Hetmyer, Hope power Windies to huge win over India page 17

MONday, DECEMBER 16, 2019

Qatar Superstock 600 Qubaisi, Sulaiti split wins in exciting first qatar t10 league round of QSTK600 at Losail Circuit page 16 asian town Fans at FIFA CWC, a celebration of multiculturalism in Qatar: Thawadi The Reds Arrive in Doha

The Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for & Legacy (SC) Hassan al Thawadi in conversation with CNN’s Becky Anderson at the Doha Forum at Sheraton Doha on Sunday.

As many as 5000 Liverpool fans expected to arrive in Doha to cheer the European team

IKOLI VCITOR transparent on the genuine of football to change percep- veiling of three more stadiums Doha progress that has been made tions and break down stereo- in 2020. He also touched on and that reflects our values as types of Qatar, the Middle East the Arabian Gulf Cup and on- The Secretary-General of the a nation. It’s a transformational and the Arab world, Hassan al going FIFA Club World Cup Supreme Committee for De- “I think both the club and opportunity for the region to Thawadi said: “It’s a trans- as ideal opportunities to test livery & Legacy (SC) Hassan supporters’ associations rec- benefit from this great event formational opportunity for readiness while giving fans a al Thawadi, has stated that ognised we are genuine. We (power of football). the region to benefit from this taste of what to expect in 2022. the on-going FIFA Club World look forward to hosting them great event.” “Everything is coming to- Cup Qatar 2019 will be a cel- in Qatar. - Hassan al Thawadi, “You have this powerful gether according to plan. Next ebration of multiculturalism “The number of Liverpool Secretary-General SC tool that can break down opin- year, three stadiums will come in Qatar. fans coming that I heard is ions – not simply from an ide- into the pipeline. Thawadi, who is also CEO about 5000 and when the Liv- tion has ever experienced as a ological point of view, but for “The Club World Cup and World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, erpool fans arrive, the Monter- host nation for such a period the average fan. Gulf Cup are a chance to listen was speaking at the Doha Fo- rey fans are already here, and of time. So anytime, there is a “People and fans can build to the fans. We want to ensure rum on Sunday. the Flamengo fans coming, I new story we are targeted, host relationships. They will sup- our plans meet their expecta- Responding to a question think it will be a celebration nations are usually faced with port their teams but they can tions for 2022.” from CNN’s Becky Anderson of multiculturalism in a nation criticisms like Russia, Brazil also create a bond through As well as this year’s edi- on reports highlighting work- that truly embraces it,” added and South Africa but there was their shared love of football.” tion of the Club World Cup ers’ rights and the deaths of Thawadi. Asked if Qatar Qa- a targeted campaign to spread Al Thawadi continued: “The - a six-team knock-out tour- migrant workers in the coun- tar has been criticised unduly misinformation and falsehood World Cup was always an op- nament in which Liverpool try after Liverpool FC support- since winning the rights to against Qatar that didn’t hap- portunity for positive change. will face five other continental ers’ group Spirit of Shankly host the World Cup, Thawadi pen. There were other cam- All we can do (as a country) is champions. Liverpool will take noted their concern about Liv- said: “The level of criticism paigns that provided construc- striving to continuously im- on Monterrey in the semifinal erpool playing in the country, against Qatar since 2010 was tively and merited criticism prove. We’ve evolved over the on Wednesday, while Flamen- Hassan al Thawadi said, “We biased, in other areas misin- that we embraced. Overall, last ten years and we’re devel- go face Al Hilal on Tuesday. Liverpool players (from top) Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Alis- engaged with Liverpool and formed, in some areas calcu- we believe the benefit of the oping every day. We’re imple- Qatar will also be the ven- son Becker on their arrival at the HIA Airport in Doha on Sunday. Spirit of Shankly, and opened lated and others constructive World Cup far outweighs any menting change and we’re im- ue of the 2020 tournament. A 20-member Red’s team flew in from the John Lennon Airport in ourselves up to questioning in and genuine. unneeded publicity, the ben- proving people’s lives.” Staging both will Qatar with Liverpool, England. European champions Liverpool will play Concacaf order to dispel any misconcep- “We are in a the very efit will come to the people of Thawadi said preparations its preparations for the World champions Monterrey of Mexico in the semi-final of FIFA Club World tions and answer their ques- strange situation for ten years the region and Qatar.” for the tournament were on- Cup, it will host in little over Cup Qatar 2019 at the Khalifa International Stadium on Wednesday. tions. We’ve been open and facing criticisms that no na- Commenting on the power track and will include the un- three years’ time.

– won’t be far down the list. Klopp’s iconic gegenpress at What makes Liverpool tick? Liverpool coach Borussia Dortmund (which When Jurgen Klopp came Jurgen Klopp on saw his side quickly press to iverpool have been 1. Fed by world-class fensive duo not only provide in, the one worry for me as his arrival at the regain the ball after losing playing mouth-water- full-backs the service, but also time and a Liverpool supporter was Hamad Iinterna- possession) has developed at Ling football in recent Despite being just 21 and 25, space for the African goal ma- whether he would evolve, tional Airport in Liverpool and, when the op- months. Fluidity and solidity Trent Alexander-Arnold and chines to flourish. Doha on Sunday. portunity arises, they can be blend into an overwhelming Andy Robertson have be- adapt, change, really from lethal when turning over the river of red, whether trying to come the key attacking cata- 2. Firmino’s selflessness 4-3-3, constant pressing all ball. When asked what they break them down or desper- lysts for Liverpool over the While the full-backs provide the time. Will he sort the felt their team was world class ately contain them. last season and a half. With a more high-octane key to the defence out? I didn’t think at, there’s a reason Mane and Fans and pundits have pace, confidence and a well- Reds’ acting output, much of he would. (The success Trent Alexander-Arnold said been waxing lyrical about stocked arsenal of deliveries Roberto Firmino’s excellence pressing, counter-pressing them at every opportunity at their disposal, they make comes from the more subtler they’ve had) is because of fellow forwards to drive into by planet so finely drilled and and their overall intensity. as they steamroll their way for an unpredictable and reli- elements of his game. The the changes Klopp has disrupting the centre-backs, organised, exploiting weak- They are fuelled by a well- through the English Premier able source of ammo. Brazilian has dazzled with brought in and that’s the while he can equally push tight nesses is often something stocked midfield full of dy- League season, but what’s But, crucially, they dovetail moments of sublime noncha- biggest testament to him to the defensive line and feed achieved in the split sec- namism, mobility and smart been at the heart of it? superbly with the inverted lance, but arguably his ma- as a manager. runners from midfield with his onds, rather than through passing range, with rigorous If you’ve missed out on wingers of Sadio Mane (left nipulation of space is where back to goal. Without the ball, measured attrition. Ask top organisation, discipline and taking in the latest incarna- flank, right-footed) and Mo- his impact can be felt most. – Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez he quickly becomes the front coaches what the key prepa- wealth of wide options to in- tion of Klopp’s side, we bring hamed Salah (right flank, Having operated as an attack- line of defence. rations for victory are and stantly stretch play. Dally on you three things that help left-footed). Creating wide ing midfielder at Hoffenheim, being effective in transition the ball and things can turn define the European champi- overloads and teasing open and grown into a clinical fin- Dropping off the front line, he 3. Transitional dominance – the moment when posses- from frustration to despair in ons’ tactical set-up. gaps in the channels, the de- isher, he is a natural false nine. too helps create avenues for his With the top teams on the sion is either lost or gained a matter of seconds. (Fifa.com) Sports Monday, December 16, 2019 15 We are confident of reaching the final: Al Hilal’s Ali al Bulayhi Saudi club to play Brazil’s Flamengo in semis Tribune News Network Flamengo are South American Doha champions and they are obviously Al Hilal secured a spot in the very strong. Their coach (Jorge) semi-finals of the FIFA Club Jesus is also very good. We respect World Cup Qatar 2019 by see- all our opponents but we go into the ing off Esperance Sportive de game determined to win. Tunis. While credit goes to Bafetimbi Gomis, who scored – Ali al Bulayhi the game’s solitary goal, Al Hi- lal’s back line was solid from beginning to end, managing to thwart the best efforts of Anice Al Hilal defender Ali al Bulayhi sprinkles water as he celebrates his team’s victory against Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the 2019 FIFA Club Badri and Ibrahim Ouattara World Cup quarter-final match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Saturday.( AFP) and keep a vital clean sheet. Among few alarms for the takes can always happen, but Al Hilal were an attacking turn our attention now to our “We have an important game they are obviously very strong. team to now aim even higher, Saudi giants’ was a deflection luckily Almuaiouf was on high threat throughout but had to upcoming matches.” against Flamengo coming up,” Their coach (Jorge) Jesus is despite facing such a tough from Yasser al Shahrani that alert and saved it.” remain patient until Gomis’ agreed Al Bulayhi. “We should also very good. We respect all challenge in the final four. forced keeper Abdullah Al- The scare did not deter Al strike broke the deadlock. Next game vital now turn the page on the Es- our opponents but we go into “It’s a good omen to win our muaiouf to scramble back to Hilal from pursuing their at- “We played with virtually the While the Al Hilal players ap- perance match and focus on the game determined to win.” first game and we’re confident his line and claw the ball clear tacking game until they were same side that won the AFC peared happy after the game, the next game.” Al Hilal made light of their we will make the final,” said Al midway through the second rewarded with the winning Champions League, but luck it was clear that they have not Asked about their Brazil- relative lack of tournament Bulayhi. “We are aiming for the period. In a post-match inter- goal. “I think it was good for wasn’t on our side today in come to Qatar just to win their ian opponents, who should be experience and hectic fixture title, but we will take one game view with FIFA.com, Al Hilal us,” said Albulayhi. front of goal,” said Al Bulayhi. opening encounter. Making a tougher proposition than the schedule to win their first game at a time. We got an important defender Ali al Bulayhi said: “It really pushed us to go “We shouldn’t forget the game their way to the team bus, the team from Tunisia, Al Bulayhi in their maiden appearance at win today, and we also want to “It was a mistake from all of forward until Gomis gave us wasn’t easy at all, but ulti- whole team seemed focused said: “Flamengo are South the FIFA Club World Cup. It beat Flamengo. Only then we us. That’s football and mis- the lead.” mately we won and we need to on their upcoming encounter. American champions and seems fair, then, for the Saudi will think of the final.” I still can’t believe that goal, says Vangioni however, when Leonel Vangioni to book their place in the semi- Japan 2015 experience soned chalice, but it’s what we to give eve- Monterrey look ahead received the ball around 30 yards finals, where they will faceL iver- Indeed, it was with Los Millonar- came here for,” Vangioni said. rything out to Liverpool in semis from goal and unleashed a fierce pool on Wednesday. ios that Vangioni made his Club “We have to keep believing in on the pitch. left-footed drive that flew into the As impressive as Vangioni’s World Cup debut, playing at the ourselves and have faith. I think Anything can Tribune News Network top corner off the upright. effort was, he insists it was not 2015 edition as Copa Libertado- we’ve got a team that can com- happen in football, Doha “To be honest it was incred- the result of work on the train- res winners, but ultimately los- pete, and as long as we’re alive so we’re confident in our ible,” said ‘Piri’ Vangioni, smiling ing pitch: “I had the confidence ing 3-0 to Barcelona in the final. then we’re going to fight for it.” ability to hurt them with the Despite having had several at- when asked about his goal after to take the shot, so I hit it and Now, four years later and after a weapons we’ve got.” tempts on goal, including a Jesus leaving the changing room. “I thankfully it went in. It’s not stint in Europe with AC Milan, Secret weapon Heart and, perhaps, an- Gallardo effort that hit the post, still can’t believe the ball went in something I practice though.” he is back on the American con- Asked how Monterrey could other left-footed stunner from Monterrey simply could not find where it did.” Nevertheless, he has previous ex- tinent with Monterrey. This time combat Jurgen Klopp’s electrify- Monterrey’s No. 11. “Why the net in the early stages of their His strike paved the way for perience when it comes to long- they face a difficult opponent at ing side, Vangioni did not hesi- not?,” he asked. opening fixture at the FIFA Club Monterrey to dominate the match range stunners, having scored the semi-final stage against aL iv- tate in response: “With heart, World Cup Qatar 2019 against an until the closing stages, even if an almost a carbon copy for River erpool side with an intimidating we’ve got to play with heart. Leonel ‘Piri’ Vangioni celebrates Al Sadd side intent on denying Al Sadd double set up a nervy Plate against Lanus in 2013. “It unbeaten run. That’s how you have to go into his goal against Al Sadd at the them space to operate in. That finale. Ultimately though,L os was very similar,” he said, smil- “The game against Liverpool games like this. There’s no other Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on all changed in the 23rd minute, Rayados earned a 3-2 triumph ing at the memory. might be something of a poi- way. It’s 11 against 11 so we’ve got Saturday.

Serie A Manchester City crush Arsenal, Spurs grab late win at Wolves

AFP London

Manchester City got back on track as the Premier League champions swept to a 3-0 win against woeful Arsenal, while Tottenham maintained their revival under Jose Mourinho with a dramatic 2-1 victory at Wolves on Sunday. City’s masterclass in north London and Jan Vertonghen’s last-gasp winner for Totten- ham shared the spotlight on a day when Manchester Unit- ed’s teenage striker Mason Greenwood rescued a 1-1 draw against Everton. Kevin De Bruyne scored Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after opening the scoring during the Italian twice and teed up Raheem Serie A match against Udinese at the Juventus Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, on Sunday. (AFP) Sterling for City’s other goal as Arsenal crumbled to another humiliating home defeat. Ronaldo double puts Juventus back on top Victory sees City close the gap on runaway leaders Liv- Manchester City’s Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (centre), who scored twice, vies with Arsenal’s AFP taken just one point from effort beating Gianluigi Buffon erpool back to 14 points and Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira (left), Arsenal’s French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi (2nd left) and Milan their last two league games, in the Juventus goal. edge to within four of second- Arsenal’s English midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles (right) during their English Premier League match in falling 3-1 to Lazio in Rome Juventus play their final placed Leicester, who they London on Sunday. (AFP) Cristiano Ronaldo scored last weekend after a 2-2 draw Serie A game before the win- host next weekend. twice as Juventus bounced back against Sassuolo. ter break at Sampdoria on Arsenal, on the other hand, the ball forward before squaring lost. I know we are judged on Spurs on the rise from their first defeat of the But Portuguese star Ron- Wednesday, with a rematch remain ninth on the back of for Sterling to slot home his 16th the result but I have a duty to Spurs can now move into the season to beat Udinese 3-1 and aldo tapped in a Paulo Dybala against Lazio in the Italian Su- just one win in their last 12 goal of the season. judge the performance, not top four before Christmas if move top of Serie A on Sunday. rebound after nine minutes per Cup in Saudi Arabia next games in all competitions. De Bruyne showed his just the result.” they beat Chelsea at home next Ronaldo struck twice in the at the Allianz Stadium, and weekend. City struck in the second superior quality to any other At Molineux, Mourinho’s weekend and Mourinho has first half to make it five goals burst through to finish off a “It is the first time after minute when Gabriel Je- player on the pitch again five men had to dig deep against his sights of qualifying for next in four games as the champi- Gonzalo Higuain cross on 36 a Champions League match sus’s low cross picked out De minutes before half-time as this in-form Wolves to inflict the season’s Champions League. ons move one point ahead of minutes. that we managed to attack the Bruyne to fire into the roof of time he curled into the bottom hosts’ first league defeat in 12 “We went about a year with- leaders Inter Milan ahead of Leonardo Bonucci sealed game well,” said Sarri. the net. corner from outside the box. games. out winning a Premier League their trip to off-form Fioren- the three points just before the “We played very well for Pep Guardiola’s men had “We made an incredible Adama Traore’s spec- game away and we’ve managed tina later on Sunday. break when he headed in from 60 minutes.” been ruthlessly cut apart on the result but the way we played tacular strike had cancelled two in a short amount of time,” “That’s how we have to close range. Roma move up to fourth counter-attack in losing to Man- against Manchester United out Tottenham winger Lucas Mourinho added. “Now we are play, with confidence.L et’s Ignacio Pussetto pulled and into the Champions chester United last weekend. was better in many, many Moura’s early opener before not looking to the bottom of see what happens now,” said a goal back for 17th-placed League places after three sec- But the visitors doubled their things,” Guardiola said. Vertonghen stooped to guide table, we’re looking higher up. Ronaldo. Udinese four minutes into in- ond-half goals sealed a 3-1 win lead just 15 minutes in with De “We sometimes played home Christan Eriksen’s cor- This game is a special because Maurizio Sarri’s side had jury time with his close range over rock bottom SPAL. Bruyne the creator as he carried much better than today and ner in stoppage-time. the opponent is a special one.” 16 Monday, December 16, 2019 Sports

Qatar Superstock 600 Championship

Abdulla al Qubaisi with second-placed Saeed al Sulaiti (left), third-placed Mashel al Naimi, QMMF President Abdulrahman al Mannai and other guests after QSTK Trophy second race winner French Jeremy Parola is flanked by Rayad al Emadi (left) and the podium ceremony of the first race in the QSTK600 at the Losail Circuit Sports Club. third-place winner Kuwaiti Alexander Qabazard on the podium in Losail. Qubaisi, Sulaiti split 1st round wins

the weekend. follow Abdulla and Saeed. The me, I had new tyre and the Emadi, Parola “In the first race, the bike bike was perfect in the second bike was perfect. In Race 2, was very good and I created race, I stayed with Abdulla I went with used tyres and it reign in QSTK a gap from the beginning. In and Saeed the first half of the changed the bike but overall, the last two laps I however race but after I had a problem I am satisfied with my results Trophy category started to lose the front and with the front tyre and almost in the first round,E madi com- had almost crashed. Saeed crashed. Overall I am happy mented. Tribune News Network almost caught me in the last and hope the next round will “I had a fast crash in the DOHA lap but I finished in first po- be better for me. I want to first race but in the second sition. In Race 2, I was could thank to Ooredoo for sponsor- race, it was delightful to get Qatar’s Abdulla al Qubaisi have got the first position ing me, the QMMF and LCSC the third spot. I had some pain and defending champion but in the last laps, I came for their support,” Naimi said. due to the crash. I feel I could Saeed al Sulaiti shared wins across with the slow riders In the QSTK Trophy Race have done better, but I am very during the opening round who affected my rhythm, 1, Rayad al Emadi finished happy that I made one podium of the Qatar Superstock 600 Qubaisi said. first, followed by French Jer- at least,” said Qabazard. Championship at the Losail Holder Sulaiti was satisfied emy Parola and Australian Trophies were presented International Circuit. with his results in the open- Alastair Cunliffe, respectively. by Major General Moham- In the first race, pole ing round. “It was a difficult In the second race, the new- ed Saad al Kharji (Director rider and last year’s runner- round as Abdulla and Mashel comer French rider took the General of Traffic Headquar- up Qubaisi stayed in the lead were very well prepared. In victory, while Emadi and Ku- ters), Eng. Fahad Rashid al and held it till checkered flag. Race 1, I noticed that Abdulla waiti Alexander Qabazard Kaabi (Manateq CEO), Jaber Sulaiti ended in second place and Mashel had to slow their were placed second and third, bin Talib bin Afifah (former ahead of Mashel al Naimi. rhythm due a problem with respectively. rally driver), Abdulrahman Newcomer Mihail Florov of the front tyre and I took ad- “I expected a better result al Mannai (QMMF Presi- Bulgaria was fourth. vantage of that and got closer in the first race with the set up dent), Khalid al Remaihi During the second race of to them. but in the second race, as it was (LCSC Vice-President and the day, Sulaiti pushed Qubaisi “In the last two laps, I was QSTK600 defending champion Saeed al Sulaiti is being chased by Abdulla al Qubaisi and Mashel al Naimi a bit colder, I could improve General Manager) and Ab- right from the start and pulled trying to overtake Abdulla but during the second race of the opening round in Losail. my lap time and managed to dulrazak al Kuwari (QMMF off the victory, while Qubaisi it was too risky with the slow finish in first position. This is General Secretary). and Naimi grabbed the second riders and I preferred to se- the rhythm and stayed in front Sulaiti. to solve it before the second my first time in the champion- The second round of Qatar and third spots, respectively. cure the second place. In sec- until the end of the race. I Naimi, who still appears round, said, “The first race was ship and I am very happy with Superstock Championship will Qubaisi was very happy ond race, I decided to push want to congratulate everyone to be having some problems difficult, I was fast in the mid- the results,” said Parola. be held on January 10 and 11, with his performance during from the beginning, so I kept in this opening round,” added with his front tyre and hopes dle of the race but I couldn’t “Race 1 was very good for 2020. Woods leads US rally to crush Abid achieves Hetmyer, Hope power WI unique record to big ODI win over India AFP Els’ dream in Presidents Cup Rawalpindi (Pakistan) AFP AFP Results Opener Abid Ali became the Melbourne only batsman to score hun- Centuries from Shimron Presidents Cup round five singles at the dreds on both Test and one-day Hetmyer and Shai Hope pow- Tiger Woods’ United States Royal Melbourne Golf Club (International debuts as Pakistan’s first home ered West Indies to an eight- team first): Sunday singles produced a stunning turna- International team 4 United States team 8 match in the long form of the win over India after round to deny the Internation- Abraham Ancer lost to Tiger Woods 3 and 2 game since the 2009 attack on chasing down a target of 288 als a first Presidents Cup in Hideki Matsuyama tied with Tony Finau the visiting team end- in the first One-DayI nterna- 21 years Sunday, dominating CT Pan lost to Patrick Reed 4 and 2 ed in a tame draw against the tional on Sunday. the singles on a tense final day Li Haotong lost to Dustin Johnson 4 and 3 same opponents on Sunday. Hetmyer, who hit a career- that went to the wire at Royal Adam Hadwin tied with Bryson DeChambeau On 95, the 32-year-old hit best 139, and Hope, unbeaten Melbourne. Im Sung-jae beat Gary Woodland 4 and 3 paceman Vishwa Fernando on 102, put on a key 218-run Veteran Matt Kuchar was Joaquin Niemann lost to Patrick Cantlay 3 and 2 for a boundary and then drove second-wicket partnership as the hero, with his winning putt Adam Scott lost to Xander Schauffele 2 and 1 him through cover for two to West Indies eased to victory An Byeong-hun lost to Webb Simpson 2 and 1 on the 17th in the penultimate Cameron Smith beat Justin Thomas 2 and 1 complete his hundred, raising with 13 balls to spare and lead match enough to ensure victory, Louis Oosthuizen tied with Matt Kuchar his hands in jubilation before the three-match series 1-0. sparking wild celebrations from Marc Leishman tied with Rickie Fowler kneeling on the ground to of- The left-handed Hetmyer playing- Woods, who Final scores: International team 14 US team 16 fer a prayer of gratitude. completed his fifth ODI ton in set the tone by getting the first His hundred came in 267 85 balls to take control with West Indies’ Shai Hope (right) point on the board. US team captain Tiger Woods (top row, second left) and his team- minutes, laced with 11 bound- Hope, a right-handed wicket- is congratulated by Shimron It was a crushing loss for mates with the Presidents Cup after their win over the International in the singles and won 3 and 2 aries, and was the highlight keeper-batsman, after the ear- Hetmyer on reaching his century Ernie Els’ young Internationals Team on the final day in Melbourne on Sunday. (AFP) against battling Mexican Abra- of a Test badly affected by the ly fall of Sunil Ambris for nine. at the Chidambaram Stadium in who led for the first three days ham Ancer. weather. Hetmyer, who hit his sec- Chennai on Sunday. (AFP) of the biennial matchplay event. to go one-up on 17 enough to win on the last day after trailing In doing so he passed Phil ond hundred against India and They went into Sunday’s secure at least half a point and for three days, further cement- Mickelson to become the most survived a dropped chance on back in the pavilion but Hope 12 singles matches with a 10-8 ensure there was no way back ing the reputation of Woods, successful Presidents Cup golf- Scores: 106, smashed 11 fours and sev- stood firm to complete his lead but Patrick Reed and Dus- for Els’ team. who went undefeated in his er in history with a 27-15-1 win- Sri Lanka en sixes in his 106-ball knock eighth ODI hundred. tin Johnson were among those “I trusted all my 11 guys. I three matches. loss-tie record to his country- 308/6 Decl. to pulverise the Indian bowl- He got company from racing to big early leads as the trusted them implicitly. I told US President Donald man’s 26-16-13. vs Paksitan ers. Nicholas Pooran who hit the scoreboard became swathed them from the very get go. Trump, an avid golf fan, im- “I could have made differ- 252/2 “We know the talent that winning boundary to stay un- in US red. Webb Simpson beat They went out there and got the mediately paid tribute on social ent choices in the singles today. Result: he (Hetmyer) has,” said skip- beaten 29. South Korea’s An Byeong-hun points we needed. We fought,” media. “Congratulations to Ti- I can take it on my shoulders,” Match per Kieron Pollard. The second ODI is on to guarantee the US a share said Woods. ger and the entire U.S. Team on said Els. Drawn “He has been struggling Wednesday in Visakhapatnam. of the Cup at 15-12 with three “Even the points we lost, we a great comeback and tremen- “The questions will come a bit in the last nine months Scores: West Indies 291 for matches still in play. were making them earn every dous WIN. True Champions!” that I made mistakes in the se- and he has been under a lot 2 (Hetmyer 139, Hope 102*) Australian Cameron Smith one of them, and this Cup wasn’t he tweeted. lection of where I put my play- of pressure. As a management beat India 287 for 8 (Pant 71, grabbed a point by beating Jus- going to be given to us. We had The playing-captain, in his ers, but I followed a plan 100 Pakistan’s Abid Ali offers prayers group, we have faith in him.” Iyer 70, Jadhav 40, Paul 2-40, tin Thomas, ensuring a nailbit- to go earn it, and we did.” ninth Presidents Cup, took the percent, and it didn’t quite work after scoring a century at the Mohammed Shami finally Joseph 2-45, Cottrell 2-46) by ing finale with Kuchar’s birdie No side before had rallied to responsibility of going out first out. But we came damn close.” Rawalpindi Stadium. (AFP) broke through to get Hetmyer eight . Sports Monday, December 16, 2019 17

Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) President Yousef Jeham al Kuwari and other QCA officials with international cricketers after a press conference at the QCA Headquarters in Doha on Sunday. Salman Butt, other players excited to be part of QND 2019 celebrations

match and adding an interna- QCA to hold T20 tional flavour to it. The squads Besides Butt, Rana International Team Qatar Team tie at Asian Town Naved-ul Hassan, Ajantha Abdul Razzaq, Imran Farhat, Kamran Iqbal Hussain Chaudhry, Mohammad Mendis, Jahanzeb Naveed Akmal, Rana Naved-ul Hassan, Salman Rizlan, Kamran Khan, Zaheeruddeen Stadium and Fazel Rahman Zazai were Butt, Sohail Tanvir, Jahanzeb Naveed (all Ibrahim, Faisal Khan, Mohammad Tanveer, present on the occasion along from Pakistan), Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka), Dharmang Patel, Tamoor Sajjad, Gayan Tribune News Network with Qalandar Khan (Qatar) Satvir Singh (India), Fazel Rahman Zazai Budhika, Awais Malik, Muhammad DOHA and team coach Inam-Ul-Haq (Afghanistan), Qalandar Khan, Khurram Nadeem, Noman Sarwar, Imran Ashraf, (Qatar). Shahzad, Saqlain Arshad, Owais Ahmad Musawar Khan and Hussain Khan. Former Pakistan captain Butt said, “Congratula- and Syed Yousuf Tameem (all from Qatar) Coach: Shahid Mahboob; Salman Butt and other players tions to Qatar on its upcoming Coach: Inam-Ul-Haq; Manager: Rawid Manager: Gul Khan Jadoon. sounded upbeat on getting a National Day. The interna- chance to celebrate the Qatar tional players got a good op- National Day with a portunity to come here for the he added. make this event possible once match against the local players Qatar T10 League, which is a Sri Lankan player Mendis again. I also wish to thank the on December 18. well-organised event. We’re all featured in the QND match international players who are The match, hosted jointly very happy to take part in this last year and was delighted to staying back after the Qatar by the Qatar Cricket Associa- big event. be playing here again. T10 League and coming to tion and the Ministry of Inte- “Back home, we are used “Last year, I played in the take part in the match. rior, will be held at the Asian to parade and air shows on our Qatar National Day match “The Qatar National Day Town Stadium at 3.30 pm. National Day. It will be fantas- here and we all enjoyed the oc- is a proud occasion for us. It is The QCA has planned a host tic to see the Qatar National casion very much. We hope to also very close to heart of every of activities to attract fans and Day celebration this time. We QCA President Yousef Jeham al Kuwari and QHRCA PR Director Issa al Yacoub during the press conference do our best again this time.” Qatari. families on the occasion. all thank the QCA for giving in Doha on Sunday. Kuwari lauded the Minis- “There is no entry fee. We QCA President Yousef Je- us an opportunity to be part of try of Interior and the interna- have planned many cricket- ham al Kuwari and QCA PR this great event this year,” he them as ‘very talented.’ “Loads for them. There is no shortage well at the international level. tional players for supporting related activities to make Director Issa al Yacoub dis- added. of local players are present in of talent here. They should be “Given the facilities and the match once again. “We the event both enjoyable and closed the full list of the play- Butt also heaped praise each team in the T10 League. given facilities to become bet- environment available here, want to thank the Ministry great for all involved in it,” ers who will be figuring in the on the local players, terming What we see is a bright future ter so that they can compete this will happen very quickly,” of Interior for all the help to he added. Swift Gallopers, Falcon Hunters to clash in final Australia score huge Qatar T10 win over NZ at Perth AFP Kiwi tail under lights in Perth’s League semis Perth first ever day-night Test. rained out at New Zealand were dis- Australia recorded one of missed for 171 and were beat- Asian Town their biggest wins over New en by 296 runs, the last five Zealand on the fourth day of wickets falling in a hurry for Tribune News Network the first Test at Perth Stadium just 17 runs. DOHA on Sunday. It was just one run shy of Having trailed by 250 their biggest losing margin to Swift Gallopers, led by Qa- runs on the first innings the Australia – in runs – in a match tar national team captain Iqbal Kiwis were set a mammoth where both teams batted twice. Hussain Chaudhry, and Kam- 468 to win – which would Australia’s biggest win, other ran Akmal-skippered Falcon have been a record chase in than innings victories, was 297 Hunters earned the right to play – on a deteriorat- runs in Auckland in 1974. the final of the inaugural Qatar ing pitch after Australia de- Starc (4-45), who claimed T10 Cricket League at the Asian clared at 217 for nine in their nine wickets for the match, Town Stadium on Monday. second innings. and Cummins (2-31) used the Rain forced both the semi- The visitors were never in pink ball to good effect under finals – Falcon Hunters vs contention after losing their lights to bring the match to a Desert Riders and Swift Gal- first wicket with just six runs quick conclusion. lopers vs Flying Oryx - to be Covers protecting the cricket pitch at Asian Town Stadium during the rain in Qatar on Sunday. on the board and were unable Scores: Australia 416 & 9-217 called off without a ball being to push the match into a fifth declared beat New Zealand bowled. According to the play- thrilling six-run victory. Local with 18 in eight balls, attempted day after Mitchell Starc and 166 & 171 (Watling 40, Starc ing rules in case of abandon- all-rounder Zaheer Ibrahim standings to put the chase back on track. Pat Cummins cleaned up the 4-45, Lyon 4-63) by 296 runs. ment of the last-four stage excelled with the bat and the Team m W l Pts nrr However, Philip Joseph matches, two top teams after ball (32 runs and two wickets) Swift Gallopers 5 4 1 8 2.715 shattered the plan of Heat the round-robin league phase to inspire the result. Falcon Hunters 5 4 1 8 2.359 Stormers, grabbing three would advance to the final. This is the second time that Desert Riders 5 3 1 7 0.344 wickets for 20 in 1.4 overs. His Swift Gallopers and Fal- both the matches were washed Flying Oryx 5 1 3 3 -2.071 haul shot out the rivals at 78 in con Hunters, who had eight out. Earlier, not a single ball 8.4 overs. Pearl Gladiators 5 1 3 3 -2.413 points each from four wins was possible during the Fly- Heat Stormers 5 0 4 1 -2.075 and one loss, would not clash ing Oryx vs Heat Stormers and Pearl Gladiators fail to for the title at 7 pm on the Desert Riders vs Pearl Gladia- lift their net run-rate, morrow. Both the semi-finals tors games. Pearl Gladiators missed out two fours in his 10-ball knock. surpass Flying Oryx were expected to provide a With the conditions being on the last semi-final berth Batin Shah bowled well to pick The top three spots in the plenty of fireworks. However, unpredictable, both the final- despite their first win in the three for 14. Raja Amir and Si- League table were taken up the rain, which has been fall- ists and fans will keep their League – a 15-run triumph kandar Raza got one each. by Swift Gallopers, Falcon ing intermittently for about fingers crossed. In case the -fi against Heat Stormers. Sohaib Heat Stormers were on Hunters and Desert Riders. three days, did not allow a nal is not possible due to rain Maqsood’s 36 in 24 balls with backfoot soon after they Flying Oryx and Pearl Gladi- single ball to be bowled. again, the two will be declared two sixes and three fours took launched the chase, with Mo- ators had three points each. During the league phase, the joint champions. Pearl Gladiators to a fighting hammad Sami and Mehran The former however edged the two had clashed and Swift 98 for six. Khan striking two blows each. ahead due to their slight bet- Australia’s Mitchell Starc (left) celebrates the last wicket of New Gallopers had managed to re- PG miss out on SF spot Mehran Khan added 19 Imraz Ali, who hit five fours in ter net run-rate and advanced Zealand’s Mitchell Santner (centre) on Fay Four of their first Test at strict the rivals and pull off a In a late match on Saturday, runs when he cracked a six and his 14-ball 27, and Raja Amir, to the semi-finals. the Perth Stadium in Perth on Sunday. (AFP) 18 Monday, December 16, 2019 Sports Yazeed bags Sheikh Jassim Trophy again Thomas steers the defending champion to a brilliant victory; Molheb Al Naif wins National Day Cup

Asian and Qatar Equestrian Federations President Hamad bin Abdulrahman al Attiyah with winning connections of Yazeed Harry Bentley rides Molheb Al Naif to the National Day Cup victory at the QREC Racecourse in New Al Rayyan on Sunday. The after the Late Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani Trophy – Qatar National Day Trophy at QREC Racecourse on Sunday. Al Naif Racing’s horse beat Aahil to win the title.

Tribune News Network DOHA

Umm Qarn’s Yazeed timed his burst to perfection and retained the Late Sheikh Jas- sim Bin Mohammed Al Tha- ni Trophy (Qatar National Day Trophy) during the 16th Race Meeting at the rain- soaked Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Racecourse tracks on Sunday. She’ris led the 2,000m race half the way, before Zikreet and Al Walid hauled Abdu- latif al Emadi’s seven-year-old horse back into the pack. After the final bend, while Zikreet fell behind, Ibrahim al Malki’s trainee She’ris and Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Walid stayed in the front and were soon joined by Djelamer on the home stretch. Rider Ronan Thomas left Group picture of Maseela racing winners with guests and QREC officials at the QREC Racecourse in New Molheb Al Naif group members after winning the National Day Cup race at the QREC Racecourse in New the rails and made Yazeed un- Al Rayyan on Sunday. Al Rayyan on Sunday. leash his bold move through a gap between She’ris and Al Munira Eyes, ridden by Eduar- of the season in the Thor- Walid. The six-year-old grey do Pedroza, by over a length to 16th Race Meeting Results oughbred Handicap (Class 3) horse continued his charge, claim the Thoroughbred Con- Late Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani Trophy Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari. Trainer: Mohammed 2,000m. though Mohammed Nasser ditions (Class 2) 1,200m dash. - Qatar National Day Trophy Jassim Ghazali Mr Diamond, ridden by PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (4 Year Olds) al Naimi-owned Akmar (Luca Receding Waves was third by 1,600m THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) 1,600m JP Guillambert, helped owner Maniezzi) and Umm Qarn’s three quarters of a length un- Prize Money: QR45,000 (1st 25,650 2nd 9,900 3rd Prize Money: QR60,000 (1st 34,200 2nd 13,200 3rd Khaifa bin Sheail and trainer Tayf (Soufiane Saadi) re- der Marco Casamento. 4,950) 6,600) Mohammed Jassim Ghazali sponded strongly. Midaawi was fourth, while 1.Tahar (Ryan Curatolo), 2. AJS Al Uraiq (Al Moatasem 1.French Encore (Al Moatasem al Balushi), 2. wrap up a double, with a half- al Balushi), 3. Florin De Faust (Gary Sanchez -5kg) Beachwalk (Luca Maniezzi), 3.Shaheen (Eduardo However, Yazeed wasn’t Top Face rounded out the top Won by 0.5, 1.5. Time 1:46.97 Pedroza) a-length win against Zarandi. to be caught and he clinched five. The Muraikh Cup cham- Owner & Trainer: Osama Omer al Dafea Won by 0.5, neck. Time 1:37.34 This was the second race of the win by one and a quarter pion improved his winners to Owner: Ahmed al Jehani. Trainer: Hamad al Jehani the three-year-old bay gelding lengths to a great joy of train- seven in 27 races. PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP 1,600m in his debut season in Doha. Prize Money: QR60,000 (1st 34,200 2nd 13,200 3rd THOROUGHBRED CONDITIONS (Class 2) 1,200m er Alban de Mieulle. Akmar Molheb Al Naif, a seven- 6,600) Prize Money: QR75,000 (1st 42,750 2nd 16,500 3rd French Encore won the edged Tayf by a short head year-old grey horse from Al 1.Deebaj (Saleh Salem al Marri -5kg), 2.Mehdi (Ronan 8,250 4th 4,500 5th 3,000) Thoroughbred Handicap to finish second. Al Jeryan Naif Racing, provided a pow- Thomas), 3.Diese (Soufiane Saadi) 1.Cristofano Allori (Ronan Thomas), 2. Munira Eyes (Class 3) 1,600m for owner Stud’s Djelamer (Carlos Hen- er-packed dart under Harry Won by 0.5, 1.5. Time 1:46.63 (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Receding Waves (Marco Ahmed al Jehani and trainer Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari. Trainer: Mohammed Casamento), 4.Midaawi (Pierantonio Convertino), 5. Top rique) got the better Al Walid Bentley to run away with the Jassim Ghazali Face (Tomas Lukasek) Hamad al Jehani. Ridden by by a short head to take the Local Purebred Arabian Con- Won by 1.25, 0.75, 1.75, 2.25. Time 1:11.55 Al Moatasem al Balushi, the fourth spot. ditions (National Day Cup) THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) 2,000m Owner & Trainer: Abdulaziz al Kathiri six-year-old bay gelding beat Prize Money: QR60,000 (1st 34,200 2nd 13,200 3rd Last season, Yazeed had 1,400m title. The Jassim 6,600) LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN CONDITIONS (NATIONAL Baechwalk and Shaheen to beaten Gazwan and Ebraz to Ghazali’s trainee finished 1.Al Haitham (Anas al Seyabi), 2.Yaarmen (Marco DAY CUP) 1,400m record the maiden triumph of claim the title. This was the nearly six lengths ahead of Casamento), 3. Tremendous Leap (Harry Bentley) A 2019 GXR Car to the winning Owner the season. first win of the season in two Aahil to emerge the champion, Won by head, head. Time 2:05.33 Prize Money: QR75,000 (1st 42,750 2nd 16,500 3rd Shobrom, a four-year-old Owner: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad al Thani. Trainer: 8,250 4th 4,500 5th 3,000) races for the Amir Sword (Gr 1 fetching the owners a Toyota Ibrahim al Malki 1.Molheb Al Naif (Harry Bentley), 2. Aahil (Ronan bay gelding, brought smiles PA) runner-up. He was fifth in Land Cruiser GXR as well. Ali Khalid al Mosallam rides Al Fakhama to the Maseela race victory Thomas), 3. Jenjal (JP Guillambert), 4.Kasser (Meteb Ali for owner Al Jasra Stud when the Qatar Arabian World Cup This was the third win a on Sunday. THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) 1,000m al Marri -5kg), 5.Raqee (Eduardo Pedroza) the Ahmed Kobeissi ward beat in London in October. Overall, row for Molheb Al Naif – a sec- Prize Money: QR60,000 (1st 34,200 2nd 13,200 3rd Won by 5.75, 5, nose, 1.75. Time 1:31.16 Noble Masterpiece to end a 6,600) Owner: Al Naif Racing. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali the Qatar Gold Sword (Gr1) ond in the season. The former citing results marked the Khalifa bin Sheail al Ku- 1.Shobrom (Ivan Rossi), 2.Noble Masterpiece (Harry long winless run in the Thor- winner took his victories to Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa three out of four first races on wari’s Deebaj (Salem al Marri) Bentley), 3.Midsummer Knight (JP Guillambert) LATE SHEIKH JASSIM BIN MOHAMMED AL THANI oughbred Handicap (Class 3) eight in 16 races, helping rider Al Thani Trophy winner was the card. Tahar, owned and posted a half-a-length tri- Won by 0.5, 1. Time 00:58.89 TROPHY - QATAR NATIONAL DAY TROPHY (Gr2 PA) 1,000m. Midsummer Knight Thomas to get a double for the second last season but this trained by Osama Omer al umph over Mehdi to win the Owner: Al Jasra Stud. Trainer: Ahmed Kobeissi 2,000m was third by a length. This Prize Money: QR365,000 (1st 208,050 2nd 80,300 meeting. win lifted his tally to 16th in Dafea, tasted the first victory Purebered Arabian Handi- THOROUGHBRED PLATE (3 Year Olds) (Class 3) 3rd 40,150 4th 21,900 5th 14,600) was overall fifth win in 24 Thomas earlier enabled 22 races. Jenjal was to third by of his career when the four- cap 1,600m and Al Haitham, 1,400m 1.Yazeed (Ronan Thomas), 2.Akmar (Luca Maniezzi), starts for Shobrom but he had Abdulaziz al Kathiri’s five- Ronan Thomas, while Kasser year-old grey colt beat AJS Al owned by Sheikh Faisal bin Prize Money: QR60,000 (1st 34,200 2nd 13,200 3rd 3.Tayf (Soufiane Saadi), 4.Djelamer (Carlos Henrique), 12 races without success since year-old Cristofano Allori to beat Raqee to get the fourth Uraiq and Florin De Faust in Hamad al Thani, shocked 6,600) 5.Al Walid (Faleh Bughanaim) his last triumph in the Thor- 1.Mr Diamond (JP Guillambert), 2.Zarandi (Anas al Won by 1.25, short head, neck, short head. Time his second successive victory spot by less than two lengths. the Purebred Arabian Maiden Yaarmen and Tremendous Seyabi), 3.Venedegar (lexander Reznikov) 2:16.02 oughbred Handicap Class 3 in three races when he beat Thrilling racing and ex- Palte 1,600m. Leap to pull off his first win Won by 0.5, 0.75. Time 1:24.32 Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle on April 18, 2018.

Main Round of World 9-Ball Pool Championship Begins Jaber attends FINA Executive Meeting

Khalil al Jaber, President of the Qatar Swimming Association, attended the meeting of the Executive Body The main round competitions of the 2019 World Nine-ball Championship began in Doha on Saturday. Qatar’s Bashar Hussain defeated Iraq’s of the FINA (International Swimming Federation) held on the sidelines of the World Water Polo Champion- Hassan Awad 9-6 while Waleed Majid outclassed Mohammed al Amin of Bangladesh 9-5. The field of 64 was to be down to final 32 on Sunday. ship for Youth 2019 in Kuwait.