SPORT Thursday 1 November 2018 PAGE | 28 PAGE | 30 Lehmann says Barshim says Doha players suffering Worlds and Tokyo after scandal Games next targets

Infantino says 48 teams ‘feasible’ for Qatar 2022

AFPAFP decided... to increase the number “You will have (a bigger) feasibility studies and we will be (eight) stadiums will be ready,” of teams participating in the chance. It is possible. It is fea- in a better position to provide a Al Thawadi said. KUALAKUALA LLUMPUR: FIFA Pres- World Cup final tournaments sible. We are discussing with our feedback in the future,” he said. “This is the first World Cup in identident GiGiannia Infantino said from 32 to 48,” Infantino told the Qatari friends. We are discussing “But it will be decided the Middle East and is a perfect expandingexpanding the 2022 World Cup Asian Football Confederation’s with many other friends in the before the qualifications... opportunity to bring people toto 48 teteamsa was “feasible” annual congress in Kuala region. We hope we have it sometime in the first quarter of together and contribute to the yesterday,yesterday as hosts Qatar Lumpur. happen. We always have to try,” next year.” process of healing,” he added. pledgedpledged ttoo come to a decision in “It will happen in 2026. Will he said. He added that preparations Ahead of FIFA’s Presidential the earlyearly partp of next year. it happen in 2022? You know The Secretary-General of the remained on track despite the election next year, Infantino said InfantinoInfan said “Why not?” me. It is possible. It is possible. Supreme Committee for Delivery blockade, and that the budget of 180 out of the 211 federations bringbring forforwardw the expansion Why not?” he added. & Legacy (SC) Hassan al $200bn for the entire infra- had given him their support. fromfrom 3322 teams to 48, which is Infantino said an expanded Thawadi, told AFP that Qatar structure, including metro and “You know there is an FIFA currentlycurr due at the 2026 tournament would see Asia’s was studying the 48 teams pro- expressway, has not been election coming. I have President tournamentto in the allocation rise from 4.5 places posal and would make a decision affected. announced I will be a (Presi- Gianni UnitedU States, Canada to 8.5, raising cheers from the before qualifying gets under “We are very happy and dential) candidate. I have Infantino anda Mexico. delegates in the Malaysian way. excited with the progress. It is received over 180 letters of “We have capital. “We are still looking at the on track. By 2020-2021 all our support,” he said. Pinheiro wants team to stay focused as Qatar eye berth in AFC U-19 final THE PENINSULA

BOGOR, INDONESIA: Qatar head coach Bruno Pinheiro has called on Qatar to remain focused on winning the title despite enjoying the FIFA 2019 U-20 World Cup qualification as they face South Korea in the AFC U-19 semi-final today. Pakistani cricketers celebrate The Qatari youngsters made it to the after New Zealand’s Colin de semi-finals in Indonesia following a dom- Grandhomme was dismissed, inant 7-3 win over Thailand that also saw during their first T20 cricket them book a spot at next year’s global match yesterday. spectacle which will be held in Poland. “It is sometimes normal for a team to relax a little after qualifying for some- T20 against thing such as a World Cup,“ the Portu- guese tactician said yesterday. NZ: Pakistan “We will not be relaxing though. Of course, it was important for us to reach draw first the World Cup so that we could pit our- selves against the planet’s best players blood and coaches, but this team has the potential to go even further (in this com- AFP petition),” Pinheiro said ahead of today’s crunch tie. “It is now a question of preparing the ABU DHABI: Pakistan beat New team both physically and mentally. We Zealand by two runs in the first always want to win every game we play, Twenty20 international in a last and I am not expecting anything different over thriller in Abu Dhabi from my team against Korea Republic,” Qatari under-19 players in action during a practice session inin Bogor, IndonesiaIndonesia QatarQatar yesterday to take a 1-0 lead in he said. yesterday, ahead of their AFC U-19 semi-final match againstgainst SouthSouth KoreaKorea Under-19Under-19 the three-match series. High scoring games have been a which will be played today. coachcoach BBrunoruno New Zealand needed a six feature of Qatar’s campaign thus far, with PPinheiroinheiro off the last ball to tie the match a 6-5 group stage defeat of Indonesia and against Qatar iss but managed a boundary to a 7-3 win in the quarter-finals amongst not only a finish at 146-6 in 20 overs. their successes. crucial semi-- Pakistan’s best bowler was With the Qataris just two wins away Of course, it was important final, but alsoo Hasan Ali who finished with from repeating their 2014 title success, the first step in 3-35. Pinheiro is adamant however that his for us to reach the World our preparationtion Pakistan made 148-6 with side’s approach will not change in the Cup so that we could pit for the World Cup.”Cup.” Mohammad Hafeez (45), Sarfraz semi-finals where they will be without ourselves against the Korea Republic’spublic’s Ahmed (34) and Asif Ali (24) main run getters after they won the suspended Ahmed Suhail. planet’s best players and plans will not, however, “Korea Republic are a difficult team, include strikerer OhOh Se-hunSe-hun the toss and batted. and it will be a very tough game for us, coaches, but this team who is serving a one-match ban Adam Milne took 2 for 28. but we will play our usual brand of has the potential to go after picking up yellowyellow cards agagainstainst Pakistan, who had completed football, which is to have the ball as much even further (in this Vietnam and TTajikistan.ajikistan. a 3-0 whitewash of Australia as possible and to make the most of our Despite thee 19-year-old’s absence, on Sunday, brought back left- possession in the final third,” Pinheiro competition): Pinheiro Chung believesves the Koreans have arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi said. enough qualityy in reserve to cope, and in place of another fast bowler “We are not about to change our 13th AFC U-19 Championship title. is viewing thee chancechance to utiutiliselise aalter-lter- Usman Shinwari. approach. It really does not matter if you “My players have been under a lot of native personnelonnel as a ddistinctistinct The remaining two matches win 5-4 or if you win 1-0. The most pressure during this tournament, but I positive. will be played in Dubai important thing is to win.” believe now is the time for them to “Our playersers are still young, and tomorrow and on Sunday. Meanwhile, South Korea’s head coach approach the game with more confidence they have beenen preparing for a long Brief Scores: Chung Jung-yong has urged Korea rather than be affected by any pressure,” time for this competitioncompetition both backback Pakiatan: 148 for 6 (Asif Republic to take a confident approach he said ahead of the encounter at Bogor’s home and herere in Indonesia. We have Ali 24, Mohammad Hafeez 45, into today’s semi-final. Pakansari Stadium. some of the squaduad who are takintakingg more Sarfraz Ahmed 34, Faheem Chung’s talented charges are set to “I think that the situation has told on time to recoverver afterafter thethe lastlast match,match, Ashraf 10 n.o., Imad Wasim 14 face the West Asians after topping Group us at times, and because of it we have not some who are carrying knocks and one n.o.; AY Patel 1 for 27, AF Milne C and then seeing off Tajikistan in the always played as well as we know we who is suspended,”nded,” he explainedexplained.. 2 for 28, C de Grandhomme 1 quarter-finals – a win which guaranteed can. Nevertheless, we have reached the “There aree also,also, ooff course, pplayerslayers for 24, IS Sodhi 1 for 24) them a place at next year’s FIFA U-20 semi-finals, so I hope my team will forget who have nott had an opportunity to New Zealand: 146 for 6 (C World Cup. about the pressure surrounding the game feature much,, this is therefore a great Munro 58, GD Phillips 12, KS With Korea Republic’s initial target and do their very best against Qatar. opportunity foror them to do jjustust that. Williamson 11, LRPL Taylor 42 already achieved, Chung is hoping for “The first goal for all the teams here “Indeed, wwhenhen tthesehese playersplayers n.o.; Imad Wasim 1 for 26, even greater things from his side as they was obviously to qualify for the World perform, and pperformerform wewell,ll, we can def-def- Hasan Ali 3 for 35, Shadab Khan continue their hunt for what would be a Cup. Now we have done that, the game initely improveve as a teateam.”m.” 1 for 26) 28 SPORT THURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2018

Wang Qiang of The ball-tampering saga reacts during her first- round match against Daria Lehmann says players Kasatkina of in the Zhuhai Elite Trophy suffering after scandal Tournament in Zhuhai, in REUTERS chairman David south China’s Peever, has been Guangdong MELBOURNE: Former Australia under fire fol- province, Disgruntled head coach Darren Lehmann lowing the on Tuesday. (pictured) has revealed he delayed release Ganguly says remains emotionally damaged of the Longstaff by the South Africa ball- review which he fears for tampering scandal and blamed the board continues to have counselling in part for the Indian cricket more than seven months after ball-tampering his teary resignation in March. incident and AFP Lehmann quit his role with accused it of ‘Too many more than a year remaining on allowing an NEW DELHI: Former captain his contract despite being “alpha male Sourav Ganguly (pictured) cleared of wrongdoing in the culture” to expressed his “deep sense of Cape Town scandal in March. flourish and harm matches’ on fear” about the running of Justin Langer succeeded him in the game. Indian cricket. May. Lehmann Ganguly, who heads Ben- “I saw people, and am still was criticised WTA tour, says gal’s state cricket association, seeing people about it. That’s a Cricket Australia’s ‘Centre of heavily by media pundits in the criticised the functioning of work in progress,” the 48-year- Excellence’ academy in wake of Cape Town for failing the national board, the richest old told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph Brisbane, said his former to sanction his players for on- tired Wang and most powerful cricket newspaper yesterday. employers could have done field misconduct. body in the world. “I don’t think people know more to support him in the wake However, he denied one of AFP “I write this mail to you how much it affects people of Cape Town. the Longstaff review’s findings all with the deep sense of fear behind the scenes, but that’s one “For me, it was okay. It was that players had abused their as to where Indian cricket of those things that you go a tough time and you had bad own staff on match days. ZHUHAI: China’a number one has been left “really administration is going,” through. The help of family and days and good days and I’m sure “That might have been tired” at the end of a punishing season on the WTA tour and believes Ganguly wrote to BCCI sec- close friends got me through.” all those other three blokes before my time. I didn’t see that she has played “too many matches”. retary Amitabh Choudhary, The ball-tampering scandal (players) had worse days,” he in my time,” he said. “They were The world number 22 has been on a spectacular run of form president CK Khanna and resulted in year-long bans to said. always respectful and I didn’t recently that has seen her leapfrog to become China’s treasurer Anirudh Chaudhary, former captain Steve Smith and “You just hope they get the have a problem with that. top singles player. in a letter seen by news vice-captain David Warner, with right help, everyone gets the “You’re a family travelling But the gruelling schedule at the season’s climax has left the agencies. batsman Cameron Bancroft sus- right help when they need it. around,” he added. “Some of 26-year-old feeling fatigued -- mentally and physically. “I don’t know how far it’s pended for nine months. There could have been more that has been hurtful saying the “It’s really too much,” she told AFP at the WTA Elite Trophy in true, but the recent reports of Lehmann, who is set for a help but they certainly didn’t just culture is not great, because it’s Zhuhai. “Too many tournaments for me, too many matches. Espe- harassment has really made commentary stint with a local leave us hanging either.” not too bad.” (Reporting by Ian cially the last two months.” the BCCI look very poorly... radio station after coaching at Cricket Australia, led by Ransom; Wang won the Open in September, her second more so the way it has been career title after beating compatriot at the Jiangxi handled,” he said. Open in July. She made the semis at the Open but had to Ganguly, 46, also criti- retire with an injury. cised the board over last Lynn refuses And she impressed again in mid-October by staging an out- year’s appointment of standing comeback to defeat former Wimbledon champion Garbine national coach Ravi Shastri, Muguruza to reach her first final. after a selection process that to leap at Asked about her eye-catching 2018 season, the modest and sidelined his predecessor, softly-spoken Asian Games champion, who is playing in Zhuhai Anil Kumble. chance of for the first time, said: “The top half of the year I didn’t feel so good, Ganguly, who was part of because my ranking went down to 91. But the last five months I the advisory panel involved Test spot felt really good and I won a lot of matches. So now my ranking is in the selection, along with 22, so I came straight into this tournament. I’m so happy to be here REUTERS Sachin Tendulkar and VVS and play this tournament. But now, mentally and my body is really Laxman, had recommended tired, so after this one I will go on holiday.” Kumble’s extension after the MELBOURNE: Chris Lynn has not given Chinese fans have warmed to Wang’s personality, praising her spin legend was given the job up on winning a berth in a rebuilding as steely on the court but good-natured and humble off it. in June 2016. Australia Test side but the hard-hitting She grabbed headlines at the French Open with her straight But Kumble decided to batsman will not risk injury to claim a sets demolition of Venus Williams, and overcame Karolina Pliskova resign, citing his “untenable” place. in both and Wuhan. relationship with skipper Lynn, one of the most potent And the right-hander from Tianjin has her sights set on a top- Virat Kohli. sloggers in short-form cricket, has a eight spot by the end of next season, when the WTA Finals tour- “My experience in the history of serious shoulder injuries and nament will take place in her home country. matter of coach selection was dislocated his right one diving to field “I want to play the WTA Finals in ,” when asked about appalling (the less said the a ball in a Twenty20 international her ambitions for next year. better),” Ganguly said. against New Zealand in February. Wang, who has so far won $2.677m in prize money, has been “Indian cricket with its “It’s something not worth risking,” touted by some as a potential successor to Chinese tennis icon Li massive following has been Lynn told reporters in Perth yesterday. Na. The former world No. 2, who triumphed at Roland Garros in built over the years of hard “If the ball is touch and go, then I’m 2011 and won the Australian Open in 2014 before retiring later work from superb adminis- better off just letting it go for four or that year, is one of Wang’s idols and spurred a generation of tennis trators and greatest of crick- whatever it may be than potentially fans in China. eters who have managed to missing four to six months with a “After , tennis in China is really better than before, and bring thousands of fans to the shoulder injury. now more young kids play tennis and we have more tournaments, ground... I at the present “I’ve been in that situation too many so it’s good for Chinese tennis,” Wang said. moment think it’s in danger.” times now. Mentally it’s tiring. Obvi- And now China has three players in the top 50 -- Wang at 22, The BCCI plunged into ously, physically it is, but mentally it’s Zhang at 36 and Zheng at 47 -- she believes the future is bright for crisis in January 2017 when probably twice as hard. Chinese tennis. Supreme Court judges “I don’t know how many times the “It’s a very good phenomenon that we have three Chinese ordered the dismissal of pres- shoulder can take it.” players in the top 50, and actually there are lots of younger players ident Anurag Thakur over the The 28-year-old has been recalled who are playing better and better,” she said. failure to enact a series of rec- in a new-look Australia one-day inter- “I think there will be more Chinese players in the top 50 and ommended reforms. national squad captained by Aaron top 100 in the future, and that is a very good developing status for Cricket’s massive popu- Finch. China. larity in India has helped the He has opted out of playing in the “I also think Chinese players will have more and more oppor- BCCI become by far the domestic Sheffield Shield competition, tunity to play at a global level, so I’m really happy with that.” wealthiest of all of the sport’s so will need to impress selectors with It is this experience on the international stage that Wang national boards, netting a pile of runs in three ODIs against believes will give Chinese players the springboard to compete for massive money from spon- England cricketer South Africa starting in Perth on Grand Slams and break into the top handful of players in the world, sorship and TV deals. Keaton Jennings Sunday. Even then, the chances of like Li. But it has also been plays a shot breaking into Paine’s test side were “Only with that will they have a lot of opportunity to learn embroiled in a series of during the two- slim, Lynn conceded. from the top players and then we will grow eventually,” she said. scandals, including accusa- day practice “I don’t want to get too far ahead tions of corruption and match against of myself, but if I do happen to score match-fixing that tarnished Sri Lanka Board runs in these next three games, then Kvitova, Pliskova to lead the Indian Premier League XI in Colombo obviously I’d put my hand up for test (IPL) -- the board’s lucrative yesterday. selection, but I think that’s a little bit Czechs in Fed Cup final Twenty20 competition. out of the equation,” he said.

PRAGUE: Petra Kvitova and Karolina Pliskova will lead the Czech Republic against defending champions the United States in the Fed Cup final in Prague on November 10-11, the team captain said yesterday. SA slump to defeat in practice match The world number seven and eight, respectively, will team up with 31st-ranked Katerina Siniakova, the world number one in doubles, and AFP The Proteas were earlier skittled for 173 JP Duminy (shoulder) for the tour, fast bowler 33rd-ranked Barbora Strycova, who is fifth in doubles. off 42 overs with Jason Behrendorff and Dale Steyn was back and joined Kagiso The final pitting the two most successful nations in Fed Cup history CANBERRA: George Bailey hit an unbeaten Usman Qadir taking three wickets each. Rabada in a formidable attack. -- the USA with 18 trophies and the Czech Republic with 10 including 51 to condemn a near full-strength South Bailey pounded seven fours as he But they struggled to break down Bailey five as the former Czechoslovakia -- will be played on the hardcourt Africa to defeat in the opening game of their steadied the ship after his team slipped to and Sangha’s resistance, with Steyn ending of the sold-out 15,000-capacity O2 Arena. Australian tour against an inexperienced 87-5, built on the back of an impressive 57 with one for 41 off seven overs and Rabada Holders the USA beat in Minsk last year after seeing off Prime Minister’s XI yesterday. from 21-year-old Josh Phillipe. two for 41 off 8.3. the Czechs in the semi-final. Led by Kvitova and Pliskova, the Czechs The veteran former Australian Twenty20 The Proteas brought virtually their The visitors won the toss and batted on have won five of the last seven editions including all three finals they skipper kept his cool in a partnership of 77 strongest team into the game as they prepare a hot day against a team coached by former have played on Prague’s hardcourt. with teenager Jason Sangha (38) to steer his for a three-match one-day series against Test opener Chris Rogers. But they got off to In this year’s semi-finals, the Czechs beat in young side to a four wicket one-day victory Australia starting in Perth on Sunday. the worst possible start when Quinton de while the United States edged in Aix-en-Provence. at Manuka Oval in Canberra. While missing Hashim Amla (finger) and Kock fell to the first ball he faced. THURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 29 Conmebol takes off with Qatar Airways THE PENINSULA growing airline, to bring our con- tinents closer together through DOHA: South American football sport and build a brighter future confederation Conmebol has for all of South American agreed a new sponsorship deal football.” with Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways, the first-ever The four-and-a-half year airline partner for Conmebol’s deal sees the Qatari flag carrier club competitions, will leverage become the official airline of the high brand association and large body’s club competitions, audience visibility at all 260 including the Copa Libertadores matches in both year-long com- and Copa Sudamericana. petitions across the South The agreement was signed American continent, and will at a ceremony that took place in feature beginning with the Con- Doha yesterday at the Oryx mebol Libertadores Rotana hotel, attended by Qatar semi-finals. Airways Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways holds an Akbar Al Baker, and the Sec- extensive global sports portfolio, retary General from Conmebol , sponsoring some of the biggest José Manuel Astigarraga, and teams around the world. In Qatar Football Association Board addition to its existing partnership Member Ahmed Al Buainain. with the German football club The agreement was made on giants FC Bayern München AG, for the confederation’s behalf by FC which it is a Platinum Partner, Diez Media, a joint venture Qatar Airways also recently between IMG and Perform Group revealed multi-year sponsorship – now known as DAZN Group – agreements with Italian football formed to handle Conmebol’s club AS Roma, for which it is the commercial rights. Official Jersey Sponsor, and with The multi-year agreement Argentinian football club Boca will provide Qatar Airways with Juniors, for which it is the Official maximum exposure in South Jersey Sponsor. America, while strengthening the Earlier this month, the airline airline’s global sponsorship port- announced that it is the Official folio. As part of the agreement, Global Airline Partner of the Qatar Airways will be the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and the Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, and the Secretary General from Conmebol, José Manuel Astigarraga exchanging sponsor of Conmebol ’s profes- team’s home, Barclays Center, documents after signing an agreement in Doha yesterday. sional football club competitions the Brooklyn, New York venue across South America for the that hosts many of the world’s next 4.5 years, with immediate governing body of football in in the world. We are continually forthcoming Conmebol football competitions have a rich heritage most exciting entertainment and effect through 2022, including South America and is one of striving to boost our global competitions.” and offer some of the world’s sporting events. the Copa CONMEBOL Liberta- FIFA’s six continental sporting sponsorship portfolio, Conmebol President, most exciting and competitive In May 2017, Qatar Airways dores, South America’s most confederations. and this partnership is just one Domínguez, said: “We are proud professional football. announced a groundbreaking prestigious football competition, Qatar Airways Group Chief more example of our dedication to embark on this journey with “Our tournaments are also sponsorship deal with FIFA, as well as the Copa CONMEBOL Executive, Al Baker, said: “Qatar to the sports sector. We are also Qatar Airways, one of the world’s among the world’s fastest which saw the award-winning Sudamericana and the Conmebol Airways is thrilled to partner excited to further expand our most prestigious airlines, to drive growing. Naturally, we’re airline become the Official Recopa. with Conmebol , which is the presence in South America, and football development in South delighted to partner with Qatar Partner and Official Airline of Conmebol is the continental oldest continental confederation look forward to supporting the America. Conmebol’s Airways, the world’s fastest FIFA until 2022. Al Ahli duo wins QSL awards Wenger vows to THE PENINSULA return in 2019 AFP DOHA: Mouhcine Moutouali of Emery, Arsenal are currently Al Ahli has been adjudged the fourth in the table, just four points QNB Stars League’s best player LONDON: Arsene Wenger has behind Premier League leaders for the month of October while promised he will be back in and reigning champions Man- Milan Macala has been named football management at the chester City, despite losing their as the best coach. start of 2019, but the first two league games this term. The Moroccan attacking Frenchman does not yet know “When Arsenal win I am midfielder played three matches, at which club. happy,” said Wenger. “I felt I in Weeks 8, 9 and 10 with a total The 69-year-old veteran worked very hard and I think I of 276.0 minutes on the pitch. boss ended his 22-year reign at left it (the club) in good shape. He scored two goals and Premier League side Arsenal at “After that, I’m a supporter played a crucial role in Al Ahli’s the end of last season but like anyone else -- I want them hat-trick of victories, against Al insisted at the time he was not to win football games.” He Shahania (2-1), Al Arabi (3-0) yet finished with football. added: “As a manager you have and Al Sadd (4-1), in that order. Asked when he would be an influence, not only on the Mouhcine, who gave two back in management, Wenger careers of players, the style of assists as well, is one of the most told Sky Sports yesterday: “At play and results but on the prominent players of Al Ahli ever the beginning of the year. structure and impact you give Mouhcine Moutouali (left) and Milan Macala, both of Al Ahli, have been adjudged as QNB Stars since he joined The Brigadiers “It will seem odd to go some- to the club and overall that is League’s best player and coach respectively for the month of October. at the start of this season from where else but I can’t tell you very important - that the club Al Rayyan. (where) because I don’t know can always continue at a very The technical analysis of very high speed distance of (4-1), in that order. The nine Macala, has vast experience where I’ll be. I’ll be somewhere good level.” Wenger, in a sep- Mouhcine released by STATS, the 276.0 metres. points from those three wins coaching in many countries. He -- but I don’t know where. arate interview with talkSPORT official statistics and figures pro- Meanwhile, Macala of Al Ahli helped Al Ahli climb up to the was appointed coach of Czech- “I have had a good rest and radio, was asked if Arsenal vider for the QNB Stars League, has been named as the QNB sixth position in the standings oslovakia in 1990. watched football a lot. I have could win the Premier League showed he made an average of Stars League’s best coach for the with 15 points. He moved to Kuwait in 1994 many good memories, so I miss this season, having last been 52.0 passes, of which 39.0 were month of October, 2018. During the period, Al Ahli to train Kazma and then won the them.” Meanwhile Wenger, crowned champions of England successful. He scored both goals Under Macala, Al Ahli played scored nine goals while con- 1996 Gulf Cup with the Kuwait whose final seasons in charge under him in the from inside the box. three games and won all of them ceding just two. They had 13 national team. of Arsenal saw the once mighty 2003/04campaign. The physical aspects during the month. shots on target and 14 against. Macala is perhaps the coach Gunners struggling to contend “Why not?,” he replied. revealed that the 32-year-old The Brigadiers completed a At the start of this season, with most Gulf experience as he for the English title, was pleased “When you look at last season player covered a total distance hat-trick of victories in Weeks veteran Czech Macala returned has also managed the national by the north London giants’ at home we won 15, drew two of 9,877.0 metres with a high 8, 9 and 10, against Al Shahania to coach Al Ahli, where he was teams of Saudi Arabia, Oman, start to this season. and lost two -- it’s away we speed distance of 475.0 metres, (2-1), Al Arabi (3-0) and Al Sadd at the helm from 2012 to 2015. the UAE and Bahrain. Under new manager Unai were not good enough. Al Ahli aim to extend winning streak THE PENINSULA The Brigadiers thus com- their side (-10, eight goals for Hilal Mohammed, Hamad and 10 against). Qatar SC, who Argentina’s 1986 FIFA World pleted a hat-trick of victories, and 18 against). Mansour and Naif Al Beriki. beat Al Arabi 1-0 last week, also Cup winner Sergio Batista at the DOHA: It will be a keen battle having also beaten Al Shahania Al Khor have only Al Meanwhile, Qatar SC have gained much ground with the win helm and the team started pro- for supremacy when Al Khor and Al Arabi in the previous Kharaitiyat below them in the their task cut out when they run as The Kings are ninth with 11 ducing good results. play Al Ahli in Week 11 of the rounds. standings, so they seriously face into Al Rayyan on Saturday, at points (three wins, two draws and Batista made The Kings an QNB Stars League on Saturday. Al Ahli are sixth in the QNB relegation threat. 17:15 at the Qatar SC Stadium. five defeats). Their goal difference organised side, both offensively at the Al Khor Stadium. Stars League table with 15 points Al Ahli have the likes of Al Rayyan had made a big is -5, having scored 12 goals and and defensively. That they have As the tournament reaches (five victories and as many Omid Ibrahimi, who scored two leap last week by jumping from conceded 17. collected seven points from its halfway mark, the teams go defeats). They scored 18 goals goals against Al Sadd, Nigel de fourth to second, behind Al Qatar SC had started off the their last three games while into the game against con- and conceded 20 to have a goal Jong, Mohsine Moutaouly, Duhail, in the standings with 18 2018-19 season with a bang, conceding just one goal is proof trasting backdrop. difference of -2. Al Khor are Mohammed Reza, Meshaal points following their 2-1 victory defeating Al Gharafa, but they of it. As far as Al Rayyan are Al Ahli are fresh from their placed 11th with eight points Abdulla, Ali Ferydoon and over Al Sailiya. went through a lean patch that concerned, they suddenly found 4-1 defeat of strong title con- (two wins, five defeats and two Abdulrahman Fahmy in their It was The Lions’ fifth win. resulted in them receiving a their rhythm and are even nur- tenders Al Sadd, whereas Al draws) and will be desperate for ranks. They have also recorded three series of negative results and turing title hopes. So they would Khor suffered a 0-6 loss at the points sooner rather than later. Al Khor will mainly have the draws and two defeats to have a coach Abdulla Mubarak being not want to drop points any hands of Al Gharafa. Goal difference is also not on services of Wagner Ferreira, goal difference of 0 (10 goals for dismissed. Then came more. 30 SPORT THURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2018 Star Barshim recovering well, says Doha Worlds and Tokyo Games next targets

FAWAD HUSSAIN Barshim was injured time. Recovery is going fine but I besides settingng ththee woworld’srld’d s THE PENINSULA while attempting to don’t want to rush anything as quickest time sincence 1992.1992. SambaSambba set a new world record they say ‘step by step’. For me the was also nominatedminated for DOHA: For any modern-day pro, only targets are Doha Worlds and IAAF WorldW orld BeforeBeforee tthereheh re wwereeerre nonott mmanyan getting sidelined for months due height of 2.46 metres, Tokyo Games. Small competition Athlete-of-the-Year.-Year. (compatriots)(como patriots) alalongsideongssiide me.mme. ButBu to an injury while being on the top after clearing a 2018 doesn’t matter because I need to “Before therere werewere notnot nownow ththere’sere’s SSaSambamba ((A(Abdalelah)Abdaalelah is a painful experience. world-leading 2.40m in take care of my health now.” many (compatriots)riots) aalongsidelongside Haroun,Harooun, theretherre is AshrafAshhrraf (Amgad(AAmga Track and field star Mutaz The Rio Olympics silver med- me. But now there’s SambaSamba Elseify).EElseify). TheseThesse guysguys areare comingcommin Barshim is going through a similar Hungary in July. allist said he may hit the training (Abdalelah) Haroun,Harounn, therethere is phase where there’s little action gym in a month’s time. Ashraf (Amgadd ElElseify).lseify). TheseThese upup.p. TheyThhey areare doingdooing greatgrreeat stuffstuff aat on the field but the World “Right now my only training guys are comingini g up.upu . TheyThey aarere internationalinntternatiioonal stage:stage Champion high jumper is making 2018 in August, where he looked is walking. May be I will start light doing great stuffuff att internationalinnterrnatiionnal BarshimBaarshim the most of a ‘rare vacation’ time certain to win a gold medal for training next month. At the stage. following surgery in July. Qatar. moment I will just have to listen “I feel very proud and it givesgives Barshim, 27, tied the knot last “I missed competing because to my body because we cannot a lot of pleasurere to watchwata ch themtheh m week and the lanky athlete is only I love competing…..I love my job. plan anything. and wish themm thethe best,”best,” too pleased to be with his family. I haven’t lost any competition “As long as I feel pain it’s dan- Barshim said. “As I’ve got married recently, (before injury), did 2.40 jumps, gerous. I can look forward to full The gravity-defyingy-ddeffying I (now) have time to be with the world lead, two three meeting training only after I get the right high jumper alsoso hheapedeaped family,” Barshim told The records. The season was going too signal and doctors say it’s not dan- praise on Qatariri aath-th- Peninsula in an exclusive good. I wouldn’t go in if and buts gerous anymore. Right now I have letes Owaabab interview. everything happens for a reason. to be patient,” he said. Barrow andd “I have time for my family. I “I am happy, I will just have to Asked whether he was con- Abdelazizz don’t even remember when I had rethink and make schedule what I fident to return to winning ways Mohamed, whowho my last vacations as I was very will have to do next,” said the 2017 once he comes back, he said: “I won gold medalsals inn young then,” the world’s top high IAAF’s World-Athlete-of-the-Year. cannot say about the future but 110m (91.4cm) hurdleshurdles jumper added. when I will return I will try to be and 200m respec-espep c- Barshim said he is recovering Not in a hurry to make a an improved athlete as I love to tively at YouthYouth from the ankle surgery he comeback bring improvement.” Olympic Gamesmemesess in underwent in July while The 27-year-old said he was Argentina last mmonth.onth. attempting to set a new world not in a hurry to make an inter- Barshim happy with Qatar’s “They havee sshowedhowed record height of 2.46 metres, after national return, terming next rise in athletics they have a solidd groundground clearing a 2018 world-leading October’s IAAF World Athletics In Barshim’s absence, 400m and they are onon the 2.40m in Hungary. Championships in Doha and 2020 hurdler Abderrahman Samba right way. I hopehope we The injury had ruled him out Tokyo Olympics Games as his made Qatar proud throughout this have much morere peoplepeople of the remaining season which main targets. season, recording world lead and like them,” BarshimBarshim Mutaz Barshim also included the Asian Games “It’s a strong injury so it needs staying unbeaten in nine finals said.

Zlatan, Rooney among MLS Lionel Messi AFC chief urges ‘fair play’ Most Valuable Player finalists in Presidential election AFP the finalists for Newcomer of the AFP Year, a pro player who made his MLS NEW YORK: Sweden’s Zlatan Ibra- debut this year. himovic, England’s Wayne Rooney Martinez shattered the MLS KUALA LUMPUR: Asian Football and Venezuelan striker Josef record with 31 goals this season for Confederation President Sheikh Salman Martinez were among five finalists Atlanta United while teammate bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa (pictured) named yesterday for Major League Almiron, last year’s Newcomer of the Messi back in yesterday called for “fair play” in next Soccer’s (MLS) 2018 Most Valuable Year, contributed 12 goals and 14 year’s elections where he will seek a Player Award. assists for Atlanta’s league-best fresh, four-year term. Hours before the North American scoring attack. Barca training The Bahraini said he had the support league began its playoff champi- Zlatan is also in the last three for of nearly 90 percent of the AFC’s 46 full onship run, the league announced Comeback Player of the Year along members, but warned against “third- REUTERS finalists for its season awards, topped with Cuban midfielder Osvaldo party interference” in the vote next April. by the MVP race, which also includes Alonso of the Seattle Sounders and Sheikh Salman first took the reins in Mexico’s Carlos Vela and Paraguayan American forward Gyasi Zardes of MADRID: Lionel Messi returned to 2013 when the Asian body was still midfielder Miguel Almiron. the Columbus Crew. training earlier than expected with reeling from a corruption scandal which Zlatan scored 22 goals and added MLS Coach of the Year candi- Barcelona yesterday as the forward saw his predecessor, Mohamed bin 10 assists -- only the fourth dates included Americans Bob continues his recovery from an arm Hammam, banned from football for life. 20-and-10 season in MLS history -- Bradley, who guided LAFC to an injury which kept him out of the team’s “In Asia and particularly here at the but the Los Angeles Galaxy just expansion-team record 57 points and wins against Inter Milan and Real AFC, we have built a positive reputation missed out on a playoff berth. Peter Vermes, who oversaw Sporting Madrid last week. and image in the last five years,” he told Salman could face a challenge from Saudi Rooney revived DC United after Kansas City to the Western Con- The Argentine forward was set to the AFC annual congress in Kuala Arabia’s Adel Ezzat, head of a new his mid-season arrival, lifting the ference title, and Argentina’s Gerardo miss three weeks after breaking a bone Lumpur. regional bloc, the South West Asian club from last place into a fourth- Martino, who managed Atlanta in his right arm on Oct. 20 during a “We do not need nor do we want any Football Federation. place finish in the Eastern Con- United’s second-place run in the match against Sevilla, but reports in third-party interference or influence in However, the sheikh said he had ference and a playoff spot. The Eastern Conference. Spain suggest Messi may be available our elections. We need to be strong on letters of support from 40 of the feder- former England and Manchester Goalkeeper of the Year finalists for first-team action quicker than this matter.” ations in the AFC, which has influence as United star netted 12 goals and were Swiss Stefan Frei of Seattle and forecast. The congress passed an amendment the world’s second biggest confederation assisted on seven others in 18 American Luis Robles of New York Messi, not included in the squad for to an electoral rule which said candidates behind Africa. matches. Red Bulls and Zack Steffen of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey game on must be backed by their home country “All member associations must be Vela, a World Cup starter fior Columbus. Wednesday at Cultural Leonesa, is and two other federations. Any three free to exercise their rights for the good Mexico, scored 14 goals and added Defender of the Year finalists unlikely to feature on Saturday in the nominations are now acceptable. of the game. And this, we must remember, 13 assists to spark Los Angeles FC to were Americans Aaron Long of the La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano. It also approved a proposal to for- is the Asian football family. Our family the best season by any first-year New York Red Bulls, Chad Marshall Barcelona face Inter in the Champions mally recognise five regional associa- must stick together,” he said. expansion club in league history. of the Seattle Sounders and Michael League on Nov. 9 then play Real Betis tions within the AFC. “I can say is I won’t let you down,” Rooney, Zlatan and Vela are also Parkhurst of Atlanta United. in La Liga on Nov. 11. At the AFC Congress in April, Sheikh added the sheikh. Merlo plays down sociopolitical factors as a hindrance for journalists

QSPC minded. The problem is that Earlier, the AIPS President there are a lot of journalists, who spoke about the criteria adopted DOHA: The AIPS President are doing a good job (and that for selecting the best entries. Gianni Merlo yesterday stressed makes our job difficult).” “Here we are choosing the that despite the sociopolitical or He also pointed out that reg- journalists that are going to the geographical roadblocks, a jour- ulation match reports have semi-finals, so nobody is a loser. nalist can still be independent or become redundant today. So it is only a criteria; the criteria vociferous in his writing. “Match report... who cares, now of journalism and so on... and we “Yes, if he wants. Yes he can you have television , you can see are very satisfied as the level of be independent and I am one of the entire match there. The the entries is very good. No one them,” said Merlo. He was future of journalism are the con- is not accepted, it is only that if speaking to Qatar Sports Press tents of your article that are there is somebody that has more Committee on the sidelines of the opinions or points or colour meaning, doesn’t mean that the AIPS Executive Committee / Jury pieces that are completely new other journalist is less. It depends Meet yesterday. and you have to write them with on the articles that he has “In many countries they live photos and everything, so it is a decided to submit. It may be pos- in a difficult situation, but this different thing.” sible that the journalist may not doesn’t mean we are judging “See most often the reader have submitted his best piece,” anybody. We are only judging knows the result before he reads Merlo said. (the entries) from the journalistic the newspaper also in most cases The primary objective of the point of view; it’s not the politics the result is written write at the Meet is to shortlist the candidates that is moving us.” top of the article so the reader is for the ‘AIPS Sport Media Awards’ AIPS President Gianni Merlo (centre) speaks during the AIPS Executive Committee / Jury Meet in “So, we know how to judge looking for an opinion,” he scheduled for Lausanne, Swit- Doha, yesterday. and everybody here is free added. zerland, in January 2019. THURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 31 Dalaloyan clinches gold in tie-breaker FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Russia, yesterday avenged their men’s team defeat to China as dethroned in tie- breaker to win his maiden all- around title at the 48th World Champion- ships Doha 2018. At Aspire Dome, defending champion Ruoteng, needing 14.234 points in his last routine of horizontal bars to retain his title, managed 14.233 points only to tie score with the Russian, as both the gymnasts finished with 87.598 apiece bringing the tie- breaker rule into effect. Four-time European champion Dalaloyan turned out to be the winner after the judges threw out each gymnast’s lowest score from the six routines. With the triumph, he became the first Russian man to clinch the all- around title since 1999. “When I saw the results I immediately saw that 2 came next to (Xiao’s) name and, of course, I felt happy and amazing,” the Russian told reporters yesterday after winning the title. With Ruoteng had to content with a silver medal, Dalaloyan’s team-mate Nikita Nagornyy took Artur Dalaloyan (centre) gold medal winner in the all-around category at the 48th Artistic bronze for Russia with a score of Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018 poses for a picture along with silver medal 86.331. China’s Sun Wei (85.898) and America’s Sam Mikulak winner Xiao Ruoteng (left) of China and Nikita Nagornyy of Russia at the Aspire Dome, (85.273) finished on 4th and 5th yesterday. Bottom: Dalaloyan in action during the championships. PICTURES: SYED OMAR positions respectively. On the opening day of the finals at Doha Worlds on Monday, China snatched men’s team gold medal from Russia after edging their opponents by his crown in tie-breaker. RESULTS women’s all-around final today, just 0.49 points, and it was an “I feel pity about that but I Final Standings (Top 8) she will become the first female even close fight yesterday but respect the judges and my rival. 1. Artur Dalaloyan (Russia) 87.598 2. Xiao to win the crown for fourth time, this time Dalaloyan ensured his I basically want to be number Ruoteng (China) 87.598 3. Nikita surpassing, Russia’s Svetlana team is not deprived of the title. one but anyway I am still happy Nagornyy (Russia) 86.331 4. Sun Wei Khorkina. The 22-year-old was superb with the result,” said the top (China) 85.898 5. Sam Mikulak (US) Moreover, if Biles claims two in – his penultimate Chinese gymnast. 85.273 6. Kazuma Kaya (Japan) 84.765 7. more wins in the individual

routine, scoring 15.566 to take “There was a little pressure Kenzo Shirai (Japan) 84.531 8. James Hall apparatus later at the Doha edge over Ruoteng heading into (on being the last performer), but (Britain) 84.298 Worlds, she will overtake Vitaly the decisive routine. not so much, because I know Scherbo’s mark of 12 for the most “It’s a super feeling to win how to adjust myself and give my gold medals in Worlds history. gold after we fell to silver medal best. I am satisfied with my per- slipped the American to 5th spot “I am very excited, let’s see against China in team final,” said formance.” He added he had a with the Russian securing the how the finals go,” the Dalaloyan. little idea about his target in the bronze medal. American superstar said ahead “I had only one goal, and that final routine. Meanwhile, Simone Biles – of her final. was to perform my job from “I don’t pay so much a ten-time World Championships To claim the historic all- beginning to end without mis- attention to that. I just wanted to and three-time Olympic gold around triumph, Biles will have takes. I was surprised and can’t be myself and try to do my best medalist – is favourite to win to overcome her team-mate and say anything more. I’m just so to perform my routine.” “When women’s all-around title today. defending champion Morgan happy. I feel good, excellent. I I return to training, I will try my Coming to Doha for Biles is Hurd. can’t believe it yet. I need to best to improve and be stronger not just about winning medals, “Biles is greatest of all time,” probably go to my hotel, take a to perform better in future com- it’s about making records. Hurd said about her chances of deep breath and realise that yes, petitions.” Nagornyy’s consistent If Biles, who is now tied with retaining the title. I won this championship,” he performance was the difference Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman “We wish each other the best, added. between him and Mikulak, who for the US record of four it’s not like we compete against Meanwhile, Ruoteng was was on track for a podium finish Olympic/world team titles, each other, it’s like competing dejected after he failed to defend but mistakes in horizontal bars manages to win gold medal at with each other,” she added. Elias stuns Elshorbagy in Doha thriller ARMSTRONG VAS my errors as I did 5 or 6 in that opener, Diego Elias of THE PENINSULA and I just cannot do that against a player Peru returns the such as Paul. I’m happy I fought my way DOHA: Eight-seed Diego Elias of Peru ball to Mohamed back into the match, and got my head stunned World No. 1 Mohamed Elshorbagy of straight after the loss of the first where Elshorbagy to pull off the biggest upset Egypt during I was struggling a bit mentally,” Rosner of his PSA Tour career. the quarter- said. In the other quarter-finals matches, Yesterday at the Qatar Classic 2018 final clash second seed Ali Farag won the all- the Peruvian won the five- game thriller of the Qatar Egyptian clash with Karim Abdel Gawad to set up a semi-final clash with Ger- Classic 2018 in straight games 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 . many’s Simon Rosner. at the Khalifa “I’m trying to improve constantly Yesterday at the Khalifa Interna- International and put in everything that I can. I have tional Tennis and Squash Complex, Tennis and good memories from here last year, it’s world champion and defending Squash Complex good to be back at the semis and it’s time champion Elshorbagy’s dream of in Doha to prepare for a really tough battle in winning a fourth Qatar Classic title was yesterday. semis,” the German added. dealt a painful blow with Elias clinching A disappointed Coll said: “I just the 76-minute tussle for supremacy 11-8, never found the right balance between 11-13, 13-11, 10-12, 11-7 and book a place being too relaxed and being too stressed. in the semi-finals. I was not thinking enough about my The Egyptian, who was a hot shots, they didn’t have any purpose, and favourite heading into the tournament, I need to be thinking more about what having reached the final for the last five I’m doing instead of just reacting to what consecutive events could not live up to he is doing.” his billing with Elias outsmarting him. In the other quarter-finals, an The first four games could have gone Egyptian finalist was guaranteed as either way, but it was all Elias in the fifth, second seed Ali Farag continued his even though Elshorbagy saved three winning run over Karim Abdel Gawad, match balls before finally succumbing. winning in three close games, while Speaking to journalists after the match Tarek Momen, last year’s finalist, Elias said the turning point was the finally ended the run of unseeded Joel mental approach. beat those top guys. At the British Open, special, I just believe I am good enough Coll in a match that looked destined to Makin. The Welshman took the lead, “I’m really happy, I was very close I was 2-0 up against him (Elshorbagy), to do it.” go to a fifth. and had game ball to go ahead again to beating a few top players in the past. but I just never believed I could do it. The other quarter-final was also a “We always play long matches. It’s in the third, but once Momen had Today was my day,” said Elias. “The dif- Now I do believe. I am injury free, my tense affairs, with Rosner coming from so tough to score against him. So after averted that danger he took control in ference is that i believe in me that I can fitness is good, I didn’t do anything a game down to beat New Zealand’s Paul the first game, I just made sure I reduced the fourth. THURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 27 We want to do our very best for our country and show our peo- SQUASH GYMNASTICS ple and country that our team Sheikh Ali bin Qatar Classic continues at 48th FIG Artistic Gymnastics are working hard in Europe and Khalid Al Thani the Khalifa International World Championships Tennis and Squash Complex at the Aspire Dome heading in the right direction ACTION TODAY’S MERC: Al Attiyah eyes record win in Kuwait THE PENINSULA

ARIFJAN, KUWAIT: Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah will be aiming to match one of the longest-standing records in world motor sport when he heads an international field of competitors from eight nations into Kuwait’s exciting return to the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) at Kuwait Motor Town today. While Kuwait celebrates its own milestone of hosting a first Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al international FIA-sanctioned Attiyah (right) and his navigator 2018 FIA MIDDLE EAST event at its new FIA grade one RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP race circuit facility, south of Matthieu Baumel celebrate after winning an earlier stage POSITIONS AFTER ROUND 3: Kuwait City, Al Attiyah is focusing 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT) 107pts on claiming outright victory in the of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship in Jordan in this 2. Vojtech Stajf (CZE) 75pts three-day event with his Autotek- 3. Roger Feghali (LBN) 38pts run Ford Fiesta R5. file photo. LEFT: Al Attiyah driving his Ford Fiesta R5. 4. Meshari Al Thefiri (KWT) 30pts This result would net the 5. Christos Demostheous (CYP) 25pts multi-talented star a record- equalling 14th regional rally title wrap up the championship before While the leading duo swap and Rashed Al Nuami and Kuwaiti 2018 FIA MERC 2 and put him alongside Dubai’s the final round in Qatar in two- seconds for supremacy at the top drivers Jassim Al Muqahwi, POSITIONS AFTER ROUND 3: Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the weeks’ time,” Al Attiyah. of the leader board, a fascinating Mubarak Al Thefiri and Fahad Al 1. Meshari Al Thefiri (KWT) 78pts history books. “We had a look at some of the tussle is sure to develop in MERC Mutairi. Al Attiyah already has the stages on Tuesday and the rest on This is an important rally for 2 for Group N cars such as the Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah 2. Savvas Savva (CYP) 37pts record for the greatest number of Wednesday,” said Al Attiyah’s several reasons. Obviously Subaru Impreza and derivatives returns to active competition after 3. Khaled Juma (JOR) 30pts successes in the history of the navigator Baumel. the record is important, but of the Mitsubishi Lancer a long absence working in a 3. Costas Zenonos (CYP) 30pts Kuwait Rally with six wins (2009, “There is a brand new stage the Kuwait Rally is always Evolution. senior role within both the Qatar 5. Ahmed Shaban (JOR) 25pts 2011 and 2013-2016) to Ben – KMT – and that will be the challenging and it would Local driver Meshari Al Motor and Motorcycle Federation Sulayem’s four (1985, 1988, 1989 second and fifth special and the Thefiri stands on the verge of (QMMF) and the FIA. He teams up 2018 FIA MERC 3 and 2006). first one on Friday. It is sandier be nice to wrap up the claiming another showroom title with the experienced Italian nav- PPOSITIONS AFTER ROUND 3: He will also be chasing his than we may have expected, but championship before the with Qatari navigator Nasser Al igator Nicola Arena, who won the 1. Henry Kahy (LBN) 88pts 68th MERC win, while victory for that is easier on the car and we final round in Qatar in two- Kuwari, but competition is sure regional title with the late Misfer 2. Rony Kanaan (LBN) 39pts navigator Matthieu Baumel would run less risk of punctures or weeks’ time: Al Attiyah. to be fierce from a host of Jor- Al Marri in 2010. 3. Panayiotis Xenophontos (CYP) 37pts be his 17th in MERC history and damage.” danian, Omani, Qatari and This year’s event is being 4. Asem Aref (JOR) 30pts would move the Frenchman Czech driver Vojtech Stajf is Kuwaiti rivals. organised by the Basil Salem Al 4. Matthias Njeim (LBN) 30pts ahead of John Spiller into equal attempting to become the first to the winner of each race with Khaled Juma leads the way Sabah Motor Racing Club (BMRC) 4. Constantinos Televantos (CYP) 30pts third in the regional Hall of Fame Arab driver ever to win the 30 potentially on offer to the for the Hashemite Kingdom and under the chairmanship of Sheikh behind Ronan Morgan (41 wins) regional rally series and Ladislav Czech if he can shadow his Qatari still has a chance to win the title, Athbi Nayef Jaber Al Ahmad Al and a tying Giovanni Bernacchini KuCera has replaced Marketa rival to the finish and complete while fellow countrymen Ihab Al Sabah and in conjunction with the Kuwait Motor Town Race Circuit and Chris Patterson (25 wins Skacelova as his navigator in the all the special stages. That would Shorafa and Shadi Shaban will be General Authority for Sport and from 4.00pm today, but the apiece). Skoda Fabia R5. not be sufficient for Stajf to challenging hard. the Kuwait International Auto- desert action is split into two “This is an important rally for Stajf trails Al Attiyah by 32 prevent Al Attiyah from retaining Abdullah Al Rawahi flies the mobile Club (KIAC). Zain Kuwait loops of six different loose surface several reasons. Obviously the points in the title race after rallies the title, however, and Al Attiyah’s flag in the category for the Sul- is the main sponsor on this stages tomorrow and on Sat- record is important, but the in Jordan, Lebanon and Cyprus, challenger will need to push hard tanate of Oman and there are occasion. urday. In a total route of Kuwait Rally is always chal- but there are two rounds to go over the opening stages to try and further Group N entries for Action gets underway with a 587.80km, 198.62km will be lenging and it would be nice to and a possible 39 points available gain the upper hand on leg one. Qatar’s Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah timed special stage of 2.3km at timed against the clock. Sheikh Ali dreaming big ahead of LGCT Doha

LGCT hosted here, and the athletics took sixth individually, the highest in the sport. down a little and it’s one of the championships run in our result for any Qatari show jumper “The sport is changing. And reasons we decided to put (British DOHA: With just over a week country,” the local show jumping in history - California, Vienna Jan (Tops) is a visionary - he sees rider) Michael Whitaker in our before the Longines Global hero said. Olympic and new rising star, the this and helps to grow it in the Doha Fursan Qatar GCL team as Champions Tour (LGCT) finals get Success to me is defined as However a big part of this 9 year old Sirocco who will take best way. Every year something he has many of his own fantastic underway in Doha, Sheikh Ali bin making my country proud. drive towards hosting premium part at the Doha event all part of on the LGCT and GCL is changing. horses,” the Qatari rider said. Khalid Al Thani reveals the To bring home medals for sporting events is to inspire and his string, Sheikh Ali has serious Now we have the GC Playoffs. Competing at the highest level pressure to perform on home soil Qatar and to represent my engage a future generation. horsepower behind him. Before that we had no teams, and in the 16-event LGCT and GCL and his dream is to “make my country against the best Sheikh Ali points to the tre- However, he is riding the now we have the GCL for three global circuit in multiple environ- country proud and inspire the mendous work Al Shaqab is doing wave of innovation and evolution years,” he said. ments is a true test of the best for next generation.” of the best. My dream is to within the country’s realm of when it comes to show jumping, And the future looks bright for Sheikh Ali and his Qatari With LGCT Doha hitting Al win a LGCT Grand Prix, and show jumping, in particular with and welcomes the development show jumping in Qatar, with the teammates. Shaqab from November 8 to 10, to bring an Olympic medal the Riding Academy aimed at 2020 Olympics clearly in the “Bassem for example is all eyes will be on the very best home for Qatar, particularly motivating young riders. mind of Sheikh Ali and his team- already doing extremely well in horses and riders in the sport as as a team: Sheikh Ali “We have also started a new mates. For the third year, they the Globals - he won two Grand they battle for supremacy in the education system in Qatar, and form the Doha Fursan Qatar GCL Prix, the last being in Doha - and world’s premier show jumping we try to inspire the next gener- team, powered by partner Lusail, has been on the podium a few series. everyone watching and you need ation. This is how it should be. Al with the experienced team bat- times. This is what we are trying Ahead of the Doha spectacle, to do well. We want to show our Shaqab are doing a really good tling against 18 others this year to do, put Qatar ahead in the the Qatari rider said: “What moti- country what we are doing and job of educating young riders, and in the prestigious team sport,” Sheikh Ali pointed out. vates me every day is to be suc- how we are improving.” prepare them to move to Europe championship. And putting Qatar at the cessful. I work hard, I train, I go “Every year there is a Qatari for the start of a professional “We are working sharp end of the sporting grid is to the gym before riding, I have a rider in the top 10, and it was career,” towards a pro- the mission for Sheikh Ali, and is programme and a plan of where perfect last year that Bassem he said. gramme for Tokyo something he is extremely pas- I want to be. But success to me is (Hassan Mohammed) won. The And for the Qatari show sionate about. defined as making my country facilities are top (at Al Shaqab) - when jumping team so “I’m really looking forward proud. To bring home medals for I can’t talk too much about it as I asked how we have had to building our team for Qatar. Qatar and to represent my am from there! But the feeling is Sheikh Ali to slow This is really my mission. But to country against the best of the we want to do our very best for deals per- do this we have to train now, and best. My dream is to win a LGCT our country and show our people sonally with we have to prove we can do it. Grand Prix, and to bring an and country that our team are being a leading We did this already at the 2016 Olympic medal home for Qatar, working hard in Europe and sporting figure, Olympics in Rio - it was the first particularly as a team.” heading in the right direction,” he replied: “I time we were one point away Competing internationally Sheikh Ali said. really love to from the final, and we had an around the world, Sheikh Ali has Taking a step back from the inspire. I am individual rider finish sixth which been flying the Qatari flag for competition itself, Sheikh Ali from the Royal is a big result for Qatar. We know show jumping, consistently reflected on the significance of Family so there we can do it, now it is not just jumping at the highest level having LGCT hosted by his is attention on my about showing Qatar in a good against the top ranked riders in country. name, so I have to way, it’s about bringing home the world. “Qatar has a big vision for prove that we are some medals.” But as LGCT and GCL look to sport, not just equestrian. So in working hard and And looking ahead to the Al Shaqab - a member of the every sport Qatar is choosing the anyone can achieve forthcoming LGCT and GCL finals Qatar Foundation - in Doha, after best. For example in equestrian great things. I love the in Al Shaqab, Doha, Sheikh Ali is a global circuit including cities they are bringing the best Tour sport that I do - but it immensely proud: “Al Shaqab such as Miami Beach, , that has ever happened - the all started with a love really has the best facilities and Paris, Rome and London, com- Longines Global Champions Tour of horses. I loved everything needed for the top peting at home is different, as is the best there is in show horses before I loved riders and horses in the world. Sheikh Ali explains: “There is jumping. If you see also in other the sport.” Even when I go there still, I catch more pressure for us at the event sport we are looking to the 2022 With his Rio my breath and think ‘wow’. Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani guides Sirocco over a in Doha. We are motivated, you World Cup in football, the Olympic horse First There’s something really hurdle during the 2018 Asian Games in this file photo. have the crowd, your family, handball final has already been Devision - where the pair special about it.”