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Friday, November 18, 2016 CRICKET Safar 18, 1438 AH Kohli and Pujara GULF TIMES punish England with centuries SPORT Page 4

SQUASH It’s ElShorbagy vs Gawad in Qatar Classic title clash ‘I think that was my best performance of the whole season. The way I fought back and the World champion Karim Abdel Gawad way we played, I think we had a go at each other, but we played the game in the right spirit’ (black) saw off England’s Daryl Selby in the second semi-final of the Qatar Classic.

By Satya Rath Doha

hen the going gets tough, Mohamed ElShorbagy gets going. He’s been doing it with alarming frequency Wlately, and he did it again yesterday. Less than 24 hours after coming through a gladiatorial fi ve-game contest in the quarter-fi nals against German Simon Rosner, the top seed and defend- ing champion rose from the brink like a phoenix to end the run of three-time world champion Nick Matthew to storm into the fi nal of the Qatar Classic at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex here. ElShorbagy will meet Karim Abdel Gawad in an all-Egyptian title clash to- day. The newly-crowned world cham- pion recovered from his customary slow start to see off surprise semi-fi nalist Daryl Selby 3-1. It was a contest of two halves, in the latest instalment of one of the sport’s fi ercest rivalries. England’s Matthew dominated the fi rst half, forcing the vocal packed pro-ElShorbagy crowd into stunned silence when he went 2-0 up. The 2009 Qatar Classic champion looked in total control, with some ac- curate and tight play, and never allowed his Egyptian opponent to break free. The fi rst game was almost a one-sid- ed aff air (11/8), while the second was a close aff air before a run of four points in the end saw Matthew clinch it 11/9. Mohamed ElShorbagy of Egypt fought back from two games down to subdue England’s Nick Matthew. PICTURES; Nasar TK He was leading for the better part of the third game too, 8-5, then 9-7, when video decision gave a stroke to Shorbagy two World Championships. played the game in the right spirit. the world No. 1 mounted an astonishing and it was all over for the Englishman. “The huge respect we have for each “Thanks to him for having a great comeback, taking four points in a row to Yesterday’s clash was the 20th be- other brings out the best from both of match and I’m sure we’re going to have reduce the defi cit (11/9). It was his turn tween the two on the PSA World Tour, us whenever we play,” said ElShorbagy. other great battles again in the future,” to take charge now. with ElShorbagy winning 12 of them “Today was no diff erent. He is a great the elated Egyptian added. The Egyptian dominated the fourth – including the 2013 Qatar Classic fi - player, and he showed it today during (11/4) to force a decider, which went nal where the 25-year-old Egyptian those fi rst three games.” Results (Semi-finals) close till 6-all before ElShorbagy broke claimed his fi rst ever World Series title. “I think that was my best perform- 1-Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) beat 4-Nick free with to lead 9-6, then 10-8 to sit He has also won six of their last seven ance of the whole season. The way I Matthew (ENG) 3-2 (8/11, 9/11, 11/9, 11/4, 11/9) pretty on a three match-ball cushion. contests. It’s ElShorbagy’s fi fth fi nal in fought back and the way we played, I 3-Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) beat Daryl Matthew saved one, but on the next a a row in Qatar, which also includes the think we had a go at each other, but we Selby (ENG) 3-1 (14/16, 11/6, 11/2, 11/5)

SPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHT FIBA says Qatar driving 3x3 format’s success

By Anil John who also attended the press confer- ball player in the world, having swept Doha Last edition of FIBA 3x3 All Stars to be held today at the ence. several MVP awards during his career. The sport was included in the 2010 “The level of the tournament this Qatar Basketall Association outdoor court in Al Gharafa Youth Olympics in Singapore and will time is higher than that of previous f 3x3 basketball indeed makes it also feature at the Jakarta Asian Games years because we are getting more and to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, in 2018. He said that it was Qatar which more professional players playing the much of the credit for it will go to helped 3x3 basketball create more “me- format,” said the 30-year-old Bulut, Ithe Qatar Basketball Federation dia noise” which raised the profi le of whose team won the Qatar event in led by Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman the game. 2014 and 2015 and is aiming for a hat- al-Thani. “Qatar is a good example for any oth- trick. Qatar’s huge involvement in basket- er federation when it comes to the pro- “We are looking forward to win- ball’s abridged format, in which only motion of a game,” added Alex Niang. ning the 20,000 dollar prize,” the 2016 three players represent one team on a Today’s 3x3 All Stars will be the last World Cup winner for Serbia said with half-sized court with only one hoop, edition of the event after which Qa- a confi dent smile. has not escaped the game’s governing tar will become part of the World Tour body FIBA’s attention. from next year onwards. Today’s 3x3 All Stars Schedule “Qatar has been one of the biggest “Again it was Qatar’s suggestion that 4.45pm: Shoot-out qualification promoters of 3x3 basketball. The facili- the FIBA 3x3 All Stars be scrapped to Quarter-finals ties they provided and the standard of make the World Tour stronger,” added 5pm: McGill University vs Ljubljana the tournaments held in Doha over the Alex Niang, 5.25pm: Saskatoon vs New York Har- years have been mind-blowing,” FIBA World’s top 3x3 basketball player Dusun Bulut, FIBA director Alex Sanchez, FIBA VP Hamane Niang, QBF Secretary-General Meanwhile, Serbian 3x3 superstar lem NBA Vice-President Hamane Niang told Mohamed al-Meghaiseeb and QBF Executive Director Sadoun al-Kuwari and media manager Mohamed Bliek at yesterday’s Dusun Domovic Bulut will be aiming to 6pm: Doha vs Hamatasu journalists in Doha yesterday. press conference. become a three-time winner of the 3x3 6.25pm: Novi Sad Al Wahda vs Manila Niang, who is in Qatar to witness All Stars today. Semi-finals the FIBA 3x3 All Stars event to be held Qatar’s rise in the format has been ies”, Malian Niang said referring to the Olympics to the International Olympic His team Novi Sad Al Wahda (pre- 7pm: Winner QF 3 vs winner QF 4 at the Qatar Basketball Federation’s phenomenal, the country winning the Qatar Basketball Federation at a press Committee in February next year, with viously Novisad) will take on some of 7.35pm: Winner QF 1 vs Winner QF facility in Al Gharafa today, said it was 2014 World Championship after having conference held on the eve of the FIBA a favourable decision expected in July. the best 3x3 players in the world in the Final Qatar which fi rst saw the tremendous clinched the Asian crown the previous 3x3 All Stars. “The success of the format no doubt event featuring eight teams. 8.20pm: Winner SF 1 vs winner SF 2 potential the 3x3 format had in terms of year. FIBA will be presenting its case for justifi es its inclusion in the Olympics,” Bulut, known as “Mr Bullet Proof”, is 8.50pm: Prize ceremony worldwide popularity and appeal. In that sense “you are true visionar- the inclusion of 3x3 basketball in the added FIBA 3x3 director Alex Niang, acknowledged as the best 3x3 basket- 9pm: Qatar Under-18 vs Philippines Gulf Times 2 Friday, November 18, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Big game for us, says Sailiya coach Trabelsi Doha: Al Sailiya take on Al Kharaitiyat at the QSL, with the High-fl ying Muaither match taking place at the Al Ahli stadium on today evening. Sailiya are struggling for form this season as they have only two points from six games. They will be hoping for their first win of the season face Al Khor today against fellow strugglers Kharaitiyat. Sami Trabelsi, the head At the Al Ahli stadium, Al Sailiya will entertain Al Kharaitiyat coach of Sailiya knows the importance of this game. “This By Sports Reporter is a big game for us. It’s very Doha hard as we have seven games in one month. We are working on correcting mistakes and Sami Trabelsi, coach of Sailiya oday’s Qatar Stars League action will getting points. Kharaitiyat is a see two games involving sides who good team and I know the new bring in some positive results. are looking to improve their fortunes coach very well,” he said Tawfiq Zaboub, assistant in the league. “We have to respect Kharaiti- coach of Kharaitiyat spoke TThe early kick-off will pit high-fl ying yat even though they didn’t about the transition from Amar Muaither against Al Khor at Al Gharafa sta- get good results but they are a Osim to Ahmad al-Ajlani as dium. The Stallions have been on a fi ne run good team and they play with head coach. “As you know we of form in the league recently, registering discipline and I believe that are in transition after Amar back-to-back victories against Al Wakrah both teams are equal. We will Osim left the club and now we and Al Arabi. Phillipe Birol will be hoping for try to win to motivate us for have Ahmad al-Ajlani as the more of the same from his side, knowing that the rest of the season. We are coach. He asked the players to a third straight win could haul Muaither out not getting the desired results train with full concentration. of the QSL relegation zone. but we are playing well,” added The players were under stress One player who could make an impact for the Tunisian head coach said. and they now feel the diff er- Muaither is attacker Ayoub Ouadrassi. The Trabelsi stressed the impor- ence and they feel better psy- tricky winger has returned to fi tness after the tance of the three points. “We chologically. The new coach international break and starred in his side’s need these three points as they will have the same technical fi rst win of the season against Al Wakrah. will be the first three points for staff and we will help him.” Ouadrassi’s pace will be crucial if the Stal- us. Sure we have problems in “Al Sailiya also had a diff icult lions are to break down a Al Khor side, who Philip Birrol (right), the the off ensive department. The campaign as they are not used are known to be defensively strong under head coach of Muaither only bad game for our defence to being in such a position. head coach Jean Fernandez. speaks to the media. was against El Jaish. But in the They will like to improve but it As for the visitors Al Khor, they grabbed five games, we have proven will not be against us. We only an important point, in a 2-2 draw against a that we are one of the best have 4 points and we can’t lose Lekhwiya side that has title aspirations this defences in the league. The points anymore,” added the as- season. Brazilian attacker Madson struck FOCUS off ence is the issue because sistant coach of Kharaitiyat. from the penalty spot with fi fteen minutes we only scored three goals and “We are focusing on giving to spare, and the diminutive playmaker will then in one game we scored 4 confidence to the players and have to be at his best if Jean Fernandez’s side so we need to work on that.” to allow them to play freely. are to get a result from the tie. Kharaitiyat recently appoint- They had many directives and The 18:10 kick-off at Al Ahli stadium will Muaither coach wary of Al Khor ed a new manager, Ahmed restrictions before but not see two sides at the bottom of the table face- al-Ajlani from Tunisia, after the anymore. We focused on the off in what could be an early relegation bat- Doha: Newly promoted Muaither take season so far and they will be looking to departure of Amar Osim. The defence in training because we tle. Al Sailiya will entertain Al Kharaitiyat on Al Khor in round seven of the QSL to- continue their string of positive results new coach will bring with him don’t want to concede so many knowing that a win will be vital for Sami day afternoon, the game will kick off at against Muaither. The Knights sit sixth a hunger to win as he hopes to goals,” said Zaboub. Trabelsi’s chances of steering his side away 4:00pm at the Al Gharafa stadium. in the table with eight points. from the relegation zone. The Peregrines Muaither have registered back-to- Jean Fernandez, the head coach of Al are expected to welcome back last season’s back wins in their last two QSL games. Khor hopes for a positive result against top scorer Faouzi Aaish back into the squad The Stallions are currently eleventh in his opponents. “We are going to face and Trabelsi will be hoping for goals from the the QSL standings with six points from Muaither who are a good team. We pre- Bahrain international. six games. Philip Birrol, the head coach pared very well and we are hoping to As for Al Kharaitiyat they will be going into of Muaither is wary of the attacking provide a good result in this game.” their fi rst competitive game under new head threat that Al Khor possess. “Al Khor “All the matches are diffi cult in the coach Ahmad al-Ajlani. The Tunisian tacti- have a good team and they score many QSL. Our team is doing well because of cian was brought in to replace Amar Osim, goals. They have good strikers in Madi- our good results in the last few games who had a slow start to the season. Al-Ajlani son and Iajour, they are dangerous we which gave us confi dence. Muaither will be hoping to make an immediate impact will have to deal with these skilled at- beat Al Arabi and Wakrah and they have for his new side, despite only training the tackers,” he said. Al Khor coach Jean Fernandez. good players. We are in good shape but Thunders for just over a week. DR Congo Talking about the international break, we must respect our opponents,” added striker Jeremy Bokila has returned from in- Birrol added: “In the fi rst week we did more than eighty goals in the QSL. He’s the French tactician. ternational duty, and will be expected to lead recovery because we were very tired as playing amazingly for us and he has a Speaking about his ambition for the the line against a side who has leaked plenty we did a lot of running on the pitch. In lot of experience. He is very positive team, Fernandez said: “My personal of goals this season. the second week, we prepared tactically and down to earth and we are very hap- ambition is to improve the team and Certainly today should be an interesting and focused on set plays. And we also py that he is playing for us,” added the players. We had many changes in terms pair of games to kick off the seventh round of played a friendly game against Al Fatah.” Frenchman. of players before the season, however, Tawfiq Zaboub (right), assistant coach of Kharaitiyat. QSL action. “Dioko is a top player; he has scored Al Khor have only lost one game in the players we now have are good."

BUNDESLIGA SERIE A Germany’s new-boys Leipzig Milan revival, Pioli debut eye history in Leverkusen put derby back in spotlight Reuters AFP defeat. Ahead of the weekend’s have other things to worry about, age newly-promoted team,” said Milan Berlin matches, both Bayern and Leip- namely a tough away match.” Schmidt, whose team won their zig, who have earned four pro- Leipzig have question marks three games before the interna- motions in seven years, have 24 over top-scorer Timo Werner tional break. “We want to climb C Milan’s revival and the debut of yet B Leipzig can claim a league points. (upset stomach), who has fi ve the table, but we have our own another coach at neighbours Inter milestone in their fl edg- A draw or win would see Leip- goals in ten league games, and goals. Before the internation- should add much needed spice to a clash ling history today by zig top the table, at least over- teenage Scotland winger Oliver al break, we made a very good that has fallen out of the limelight in the taking a point at Bayer night, ahead of Bayern, who are Burke (virus). “It will be close for impression, which we want to lastA few seasons. LeverkusenR to knock Bayern Mu- at Borussia Dortmund tomor- Oliver, Timo will most probably resume on Friday.” The Milan derby used to be one of the world’s nich from the top of the Bundes- row evening in the battle of Ger- be okay,” said Hasenhuettl. Leverkusen hope to have great fi xtures and a centre-piece of the Serie A liga table. “We defi nitely want many’s top clubs – dubbed ‘Der Following their 1-0 win at Tot- midfi eld hard-man Charles season but the indiff erent form of both teams to take something there and re- Klassiker’. tenham Hotspur a fortnight ago, Aranguiz, but the Chile inter- have stripped it of its gloss. Recently, with neither main unbeaten. If there is a point But Hassenhuettl says usurp- Leverkusen are on course for the national picked up an injury in side in the Champions League or in the running available, then there will also be ing Bayern – who Leipzig face last 16 in Europe. Bayer, who are a World Cup qualifi er against for the Serie A title, it has struggled to be billed as three,” said Leipzig’s coach Ralph in Munich on December 20 in a eighth in the table, need a win to Uruguay. Captain Lars Bender, the top match of the weekend, let alone the sea- Hasenhuettl ahead of the clash at pre-Christmas showdown – is warm-up for Tuesday’s Champi- also a candidate for the defensive son. When the teams meet on Sunday, however, Leverkusen’s BayArena. not the priority. ons League group stage match at midfi eld, has not trained for two all eyes will be on San Siro. Second-placed Leipzig, “If we take points, the table CSKA Moscow, but their coach weeks with a heel injury. Milan, enjoying an unexpected revival under backed by Austrian drinks gi- will look like that,” said the Aus- Roger Schmidt says Leipzig have Kevin Kampl (bruised foot), new coach Vincenzo Montella, are third in Serie A ants Red Bull, can become the trian. “But that’s not a subject for proved they deserve respect. Omer Toprak (thigh), Joel Po- and fi ve points behind leaders Juventus. The sev- fi rst club to go 11 games unbeaten us, it’s neither the team’s moti- “Leipzig, with their fi nancial hjanpalo (foot fracture) and en-times European champions appear to have fi - at the start of their fi rst Ger- vation, nor something we will possibilities and professional Vladlen Yurchenko (hairline shin nally come good on a promise they made years ago man league season if they avoid let put us under pressure. We structure, are not your aver- fracture) are all out. to use locally-raised players more, with 18-year- old midfi elder Manuel Locatelli and 17-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma the pick of the crop. It is a very diff erent story at Inter who are eight points behind their neighbours in ninth place after a miserable start which led to Dutchman Frank de Boer being fi red after 85 days in charge. Replacement Stefano Pioli will make his debut on the Inter bench where he has become the ninth occupant of the hot seat since Jose Mourinho’s departure little more than six years ago. Due to the international break which sent sev- eral players off to South America, Pioli, in his fi rst job at one of Italy’s big three clubs, will have two AC Milan, enjoying an unexpected revival under full days to work with his squad before one of the new coach Vincenzo Montella, are third in Serie A most important matches of the season. and five points behind leaders Juventus. Even so, Inter’s director of sport Piero Ausi- lio believes the timing is perfect. “It’s the right Berlusconi has agreed to sell the club to Chinese match at the right time,” he said.”We think we electronics retailer Suning with the deal expected can start a new championship. We know we have to be completed in December. Galliani, who has dropped behind in the table but we have to do the seen Milan crowned European champions fi ve impossible to get back in the Champions League.” times and win eight Serie A titles during his reign, There is extra motivation for Inter’s captain and has said he will step aside once it goes through. leading scorer Mauro Icardi who has yet to fi nd “I haven’t decided what to do yet,” the 72-year- the target in a Milan derby. The match is widely old, whose shaven head and often forlorn expres- expected to Milan’s last derby under the 30-year sion makes him one of the most easily identifi able Second-placed Leipzig, backed by Austrian drinks giants Red Bull, can become the first club to go 11 games unbeaten at the start of their first reign of Silvio Berlusconi and his chief executive fi gures in Italian football. “It’s not easy to change German league season if they avoid defeat to Bayer Leverkusen today. Adriano Galliani. your life after 30 years at Milan.” Gulf Times Friday, November 18, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Klopp defends Rooney as Football Association probes party reports Media reports said the FA has also spoken to up to 10 other England players who separately went to a nightclub

AFP The wedding party occurred on the Saturday in London between. The statement from Rooney’s man- Wayne Rooney was thrown into the agement team said the United skipper had spo- spotlight after a tabloid alleged he ken to interim England manager Gareth South- ngland captain Wayne Rooney faces a drunkenly gatecrashed a wedding at gate and FA technical director Dan Ashworth “to Football Association investigation over England’s team hotel in Watford, north unreservedly apologise”. “He would like to fur- his role in a late-night hotel party, chief of London, on Saturday. ther extend that apology to any young fans who executive Martin Glenn said yesterday. have seen these pictures,” it added. ERooney was thrown into the spotlight af- Southgate, who is still waiting to hear wheth- ter The Sun tabloid alleged he drunkenly gate- er he will get the England job full-time, said crashed a wedding at England’s team hotel in there was a need to review how the national Watford, north of London, on Saturday. A state- team’s players spent their free time. “Over the ment issued on Rooney’s behalf said the Man- last few years, the players have been allowed to chester United forward was “sorry” the pictures go home during a period of time,” Southgate told had been published and recognised they were reporters after England’s 2-2 friendly draw with “inappropriate for someone in his position”. Spain at Wembley. Media reports said the FA has also spoken to “They trained Saturday morning and they up to 10 other England players who separately trained again on Sunday afternoon, and I gave went to a London nightclub. Glenn said claims the players a period of time off (in between). I’m members of England’s back-room staff joined not aware of anything else. There were lots of Rooney at the wedding party would be investi- changes we made to routines. Some things we gated as well. thought we should keep the same and I’ll have “We’re getting a proper investigation of what to review (it) – or maybe I won’t have to review! actually went on – were there other FA staff in- Someone will have to review it.” volved, yes or no? – and we’re doing a review of Rooney was recalled by Southgate for the win it, obviously,” Glenn told Sky Sports News. over Scotland, having been dropped for Eng- “It’s disappointing. I think it’s appropriate he land’s goalless draw in Slovenia, after winning apologised because it doesn’t set a great tone for back his place in the United fi rst team. But his the England captain, but that said, I don’t want status with both club and country appears un- to over-dramatise it either.” certain as concerns grow over the 31-year-old’s Glenn said the FA would not speak to Rooney’s waning powers. United manager Jose Mourinho “because we’ll establish the (facts of the) matter ourselves”. SOUTHGATE WANTS ENGLAND MANAGER Jurgen Klopp, manager of United’s arch rivals JOB PERMANENTLY: FA Liverpool, said Rooney’s conduct should not be England interim manager Gareth Southgate overexaggerated. “I know we’re all on the sunny wants the job on a permanent basis, FA chief side of life, we earn a lot of money and do the job executive Martin Glenn said. Southgate was in we love, but at the end maybe it comes as a sur- charge of the Under-21 side before taking the prise that we are also human beings too,” Klopp senior role for four matches following the sack- told a press conference. ing of Sam Allardyce. Under Southgate England “These boys, this generation, is the most pro- beat Malta and Scotland in World Cup qualifi - fessional generation of footballers that there has ers and drew with Slovenia before a 2-2 friendly ever been. All the guys, all the legends we love draw with Spain. “He’s (Southgate) made it clear and admire, they drank like devils and smoked over the last week that he’s convinced he wants like crazy, but they were still good players. No- the job. Clearly, his candidacy has become much one does it any more. I don’t know anyone now.” stronger,” Glenn said. “We just need to weigh up Rooney started England’s 3-0 World Cup the facts and take time to make the right deci- qualifying win over Scotland last Friday, but sion. His candidacy is not just based on one or suff ered a knee injury that ruled him out of two matches, but because of what we’ve seen Tuesday’s 2-2 friendly draw at home to Spain. over the last couple of years.”

FOCUS ROUND-UP Clubs agree to more ‘safe standing’ talks Gerrard in talks to coach AFP folded up and locked, enabling supporters Ninety-six Liverpool fans were crushed London to stand behind waist-high rails. The ban on to death on an overcrowded standing terrace standing does not cover Scotland. prior to an FA Cup semi-fi nal against Not- “Premier League clubs today held initial tingham Forest at Sheffi eld Wednesday’s MK Dons: Report remier League clubs agreed to hold discussions on safe standing,” a Premier Hillsborough stadium in April 1989. further talks about introducing ‘safe League spokesman said. Hillsborough Support Group secre- standing’ at their stadiums follow- “Given that fan safety is of paramount tary Sue Roberts told the BBC it would be a ing an initial stakeholders’ meeting concern, clubs are understandably cautious “backwards step” to bring back standing. Pyesterday. and there was no overall consensus on the Football Association chief executive Mar- Standing has been banned in England’s matter. This is a complex and emotive topic tin Glenn said his organisation respected the top two divisions after all-seater stadiums with a number of issues, varying from club concerns of the Hillsborough families. “It’s were made mandatory in the wake of the to club, which need to be considered care- obviously sensitive given Hillsborough,” he 1989 Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 Liv- fully before clubs can decide if they wish to said.”We’ve got diff erent history (to Ger- erpool fans died. pursue any changes, including legislative, many). We’ve had Hillsborough, and they But some clubs are in favour of introduc- that are required to allow them the option of haven’t. ing safe standing areas, following the ex- safe standing areas in their grounds. “So I think we have got to tread very care- ample of Germany’s Bundesliga. West Ham “The clubs have tasked the Premier fully because our number one duty is to United co-chairman David Gold said the League with scoping out the safety, sup- create a safe environment for fans watch- meeting represented “the fi rst steps towards porter, technical and legislative issues sur- ing football.” The British government’s De- safe standing”. rounding safe standing before any further partment of Culture, Media and Sport said Scottish champions Celtic have installed discussions, based on the facts, can take there were “no plans” to amend legislation 3,000 ‘rail seats’ at Celtic Park, which can be place.” regarding standing at football grounds.

SETBACK

Arsenal’s Bellerin out for four weeks Steven Gerrard, 36, announced earlier this week that he will leave the LA Galaxy in December.

AFP profi ts yesterday as the team paid the price AFP person told AFP when asked about action planned London for failing to qualify for the lucrative UEFA London after the November 11 match at Wembley. Champions League. Operating profi t dived one third to BARTON SLAPPED WITH rsenal will be without their Spanish £6.2mn in three months to September 30, or ormer Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is in BETTING CHARGE BAN right-back HECTOR BELLERIN the fi rst quarter of the club’s 2016/2017 fi - contact with Milton Keynes Dons over the Former Rangers midfi elder Joey Barton has received for four weeks due to an ankle in- nancial year. That compared with £9.5mn in England third-tier club’s vacant managerial a one-match ban for violating betting rules while jury, manager Arsene Wenger re- the same period a year earlier, the group said role, the BBC reported yesterday. Gerrard, playing for the Glasgow giants, the Scottish Foot- vealedA yesterday. in a results statement. 36,F announced earlier this week that he will leave ball Association announced yesterday. The Spain international, 21, sustained the Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, the LA Galaxy in December after 18 months in Ma- Barton, 34, admitted breaching the SFA’s strict injury during the latter stages of Arsenal’s depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) jor League Soccer. MK Dons are currently 21st in rules barring players betting on matches, even if 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur prior to dropped 25% to £31.2mn.”Our fi nancial re- League One and without a manager following the they don’t involve their own club, in a bid to pre- the international break. “Hector is out for sults for this quarter refl ect the impact of departure of Karl Robinson last month. serve sporting integrity. The once-capped England four weeks,” Wenger told a press conference our non-participation in the UEFA Cham- The BBC, which did not cite any sources, said it midfi elder placed 44 bets on matches between July 1 ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Manchester pions League,” said executive vice chairman was unclear if Gerrard would be off ered a player- and September 15 this year, having signed for Rang- United. “He got injured in the last 10 sec- Ed Woodward. manager role. Speaking on Tuesday, Gerrard said: ers in May following their return to the top fl ight. onds against Spurs after a very strong tackle But he added: “We are pleased that we “Although I’m going back to England to live, it’s The Scottish Premiership club terminated Bar- by Danny Rose.” remain on track to deliver record revenues certainly not the end of me in football terms. I’ve ton’s contract last week though after a short-lived Bellerin’s compatriot Santi Cazorla re- revenues for the coming year. During the got a lot of things to consider over the coming weeks and troubled spell at Ibrox. His suspension will mains sidelined with an Achilles problem quarter we added a number of top quality and months, and I’m sure I’ll be back involved in the come into eff ect once he signs for a new club. that has kept the midfi elder out of action players to our squad, which once again dem- game. I’ve got options on the pitch, off the pitch.” since last month’s 6-0 Champions League onstrates our determination to challenge for Gerrard has also been linked with moves to Celtic EX-ROMANIA DEFENDER win over Ludogorets Razgrad. Wenger plans “We didn’t know if he’d play or not. In the trophies.” and Newcastle United. He left Liverpool in 2015 af- PRODAN DIES FOLLOWING HEART ATTACK to check on Alexis Sanchez’s fi tness before end they decided to play him. He texted us The team signed Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahi- ter a glittering 17-year Anfi eld career in which he Former defender Daniel Prodan, who was a member deciding whether the Chilean forward is in to tell us he’s in good shape after the game. movic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba eight major trophies including the 2005 Champions of the Romania team that reached the 1994 World a position to start the game at Old Traff ord. He came off after 84 minutes and now we over the quarter. United failed to qualify for League. He was also capped 114 times by England, Cup quarter-fi nals, has died aged 44 following a Sanchez scored twice for Chile in a 3-1 have to wait. I see him tomorrow morning the Champions League with their fi fth place making him his country’s 4th most-capped player. heart attack, the domestic football federation (FRF) World Cup qualifying win over Uruguay on and then I will see if he can be involved in the fi nish in the Premier League last season. said in a statement yesterday. Tuesday, despite Wenger warning before- squad or not.” That sparked the sacking of former manager FIFA OPEN ‘DISCIPLINARY’ CASE AGAINST Prodan, capped 54 times by Romania between hand it would be “suicidal” for him to play Arsenal are fourth in the Premier League Louis van Gaal who was replaced with Jose ENGLAND FOR POPPY TRIBUTE 1993 and 2001, won fi ve consecutive league titles due to a hamstring problem. The 27-year- table and will provisionally go top if they Mourinho in May. FIFA said yesterday it has started “disciplinary pro- with Steaua Bucharest before moving to Atletico old is not due to return to Arsenal’s London beat United in tomorrow’s early kick-off . Following the start of the new season, ceedings” after England and Scotland wore poppies Madrid. Hard-man Prodan, who was also part of Colney training base until today. United lie sixth in the English Premier on an armband in tribute to their countries’ war Romanian team at Euro 1996, joined Scottish club “I haven’t heard a lot (about Sanchez) MAN UTD PROFITS DIVE ON League – adrift of the top four fi nish they dead in breach of a ban on political symbols. Rangers in 1998 but failed to play a single game due because we were in doubt 24 hours before CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ABSENCE need to qualify for European club football’s “We can confi rm that disciplinary proceedings to a knee injury. He retired at the age of 31 and was the game against Uruguay,” Wenger said. Manchester United posted sliding quarterly elite competition for next season. have been opened on this matter,” a FIFA spokes- appointed as the FRF’s sporting director. Gulf Times 4 Friday, November 18, 2016 CRICKET

SECOND TEST SPOTLIGHT Australia call on Kohli, Pujara tons Hohns, Chappell to fi x crisis

AFP sacked. While spinner Hohns Sydney played only seven Tests for Aus- punish England tralia, he had a highly successful previous stint as a national se- revor Hohns was yes- lector from 1993 to 2006, includ- Kohli (151 not out) put on a marathon 226-run stand for third wicket with Pujara (119) terday appointed Aus- ing a decade as chairman. tralia’s interim chairman Under his guidance, Australia of selectors after Rod won a record 16 successive Test MarshT quit, with Greg Chappell matches and claimed the 1999 drafted in to help rescue a na- and 2003 World Cups in a golden tional team in crisis. The expe- era. He rejoined the selection rienced Hohns, who previously panel in 2014. served as chief selector during He will be aided in trying to a hugely successful period for turn around the team’s fortunes Australia, currently sits on the by former Test captain Chap- four-man selection panel with pell, who has been drafted in on a Mark Waugh, coach Darren Leh- temporary basis ahead of a raft of mann, and now Chappell. changes expected for Adelaide. Cricket Australia chairman Lehmann has declared that David Peever said Hohns had only four players – captain Steve agreed to step up to ensure conti- Smith, David Warner, Mitchell nuity while the search for a full- Starc and Josh Hazlewood – were time replacement was carried sure to keep their places after out. “It is vital that Australian Australia’s second demoralising cricket fi nds the best candidate collapse in the Hobart Test this for this role,” said Peever. week. Peever said Chappell, who “Trevor is highly experienced has had two previous stints as a as a selector, and will ensure we selector, had been instrumental place our best players on the fi eld in restructuring Cricket Austral- this summer while we seek a per- ia’s youth pathway programme manent replacement for Rod.” and had his fi nger on the pulse of Former Test fast bowler Jason young talent. Gillespie and ex-captains Ricky Australia’s team announce- Ponting and Steve Waugh have all ment for next week’s third and been touted as possible succes- fi nal day-night Test has been sors to Marsh. The retired wick- delayed until Sunday so selectors etkeeper resigned on Wednesday can assess players’ form in do- with immediate eff ect after a run mestic Sheffi eld Shield matches. of fi ve heavy Test defeats left the Mark Waugh said selectors team humiliated and facing de- may need to use their “gut in- mands for heads to roll. stinct” when they fi nalise the They crashed to a third- batting order due to a lack of straight home series defeat to clear-cut contenders. India’s captain Virat Kohli (left) and South Africa on Tuesday and “Obviously there will be Cheteshwar Pujara share a joke as they now face being whitewashed in changes at Adelaide. I can’t say walk back to the pavilion for tea break a home series for the fi rst time how many or who at this present during the first day of the second Test in in their history if they lose to the point in time,” Waugh said. “But Vishakhapatnam yesterday. (AFP) Proteas in Adelaide next week. I can assure you we are looking at The last time Australia lost a lot of batsmen. And if someone six straight Tests – against India sticks their hands up and gets a and England in 2013 – the coach 150 or a 100 in this (Shield) round at the time, Mickey Arthur, was then it is really important.”

AFP the kind of runs he has scored in all the back into this side,” said Anderson, who ever Formula One practice session when Visakhapatnam formats of the game, I always enjoy bat- has recovered from a shoulder injury that a stray dog ran onto the Buddh Interna- ting with him because he likes to domi- kept him out since August. “It has been tional Circuit. Earlier India handed off - nate,” Pujara said of his skipper. frustrating at times but it has been worth spinner Jayant Yadav his Test debut with kipper Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Bringing up his 10th Test ton with a it and worth all the hard work that I’ve the Visakhapatnam pitch expected to Pujara hit majestic centuries to six off leg-spinner Rashid, the in-form put in. And getting back out there with turn as the match progresses. help India take opening day hon- Pujara tackled the English bowlers with the lads is a great feeling and to get on the ours as they reached 317 for four aplomb. Pujara, who scored 124 in the board with a couple of wickets was even SCOREBOARD atS stumps against England in the second fi rst innings in Rajkot, dominated play better.” INDIA 1ST INNINGS Test in Visakhapatnam yesterday. during his 204-ball knock, laced with 12 England spinners, who gave India a M. Vijay c Stokes b Anderson 20 Kohli put on a marathon 226-run stand fours and two sixes, before being caught run for their money in the drawn Test in L. Rahul c Stokes b Broad 0 for the third wicket with Pujara (119) af- behind off Anderson. Rajkot, returned wicketless in three ses- C. Pujara c Bairstow b Anderson 119 ter the hosts lost their openers early to “I just wanted to continue that form sions with Moeen Ali and Zafar Ansari V. Kohli not out 151 the England seamers. Fit-again paceman and once both of us were set, we just taking a bit of a stick. Ali though did give A. Rahane c Bairstow b Anderson 23 James Anderson enjoyed his return with wanted to capitalise on the situation,” Kohli a scare after going for an lbw refer- R. Ashwin not out 1 three wickets only to see the rest of the Pujara told reporters. Kohli carried on the ral, but the third umpire upheld the on- Extras (lb 2, w 1) 3 English attack face a tough time after the good work in the company of Ajinkya Ra- fi eld call even though the ball would have Total (4 wickets, 90 overs) 317 hosts opted to bat fi rst. hane (23) who lost his cool in the penulti- clipped the leg stump according to the Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Rahul), 2-22 (Vijay), Kohli on 151 and Ravichandran Ashwin mate over of the day as Anderson struck ball tracker. 3-248 (Pujara), 4-316 (Rahane) on one were at the crease when stumps with the second new ball. Cricket apart, there was drama when Bowling: Anderson 16-3-44-3, Broad 12-2- were called. Kohli made full use of his re- Anderson, England’s all-time leading a stray dog forced the umpires to call tea 39-1, Stokes, 13-3-52-0 (w1), Ansari 12-1-45-0, prieve on 56 when Adil Rashid dropped Test wicket-taker with 466, stood out four balls early due to it appearing from Rashid 26-1-85-0, Ali 11-0-50-0 him at long leg off Ben Stokes to record with fi gures of 3-44 as he enjoyed his behind the sightscreen and evading at- To bat: W. Saha, R. Jadeja, J. Yadav, M. Shami, his 14th Test century. The star batsman comeback with a pumped up victory cel- tempts to chase it from the fi eld. There U. Yadav mixed the right dose of caution and ag- ebration of opener Murali Vijay’s wicket are thousands of stray dogs on India’s England: A. Cook (capt), M. Ali, Z. Ansari, J. gression to thwart the English bowling in the morning session. streets, and this was not the fi rst time one Bairstow, S. Broad, B. Duckett, H. Hameed, A. This file photo shows Australian cricket selector Trevor Hohns (left) attack at India’s newest Test venue. “I “It was great, I’ve spent the last two has interrupted a sporting event. Rashid, J. Root, B. Stokes, J. Anderson speaking with team captain Steve Smith (centre) and chief coach think he (Kohli) likes to play his shots and months working really hard trying to get In 2011, India was forced to halt its fi rst Toss: India Darren Lehmann during a training session in Sydney. (AFP)

FOCUS Voges concussed aft er blow to helmet

Sydney: Struggling Australia that required surgery with du batsman ADAM VOGES suf- Plessis seamlessly taking over. Rain washes out play in Christchurch fered concussion after he His vision has been praised in was struck on the helmet by steering the team to an unas- Reuters did not know “how much longer a bouncer yesterday, ruling sailable 2-0 lead. Christchurch I am going to carry on. It could be him out of a domestic game A win in the final day-night two months, it could be a year”. and dealing a blow to his Test Test in Adelaide next week Talking to reporters in Visa- chances. The 37-year-old need- will consign Australia to their ersistent rain forced the khapatnam ahead of the second ed runs in Western Australia’s first home series whitewash in abandonment of the Test against India, Cook’s former Sheff ield Shield clash with Tas- history. Despite this, selectors fi rst day’s play of the opening partner Strauss ruled mania in Perth to salvage his are not considering promot- fi rst cricket test between out a change in test captaincy. PNew Zealand and Pakistan at “He’s batting well and he’s Test spot after a highest score struck, attaching no blame ing du Plessis to do the job of 47 in his last 10 innings. to the bowler or the tactic of full-time. “At the moment it’s Hagley Oval in Christchurch yes- still young. It is quite scary how But the sickening impact sending down short-pitched clear to us that Faf is stand-in terday. Play had been expected to young he is really and I have eve- from a Cameron Stevenson deliveries. captain and AB is the current begin at 1100 (2200 GMT), but ry faith that he will carry on past bouncer saw him sink to the It was the second serious captain when he comes back,” heavy rain overnight ensured it this series and into the summer,” ground before gingerly walking concussion Voges has suff ered chairman of selectors Linda did not begin as scheduled. Strauss said. “He is in a really off minutes later, with each arm this year after being struck on Zondi told reporters in Hobart While groundstaff , who had good place...very comfortable wrapped around the shoulder the head by an errant throw late Wednesday. “AB is still the said earlier they would need two leading this team for a while. So, of medical staff . “Voges has while fielding for Middlesex in captain.” hours to prepare the venue once it probably takes less out of him been diagnosed with concus- England. Australia’s Test team Off icials hope de Villiers rain stopped, worked to prepare now than it used to.” sion. He is ok, naturally a bit has been thrown into crisis will be fit for the home series the ground during brief inter- Cook, who surpassed Michael groggy. Being monitored by after five straight defeats, with against Sri Lanka, starting ludes of fi ne weather throughout Pakistan players jump over the covers as rain delays the start of day Atherton’s England record of 54 medicos. Ruled out of rest of chairman of selectors Rod on December 26. “We will be the day, umpires decided at their one of the first Test match between New Zealand and Pakistan at matches as Test captain after the game,” the Western Australian Marsh quitting on Wednesday. guided (as to when he can second pitch inspection at 1600 Hagley Park in Christchurch yesterday. (AFP) fi rst Test against India in Rajkot, Cricket Association tweeted. play) by the medical team in there was no chance of any play. replaced Strauss as skipper in The scare came just weeks PROTEAS KEEP DE terms of where he is and in Both teams had turned up be- A massive earthquake that jolted ‘YOUNG’ COOK TO REMAIN 2012. Strauss said the Cook has after an inquest into the death VILLIERS AS SKIPPER terms of match fitness,” Zondi fore the scheduled lunch break central New Zealand on Monday ENGLAND TEST SKIPPER, many years left to continue do- of Australian batsman Phillip AB de Villiers’ job as South said. “He has been away for five at 1300 and even begun warming has taken some of the focus off SAYS STRAUSS ing well with the bat and mentor Hughes, who died from bleed- African captain is safe despite months — a long time. For start- up but they were forced off due the beginning of the host coun- Director of England cricket An- youngsters. One of them could ing on the brain in November Faf du Plessis impressing with ers, he has to be match fit.” to consistent showers sweeping try’s test cricket season. drew Strauss expects Alastair be 19-year-old Haseeb Hameed 2014 after being hit on the his leadership as stand-in skip- South Africa thrashed across the ground. The weather New Zealand’s Kane William- Cook to carry on as the Test cap- who struck an impressive 82 dur- neck by a rising ball during a per during thumping back-to- Australia by 177 runs in the is expected to clear today and re- son is making his home bow as tain well into the summer of 2017, ing England’s second innings at domestic match in Sydney. back Test wins over Australia, opening Perth Test and fol- main fi ne for the remainder of the captain having succeeded Bren- saying the 31-year-old is com- Rajkot to forge a 180-run open- A coroner ruled Hughes selectors say. Star batsman de lowed it up with an innings and match. don McCullum, who retired from fortable with the responsibility. ing stand with Cook. “Hameed made a “minuscule misjudge- Villiers was ruled out of the 80 run demolition of the hosts Play will start half an hour ear- international cricket following Cook triggered speculation looked very composed and calm ment” before he was fatally series with a left elbow injury in Hobart this week. lier than scheduled on the second the test against Australia on the about his captaincy when he told and in control of his game. We’ve day, when the toss will be made. same ground in February. the Cricketer magazine that he got very high hopes for him.” Gulf Times Friday, November 18, 2016 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Backstrom, Oshie Curry, Durant lead shine in Capitals Warriors; Porzingis rout of Penguins Reuters Pittsburgh averted the shutout when New York Phil Kessel scored with 3:32 left. Penguins starting goalie Matthew Murray stopped 12 of 14 shots before icklas Backstrom had two leaving the game late in the fi rst period goals and three assists, TJ Os- after getting hit in the face with a stick. hie added two goals and two Marc-Andre Fleury relieved Murray stars for Knicks assists, and the Washington and made 20 saves. NCapitals routed the Pittsburgh Pen- Murray had won 11 straight regular LeBron-less Cleveland go down 103-93 to the Indiana Pacers guins 7-1 Wednesday night at Verizon season games going back to last season. Center in Washington DC. Braden Holtby made 25 saves and FLAMES DOWN COYOTES 2-1 Justin Williams, Dmitry Orlov and Alex Michael Frolik scored 49 seconds into Ovechkin also scored for Washington overtime to lead Calgary over Arizona (10-4-2), which had lost three of its at the Scotiabank Saddledome. last four. Frolik snapped a perfect shot to the Oshie has fi ve goals in his last sev- top corner behind Coyotes goalie Mike en games and the four points tied his Smith, helping the Flames to their sec- career high. With his eighth goal of ond win in as many nights. the season to close out the scoring, Matthew Tkachuk also scored for Ovechkin picked up his fi rst point in the Flames, who trailed 1-0 after two fi ve games. periods.

Stephen Curry (centre) of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball past DeMarre Carroll (right) of the Toronto Raptors as Kevin Durant (left) of the Warriors looks on during the first half of their NBA game in Toronto, Canada, on Wednesday. (AFP) Washington Capitals’ Nicklas Backstrom (right) scores a goal as Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin (left) defends in the first period of their NHL AFP “The second quarter was great, one “They were a dangerous team, even ing 16 and Joakim Noah snaffl ing 15 game at Verizon Center in Washington DC on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Los Angeles of the best quarters we have played,” if LeBron is not in the lineup,” Indiana rebounds. Kerr said. coach Nate McMillan said. “When our Rose was left in awe of Porzingis’s “That’s probably the only quarter guys got the news he was not playing, performance. tephen Curry and Kevin Du- we’ve played tonight the way we want my concern was a letdown. Guys were “He is dangerous,” Rose said. “For Stamkos out indefi nitely with knee injury rant combined for 65 points to to play. Defense was good, we didn’t excited about LeBron and the World a second-year player that doesn’t re- give the Golden State Warriors foul. We rebounded, and that was ob- Champions being in town. ally know the game like that, for him AFP their fi fth consecutive victory viously the key to the game, that whole “Our guys did the job defensively, to come out and play the way he plays Los Angeles onS Wednesday as the Cleveland Cava- stretch. Draymond (Green) was bril- and especially in the fi rst half, we had is incredible. And for him to be 7-foot- liers slumped to defeat in the absence liant. The whole quarter, I thought he good ball movement. Tonight, the key 3 and move the way that he moves is of LeBron James. was great. was simply to take care of business, kind of crazy. A unique, unique player.” ampa Bay Lightning top scorer Reigning NBA MVP Curry scored 35 “It was a good way to start the even it LeBron is not in uniform.” Porzingis meanwhile soaked up the and captain Steven Stamkos points while Durant weighed in with (four-game) trip,” Kerr added. “Beat- Kevin Love topscored for the Cava- plaudits with modesty, attributing his Tfaces an injury layoff after 30 as the Warriors launched a four- ing a really, really, good team in a very liers with 27 points while Kyrie Irving display to the work of his team-mates. suff ering a torn meniscus in his right game road trip with a 127-121 win over tough environment.” added 24. “Shots were falling. I was playing knee against the Detroit Red Wings, the Toronto Raptors. “We had our chances,” Love said. my game. My teammates were fi nd- the team confirmed Wednesday. Durant added nine rebounds and six CAVALIERS OUTPACED “We cut the lead to four or fi ve a cou- ing me. I was in good position, and my Lightning general manager Steve assists while Klay Thompson fi nished While the Warriors celebrated a hard- ple of times, and it just felt like we ei- shot felt good,” he said. Yzerman said the NHL team is not with 14 points. Draymond Green (11 earned win, Cleveland were given a ther had a bad possession, a turnover putting a timeline on his return points) and Andre Iguodala (10) also reminder of how diffi cult life can be and then that lead went to eight or RESULTS because they are evaluating diff erent made double digits as the Warriors without LeBron James after they went nine points.” Philadelphia 109 Washington 102 treatment options. improved to 9-2. down 103-93 to the Indiana Pacers in Orlando 89 New Orleans 82 “Our understanding is that this issue The Warriors were made to sweat for Indianapolis. A ‘DANGEROUS’ MAN Indiana 103 Cleveland 93 can be repaired and he can get back victory however, seeing an 18-point James was rested for the game and The individual performance of the Boston 90 Dallas 83 to full speed,” Yzerman said. “It just fourth quarter lead reduced to just six the Pacers took full advantage to be- night arguably belonged to Kristaps NY Knicks 105 Detroit 102 takes some time.” points before they held on to win. come only the second team to beat the Porzingis of the New York Knicks, who Atlanta 107 Milwaukee 100 Canada’s Stamkos did not travel with “Hopefully, this isn’t anything seri- Warriors coach Steve Kerr said the reigning NBA Finals Champions this produced a career-best 35 points in his Oklahoma City 105 Houston 103 the team to Buff alo for Thursday’s ous.” game was eff ectively won in the sec- season. team’s win over the Detroit Pistons. Golden State 127 Toronto 121 game against the Sabres and has Stamkos’ stellar career has been ond quarter, when his team outscored Paul George had 21 points and 11 re- The Knicks’ heavy-hitters also Denver 120 Phoenix 104 returned to Tampa for treatment. dotted with injuries. He suff ered a Toronto by 32-15 to forge a 66-53 lead bounds while Jeff Teague added 20 for weighed in, with Carmelo Anthony Memphis 111 LA Clippers 107 Stamkos appeared to injure his right broken leg during the 2013-14 season. at half-time. the Pacers. scoring 22 points, Derrick Rose add- San Antonio 110 Sacramento 105 leg in a collision with Detroit’s Gustav He underwent surgery for a blood Nyquist along the boards. clot on his right collar bone this past “You never want to lose a guy, but April, which forced him to miss the BASEBALL especially when he’s one of the best last few regular-season games of players in the world,” Tampa Bay last season and all but one of Tampa Porcello nips Verlander, Scherzer defenceman Victor Hedman said. Bay’s final Stanley Cup playoff game. NFL romps in Cy Young Award win Romo accepts backup

Reuters ond,” Porcello told reporters on a New York conference call. role with Cowboys Scherzer, who won the American League award in 2013, received 25 of oston Red Sox 22-game the 30 fi rst-place votes in a runaway Agencies ed on diff erent aspects of his National winner Rick Porcello victory over Jon Lester, who was a Los Angeles Football League career. won one of the closest distant second ahead of Chicago The Cowboys beat the Pittsburgh votes ever in claiming the Cubs team mate Kyle Hendricks. Steelers 35-30 last weekend and will AmericanB League Cy Young Award The hard-throwing righthander allas Cowboys player Tony face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. on Wednesday, while Washington’s was 20-7 with a 2.96 ERA for the Romo has offi cially endorsed Max Scherzer won National League Nationals. He led the NL in wins, rookie Dak Prescott as the PACKERS CLAIM RUNNING BACK honours with ease. starts (34), innings (228 1/3) and starting quarterback and says MICHAEL OFF WAIVERS Porcello fi nished ahead of the strikeouts (284) and tied the major heD is ready to accept his new role as a The Green Bay Packers claimed run- Detroit Tigers’ Justin Verlander league record with 20 strikeouts backup. ning back Christine Michael off waiv- 137-132 in voting by the Baseball against the Tigers on May 11. Romo made the declaration while ers on Wednesday, just one day after he Writers’ Association of America. Porcello said he was honoured reading from a prepared statement at was cut by the Seattle Seahawks, the Cleveland’s Corey Kluber was third just to be listed with Verlander and the Cowboys’ facility. He didn’t take NFL reported on its website. with 98 points. Kluber among the three AL fi nal- questions from reporters and said it Michael started seven of nine games Verlander received 14 fi rst-place ists. was in “the best interests of my team” for the Seahawks this season but did votes to eight for Porcello, but “To win the award over a former not to do so. not do enough to remain on the roster slipped behind him because he was team mate and somebody who when “He has earned the right to be our with the team welcoming back depth at left off two of the 30 ballots, which I came up was a veteran and I looked quarterback,” Romo said. the running back position. each allowed fi ve pitchers to be up to in my early days, was pretty “As hard as that is for me to say, he’s Michael, 26, arrives to a Green Bay named. cool,” said the 27-year-old Porcello. earned that right. He has guided our team badly in need of a runner to spark Porcello originally came up with Verlander, who won the 2011 Cy team to an 8-1 record and that’s hard the squad. the Tigers and was a teammate of Young and MVP award, suff ered his to do. The Packers have shuffl ed through a Verlander and Scherzer. second Cy Young near miss. “If you think for a second I don’t group of runners this season and have “Justin had a great year and I In 2012, Verlander lost to the want to be out there, then you probably lost original starter Eddie Lacy for the learned a lot from him playing in Tampa Bay Rays’ David Price 153- never felt the pure ecstasy of compet- season with an ankle injury. Detroit. Obviously, I wish him well 149 in the closest total since ballots ing and winning.” Michael has rushed for 469 yards in the future and big congratula- permitted voting for more than one (Tampa Bay Times/TNS) Romo also appeared emotional at and six scores this campaign, averaging tions to Max for winning his sec- pitcher in 1970. times during his statement and refl ect- 4.0 yards per carry. Gulf Times 6 Friday, November 18, 2016 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Amateur Luck upstages Spieth at Westwood leads, Australian Open

AFP three majors next year — the Sydney US Masters, US Open and British Open. Spieth, the 2014 Austral- eigning US and ian Open champion, had only McIlroy struggles Asia-Pacifi c ama- one blemish on his card when teur champion Curtis a misjudged fl op shot at the Luck upstaged play- eighth saw the ball roll back to ‘I probably have to do more this week, think a little bit more, which is probably a good thing’ ingR partner and double-major his feet and resulted in a bogey winner Jordan Spieth yester- fi ve. day in the fi rst round of the “I made a couple of putts Australian Open at Royal Syd- from outside fi ve or six feet but ney Golf Club. that was it, “ said Spieth. “But Luck shares the lead with they’ll start falling. If I can fellow 20-year-old Lucas shoot three under each day... Herbert, after the two Aus- then I’ll be in good shape.” tralian young guns posted su- Scott drained two long perb fi ve-under par opening birdie putts at the par-three rounds of 67. sixth and 17th, but fi ve bogeys Former world number one spoiled the 2013 US Masters Spieth could only manage a champion’s day. 69 as Luck came out on top “I didn’t drive it well, hit the of an illustrous threeball that irons well, chip it well or putt also included 2006 US Open well today, it was all very aver- champion Geoff Ogilvy, who age,” Scott said. carded a 70. Herbert was bogey-free but World number seven and missed a putt from three feet Australian favourite Adam on the 18th that would have Scott struggled to a one-over given him the outright lead. 73 later in the day. The top three players in Luck carded seven birdies Sydney who are not otherwise and impressed world number exempt will win direct entry fi ve Spieth. “I thought he was into next July’s British Open at better composed than I was, Royal Birkdale. no doubt,” the American said. “Around the greens, he was Leading first-round scores spectacular, which is some- 67-Curtis Luck, Lucas Herbert thing that you certainly need 68-Adam Burdett, Benjamin to take with you up to the next Clementson, Ryan Fox (NZL), Lee Westwood of England plays during day one of the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai yesterday. (AFP) level.” David Klein (GER), Peter Starting at the 10th, Luck O’Malley AFP he reads the wind and stuff like ser (AUS), Alexander Levy (FRA), was far from overawed by 69-Jamie Arnold, Mathew Dubai that. Put my game to his infor- Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG), Louis playing alongside major win- Goggin, Matthew Guyatt, mation.” Oosthuizen (RSA) ners Spieth and Ogilvy, com- Wade Ormsby, Dimitrios Pa- Spain’s Sergio Garcia made a 70—Renato Paratore (ITA), pleting his fi rst 12 holes in four padatos, Travis Smyth, Jordan ee Westwood made light late double bogey, on the par-4 Mikko Ilonen (FIN), Victor under par. He lost momentum Spieth (USA), Lincoln Tighe of his regular caddie’s 16th hole, to fall to four-under Dubuisson (FRA), Tommy with consecutive bogeys but 70-Neven Basic, Ben Campbell absence to post a six un- par 68, tied fourth alongside Fleetwood (ENG), Nacho Elvira rebounded immediately with (NZL), Greg Chalmers, Chris der par 66 and lead the Joost Luiten and Francesco Mo- (ESP), Richard Sterne (RSA), three straight birdies and a Gaunt, Daniel Hillier (NZL), LDP World Tour Championship linari. An Byeong-hun (KOR), Charl closing par. Jamie Hook, Peter Lonard, by one shot yesterday as Rory With none of the four play- Schwartzel (RSA), Shane Lowry “I don’t think I did any- James Nitties, Geoff Ogilvy, McIlroy struggled. ers contesting the Race to Du- (IRL), Soren Kjeldsen (DEN), thing outrageously good to get Aron Price, Jason Scrivener, The Englishman’s long-time bai crown managing to get a fast Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) where I was,” said Luck, who Todd Sinnott, Jack Wilson, bagman Billy Foster has been ad- start, Sweden’s Henrik Stenson 71—Pablo Larrazabal (ESP), Lee is already assured of places in Jordan Zunic. vised to rest his injured knee, but remained the favourite despite Soomin (KOR), Richard Bland that did not aff ect the world 47, a poor round of 72 by his stand- (ENG), Martin Kaymer (GER), who is looking for his fi rst win of ards. Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN), Rafa the year. But world No2 McIlroy had an Cabrera Bello (ESP), Tyrrell Hat- He started the opening round even bigger shocker, recording ton (ENG), Danny Willett (ENG), with three birdies on the front his fi rst over-par round in the Alex Noren (SWE) nine, and made another four on tournament, a three-over 75. 72—Raphael Jacquelin (FRA), the back along with a bogey on Danny Willett, who needs to Matthew Southgate (ENG), the 12th hole. fi nish inside the top-5 to have Ricardo Gouveia (POR), Padraig Julien Quesne of France and any chance of beating Stenson Harrington (IRL), George Co- Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium to the European No1 honour, etzee (RSA), David Lipsky (USA), were a stroke behind the inau- shot a one-under par 71, which Jorge Campillo (ESP), Gregory gural 2009 champion at Dubai’s matched Alex Noren’s eff ort. Bourdy (FRA), Rikard Karlberg Earth course of Jumeirah Golf Willet and Noren are ranked (SWE), David Horsey (ENG), Bra- Estates. second and third in the Race to Rory McIlroy in action during day one of the DP World Tour dley Dredge (WAL), Scott Hend “Billy normally thinks for me,” Dubai at the start of the fi nal Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai yesterday. (AFP) (AUS), Thomas Pieters (BEL), said Westwood. week of the European Tour sea- Ross Fisher (ENG), Branden “I probably have to do more son. Stenson, who made just one ies and a double bogey in his last of my game and I’ve been work- Grace (RSA), Henrik Stenson this week, think a little bit more, birdie and one bogey, said: “You fi ve holes, did not speak to the ing on them hard. All came to- (SWE) which is probably a good thing,” know, the couple of good putts media. He was whisked away for gether today.” 73—Alejandro Canizares (ESP) added Westwood when asked didn’t go in, and of course, the random dope test following the 74—Felipe Aguilar (CHI), Bran- about having someone new on bad ones normally don’t fi nd the round. First round scores don Stone (RSA), Joakim Lager- his bag. bottom of the cup. Westwood meanwhile was de- 66—Lee Westwood (ENG) gren (SWE), Li Haotong (CHN), “Obviously a diff erent cad- “I stayed out of trouble most lighted with the way he played 67—Julien Quesne (FRA), Nicolas Thongchai Jaidee (THA) die doesn’t know my game. He’s of the day but nothing too ex- in tough scoring conditions on a Colsaerts (BEL) 75—Wang Jeunghun (KOR), only had one round on the bag. citing either to play or to watch. day when only 32 players man- 68—Francesco Molinari (ITA), Chris Wood (ENG), Rory McIlroy He’s sort of making it up as he Hopefully, I can turn that around aged to break par. Sergio Garcia (ESP), Joost Luiten (NIR) goes along. and play a better round tomor- “This is as good as I’ve played (NED) 76—Andy Sullivan (ENG) Australian golfer Curtis Luck hits a tee shot on the 10th hole dur- “I have full confi dence in him, row.” for quite some time. I’ve found a 69—Jaco van Zyl (RSA), Kiradech 78—Andrew Johnston (ENG) ing day one of the Australian Open at the Royal Sydney Golf Club and his yardages and the way McIlroy, who made three bird- couple of keys in diff erent parts Aphibarnrat (THA), Marcus Fra- 82—Romain Wattel (FRA) in Sydney yesterday. (AFP)

TENNIS Djokovic thrashes Goffi n, picks row with umpire

Reuters Murphy had punished his fi rst achieve that by claiming a fi fth London transgression rather than off er a successive London title. quiet word seemed fair enough, “I guess I do not have the same although his reaction was out of perception of surprise as you efending champi- context in a match that lacked do,” the 29-year-old said when on Novak Djokovic any kind of nervous tension. asked the question. trounced stand-in Belgium world number 11 Gof- “To me it wouldn’t be a sur- David Goffi n 6-1, 6-2 fi n had been hanging around all prise.” forD a clean sweep of his group at week in case of a withdrawal. He Djokovic also shed light on the ATP World Tour Finals on tried his best to make a match of his row with Murphy which was Thursday but spiced up a lei- it but looked off the pace from drowned out by blaring music in surely afternoon workout by the moment he double-faulted the arena. picking a row with the umpire. to give Djokovic his fi rst break in “I accept that I’m one of the The 29-year-old world the fourth game. players that takes the most number two began the week at “Yesterday I was feeling a bit time,” he said. “But I think it’s London’s O2 Arena quarrel- like I was on holiday,” Goffi n told fair, correct and respectful to- ling with a reporter and despite reporters. wards a player that if you go over being relatively untroubled on “All of a sudden someone tells the fi rst time, you at least get a court in his three victories, there you you have to play in front of head’s up. has been an edginess about the 15,000 people against Novak.” “That’s all I’m asking for to be 12-times grand slam champion. It was poor value for the O2 honest.” It surfaced again against Gof- Arena crowd who probably ex- With wins already against Do- fi n, who pocketed $179,000 for pected something more com- minic Thiem and Milos Raonic, his 69-minute cameo appear- petitive – not that Djokovic was who face off later for runners-up ance having stepped in to replace too concerned. spot, and Goffi n, Djokovic has Gael Monfi ls who withdrew cit- He was able to conserve en- now won 21 of his last 22 matches ing a rib injury. ergy for what could yet be a at the tournament. While serving at 3-1 the Serb Sunday showdown with Andy Who he faces in the semi-fi - was given a time violation warn- Murray, the man who ended his nals is still to be decided. ing by chair umpire Fergus Mur- 122-week reign as world number Murray is favourite to win phy and let rip at the changeover. one last week. the John McEnroe group and so “You have no clue about the After losing a colossal points avoid Djokovic but should he game,” an irate Djokovic told lead over the Briton since beat- lose to Stan Wawrinka on Friday Murphy before turning to con- ing him to win the French Open, he could fi nish runner-up. Kei tinue the debate with tourna- Djokovic is now two wins away Nishikori is also a possibility. ment director Tom Barnes who from grabbing it back. “As a player all you can wish was hovering nearby. He bridled at suggestions that for is that everything is in your Serbia’s Novak Djokovic gestures to Belgium’s David Goff in during their round robin stage match on day five of the ATP World Tour Finals in Djokovic’s complaint that it would be a surprise if he did hands,” said Djokovic. London yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, November 18, 2016 7 SPORT

FOCUS QATAR RUGBY SEVENS World 7s champs Record-breaking Fiji to attend ANOC assembly the Qatar fi nal By Sports Reporter and develop a special bond with the Doha champs.” The Fijian team will stop in Doha en route to the Emirate Dubai 7s . The he Fijian rugby team, the newly crowned gold medallists wish to world rugby Sevens champi- acclimatise to the region ahead of the ons, will be the special guests event starting December 1. concludes in Doha Tat the fi nals of the Qatar Rug- Fiji captain Osea Kolinisau met with by Sevens League which be held at the QRF offi cials and players in Doha on Two-day General Assembly saw participation of over 1200 delegates Aspire Warm Up Track in Doha on No- Tuesday. He was here to receive the vember 25. Association of National Olympic Com- By Sports Reporter The event is part of the activities mittees (ANOC) Award for Best Male Doha lined up for the Fijian’s team three-day Team on behalf of the Rio champions. visit to Qatar from November 25 to 28. Koliniseu, who was recently pipped The visit is at the request of the Qatar for the World Rugby Sevens Player of he 2016 ANOC General As- Rugby Federation (QRF). the Year by South Africa’s Seabelo Sen- sembly has come to a close Fiji has won the Hong Kong Sevens a atla, said, “Doha has impressive cre- following two days of high record twelve times since its inception dentials as a sporting nation and our Tlevel meetings between Ol- in 1976 and also won the Rugby World stop here next week hopefully will be a ympic leaders from around the world. Cup Sevens twice in 1997 and 2005. start of a long lasting relationship with As many as 205 National Olympic The visiting team is currently the Qatar Rugby Federation. Committees, International Federa- reigning World Rugby Sevens Series “Doha also has one of the best fa- tions, International Olympic Com- Champions and recently claimed the cilities in treating injured athletes; it mittee members and Olympic Stake- gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olym- would benefi cial for us to be here. It holders came together to discuss pics in Brazil, the country’s fi rst medal would great if we can meet and accli- important issues and recommend re- in any event. matise here. We would also like to help forms that aim to enhance the Olym- QRF president Yousef al-Kuwari Qatar rugby develop.” pic Movement. said, “Hosting the Fijian squad in Doha Asked about the team that will visit The two-day General Assembly was would serve as an honour and place Qa- Doha, Kolinisau said, “We still haven’t hosted by the Qatar Olympic Com- tar in high esteem as a sporting nation. fi nalised that yet but it will be the same mittee (QOC) at the Sheraton Inter- The fact that the World Champions team that won our fi rst Olympic medal national Convention Centre and saw want to visit Doha is a great privilege in Rio.” over 1200 delegates participate – the within itself considering the amount The Fijians, apart from attending the biggest number in the history of the of requests they receive from nations Qatar Rugby Sevens fi nals, and may go event. around the world. head to head against the Qatar Camels QOC president HE Sheikh Joaan bin “Aspire is the home of Qatar Rugby and mix it up with school kids giving Hamad al-Thani thanked everyone Sevens and we look forward to welcom- away signed balls, caps and shirts. at the close of the General Assembly, ing our local supporters and Fiji. Kids For his part QRF senior coordinator which was held for the fi rst time in the will have a wonderful opportunity to Samuel Rico said, “November 25 is a region. He said, “It is my pleasure to witness the QR7s and meet their Fijian must-attend for all sports fans. No one thank each and every one of the del- heroes of rugby.” should miss the opportunity to see the egates for coming all the way to Doha. QRF president added: “Fiji is a class Sevens Rugby fi nals and meet the world I hope you had an enjoyable and pro- Qatar Olympic Committee president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani (right) accepts the award for Contribution to the act and we can achieve much from their champions. The QRF will host hours ductive time during the ANOC Gen- Olympic Movement on behalf of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in the presence of International Olympic presence. We already have fi ve Fijian of activities for rugby fans includ- eral Assembly. I have no doubt that the Committee president Thomas Bach (centre) and Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) president Sheikh players participating in our domestic ing passing and kicking competitions, decisions you have taken will benefi t Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah in Doha. league and we hope to increase that player signing sessions and photo op- the Olympic Movement and athletes, over the years. We hope that this rare portunities with all QRF and Fijian as well as develop and progress sport onstrated by the world’s 205 NOCs. visit by Fiji improves our rugby ties players.” across all fi elds.” But while Rio was a great success, we The ANOC General Assembly adds recognise that there are many areas of to the growing list of successful global our Movement that need reform. We sporting events hosted in Qatar, which have seen here at our General Assem- includes World Championship events bly that the NOC family is committed in fi ve sports over the last two years, to working in cooperation with IOC all of which were hosted in the Middle to bring about real reform and ensure East for the fi rst time in their history. clean athletes are protected. This trend will continue with Qatar “Through our ANOC Commissions hosting a further six World Champi- and Working Groups we will continue onship events over the coming years. to undergo our own internal process HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin of reform so that we can support our Hamad al-Thani received two signifi - NOCs and contribute to the sustain- cant awards this week in recognition ability and long-term health of the of his leadership in developing sport Olympic Movement.” and empowering youth in Qatar and Other signifi cant items on the agen- around the world. The fi rst was the da included a report from the ANOC IOC Trophy, which is awarded to those President in which he refl ected on a who serve sports and support the Ol- successful year for NOCs, in which a ympic Movement, and the second record number of countries competed was for ‘Contribution to the Olympic The two-day General Assembly was hosted by the Qatar Olympic Committee at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and an Movement’, which was awarded at the (QOC) at the Sheraton International Convention Centre. address from the IOC president Tho- end of the ANOC Awards. mas Bach, who provided an update on The spectacular ceremony recog- their visit to Doha. We have enjoyed all to build on Rio 2016’s success through Olympic Agenda 2020. In addition, nised and celebrated the achievements the side events and yesterday the Gala the work and support of ANOC Com- there were update reports from each of the NOCs and athletes from the Rio dinner was excellent.” missions and Working groups and their of the fi ve Continental Associations – 2016 Games. During the General Assembly, ANOC recommended reforms. ANOCA, PASO, OCA, EOC and ONOC, Speaking in his closing address, pledged their commitment to develop- Commenting on the reforms, and the presentations of the three 2024 ANOC president Sheikh Ahmad al- ing the Olympic Movement through Sheikh Ahmad said, “The Rio 2016 Ol- Olympic Candidate Cities, Budapest, Fahad al-Sabah said, “On behalf of a number of reforms, with protect- ympic Games demonstrated the pow- Los Angeles and Paris to the Olympic ANOC I would like to thank Sheikh ing clean athletes and the fi ght against er of sport and the Olympic Move- Movement for the very fi rst time. At the Joaan and Qatar for organising our doping remaining a top priority. Also ment. Half of the world watched the end of the General Assembly, it was an- meeting. It has been very well organ- on high on the agenda was the Rio 2016 Games and witnessed the numerous nounced that the next ANOC General Qatar Rugby Federation president Yousef al-Kuwari presents Fiji captain Osea ised and everyone has appreciated Olympic Games, with ANOC vowing examples of solidarity and unity dem- Assembly will be hosted in Prague. Kolinisau with a Qatar shirt in the presence of players and off icials on Tuesday.

BOTTOMLINE Angers stars visit Aspetar to receive treatment

By Sports Reporter Such services include injury and illness Doha diagnosis, as well as treatment and pre- vention with a focus on sports surgical treatment and rehabilitation. ngers SCO recently agreed a In addition, Angers will benefi t from medical partnership and for- sports science services and access to malised a memorandum of facilities at Aspetar for players from understanding (MoU) with the club including performance as- Aspetar,A the leading orthopaedic and sessment, screening, specifi c testing, sports medicine hospital. The MoU nutritional assessment and advice and was signed by Aspetar’s acting director podiatrists services. general Dr Mohamed Ghaith al-Kuwari Confi rming the agreement, Dr al- and Angers Sporting Club de l’Ouest Kuwari said, “We’re delighted by the president Said Chabane. prospect of working so closely with In a clear sign of how signifi cant Angers SCO Our team are truly com- the development is for the club, two mitted to providing fi rst-class medical of the team’s star players – Alexandre care to elite athletes and to sharing the Letellier and Billy Ketkeophomphone benefi t of our world-leading expertise. – travelled to Aspetar to receive treat- Adding to our existing arrangements ment, accompanied by team physician with other clubs in Europe and else- Anthony Tondut and fi tness coach Be- where, this news is yet further proof of noit Pickeu. our ability to deliver a multidisciplinary Angers is the latest club to enter into Aspetar’s acting director general Dr Mohamed Ghaith al-Kuwari with Angers approach to athlete management.” such an agreement with Aspetar. The Sporting Club de l’Ouest president Said Chabane. Chabane added: “We’re very happy news follows existing partnerships that to formalise this relationship between Aspetar has established with some of nary approach to athlete management of their visit, delegates were given a our two organisations and begin our Europe’s biggest clubs including Paris as well as its focus on the comprehen- comprehensive tour of the hospital’s journey together in support of the fu- Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hot- sive assessment, treatment and reha- facilities, and briefed about the services ture development and success of our spur. bilitation of injured athletes. it provides to elite athletes globally. club. We’re fortunate to have an medi- The agreement confi rms the hospi- A senior delegation led by Chabane The agreement will support part- cal provider that off ers expertise, clini- tal’s status as one of the world’s leading and club’s general manager Oliver nership and collaboration designed cal skills and an approach to managing sports medicine institutions, staff ed by Pickeu travelled to Doha last month to to benefi t both athletes and patients, athletes that rank amongst the very leading practitioners and researchers. confi rm the terms of the MoU between and means that Aspetar will provide highest in the world. This partnership The MoU is a clear testament to the ef- the club and Aspetar, a FIFA-accredited multidisciplinary clinical sports and bodes extremely well for the future of fectiveness of Aspetar’s multidiscipli- Medical Centre of Excellence. As part medical services to the club’s players. the club.” Angers SCO players Alexandre Letellier and Billy Ketkeophomphone in Aspetar.

Friday, November 18, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Itorio wins Barzan Cup; Al Uraiq Secret, Opera Baron take Guineas ‘This is the first week for us. And it’s been a great start already. We have had four winners, two Cups’

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

halifa bin Sheail al-Ku- wari-owned Itorio had ended his campaign on a high last season, win- Kning the Al Gharafa Cup in April, and yesterday, his form saw no dip when Harry Bentley rode the four-year-old colt to a victory in the Barzan Cup (Group 3) on the turf at Qatar Racing and Eques- trian Club yesterday. The mile-long Class 1 race saw the Mohamed Jassim Ghaz- ali-schooled colt line up behind pacemaker Bretherton and had little diffi culty taking the lead a furlong and a half from the post. Al Shaqab Racing’s Moheet, trained by Mohamed’s father Jas- sim, was on Itorio’s heel for the bulk of the run and he too pushed up the pace. Majed Seifeddine- trained Vitally Important found a place alongside Moheet, but fell short by a head at the post. “This is the fi rst week for us. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club vice-chief steward Abdullah Rashid al-Kubaisi (third from right) and head of Media Saad Mubarak al-Hajri (right) pose with the winners of the Thoroughbred Guineas (Group 3) at the And it’s been a great start already. QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim We have had four winners, two Cups. I hope we continue the same way and back to the top,” Mohamed said after the win. “Itorio is a fast horse, and I had sent Bretherton in to set the pace for the race. There have been times when the race pace has been slow. But today, Harry Bentley did exactly what I had asked and it turned out to be an easy one for him.” It was also the fi rst time that Itorio picked up a win on his fi rst race in a season. Umm Qarn’s Amer colt Tayf stayed true to his top rating (117) in the Purebred Arabians event, registering his fi rst win in Qatar for trainer Alban de Mieulle. Jockey Gaetan Faucon had his ride go through a gap between early leader and stablemate Gad- ab, with Jean Baptiste Hamel at Jockey Harry Bentley (left) races Itorio to victory in the Barzan Cup ahead of Moheet, ridden by Marvin the helm, and Civaldi de Mon- Jockey Gaetan Faucon rides Umm Qarn-owned Tayf to victory in the Purebred Arabians event. Suerland (right), at the QREC yesterday. tegut, ridden by Bentley, two fur- longs from the post, even as Julian As the fi eld spread on the home Bentley rode debutant Abu edge out a fast-closing French Arab colt Haddaj Dukhan to his Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. 4. MJ Lattam (Marco Monteriso). Smart-trained Reda put on dis- straight, both Shabih Alreeh and Samrah to a third place fi nish for Encore for the third spot. maiden victory, fi nishing ahead of Race 3: 1. Opera Baron (Harry Won by: 1 ¼, 3 ½, ½. Time: 1:45.42. play some amazing pace, moving Samborn made their move, but Jassim Ghazali. Ghazali’s Al Bid- Umm Qarn-owned Majeed Julian Smart’s debutante Rabia in Bentley), 2. Top Face (Gaetan Owner: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin up from the back of the fi eld. only the former was able to go dah Mile winner Opera Baron made a winning return to the turf the Local Purebred Arabian Maid- Faucon), 3. Bluebeard (Gerald Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Julian Marco Monteriso’s ride went past Farooq 100m away from the opened his campaign for the new in Qatar, when the Purebred Ara- en Plate event over seven furlongs. Avranche), 4. French Encore Smart. past another Smart ward Na- post. De Mieulle’s charge did well season with a win under Bentley. bian Trophy winner picked up his (Marco Monteriso). Won by 1, Race 6: 1. Tayf (Gaetan Faucon), jda but the speed wasn’t good to challenge the eventual winner Owned by Leading Owner Kha- eighth career victory for trainer RESULTS 1/2, Dh-Nk. Time: 1:34.96. Owner: 2. Reda (Marco Monteriso), 3. Na- enough to catch Tayf. briefl y before fi nishing second. lifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari, Opera De Mieulle. Majeed had ended Race 1: 1. Haddaj Dukhan (Yanis Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. jda (Alberto Sanna), 4. Civaldi de Smart’s fi rst victory of the day Al Uraiq Secret beat Asaaf for Baron was the top three-year-old his Qatar season earlier this year Aouabed), 2. Rabia (Alberto Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. Montegut (Harry Bentley). Won was when Alberto Sanna raced the third straight time and for the Thoroughbred last season, and with a third place fi nish behind Sanna), 3. Teejann (JP Guillam- Race 4: 1. Al Uraiq Secret (Edu- by: 1, ½, 3. Time: 1:44.30. Owner: Shabih Alreeh to his maiden vic- second consecutive week, with had won his last outing in May. stablemate TM Thunder Struck. bert), 4. Amal (Gaetan Faucon). ardo Pedroza), 2. Asaaf (Marvin Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de tory in the other Purebred Arabi- the Ibrahim al-Malki-schooled Yesterday, Bentley had his ride However, yesterday, jockey Ga- Won by: 3 ½, Hd, 2 ½. Time: Suerland), 3. Abu Samrah (Harry Mieulle. ans event over a mile. colt winning the Local Thor- track early leader Top Face on the etan Faucon guided Amer’s son 1:31.92. Owner: Mansoor Misfer Bentley), 4. Saqr (Gaetan Fau- Race 7: 1. Itorio (Harry Bentley), Sanna, riding in the colours of oughbred Guineas under Edu- inside, before making his move well enough to fi nish two lengths al-Shahwani. Trainer: Mansoor con). Won by: 1 3/4, 1/2, 3. Time: 2. Moheet (Marvin Suerland), 3. HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa ardo Pedroza. coming on to the home stretch ahead of Rassan, ridden by Bent- al-Shahwani 1:38.12. Owner: Sheikh Faisal Vitally Important (Adnan Hawa), al-Thani, kept his ride away from In May this year, Sheikh Faisal as the fi eld spread wide. With ley, while De Mieulle’s other ward Race 2: 1. Majeed (Gaetan Fau- bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani. 4. Bretherton (JP Guillambert). the traffi c, even as Umm Qarn’s bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani- roughly 100m to go, he passed Raedah completed the podium con), 2. Rassan (Harry Bentley), 3. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. Won by: 1/2, Hd, 1 1/4. Time: Farooq took the early lead with owned three-year-old had ended Top Face, who was making his under Jean Baptiste Hamel Raedah (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 4. Race 5: 1. Shabih Alreeh (Alberto 1:34.29. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail Samborn, ridden by Bentley, not his season with a win in the Umm Qatar debut, while Al Murqab Jockey Yanis Aouabed guided Taraf (Alberto Sanna). Won by: 2, Sanna), 2. Farooq (Gaetan Fau- al-Kuwari. Trainer: Mohammed too far behind. Bab Cup ahead of Asaaf. Stud’s Bluebeard held on well to Mansoor al-Shahwani’s Majd Al ½, ½. Time: 1:42.97. Owner: Umm con), 3. Samborn (Harry Bentley), Jassim Ghazali.

49TH CISM WORLD MILITARY SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIP German women shoot gold in 50m Rifl e 3 Positions

By Sports Reporter ishing behind China, while the Doha women’s team took the bronze in the 50m Rifl e 60 Prone. In the men’s team Trap, China took erman women won fi rst place while Italy fi nished the 50m Rifl e Three third position. In the women’s positions 3x20 team Trap team event, Democratic gold medal at the 49th People’s Republic of Korea took GCISM World Military Shooting the gold medal ahead of China. Championship yesterday. Qatar took the bronze. At the Losail Shooting Range, Dutch Ambassador to Qatar, the German team comprising of Dr. Bahia Tahzib-Lie, visited Lisa Muller, Jolyn Beer and Silvia the shooting range yesterday Rachel scored a total of 1750-84x and appreciated CISM’s motto to fi nish at the top. ‘Friendship through Sport’. On The Swiss trio of Nina Chris- the occasion, president of the ten, Vanessa Hofstetter and Qatar Military Sports Associa- Myriam Bruehwiler (1740-80x) tion, Major General Dahlan al- won the silver while the Russian Ahmed presented a memento to team of Iuliia Karimova, Mariia Dr Bahia. Feklistova and Alena Nizkos- Championship Director Brig. hapskaia (1740-78x) clinched General Nasr al-Hitmi and bronze. Head of Media Committee Brig. The 50m Rifl e 3 position event General Rashed Mahboub al- consists of fi ring while kneeling, Dosari were also present on the prone (lying on stomach) and occasion. standing, in that order. Meanwhile, an exhibition fea- Host Qatar, with Oleg En- turing international companies gachev, Ivan Bidniak and Kon- specialising in shooting prod- stantin Maltsev on the range, shot ucts is being held on the side- their way to a bronze medal fi nish lines of the championship. The in the 25m center fi re pistol team latest shooting ammunition in event to take the country’s tally to the form of pistols, guns and ri- one silver and two bronze medals. fl es are on display and the com- Dutch ambassador to Qatar Dr Bahia Tahzib-Lie (right), poses with president of the Qatar Military Sports Earlier, Qatar fi nished second panies are providing technical Association Major General Dahlan al-Ahmed (2nd right), Championship Director Brig. General Nasr in men’s team event of Trap, fi n- support to the participants. A Qatar shooter gestures during her round. PICTURES: Thaju Dheen al-Hitmi (3rd right) and Head of Media Committee Brig. General Rashed al-Dosari yesterday.