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Saturday 3 December 2016 PAGEP | 21 PAGE | 22 Woods upbeat after City plan to provee roller-coaster a point in Chelseaa return showdown Italian Super Cup TIM Champ Rosberg retires tickets go online

Vienna "I didn't know if I had the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s The Peninsula AFP balls, and I took a bit of time. German driver Nico Rosberg waves "But I am done. End of after placing fourth in the qualifying s the date of the long ico Rosberg quit story, and the next step is being session at the Autodromo Nazionale awaited Italian Super Formula One yes- a dad and a husband and I am Circuit in Monza in this file photo. ACup TIM approaches, the terday, just five very much looking forward to Rosberg quit Formula One yesterday, organisers will release the first days after winning that." just five days after winning the world batch of tickets for sale on the the world title for Mercedes team boss Toto title for Mercedes in a move that Qatar Football Association NMercedes in a move that Wolff said: "For the team this (QFA) web site, www.qfa.qa stunned motor racing. stunned motor racing. is an unexpected situation and today at 12 noon. The 31-year-old German, an exciting one." The Supercoppa TIM will who beat off teammate Lewis Wolff hailed the acheive- take place at the Jassim Bin Hamilton in the finale, is the ments of Rosberg. Hamad Stadium – home of Al first reigning champion to quit "This is a brave decision by Sadd Sports Club, on Decem- since Alain Prost in 1993. Nico and testament to the ber 23 at 7.30pm and will see Rosberg made the bomb- strength of his character. Juventus, the 2015-16 Serie A shell revelation in Vienna ahead "He has chosen to leave at Champions and the 2015-16 media channels. Held annually, of the International Automobile the pinnacle of his career, as Coppa Italia, and AC , the first edition of the historic Federation (FIA) annual awards world champion, having 2015-16 Coppa Italia runners- Supercoppa TIM was held in ceremony. achieved his childhood dream." up in action. 1988, with Juventus holding the "I have decided to end my In capturing the title Ros- The hosting of this impor- record of most wins in this Formula One career here," said berg emulated his father Keke tant cup was officially competition, followed imme- Rosberg, who claimed the title who won the F1 crown in 1982. announced on October 3 dur- diately by AC Milan, with seven at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Rosberg began karting aged ing the Aspire4sport Global and six wins respectively. Sunday when he came second six. He and Hamilton met as Summit on Football Perform- Hosting this cup in Qatar for to Hamilton. He said he made rivals in 1997 and became ance and Science held in the second time is a reflection the decision in the aftermath of team-mates in 2000. Amsterdam. of the strong relationship his championship triumph. In 2002, he moved to the The local organising com- between the Italian and Qatari "It was a process on Mon- German Formula BMW cham- mittee, which includes football governing bodies and day," Rosberg added. pionship and won the title. representatives of the Supreme the highly successful organisa- Rosberg arrived in F1, with Committee for Delivery and tion in Doha of the 2014 Williams, via the Formula 3 Legacy (SC), the QFA, and Qatar Supercoppa TIM between Euro Series and winning the Stars League (QSL), is anticipat- Juventus and Napoli, all key inaugural GP2 title in 2005. ing that the first batch of online factors for the return of the This is the first Before joining Williams, he the methodical Rosberg finally tickets will sell in a matter of event to Qatar. turned down a place at Impe- took the crown in 2016. hours after their release. It is the second time that the time he's won (a rial College, London, to study Rosberg takes his leave of Each fan can buy up to four Italian Super Cup TIM will be title) in 18 years, aeronautical engineering. Formula One with 23 race wins I can't really tickets from either category 1 played in the Qatari capital. hence why it was Rosberg claimed his first and 30 pole positions. tickets (QR 250) or category 2 In December 22, 2014, the podium at the 2008 Australian He is now relinquishing life understand it but tickets (QR 150). 27th edition of the Italian Super not a surprise that Grand Prix, sharing the in the fast lane to spend time everybody has The organisers have also Cup TIM was played between he decided to stop. moment with a victorious with his wife, his childhood their reasons, I revealed that tickets will go on Juventus and Napoli at Jassim He's also got a Hamilton who had arrived in sweetheart Vivian Sibold with sale in shopping malls across Bin Hamad Stadium – home of F1 with McLaren a year whom he has a daughter, Alaia, guess he felt like Qatar, which will be announced Al Sadd Sports Club and was family to focus on, earlier. born in August last year. he's got what he at a later date on QFA’s social won by Napoli on penalties. and wants more In 2010, he moved to the He posted a message to his rebranded Mercedes team cre- fans on social media, saying "I wanted. When you children, and ated by the German have a message for you". get where you Formula One takes manufacturer's takeover of the "Since 25 years in racing it want to be, if you Zhang withdraws from so much of your 2009 champions Brawn. has been my dream, my 'one He recorded consistent fin- thing' to become Formula One accomplish your time. Will I miss ishes as team-mate to returning World Champion." goal, I guess World Tour Grand Finals the rivalry? Of Michael Schumacher before the "Through the hard work, there's no reason course: Lewis seven-time champion's final the pain, the sacrifices, this has The Penninsula contain their excitement upon retirement and the arrival, in beenbeen mymy target.target. And nownow to keep going: seeing him. This caused Zhang Hamilton 2013, of Hamilton. I've've made it. I hahaveve Usain Bolt hinese superstar Zhang to sprain his ankle and was Their partnership ignited climbedlimbed the moun- Jike has withdrawn from not able to recovering time for the team's spell of dominance. tain,ain, I am on the Cthe Seamaster Qatar 2016 the ITTF World Tour Grand Though Hamilton beat him to peak,peak, so this feelfeelss ITTF World Tour Grand Finals Finals. The injury means that be champion in 2014 and 2015, right."ight.ight." with an ankle injury. the Rio 2016 Olympic Games sil- The injury is the same one ver medalist will have to wait that forced the world number another 12 months for the Nico Rosberg factfile four to pull out from the recent chance to win the ITTF World Austrian and Swedish ITTF Tour Grand Finals title, the one Born: 27/06/1985 (age 31) Race wins: 23 World Tour events last month. major table tennis title eluding Place of Birth: Wiesbaden, Germany Podiums: 55 The reports coming out of him in his decorated career. Residence: Monaco Pole positions: 30 China state that the injury Japan's Koki Niwa will now Teams: Mercedes (2010-2016), Williams (2006-2009) First race: 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix occurred when the double take Zhang Jike's place at the Driver number: 6 First win: 2012 Chinese Grand Prix World Champion was filming Seamaster Qatar 2016 ITTF Grands Prix entered: 206 Last race: 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for a reality show where he World Tour Grand Finals which World Championships: 1 (2016) Last win: 2016 Japanese Grand Prix was eventually chased after will take place in Doha from by his fans who couldn't December 8 to 11. Xavi confident Messi will stay at Barcelona

Barcelona "I'm in contact with Messi Messi to go to another club. He Barcelona trail arch rivals full strength squaduad availa-availa- Reuters and I think he's happy and sat- could get more money else- Real by six points fol- ble against RealReal andand isfied. He knows Barcelona is where but I don't think he is lowing a shaky display in last welcome backk captain arcelona great Xavi Her- the best club in the world for interested in just money, he is week's 1-1 draw with Real Socie- Andres Iniestaa after six nandez cannot imagine him and I can't see him in any more concerned about stabil- dad and could drop nine points weeks out with a kneeknee injury.injury. BLionel Messi leaving the other club," Xavi, who now plays ity," Xavi added. behind their arch rivals when Xavi believess the return of Catalan club, despite the Argen- for Al Sadd in Qatar, told radio Xavi won 25 major trophies they meet in the 'Clasico' on his former midfieldeld partner wiwillll tine forward stalling over a new station Cope yesterday. with Barcelona, including eight Saturday. be pivotal to Barca'srca's cchanceshances of contract with the Messi is Barcelona's all-time La Liga titles and four Champi- "Perhaps Barca are under winning the game.me. champions. leading scorer but has yet to ons Leagues, before leaving for more pressure because of the "Iniesta is a transcendentanscendent Xavi is Barca's all-time commit to an extension on his Al Sadd in 2015. points gap but Clasicos are player for Barcelona,"ona," appearance leader and was the current contract, which runs out The former Spain interna- unique games, you can be 20 he added. "They sayay heartbeat of the club's midfield in 2018. His buy-out clause is tional, 36, plans on becoming points behind and have a bril- that now the teamm from 1998-2015, spending nine set at €250m ($266.03m). a coach when he retires from liant game or vice versa. The is lacking controll years in the first team alongside "I haven't spoken to him playing, saying his ultimate display at Real Sociedad means and thought. Well,, Messi, who made his debut in about his new contract but if I aim was to take over at nothing," Xavi said. Iniesta will bringg 2004. was to bet, I wouldn't expect Barcelona. Barcelona have an almost that back." Xavi Hernandez SPORT 3 DECEMBER 2016 SATURDAY 21 Dodt holds 2024 bid cities halfway lead Woods upbeat after upbeat on costs as in Australian Tokyo struggles PGA Tokyo Gold Coast roller-coaster return Reuters AFP udapest, Los Angeles and Paris have ustralia's Andrew Dodt Nassau double-bogeys over his Tiger is back Woods told reporters. "It expressed confidence in their ability to fired a five-under 67 to Reuters final three holes, includ- felt good to have that Bcontrol costs as they prepare for the Ahold a two-shot half- ing one at the 18th to Woods shot one- adrenaline surging final phase of bidding for the 2024 Summer way lead in the Australian PGA iger Woods's cap a rollercoaster over-par 73 on through the system again. Olympics, unworried by steep overruns at Championship with Adam first competi- afternoon. Thursday in the It's been a long time. next host Tokyo. Scott making his move at the tive round in "If you think about it I Hero World Greeted by applause Top officials from the 2024 candidate cit- Royal Pines Resort nearly 16 hit the ball into three from a small gallery, ies, visiting Tokyo this week, told they were Challenge in yesterday. months pro- bushes and a water ball Woods, dressed all in being vigilant on costs from the onset and Overnight leader Dodt Tvided more questions than today, it could have been Bahamas, after black except for a white were focusing on utilising existing infrastruc- fought his way to the top of answers as he teased golf something really good," sharing the lead glove, was all smiles as he ture to limit financial risk. the leader board after Ashley fans with a performance Woods told the Golf earlier in his stepped up to the par-four "It's an important thing to get right at this Hall carded a three-under 69 that fluctuated between Channel. comeback round first tee on a blustery day stage," John Harper, chief operating officer to be the early clubhouse brilliant and dreadful at "I got off to a nice solid after a 16-month at the exclusive Albany of Los Angeles 2024, said of the need to leader. the Hero World Challenge start and made a few break due to course and pulled his deliver in the bid a reasonable and rigorous Dodt holed six birdies and in the Bahamas mistakes." injury. opening drive left and budget. a bogey in the lowest round of yesterday. Only Briton Justin narrowly avoided a fair- Their preparations come as Tokyo 2020 the day to get to 12 under and Woods, who had been Rose (72), who is battling While Woods is guar- way bunker. grapples with spiralling expenses. Japanese lead at the halfway stage of sidelined due to a chronic back problems of his own, anteed at least three more Woods then hit a solid organisers this week said overall costs could the European Tour co-sanc- back injury, shot a one- finished below Woods. rounds at the event he approach shot to reach the run as much as ¥2tr ($18b), almost three times tioned event. over 73 to sit in hosts to benefit of his green in two, missed a initial estimates. World number seven and second-to-last place of charitable foundation, it long birdie putt before The International Olympic Committee 2013 US Masters champion the elite 18-player field, is clear there is still much rolling in a routine three- (IOC) is fretting such a lofty figure could scare Adam Scott surged home in 32 nine shots back of leader work ahead if he hopes to footer for par. off future bidders, after cities like Rome and for a second consecutive J.B. Holmes. Unfortunately I add to his 79 PGA Tour After another par at Boston dropped out of the 2024 race, and has round of 68 to be at eight On the front nine the wins. the second Woods began called for a sharp reduction. under and four strokes behind 14-times major winner made those "I just need to keep a trademark charge with The IOC is keen for cities to embrace its Dodt. looked like the player who mistakes, I can playing, my feel just has a tap in birdie at the par- "Agenda 2020" initiative, which calls for, New Zealander Ryan Fox once dominated the sport clean that up. to keep coming back," five third. among other things, creating a more com- was in joint third with Scott as he stormed to four- He then shifted into pact Games and using a high percentage of after a three-under 69 and a under through eight holes, We have three top gear with a run of existing venues to lower costs. shot clear of American Harold including a sizzling stretch more days. three straight birdies to Harper called Los Angeles "Games ready Varner III, who carded a par of three straight birdies All in all, I felt move into a share of the today" and said it would use only existing 72. from the sixth. lead. But his round began facilities, including the UCLA campus for the Dodt, who has made just But on an error- pretty good, to unravel with a bogey at Olympic village, or a handful of temporary seven of 20 cuts this season, strewn back nine the Woods said. the par-five ninth. ones. is chasing his third European misfiring 40-year-old That was followed by "I think that is a huge budget risk that gets Tour title. looked lost for ideas and another bogey at the 11th taken off the table by having that in existence "The first handful of holes control, particularly off and a birdie at the par-five today," he said, referring to the Olympic vil- were really solid then I made the tee, carding two 15th after missing an eagle lage plan. a few birdies," Dodt said. chance from 10 feet. Laszlo Vajda, vice chairman of the Buda- Hall made birdies on the From that point it was pest bid team, said the Hungarian capital 12th, 14th, 15th and last in his all downhill for Woods, as would provide a new alternative as a mid- remaining seven holes while his tee shot at 16 once size city to host the Games after the mega Varner's birdie-birdie finish again landed deep in the cities of Beijing, London and Tokyo, noting to complete his weather- scrub land forcing him to the compact nature of its plan. delayed first round lifted him hit backwards onto the "We believe because of this proximity, to the top of the leaderboard fairway on way to a cost in terms of transportation, infrastruc- with Dodt. double-bogey. ture and urban overlay is much smaller than Hall added a hat-trick of At the 18th, Woods would be necessary for a much larger city," gains from the 13th and when found the water with his he said. he made another birdie on the tee shot to set up yet Paris is highlighting its status as a top cul- third, he was four shots clear. another double-bogey tural and tourist destination with not only A triple-bogey was to fol- Tiger Woods that sent him tumbling sports infrastructure but strong access to pub- low on the next hole as he of the United down the leaderboard. lic transport and high hotel capacity already found the water and missed a "Unfortunately I made in place. States hits his short putt before recovering those mistakes, I can clean "The financial impact of the Games in tee shot on the with birdies on the fifth and that up. We have three Paris is relatively low because of all the eighth. second hole more days," said Woods. investment that has already been done in the Scott made a slow start, during round "I just made a couple mis- past," said Etienne Thobois, chief executive bogeying the second but he one of the Hero takes on par fives ... I of the Paris bid team. got back level on the ninth and World Challenge should have just tore those "We're confident that we can deliver the that proved a catalyst as he at Albany, in holes apart. Games on a reasonable scale." came home in at 32, adding Nassau, Bahamas "All in all, I felt pretty IOC members will select the 2024 host at birdies on the tenth, 12th, 15th on Thursday. good." the 130th International Olympic Committee and 16th. Session in Lima next September. Lehmann looks to defuse Root backs 'brilliant' Cook to remain captain

Maxwell-Wade row New Delhi After becoming a father for AFP a second time last month, the Sydney the Sydney Cricket Ground 31-year-old Cook admitted that Reuters yesterday. atsman Joe Root has he found the long England tours "Obviously disappointed backed Alastair Cook to a wrench, while insisting he ustralia coach Darren but we'll work through those Bremain as England skip- remained deeply proud of cap- Lehmann is to hold issues. It's difficult but again per, hailing him as a "brilliant taining his country. Aclear-the-air talks ahead we'll work through it behind the leader" despite the team's woes The left-handed opener, of the one-day series against scenes. on their current tour of India. who recently overtook Michael New Zealand after recalled all- "We're confident they can Root, widely tipped to suc- Atherton's record of 54 Tests as rounder Glenn Maxwell work together." ceed Cook when the veteran England captain, no longer plays criticised wicketkeeper Matt Maxwell, who was dropped skipper does make way, played limited-overs cricket but has Wade. from the Australian team after down talk that he was ready to been a permanent fixture in the Maxwell said yesterday that failing to post any substantial take the helm by telling report- Test side for the last decade. he had been disappointed at scores in the previous 12 ers he was happy with his role Despite his team's stumbles some of the decisions by Wade, months, has said he would like in the team. in India, Cook's own form has his captain in the Victoria state to push for a recall to the test Cook's future has been called held up and he scored his 30th side, to bat ahead of him in side for next year's tour of India. into question after he admitted Test century in the opening matches this year. His batting, however, had just before the tour that he could match. "I think the wicketkeeper not even made him an option quit at the end of the five-Test Root, who is himself averag- England’s Joe Root and Alastair Cook (right) look dejected should be batting at seven for the just completed third test series and that he was finding it ing nearly 50 in India, unless you're trying to squeeze against South Africa, where hard to be apart from his family after a missed chance during the fourth Test match against acknowledged that Cook may an extra bowler into your line- Australia overhauled their side for long stretches. Pakistan at the Oval in at Edgbaston in this August 13 file be missing his family but insisted up," Maxwell said yesterday. in an effort to shake them out After drawing the first Test, photo. he was coping well and that When asked why Wade had of a slump, the coach said. England suffered heavy defeats other batsmen had to step up to batted ahead of him, Maxwell "(He) hasn't made a hun- in the next two matches and "I think he is pretty set on and you want to do what is right the plate. replied: "Because he's captain, dred for two years," Lehmann must win their next contest in captaining for a few years to for England and the side. "You could put a lot of blame and he chooses the batting added. Mumbai to have any chance of come and I hope he does "And genuinely, honestly, I on Cooky but actually it is the order." "Are you going to pick a saving the series. because I think he is a brilliant think he is the right man. Hope- responsibility of the batters to Lehmann said he would bloke who hasn't made a hun- But regardless of the out- leader and I've really enjoyed fully, we get these results we make those big scores," he said. speak to power-hitting Maxwell dred in two years?" come, Root played down the playing under him," said Root, want in the last two games and The fourth Test begins in to try and resolve the issue. Victoria batsman Rob prospect of a change in leader- 25. we can put right what has been Mumbai next Thursday ahead of "Yeah, we will (speak about Quiney had some blunt advice ship after the team return home "I'm quite happy with the quite a frustrating last couple of the final match in Chennai which it)," Lehmann told reporters at for his team mate Maxwell. in time for Christmas. role I'm playing at the moment weeks." begins on December 16. 22 SPORT SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2016 UAE's Omar Abdulrahman named Asian player of 2016

Abu Dhabi Abdulrahman, who once had a Women's player of the year was AFP two week trial for English side Man- Caitlin Ford, a former AFC young chester City, also admitted he would player of the year. She is the first mar Abdulrahman, arguably like to play in Europe. woman to win both awards. Asia's biggest , was "Every player dreams of playing Ford, who represented the Aus- Ocrowned AFC player of the in Europe," he said. tralian women's team, the Matildas, year in a glittering ceremony in his "If I get a good offer, I wouldn't at the Rio Olympics, said she was home country of United Arab Emir- mind with a good and big club." honoured to win - but was ates on Thursday. The award caps a stellar 2016 for surprised. The left-sided midfielder and the 25-year-old. "I wasn't really expecting this to winger is the second Emirati to win Even though he was on the los- be honest," she said. the trophy in consecutive years and ing side in the Champions League "My winning this trophy reflects his award was greeted with a huge final, he was named the tournament's on an amazing year for us Matildas cheer in the Emirates Palace Hotel in best player. and I have taken this for all of them." Abu Dhabi. Capped more than 50 times, he Australia reached the quarter- The victory was even sweeter as also carries the international hopes finals stage, going out to hosts Brazil he was nominated last year but lost out of the UAE, which has a real chance on penalties. to compatriot, Ahmed Khalil. But he said of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup Choi Kang-hee of the Jeonbuk the trophy would not make up for his finals. Hyundai Motors was awarded top Emirati league side Al Ain losing the Asian Leicester City's Shinji Okazaki male coach of the year. Champions League final last month to was crowned international player of The women's award was won by 's . the year, the award given to those Chan Yuen-ting of Hong Kong. "My main ambition was to win the who play in a league outside the AFC. The 28-year-old manager of Emirate's Omar Abdulrahman (left), carrying the AFC Men's Footballer of the Year Champions League trophy," he said. The Japanese star edged out South Eastern Sports Club is the first trophy, and Australia's Caitlin Foord, carrying the AFC Women's Footballer of the "The trophy is not only for me but Korea's Son-Heung-min, a fellow woman to lead a men's team in a Year, pose for a picture during the Asian Football Confederation's Annual Awards it's for all my colleagues at Al Ain and English Premier League star, who country's top division to a league ceremony in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Thursday. the national team." plays for Spurs. championship.

El Clasico Barca desperate to break Real's in numbers

Barcelona unbeaten streak in El Classico AFP arcelona and Real Madrid meet for Madrid Barca vs Real Bthe 233rd time at AFP Barca's Camp Nou today Madrid will be without in one of the oldest and arcelona are the more Gareth Bale and Toni fiercest football rivalries desperate side as Real Kroos,while Barca are on the planet. Madrid visit Catalonia sweating on the Here are some of the tomorrow for the first fitness of Jordi Alba numbers behind the big- El Clasico of the sea- gest game in club and Pique. Bson boasting a six-point lead at football: the top of La Liga. El Classico is expected €1.4BN Madrid have won 15 more to capture an The combined value points in all in La Liga under the audience of 650 of the two most expen- guidance of Zinedine Zidane sive squads in football is million people since the sides last met in April 1.4bn. worldwide. and are riding a 31-game Led by the star front- unbeaten run in all line of Lionel Messi, Luis competitions. The composed Zidane Suarez and Neymar, Bar- Barca are off to their worst refused to accept that a first Liga ca's squad value of league start in nine seasons. title in five years would be €764m outstrips Real's However, coach Luis Enrique Madrid's to lose should they bag by over €100m. believes much of the media crit- victory at the Camp Nou. 21 GOALS icism of his side has been "We are thinking about pre- The record for goals overblown, citing the institu- paring well for the game, and, scored in El Clasico held tional crisis that Barca overcame whatever happens, it will not be by Messi ahead of late in the January his debut season decisive." Real legend Alfredo di in 2015 to win the treble. Both sides are blighted by Stefano on 18. Cristiano "We remain favourites for all injury concerns.Madrid will be Real Madrid's celebrates during a game in this Ronaldo is third with 16. the titles, but it is evident we without Gareth Bale with the file photo. RIGHT: Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (right) celebrates with 32 V 24 (TITLES) have to improve," said Enrique. Welshman now set to miss up to Neymar after scoring a goal during their UEFA Champions League Madrid have the brag- "We lack consistency, but four months after an ankle oper- ging rights when it comes match against Celtic in Barcelona, Spain, in this file Photo. don't exaggerate. In my first sea- ation, whilst Toni Kroos is also to La Liga titles with 32 to son you (the media) exaggerated sidelined by a broken foot. Barca's 24. However, the and we ended up winning the Tough tackling midfielder Barca are sweating on the fit- The clash between the top LA LIGA FIXTURES Catalans have had the treble." Casemiro made his first appear- ness of Jordi Alba and Pique, who two offers Sevilla and Atletico Today upper hand in recent The biggest match in club ance in two months in midweek both struggled through the 90 Madrid the chance to make up Granada vs Sevilla (12:00) times, winning six in the football is expected to capture and could come into contention minutes in a 1-1 draw at Real ground in the title race. Barcelona vs Real Madrid (15:15) last eight seasons. an audience of 650 million peo- to partner the Croatian duo of Sociedad described as a "mira- Sevilla sit behind Barca only Leganes vs Villarreal (17:30) 232 MATCHES Atletico Madrid vs Espanyol (19:45) ple worldwide, according to Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic. cle" by Enrique given the state on goal difference in third and Tomorrow Of 232 Clasicos figures released by La Liga. Cristiano Ronaldo has shot of Barca's display. can close on Real when they visit vs Celta Vigo (11:00) played, Madrid also have "I am not going to say it is to the top of La Liga's goalscor- However, the champions will winless Granada today lunch- vs Eibar (15:15) the upper hand with 93 just another game, it is a very ing charts once more with five be hugely boosted by the return time. Atletico have bounced back Alaves vs Las Palmas wins to 91. 48 meetings important match, it has a special in his last two league outings and of captain Andres Iniesta, whilst from their Madrid derby hum- Sporting Gijon vs Osasuna (17:30) have ended in a draw.

meaning....a special taste," Real looks set to be partnered by the front three of Lionel Messi, bling at the hands of Real two Valencia vs Malaga (19:45) €679M VS €620M president Florentino Perez told Karim Benzema and Lucas Luis Suarez and Neymar are all weeks ago with three wins and Monday After a decade of Deportivo la Coruna v Real Sociedad (19:45) AFP. Vazquez in Bale's absence. fit to start. 11 goals without conceding since. dominance by Real as the richest club in the world, Barca usurped their eter- nal rivals by posting an income of €679m for last City plan to prove a point in Chelsea showdown season compared to Madrid's €620m. 99,354 FANS London The Blues were in turmoil last to go top if they win at Bournemouth The capacity of Bar- AFP season after Jose Mourinho was tomorrow. Jurgen Klopp's side are ca's Camp Nou, the sacked, but former Italy and Juven- unbeaten in their last 11 matches. biggest stadium in anchester City will aim to tus coach Antonio Conte has teased Arsene Wenger is confident Europe. prove their hectic schedule out renewed focus and passion from fourth placed Arsenal will get back Mwon't stop them winning the a squad of fragile egos and the results on track after their surprise League Premier League when leaders Chel- have been impressive. Cup exit when they face West Ham. sea visit Eastlands for a enthralling Three points in Manchester Wenger's side were beaten 2-0 showdown today. would take Chelsea to eight consec- at home by Southampton in the quar- PREMIER LEAGUE City are one point behind Chel- utive league victories for the first ter-finals on Tuesday, while West FIXTURES sea heading into the first meeting time since 2010, but City have lost Ham also crashed out of the compe- Today (15:00 GMT unless stated) this season between two teams who just one of their last 15 league games tition with a 4-1 thrashing at Crystal Palace vs Southampton have quickly emerged as leading and have a point to prove about the Manchester United. Manchester City vs Chelsea (12:30) title contenders under their new rivals' differing schedules. Manchester United travel to Stoke vs Burnley managers. While third placed City have Everton aiming to maintain the Sunderland vs Leicester City While City featuring in a title had the pressure of trying to qual- momentum of their midweek Tottenham vs Swansea battle only five months into Pep ify from a tough Champions League victory. West Brom vs Watford Guardiola's reign is hardly a sur- group, Chelsea have enjoyed the Mourinho's team are 11 points West Ham vs Arsenal (17:30) Tomorrow prise given the club's financial luxury of extra rest due to their fail- behind Chelsea after winning just Bournemouth vs Liverpool (13:30)

muscle and their Spanish manag- ure to quality for European one of their last seven league games,

Manchester City Manager Everton vs Manchester United (16:00) er's impeccable CV, Chelsea's competition. but United midfielder Michael Car- Monday Pep Guardiola presence at the top of the table is A draw at Eastlands would give rick hasn't given up hope of a Middlesbrough v Hull (20:00) more unexpected. second placed Liverpool the chance successful season. SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2016 SPORT 23

Ex-FIFA chief Blatter set to QSL: Solitary Xavi strike seals learn ban appeal

Zurich Al Sadd win against Al Khor AFP ormer FIFA president Sepp Blatter will learn The Peninsula QATAR STARS LEAGUE Fon Monday whether his Today's Results appeal against a six-year ban l Sadd continued from football has been suc- their undefeated Al Sadd 1 - 0 Al Khor cessful, the Court of start to the QSL sea- Al Kharaitiyat 1 - 1 Al Shahaniya Arbitration for Sport (CAS) son with a narrow Al Ahli 0 - 1 El Jaish said yesterday. 1-0 win over a resil- Once the most powerful ientA Al Khor side yesterday Today's fixture man in football, Blatter is evening. Al Gharafa vs Al Rayyan serving a ban over ethics vio- A second half strike from At Al Gharafa Club, 5.40pm. lations relating to a suspect captain Xavi gave Al Sadd all $2m payment he authorised three points, in what will be wide. Jesaldo Ferriera’s team in 2011 to former UEFA boss seen as ideal preparation for kept targeting the left hand side Michel Platini. their upcoming Qatar clasico during the first half and duly Both Blatter and Platini match against Al Rayyan on created a chance of note were originally banned for Wednesday evening. through the ever lively Abdulka- eight years by the sport's Al Sadd laid down their rim Hassan, the Qatar world governing body, but intentions as early as the sixth International fired a shot from that was reduced to six years minute. Qatar international a tight angle which was even- by a FIFA appeals panel in defender Abdulkarim Hassan tually saved by Baba Djibrial. February. Platini had his ban whipped in a cross which fell to Credit to Al Khor they cut by a further two years by Sadd marksman Bagdad weathered the wave after wave CAS in May. Bounjah however the Algerian’s of Al Sadd attack, eventually side footed effort trickled wide. finding their stride. On the The Wolves started the tie twenty eighth minute Khor reg- on the front foot and two min- istered their first chance of note El Jaish's defender Lucas Michel Mendes (left)looks on as Al Ahli's Goal Keeper Amer Abdulla utes later Fizzing effort from with Brazilian star Madson fir- Ronaldo, Algerian midfielder Jugurtha ing a long distance shot which Al-Dosari (right) tries to stop the ball during their Qatar Stars League match played at Al Ahli Hamroun flew over Baba Dji- was well saved by Saad Al Sheeb Stadium, yesterday. Mourinho hit brial’s goal. It promised to be a in the Wolves goal. long evening for the Al Khor Al Sadd ramped up the pres- knocked the ball wide again. substutute had defence. sure heading into the break, and Both sides headed off at half an effort cleared off the line by QSL back on tax Sadd where getting plenty on a rare foray forward Sadd time honours even at 0-0, with Khor defender Abdulla Aish. Xavi forth goal of the of joy down the left hand side defender Pedro produced a Al Khor coach Jean Fernandez Whilst Abdulla Saif has another season kept claims in the first half, and again wing scintillating shot that flew over the happier of the two snapshot which skidded just Al Sadd's unbeaten back Abdulkarim Hassan put in the cross bar. Whilst in the final managers. wide. Fortunately for Al Sadd Paris a dangerous cross in to the box. seconds of the first half, Jesaldo Ferriera’s side they held out the late Al Khor run ahead of their AFP Unfortunatly for Sadd, Jugurtha Abdulkarim Hassan again started the second half as they onslaught to register their sixth major clash with Hamroun’s flicked effort went picked out Hamroun who ended the first, and with just win of the season. Al Rayyan on eal Madrid star Cristiano five minutes on the clock Al In the second match of the Wednesday. Ronaldo and Manches- Sadd found their mark. A smart evening, Al Kharaitiyat and Al ter United coach Jose Tiaiba snatched a win R cross from Abdulkarim Hassan Shahaniya shared the points Mourinho hit back at claims found Xavi who hit a half vol- with a 1-1 draw at Al Khor Sta- from Al Kharaitiyat by over their tax arrangements ley into the ground which dium. The last ten minutes plus scoring Al Shahaniya's yesterday with their agent bounced past a sprawling Baba injury time provided a goal for second spot-kick in declaring they had fully com- Djibrial for his forth goal of the each side and saw two penal- the match in the last plied with British and Spanish season. ties awarded to Al Shahaniya. minute. fiscal requirements. The Wolves immediately The final score was 1-1 thanks They have respected grew in confidence and could to goals from Al Kharaitiyat’s Sufyan. Gormi hit the ball hard "fully their obligations of doubled their lead minutes Jeremy Bokila and a converted straight down the middle and regarding Spanish and Brit- later had Bagdad Bounjah’s fly- penalty from Al Shahaniya’s Al Kharaitiyat's keeper was ish authorities," read a ing header from a Xavi corner Mohammed Tiaiba in the final quick to dive and save it keep- statement for Gestifute, run hit the target. kick of the game. ing his side in the game. by their agent Jorge Mendes. Al Sadd where beginning to The first half was a tactical The first goal of the game Spanish newspaper El dominate proceedings, with affair with both teams testing came in the eighty-eighth Confidencial, quoting docu- sixty minutes on the clock, the waters. It was uneventful in minute courtesy of Al Kharaiti- mentation from the Football Abdulkarim Hassan went on a terms of goalmouth action. The yat’s striker Jeremy Bokila. The Leaks website, alleged Ron- surging run eventually putting closest anyone came to scoring Congolese striker sent the ball aldo had benefited from through Bagdad Bounjah. The was when in the twenty-first home with his right foot from keeping assets in a tax haven. Algerian striker showed plenty minute when an unmarked close range after he connected The website said the foot- of poise to round Baba Dijibrial, Moussa Al Allaq of Al Kharaiti- with an inch-perfect cross from baller of the year favourite however his shot could only hit yat headed the ball over the bar Abdelhaadi Ameen from the had used Irish-based Multi- the side netting. from a cross. right. sports & Image Management Bounjah again was amongst Al Shahaniya had some long The game ended with some Limited to ramp down his tax the chances and had a golden range shots at goal but nothing late drama as Al Shahaniya were burden below what he would chance to double his sides lead to threaten Al Kharaitiyat goal- awarded a second spot-kick have been subject to in Spain. El Jaish's on the sixty seventh minute, had keeper, Ahmed Sufyan. after Mohammed Tiaiba was Gestifute said neither Romarinho he not hit substitute Hassan In the eightieth minute, brought down in the box by Ronaldo, nor his Portuguese (front) vies for Haydoos cross well over the Thunders defender Domingos Mohamed Salam. All the pres- compatriot and former Real the ball with Al bar. With the game heading in conceded a penalty, getting a sure was on Tiaiba who coach Mourinho were "impli- Ahli player during to the final ten minutes Al Khor red card in the process. Khaled managed to score the penalty cated in any judicial their Qatar Stars could of snatched an unlikely Gourmi squared the ball to in the last kick of the game to procedures". League match at equaliser, substitute Abdulla Mohammed Tiaba who was ensure that Jose Fernando’s side The company noted they Al Ahli Stadium, Saif hot a fine effort from 30 pulled back by Domingos in left the game with a point. had taken legal redress against yesterday. yards which flew over Saad Al front of the goal and the referee In the last match of the claims of tax evasion and Pictures by Sheeb’s crossbar. pointed to the spot. evening, at Al Ahli Stadium, El stressed it had always acted with Kammutty VP/ The game opened up in the Khaled Gourmi stepped up Jaish snatched a tough win from "the highest degree of profes- The Peninsula final minutes with both sides for the spot kick which was Al ahli after a 86th minute stun- sionalism in relations with (its) exchanging chances. Al Sadd saved by the keeper Ahmed ner by Lucas Michel Mendes. clients and authorities". No time to take foot off pedal, warns reform-driven Coe

Monaco our foot off the pedal. We have a The latest revelations, coming would manage all anti-doping thethe problemsproblems witwithh ddopingoping anandd AFP momentous opportunity today to as yet more athletes were stripped matters and be responsible for there's a lot that needsneeds to bbee ddone.one. restore credibility and pioneer a of medals following re-tests dating greater intelligence gathering. NorwegianNorwegian Rune Andersen,Andersen, he IAAF has the chance to new era of transparent and back to 2008, saw French news- "This is a moment to be bold, currently head of the IAAF distance itself from "gro- accountable sports administra- paper Le Monde and German not to be timid," Coe said. "The TasTaskforcekforce llookingooking into steps Ttesque stories" of corruption tion," Coe said. broadcaster ARD report that the reforms create the strongest set of Russia is takingtaking in its anti-anti-dop-dop- when members vote today on a "We are guardians, not own- practice of covering up Russian foundations upon which we need ing fight, said the creation of the raft of revolutionary reforms ers of this sport and as such we anomalies was more widespread to build new fans, create new for- AthleticsAthletics Integrity Unit was drawn up by president Sebastian have an obligation to lay the right than initially thought. mats, to find new partners and "ground-break- Coe. foundations for future generations Coe's reforms, with a nod to frankly to create new and exciting ing".ing". Since Coe took office in who will sit in our places and Diack's abuse of the presidency, events." August 2015, the IAAF has been compete in our events." include stripping himself of some Coe needs the backing of two- mired in the fall-out from dis- Coe, whose proposals go before powers, with the president and thirds of the 214 federations that graced predecessor Lamine Diack, a Special Congress on Saturday, IAAF Council not allowed to serve will vote today to get the propos- at the centre of a corruption scan- added: "This is a pretty important more than 12 years and with more als passed. dal in which several former senior week in the history of our sport. checks put in place. Coe seems to have wide sup- IAAF officials were found to have Because I do not want us ever to They also push for gender bal- port from athletes, Kenya's 800m bribed Russian athletes to keep return to the grotesque stories that ance, handing athletes a greater great David Rudisha saying: "Our quiet over positive doping tests. even over the last few days we have voice and crucially establishing sport has been going through a lot "Now is not the time to take been waking up to." an independent integrity unit that of turbulence of late, one being Sebastian Coe