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Thursday, December 8, 2016 TENNIS Rabia I 9, 1438 AH World No.2 Djoko GULF TIMES splits with coach Becker SPORT Page 6 QATAR STARS LEAGUE Big Clasico win for Sadd as Bounedjah scores hat-trick Free-flowing Sadd put five goals past Al Rayyan defence Gharafa brush past Umm Salal, Wakrah register fi rst win

By Sports Reporter day edged out Al Khor 1-0 to score Doha their first win of the QSL season. Mohsine Moutaouali scored the only goal of the match in the 43rd mm Salal took on in-form minute at Al Wakrah Stadium Al Gharafa at the Qatar SC where scrappy football saw players Ustadium yesterday and getting tangled with match off icials the Cheetahs were successful in and rivals alike. penetrating the Orange fortress as In the first 10 minutes of the clash, they went on to win the game 2-0. Al Khor enjoyed more ball posses- After a goalless first half, Johnson sion compared to the home side. Kendrick and Abdulghani Muneer However, the round 10 clash got their names on the score sheet turned into a physical game as Al to ensure that Al Gharafa won their Khor’s Mouhssine Iajour seem- fifth match in a row. ingly head-butted Al Wakrah’s The first half ended with both sides Ali Hussain, captain of the home at 0-0 despite Gharafa enjoying side, as the players got ready for the majority of possession and a free-kick. Hussain collapsed chances. causing a stoppage in play amid In the 57th minute, Kendrick constant berating and finger- scored his third goal of the season pointing from players of the two after a brilliant counterattack by sides. the Cheetahs. Muneer passed the After much delay, when the ball to the unmarked Brazilian free-kick was finally taken, it was striker in the box, who took the ball Iajour’s turn to put on a show as around the keeper and passed the the feisty Moroccan striker tum- ball into the net. bled following a rough tackle from Al Gharafa then doubled their lead Hussain. Another stoppage in play in the 69th minute with a well- ensued as players quarrelled inside worked goal from Muneer. After the Al Khor box in the 17th minute. a throw in, Vladimir Weiss passed At the half-hour mark, Al Wakrah’s Al Sadd’s Bagdad Bounedjah (right) scores past Al Rayyan goalkeeper Omar Barry during the Qatar Stars League match yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma to Muneer, who drove the ball into Hamood al-Yazidi hoodwinked his the box from the right, dribbled marker but his shot — fired at an By Sports Reporter past two players and shot the acute angle — was taken care of by Doha ball into the goal after it came off Al Khor keeper Baba Djibril. keeper Baba Malik’s hands on the With two minutes before the first- near post. half whistle went off , Al Wakrah l Sadd produced an attacking With this win Pedro Caixinha’s men grabbed the lead. masterclass to defeat reigning remain undefeated in their last Blue Waves midfielder Ahmed QSL champions Al Rayyan 5-0 eight matches and have 20 points Fadel slipped in a neat ball from in the Qatar Clasico yesterday from ten games. Bulent Yugun’s the edge of the box toward Aevening. Sadd opened the scoring to- Umm Salal now have two losses Moutaouali, who should have been wards the end of the fi rst half and added from their last three games and marked by the two Al Khor defend- a further four in the second half to pile are sixth in the table with 13 points ers in their own box. With his the misery on Al Rayyan. from 10 games. markers slow to react, Moutaouali The tie also saw Algerian striker Bag- tapped the ball down before firing dad Bounedjah score a hat-trick to con- WAKRAH DOWN AL KHOR 1-0 his shot into the net with goalkeep- fi rm his status as the league’s top scorer. Bottom-placed Al Wakrah yester- er Djibril unable to stop. Typically, the Clasico started at breakneck speed with Al Rayyan hav- ing an early chance to open the scoring. Unfortunately, Abulrahman al-Harazi couldn’t get the ball out of his feet in time with just one minute on the clock. The hosts Al Rayyan dominated the ball in the early exchanges but lacked that cutting edge despite their fl are in the fi - nal third. Sadd registered their fi rst chance of note after 23 minutes of the game. Bounedjah held the ball up well before laying off his shot to compatriot Jurgitha Hamroun. However, the winger’s sliced eff ort fl ew way over the Rayyan crossbar. The tie opened midway through the fi rst half and the side exchanged chanc- es. On the 25th minute, Rodrigo Tabata produced a textbook freekick, which was comfortably saved following Sergio Garcia being bundled down just outside the box. Sadd also could have opened Al Sadd players celebrate a goal against Al Rayyan yesterday. the scoring soon. A Hamroun cross was fl icked on by Bounedjah to Hassan Hay- lead. A fi ne solo run from Jugurtha Ham- their dominance on the 65th minute. Al doos and his acrobatic strike was easily roun saw the Algerian race up the left Sadd were moving the ball with intent caught by Rayyan keeper Omar Barry. hard side. His cross found Bounedjah, in the fi nal third. Wolves captain Xavi With fi ve minutes to go in the fi rst who tapped in from close range for his picked out man of the match contender half, Al Sadd where awarded a penalty. second of the game and twelfth of the Hamroun, who gracefully chipped the A fi erce strike from Xavi was adjudged to season. ball past Omar Barry much to the joy of have hit Daniel Gomu on the arm and the Willed on by the typically boister- his teammates. Al Wakrah’s referee wasted no time in pointing to the ous Qatar Clasico crowd, Al Sadd killed Al Sadd were at their free-fl owing Mohsine penalty spot. Al Sadd’s leading scorer off the game thanks to a top class free best and Bounedjah grabbed a hat-trick Moutaouali in Bounedjah was the calmest man in the kick from captain Xavi. Bounedjah was and his side’s fi fth of the night against action against stadium and coolly slotted the ball into fouled just outside the box, Xavi primed an Al Rayyan side bereft of ideas in de- Al Khor during the back of the net to give the Wolves a himself for the strike and curled the ball fence. Pedro Corriea knocked the ball up their Qatar Stars 1-0 lead. into the top corner registering his fourth to the Algerian, who smashed the ball in League match Al Sadd made a dream start to the goal in as many QSL games. to the top right hand corner to confi rm yesterday. second half and promptly doubled their Al Sadd added a fourth goal to confi rm the rout. Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup Gulf Times 2 Thursday, December 8, 2016 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LOST CHANCE PSG miss top spot with Arsenal punching Ludogorets draw their weight again in Euro territory PSG’s Angel Di Maria (L) scored the equaliser in injury time. Reuters play the home side were opened Results & Standings Paris up on the left. ‘It’s diff icult to know (the advantages of finishing top) you feel a Natanael delivered an inch Group A perfect cross for the unmarked bit less guilty. We have done our job and let’s see what happens’ Basel (SUI) 1 (Doumbia 78) Arsenal rench champions Paris Virgil Misidjan to slot a header (ENG) 4 (Lucas Perez 8, 16, 47, Iwobi St Germain face the past Alphonse Areola. 54) prospect of a tough last Ludogorets had shown at 16 Champions League home to Arsenal last month - Fmatch despite snatching a last- when they led 2-0 before eventu- Paris SG (FRA) 2 (Cavani 61, Di Maria 90+2) Ludogorets (BUL) 2 (Misidjan minute equaliser through Angel ally losing 3-2 - how dangerous 15, Wanderson 69) Di Maria to draw 2-2 at home to they could be on the counter- Ludogorets in their fi nal group attack and the pacy Wanderson Group B game on Tuesday. and Jonathan Cafu again showed Benfica (POR) 1 (Jimenez 87) Napoli PSG had to at least match their potency on the break. (ITA) 2 (Callejon 60, Mertens 79) Arsenal’s result at FC Basel to PSG forward Lucas Moura top Group A but, after losing terrorised right-back Cicinho, Dynamo Kiev (UKR) 6 (Besedin 9, to Montpellier in Ligue 1 at the while captain Thiago Silva sent Yarmolenko 30-pen, Buyalski 32, weekend, the Parisians again a header inches wide from a cor- Gonzales 45+3, Sydorchuk 60, Junior defended carelessly enabling the ner in the 32nd and three min- Moraes 77) Besiktas (TUR) 0 London side to overtake them utes later hit the post as the hosts with a 4-1 win in Switzerland. streamed forward searching for Group C Arsenal fi nished with 14 points an equaliser before halftime. Manchester City (ENG) 1 (Iheanacho from their six games ahead of With the boisterous home fans 8) Celtic (SCO) 1 (Roberts 4) PSG on 12, Ludogorets - who urging their team on, PSG came qualify for the Europa League out with more bite in the second Barcelona (ESP) 4 (Messi 16, Turan 50, last 32 - with three points and period. 53, 67) Borussia Moenchengladbach Basel on two. They were rewarded in the 61st (GER) 0 “We had a lot of chances, cor- minute when Cavani anticipated ners, crosses and deserved to a mistake by the defender and Group D win,” said PSG coach Unai Em- levelled with an acrobatic over- Bayern Munich (GER) 1 (Lewandowski ery. “It’s a bad result. I’m worried head kick. 28) Atletico Madrid (ESP) 0 because we don’t usually let in so But more sloppy defending many goals. saw Marquihnos lose possession PSV Eindhoven (NED) 0 Rostov (RUS) 0 “We can turn things around in the 69th. against (Ligue 1 leaders) Nice on Cafu surged forward on the STANDINGS Sunday but in the end the most right and cut the ball back to Group tables after Tuesday’s final important thing is that we’re Wanderson, whose shot went in round of matches (played, won, through,” added the Spaniard. off the post to silence the home drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, Emery opted to play with fans. points): Hatem Ben Arfa operating in the Argentine Di Maria then hole behind Edinson Cavani and grabbed an equaliser in the 92nd Group A it helped his team dominate pos- to salvage a draw but it was not Arsenal (qualified) 6 4 2 0 18 6 14 session in the early stages, but it enough to win the group. Paris SG (qualified) 6 3 3 0 13 7 12 was Bulgarian side Ludogorets “We knew this team played Ludogorets 6 0 3 3 6 15 3 who took the lead in the 15th good football. We’ll have to Basel 6 0 2 4 3 12 2 minute. watch the match again, analyse it After some sloppy midfi eld and grow up,” said Cavani. Group B Napoli (qualified) 6 3 2 1 11 8 11 Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina (C) jumps to make a save during the Champions league match against FC Basel. Benfica (qualified) 6 2 2 2 10 10 8 STAR Besiktas 6 1 4 1 9 14 7 Reuters resilient than in recent seasons, without “At least we have done our job and let’s Dynamo Kiev 6 1 2 3 8 6 5 London losing any of their customary fl air. see what happens.” Hat-trick man Lucas Perez’s second goal In some respects the Champions Group C Lewandowski seals on Tuesday was the end product of a 33- League winter break may have come at Barcelona (qualified) 6 5 0 1 20 4 15 he true value of Arsenal’s table- pass move — the longest sequence to goal the wrong time for Arsenal. Man City (qualified) 6 2 3 1 12 10 9 topping display against Basel will so far in this season’s Champions League. Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez, scorer Moenchengladbach 6 1 2 3 5 12 5 Bayern victory not become clear until Monday’s Arsenal went through Group A unde- of a hat-trick in Saturday’s 5-1 thrashing Celtic 6 0 3 3 5 16 3 draw for the Champions League feated, the fi rst time they had managed of West Ham United, is playing some of Tlast 16 but a 4-1 win proved they are that since the 2005/06 season, and qual- his best football since joining the club, Group D starting to punch their weight again in ifi ed for the last 16 as group winners for while Mesut Ozil in also in a rich vein of Atletico (qualified) 6 5 0 1 7 2 15 the competition. the fi rst time since 2011/12. form. Bayern (qualified) 6 4 0 2 14 6 12 Despite 19 consecutive group stage That will guarantee they are spared a On Tuesday, Wenger left the talents of Rostov 6 1 2 3 6 12 5 campaigns, defeat at the last 16 stage for meeting with Lionel Messi’s Barcelona Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud and Alex PSV Eindhoven 6 0 2 4 4 11 2 the past six seasons has reduced Arsenal in the last 16, although Bayern Munich Oxlade-Chamberlain on the bench while to members of the supporting cast. or any two from Real Madrid, Borussia Lucas, a 17 million pounds ($21.54 mil- (Clubs finishing third in the Cham- While the A-listers — the likes of Bar- Dortmund, Juventus and Sevilla could be lion) signing from Deportivo La Coruna pions League group phase earn the celona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich blocking their path after Christmas. in August, grabbed his chance to shine. chance to go into the next round of — march into Spring eyeing Europe’s Arsenal will also enjoy a home second Captain Laurent Koscielny said Arse- the Europa League) most prized club trophy, Arsenal have leg in the last 16, an advantage they have nal’s win maintained the momentum. sloped away for domestic chores. not had since 2012, although that year “We needed to fi nish the group stage Not even a title chase, rather just they were thumped 4-0 by Milan in the well to have no regrets and we started “We needed to fi nish the group grinding out a top-four spot in the Pre- San Siro leaving them mission impossible the game well by scoring two early goals,” stage well to have no regrets . It was Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring. mier League. Things might just be diff er- in the return. he said. “It was a good win for us to have a good win for us to have aft er our ent this season though. “It’s diffi cult to know (the advantages after our big win on Saturday. It’s impor- big win on Saturday. It’s important AFP ing from our fi nal 15 minutes. Beaten only twice in 23 matches in all of fi nishing top) you feel a bit less guilty,” tant to fi nish fi rst because we have the to fi nish fi rst because we have the Munich “The fi rst half was a diff erent competitions so far, Arsenal look far more Wenger said. second game at home.” second game at home” story to the second and we im- proved a lot.” Robert Lewandowski Ancelotti switched from the BOTTOMLINE free-kick sealed Bay- 4-2-3-1 formation, which won ern Munich’s 1-0 win 3-1 at Mainz in the Bundesliga, over Atletico Madrid with a 4-3-3 formation, surpris- onA Tuesday in the Champions ingly leaving Thomas Mueller on League with both teams already the bench. through to the knock-out stage. Lewandowski played either Despite the result at Munich’s side of Arjen Robben and Doug- Turan grabs treble for Barca bitterly cold Allianz Arena, las Costa on the wings with Thi- Atletico go into the draw for the ago Alcantara, Arturo Vidal and AFP Whilst Barca can look forward Messi from adding to his tally last 16 as Group D winners with teenage Portugal international Barcelona to the last 16 for a 13th straight before half-time. Bayern second. Renato Sanches in midfi eld. season, third place in the group However, it was Turan who “The result had little worth in Simeone’s Atletico made a behind Manchester City ensures took centre stage after the break terms of the table, but it meant a bright start with Yannick Car- rda Turan grabbed a Moenchengladbach drop into as he responded to criticism for lot for our self-confi dence,” said rasco, who scored when the hosts hat-trick and Lionel the Europa League. committing the foul which led Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti. won 1-0 in Madrid in September, Messi his 10th Cham- “We had too much re- to Sergio Ramos’s equaliser for “We have to keep improving, twice forcing Bayern goalkeeper pions League goal of spect for them and didn’t play Madrid on Saturday. and we’ll do that step by step.” Manuel Neuer into action. theA season as a much-changed with enough courage,” said “One moment doesn’t decide Having been knocked out in Bayern took the lead when Po- Barcelona still cruised past Moenchengladbach boss Andre a game,” said Enrique in defence the semi-fi nals by Atletico last land’s Lewandowski majestically Borussia Moenchengladbach Schubert. of the midfi elder. season, Bayern avenged their 1-0 fl oated his free-kick over the wall 4-0 yesterday. Enrique retained only Mes- “We are not focused on that defeat in Madrid in September from the edge of the box and into Barca had already booked si, Andre Gomes and Javier and no matter what happens, and extended their record streak the top corner on 28 minutes. their place in the last 16 as Group Mascherano from the side that players always need to score in Champions League to 15 wins at It was from almost exactly C winners, but were looking for a started El Clasico on Saturday. goals.” home. But Lewandowski’s superb the same position Lewandowski morale boosting win after three And Messi’s insatiable appe- Turan was perfectly placed to fi rst-half strike was the diff erence. scored from in Friday’s 3-1 win at successive draws, including tite for goal was rewarded when head home Denis Suarez’s de- Atletico, who were close to full Mainz, but Madrid goalkeeper Jan the concession of a last minute he exchanged passes with Turan fl ected cross home at the back strength, suff ered their first de- Oblak was powerless to stop it. equaliser to Real Madrid in a 1-1 to sweep home his 93rd in the post before producing a fi ne low feat in the group stages this sea- It was Lewandowski’s 24th draw on Saturday. Champions League, now just fi nish into the far corner from son having been the only team to goal in 24 appearances for club Messi continued to cut the three adrift of Ronaldo in the Aleix Vidal’s cut-back. win all of their previous fi ve. and country this season. gap on Cristiano Ronaldo as the race to be the fi rst man to a 100. Paco Alcacer’s search for a It denied them a club record of In celebration, the 28-year-old Champions League’s all-time The fi ve-time World Player fi rst goal since his 30 million a perfect six. “We had a couple of shoved the match ball under his top goalscorer when he slotted Barcelona’s Turkish forward Arda Turan (L) celebrates with of the Year was the persistent euro ($32 million) move from big chances at the start, but then playing shirt and stuck his thumb home the opener after just 16 teammate Lionel Messi after scoring a goal. threat throughout the fi rst 45 Valencia goes on. Bayern took control,” said Atleti- in his mouth and later revealed his minutes. minutes, but Barca captain An- Yet, Alacacer did at least make co coach Diego Simeone. wife Anna was pregnant. Turan then struck his fi rst “I have to congratulate the Enrique told BeIN Sports Spain. dres Iniesta also impressed on a contribution as it was from his “They controlled the ball and “It was a good moment to re- Barca hat-trick in a 17-minute players because today was a “It is perhaps the most precise his fi rst start for six weeks after low cross that Turan completed dominated the fi rst half. In the veal that my wife is pregnant. I second-half spell as the hosts game in which we had little to we have been all season and it a knee injury. his hat-trick with a powerful fi n- second period, we looked bet- practised free kicks before, but I took out their frustration on a win and things could have gone came in a game where we didn’t Only Moenchengladbach ish at the back post that was too ter and it was more even and we have been practising them since dispirited Monchengladbach. very diff erently,” Barca boss Luis have a lot of space to play in.” ‘keeper Yann Sommer prevented strong for Sommer to keep out. come away with a positive feel- the beginning of this season.” Gulf Times Thursday, December 8, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW BUNDESLIGA Messi or Ronaldo? No thanks, says Europa point will RB Leipzig boss do it for draw-weary Manchester United

‘It is very diff erent, not just the supporters but the weather. But it’s down to us to NOT EVEN ME? Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (C) during training. adapt to the environment we find ourselves in and get the victory we need’ AFP regret now as Dortmund lost 1-0 Leipzig, Germany at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena in AFP September. Paris “If that was true, then 11 ‘cans’ either Lionel Messi nor beat 11 ‘bottles’, which in German Cristiano Ronaldo would (slang) means ‘someone who ose Mourinho’s Manchester be considered fresh played poorly’ - I say that with a United face Zorya Luhansk today enough at youthful Bun- twinkle in my eye,” said Rangnick knowing that a draw in the frigid Ndesliga leaders RB Leipzig, says with a grin.” Ukraine will propel them into the sports director Ralf Rangnick. Rangnick has been here before. knockoutJ stages of the Europa League. Founded in 2009, Leipzig are He was coach of Hoff enheim The Premier League side however will bankrolled by energy drinks gi- in 2008/09, who are bankrolled want to go through in style with victory, ants Red Bull and are currently by a German software billionaire, even if Europe’s second-tier competition top of the Bundesliga after four and were also unpopular until does not feature at the top of their priori- promotions in seven years. they beat Bayern to fi rst in the ties in Mourinho’s fi rst season in charge. Impressively, they have done it league table by Christmas, only The Old Traff ord side will also be eager with a squad without superstars to eventually fi nish seventh. to end a bout of frustrating draws, the lat- and an average age of 23. “Whenever a new club comes est being a 1-1 stalemate at Everton at the Eight of the players who start- along, fans of rival teams see them weekend when Mourinho’s men conceded ed Saturday’s 2-1 win over Schal- as an opponent and an enemy. an 89th-minute equaliser from the spot. ke played for RB in the second di- “It was the same with Hof- The Zorya match — today is the last vision last season. fenheim, we were disliked in the phase of Europa League group games Rangnick, 58, became sports second division, but really dis- — will take place in Odessa, southern director in 2012 when Leipzig liked when we went up to the Ukraine, a four-hour fl ight from north- was in the fourth division. Bundesliga. ern England and where temperatures will He showed the door to those “Then we played Bayern and hover around freezing by evening kickoff . the wrong side of 30 signing we were top, and everyone was Zorya might already be out of the com- youngsters on their fi rst or sec- supporting us. petition, but United’s French forward ond contracts, including current “There are people, not just in Anthony Martial is not expecting the club captain Dominik Kaiser. Leipzig, who think we deserve Ukrainians just to lie down. And Rangnick shakes his head what is happening to us right now. “It is very diff erent, not just the sup- when asked if he would like to “Neutrals will say we deserve porters but the weather. Over there, it’s sign Real Madrid’s Ronaldo, 31, what we have with such young really cold at this time of the season,” or Barcelona’s Messi, 29. players.” Martial told MUTV. “It would be absurd to think “But it’s down to us to come to terms that it could work with them ENGLAND ‘HONOUR’ with that, adapt to the environment we here,” said Rangnick with a grin. Rangnick is seen as one of Ger- fi nd ourselves in and get the victory we “They are both too old and too many’s most talented managers. need.” expensive.” He was sounded out about be- He added: “We’re expecting a diffi cult His most recent recruits il- coming England manager when encounter. Things went quite well for us lustrate the point with Scotland Roy Hodgson stood down after in the home game (1-0 to United) but it’ll winger Oliver Burke, 19, signed Euro 2016 before Sam Allardyce’s be diff erent over there. from Nottingham Forest, Guinea ill-fated 67-day reign. “They’ll be in front of their own sup- midfi elder Naby Keita, 21, and “I still think it was an honour porters and will be determined to make File picture of Manchester United’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho. Brazilian defender Bernardo, 21, that they asked a German coach life diffi cult for us to get a result, so we’ll both from sister club RB Salzburg. if I was available,” he said. be on our guard.” They may not be European household Today’s key fi xtures (1800GMT unless stated otherwise) “We have the youngest team — “But even if they had off ered United will also go through to the last names but Ireland’s Dundalk and Qarabag and most inexperienced — in the it to me, I wouldn’t have stopped 32 with defeat if Feyenoord fail to beat of Azerbaijan can make a slice of history. Group A Rapid Vienna (AUT) v Athletic Bilbao league,” he said. working for Reb Bull completely. Fenerbahce at home in the other Group No Irish side has ever reached the Zorya Luhansk (UKR) v Manchester (ESP) Rangnick admits the success “We are building our own tra- A fi xture. knockout stages of a UEFA club compe- United (ENG) of RB Leipzig — the only club dition and writing our own story tition but domestic champions Dundalk Group G from former East Germany cur- right now.” WIN TAKES ALL can change that if they win at Maccabi Feyenoord (NED) v Fenerbahce (TUR) Standard Liege (BEL) v Ajax (NED) rently in the Bundesliga — has Rangnick rejects the notion that Fellow Premier League representatives Tel Aviv and AZ Alkmaar do not at home (2005 GMT) caught him by surprise. Leipzig are Germany’s version of Southampton face the Israeli side Ha- to Zenit St Petersburg. Group C “I don’t know if it’s a revolu- Leicester City, last season’s sur- poel Beer-Sheva at St Mary’s Stadium A score draw for the Irish would also Anderlecht (BEL) v Saint-Etienne (FRA) Group I tion, but it’s unusual that a team, prise Premier League winners, knowing that victory or a 0-0 draw will suffi ce if AZ lose in the Netherlands. Nice v FK Krasnodar (RUS) (2005 GMT) who was in the fourth division “we share the fi rst three letters in put them in the last 32, where eight clubs Qarabag will defi nitely qualify with a Mainz 05 (GER) v Qabala (AZE) three-and-a-half years ago is our names, but little else”. who failed to progress from the Champi- home victory in Baku over Fiorentina, Salzburg (AUT) v Schalke 04 (GER) now on 33 points after 13 games,” “In a normal season, Bayern ons League will enter the fray. who are all but through. Group D (2005 GMT) he said. “Nobody expected this.” will win the title, but maybe this “It’s a huge game on Thursday and The European minnows, who are in At Netanya, Israel isn’t a normal season. that’s all anyone is worried about now,” the Europa League group stage for a third Maccabi Tel Aviv (ISR) v Dundalk (IRL) Group J ‘11 CANS’ “Our match against them (De- young midfi elder Sam McQueen, fresh straight campaign but have yet to make it FK Qarabag (AZE) v Fiorentina (ITA) Leipzig are unpopular with some cember 21) won’t be decisive, but from signing a new four-and-a-half- to the round of 32, are impressive at home. Group E (1600 GMT) German fans, who say the team it will be exciting. year contract with the club, told South- Qarabag are unbeaten in fi ve European Astra Giurgiu (ROM) v AS Roma (ITA) only exists to sell Red Bull’s drinks. “Last season, we were the fa- ampton’s website. home matches since a 1-0 loss to Totten- Group K Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim vourites in each (second division) “It’s a huge competition. You’re play- ham Hotspur in last season’s group stage. Viktoria Plzen (CZE) v Austria Vienna Southampton v Hapoel Beer-Sheva Watzke described RB Leipzig as game. This season we have noth- ing against a lot of diff erent styles, which In all, 11 last-32 places are still up for (AUT) (ISR) (2005 GMT) ‘performing cans’, words he may ing to lose.” is only going to help me grow personally, grabs. as well as the team against new challenges. Ajax, Roma, Zenit and Schalke are Group F At Milan, Italy “I think we’ve done well so far, but we among the sides already through, but In- At Sassuolo, Italy Inter Milan (ITA) v Sparta Prague (CZE) wouldn’t be doing ourselves justice if we ter Milan are early casualties with noth- Sassuolo (ITA) v Genk (BEL) (2005 GMT) United’s Mkhitaryan determined to don’t win and get through the group.” ing to play for. hold on to starting spot Manchester United midfielder that it wasn’t going to be BOTTOMLINE Henrikh Mkhitaryan under- easy,” Mkhitaryan told Sky stands that competition for Sports. places kept him out of man- “There was no bad relation ager Jose Mourinho’s plans with him (Mourinho).It was but is determined to show he always good but the problem deserves a first-team spot. wasn’t him, it was me.” Respect ‘exemplary’ Ronaldo: Real The Armenian import from United’s new Portuguese boss Borussia Dortmund started in gave Mkhitaryan a league AFP Gestifute also released a tax ligations,” Pepe said in a state- the Community Shield season start in the 1-1 draw at home to Madrid return issued by the Spanish tax ment released on his Instagram curtain-raiser against Leices- West Ham United on Nov. agency showing Ronald is up to page on Tuesday. ter City but was dropped after 27 after a two-month gap and date with his obligations. “In previous years I voluntar- a four-game Premier League three days later he impressed eal Madrid launched a “The certifi cate released by ily and anticipating any require- run ended with a poor display in a 4-1 League Cup quarter- staunch defence of star the Spanish tax agency which ment on behalf of the tax agency in a 2-1 loss to Manchester City final win against the same forward Cristiano Ro- shows our player Cristiano Ron- came forward to regulate my on Sept. 10. team with two assists. naldo on Tuesday, de- aldo is up to date with all his tax income from image rights given “I was thinking that I would “Now I understand why I have mandingR respect for the three- obligations,” added the Madrid the change of criteria used by the be here as a starting lineup got my chance and I will keep time World Player of the Year statement. Spanish tax offi ce.” player but... I saw that there it... because it is very important amid allegations he hid millions Croatian midfi elder Luka were 25 players fighting for for me to play, to be a part of of euros earned from image MADRID DESTABILISED Modric was also accused by El their place and I understood Manchester United,” he added. rights in tax havens. Ronaldo is just one of a series of Mundo on Tuesday of diverting “Real Madrid demand the Madrid players to have been ac- income derived from his image maximum respect for a player cused by the “Football Leaks” rights to a company registered in AC Milan sale to Chinese consortium like Cristiano Ronaldo, whose investigation into corruption in Luxembourg. behaviour has been exemplary football. Ahead of Real’s crucial Cham- put off to March, says club during his entire time at our Spanish newspaper El Mundo pions League clash with Borus- The sale of Italian giants AC Inter in falling under Chinese club,” Madrid said in a state- accused Portuguese defenders sia Dortmund on Wednesday, Milan has been pushed back ownership. ment. Pepe and Fabio Coentrao, also captain Sergio Ramos claimed three months to March after Yesterday SES and Berlus- An international consortium both clients of Mendes, of sell- some of the accusation were de- a request by the Chinese coni’s holding company Finin- of media organisations on Fri- ing their image rights to compa- signed to destabilise the Euro- consortium which is taking vest agreed on a new date of day claimed that a huge data leak nies in the British Virgin Islands pean champions. over the seven-time European March 3 following a request involving 18 million documents and Panama respectively. Madrid are on a 33-game un- champions. by the Chinese consortium, showed the Portuguese skip- Pepe was reported to have beaten run stretching back to Milan owner Silvio Berlus- which has already made a first per hid 150 million euros ($160 earned 3.7 million euros in image April. “Some of it will be true, coni and Sino-Europe Sports down payment of 100m euros million) from image rights in the This file photo shows Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo. rights since signing for Madrid others designed to destabilise (SES) had agreed a date of to buy the Serie A giants. British Virgin Islands. in 2007 and Coentrao 3.5 million the group when we are in great December 13 for the conclu- Another instalment of 100m Ronaldo, 31, has strongly de- “Cristiano Ronaldo has al- conflict with the Tax Authori- since 2011. form,” said Ramos. sion of a deal that valued the will be paid to Fininvest by De- nied the claims in a statement ways acted in good faith in ties from any country where he “Given the information pub- “I don’t think it will have club at 740 million euros and cember 12, according to a joint via Gestifute, the fi rm controlled this matter, as the fact that he has lived clearly shows,” said lished in the media, I inform that any special importance on the will see Milan join city rivals statement released yesterday. by his agent Jorge Mendes. has never been involved in any Gestifute. I am up to date with my tax ob- group.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, December 8, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT AIMING HIGH Jeonbuk eye one more dizzying high Plane tragedy in rollercoaster 2016

Reuters the fi nal of the tournament and Seoul Motors forward Lee Dong-guk said it was important to deliver a good performance for the region. rom the despair of los- “Since we represent Asia, we overshadows Club ing the Korean league want to compete against the best title on the fi nal day of clubs in the world with pride,” the season to the joy of Yonhap news quoted Lee as say- Fbeing crowned Asian champions, ing after their ACL victory. Jeonbuk Motors’ rollercoaster “Everybody expects us to 2016 comes to an end at the Club compete against the world’s best World Cup with the chance to go team Real Madrid, but we must out on the ultimate high. focus on the fi rst match. World Cup Jeonbuk were short odds to “Club America are a strong win the K League for a third team and compare to the teams straight season but after being that we faced before; they show It promises to be an emotional tournament for Colombia’s Nacional, who were due to hit with a nine-point deduction a diff erent style of football so it’s for a bribery scandal they were not easy.” play Chapocoense for the Copa Sudamericana title before the plane crashed denied the championship in a Jeonbuk’s previous appearance winner-take-all clash with a re- at the Club World Cup came in surgent Seoul FC on Nov. 6. 2006, when they beat Auckland The fact that they were able City 3-0 in their opener but were to rouse themselves from that beaten in the quarter-fi nals, by disappointment just a couple of Club America. weeks later to beat Al Ain of the Goalkeeper Kwoun Sun-tae United Arab Emirates over two was part of the Jeonbuk squad legs in the Asian Champions that year and saw fi rst hand how League (ACL) fi nal speaks vol- dangerous the Mexican side can umes for Jeonbuk’s resilience. be. The team from Jeonju, some “I remember when we met 240 kilometres south of Seoul, them 10 years ago, they played meet Mexico’s Club America fast football with lots of fi nesse,” in their opening game on Sun- said Kwoun, who will sit out the day, with a glamour semi-fi nal Club World Cup to have surgery against Spain’s Real Madrid the on a shin injury. reward for the winners. “We lost 1-0, it could have No Asian club has ever reached been more.”

TWIRL IT Club WC off ers coaching test for USA’s big moustache oach Ricardo La Volpe’s chance to put his coaching nous America are celebrat- to the test against favourites Real ing their centenary Madrid if America can get past and come into the Club South Korea’s Jeonbuk Motors in WorldC Cup in good form, look- their quarter-fi nal. ing to improve on Mexico’s poor America, who were fourth in showing at the tournament. their fi rst tournament in 2006, Club America have reached had to settle for fi fth in their sec- the Liga MX Apertura champi- ond appearance last year after onship fi nal to be played later losing to China’s Guangzhou Ev- this month against UANL Tigres, ergrande in their opening match. Supporters of Colombia’s Atletico Nacional cheer for their team before they fly to the FIFA Club World Cup Japan, at the Jose Maria Cordova airport in Rionegro, Antioquia. the team they beat in the CON- Veteran striker Oribe Peralta, CACAF Champions League fi nal an Olympic medal winner with AFP In tribute, the Copa Libertadores Their stingy defence kept nine clean stretching to 2021. in April to qualify for the Dec. Mexico at London 2012, leads the Yokohama, Japan champions successfully lobbied South sheets in a 14-game run to the South “Now we have to win the Club World 8-18 tournament in Japan. attack partnered by Ecuador’s American football offi cials to award the American title, and they play a tidy brand Cup. I want to win trophies, that’s why I Aiming for a record 13th Michael Arroyo, Colombian Dar- Copa Sudamericana to the stricken team. of football under coach Reinaldo Rueda. want to stay at this club.” league title, their chances win Quintero or Argentine Silvio tletico Nacional will play “For our part, and forever, Chapecoense But bookmakers are fi rmly backing Real president Florentino Perez has looked remote in late Septem- Romero. through their grief over the are champions of the 2016 Copa Sudamer- Spain’s Real. demanded another international treble. ber when La Volpe took charge Like many Mexican sides, Chapecoense plane trag- icana,” stated the club’s website. “It would be a huge satisfaction to at a club that had sacked Ig- America have half a dozen South edy when they tackle the Club European giants Real will be favour- RONALDO’S ‘PERFECT YEAR’ win the three international titles — the nacio Ambriz after taking one American players. WorldA Cup in Japan — just days after their ites to win the tournament, which kicks Zinedine Zidane’s table-toppers will be Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and point from their previous four Paraguay’s Pablo Aguilar and Copa Sudamericana fi nal opponents off today and features football’s six con- without Gareth Bale as the Welsh wizard Club World Cup,” he told AFP. home matches at the Azteca. Argentine Paolo Goltz make up were wiped out. tinental champions plus Japanese title- continues to recover from ankle surgery, “We won them in 2014 and we will The flamboyant and con- their central defence and Brazil- FIFA’s global club showpiece, which holders Kashima Antlers. but Real have been boosted by the re- work towards winning the Club World troversial Argentine known as ian midfi elder William da Silva will also feature Cristiano Ronaldo’s But Ronaldo’s Real will face the un- turn of Toni Kroos ahead of their opening Cup to do it again.” “Bigoton”, or big moustache, works at the centre of a 5-3-2 Real Madrid, begins this week under the comfortable task of having to beat Na- game on December 15. Real, who beat Argentina’s San Loren- has a reputation as a master formation with attacking wing shadow of the air crash that sent football cional, now the sentimental favourites, Real face either Mexico’s Club America zo 2-0 in the fi nal two years ago, also won tactician and soon put them backs. into mourning. should both teams reach the December or South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Mo- the Intercontinental Cup in 1960, 1998 back on track with an unbeaten America have been crowned It promises to be an emotional tourna- 18 fi nal in Yokohama. tors in the competition’s second semi- and 2002. run of 11 matches. CONCACAF champions a record ment for Colombia’s Nacional, who were Nacional could face South Africa’s fi nal in Yokohama. Plucky Auckland will look to produce La Volpe, who steered Mexico seven times but the Club World due to play Chapocoense for the Copa Mamelodi Sundowns, Kashima or New Ronaldo issued a warning as Los Blan- another shock in their eighth appearance to the last 16 at the 2006 World Cup off ers them a chance of suc- Sudamericana title before the plane car- Zealand part-timers Auckland City in the cos go in search for their second Club in the tournament after their collection of Cup in Germany, will relish the cess outside the region. rying the Brazilian team crashed en route competition’s fi rst semi-fi nal in Osaka World Cup title in three years after lifting truck drivers, cleaners and zoology stu- to the fi nal. on December 14. the trophy in 2014. dents defi ed the odds to fi nish third in 2014. “Pain overwhelms our hearts and in- The Colombians, who claimed their “It has been a perfect year, with the “The game against (Kashima) is go- NERVOUS vades our thinking in mourning,” Na- second Copa Libertadores title in July, are Champions League and the Euros,” said ing to be tough, but our boys are well pre- cional wrote on their website. looking to avenge an extra-time defeat by Madrid’s talisman, who also led Portu- pared and I’m looking forward to it,” said All but three Chapocoense players died AC Milan in the tournament’s forerun- gal to European Championship glory in New Zealand international Clayton Lewis, in the crash, which killed 71 people. ner, the Intercontinental Cup, in 1989. July and has signed a new fi ve-year deal ahead of today’s tournament-opener. Kiwi underdogs feel

BOTTOMLINE pinch in Japan

AFP However, Auckland’s collec- Yokohama, Japan tion of truck drivers, builders and interior decorators famously de- fi ed the odds to fi nish third two lucky Auckland City will years ago. A format that’s ripe for reform go into today’s opening Spanish giants Real Madrid, Reuters best player, James Rodriguez, is ing,” he told the Spanish news- game of the Club World winners in 2014, are tipped to Tokyo in the Real Madrid squad where paper Mundo Deportivo. Cup against Japan’s win the competition, which fea- he is not even a regular starter. “That’s what we’re trying PKashima Antlers determined to tures football’s six continental Barcelona fi elded six South to do, by creating a tourna- avoid a spanking. champions plus the Japanese egardless of whether American players, all of them ac- ment that is much more attrac- Manager Ramon Tribulietx champions. FIFA president Gianni complished internationals, in last tive, with more quality among has studied hours of videotape in Antlers coach Masatada Ishii Infantino’s plan for a year’s fi nal, while Argentine side participants and more clubs. an attempt to hatch a plan to pre- insisted, with some bravado, that 32-team Club World River Plate were made up largely That will attract more sponsors vent Japan striker Mu Kanazaki his objective was to win the Club CupR becomes a reality, this of journeymen professionals. and television companies from from hurting his team of part- World Cup. year’s tournament in Japan is The competition’s somewhat around the world.” timers in Yokohama. “We have a maximum of four likely to highlight the need for unwieldy seven-team format He did not, however, enlarge “They have Kanazaki in at- games and the top priority will some sort of change. and timing, plus the fact that on how FIFA would do that. tack, who doesn’t stop running be to fi nish the year with four On paper, the idea of bring- only South America teams regu- For the time being, it contin- and can be a pain in the ass to any wins,” he declared. “It’s our fi rst ing together the champion club larly bring a large travelling con- ues on its quirky way, starting team in the world,” the Spaniard appearance in the tournament so teams from each continent is tingent of fans, does not help. today when Oceania champions told a news conference yesterday. we need to refocus and go again.” perfectly laudable. In fi ve months since winning Auckland City face Kashima “We have watched their games Cristiano Ronaldo and Real But in the last few years, the the Libertadores Cup, Atleti- Antlers, champions of host na- and know they are a dangerous will have other thoughts, howev- tournament has served to high- co Nacional have sold three tion Japan. side. We know how they like to er, and the European champions light the huge gulf between the key players - defender Marcos The winners face Mamelodi play. are expected to face Colombia’s elite clubs of Europe, represent- Moreno to Manchester City, de- Sundowns, the fi rst South Afri- “They’re very direct, in many Atletico Nacional in the fi nal on ed this year by Real Madrid, and fender Davinson Sanchez to Ajax can team to play at the tourna- ways similar to the style of teams December 18, if as expected both those in the rest of the world. File picture of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. and midfi elder Sebastian Perez ment, on Sunday while Asian we face in New Zealand,” he come through their semi-fi nals. Barcelona barely had to break to Boca Juniors. champions Jeonbuk Motors added. “We know it’s going to be Atletico have become famous sweat last year as they won the since 2006 that the tournament The dynamics of modern foot- Rather than abolishing or face Mexican side America, the tough but we don’t fear them. If the world over for the most title with successive 3-0 wins has produced a non-European ball mean that the best South shrinking the tournament, FIFA champions of CONCACAF. we can overcome the nerves we tragic of reasons after Copa over Guangzhou Evergrande and winner. American and African players president Gianni Infantino Atletico Nacional enter the know we have a chance.” Sudamericana fi nal opponents River Plate. This year, there is little to sug- play against, rather than for, the suggested that it should be ex- fray on Dec 14 when they meet Thursday’s match will be the Chapecoense were all but wiped In fact, European teams have gest any outcome other than teams from their continent. panded to 32 teams and played in either Kashima, Auckland or 100th of FIFA’s revamped Club out in a plane crash that has not conceded a goal between Real Madrid forward Cristiano South American champions June, starting in 2019. Mamelodi while Real Madrid World Cup and the Antlers will plunged football into mourning. them since Corinthians beat Ronaldo adding to the Champi- Atletico Nacional will be the fi rst “The world has changed and meet either America or Jeonbuk start as favourites after capturing But before the big guns arrive, Chelsea 1-0 in the fi nal of the ons League and Euro 2016 titles Colombian team to play at the that’s why we need to make the the following day - a dream tie their eighth J-League champion- Kashima and Auckland take cen- 2012 tournament - the only time he has won already this year. tournament, yet their country’s Club World Cup more interest- for either side. ship last weekend. tre stage. Gulf Times Thursday, December 8, 2016 5 GOLF

OPINION FOCUS Straight-talking will be Ryder Cup Tiger must prove skipper Bjorn’s style

AFP “That’s the way I believe in London things, and that’s what I expect for all the people I have around me.” urope captain Thomas Bjorn, who played in three he is over chipping Bjorn believes his frank winning Ryder Cup teams manner of speaking will (1997, 2002 and 2014), received serve both him and the the full backing of Woosnam EEuropean team well for the 2018 when he was announced as Ryder Cup, he said yesterday. Darren Clarke’s successor on The 45-year-old Dane will Tuesday which he says is be- endeavour to regain the bien- cause sportsmen bury the nial trophy in Paris after the hatchet easier. yips, says Jacklin United States infl icted Eu- “It’s fantastic to have his rope’s heaviest defeat since (Woosnam) support,” said 1981, winning 17-11 at Hazel- Bjorn, who has won 15 times on ‘It must have been a bit daunting for him after all that time away’ tine, Minnesota in September. the European Tour but never Bjorn infamously didn’t claimed a major. “I’m grateful Reuters hold back when he failed to get for all the past captains and the London the nod from Welshman Ian support I’ve had from them, Woosnam in 2006 calling him and it’s nice for Ian to come out “barmy” and “the most pa- and be so supportive. ormer world number one Tiger thetic captain ever”. “But sportspeople have a Woods must prove he has over- “I think if you’re going to lead way of probably putting things come the “chipping yips” in order something you want the truth, to bed a lot sooner than other to fully challenge golf’s elite again, you want people to be honest people do. accordingF to double major champion Tony with you,” Bjorn told Britain’s “It’s a long time ago, so we Jacklin. Press Association Sport. go forward and we understand American Woods, 40, made his come- “I’ve never been one for lik- that this is about Europe, and back after an absence of almost 16 months ing having things around me the European team. caused by chronic back problems to fi nish where people are trying to just “So we go forward and we 15th in an elite 17-man fi eld at last week’s say yes to me. I want them to all get behind those 12 play- Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. tell me the truth. ers that need to play, and “I thought it was a promising return by “I think if you’re going to be that’s a good thing,” added Tiger,” Jacklin told Reuters in a telephone forthright yourself, then you Bjorn, twice a runner-up at interview from his Florida home. want the same from everyone The Open and once at the PGA “It must have been a bit daunting for else. Championship. him after all that time away. “One comment from Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee attracted my attention. I know he’s a bit outspoken at times but he talks a lot of sense as well. “Brandel maintains he’s not seen any- body really come back from the chipping yips,” said Jacklin. “He cherry-picked a number of situations from the four days in the Bahamas where Tiger had delicate shots he didn’t do well with. “If he’s ever going to get back to the level of being able to win on the PGA Tour, never mind a major, there’s no room for a weakness.” The roller-coaster nature of Woods’s form was sharply illustrated by the fact Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn poses with the trophy after being that he led the tournament with birdies appointed as the European Ryder Cup captain for 2018. (Reuters) (24) and double-bogeys (six). While he showed fl ashes of the bril- liant golf he produced in accumulating 14 Dubai Masters suspended aft er death of caddie major titles, he also delivered the inept, often fi nding sandy waste areas off the Dubai: The first round of the The 55-year-old Zechmann is tee or with approach shots. “His putting Dubai Ladies Masters, the understood to have retired was sound, he hit the ball nicely and his season-ending championship in 2014 and settled in Dubai. swing looks fi ne,” said Jacklin, winner of of the Ladies European Tour, Among his former players are the 1969 British Open and 1970 US Open. was suspended yesterday Austrian Marcus Brier. He is “He also looks fi tter but if there’s a after the death of a caddie. survived by his wife Elinor and chink in his armour going forward it’s go- Austrian Maximillian Zech- three sons. American Beth Al- ing to make things diffi cult. mann, a former caddie on the len, who is assured of winning “With the putting yips you can go to a Tiger Woods of the United States lines up a putt on the 11th hole during the final round of the Hero World Challenge at Albany, The European Tour, collapsed on the Order of Merit this week, long putter, as long as you don’t anchor it, Bahamas on December. (Getty Images/AFP) the 13th fairway and received said: “I 100% agree with the but you can’t do that with chipping yips,” on-site treatment from the decision that was made out of added Jacklin, an ambassador for the 2017 can be to a player. fi xing it. There’s no hiding place for him, porate days. medical team before being respect for him and his family. farmfoods British Par 3 Championship He struggled on the greens at the back it’s hard for him just to shrug things off “I’ve been humiliated often enough taken to hospital where he I don’t think anybody has any from Aug. 8-11 (britishpar3.com). end of his career and, even now, when he because he cares so much,” said Jacklin. over the years using a short putter so I’m was later pronounced dead. qualms about it.” “Chris Couch won the 2006 Zurich plays for fun, cannot bring himself to use “He wouldn’t be coming back unless he not going there again. A lot of people have “Everyone at the Ladies Round one play will resume Classic of New Orleans. He overcame a conventional putter. cared. Sometimes you care too much and had it, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan and others, European Tour is extremely today and the tournament will them in that event by chipping left hand “When you yip you get into outcomes you don’t enjoy it because of that, that’s it’s not unusual. shocked and saddened today now be played over 54 holes. below right and then disappeared off the rather than staying in the stroke,” said the when you put more pressure on yourself “In my case it manifested itself when I by this sudden death and Among those who had started scene, that’s the only example I’ve seen of 72-year-old Englishman. “You start won- and you get into this outcome-over-exe- was in the U.K. playing in front of British therefore we have taken the their rounds, the start of someone who had chipping yips and ad- dering where the ball is going to end up cution situation.” crowds, they expected me to win with one decision to suspend first which was delayed by an hour justed his grip.” and you can’t do that, the mind has got to Jacklin regularly criss-crossed the At- arm tied behind my back and I was try- round play as a mark of because of fog, were Eng- be in the here and now. lantic during his playing days and, to- ing harder than I was capable of and that respect,” said Ladies European land’s Floretyna Parker, who PSYCHOLOGICALLY DAMAGING “When you’ve had a few chipping yips, wards the end of his career, found it tough made things worse. Tour CEO Ivan Khodabakhsh. was seven-under par after Jacklin, the most successful European and Tiger really did because it was for a to meet high expectations on home soil. “Tiger has to be careful. I’m sure he “On behalf of our membership, nine holes, and Tiger Woods’ Ryder Cup captain of all time with two few weeks in a row, it was nothing to do “I putt with a long putter now and I wants to show the world he’s back and win we off er heartfelt condolences niece Cheyenne Woods, who wins and one tie from his four matches in with his back it was something completely hold it away from my chest,” he said. “I a tournament but the more you want that, to the individual’s family and was second at four-under par charge between 1983-89, knows how psy- diff erent. don’t putt very well but I don’t care be- the more you put pressure on the weaker loved ones.” after six. chologically damaging the putting yips “It’s easier said than done in terms of cause I only play charity events and cor- elements of your game.”

SPOTLIGHT Injured Rose was ‘50-50’ for HK Open defence

AFP speak.” when they tee off on Thursday. certainly be a very qualifi ed captain.” Hong Kong Rose isn’t the only player with fi t- “The US side is a little more vocal Bjorn, who is Denmark’s most suc- ness concerns in Hong Kong, which this year!” he said. “It was in desperate cessful golfer, played in three Ryder opens the European Tour’s 2017 season need for the US to win this past year, it Cups, fi nishing on the winning side in ustin Rose on Wednesday said and concludes the Asian Tour schedule had been so one-sided, we needed to 1997, 2002 and 2014, and twice fi n- he had been close to pulling out for 2016. get that spark back.” ished second in the British Open. of this week’s Hong Kong Open Masters champion Danny Willett Australia’s Scott Hend is expected to Rose cautioned the French crowd in title defence after a back injury is coming off a two-week break to re- seal the Asian Tour’s order of merit ti- 2018 may not be so vociferous as the laidJ him low. cover from a bad back and 2010 winner tle, while Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez Americans at Hazeltine, where Europe The Olympic champion was in doubt Ian Poulter returned from fi ve months is seeking a fi fth victory in Hong Kong. lost to the US for the fi rst time since after the injury forced him to abandon out in October. 2008. last week’s Hero World Challenge in Rose backs Bjorn “It will be easier for them probably the Bahamas after just one round. Reed riding high Olympic champion Justin Rose said in France than maybe it was for us in It was the 36-year-old Englishman’s England’s Willett, 29, skipped the Europe’s newly-appointed 2018 Ryder Hazeltine,” Rose said. only competitive round of golf in two World Cup in Melbourne and the Brit- Cup captain Thomas Bjorn was “well- “But I think that Team USA and eve- months, after he took a break to rest an ish Masters to rest his back, but he qualifi ed” for the role – but said the rybody that goes with it and the crowd, ongoing back complaint. said his recovery remained a “work in French crowd may not be as partisan as they really, really, really wanted this “Sure, I’ve been worried about my progress”. the Americans. one, and it was defi nitely an amped up participation the last few days,” Rose “I don’t think there are many guys Paris will host the next Ryder Cup crowd.” told reporters. “Making the trip was who could say they are 100 percent all with the 45-year-old Dane, who served The Englishman, who has played in 50-50 at one point last week.” the time, purely because of how much as vice-captain for four previous Ryder four Ryder Cups, said Europe’s strug- He added: “It’s not ideal to come in travel we do, sleeping in diff erent beds Cups, succeeding Northern Ireland’s gles in October came as the team un- here slightly undercooked prepara- and trying to play a sport that doesn’t Darren Clarke. derwent a “changing of the guard” tion-wise but I’m hoping that the fact quite fi t with the natural movement in “He’s going to have a very hands-on which saw six newcomers chosen. that I’ve been diligent and careful the the body,” he said. approach with the players,” said Rose, He said: “I think we’re the hungry last few days is going to allow me to be Poulter, 40, made a last-minute part of this year’s European team who ones now, certainly I’m speaking for competitive for all four days.” dash to Hong Kong from his home in lost 17-11 to the United States at Hazel- myself. I certainly want to get back to Rose said his driving could be aff ect- Florida last year when he realised his tine in a one-sided defeat. winning ways in Paris. ed by his back condition, but he was European Tour membership was about “He’s been involved obviously in the “I think all the rookies that we were hopeful the relatively short Fanling to lapse. British golfer Justin Rose holds the Hong Kong Open trophy while wearing his last few Ryder Cups as a vice captain able to blood this year around are go- course would work in his favour. He has had a less frenetic build-up Olympic gold medal from the Rio 2016 games in Hong Kong yesterday. (AFP) and I think you probably learn more ing to fi nd it a much more pleasant “You know, you never really forget to this year’s event – but said his long about being a captain as a vice captain and enjoyable experience playing at how to compete,” he said. “This is a lay-off had left him a little “rusty”, es- ry-free is the big-hitting American Reed said the USA’s Ryder Cup vic- then you do playing.” home, and they are going to have the golf course I’ve played enough now to pecially with his putting. Patrick Reed, 26, who tied for third last tory in October would add extra spice Rose added: “I’m sure he’s picked experience of what the Ryder Cup is all be able to see it blind this week, so to One leading player who is inju- year at the venerable Fanling course. to exchanges with his European rivals up a lot of tips along the way, and he’ll about.” Gulf Times 6 Thursday, December 8, 2016 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Tomic happy to put 2016 controversies Djoko announces behind him

Reuters Club in London. Sydney His performances at the grand slams were inconsist- ent with fourth round appear- ernard Tomic has no ances at the Australian Open split with Becker qualms wiping his and Wimbledon but a second- hands of a year he round exit at Roland Garros would rather forget and a failure to clear the fi rst ‘The goals we set when we started working together have been completely fulfilled’ Band, with a reduced schedule hurdle at the US Open. next year, is keen to make a The Flushing Meadows loss, fresh start when he opens his as world number 19 to 72nd Reuters season in Brisbane. ranked Bosnian Damir Dzum- London The 24-year-old Tomic, hur, earned him a $10,000 fi ne once considered Australia’s for fi ring lewd comments at a next great hope in men’s ten- heckler in the crowd. ennis world number two nis, was plagued by an abdom- He also drew heavy criticism Novak Djokovic has split inal injury, fi ned for swearing in May following his exit from with coach Boris Becker at a fan, accused of not trying the Madrid Open when, fac- three years after adding and involved in a spat with the ing match point against Fabio Tthe German multiple grand slam Australian Olympic team chief Fognini, he held the racquet by winner to his team. this year. the strings and did not off er a Serbian Djokovic, who won six Despite reaching a career- shot. of his 12 major titles after hiring high ranking of 17, the is- He later ruled himself out Becker but has suff ered a slump sues only reinforced a feeling of consideration for the Rio in form over the past six months, amongst fans and the media Games after the head of the confi rmed their parting of ways that he was not overly interest- Australian team had warned on his website on Tuesday. ed in playing the sport, though him that his behaviour, and “After three very successful that was something he denied that of Nick Kyrgios, was being years, Boris Becker and I have on Wednesday. monitored to judge their suit- jointly decided to end our co- “I’m not the best, I’m not the ability for the Olympics. operation,” Djokovic, who lost brightest, but we all have our Tomic said few people truly his number one ranking to Andy problems,” Tomic told report- understood himself and his Murray last month, said. ers on the Gold Coast ahead of 21-year-old compatriot, who “The goals we set when we the January 1-7 Brisbane Inter- had risen to number 13 in the started working together have national tournament. world. “I think sometimes been completely fulfi lled, and I “I think the main thing is I’m we do push it more than we want to thank him for the coop- doing what I love and I really should,” Tomic said. eration, teamwork, dedication respect the sport.” “But that is our personality, and commitment.” Tomic said he was now clear our character. We are young, The pair joined forces in De- of the abdominal injury that we are successful. But it turns cember 2013. blighted a year in which he into a bit of negative energy After winning the Australian made just one fi nal, at Acapul- when we do things wrong. Open for a sixth time and then co, and two other semi-fi nals, “No one is perfect but I think claiming a fi rst French Open this at Brisbane and the Queen’s we are doing a pretty good job.” year Djokovic, 29, was on course to complete calendar year Grand Slam — a feat last managed in Ethics Board extends IAAF offi cials’ suspension 1969 by Australian great Rod Laver. London: Three senior athlet- tion of innocence and the But he bowed out in the third ics off icials have had their pro- extension of the orders for round of Wimbledon to Sam visional suspension from the provisional suspension should Querrey, lost in the fi rst round of sport extended by the IAAF’s not be interpreted as any the Rio Olympics to Juan Martin Ethics Board as it continues its departure from the principle del Potro and then went down to investigation into their alleged that each individual is to be Stan Wawrinka in the US Open involvement in a suspected considered innocent until the fi nal. cover-up of Russian doping conclusion of the disciplinary Without a title since cases. Nick Davies, who was investigative process.” July, Djokovic also saw an chief-of-staff to International The investigations relate to 8,000-point ranking lead over This file photo taken on June 4, 2016 shows Serbia’s Novak Djokovic training with his coach Boris Becker at the Roland Garros 2016 French Ten- Association of Athletics Feder- an email reportedly sent by Britain’s Murray vanish. nis Open in Paris. (AFP) ations president Seb Coe, was former IAAF consultant Papa Murray dethroned Djokovic initially suspended along with Massata Diack to his father, after 122 weeks at the summit his wife Jane Boulter-Davies the then-IAAF president Lam- in November and then beat him Djokovic has not worked hard enough, says Becker and IAAF medical manager ine Diack, in July 2013 that al- to win the season-ending ATP Pierre-Yves Garnier in June. legedly showed the three sus- World Tour Finals, snapping the Novak Djokovic lost his momentum in the You have to work your bottom off because a first-round exit at the Rio Olympics at the On Wednesday the Ethics pended IAAF off icials were in Serbian’s four-year domination second half of last season and was toppled the opposition does the same,” he told Sky hands of Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro. Board issued a statement say- receipt of, or had knowledge of the London tournament. as the world number one by Andy Murray News. Djokovic then lost the U.S. Open final to ing the suspensions had been of, a cash payment to withhold Djokovic did not reveal because his work-rate dropped, the Serbian’s “The profession of a tennis player is prob- Swiss Stan Wawrinka, a defeat six-times extended until Jan. 31 2017 details of attempted cover- whether he would replace Becker former coach Boris Becker said yesterday. ably the most selfish one in sports because it major champion Becker said was a massive “to allow for the conclusion of ups of Russian doping cases. and there was nothing to suggest Speaking a day after the two terminated has to be about you and he is the first to say psychological blow to the Serb. the disciplinary investigative Other emails leaked earlier long-term mentor Marian Vajda their cooperation by mutual consent, Ger- he is a family man, so of course his wife and “I know the US Open loss in the final against process, including any hearing this year showed Davies had would be leaving his entourage, man Becker said Djokovic’s need to spend the rest of his family had to take back Stan hurt,” he said. ensuing from the investiga- discussed with Papa Diack although the Belgrade native more time with his family had derailed him seats. “I think that is what he needed maybe in a tions.” developing a media strategy indicated he wanted to make his on the court. “They don’t spend enough time together. I funny way was to lose a little bit, to realise Davies stood down from his to limit the news impact of own choices. “He didn’t spend as much time on the prac- had it too, 20 years ago. It is just the nature what it is like to lose, because he hasn’t been role last December pend- a series of positive tests by “My professional plans are tice court in the last six months as he should of the beast, being a tennis player.” losing for two and a half years. ing the investigation into a Russian athletes ahead of the now directed primarily to main- have and he knows that,” said Becker, who Having completed a career slam when he “I am sure the fact that he lost the number “potential breach of the IAAF’s 2013 Moscow world athletics tain a good level of play, and also helped Djokovic to six grand slam titles after won his maiden French Open title in June, one ranking to Andy Murray is going to hurt. code of ethics”. championships. to make a good schedule and new they teamed up in December 2013. Djokovic suff ered an astonishing loss of “But he has got to go back to work. He has The Ethics Board statement Davies said that the mail was goals for the next season,” Djok- “Success like this doesn’t happen by push- form. to go back to the off ice and practice these on Wednesday added: “Each merely “brainstorming for a ovic said. ing a button. Success like this doesn’t just He crashed out of Wimbledon in the third hours and refocus on what made him strong of the three individuals con- media strategy” and that he “In this regard I will make all happen by showing up at a tournament. round to American Sam Querrey and made in the first place.” tinue to enjoy the presump- had done nothing wrong. future decisions.”

SWIMMING Hosszu launches short course worlds with a bang

P in 1:48.76 — the third-fastest Montreal performance ever in a 25m pool. American Tom Shields, swim- ming in lane eight, led at the atinka Hosszu, seeking 150m mark but fi nished second to add an exclamation in 1:49.50. Japan’s Daiya Seto point to her sparkling was third in 1:49.97. China’s Rio Olympic year, captured bronze medallist Wang Shun Kgold and silver Tuesday as the won the men’s 200m medley Short Course Swimming World in 1:51.74, ahead of Germany’s Championships began in Wind- Philip Heintz (1:52.07) and Ja- sor, Canada. pan’s Seto (1:52.89). Vladimir Hungary’s “Iron Lady” of Morozov’s storming third leg swimming, a treble gold medal- powered Russia to a victory over list at the Rio Games in August, defending champions France in powered to a dominant victory in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay. the 400m individual medley. Morozov took the Russians Her time of 4min 21.67sec from third to fi rst, and Popkov was more than two seconds off held on for the victory in 3:05.90 her own world record, but it was went into the water for the third comfortably in front of runner- leg on Russia’s 400 free relay in up Ella Eastin’s 4:27.74. third place, but he blasted a 45.42 Easton seized silver after Vi- split, by far the fastest in the etnam’s Anh Vien Nguyen ap- Chad Le Clos of South Africa poses with 200m butterfly gold medal fi eld, and Aleksandr Popkov held peared to touch second but was on day one of the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships at the on to give the Russians the gold. disqualifi ed. American Madisyn Katinka Hosszu poses with her gold medal from the 400m Individual Medley final on day one of the 13th WFCU Centre in Windsor Ontario, Canada. (Getty Images/AFP) Nikita Lobintsev, Mikhail Ve- Cox was third in 4:27.78. FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) at the WFCU Centre in Windsor Ontario, Canada. (AFP) kovishchev, Morozov and Pop- The triumph came shortly 100m, 200m and 400m free and cut off from access to corporate kov combined to post a time of after Italian veteran Federica Hosszu, one of the few Rio turnaround in a largely forget- Park will be hoping his fi rst scratched from the 1500m free. sponsorship. 3:05.90, with France second in Pellegrini denied Hosszu in the stars competing in Windsor, table 2016. Park, a 2008 Olym- short course world crown is a Park showed signs of a re- 3:07.35. The US and Australia 200m freestyle. Pellegrini, 28, pulled triple duty on Tuesday, pic gold medallist who fi zzled launching point for a new phase surgence with four titles at the Le Clos wins 200m fly shared bronze in 3:07.76. was closing at the fi nal turn and also booking her place in the in Rio after serving a drugs ban, of his career as swimmers begin Asian championships in No- Chad le Clos also shook off Rio The US quartet of Amanda churned past Hosszu on the fi - 100m backstroke fi nal. pounced to overtake Russian looking toward the 2020 To- vember — but also revealed last disappointment with a victory in Weir, Kelsi Worrell, Madison nal lap to take the fi rst short While Hosszu’s win was an ex- Aleksandr Krasnykh in the fi nal kyo Olympics. After serving an month that his training for Rio the 200m butterfl y. The South Kennedy and Mallory Comer- course world title of her career tension of a stellar year that saw 100m, winning in 3:34.59sec. 18-month steroid ban, Park bat- was hampered by worries over African was denied an Olympic ford won the women’s 4x100m in 1:51.73. Hosszu settled for sil- her win 200m and 400m medley Krasnykh took silver in 3:35.30 tled South Korean team offi cials threats by former vice sports title repeat in the 200m fl y by free in 3:28.82 ahead of an Ital- ver in 1:52.28, with 16-year-old and 100m backstroke gold in Rio, while 2014 short course world for the chance to compete in Rio. minister Kim Chong that his US great Michael Phelps. But a ian squad anchored by Pellegrini Canadian Taylor Ruck third in a South Korean Park Tae-Hwan’s champion Peter Bernek of Hun- But once there he failed to determination to compete in storming fi nish saw him repeat (3:30.28) and the Netherlands national record of 1:52.50. 400m freestyle triumph was a gary was third in 3:37.65. advance from the heats in the the 2016 Games could see him as short course world champion (3:31.10). Gulf Times Thursday, December 8, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA NFL Is it time to start believing Spurs rally, roll towards in Lions?

By Shawn Windsor Detroit Free Press

et’s start with the tackling. No team history on the road misses fewer of them than the Detroit Lions. This isn’t easy to believe, I re- alise, much like it wasn’t easy for fl at- ‘Not sure, mate. It’s hard to win an NBA game, especially on the road’ Learthers to buy that the planet was round. We’ve been so conditioned, for so long, to AFP think of fundamentals as antithetic to Detroit Los Angeles football that it takes a while for our “notions” to catch up with “reality.” So, take a deep breath, and let this real- he San Antonio Spurs erased ity settle for a moment: The Lions can tackle. an early 10-point defi cit to They also can play defense. Play off ense. Play beat the Minnesota Timber- special teams. And win games. They did all of wolves 105-91 on Tuesday this Sunday in New Orleans, in the most com- Tand extend their perfect record on plete and promising eff ort of the season. the road to 13-0. Heck, in years. The Spurs are closing in on NBA And that’s ... exciting, right? history. They became just the sec- Or at least damned intriguing. Admit it, you ond team to win their fi rst 13 away drove to work Monday, or walked – in your un- games, after the Golden State War- derwear – from your bedroom to your home riors won their fi rst 14 of last season. offi ce thinking diff erently about these Lions. San Antonio notched away win For the fi rst time in months, you believe. If you No. 13 without veteran stars Tony don’t, you really, really want to. Parker and Manu Ginobili, with I don’t blame you. Parker ruled out because of a knee What we saw from the Superdome chal- contusion and Ginobili in uniform lenged our version of reality. The Lions looked but on the bench on the second night good. Better yet, they looked like they might be of back-to-back games. on to something much bigger than squeaking Kawhi Leonard more than took into the playoff s. When was the last time you up the slack, scoring 31 points on thought that? 11-of-15 shooting. Australian guard For many of you, never. For those of you with Patty Mills came off the bench to a little gray, the early ‘90s. add 15 points, fi ve assists and four I’m not suggesting the Lions will win the rebounds. Having twice trailed by 10 Super Bowl. But I am saying it’s time to start in the fi rst half, the Spurs were down re-evaluating the team’s ceiling. It’s certainly 46-43 at the interval. higher than it was even a week ago. Yes, they As they did on Monday against were winning. Yes, they showed character and the Bucks in Milwaukee, the Spurs grit in all those fourth-quarter comebacks. produced a big third quarter to take But this? This was what good football looks control, out-scoring the Timber- like. New Orleans, which had hung 49 points wolves 29-18 in the period. on a solid Rams’ defense the week before, nev- Mills said he didn’t know why the er had a chance against Detroit. Drew Brees, Spurs have been so successful on the the future Hall-of-Famer, didn’t look com- road. “Not sure, mate,” he said. “It’s fortable all afternoon. hard to win an NBA game, especially Matthew Staff ord, meanwhile, did, and con- on the road. tinues to harness all that natural talent. In the “Maybe (it’s) that extra focus,” he parlance of the NFL, he is playing like a vet- added. “Knowing that we’re in an- eran, reliable game-manager. other team’s building and them try- This combo has propelled Staff ord into the ing to come out and wanting to beat league’s quarterbacking elite. He has always us, there’s that little bit extra focus made a few throws every game that cause an- or energy.” nouncers to trip over themselves in admira- tion. He did this against the Saints a half dozen Grizzlies win again times, squeezing passes of impossible veloc- The Grizzlies notched their fourth ity into keyholes. None more impressive than straight win, holding on to beat the when he hit tight end Eric Ebron over the mid- Philadelphia 76ers 96-91 in a tight dle for a fi rst-down catch. contest in Memphis. His arm missiles may make him compelling Spanish center Marc Gasol scored to watch. Yet it’s Staff ord’s leadership and late- 26 points and pulled down 12 re- game magic that has helped give this team an bounds for the Grizzlies, who trailed identity. This is his team now, and that’s just 77-76 going into the fourth quarter. the way Jim Caldwell likes it. After surrendering the lead, the The Lions’ coach is content to stay in the 76ers produced a late 8-0 scoring background, study books on leadership, and run to regain a 91-89 advantage with imbue the calming elements of his personal- 1:57 to play. But Memphis power for- Spurs Kawhi Leonard (R) dribbles in the first quarter against the Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins at Target Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports ity into the fabric of this squad. Call it luck, it’s ward Zach Randolph tied the game working. So well, in fact, that Caldwell is re- at 91-91 with a put-back basket with back to work.” uted 12 for the Pistons, who also had nine. “We’re hitting a rough patch Devin Booker scored 21 points luctant to talk about it. “The minute you start 1:25 remaining. He received a standing ovation seven points, fi ve rebounds and 10 right now and you’ve got to fi nd a for the Suns, who rallied from a talking about how well you’re doing some- Gasol made two free throws and from Grizzlies fans when the team assists from reserve Ish Smith. way to fi ght through that,” Chicago 23-point defi cit but never managed thing,” he said Monday, “next week you have Tony Allen made one as the Grizzlies was introduced. The Detroit Pistons Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with coach Fred Hoiberg said. to get in front despite trimming the all kinds of problems.” took a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. wasted a 17-point fi rst-half lead but 32 points, six rebounds and four as- Despite a sluggish fourth quar- gap to as little as two points. Caldwell would rather talk about vague con- It was a rewarding return for Ran- kept their composure to beat the sists. Dwayne Wade added 19 points ter, the Utah Jazz held on to beat the cepts and philosophies. Like “productive para- dolph, who had missed seven games Chicago Bulls 102-91. and seven assists and Taj Gibson had Phoenix Suns 112-105 for their sev- RESULTS noia” – an atmosphere he aims to cultivate after the death of his mother on No- Andre Drummond produced 15 11 points and 10 rebounds. enth win in eight games. Utah 112 Phoenix 105 during practice as a matter of preparation. vember 25. points and 10 rebounds for the Pis- Point guard Rajon Rondo, back af- Gordon Hayward scored 27 points Memphis 96 Philadelphia 91 The idea comes from leadership-building “It’s important to get back to tons, who have won four of their last ter a one-game suspension for con- and French defensive standout San Antonio 105 Minnesota 91 author, Jim Collins, whose books Caldwell de- working,” Randolph said. “This is fi ve games. duct detrimental to the team, added Rudy Gobert added a career-high NY Knicks 114 Miami 103 vours. Collins has explained productive para- what my mother would want me to Marcus Morris had 13 points and 10 points. But Chicago have lost 22 points with 11 rebounds and four Detroit 102 Chicago 91 noia thusly: “How you perform in bad times do. Don’t sit around and be sad. Go Kentavious Caldwell-Pope contrib- three straight and six of their last blocked shots to lead the Jazz. Orlando 124 Washington 116 depends on how you prepare in good times.”

NHL Hossa scores twice as Blackhawks blank Coyotes

By Chris Hine one of the worst records in the dropped to the left wing alongside Chicago Tribune league and the Hawks took advan- centre Andrew Desjardins and right tage thanks to a second-period wing Jordin Tootoo. Rasmussen scoring burst that saw them score centered a line with Tyler Motte he NHL season doesn’t twice in 19 seconds. and Panik to round out the lineup. pause when a team is First, Marian Hossa continued It was the Anisimov line that got missing two of its most his resurgence this season with his the Hawks on the board fi rst thanks important players, as the 13th and 14th goals. Hossa took a to a power-play. The Hawks were TBlackhawks are in captain Jonath- pass off his skate from Ryan Hart- 0-for-13 in their last fi ve games an Toews and goaltender Corey man and in one motion put it on his on the power play and wanted to Crawford. The Hawks already were stick and into the net past Coyotes change their movement on the man struggling without both in the line- goaltender Mike Smith 6:26 into advantage. up, having dropped their last two the second period. They took Panarin and moved entering Tuesday. Hossa’s scores came in his 27th him around in the slot instead of The last thing the Hawks needed game with his second goal of the having him stay on the left wing for was another injury. But the Hawks night coming late in the third pe- one-timers while Anisimov post- may be looking at another big loss riod. He scored 13 in 64 games a ed up in front of the net. As Kane after defenseman Brent Seabrook season ago. handled the puck he dished a crisp exited in the second period of the For the Hawks’ third goal, Ri- pass to Anisimov, who was in per- Hawks’ 4-0 victory over the Coyo- chard Panik stole the puck in the fect position to re-direct the pass tes at the United Center. Coyotes zone and went hard to the between the legs of Smith for a 1-0 Seabrook left after a sequence 13 net on Smith. After he was stopped, lead 15 minutes, 37 seconds into the minutes, 19 seconds into the sec- he did not give up on the play and game. ond period in which he got tangled shuffl ed a pass from behind the net The Hawks were able to build a with Coyotes winger Jordan Marti- to Dennis Rasmussen, who was in lead without two of their top play- nook near the boards. He was slow front of Smith to put home a goal ers on Tuesday, but now they may to get up but skated off to the dress- at 6:45. It was Rasmussen’s second have to deal without a third. ing room under his own power. goal of the season. However, he did not return. After the Hawks scored just two RESULTS The schedule may not stop when goals in their last two games, coach Chicago 4 Arizona 0 a team has injuries but at least the Joel Quenneville unsurprisingly Calgary 2 Dallas 1 scheduling gods did drop an op- switched up his lines in an eff ort to St. Louis 3 Montreal 2 (OT) portunity in the Hawks’ lap to spark scoring, only keeping intact Nashville 4 Colorado 3 buy some time and pick up some the unit of Artemi Panarin, Artem Detroit 4 Winnipeg 3 (SO) points while their injured stars re- Anisimov and Patrick Kane. Buff alo 4 Edmonton 3 (OT) cover, Toews from a back injury and Marcus Kruger replaced Vincent New Jersey 3 Vancouver 2 Crawford from an appendectomy. Hinostroza at center between Hart- NY Islanders 4 NY Rangers 2 Marian Hossa of the Chicago Blackhawks scores a second period goal against Mike Smith of the Arizona Coyotes at the United Center The Coyotes brought with them man and Hossa while Hinostroza Philadelphia 3 Florida 2 (OT) in Chicago, Illinois. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 8 Thursday, December 8, 2016 CRICKET

FOCUS From Fiji to Sweden — how a Scottish cricket coach taught the world to play Colin Siller has enjoyed a nomadic career, from playing in Ireland to coaching in Fiji, Austria, Sweden, Rwanda and Canada

By Jonathan Drennan bowler in the Scottish club game were “I never really had a plan to make cricket my life. Which grow the game of cricket,” he says. to fi nally lay down some roots nearer Guardian Sport Network encouraged by his mother and he be- Scotsman would? Somehow it all just happened. I would spend Under Siller’s tutelage, Sweden man- home. The life of a cricketing nomad is came a strong player. His fi rst job after the Scottish winters in New Zealand and Australia as a cricket aged to win the ICC Twenty20 Division diffi cult, living from contract to con- leaving school was playing as a cricket professional and then I would go home to Scotland to play 3 championships in Slovenia, playing tract, with most them lasting no longer olin Siller is an unlikely crick- professional in north Wales; he would there. I had the opportunity aft er reading an advert in a maga- games in front of bemused yet enthu- than fi ve months. eting disciple. He was born and alternate between Great Britain in the zine to play as a club professional in Northern Ireland and that siastic school children who adopted a Currently Siller is based at home in bred in Edinburgh, but some- summer and the southern hemisphere lasted many years, and that was the start of growing the game” country each to support. Scotland and has nominated as an elite how has made spreading crick- in the British winter. After the tournament, Siller took to spin bowling coach. etC across the globe his life’s mission. “I never really had a plan to make pointed assistant coach of Canada for didn’t get the results. his pen and paper and wrote to vari- “You’re always looking for the next Siller has been the national cricket cricket my life. Which Scotsman their ICC Trophy campaign in Ireland. “I moved on to Vienna after that to ous national teams across the world to adventure, wherever that will be I don’t coach of Rwanda, Austria, Fiji and Swe- would? Somehow it all just happened. Siller knew the pitches of Ireland im- become the national coach of Austria to see where he could help next and found know. My main goal remains the same: I den and the assistant coach of Canada. I would spend the Scottish winters in plicitly and used his expertise to pre- try and pull a team together that could himself heading to Rwanda. want to get people to experience the joy The Scotsman’s life has been dominat- New Zealand and Australia as a cricket pare a team that consisted of disparate compete,” he refl ects. Unlike Sweden or Austria, Siller that I have got out of cricket. If I can do ed by cricket and the sport remains his professional and then I would go home players from across Canada. Siller had unwittingly made a career found Rwandans had a good knowledge that, then it’s been a success.” passion. to Scotland to play there. I had the op- One day he was coaching spin bowl- out of spreading the cricketing gospel of the game, largely due to satellite tel- His life remains consumed with “When I’m asked to describe myself, portunity after reading an advert in a ing, the next he was ordering the team in nations of unbelievers. evision from South Africa that showed cricket. It is what he thinks about fi rst I just say cricket. It defi nes everything magazine to play as a club professional transport. The experience went well After making steady inroads in Aus- games. Additionally, unlike his previous thing in the morning and last thing at about me; it’s what I think about every in Northern Ireland and that lasted and he was awarded his fi rst head tria, he moved the relatively short dis- teams, Rwanda boasted a largely fully night in Edinburgh. day. I wake up in the morning and check many years, and that was the start of coaching role, for Fiji. tance to Sweden to be head coach of native team, without the normal reli- He thinks of the players he has out the results from all over the world growing the game,” he says. “You can’t predict anything in this their fl edging national team. ance on expats. coached as children who went to forge and think about the players I’ve looked After a decade playing cricket in life and I ended up with my fi rst head “In Austria you’d be surprised — the “There’s a love for cricket in Rwan- fi rst-class cricket careers in England after, it’s been everything to me,” he says. Northern Ireland, focusing on sup- coaching job in Fiji. facilities were actually very good — but da and, despite some rough and ready and the plucky amateurs he took to in- Siller owes his passion for cricket porting young Irish people playing the “We were playing in Division 4 in Sweden was certainly a trial at times. pitches, you had players that were a joy ternational tournaments to represent to his mother. Mrs Siller spent three game, including future England one- Tanzania against teams like Hong Kong “We were training or playing in local to coach. They wanted to learn and see their country. years working as a nurse in Melbourne day captain Eoin Morgan, Siller decide and Afghanistan who in that world are parks and you’d often get bemused lo- how far they could take their games.” His life has been dominated by a and played social cricket in a wom- to broaden his coaching horizons. He exceptional. cals walking the dog across the wicket. After coaching Rwanda in the ICC love of a game and he will continue to en’s league before returning home to wrote to a variety of developing crick- “We did well but perhaps we expect- You just have to get on with it and focus Africa Twenty20 Division 3 tourna- travel the world singing its virtues if Scotland. Siller’s early forays as a spin eting nations and ended up being ap- ed to progress too quickly and we just on what you’re there to do, which is to ment held in South Africa, it was time given the chance.

SPOTLIGHT THIRD ODI Australia keen on clean sweep: Marsh England’s nice guy Reuters The innings at Manuka Oval Melbourne showcased how dangerous he could be as he belted seven six- es, including three in the fi nal ustralia will not be over from Matt Henry, and he taking their collec- felt an aggressive approach may tive foot off the gas in help him in future. tomorrow’s third one- “When you’re not scoring Moeen unruffl ed by dayA international against New runs, you tend to try play with Zealand in Melbourne, despite it things in the nets to try and being a dead rubber, according make something work,” he said. to all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. “I think in red ball cricket, over Marsh clubbed an impres- the last couple of years, I prob- sive 76 not out from 40 balls in ably haven’t played my natural the second game in Canberra on game. For me, I’m a hitter of the Tuesday as Steve Smith’s side cricket ball. yo-yoing utility role scored 378 for fi ve. They then “Probably over the next few dismissed New Zealand for 262 months, I’m just going to bat in 47.2 overs to take a 2-0 lead in like that and really back myself. His England status could be uncertain after the fourth Test in Mumbai but the three-match series. I might get out a few ugly ways “We’re representing our at times but I feel like it’s going country in the series and we want to give me the best chance to the all-rounder’s charity work helps him keep sporting issues in perspective to win 3-0,” said Marsh, who score runs and score big runs.” was part of the side swept 5-0 in Despite his pessimism about South Africa and knows the dent earning a recall for the series in confi dence that can bring. against Pakistan, which starts Despite his own return to with a day-night Test at the form in Canberra, Marsh felt Gabba in Brisbane on December that would not be enough to 15, he still held out hopes of be- earn a recall for the Test series ing named for the tour of India against Pakistan. next February. “I’m not in a rush to get “I’ve obviously got the back in the Test side,” said the (Twenty20) Big Bash but 25-year-old, who was dropped throughout that period, you’ve from the side after scoring 0 got a lot of time to work on your and 26 in the fi rst Test match game so I’ll certainly be doing against South Africa in Perth that,” he said. “Hopefully in the last month. “But I know that second half of the year when I I’ve got to score runs to get back, get a chance in the (Sheffi eld) so that’s all I want to do.” Shield, I can perform.” Only pain Neesham shows is in defeat he first thing that went for victory after David Warner through all-rounder top-scored with 119 in Austral- TJimmy Neesham’s mind ia’s 378 for five. when he was struck by a Mitch- “It was more seeing whether ell Starc bouncer was the words I could hold the bat with the top of from former captain Brendon hand. I gave it bit of a test and McCullum — “show no pain.” realised I might need couple of Neesham failed to pick up minutes to get feeling back in my a 148kph delivery from the hand,” said Neesham, who will left-arm fast bowler in their have the arm examined before second one day international in tomorrow’s final game. “Batting Canberra on Tuesday and was wasn’t all that easy after that.” hit on the right forearm. With the Chappell-Hadlee Tro- By Ali Martin in Mumbai start of the Bangladesh tour — a position next summer. in the future I would like to have a position The 26-year-old, outwardly phy now lost, Neesham said the theguardian.com he had long craved following two years Not that the player himself, who averag- I can nail down. The hardest thing is try- at least, showed little eff ect team had been given a dressing spent mostly as a tailender — he delivered es 33 after 35 Tests, is feeling too fl ustered ing to nail down a position when you move of the blow and stared down down by coach Mike Hesson and a wonderfully composed 117 to make his by the challenge. around a little bit.” Starc, who had come down the captain Kane Williamson. oeen Ali could, in theory, go fourth career hundred, helping England “I feel all right,” Moeen said at the team Such an outlook, along with his glorious pitch to off er him some ‘advice’, “Hess and Kane came out into the fourth Test starting post 537 in their fi rst innings and hinting nets yesterday, after the resumption of fl owing cover-drives, is why there is such before receiving treatment. and made it pretty clear they today feeling the heat given the that a permanent home in a position of re- England’s tour following a mid-series a will for the left-hander to succeed at Test But the words of McCullum — weren’t all that happy with the manner of his two dismissals sponsibility may fi nally be his. break. level. It is informed by a more worldly per- “not to flinch, show no pain... Even performance and that’s fair Mduring the eight-wicket defeat in Mohali. Since then, however, the numbers have “I know they were crap ways to get out spective too, both through his faith as a prac- if you think it’s broken” — were all enough,” Neesham said. “We There is also the fact that Adil Rashid, dwindled to scores of one, two, 16 and but it was just the execution in both in- tising Muslim and as a keen social activist. he could think of, said Neesham, know that’s not the sort of his fellow spin partner, is enjoying a break- fi ve, the last two innings of which ended in nings. I don’t feel too down about it. I do Yesterday it was the latter that meant who scored 74 in the 116-run loss performances we want to be through series with the ball that, come the pretty grim fashion. not get down about that kind of stuff .” Moeen was acting in his role as an ambassa- to Steve Smith’s side that secured putting out on the park.” English summer, could mean Moeen’s place Having been moved to No. 4 in the order Could Moeen, having now batted eve- dor for the British Asian Trust, taking time the three-match series for the Neesham added they would in the side comes under consideration. for the third Test, he hooked seamer Mo- rywhere from opener to No. 9 in the order out of his day after England netted in the hosts with a game to spare. need to work on their bowling Moeen, though, is not like most other hamed Shami meekly to long leg amid Eng- without so much as a grumble in the direc- morning to meet children from the Mann “That’s something you were at the back end of the innings, sportsmen. Cricket, he insists, is “only a land’s fi rst-morning implosion while, the tion of the England management, be a vic- Desh project that off ers sporting opportu- taught very quickly under Baz’s having conceded 126 runs in game” and pressure is “seeing people who second time around when shunted one fur- tim of simply being too nice? nities to deprived rural areas in India. captaincy, not to show much the final 10 overs at Manuka can’t aff ord food or are struggling to live”. ther up the order due to Haseeb Hameed’s “Probably, yes. I have been told some- “I try to do as much as I can. It just puts pain when that happens,” Nee- Oval. In the first game in Syd- Heavy stuff , certainly, but words that injury, he chipped Ravi Ashwin to mid-on times it is not a good thing. But I just get on thing into perspective, such as the pres- sham told reporters yesterday. ney, the bowlers conceded 113 very much match the 29-year-old all- with an uncommitted lofted drive. with it. I have always been like that, even as sure of the game,” he said. “Obviously he’s still got a bit of runs in the final 10 overs. rounder’s grounded approach to a Test ca- With an abundance of all-rounders vy- a youngster. “It is just a game of cricket; you just get that legacy holding on there.” “We started quite well but go- reer that, like his place in the batting order, ing for slots at six, seven and eight, and “Only once my dad pulled me out of a on with it. You give it your best. The left-handed Neesham ing for 170 odd in last 15 overs remains one of ups and downs rather than Rashid boasting 18 wickets to his seven in club game when I was told I was batting “That is all you can do so there is no was on 57 at the time and said is not what you want from a smooth consistency. the three Tests so far this series, fi nish- No. 7. I was 13, playing for Moseley Ash- point not sleeping at night over it. Pres- his big concern was whether team that have shown they Look back to the drawn fi rst Test in Ra- ing the tour on a high with the bat will do fi eld in Birmingham, and he said, ‘You’re sure to me is seeing people who can’t af- he could continue to bat as the have the skills to bowl well at jkot and Moeen was riding high. much for Moeen’s chances of being re- not batting at seven.’ ford food or are struggling to live. There is visitors attempted to chase 379 the death,” he said. Having been promoted to No. 5 at the tained as a middle-order batsmen come “I don’t mind where I bat but sometime more to life than a bat and a ball.” Gulf Times Thursday, December 8, 2016 9 CRICKET

MUMBAI TEST Rahane ruled out of series, Rahul returns, Jennings to be Cook’s Shami doubtful Reuters Mumbai

ndia middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane has been ruled out of the last two ITests against England with a fractured latest opening partner finger while fast bowler Mohamed Shami is also doubtful for the fourth match at the Wankhede Stadium, beginning today. ‘Keaton will make his debut. It’s a great opportunity for the guy. He’s in good touch and he’s spent The 28-year-old Rahane, who has had a modest series so far, was hit by a ball during time in the middle for the Lions, and it will be a special day for him. It’s similar to what happened yesterday’s practice and sustained an avul- sion fracture on his right index finger, the to me 10 years ago, flying out just 48 hours before the game (for his debut in Nagpur in 2006)’ India cricket board said in a media release. Batsman Manish Pandey has replaced Rahane in the squad, with paceman Shardul By Ali Martin in Mumbai Thakur named as a back-up for Shami, who theguardian.com Keaton Jennings (left) has a sore knee and will be assessed before will be Alastair Cook’s 11th the start of the penultimate match of the opening partner in Tests five-Test series. eaton Jennings will make since the retirement of Seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took six his England debut in the Andrew Strauss in 2012. wickets in his last Test against New Zealand fourth Test against India in September, is expected to start if Shami that begins today, a match is ruled out, with opening batsman Lokesh Kthat could see Jake Ball recalled to Rahul returning to the side after missing the the side amid lingering doubts over third Test in Mohali with injury. the fi tness of Stuart Broad. The hosts lead the series 2-0 and captain Alastair Cook, who in Jennings will Virat Kohli was confident the replacements have his 11th opening partner since would do the job for his team. “Currently, the retirement of Andrew Strauss in (I’m) not really (worried) because if you see 2012, rated Broad’s chances of a re- whoever has stepped in has given match- turn following a foot tendon injury winning performances,” Kohli told reporters. as 50-50 but the bowler was scarcely “You speak about Bhuvi, he has come in at involved in training yesterday. St Lucia once and in Kolkata once, and both While fast bowlers often rest up times he has picked up five wickets and he the day before a Test, Broad was has been the match winner for us. I am not looking to prove his fi tness after worried because the guys sitting outside are missing the defeat in Mohali. He was waiting for opportunities.” expected to replace the off -spinner After losses in the second and third Tests, Gareth Batty and England could turn the touring England side travelled to Dubai to Broad’s Nottinghamshire team- to unwind during the eight-day gap between mate Ball, who made his debut last the third and fourth Test. summer, ahead of fellow reserve At the end of the five-Test series, England seamer Steven Finn. will head home for Christmas before return- A further option for Cook and ing to India in January to play three one-day Trevor Bayliss is the uncapped left- internationals and the same number of armer Liam Dawson, who is also on Twenty20 matches. standby for a possible Test debut Kohli said the break had also been refresh- should England opt to take three ing for his side but added that he would like spinners into the match on a Mumbai it to be reciprocated when they tour England pitch expected to turn. next. “We didn’t ask for the gap, it was part The 24-year-old Jennings has re- of the schedule,” said the 28-year-old. “Make placed Haseeb Hameed in the lineup, sure when we go there we also have eight after the teenager suff ered a broken days’ gap after the three Tests and (a) 25-day fi nger in Mohali that leaves Eng- gap between ODIs and Tests.” land 2-0 down in the series with two Tests to play. He comes into the side after a breakthrough county season for Durham and with a hundred to his name when captaining the Lions against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai last week. “Keaton will make his debut. It’s a great opportunity for the guy,” Cook said. “He’s in good touch and he’s and so we wish him all the luck. It’s interpreted as a challenge to Cook’s (when looking to bat out for a draw) players play better with a direction,” spent time in the middle for the Li- disappointing about Hameed — we authority — Bayliss has previously and I do wonder if that tied into the the England Test skipper added. ons, and it will be a special day for have found player there — but if Kea- maintained the primacy of the cap- third Test. Asked if he and Bayliss are aligned him. It’s similar to what happened to ton comes in it will add to our top- tain — but the 31-year-old was fully “There was a hangover and we in their outlook, Cook said: “Yes, we me 10 years ago, fl ying out 48 hours order players.” aware a reminder would be issued went back into our shells,” said Cook. are trying to win games of cricket for before the game (for his debut in Cook moved to clarify an assertion and agrees with the message. “It was a clear message we want England. Nagpur in 2006).” by Bayliss that he, not the captain, “I knew what was coming out, we more intent. The team responded to “My batting has been about wear- “I had never met him properly be- will deliver a reminder to the play- chatted after Mohali and as part of something similar in his fi rst game in ing the opposition down but that fore, so it could have been daunting ers over the need to bat positively in the leadership group we discussed Cardiff during 2015 Ashes Test. doesn’t change the intent I need to but having (his Durham teammate) Mumbai. There is a feeling that after how we wanted to play and what had “Hopefully we go back to that have. There are defi nitely diff erent Ben Stokes around has helped. He racking up 537 in Rajkot they have happened after the fi rst Test. level. Rajkot was our blueprint. It approaches, it’s not just fours and Ajinkya Rahane has been ruled out of the seems to have a good head on his lost their way. “We have to take the second in- wasn’t Trevor saying it, I was part sixes, it’s the intent to score that gets last two Tests with a fractured finger. shoulders — mentally very strong — Those comments could have been nings of Vizag out of the equation of the conversation and I agree our you in good positions.”

FOCUS MCC committee recommends football-style send-off s

AFP Mumbai MCC accuses Faf du Plessis of ‘fl agrantly’ cheating in ball-tampering row

mpires would be allowed to By Ali Martin in Mumbai independent judicial commissioner, give to players in light of this deci- send off players for serious theguardian.com Michael Beloff QC, on December 19. sion, Stephenson said: “My advice disciplinary breaches as part With ball-shining an integral part would be not to contravene the law, of a set of recommendations of the game, players including the which is very clear. I was part of Umade by the World Cricket Committee af du Plessis’s pleas of in- England captain, Alastair Cook, have that (Du Plessis) hearing and in my of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), nocence over ball tampering since called for greater clarity as to opinion what he did fragrantly con- the guardian of the game’s laws. Fhave been met with a wither- what is and is not acceptable given travened the laws. He put his finger The committee said yesterday action ing assessment from the MCC World that taking sweets or sugary drinks straight on to the mint, straight on to would be taken if a cricketer threatened Cricket Committee with the body’s on to the field of play is allowed. the ball and was caught on camera. an umpire, physically assaulted another head of cricket, John Stephenson, say- Other artificial substances such as It was a clear case of ball tampering. player or committed any other act of ing the South Africa captain’s actions sun cream or lip salve may also find “There will be grey areas and we violence on the fi eld of play. “fragrantly contravened the law”. their way on to the ball. hope cameras don’t follow players The recommendations were made Du Plessis is seeking to have the The MCC World Cricket Commit- but if you are not breaking the laws during a two-day meeting of the com- guilty verdict handed down to him tee, which is an independent panel you don’t have anything to worry mittee in Mumbai, which hosts the overturned on appeal. He was fined that can propose changes to the about. We are not trying to stop fourth Test between India and England 100% of his match fee by the Inter- laws of cricket, considered this topic people shining the ball, we want it to from today. The proposals must be ap- national Cricket Council (ICC) under during a two-day meeting in Mumbai swing. But it was obvious to me, you proved by the main MCC committee its code of conduct after television and decided the rules relating to ball couldn’t argue that it went straight on before being implemented at all levels footage emerged from the second tampering — which state it is accept- to the mint and straight into the ball.” of the game from October next year. Test against Australia in Hobart last able to “polish the ball provided no Brearley added: “If you speed, you The World Cricket Committee has month showing him applying sug- artificial substance is used” — do not will probably get away with it but no power itself but makes recommen- ared saliva from a mint in his mouth need changing. sometimes you are caught, and if you dations to the main committee of the to the ball in an attempt to aid swing. The panel, chaired by former Eng- are caught flagrantly doing some- MCC — the owners of London’s Lord’s The 32-year-old said he had done land captain Mike Brearely, also con- thing, you deserve to face the penalty, Cricket Ground and an organisation nothing wrong, claiming there is cluded no set guidelines are required, which seems to me what happened that still retains worldwide responsibil- a diff erence between ball tamper- stating that “to try to be too prescrip- with Faf du Plessis. The fact some ity for the sport’s laws or rules. ing and ball shining, and has since tive by listing banned substances people do it and get away with it, it “The World Cricket Committee be- lodged an appeal against the verdict would be counterproductive”. doesn’t mean you shouldn’t catch the lieves that the game must now include with the ICC that will be heard by an Asked what advice he would now odd person that does it flagrantly.” a mechanism to deal with the worst disciplinary off ences during the match, “The World Cricket committee be- chairman Mike Brearley said umpires England say that the behaviour has got former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, du Plessis was declared guilty of ball- and not subsequent to it as is presently lieves that the balance of the game has needed to be empowered to impose on- worse. The umpires have to be respected a member of the committee, said. “The tampering by the International Cricket the case,” the MCC said in a statement tilted too far in the batsman’s favour, the-spot sanctions, noting that there and given the best possible chance and I modern player now understands their Council (ICC) last month. on its website. and that the time has come to limit the were more disciplinary problems in the think cricket is the only game in which role in society, about being role models, Television footage appeared to show The committee has also recom- sizes of bat edges and depths,” it said. lower-tier leagues. there isn’t this possibility of an in-match and want to play the game the right way du Plessis applying saliva to the ball mended specifi c bat size limitations to The committee also reaffi rmed its “There was a survey done of the um- punishment or deterrent,” he added. for younger kids.” while sucking on a sweet during the be put in place for both the edges and support to a World Test Championship pires and 40% said they are considering The committee discussed sanctions The committee also decided that no Hobart test against Australia leading depth of a bat. Bat edges will have a being introduced “to stimulate interest... giving up the game or giving up umpir- like run penalties and sin bins but felt changes were required to the current to him being sanctioned and losing his maximum allowance of 40mm and bat in what is the ultimate form of the game.” ing because of verbal abuse,” former it would be hard to apply them consist- ball-tampering laws despite recent in- entire match fee. depths must not exceed 67mm. While Match offi cials currently report England captain Brearley told reporters ently around the world. cidents. The age-old practice of shin- The new laws will be implemented there are limitations on bat length, players or incidents to the match refe- yesterday. “It got to the state where something ing the cricket ball has become a grey at all levels of the game from October none currently exist on the thickness of ree at the end of the day after which ac- “Anecdotal evidence from people had to happen to prevent those things area for some cricketers who called for 1 next year, subject to approval by the edges and overall depth. tion is taken. World Cricket Committee who are familiar with leagues in parts of happening on the international stage,” clarity after South Africa captain Faf MCC’s main committee. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, December 8, 2016 SPORT

HORSE RACING SPOTLIGHT $3.2mn prize money Fort Moville snaps for 2017 Diamond League Finals

By Sports Reporter Like in a championship, the perform- Doha ance of athletes in the fi nal alone will Courtofversailles’ determine who the champion will be and the prize money won. oha Diamond League will be The IAAF Diamond League fi nals the fi rst meeting of the IAAF will now off er a dramatic showdown Diamond League series for between the world’s best athletes, a the eighth successive season. true climax to a four-month race across DThe event will take place at Qatar four continents. unbeaten streak Sports Club on May 5, 2017. IAAF President and Diamond League The event will feature 100m, 400m, AG chairman Sebastian Coe said, “Af- Ahmed Kobeissi-trained colt wins 2000m Al Khor Cup 1500m, 5000m, High Jump, Triple ter seven seasons which have estab- Jump and Javelin Throw for the men, lished the IAAF Diamond League as By Sports Reporter and 200m, 8000, 3000m Steeple- our premier circuit it is important to Doha chase, 100m Hurdles, Pole Vault and assess its impact and build for the fu- Shot Put for the women. ture. These decisions are the fi rst step In a major restructure, the IAAF Dia- to growing the attractiveness of the ort Moville snapped Cour- mond League has adopted a new cham- series.” tofversailles’ unbeaten run pionship style model this year with the In the horizontal jumps and throw- when Ahmed Kobeissi- fi nalists competing for a prize pool of ing events there will be a return to six schooled colt won the Al Khor $3.2mn. attempts for all athletes in 2017. This Cup,F a Class 1 race for Thoroughbreds, Starting from 2017, athletes will earn follows last season’s experimental for- at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian points in the fi rst 12 IAAF Diamond mat where all athletes were given 3 at- Club yesterday. League meetings to qualify for two fi nal tempts but with only the top 4 athletes The 2000m race on turf saw Saleem meetings where $100,000 will be at stake being given 3 further attempts. Golam keep Fort Moville in the lead in each of the 32 Diamond Disciplines, and never relinquish it, even as Cour- including $50,000 for each winner. FINALS PRIZE MONEY STRUCTURE tofversailles made a last ditch eff ort In previous seasons, athletes accu- FOR EACH OF THE 32 EVENTS to keep his undefeated run in Qatar mulated points throughout the IAAF 1st $50,000 intact. Diamond League season with the over- 2nd $20,000 Under Marvin Suerland, Cour- all winner of each of the 32 events being 3rd $10,000 tofversailles kept closing in on the the athlete with the most points irre- 4th $6,000 leader but fell short at the post. spective of whether they won the fi nal. 5th $5,000 Al Hareth won for the fourth con- The season is now a race to reach 6th $4,000 secutive race and second time this the fi nals with the winners crowned 7th $3,000 season, with Richard Mullen riding as IAAF Diamond League Champions. 8th $2,000 Jassim Ghazali-trained horse to vic- tory in the Local Thoroughbred Open yesterday. RUGBY Owner Mishal bin Ali al-Attiyah had another contender in the race — Raad Al Zaeem — who set the pace in Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (right) and Nasser Ibrahim al-Mohannadi pose the 1400m run, while Al Hareth stayed with the winners of the Al Khor Cup after Fort Moville won the 2000m race yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Farrell, Howley and at the back. The fi ve-horse fi eld spread coming on to the home stretch, and as Raad Borthwick join Lions Al Zaeem fell behind, Mullen had Al Hareth surge forward for a fi ne win. The owner-trainer-jockey trio of coaching team Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim al- Thani, Ibrahim al-Malki and Eduardo Pedroza picked two wins on the day, with in-form Meqdam Al Zaidy win- ning for the fi rst time this season. Ear- lier, What A Surprise shed his maiden status in the fi rst race of the card. Coming into the race, Meqdam Al Zaidy had never fi nished outside the top two, including four wins. That record stayed intact, with Pedroza putting in a fi ne along with his part- ner, with the duo fi nishing the seven- furlong Purebred Arabian Conditions event three lengths ahead of Bahia Du Barthas. Ghazali’s ward edged out Hassan al-Matwi’s Mindza for the second spot. Receding Waves registered his sec- ond victory this season when Richard Jockey Saleem Golam rides Fort Moville to victory in the Al Khor Cup yesterday. Mullen rode the Mohammed Jassim Ghazali-trained colt to a one and a half others bite dust at the post. Lehshilyat (Gerald Avranche). Won Trainer: Mohammed Jassim Ghazali. length win in the Thoroughbred Clas- Alkazim edged out Littlemissblak- by: 1, 2, 1/2. Time: 1:42.83. Owner: Al Race 6: 1. Meqdam Al Zaidy (Edu- sifi ed Stakes for three-year-old horses eney for the second spot. Ghazali Stud. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. ardo Pedroza), 2. Bahia Du Barthas yesterday. Earlier in the day, among the Thor- Race 3: 1. Sehab (Jean Baptiste Hamel), (Gerald Avranche), 3. Mindza (Marco Mullen had his ride track early lead- oughbreds and Local Thoroughbreds, 2. My First General (Gaetan Faucon), Monteriso), 4. Ba’sil (Richard Mullen). er Shaka Zulu and then made his move What A Surprise and Qhudoua shed 3. Tasslam (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Udai Won by: 3, 1, 1/2. Time: 1:30.48. Owner: 300m from the post. Shaka Zulu, their maiden status respectively, while Al Wajba (JP Guillambert). Won by: 2, Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim helmed by Pedroza, fell behind, and Umm Qarn’s Sehab raced to his fi rst 3/4, 5. Time: 1:47.99. Owner: Umm Qarn. al-Thani. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. was eventually edged by Risk Adjusted career win in the Purebred Arabian Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. Race 7: 1. Al Hareth (Ruchard Mullen), for the second spot. Maiden Plate. Race 4: 1. The Smart One (Tadgh 2. Batter (Darren Williams), 3. Mutawas- The Smart One gave trainer Bustawi O’Shea), 2. Alkazim (Gaetan Faucon), 3. sal (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 4. Al Shaqab Ismail his second victory this season RESULTS Littlemissblakeney (Saleem Golam), 4. (Alberto Sanna). Won by: 1 1/2, Shd, when Tadgh O’Shea guided the fi ve- Race 1: 1. What A Surprise (Eduardo Excuse To Linger (Eduardo Pedroza). Hd. Time: 1:26.74. Owner: Mishal bin Ali year-old horse to victory in the Class 3 Pedroza), 2. Thaelab (Faleh Bugha- Won by: 1 1/2, Hd. Nk. Time: 1:11.24. al-Attiyah. Trainer: Jassim Mohammed British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland (left) poses with coaches Rob Thoroughbred Handicap event. naim), 3. Almasah (Gaetan Faucon), 4. Owner: Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah. Ghazali. Howley, Steve Borthwick and Andy Farrell after the announcement in Kildare, O’Shea kept The Smart One on the Wailess (Tadgh O’Shea). Won by: 3/4, Trainer: Bustawi Ismail. Race 8: 1. Fort Moville (Saleem Golam), Ireland, yesterday. (Reuters) outside before beating what looked Shd, 1. Time: 1:12.10. Owner: Sheikh Race 5: 1. Receding Waves (Richard 2. Courtofversailles (Marvin Suerland), like a four-way battle for the victory. Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani. Mullen), 2. Risk Adjusted (Tadgh 3. Crescent (Xavier Ziani), 4. Migwar Reuters important to have some new input. Even as Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah- Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. O’Shea), 3. Shaka Zulu (Eduardo Pedro- (Jean Baptiste Hamel). Won by: 1/2, London “Steve has done a great job in shap- owned horse picked up the victory, Race 2: 1. Qhudoua (Richard Mullen), 2. za), 4. Malik (Jean Baptiste Hamel). 1 1/2, Shd. Time: 2:03.67. Owner: Mo- ing the England pack and played a major Kobeissi’s seven-year-old gelding Jakom (Yanis Aouabed), 3. Muzyanah Won by: 1 1/2, 1 1/4, 1. Time: 1:10.96. hamed Kazim al-Ansari & Sons. Trainer: role in their recent run of success, so I’m Alkazim’s brilliant turn of foot had the (Almotasem al-Balushi), 4. Gharam Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Ahmed Kobeissi. ritish and Irish Lions coach looking forward to working with him.” Warren Gatland has named Andy Farrell, Rob Howley and EXTRA COACH Steve Borthwick as his three Gatland confi rmed he was also con- assistantsB for next year’s tour of New sidering an extra specialist coach af- Sadd, Arabi post wins in Qatar Basketball League Zealand and left the door open for a ter media reports yesterday suggested surprise call-up for former Fiji Sevens Ryan, the Englishman who led Fiji to coach Ben Ryan. Olympic gold in Rugby Sevens at this Former dual-code international Far- year’s Rio de Janeiro Games, could be rell, England’s defence coach under included. Stuart Lancaster and now doing that Ryan spent six years as England Sev- job for Ireland, will fi ll the role again for ens coach before taking over Fiji and the Lions having done it under Gatland transforming them from a side of bril- during the series victory over Australia liant but erratic performances into the in 2013. dominant force in the Sevens game, culminating in their Rio triumph when “I said from the outset it was they beat Britain in the fi nal to win their important to have continuity country’s fi rst ever Olympic medal. because we need to hit the Ryan stood down from the role after ground running, given the the Olympics and is currently working limited preparation time,” as a consultant. Gatland said “I think over the next couple of months I want to add some specialist Howley, currently leading Wales people in the coaching set-up,” New during Gatland’s sabbatical, will again Zealander Gatland said. “There’s no be the backs coach. Borthwick, cur- rush, it’s just a case of making sure I rently working under Eddie Jones as speak to the right people.” forwards coach for England, will look Gatland, however, declined to con- after the forwards and bring his lineout fi rm that Ryan was among them and expertise to the Lions. laughed off some of the speculation. “I said from the outset it was impor- “Some of the names have been fan- tant to have continuity because we need tastic,” he said. “I haven’t heard of to hit the ground running, given the lim- some of them.” ited preparation time,” Gatland told a The Lions will tour New Zealand Al Sadd’s Raymond McDonald Sykes II (left) in action news conference near Dublin yesterday next June and July, playing three Tests against Al Khor during their Qatar Basketball League as he announced his coaching lineup. and seeking only their second series match at the Al Gharafa SC yesterday. Moustafa Fouda Al Arabi’s Ndour Mame Souleye (third from right) goes for a basket during the match against Al Ahli “In Rob and Andy we have guys who win in the country after their 1971 tri- scored 26 points, Brandon Penn 21 and Sykes 20 in their yesterday. Al Arabi won 66-55, with Souleye scoring 15 points, while Emmanuel Osaro Adako and understand the Lions concept, have umph. They were hammered 3-0 in team’s 77-75 victory. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Adamu Saaka scoring 20 and 19 points respectively. worked together and know how to their last tour their in 2005 under Clive coach a winning Lions team. It’s also Woodward. Gulf Times Thursday, December 8, 2016 11 SPORT

FOCUS WORLD SINGLES BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIPS Team USA’s Via wins AZF welcomes men’s qualifying

hris Via of the United States Sweden fi nished qualifying in a three- averaged 244.25 in the fi nal way tie for fi fth place at 2636 (219.67). four-game block yesterday at Paulsson and his compatriot Hellstrom Qatar Bowling Centre in Doha were the only bowlers from squad 2 in delegation led by toC leap seven spots and win the qualify- the top 10. ing at the men’s World Singles Cham- Raoul Miranda and Yannaphon Lar- pionships. papharat of Thailand were tied for 8th Starting the day in eighth place with place at 2624 (218.67). Rounding out 1742, the two-hander fi red games of the top 10 was Frank Drevenstedt of 266, 236, 248 and 227 for 977 and 2719 Germany with 2615 (217.92). total, an overall average of 226.58 over The 83-player fi eld was split into two Soccerex chairman twelve games. squads, 1 and 2, for the fi rst two blocks Via will the top 32 out of 83 players of four games. After the conclusion of ‘Young athletes in Qatar are very fortunate to be trained in these facilities’ from 47 countries into today’s group the second block, the squads were re- fi nals. As the No. 1 seed, Via will be arranged, so the top male bowlers were seeded atop Group A. assigned to B squad. Peter Hellstrøm of Sweden, who led Three players of A squad bowled the fi eld after two blocks with 1886, their way into the group fi nals. fi nished qualifying with back-to-back AMF World Cup semi-fi nalist Anze games under 200 (194, 183) for 830 to Grabrijan (left) of Slovenia used a 945 fall three pins behind the American to series to leap from 51st to 23 place with second place with 2716 (226.33). Hell- 2516 (209.67). strom is the head of Group B. Ilya Orlov of Kazakhstan toppled 910 Via’s teammate, John Janawicz, pins in the third round to climb from posted a 906 series, including four 45th to 25th place with 2513 (209.42). games between 212 and 235, to remain Starting the day in 59th place and in third place with 2697 (224.75). The 136 pins below the cut line, Mostafa multiple PABCON and USBC Open Almousawi of Kuwait posted games of Championships winner is the top seed 290, 242, 230 and 235 for the fi eld-best in Group C. 997 series (249.25 avg.) to rocket into There was a bigger gap between third 26th place with 2512 (209.33). and fourth place. Annop Arromsaranon Almousawi also received the daily (left) of Thailand was the best bowler of high series award of $300, paid by the the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF) in Qatar Bowling Federation. fourth place with 2642 (220.17). An- Jesper Agerbo of Denmark, who nop, who will lead Group D, rolled an won three gold medals at the European 877 series to easily overtake Belgium’s Championships this year, hit the cut- Mats Maggi, who fell from fourth to off number for 32nd place with 2470 30th place due to a 706 set yesterday. (205.83). The top 32 men will return to Rafi q Ismail of Malaysia, Finland’s Qatar Bowling Centre today at 11 am. Joonas Jahi and Martin Paulsson of (BowlingDigital.com)

AZF representatives take Soccerex chairman Tony Martin on a tour around Aspire Academy.

By Sports Reporter community members. Following the try’s progress as a regional sports hub, The forum featured world-re- Doha tour, offi cials from Aspire Zone Foun- Aspire Zone Foundation aims to at- nowned sporting fi gures including dation joined members of the delega- tract a wide range of visitors including former Barcelona star Xavi, who is a tion in a meeting to discuss bilateral leading experts and professionals in current advisor at Aspire Academy. spire Zone Foundation (AZF) relations in athletics. the fi eld of sports to exchange ideas, Speaking on the occasion, Xavi said, welcomed a high-level del- Praising Aspire Zone’s facilities, expertise and discuss potential coop- “I’m honoured to support Aspire Mostafa Almousawi of Kuwait received the daily high series award of $300 from egation of representatives Martin said, “Aspire Zone has become eration.” Academy’s mission to develop talent- the Qatar Bowling Federation. from international sport- a leading player on the international This visit follows a partnership ed young athletes and the stars of to- ingA organisations to Aspire Zone for a sports arena and should be proud of all agreement signed between Soccerex morrow. The set up here is unique with visit and tour of the facilities. Led by that it has achieved. Young athletes in and Aspire Zone Foundation and its incredible facilities unlike any other in POWERBOATING Soccerex chairman Tony Martin, del- Qatar are very fortunate to be trained member organisations – Aspire Acad- the world. Aspire Academy is making egates travelled to Doha to participate in these world-class facilities, which emy, Aspetar and Aspire Logistics – very real progress in supporting the in the Soccerex Asian Forum 2016. you don’t often see in other parts of ahead of the Asian Forum that fi nished country’s broader sporting aims and They were welcomed to Aspire Zone the world. We’re delighted to have on December 6. ambitions in enabling talented young Grand Prix Of Abu Dhabi by senior offi cials, including, Moham- played a part in supporting the Aspire As part of the partnership, Pro- footballers to fulfi l their potential.” mad al-Kuwari, director of Venues Zone Foundation’s success during the fessor Valter Di Salvo and Stephen Xavi also praised Aspire Academy and Events at Aspire Logistics, Ateeq past fi fteen years, working in close Bourke from Aspire Academy, and graduate Akram Afi f, who has recently gets underway today Sultan, director of Supply Chain, and partnership together in fi ve continents Physiotherapist Nicol van Dyk and Dr. signed with Spanish club Villarreal CF, Nasser Abdullah al-Hajri, director of and more than 60 countries.” Celeste Geertsema from Aspetar par- saying, “Akram Afi f is an inspiration to Agencies of tents, a food court, kids’ zone and a PR and Communications. Highlighting the importance of ticipated in panel discussions at the many young Qataris as he has proven Abu Dhabi spectator village and we want to cre- As part of their visit, delegates were the visit, AZF’s al-Hajri said, “We’re Soccerex Asian Forum 2016, sharing that taking part in European Leagues ate a more social environment for this given a tour of Aspire Zone’s venues, happy to welcome the Soccerex del- their insight and expertise on topics alongside professional players is a re- race. Our team is well prepared and, including Aspire Academy, and were egation to the Aspire Zone in line with such as innovations in sports per- alistic goal and target for athletes who his year’s Grand Prix of Abu hopefully, will also perform on the race briefed about the services and pro- our goal of developing the sporting formance and Aspetar’s approach to truly commit and dedicate themselves Dhabi, the traditional penulti- course and we can celebrate another grammes available to athletes and sector in Qatar. Supporting the coun- protecting players’ health. to hard work and training.” mate round of the UIM F1 H2O achievement this weekend.” World Championship, roars A determined and focused racing Tinto life today with the fi rst of two F4-S manager Guido Cappellini added: “Alex support races and BRM Pole Position (Carella) will try and win this race, that qualifying for the world’s fi nest tunnel is normal. For Team Abu Dhabi this is Police down Ahli in QVA League boat racers. the most important race of the season. Staged on a tricky course off the Abu For one month we have prepared for this Dhabi Breakwater and hosted by the and all the team has been pushing 100 Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports percent for this result. This is our home Club (ADIMSC), the main race has at- race and we need to win to keep open the tracted 19 drivers from 12 nations, World Championship, just in case Chi- including Team Abu Dhabi’s Thani appe (Philippe) has a problem. On every Al-Qamzi and Alex Carella. French- race course pole position is so impor- man Philippe Chiappe of the CTIC F1 tant. Last year, Alex had pole position, Shenzhen China Team leads the F1 H2O he win the race and, unfortunately, had Drivers’ Championship by 13 points a problem near the start. Pole position from the Victory Team’s Shaun Tor- is a big advantage. 80% of the time, pole rente. Carella is fourth in the points’ position takes the race win. That’s why standings behind Finland’s Sami Selio. Thursday afternoon is so important.” Rashed al-Qamzi and Mohamed Al- Teams entered in the UIM F1 H2O Mehairbi will also represent the UAE series were permitted to practice on the capital in a pair of UIM F4-S Trophy course yesterday afternoon, following races, with al-Qamzi closing in on the the completion of administration and prestigious UIM F4-S Trophy title for scrutineering procedures. “It’s a use- the fi rst time. ful session just to shakedown the boat, The racing team runs under the aus- get the feel of the course and check pices of the ADIMSC. everything is working well before we “There is a real buzz around the pit get into the real important things like lane and paddock areas now and it’s qualifying on Thursday,” insisted Team going to be a very exciting two days Abu Dhabi’s Alex Carella, a three-time of racing,” said board member and World Champion. assistant general manager Salem al- After further free practice and F4-S Romeithi. “We didn’t want this event time trials today morning, the fi rst of to be just about the racing. We want the two F4-S races starts at 2pm and to have a carnival-type atmosphere. will be followed by BRM pole position We have marine equipment, a display qualifying at 3.30pm.

Action from the Qatar Volleyball Association League match between Police (in blue) and Al Ahli (in green) yesterday. Police won the match 3-0 (25-21, 25-14, 25-14). PICTURE: Thajudheen Thursday, December 8, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

TABLE TENNIS SPOTLIGHT World’s best in Samsonov shows action at ITTF Grand Finals in age is no barrier Doha from today Samsonov has been ranked among the world’s top 10 for much of the last 20 years By Sports Reporter appearance since winning bronze Doha at Rio 2016, so confi dence will be high for the Japanese superstar. Europe’s hopes rest with Dim- he top 16 men and wom- itrij Ovtcharov of Germany and en from the 2016 ITTF Vladimir Samsonov of Belaurus, World Tour have assem- who will be bidding for their fi rst bled in Doha, Qatar for World Tour Grand Finals crown. theT Seamaster Qatar World Tour In the women’s Olympic Grand Finals, which will be held champion Ding Ning of China, from today till Sunday at the Ali is out to defend her World Tour Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena. Grand Finals title here. The The world’s best players bat- 27-year-old expected it to be a tled through 20 World Tour tough test. events across the globe to gather “All the 16 players have quali- enough points to qualify for the fi ed through many tough tourna- $500,000 season-ending event. ments in 2016, so everyone here As always, all eyes will be on will be strong. I will prepare my World and Olympic champion best for every match, as each Ma Long of China who will be the match will be diffi cult. I am here red-hot favourite to defend the to win, and want desperately to title he won last year in Lisbon. defend my title,” Ding Ning said. The odds for the 28-year-old The Japanese trio of Miu were slashed even more as he was Hirano, Mima Ito and Hina Ha- drawn in the other half of his two yata, fresh from their historic other teammates, world number feat of becoming the Women’s two Fan Zhendong and number Junior World Team Champions three Xu Xin in the draw held earlier in the week are ready to yesterday. This means Ma Long enter back into the senior stage, will not have to face his Chinese after all qualifying for the sea- teammates until the fi nal. son-ending event. Time will tell “I am very happy to avoid my if they can transfer their junior friend Xu Xin in the draw. This is form to senior success in Doha. my last tournament of the year, The ITTF World Tour Grand so I want to fi nish the year of my Finals is the most lucrative table dreams off in style, by winning tennis event on the globe, with the World Tour Grand Finals for only the top 16 men and women the fourth time,” the Rio Olympic players from the 20 World Tour said. events securing their place in Number two seed, 19-year- Doha. The total prize money on old Fan Zhendong, the man that off er is $500,000, the highest Ma Long beat in last year’s World so far for the Grand Finals, with Tour Grand Final, will be out for the singles winners taking home revenge for his 2015 defeat, and $60,000 each. will want to keep up his momen- In addition to the singles tum from winning the Men’s competition, eight men’s and World Cup earlier in the year. women’s doubles pairs and eight Double World Tour Grand Fi- men’s and women’s under 21 nal champion Jun Mizutani (JPN) players will also be in action for is making his fi rst international four days. Former World No. 1 Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus has played in six straight Olympics, from 1996 to 2016, but the medal he most covets still eludes him.

By Sahan Bidappa Tour Grand Finals crown in Doha. ympic Games, he has fallen at either the against No. 3 three Xu Xin of China a Doha “It has been an interesting year, with so fourth round or the quarter-fi nal hur- likely prospect in the quarter-fi nals. many positive things happening for me,” dles, going the distance in each match Samsonov knows he will have to be at his said Samsonov. only to lose in the deciding game. After best to fi nish the year on a high. or Vladimir Samsonov, age is just “I started the year really well. I was six straight Olympics, the medal he most “Only top players are playing here and a number. At 40, the table ten- second in the German Open. I have covets still eludes him. everyone is diffi cult to beat. I won against nis star from Belarus is the old- played quite well for the rest of the year. Not one to look back, Samsonov has Muramatsu in the European league earlier est man on the circuit but quite At the Rio Olympics, I reached the semi- not ruled out playing at his seventh Ol- this year. But it’s a diff erent competition, clearlyF the exuberant of the lot. fi nals for the fi rst time. It was my sixth ympics, in Tokyo in four years’ time. so I should not let my guard down here. In a sport, where Chinese have domi- Olympics and it was the fi rst time I had “I want to win an Olympic medal. One “Against Xu Xin, it’s been a long time nated at every level, from Olympics to managed to reach the last four. It was re- way it was very disappointing not to win since I won against him. It was in 2012. World Championships to Tour level in the ally special, I played some crazy matches, a medal. Few times I was very close to But after that I played him in the quarters last three decades, the former World No. 1 especially in the quarter-fi nals but I suf- reaching the semi-fi nals, and this time last year and it was a close match. I lost Samsonov has carved a place for himself. fered an injury in that match,” he added. I did qualify. On the other hand, if I had 4-2 but I was leading in the sixth set 10-7. Top table tennis players attend the draw ceremony for the World He has been ranked among the world’s As fate would have it, the Belarusian won an Olympic medal, I wouldn’t have Of course now I have to concentrate in the Tour Grand Finals at the Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena yesterday. top 10 for much of the last 20 years, and suff ered a serious rib injury during his played for such a long time. There are two fi rst round then will see what happens,” also holds the distinction with most ITTF quarter-fi nal win over Dimitrij Ovtcharov sides to it,” said Samsonov. Samsonov said. ProTour titles — a whopping 26. of Germany. He struggled to move freely, On the tour, he has been asked many Ever since he took the game, table ten- In Doha for the season-ending ITTF which severely hampered his chances of times about his long playing career and nis has evolved a lot. Balls, for one thing, World Tour Grand Finals, Samsonov is beating his semi-fi nal opponent, China’s Samsonov credited his family for the sup- have become bigger in a bid to slow the one of the season’s top 16 performers in- Zhang Jike. port. game down and make it more spectator- vited for the lucrative tournament, which “I fell and damaged my ribs in the “There are many things that matter. friendly. They are now made using plas- starts today at the Ali bin Hamad al-At- quarters. Though I won that match, I had My family is very important to me. My tic instead of celluloid, while games are tiyah arena. problems to continue. Of course beating wife and children give me a lot of posi- played to 11 points instead of 21 points. In his own words, 2016 has been an in- Zhang is always tough but after my in- tive energy. Of course, I love playing table The sport now favours aggressive play- teresting year for Samsonov. He almost jury I couldn’t play a strong forehand top tennis. There are some goals I have not ers and required players like Samsonov, realised a long-cherished dream at the spin. I had to change something, tacti- achieved yet. You also have to be lucky, who has a more passive style, to adjust Rio Games, when he was at the doorstep cally I had to play a bit slower and more meeting the right people at the right quite a bit. But it’s the never-give-up at- of winning a medal, only to lose in the passively,” said Samsonov. time,” said Samsonov, the father of two titude that has helped the now 40-year- bronze medal play-off to Japan’s Jun Mi- He also failed to recover in time for the sons aged 15 and 10. old not just survive but also shine zutani. But that hasn’t stopped him from bronze medal play-off , leaving his dream In Doha, fi rst up for the Belarusian is amongst the competition. Age is indeed dreaming as he chases his fi rst World in tatters. From the 1996 to the 2012 Ol- Yuto Muramatsu of Japan, with a clash a number.

FOCUS Innovative roof at Khalifa Stadium nears completion n innovative new roof is in the proc- for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and this is wing of the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports ess of being installed at Khalifa Inter- what the team on site is working towards on a Museum, which will form a part of the reno- national Stadium, which will provide daily basis.” vated stadium, while cladding can be seen going more shade to the stands and pitch, After the renovation, the stadium will seat up all around the venue as it moves towards the whileA also letting enough sunlight through to more than 40,000 spectators and will be com- completion stage. the turf for natural growth of the grass. pletely cooled, including the fi eld of play, all Qatar’s historic Khalifa International Sta- The ‘big lift’ operation of the roof is complet- seats and concourses. “When we did the shad- dium is undergoing a comprehensive renovation ed and the installation of the roof membrane are ow analysis we noticed a portion of the southern to meet requirements and standards for FIFA currently ongoing and will continue until early side of the fi eld of play wouldn’t get any sun- World Cup stadiums, which includes adding January, with completion of the stadium reno- light if we used only PTFE. Meanwhile, ETFE a new building to the east wing, construction vation planned for the fi rst quarter of 2017. is a more transparent material that allows more of an Olympic sports museum and building a The main components of the roof membrane than 80% of sunlight to go into the turf,” al-Mu- single roof to cover the whole seating area. The are manufactured in Japan and USA respective- hannadi added. stadium is a proposed host venue for 2022 FIFA ly. A 44,000 m2 membrane made of two mate- Meanwhile, Eng. Mohemed Ahmed, Supreme World Cup Qatar matches through to the quar- rials is being used to achieve FIFA requirements Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Project ter-fi nals. regarding sunlight over the pitch on the fi rst Manager for Khalifa International Stadium and A total of more than fi ve million man-hours proposed host venue for the 2022 FIFA World Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor City, explained: “The have been worked on site without any lost time, Cup Qatar set for completion. design of the roof is a fantastic idea from an en- with site safety a top priority across all con- An intricate net of German and Italian-made gineering perspective. ETFE is a material that is struction activities taking place at Khalifa In- steel tension cables weighing 4,000 tonnes has now becoming popular for this type of use and it ternational Stadium and all SC programme sites. been put up to hold the 92 panels that will make was also used for the Allianz Arena in Munich.” The stadium holds a special place in Qatar up the roof. Both ETFE and PTFE panels were He continued: “The majority of the ring is and the region’s sporting history, hosting some shipped from Japan and USA to Mexico for cut- assembled on the ground and later pulled up in of the most important local, regional and in- ting and welding patterns. what we call the big lift. The inner ring is be- ternational sporting events since it was origi- Engineer Mansoor al-Muhannadi, Kha- ing connected to the two arches using tension nally constructed in 1976. It has hosted the Gulf lifa International Stadium – Project Manager cables. This activity is now completed. And the Cup on two occasions, as well as the FIFA U-20 at Aspire Zone Foundation, said: “We are very inner roof structure starts receiving the actual Youth World Championships in 1995, the 2006 pleased with the progress on site, from the exte- roof membrane.” Doha Asian Games, and international friendly rior parts to the forthcoming installation of the The external cladding and fi rst LED screens matches between some of the top football teams new roof structure. It will be a proud moment are also coming up around the exterior of Khalifa in the world. In 2019, the stadium will also host for everyone in the team when the construction International Stadium. The installation of LED the IAAF Athletics World Championships. is completed for the fi rst proposed host venue screens has been taking place on the entrance www.sc.qa