SPORT FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2016 21 shows football open to diversity: FIFA The Peninsula FATMA SAMOURA Hamad International Airport; how they can also be a nation of foot- unique do you think this compact ball, and also show the rest of the head of the Qatar 2022 The compact nature of tournament concept will be for world that football is bringing LOC Board Meeting in this World Cup will visitors in 2022? people from different cultures ADoha this week, FIFA Sec- allow fans to attend Fatma: I was informed and religious backgrounds retary General Fatma Samoura several matches in before I came about the possi- together. This is for me the led a FIFA delegation on a infra- one day. bility to visit almost all the strongest sign that FIFA’s new structure tour which highlighted venues and sites within a few management can give to the rest Qatar’s rapidly advancing prep- Planning is done hours, and I can confirm: yes, it of the world. arations for the 2022 FIFA World ahead of time, which is possible. From the explana- My mere presence as the first Cup™. is a strong sign of tions we have received it seems female and African Secretary Speaking after the tour – Qatar's commitment that several ways will be utilised, General in world football’s gov- which included five of the eight to deliver the best including water ways. erning body already means a lot, proposed host venues, the trans- World Cup ever. Q. How happy are you with but having the World Cup hosted portation network, Qatar Rail the current stage of progress? by countries like Qatar with such sites and Hamad International workers. We have also witnessed Fatma: I can see that plan- a small population but such a Airport – the Senegalese official the compact nature of this World ning is done ahead of time, which great passion for football, means said FIFA was pleased with the Cup, which will allow fans to is a strong sign of the commit- that we are not only focussing level of planning and enthusiasm attend several matches in the ment of the Qatari people of on the big nations. shown by Qatar. same day. delivering the best World Cup The only way we can help Q. What were your impres- I think the level of commit- ever. shape the future of FIFA is to sions on your first visit to Qatar, ment of the Supreme Committee Q: What does it mean for FIFA develop grassroots football and FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura (second left) and as you toured 2022 FIFA World for Delivery and Legacy, and the to take the World Cup to a new have more nations coming into Hassan Al Thawadi, the Secretary General of the Supreme Cup™ various sites? level of enthusiasm I have been region – the Middle East? the competition. To me having Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), in yesterday. Fatma: This tour has opened witnessing since my arrival from Fatma: This only means that the World Cup teams expanded Nasser Al Khater Assistant Secretary General, Tournament the eyes not only for me in my the Local Organising Commit- the world of football is opening to 40 or 48 is just another way Operations (centre). capacity as FIFA Secretary Gen- tee, just tells us that the choice to diversity and is really embrac- to show to the world that we’d eral, but the new leadership team of Qatar to host this World Cup ing the globalised nature of like to have more people. tournament can serve to unite peo- will be bought by foreigners. This that is leading FIFA through the was a good one. football. Q. Finally, with your own per- ple through football? will give the world another per- reforms. Construction is going Q. In the space of just two We should be giving more sonal background working for 21 Fatma: Hopefully with the spective on how the World Cup is on well, with a special focus on hours you were able to see five dif- opportunities to regions like the years with United Nations pro- three million tickets that we plan staged in other countries outside the safety and security of all the ferent stadium sites, as well as the Middle East to demonstrate that grammes, do you think this to sell in Qatar, thelarger portion the main nations of football.

Garcia not giving Generations of golf clash in Doha up on claiming elusive major The Peninsula delicious cuisine, golf and sports Anna Nordqvist activities, family fun, exciting Madrid he fairways of Doha competitions, and more. Reuters Golf Club are set for a Commenting on the headlin- spectacle of talent ing field and world-class ergio Garcia has finished from 23 – 26 Novem- entertainment, Mr. Hassan runner-up twice at both ber, as golf’s young Nasser Al Naimi, President of the S the British Open and Tstars Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Qatar Golf Association said, PGA Championship and while Carly Booth and Aditi Ashok con- “We are tremendously excited those near misses were tough firm their place in this month’s to bring the Qatar Ladies Open to to take the Spaniard is not inaugural Qatar Ladies Open the residents of Qatar in what is giving up hope of claiming (QLO), alongside famed players teeing up to be the capital’s ulti- that elusive first major. Trish Johnson, Dame Laura Dav- mate new event to see and The world number 14, ies and Anna Nordqvist. be-seen at. Promising a combina- who let a four-shot lead slip A full field of players will tion of inspiring young at the Open in 2007 before compete in Qatar’s first wom- up-and-coming athletes and leg- losing in a playoff to Padraig en’s professional golf ends of the game, as well as Harrington, also has top five tournament from 23-26 Novem- supreme golfing facilities, off- finishes at the other two ber for a chance to climb the course entertainment and majors, finishing third at the 2016 Order of Merit rankings delicious cuisine, the Qatar Ladies 2005 US Open and fourth at before the year is out. The Ladies Open will provide the perfect day the Masters in 2004. European Tour (LET) tourna- out for families and friends.” "When you have a lot of ment, held in Qatar for the first Ashok from India this Novem- tournaments, before claiming LET title, but will face stiff com- misses there's obviously time, is thanks to the Qatar Golf ber. At age 17, Ashok became the her first professional victory at petition from two greats of the QATAR LADIES always a little dent in the Association. youngest lady winner of LET’s Tipsport Golf Masters in the game in Dame Laura Davis and bumper in your car. It's just a Swedish star Anna Nordqvist Lalla Aicha Tour School last year. Czech Republic this year. Trish Johnson, who pipped OPEN (QLO) matter of having that week has committed herself to the Dutch talent Anne Van Dam will Koerstz's 20-year-old Dan- Nocera to win the 2014 Aberdeen Dame Laura Davies where everything happens," (QLO), sparking excitement be aiming to maintain top form ish compatriot Emily Kristine Asset Management Ladies Scot- has amassed 80 Garcia said. amongst golf fans across the after winning last month’s Xia- Pedersen, is another rising star tish Open. international titles "You feel really comfort- region, as the LPGA player and men International Ladies Open. who spectators should keep an Dame Laura Davies has including four major able and you feel like it's your world number 13 looks to bol- LET pro Maha Haddioui and eye out for. amassed 80 international titles, championships. week. I'm still giving myself ster her 2016 campaign. amateur Lina Belmati will both Isabelle Boineau of France, including four major champion- a lot of chances in a lot of Fan favourite Carly Booth, be flying the flag for Morocco who recently claimed her first ships which saw her inducted The Ladies European majors and the most impor- who already has two LET wins and Arabic women in golf, as the title at the Aberdeen Asset Man- into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Tour (LET) event, held tant thing is if I keep giving under her belt, will no doubt be pair are set to feature at the QLO. agement Ladies Scottish Open, The ultimate new event to in Qatar for the first myself chances, then I'll keep planning to make it a hat-trick The European talent continues will bolster the French constit- be-seen at, this latest addition to time, is taking place getting possibilities." as she competes in Doha for the with Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz uency as she joins Gwladys Doha’s calendar promises a thanks to the efforts The 36-year-old has first time. Madsen, 21, who completed her Nocera. unique four days of entertain- of Qatar Golf posted 22 top-10 finishes in the The QLO will also welcome first LET Rookie season in 2015 Tour legend Nocera will be ment, both on and off the golf Association. majors, and tied for fifth at the the much-talked about Aditi with six top-ten finishes in 16 hunting for her milestone 15th course, including US and British Opens this year.

Solheim Cup to Erratic McDowell 'feeling good' for Mexico title defence be played at New Mexico The straight-hitting McDowell, whose Inverness in 2021 Graeme McDowell Reuters only major victory came at the 2010 US Open, missed the cut last week at the Shrin- Ohio rejuvenated Graeme McDowell heads ers Hospitals for Children Open in Las Reuters into his title defence at this week's Vegas on his first start on the 2016-17 PGA A OHL Classic at Mayakoba in Mexico Tour. he 2021 Solheim Cup will be fervently hoping he can iron out a few Overall, though, the globe-trotting played at the fabled Inverness inconsistencies in his game that have Northern Irishman is in upbeat mood for TClub in Toledo, Ohio, the Ladies marred his 2016 campaign. his title defence at Playa del Carmen where Professional Golf Association (LPGA) The former US. Open champion posted he triumphed last year in a three-way announced on Wednesday. five top-10s in 21 starts on the 2015-16 PGA playoff. Inverness is a Donald Ross- Tour, including a playoff victory in Mexico "It is a challenge that we face year on designed layout which has hosted four 12 months ago, but his 'bad' weeks led to a year, trying to work out how to schedule US Opens (in 1920, 1931, 1957 and 1979) total of 10 missed cuts on the US circuit. ourselves as well as we possibly can, stay and two PGA Championships (1986 and "I've been disappointed that I haven't as fresh as we possibly can, especially for 1993). kicked on better this year, to be honest," a guy like myself playing both the PGA Tour "Inverness is one of the premier McDowell, 37, told reporters while prepar- and the European Tour," said McDowell. venues in golf and will serve as a great ing for yesterday's opening round at El "It's a balancing act, but I feel like I've test for a match-play competition," Camaleon Golf Club. learned something new about my sched- LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan said. "Finishing with the type of momentum ule every year ... I'm feeling very fresh and The Solheim Cup is a Ryder Cup- I did last year, I really felt like I was going very much looking forward to defending style biennial team competition that to kick on a little bit more. my title this week at the OHL. pits the US against Europe. The US "But taking the positives out of this year, "I'm as motivated and as healthy and lead Europe 9-5 all-time Cup com- when I have played well, I've maintained as mentally fresh as I have been in a long petition, having won the most recent my weekends and continued to play well time, and it's just a case of being really edition in Germany in 2015 by 14 1/2 and posted several good rounds. The incon- patient with it now ... I'm feeling good with points to 13 1/2. sistencies have been those missed cuts." where I'm at with my game." 22 SPORT FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2016

Darren Lehmann England's Stokes punishes India

Rajkot, India England's record Reuters After 55 years, three ll-rounder Ben Stokes batsmen score lived a charmed life centuries in the same to register his fourth innings at an Asian century as England venue for England. punished a sloppy IndiaA to post a huge first innings Geoff Pullar, Ken total on the second day of the Barrington and Ted opening test yesterday. Dexter all scored After winning the toss and hundreds in 1961 asking the hosts to bowl on a against India. docile pitch, an increasingly con- fident England capitalised on Aussies under some slack fielding to amass 537 Kanpur in December 1961. runs, effectively batting India out Resuming on 311-4, England pressure to avoid of the first match of the five-test walked out in a positive frame series. of mind and dominated the fifth straight loss India openers Gautam Gam- Indian attack, who failed to help bhir and Murali Vijay safely their cause by bowling too many Hobart, Australia negotiated the 23 overs they loose deliveries. AFP faced to take their side to 63 Moeen had been on 99 over- without loss at stumps, trailing night, but picked up the run he kipper Steve Smith and England by 474 runs. Gambhir needed to bring up his milestone his Australia team are was unbeaten on 28 while Vijay off the third ball of the day when Sunder big pressure from was on 25. he dabbed pace bowler Moham- South Africa and their own Stokes survived two dropped med Shami for a quick single. selectors as they try to catches, two run out chances and The left-hander then blasted bounce back from one of a tough stumping opportunity fast bowler Umesh Yadav for their worst losing streaks in before he was finally out for an three boundaries in four balls, the second Test at Hobart eventful 128 just before the prompting India captain Virat England's Ben Stokes misses a shot during their first Test cricket match against India at tomorrow. scheduled tea break. Kohli to bring on off-spinner Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, India, yesterday. The Australians sunk to The left-handed batsman, Ravichandran Ashwin after just a comprehensive 177-run who also saw three mis-hits soar five overs with the second new Wriddhiman Saha dropped loss to the Proteas in the high into the air before falling ball. Moeen was dismissed for 117 Stokes twice off Yadav. SCOREBOARD series opener in Perth with between onrushing fielders, after shouldering arms to an Stokes was on 60 when Saha the team coming under reached three figures with a inswinging delivery from Shami, spilled the ball after diving to his England (I innings): 6-442, 7-451, 8-465, 9-517, 10-537 heavy criticism over their boundary off spinner Ravindra which ended a brisk 62-run left. The wicket keeper then A Cook lbw b Jadeja 21 Bowling: M Shami 28.1 - 5 - 65 - 2, U Yadav 31.5 - 3 - capitulation. Jadeja (3-86). stand with Stokes for the fifth grassed another almost identi- H Hameed lbw b R Ashwin 31 112 - 2, R Ashwin 46 - 3 - 167 - 2, R Jadeja 30 - 4 - 86 - J Root c&b U Yadav 124 3(nb-1), A Mishra 23.3 - 3 - 98 - 1 South Africa were miss- After Joe Root scored a hun- wicket. cal opportunity when the B Duckett c Rahane b R Ashwin 13 ing their influential skipper dred on Wednesday, Moeen Ali There was, however, no res- all-rounder had added another M Ali b Shami 117 India (I innings): AB de Villiers and lost pace and Stokes matched the feat a pite for the Indian bowlers as run. Bairstow hit five fours and B Stokes c Saha b U Yadav 128 M Vijay (batting) 25 spearhead Dale Steyn with a day later to mark the first time Stokes and Jonny Bairstow added two sixes in his aggressive knock J Bairstow c Saha b Shami 46 G Gambhir (batting) 28 series-ending shoulder in 55 years that an England side another 99 for the sixth wicket of 46 before Saha finally man- C Woakes c Saha b Jadeja 4 Extras (B-8 LB-1 W-1) 10 injury yet still outplayed the had three batsmen who scored before the latter was caught aged to hold on to a catch. A Rashid c U Yadav b Jadeja 5 Total (for no loss) 63 To bat: home team. centuries in the same innings at behind off Shami. Stokes also added 52 for the Z Ansari lbw b Mishra 32 C Pujara, V Kohli, A Rahane, R Ashwin, W Saha, S Broad (not out) 6 R Jadeja, M Shami, U Yadav, A Mishra It was Australia's first an Asian venue. Geoff Pullar, Ken India had dropped three ninth wicket with Zafar Ansari Extras (B-5 LB-4 NB-1) 10 Bowling: S Broad 5 - 1 - 20 - 0; C Woakes 7 - 2 - 17 -

loss in an opening Test of Barrington and Ted Dexter all catches on the first morning of before Saha completed a smart Total (all out) 537 0(w-1); M Ali 6 - 2 - 6 - 0; Z Ansari 3 - 0 - 3 - 0; A their home season in 28 scored hundreds in the second the match and their profligacy catch down the leg side off Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-76, 3-102, 4-281, 5-343, Rashid 2 - 0 - 8 - 0 years and they have now innings of a test against India at continued when wicket keeper to dismiss him. slumped to four straight defeats after crashing in all three Tests on their July- August tour of Sri Lanka. "I would say every spot Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe is under pressure," Austral- ian coach Darren Lehmann admitted, with Smith adding: "Every aspect of our game as Herath bags 8/63 needs improvement." The last time Australia Harare Craig Ervine, the only home SCOREBOARD lost four Tests in a row in Reuters player to provide any significant Sri Lanka (I innings): 504 India three years ago, then resistance, was first out yesterday, Zimbabwe (I innings): 272 coach Mickey Arthur was angana Herath grabbed adding seven runs to his overnight Sri Lanka (II innings): 258/9 decl, sacked. Zimbabwe's final three 65 before a sharp catch from Zimbabwe (II innings): Lehmann is not seen as Rwickets to return figures of Dhananjaya de Silva at slip gave B Chari b Herath 8 under the same pressure as 8-63 as Sri Lanka wasted little Herath his first wicket of the H Masakadza lbw b Herath 10 Arthur but Smith's captaincy time in finishing off the hosts on morning. C Ervine c D de Silva b Herath 72 has come under close scru- the final morning of the second Carl Mumba departed for one S Williams c K Mendis b Kumara 45 M Waller c K Perera b D de Silva 0 tiny with former South Africa test at the Harare Sports Club run soon after and Chris Mpofu P Moor c K Mendis b Herath 20 captain Graeme Smith this yesterday. was the last wicket to fall, trapped G Cremer b Herath 5 week saying that he looked The home side, teetering on leg before for a quick-fire 20. D Tiripano not out 16 "a bit lost". 180 for seven overnight, survived Sri Lanka's victory proved a lot C Mumba lbw b Herath 1 While there could be up 13 overs before being bowled out easier than their success in last C Mpofu lbw b Herath 20 to three enforced team for 233 as Sri Lanka won by 257 week's first test when they almost Extras (B-12 LB-6 W-3) 21 changes for Hobart with runs to compete a sweep of the ran out of overs before eventually Total (all out) 233 Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-32, 3-39, 4-113, injuries to Shaun Marsh, two-match series. dismissing Zimbabwe to win by 5-114, 6-166, 7-176, 8-195, 9-201, 10-233 Adam Voges and Peter Sid- Herath, standing in as captain 225 runs. Bowling: S Lakmal 15 - 2 - 58 - 0; R Herath dle, the entire Australian for the injury-hit Sri Lankan side, The two sides will next be 23 - 6 - 63 - 8; D Perera 8 - 1 - 42 - 0; L Ku- team is under the gun for finished with 13 wickets in the joined by the West Indies for a tri- mara 9 - 0 - 42 - 1(w-1) their positions ahead of the Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath bowls during the third day of match as he fully exploited a turn- angular one-day international D de Silva 3 - 0 - 10 - 1;

the second cricket Test match against Zimbabwe at Harare Result: Sri Lanka won by 257 runs third day-night Test in ing surface to dominate the test series in Zimbabwe, which starts Adelaide later this month. Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe, yesterday. with his spin. in Harare on Monday. Lorenzo eyes victory in Yamaha farewell

Valencia I have some good memories, espe- MOTO GP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP at the top of the championship AFP cially last year when we were able STANDINGS before Marquez on the dominant to achieve our goal and become Honda ran away with the series. hree-time world champion world champion again," said 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 278 pts (World It was a third world title for the Jorge Lorenzo looks to end his Lorenzo who also won at the track Champion) 23-year-old Marquez and was Tnine-year Yamaha career, and in 2010 and 2013 in the elite 2. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 236 wrapped up in Japan with three his stormy relationship with super- category. 3. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Yamaha) 208 races to spare. star teammate Valentino Rossi, with During his time at Yamaha, 4. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Suzuki) 191 He goes into the Valencia race victory at the season-ending Grand Lorenzo has won 43 races, gained 5. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 162 with five wins in 2016 -- Argentina, Prix of Valencia on Sunday. 106 podiums, and started from pole 6. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 155 Grand Prix of Americas, Germany, Lorenzo led the title race ear- 38 times. 7. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/Honda LCR) 141 Aragon and Japan. lier this year but has since fallen "Valencia is going to be a very 8. Pol Espargaro (ITA/Yamaha Tech3) 124 The title may be wrapped up but dramatically off the pace with Span- special race for me because after 9. Hector Barbera (ESP/Ducati Avintia) 97 on Sunday he still has another tar- ish compatriot Marc Marquez nine years with the Yamaha family get -- securing a record 22nd 10. Andrea Iannone (ITA/Ducati) 96 having already wrapped up the I have to say goodbye and it won't constructors championship for championship. be easy," added Lorenzo who is Honda. Rubbing further salt into the being chased by British Grand Prix secure third position in the cham- "The season isn't over yet and wounds was seeing Rossi seal sec- winner Maverick Vinales on a pionship as well." after that we'll have two important ond spot in the standings leaving Suzuki for third spot in the Lorenzo has won three of the 17 days of testing," said Marquez. Lorenzo with just third place to tar- championship. races so far -- the Qatar season- Teammate Dani Pedrosa returns get before he heads to Ducati in "I had a lot of good feelings with opener followed by back-to-back for the season finale having missed 2017. Yamaha and together we won a lot victories at Le Mans and Mugello in the last two races after breaking his "The season is almost over and of races and titles. So I will do my May. collarbone and left leg in a horror Jorge Lorenzo finally we arrive to Valencia, where best to try to win and I will try to Those performances placed him crash in practice at Japan. FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 23 Champion Migliozzi out to retain crown

Chinthana Wasala the two podium winners from last IAU 50Km World The Peninsula year will face a tough challenge from a host of other star athletes Championship from 12 other countries. The world class event he defending Interna- The 50km long race will see will see 42 male tional Association of 42 male athletes and 25 female athletes and 25 Ultrarunners (IAU) athletes competing at Qatari female athletes 50Km World Cham- capital. competing at the AZF pion Tony Migliozzi will AZF hosts the Championship Tbe aiming for a double when he for the second consecutive year today. competes in the 2015 edition of in collaboration with Qatar Ath- the event at the at the Aspire Zone letic Federation, the organising In parallel to the main Foundation (AZF) today. partner. event, AZF will host However, the 34-year-olf In parallel to the main event, the Aspire ultrarunner from the United AZF will host the Aspire Interna- International 6:50km States, will have to face stiff oppo- tional 6:50km Race, allowing Race, a 50km sition form the Kenyan star enthusiasts across Qatar the individual race with Athletes from Germany, Canada USA and Great Britain pose for a photograph with Abdullah Arnold Kibet Kiptaoi who won the opportunity to run alongside IAU team relays (5 Al Khater, Manager of Events at Aspire Zone Foundation (centre) and Nadeem khan, (left) IAU silver medal last year. However, professional long-distance persons) in a multi-lap Director of Communications, during a press briefing held yesterday, ahead of the IAU 50km ultrarunners. format. The Aspire International World Championship which will be held in Doha today. Pictures by: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula 6:50km is a 50km individual race with team relays (5 persons) in a obtained from last year’s IAU achievements. We are confident existing partnership agreement great show at this year's multi-lap format, designed to 50km World Championship has that this year will turn out to be a for years ahead. Noting that AZF championship. challenge runners to complete attracted a great number of par- great success. I would like to take will be hosting its third IAU 50Km Experienced German ultra- 50k in 6 hours. ticipants this year. Ultrarunners this opportunity to thank Qatar World Championship next year. runner Niels Bubel said; “at this Commenting on the event, from 20 countries have registered Athletic Federation, our organis- According to Al Hajri, Aspire time of the year in Doha it’s not Abdullah Al Khater, Head of to take part in the WC. Last year’s ing partners, and the Qatar Police Zone Foundation has been suc- difficult to run at 26-27 degrees, Events at Aspire Zone Founda- winners have flown in to Doha to Association for their participation cessful in attracting an increasing and I will give my best in the tion said; “the positive reactions join us again this year, in addition at Aspire International 6:50 Race. number of Qatari participation competition”. to other new members." We are proud to say that we have this year for the Aspire Interna- "My first marathon was in "Due to the increasing diver- over 200 participants, with 7 tional 6.50 race, in line with the 2005, it was a start to the train- sity and strength of the competing Qatari teams, competing tomor- foundation’s objectives to pro- ing. It was then a hobby just teams, we hope to witness row at the race”, Al Khater said. mote sports as an active and similar to the people running at Abdullah Al Khater, Head impressive record-breaking Nasser Abdullah Al Hajri, healthy lifestyle among members Aspire Park." of Events at Aspire Zone Director of PR and Communica- of the local community. "Then I wanted to be faster tions at AZF, revealed that AZF, Some of the foreign athletes and I started my training, and Foundation, speaks to media the IAU and the Qatar Athletics were present at the press brief- may be in one year or two I would during the press conference Federation are potentially aim- ing held yesterday and everyone run again in Berlin marathons,” held yesterday. ing towards extending their of them were confident of a Bubel added.

More than 700 shooters eye Losail glory Tunisian Ahmad Al Ajlani signs Al Kharaitiyat deal Armstrong vaz respective military teams. This is to contribute to world peace by The last World Military Shoot- The Peninsula the second time Qatar is hosting uniting armed forces through ing Championship took place in a major military shooting sports and they operate under the South Korea in November 2015, The Peninsula championship. motto Friendship through Sport. while Switzerland had the hon- uwait and Oman military In 2013, Qatar Armed Forces Founded in 1948, the CISM is our of hosting the top military ormer Tunisian star Ahmad Al Ajlani has signed a shooting teams became the in collaboration with CSIM had one of the largest multidiscipli- shooters a year earlier. Mean- one-year deal with (QSL) outfit Kfirst two teams to check hosted the Second CISM Interna- nary organisations in the world. while, Qatar having delivered a FAl Kharaitiyat, the club confirmed yesterday. into Qatar for the 49th CISM tional Shotgun Championship at Hosts Qatar will have the larg- perfect show in 2013 is keen to The new deal was signed on Wednesday in the pres- World Military Shooting Cham- the same venue. The three-day est delegation taking part in the host the best world championship ence of club officials Musa Mansoor and Nasser Al Saadi, pionship which takes place from championship was sanctioned by championship. this year too and have formed the head of football at Al Kharaitiyat. November 12 to 20 at the Losail International Military Sports The hosts contingent will con- various committees for hosting Al Ajlani replaces Amar Osim after the side went down Shooting Range. Council (CISM) and had 65 shoot- sist of 29 shooters and ten the championship. to Umm Salal in a round six clash of the QSL. Al Kharaiti- Around 50 teams and more ers from ten countries taking part officials, the same as China. Around 17 committees have yat lost the round six clash 2-0. than 700 shooters will be seen in in the Trap and Skeet The team as part of the train- been formed under the main Al Ajlani, 56, has managed a number of football clubs action in the nine-day champi- categories. ing programme for the organising committee for the namely Khaleej, Al Orobah, Al Shoulla and Al Hilal. He onship which will be contested in Shooters from Bahrain, Fin- championship has been taking smooth conduct of the champi- also coached Al Shabab, Emirates Club and Al Shoalah both the men’s and women’s land, Iraq, Italy, , Latvia, part in various camps outside onship, informed officials. before joining Al Kharaitiyat. sections. Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and Thai- Qatar. The organising committee is The club said Al Ajlani will start with the side 'as soon Both, men and women will land took part in the military The team had a training camp getting ready the technical facil- as possible' as the QSL side begins preparations for their contest in six different shooting championship held three in Switzerland last month. The ities at the Losail Shooting round seven match. categories. years back. CISM is a worldwide camp ended with Qatari shooters Complex in perfect condition in Al Kharaitiyat face Al Sailiyah in their next QSL clash The championship is organ- organisation with member coun- taking part in the European inter- cooperation with Qatar Shooting on November 18 at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium, the home ised by Qatar Armed Forces and tries spread across continents and national military championship and Archery Association. turf of Al Ahli. some of the top shooters who it organises various sporting and gave a good account, winning The opening ceremony will be have won Olympic medals and events for the armed forces for four medals. held on November 13 at 3.30pm, have been world champions will 133 member countries. Currently the team is training while the closing ceremony will be turning out for their The ultimate goal of CISM is in Qatar. take place on November 19. Al Gharafa's Al Ghanem returns to training

The Peninsula

atar Stars League (QSL) giants Al Gharafa have con- firmed the return of influential midfielder Ibrahim QAl Ghanem following an absence because of den- tal treatment. "Ibrahim Al Ghanem has rejoined his teammates and resumed training," the club said in a statement yesterday. In another development, captain also joined the team on Wednesday after recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out of the side of recent QSL games. Meanwhile, the club yesterday confirmed Al Gharafa will play a friendly game against Al Hilal of at Aspire Academy's pitch number 7. The friendly has been scheduled to give the players match practice as QSL is in a lull due to a break for FIFA Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) President (left) and Al Rayyan Club Chairman Sheikh World Cup qualifying matches around the globe. Saoud bin Khalid Al Thani, presenting a memento to retiring Qatari basketball star Yaseen Ismail during the launch of a book yesterday. Al Gharafa will play Al Arabi in their next QSL match RIGHT: Yaseen poses for a photograph with the book. Ismail will play his farewell game at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena today. on November 19 at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium. SPORT Friday 11 November 2016 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 222 McDowell England's Stokes 'feeling good' for punishes IIndiandia in title defence first Test Qatar beat Russia in Doha thriller

Rizwan Rehmat under lights at Al Sadd Qatar's Pedro Miguel (left) heads the ball while The Peninsula Stadium. Russia's Aleksandr Kokorin looks on during their In the 20th minute, Russia's international friendly match played at Al Sadd SC atar rallied from a Glushakov Denis slipped past a Stadium yesterday. goal's deficit yester- couple of defenders before he day to beat Russia 2-1 launched a fierce drive towards in an international the Qatar goal. Qfriendly at Jassim bin Home defender Ali Assadalla Hamad Stadium. Qatar's goals - stationed inside the Qatar box were scored by Boualem - quickly put in a sliding tackle Khoukhi (35, penalty) and to stop the ball as the home fans (72). breathed a sigh of relief. For Russia, Samedov Alxan- Minutes later the home fans der had given the visitors the at lead off a 5th-minute penalty. felt collective anguish as Qatar's In the third minute, Qatar - the captain - defender missed a penalty kick, hitting the brought down Russia's Kom- ball wide of the Russian barov Dmitry close to the spot goalpost. kick and Pavel Balaj, the Roma- Russia's Aleksander brought nian referee, quickly pointed to down skipper Magid as a Qatari the penalty spot. player was taking a corner kick. Alxander easily converted Referee Pavel punished the Rus- the penalty, slotting the ball past sian side for aggressive play Qatar goalkeeper 's inside their own box by award- left as the visitors jumped to a ing a penalty to the home side. 1-0 lead in the fifth minute. Magid shot wide to miss a In the 12th minute, Russian golden opportunity to score for captain and goalkeeper Akineev the home side. Igor jumped out of his box to In the 33rd minute, - thwart a lose Qatari ball as the with only Russian goalkeeper to home team picked up the pieces beat from close range - wasted to put pressure on the visitors. an easy chance to score. spot kick in the 35th minute. Tabata won the free kick goalkeeper Igor because of an Tabata - assisted by fellow With Qatar players failing to Afif - the young Belgium- Khoukhi scored with a right- which was neutralised by Rus- injury. Stanislav Kritsyuk striker Hasan Al Haydos - fired make inroads into the Russian based Qatari striker - fumbled footed shot to the centre of the sian defence with ease. jumped in as the replacement. a stinging missile from long box, coach Jorge Fossati swiftly with the ball as goalkeeper Igor goal. Seconds later, Qatar captain In the 72nd minute, Tabata range but his shot was blocked did away with his tracksuit jacket charged towards the player. Qatar walked off the pitch Magid was booked by the refe- curled in a beautifully-raken by Kritsyuk with a dive to his in the 17th minute of the clash A minute later, Igor brought having enjoyed 52 percent of the ree for elbowing Russia's goal corner kick which was deflected left. down Ahmed Alaa - who was ball possession compared to 48 hero Aleksander. In the 52nd in by Boudiaf with a snap- Four minutes later, Russia's Qatar 2 - 1 Russia waiting on a loopy ball from the percent of their European minute, Russia's Yuri Gazinskiy header past goalkeeper Aleksandr Kokorin failed to midfield - just a few feet away opponents. smashed a close-range ball Kritsyuk. score off a penalty kick as Qatar Goals from Boualem from the Russian goal-line. Striker Rodrigo Tabata, who towards the Qatari goal but Al Boudiaf, who jumped high goalkeeper Al Sheeb blocked the Khoukhi (35, penalty) Referee Pavel correctly did not play the first half, was in Sheeb was quick to pouch the in the air, headed from the right shot with a dive. and Karim Boudiaf awarded Qatar their second pen- the thick of things in the second ball with an edgy dive. side of the box to the centre of Qatar now leave for China for (72) put Qatar on top. alty in the first half and this time when he was brought down min- Close to the hour-mark, the the goal. their 2018 FIFA World Cup qual- Khoukhi easily scored from the utes after taking to the pitch. visitors benched captain and In the 83rd minute, Qatar's ifying match on November 15.

Preparations in full swing as Al Shaqab set Qualifying rounds to host UIPM Champion of Champions of the Qatar Classic The Peninsula

l Shaqab, a member of begin today Qatar Foundation, will Aroll out its welcome car- pet to top International he qualifying stages of the 2016 Qatar Classic will take Federation of Modern Pentath- place today and tomorrow at the Khalifa International lon (UIPM) athletes next month TTennis and Squash complex. when it hosts the prestigious The main draw matches begin on November 13, with the Champion of Champions event. final taking place on November 18. The two-day championship, Meanwhile, Egyptian World number six Ali Farag will not which has attracted the best take part in the tournament after suffering a hip injury in performers of the UIPM season, training. will take place at the Al Shaqab The 24-year-old Harvard graduate - who reached the Outdoor Arena on November 12 quarter-final stage of the PSA Men’s World Championship and 13. last week in Cairo - will be replaced as the tournament’s Preparations are in full number eight seed by Australian number one Cameron Pil- swing to organise the highly ley, with Pilley going up against a qualifier in the first round. competitive championship Meanwhile, Peruvian two-time World Junior Champion which will have the women’s Diego Elias moves into the main draw and he will lock horns contest on the first day, while with World number one Mohamed El Shorbagy. the second day will see the best males of the world in action. QATAR CLASSIC 2016 - ROUND ONE Mohamed Al Naimi, Event “We’re delighted to work emerging the winner after a General Shiny Fang had Qualifying Director of the organising com- with the UIPM and its President tight battle for the top prize. attended the 2015 edition and November 11, Round One : mittee said about the efforts Dr HC Klaus Schormann to give Lithuania’s Justinas Kinderis both were wowed by Al 13.00 Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) vs Evan Williams (NZL) being put in to make the event boost to the Modern Pentath- bagged the silver medal and Shaqab's hosting capabilities. 13.00 Ben Coleman (ENG) vs Abdullah Al Mezayen (KUW) even a bigger success than the lon in the Middle East. We’re Jung Jin-hwa took home the "I think it was a great com- 14.00 Mazen Gamal (EGY) vs Ammar Altamimi (KUW) previous year. confident that the 2016 cham- bronze medal. petition on both days. This is a 14.00 Campbell Grayson (NZL) vs Ahmad Al-Saraj (JOR) “We’re quite excited that pionship will provide a stronger German Annika Schleu had great promotion for our sport 15.00 Mohamed Reda (EGY) vs Angus Gillams (ENG) another edition of the UIPM push to the sport at the local beaten Australian Chloe in Qatar. All of us, including our 15.00 Ivan Yuen (MAS) vs Hamad Al Amri (QAT) Champion of Champions event level as well. Esposito to pocket the women’s athletes, will be very happy to 16.00 Farhan Zaman (PAK) vs Abdulrahman Al-Malki (QAT) is round the corner. Qatar has He added: “The 2015 event title. Lithuania’s Gintare Venck- return in future years for the 16.00 Alan Clyne (SCO) vs Umair Zaman (QAT) established itself as a sports hub had offered plenty of thrills and auskaite claimed the last spot Champion of Champions in 17.00 Adrian Waller (ENG) vs Sandeep Ramachandran (Ind) in the world by hosting so many we expect that the latest cham- on the podium. Doha," Dr Schormann added. 17.00 Charles Sharpes (ENG) vs Ahmad Al-Mudhaf (KUW) 18.00 Olli Tuominen (FIN) vs Vikram Malhotra (IND) high-profile championships pionship will not be short of However, Esposito turned The modern pentathlon 18.00 Declan James (ENG) vs Adil Maqbool (PAK) every year. Events like UIPM such pulsating moments and in a remarkable display in this comprises five different events: 19.00 Karim Ali Fathi (EGY) vs Harinder Pal Sandhu (IND) Champion of Champion with so actions. We’re really ready to year’s Rio Games and fulfilled fencing, 200m freestyle swim- 19.00 Yip Tsz Fung (HKG) vs Lance Beddoes (NZL) many top male and female ath- get going!” her dream to be the Olympic ming, show jumping, and a 20.00 Joe Lee (ENG) vs Richie Fallows (ENG)

letes competing in it cement South Korea had dominated champion. final combined event of pistol 20.00 Paul Coll (NZL) vs Syed Azlan Amjad (QAT) Qatar’s position as a favourite the 2015 men’s contest, with ris- UIPM President Dr HC Klaus shooting and a 3200m cross- Finals from 12.00 on November 12 sports destination further. ing star Jun Woong-tae Schormann and Secretary country run.