." "Undermining a structure and faster cars. on Mercedes, who have won The Australian Sports in public means you are With the sport now owned the last three drivers' and Commission provides a major- putting yourself before the by US giant Liberty Media, the constructors' championships ity of the funding for most team." prospect of its number one following an era of Red Bull Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team's German driver Nico Rosberg Olympic sports but has seen its According to Wolff, Mer- box office attraction leaving domination when four-time celebrates at the end of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at government grant decline over cedes will "look at the overall the champion team is not champion Vettel won his the last five years. the Yas Marina circuit on Sunday. situation and say 'what does likely. titles. 30 SPORT TUESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2016 Barca fail to break Sociedad hoodoo, Atletico bounce back

Madrid Barcelona AFP 's Carlos Martinez (left) vies Vs with Barcelona's da Silva during Real Sociedad arcelona's winless theirLa Liga match at the Anoeta Stadium streak at Real Socie- Barca were fortunate in San Sebastian, Spain on Sunday. dad stretched to eight to escape without a games as the Spanish fifth consecutive champions were out- league defeat at Bplayed in a 1-1 draw on Sunday Juventus Aneota Stadium in that leaves them six points adrift San Sebastian. of leaders Real Madrid. A sumptuous finish from blown away Lionel Messi spared Barca's Sociedad were cruelly blushes after Willian Jose had denied 14 minutes by Genoa headed Sociedad into a deserved from time when lead just after half-time. Juanmi's finish from And Barca were fortunate to the rebound was Milan escape without a fifth consecu- wrongly ruled out for Reuters tive league defeat in San offside. Sebastian as Carlos Vela hit the enoa blew away Serie woodwork twice and Juanmi's A leaders Juventus on header was wrongly ruled out guilt-edged chance wide, whilst G Sunday, getting three for offside. Vela also fired off target when goals in an astonishing first "It is almost a miracle that well-placed inside the area half-hour on the way to a pul- we took a point," Barca boss Luis before the break. sating 3-1 win. Enrique told BeIN Sports Spain. The visitors' first effort on Giovanni Simeone (pic- "Real Sociedad were infi- target came on 50 minutes when tured), the 21-year-old son of nitely better than us with and Geronimo Rulli turned behind Atletico Madrid coach Diego, without the ball. They won all the Neymar's free-kick. scored twice in the first 15 battles." However, Sociedad went in minutes before Alex Sandro A point is enough to move front three minutes later when when a wonderful hit by Vela with the scores still level at 0-0. Madrid. "Oblak was decisive with put through his own goal on Barca up to second, but they now Pique, who played on in the sec- came back off the underside of Godin nodded home Koke's the penalty save and after God- a miserable afternoon for the desperately need to beat Madrid ond-half with a severely the bar and substitute Juanmi's corner nine minutes before half- in's goal we felt more Turin side. in the first El Clasico of the sea- strapped ankle, could only slash finish from the rebound was time and almost straight from comfortable," added Simeone. Miralem Pjanic pulled one son at the Camp Nou on Jose's effort into his own net after wrongly ruled out for offside. kick-off Angel Correa released "In the second half we were back for the titleholders when Saturday. Marc-Andre ter Stegen had Asier Illarramendi then Gameiro to double Atletico's a lot more organised and had he curled in a free kick in the Earlier, Atletico Madrid got blocked Vela's initial effort. cleared off the line from Denis lead. more of a collective effort which 82nd minute. back to winning ways and Neymar started up front for Suarez at the other end before Substitute Carrasco rounded allowed us to kill off the game." It was the first time since moved back into the top four as Barca despite suffering a minor Vela struck the woodwork again off the scoring with his eighth Granada remain winless and October 2005 that Juventus goals from Diego Godin, Kevin car accident in his Ferrari on Sun- with a low effort that clipped the goal of the season in stoppage rooted to the bottom after a 3-1 had conceded three goals in Gameiro and Yannick Carrasco day morning.And the Brazilian post in a frantic finale. time. defeat at Celta Vigo. the first half of a ensured a comfortable 3-0 win finally kickstarted a lame Barca Atletico had suffered back- "It was a very important match. at Osasuna. display six minutes later as he to-back La Liga defeats for the game for us for the way in which LA LIGA Juve's defeat was good Barcelona still haven't won burst down the left and crossed first time in four years at the we ended up playing," said RESULTS news for the title race as it in San Sebastian since 2007, but for Messi to apply a characteristi- hands of Sociedad and Real Atletico coach . Sunday allowed AS Roma and AC were grateful for the point as cally clinical finish for his 19th goal Madrid in recent weeks. Atletico leapfrog Villarreal, Villarreal 0 - 2 Alaves Milan to move within four

Sociedad failed to cash in on in 16 games this season. However, they never looked who earlier lost 2-0 at home to Osasuna 0 - 3 Atletico Madrid points of them. their superiority. Sociedad were cruelly in danger after Jan Oblak had Alaves, into fourth and move Celta Vigo 3 - 1 Granada Roma beat Pescara 3-2 in Xabi Prieto headed a denied 14 minutes from time saved Roberto Torres's penalty back to within nine points of Real Real Sociedad 1 - 1 Barcelona the late game, thanks for a flying start by Edin Dzeko who scored twice in the first 10 minutes to take his tally for the season to 12. PSG beat Lyon and turn up pressure on Nice Milan had won 4-1 at Empoli on Saturday. Juventus coach Massimil- Paris Kingdom due to a recent conviction An improving PSG are unbeaten iano Allegri recognised that AFP for assaulting a police officer. in their last 11 games in all competi- his side had been outmuscled They went in front at the Parc OL tions and are turning up the pressure by their opponents. aris Saint-Germain closed to on the half-hour mark as Cavani net- on Nice, as are Monaco, who beat Mar- "There's only one way to within a point of leaders Nice in ted from the penalty spot after Rafael seille 4-0 on Saturday. sum up the game: we suffered Paris Saint- Ligue 1 on Sunday as Edinson was penalised for kicking Thiago Nice were again missing Mario 25 fouls and we only commit- Germain's Edinson P Cavani's brace secured an impressive Motta in the area. Balotelli against Bastia due to a calf ted eight ourselves, and when Cavani celebrates 2-1 win away to Lyon. Lyon were poor in the first half but injury but they went in front at the Alli- you suffer physically, then after scoring a goal Cavani opened the scoring with a coach Bruno Genesio sent on Valbuena anz Riviera when top scorer Alassane you are going to lose the against Olympique penalty only for Mathieu Valbuena to and Nabil Fekir at the restart and was Plea headed in his eighth of the sea- game," he said. Lyonnais during equalise, but the Uruguayan headed rewarded with an equaliser in the 48th son early on. Genoa, ninth in the table their French L1 in the winner nine minutes from time minute. However, struggling Bastia -- who with 19 points, went ahead match at the for his 18th goal of the season in all Rafael cut in from the right and had not won any of their previous six with an extraordinary goal Parc Olympique competitions. curled a shot off the far post, but the league outings -- equalised on the after just three minutes. Lyonnais Stadium Nice, who were held to a 1-1 draw ball fell to France Valbuena, hour as Enzo Crivelli followed up to Juventus defender Leon- in Decines- at home by Bastia earlier in the day, who converted for his first Ligue 1 goal score after goalkeeper Yoan Cardinale ardo Bonucci lost possession Charpieu, France finish the weekend where they started in more than a year. had come out and saved from Yan- and Luca Rigoni sprinted on sunday. it, on top of the table, but they are now However, Paris showed great nick Cahuzac. clear. only a single point better off than in- resolve to win the game, substitute Tho- Saint-Etienne won 2-1 at Angers Lazio and Atalanta both form Monaco and Paris. mas Meunier breaking forward down earlier in the day to go eighth. won to move on to 28 points, PSG had Serge Aurier back in the the right with Aurier and crossing for There is more action in France one behind Roma and Milan. side after he missed the midweek Cavani to head in at the back post. The in midweek, with Monaco at Dijon Palermo are now level at Champions League trip to Arsenal as Uruguayan now has 13 league goals this today before Nice visit Guingamp the bottom on six points with British authorities barred the Ivorian season and 99 goals in total for the club and PSG entertain Angers tomor- Crotone who drew 1-1 with international from entering the United he joined from Napoli in 2013. row evening. Sampdoria. Mourinho's two reds set another landmark Manchester four, definitely will be as United a halftime rant against the offi- match with arch-rivals Reuters ponder their worst league start cial also in a West Ham match. Liverpool. since 1990-91. It was striking how Mourin- All of which could mean more anchester United's Jose When you have won 22 tro- ho's second sending off in a post-match media work for Mourinho is fond of set- phies, eight league titles and the month - he incurred the wrath of Mourinho's assistant Rui Faria, M ting landmarks as a world coach of the year accolade, referee Mark Clattenburg in a who blamed their luck. manager but becoming the first it is a bit of a comedown to now draw with Burnley at Old Traf- Yet, in truth, there has been individual to be sent off twice in be dealing in the most red-carded ford in late October -- coincided little that is unlucky about Unit- this season's Premier League is manager category. with another disappointing ed's failure to turn dominance not one he will covet. Mourinho's latest sending off United showing against lowly into points as their blunt edge in No player in England's top flight was for a show of petulance when opponents. front of goal has seen Stoke City, has yet been shown two red cards he booted away a water bottle Whether his ill-discipline at Burnley, Arsenal and now West this term but now an angry man in down the touchline in frustration Old Trafford could be linked to Ham outplayed but game enough a big coat has beaten them all to it after referee Jon Moss had booked United's impotence in those two to hang on for a point. following Mourinho's dismissal dur- United's Paul Pogba for diving in matches is open to question, but "The reality is that we are play- ing United's 1-1 draw at home to the first half. there is no doubt that Mourinho's ing well," Faria said. "We create the West Ham United on Sunday. Referees in England are behaviour is becoming an opportunities but we are not scor- If all that is not of great con- clamping down on dissent and increasingly expensive failing. ing the goals and we are suffering. Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho (right) cern to Mourinho, then the plight this flagrant one prompted Moss Last month, he was fined We can say we are unlucky and in is sent off by referee Jonathan Moss during their of his expensively-assembled to send Mourinho to the stands, £50,000 ($62,400.00) by the FA the last matches we should get dif- match against West Ham in the Old Trafford team, now 11 points off the pace just as he did last year when the after comments about referee ferent results. We all believe the Stadium, in Manchester, England on Sunday. and losing touch with the top Portuguese, then at Chelsea, had Anthony Taylor before United's results will appear." TUESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 31

QSL: Maqsoud returns for EPL: Chelsea remain on top as Al Arabi The Peninsula

atar Stars League (QSL) rivals feel edgy after round 13 outfit Al Arabi are set to Qwelcome back key midfielder Ahmed Maqsoud into the squad ahead of their London Winning streak match against bottom of the AFP Chelsea's Pedro table Al Wakrah in the ninth celebrates round later this week. helsea stayed top, scoring their first Maqsoud sat out of his Manchester City reg- 6 goal with Gary side's 3-2 Doha derby defeat istered a gritty win at For former EPL champions Cahill in this file to bitter rivals Al Sadd after Burnley, Manchester Chelsea, it was another photo taken on picking up a calf injury. United lost more round of celebration November 26, "Thankfully for Al Arabi, C ground following yet another following their 2-1 win. 2016. Chelsea Maqsoud has been given the home draw and Liverpool were won 2-1. all clear to return to training left sweating on Philippe with his side," a club official Coutinho. said. Here are five things we 2 The Dream Team are set learned in the Premier League Liverpool's 2-0 win over to take on Al Wakrah on this weekend: Thursday evening in what Sunderland wasn't exactly Chelsea can mix it too could be a potential relega- good news after Philippe Chelsea stormed to the top tion six pointer for the side. \ of the Premier League with a run Coutinho got injured. Al Arabi are currently in of six successive wins in which the QSL relegation zone in they generally outclassed their twelfth place with just six opponents. Manchester City's scruffy 2-1 points from their opening But Saturday's 2-1 comeback win over Burnley on Saturday eight QSL games. victory over Tottenham Hotspur might have scored low on style showed they are also capable of points, but for Pep Guardiola, the Liverpool must learn to live They may boast one of the a few sleepless nights after the going toe-to-toe with teams who trip to Turf Moor underlined the without Coutinho most star-studded squads in birth of his second child, but the prove themselves to be on the importance of his squad's Liverpool's 2-0 win over world football, but Manchester Arsenal winger produced a wel- Martin absent same level. strength in depth. Sunderland came at the cost of United are currently experienc- come delivery of his own to put Christian Eriksen gave Spurs The City manager made five an injury to Brazilian playmaker ing a damaging goal shortage in his side on course for a 3-1 win for Lekhwiya's an 11th-minute lead and Mauri- changes to his starting line-up Philippe Coutinho, who could be the Premier League. over Bournemouth. Walcott's cio Pochettino's side were truly following the mid-week Cham- out until the New Year with sus- Their 1-1 draw with West partner Melanie did the hard round 9 clash dominant in the first half, but pions League draw against pected ankle ligament damage. Ham United on Sunday was their work in bringing baby Arlo into goals either side of half-time by Borussia Moenchengladbach as The 24-year-old has been Liv- fourth home league stalemate in the world on Friday and the Eng- Pedro Rodriguez and Victor he wanted "fresh legs". erpool's key attacking player to succession -- something they last land international marked the The Peninsula Moses turned the game on its The switches included leav- date this season, supplying five experienced in 1980 -- and in occasion with the crucial second head. ing out defender John Stones and goals and six assists and report- those games they have scored goal at the Emirates Stadium on SL side Lekhwiya will Chelsea got to grips with putting key midfielder Kevin De edly attracting interest from just three goals. Sunday. be without influential Spurs' high press and withstood Bruyne on the bench. Burnley Barcelona. United showed they know Callum Wilson cancelled out Q midfielder Luiz Martin the visitors' physicality in mid- took a 14th-minute lead through With fellow schemer Adam where the goal is in Thursday's Alexis Sanchez's opener for Arse- for their round nine clash field to reclaim their place at the Dean Marney's volley, but City Lallana currently nursing a groin 4-0 Europa League win over nal with a contentious penalty, against Al Sailiya, the club league summit. hit back to win via a pair of injury and Sadio Mane set for Feyenoord, but their profligacy but Walcott produced a rare said yesterday. They visit Pep Guardiola's scrappy Sergio Aguero goals Africa Cup of Nations duty with in the league is costing them. header from 's The Qatar international is Manchester City next weekend either side of half-time. Senegal in January, manager Jur- They currently stand in sixth 53rd-minute cross -- celebrat- set to serve a one-match ban looking to record an eighth suc- City showed character to gen Klopp finds himself without place, a gaping 11 points below ing with a 'rock the baby' gesture after picking up his fourth cessive league victory for the first survive Burnley's late pressure Coutinho at a particularly unfor- leaders Chelsea after just 13 -- to restore the hosts' lead. yellow card of the season, in time since 2010. and record successive league tunate juncture. matches. Sanchez's second goal his sides 3-2 victory over Man City have depth in wins for the first time since Man United's scoring prob- Walcott is a happy dad secured victory as Arsenal ended Umm Salal last time out. resources and spirit September. lems are chronic Theo Walcott might be in for a run of three straight draws. In other news, Lekhwiya will welcome back Moham- med Tresor into contention after the defender served his QSL SCHEDULE one match ban against Umm Salal after seeing red in his December 1 sides 2-2 draw with Al 16:00 Lekhwiya vs Al Sailiyah at Lekhwiya Stadium Rayyan. 18:10 Muaither vs Umm Salal at Al Gharafa Stadium The Red Knights will be 18:10 Al Wakrah vs Al Arabi at Al Wakrah Stadium aiming to maintain their December 2 unbeaten streak in the league 16:00 Al Sadd vs Al Khor At Al Sadd Stadium when they take on an Al 16:00 Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Shahania at Al Khor Stadium Sailiya side who has returned 18:10 Al Ahli vs El Jaish at Al Ahli Stadium to form in recent weeks. December 3 17:40 Al Gharafa vs Al Rayyan at Al Gharafa Stadium Al Kharaitiyat are facing Sochi stadium completed for injury crisis World Cup in 2018: Official The Peninsula Moscow AP SL strugglers Al Kharaitiyat are facing fficials overseeing World Cup preparations in the south- Qan injury crisis ahead of QSL giants Al Gharafa, ern Russian city of Sochi say construction work on the their round nine game against Ocity's stadium has finished on time. Al Shahania. The stadium held the opening and closing ceremonies of The Thunders could be the 2014 Winter Olympics, but has yet to host a soccer game without three key players because it needed extensive modifications to remove a tempo- ahead of their Friday after- Al Rayyan in key clash rary roof and increase capacity from 40,000 to 47,700. noon game. Sochi is one of four host cities for next year's Confedera- The club confirmed last tions Cup, a World Cup warm-up tournament. night that striker Jaralla Al The Peninsula few chances against the most Al Rayyan head coach has cer- Regional officials also say 150 Cossacks will be drafted in Marri suffered a knock dur- miserly defence in the Qatar tainly curbed the Lions attacking to help with Confederations Cup security. Cossacks, a paramil- ing his sides 1-0 defeat to El l Gharafa will take on the Stars League in Al Rayyan. traits in the games against itary group dating back to Czarist times, attracted criticism Jaish. Al Marri joins fellow reigning QSL champions That’s why striker Krisztian tougher opposition. when they provided security at the Sochi Olympics and used strikers Jeremy Bokila and A Al Rayyan in the QSL Nemeth will have to be at his In both match ups against whips to break up a performance by opposition punk group Lassina Diaby on the injury match of the week for round best if Al Gharafa is to pull off title rivals El Jaish and Lekhwiya, Pussy Riot. list for Kharaitiyat with both nine. Both sides are on unde- an upset. Al Rayyan preferred to be prag- Bokila and Diaby missing out feated streaks this season, and The Hungarian international matic, electing to take teams on against El Jaish. are only separated by two points is in a rich vein of form at the the counter attack. Laudrup may Barcelona's injured Alba is a Al Kharaitiyat will now be in the QSL standings. moment, picking up three goals take a similar stance against an hoping that one of the injured As for the hosts Al Gharafa in his last four league games. Al Gharafa side that boasts one major doubt for El Clasico trio can return to fitness in they are undefeated in six QSL Al Gharafa fans will be hop- of the most enviable attacks in time ahead of the game to games, and are on a run of three ing that the former Sporting the QSL. Barcelona lead the line against Al Sha- straight victories in the league. Kansas City man can find the As ever, captain Tabata is Reuters hania. Ahmad Al-Ajlani’s side Charismatic head coach back of the net for his side. enjoying a solid season in front is currently in thirteenth place Pedro Caixina has been happy Whilst for Al Rayyan, they of goal for Al Rayyan. The Qatar arcelona left back Jordi Alba is doubtful for Saturday's Cla- in the QSL standings and has with the squad’s spirit in recent have yet to taste defeat this sea- international has four goals in sico against Real Madrid at the Nou Camp due to ankle and four points from eight games weeks insisting that their slow son and have been quietly going the last three QSL games, and Bknee problems, the club said yesterday. this season. start is well and truly behind about their business of retain- the veteran attacker will be Alba started Sunday's 1-1 Liga draw at Real Sociedad but missed Al Kharaitiyat Club, them. ing their QSL falcon shield under expected to lead his side to vic- Monday's training session and tests confirmed a heavy bruise on despite of the fact that it is Al Gharafa needed an 88th new coach Michael Laudrup. tory on Saturday evening. his right knee and a right ankle strain. newly founded, have proven minute penalty from Moham- Last time out they edged out Saturday’s match up "How he evolves will determine his availability for the next their worthiness of compet- med Razak to secure a 2-1 newly promoted Muaither 1-0 between two in form sides in Al few games." said a Barca statement. ing in the QSL. Kharaitiyat victory over a resolute Al Khor thanks to a second half strike Gharafa and Al Rayyan is poised A hamstring injury has limited the Spain international to just Sports Club doesn’t own an side. from captain Rodrigo Tabata. to be a potential match of the six league starts this season. Turkish midfielder Arda Turan missed official venue/stadium, utiliz- Al Gharafa is likely to have Laudrup’s appointment as season contender. Sunday's game with flu but has recovered. ing the venues of other clubs.