SPORT Thursday 22 November 2018 PAGE | 08 PAGE | 11 Farewells Mbappe’s abound in shoulder injury season-ending overshadows F1 race France’s win beIN welcomes FIFA World Cup Trophy to mark 2022 countdown THE PENINSULA Several beIN star and guests including 2010 World DOHA presenters and guests Cup winner and Barcelona including 2010 World legend Xavi Hernandez, 2010 To mark the countdown to the 2022 runner-up and Dutch legend FIFA World Cup in Qatar, beIN Cup winner and Wesley Sneijder, celebrated hosted a special day of programs Barcelona legend manager Arsene Wenger and yesterday with the world’s most Xavi Hernandez, 2010 others shared their insights on recognised trophy present at the runner-up and Dutch some of the most memorable channel’s headquarters in Doha. legend Wesley Sneijder, World Cup matches in recent The FIFA World Cup Trophy, history. celebrated manager beIN presenters hosting which was presented to the A documentary on Qatar a special programme French team in Russia last Arsene Wenger and 2022 was also broadcasted on summer, was first unveiled at the others shared their to mark the four-year beIN’s free to air channel which 1974 edition of the event held in insights on some of the countdown to the 2022 hosted beIN stars Ayman Jadah, Germany. most memorable World FIFA World Cup to be Yousef Seif, Hisham Al Khalsi, held in Qatar. Viewers from around the Cup matches in recent and Hafid Derradji who dis- beIN world tuned in to SPORTS history. cussed their memorable experi- HD1 and its free-to-air channel ences covering previous FIFA as it dedicated 24 hours of non- football players, who featured in World Cups. stop exclusive reports, FIFA doc- the competition, was broadcasted beIN is the official broad- umentaries, stadium site visits along with FIFA films that International Airport, Qatar Rail and closer. Secretary-General of the caster for the 2022 FIFA World and interviews across their included World Cup matches and the state-of-the-art sta- “Qatar 2022: The Countdown Supreme Committee for Delivery Cup Qatar and the 2026 FIFA English and Arabic Channels on from 1978 to 2018. diums including the revamped is On” show was broadcasted on and Legacy, who updated viewers World Cup in the Middle East their dedicated 4K channels and The Morning Show was also Khalifa International Stadium all the beIN SPORTS channels on the latest developments on and North Africa (MENA), having social media platforms. broadcast live from Doha, fea- to give viewers a glimpse into and featured the 2018 FIFA World Qatar’s preparation for the big started its journey as the official “Arabs in World Cup”, a doc- turing exclusive interviews and what to expect as the Qatar Cup Trophy as well as guests such event. broadcaster since the 2010 FIFA umentary on legendary Arab coverage from Hamad 2022 tournament draws closer as Hassan Al Thawadi, the Several beIN star presenters World Cup. Neymar goes off injured as Brazil beat Cameroon 1-0 in friendly

AFP appearance to secure victory for “He felt discomfort,” Lasmar Fabrice Ondoa almost gifted MILTON KEYNES, BRITAIN the Selecao. told reporters. “He will need a Brazil a second when Ederson A mixture of cheers and bit more time to evaluate it and cleared downfield and the Cam- Neymar could be an injury jeers welcomed Neymar, his take a scan, but in principle it is eroon substitute goalkeeper doubt for Paris Saint-Germain’s World Cup theatrics in Russia not a serious injury.” came 30 metres out of goal and Champions League clash with providing ammunition for his Richarlison appeared dan- collided with Yaya Banana. Man- Liverpool next week after detractors. gerous from the moment he was chester City’s Gabriel Jesus, on limping off during Brazil’s 1-0 And there was little sym- introduced and Roberto Firmino for Firmino, was through, but friendly win over Cameroon on pathy when the star attraction went close three times. The Liv- could only hit the post from a Tuesday. went off after making little erpool striker almost turned in tight angle. Jesus’s City team- The forward suffered an impact. Willian’s cross but Andre Onana mate Danilo shot just wide soon apparent groin problem and He sought treatment after made a fine instinctive save. afterwards and Barcelona mid- was replaced in the eighth five minutes and returned to Firmino next sent a free header fielder Arthur next struck the top minute, to boos from the crowd send a curling right-footed shot wide from Richarlison’s cross of the crossbar from 25 metres. Brazil’s Neymar (right) in the central English town of high and wide within a minute. and was then denied by the PSG host Liverpool at the leaves the field after Milton Keynes. He immediately collapsed goalkeeper from point-blank Parc des Princes on November getting injured during Everton’s Richarlison, Ney- before being replaced. range. 28, with all four sides in Group their friendly match mar’s replacement, headed in But Brazil team doctor Richarlison scored from the C still in with a chance of qual- against Cameroon on on the stroke of half-time for Rodrigo Lasmar played down resulting corner, powerfully ifying for the Champions League Tuesday. his third Brazil goal on his sixth fears of a serious problem. heading in Willian’s set-piece. knockout stages. Qatar keen to improve squash at the grassroots level: Hee

ARMSTRONG VAS “We went to hope have more of squash and I am very thankful THE PENINSULA players like Abdulla Al Tamimi that Qatar Rail has come forward to playing at the highest level. Having support squash. This is a move Qatar’s squash coach Ong Beng Hee Tamimi playing at the highest level which will help squash immensely yesterday said work is in progress is an advantage for us as the Qatari in Qatar,” Hee, who won gold to increase the player-base in the youngsters have someone of their medals at two Asian Games in 2002 country and to scout for ‘exciting own as an idol to emulate,” Hee, and 2006 besides four Asian Cham- young’ talent like Abdulla Al Tamimi. who once reached a career high pionships, said. The Malaysian-born, who took ranking of World No.7, said. Explaining further, Hee said the over the mantle of Qatar coach last Praising the rise of Al Tamimi QTSBF Qatar Rail Squash Team year, said the Qatar Tennis, Squash on the PSA Tour circuit, who now is League format will keep the Qatari and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) now ranked 23 in the world, Hee players focussed and hungry for has charted out a master-plan to said: “To be among one of the top success at the international level. promote squash among school- Ong Beng Hee players from a small country like “We have six teams competing children and teachers. Qatar is quite an achievement. He in the league. Each team comprises Al Tamimi, 24, won the Hee retired from the game in has done an amazing job. We want of six players, out of which one is a Malaysian Open earlier this year. He 2015 and served for two years as him to break into the top-10, top-5 reserve players and we play matches remains Qatar’s top player, having coach of the Malaysian national or may be the top ranked player at once a week and we have ensured appeared in dozens of tournaments team before moving to Qatar. one point of point in the future.” that the format is such that matches around the world. The Malaysian said QTSBF is The national team coach - who are played on equal footing - same “We aim to reach out to all the focussed on increasing the number won 11 Professional Squash Associ- age and ability,” he said. schools in Qatar as we aim to use of squash players in Qatar. ation Tour titles in 19 final appear- “The top national players were next year’s World Championship in “We want to attract more Qatari ances - said the newly-launched not playing against each other fre- Qatar as an opportunity to promote students to the game and that is our QTSBF Qatar Rail Squash Team quently and we needed a compe- squash with much vigour,” Hee told top priority. We are not a big sport League will serve as an ideal tition and the league serves that The Peninsula in an exclusive chat. like tennis, football or athletics so platform for the young players to purpose. We are trying to make it “We aim to concentrate on the we need to do a lot of homework showcase their talent and will help competitive and create some energy schools as we have realised that to promote and educate the stu- federation to identity talent and in the League,” Hee said. there are many students and schools dents, the teachers and the general groom them for international “Next year we may invite more which do not know much about public,” Hee pointed out. challenges. players from outside the Qatari com- squash. I feel it is very important to The plan, the Malaysian said, is “The QTSBF Qatar Rail Squash munity. This year we are focussed promote this game,” added the to have more players like Al Tamimi Team League is one good thing on the Aspire Academy trainees and 38-year-old. representing Qatar at the top level. which has happened for the game our national team players,” Hee said. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2018 F1 farewells abound in season-ending race REUTERS I have won more races than I dreamed of when I Force India’s Esteban Ocon, is STATISTICS FOR THE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX LONDON came here and this part of my career is done - it was a chasing his season’s hat-trick of Lap distance: 5.554km. Total distance: 305.355 km (55 laps) success: Fernando Alonso wins. Saturday also represents Champions Fernando Alonso and Verstappen’s last chance to 2017 pole: Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Mercedes, one minute 36.231 seconds Kimi Raikkonen will be saying become the youngest driver, at 2017 winner: Bottas farewell under the Abu Dhabi The championship pressure is off, so we can look 21, to secure a pole position. The Race lap record: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Red Bull, 2009 1:40.279 floodlights this weekend - the at this as one race where we can really go for broke: Dutch driver is also just three Start time: 1310 GMT (1510 local) Spaniard to Formula One and the Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. points behind Mercedes’ Valtteri TITLES Finn to Ferrari. Bottas in the drivers’ standings. Both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles have been decided, with Lewis Hamilton and his With both titles won by Mer- For Bottas, last year’s race Mercedes team each winning their fifth. cedes and Lewis Hamilton, each winner, Sunday will be a last Hamilton is only the third driver to win five titles, after the late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio celebrating their fifth, the focus The winner of 32 Grands lot of love.” chance to avoid a winless and seven times champion Michael Schumacher. of the season-ending race has Prix, including Monaco twice, Dutch team-mate Max Ver- season in a car that has taken Mercedes are the second team after Ferrari (1999-2004) to win five drivers and constructors’ switched to those who are Alonso won the 24 Hours of Le stappen, in the headlines after both titles. championships in a row. moving on - even if only around Mans this year with Toyota and Brazil for an altercation with “The championship pressure the paddock. is now targeting the Indianapolis is off,off, so we can look at this asas The season will still rank as Mercedes’ least successful since 2013, since they can win a Raikkonen’s speechh is 500500 with McLaren to completecomplete one race where we can really go maximum of 11 races. They won 16 in 2014 and 2015, 19 in 2016 and 12 last year. unlikely to be long or emotional,onal, thethe ‘tri‘tripleple crown ofof for broke,” said Mercedes teamteam ABU DHABI Ferrari’s 2007 champion gen-gen- motorsport’.motorsport’. boss Toto Wolff.Wolff. Ferrari have yet to win in Abu Dhabi, a circuit next door to Ferrari World theme park. Mercedes erally preferring to say lesss and McLarenMcLaren teteam-mateam-mate With the toptop half of tthehe have won the last four editions of the race. do more, but the 39-year-oldd will StoffelStoffel VVandoorneandoorne isis alsoalso standings effectively decided, thethe The sport’s first day-to-night race is in its 10th edition this year. Cars hit top speeds of 320kph be back in Sauber overalls next bowingbowing out, hheadedeaded fforor a mainmain bbattleattle is bbetweenetween McLaren, with an average of around 195kph on an anti-clockwise layout. year. newnew startstart in thethe electricelectric Force IndiaIndia,, Sauber and Toro Four of the current drivers have won in Abu Dhabi: Vettel (2009, 2010 and 2013), Hamilton Sunday looks realisticallycally FormulaFormula E Rosso for points and prizeprize (2011, 2014, 2016), Raikkonen (2012), Bottas (2017). like the Finn’s last shot at victory,ctory, series,series, whilewhile money.money. Four of nine races to date at Yas Marina have been won from pole position: Vettel in 2010, and success at Yas Marina wouldwould MarcusM arcus FormulaFormula TwoTwo will alsoalso ccrownrown when he became the youngest champion at 23, Nico Rosberg in 2015, Hamilton in 2016 and Bottas be a first for Ferrari who havehave EricssonEricsson willwill a new champion,champion, witwithh Williams-Williams- last year. not won any of the nine previousvious switchswitch to bound British yyoungsteroungster GeorGeorgege RACE WINS editions of the race at a circuitrcuit IIndyCarndyCar after Russell 37 points clear of British-British- Hamilton has 10 wins this season to Vettel’s five. Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstap- often short on thrills. rrelinquishingelinquishing hishis born Thai racer AlexandeAlexanderr pen have two each and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen one. Alonso’s exit - announceded in SauberSauber seat. AlbonAlbon wiwithth 4488 to be wwon.on. August and much talked aboutabout Monaco’s CharlesCharles Sunday is Valtteri Bottas’s last chance to avoid a winless season in a championship-winning since then - is likely to be pper-er- LeclercLeclerc is startingstarting hishis lastlast car. The last driver that happened to was Australian Mark Webber alongside manent and his absence willill bebe race forfor SauberSauber beforebefore joining Vettel at Red Bull in 2013. felt even if he has been scrappingpping FerrariFerrari as Raikkonen’sRaikkonen’s Hamilton has 72 victories from 228 races and is second in the all-time list behind Schu- only for meagre points witwithh replacementreplacement alongsidealongside Fernando Alonso macher (91). Vettel, third on the all-time list, has 52. McLaren of late. SebastianSebastian VetteVettel.l. Ferrari have won 235 races since 1950, McLaren 182, Williams 114, Mercedes 86 and Red Bull The two times worldworld AustralianAustralian DanieDaniell RicciarRicciardodo 59. Former champions McLaren and Williams have not won since 2012. champion might have had mmoreore has his 150th racerace,, all within the FAREWELLS titles to his name with betteretter RedRed Bull family, to celebratecelebrate Abu Dhabi will see a number of farewells. fortune and more astute careerareer beforebefore saying hhisis own googoodbyesdbyes Spain’s double world champion Fernando Alonso is leaving Formula One, to race with McLaren moves but he has remainedned a andand starting afreshafresh at Renault.Renault. at Indianapolis and Toyota at Le Mans next year. racer to the end, even inn an “I’m“I’m yetyet to getget an AbuAbu DhabiDhabi Belgian team mate Stoffel Vandoorne is leaving McLaren for Formula E. uncompetitive car. podium,podium, but that would be a Sunday will be Marcus Ericsson’s last race for Sauber. “I have won more races thanthan prettypretty awesome wayway to end my Australian Daniel Ricciardo, joining Renault, says farewell to Red Bull - who say goodbye to I dreamed of when I came hhereere stint withwith ReRedd BullBull anandd to enendd thethe Renault engines and welcome Honda in 2019. Spaniard Carlos Sainz bows out of Renault for McLaren. and this part of my career is ddoneone season,”season,” hhee said.said. - it was a success,” the 37-year-year- “I’m sure it’s ggoingoing to be Pierre Gasly wraps up his time at Toro Rosso before joining Red Bull. It is likely also to be Lance old told ESPN. emotionalemotional afterwards, especialespeciallyly Stroll’s final race for Williams.

“I have ticked the box. I needneed whenwhen I crosscross thethe lineline forfor thethe lastlast It will be Kimi Raikkonen’s farewell to Ferrari, and replacement Charles Leclerc’s send to go for another tick and findfind timetime witwithh thethe team. But I’m going off from Sauber. another box to fill.” therethere gugunsns aa-blazing,-blazing, shshowingowing a Pacquiao, trainer Roach at Green guides Raptors to win over Orlando loggerheads over reunion AFP character and maturity and WASHINGTON somehow find a way to execute. AFP speak to Freddie. I was busy in We did that.” LOS ANGELES the Philippines. Danny Green sank a jump shot The Portland Trail Blazers “I don’t even have time to with half a second remaining seized the lead in the Western Filipino boxing legend Manny come to United States for a on Tuesday to lift the Toronto Conference with a 118-114 Pacquiao said on Tuesday he vacation for relaxation. It’s really Raptors over the Orlando Magic victory at New York, improving hopes to be reunited with long- busy being a Senator.” Pacquiao, 93-91 and into the Eastern Con- to 12-5, one game ahead of time trainer Freddie Roach for who turns 40 next month, has ference lead. Memphis and defending his January bout against Adrien not fought in the United States Winning the dramatic champion Golden State. Broner but admitted he had not for two years. Florida match up improved the CJ McCollum scored 31 spoken to the veteran cor- His last bout in Las Vegas in Raptors to 14-4 overall, a points and Damian Lillard nerman about renewing their 2016 was a convincing victory league-best 7-2 on the road and added 29 points and eight partnership. over Timothy Bradley that had one game ahead of Milwaukee assists to lead the Trail Blazers Pacquiao ended a 16-year been billed as his retirement atop the East. while Tim Hardaway Jr. had a association with Roach ahead of fight. Pacquiao, however, said Kawhi Leonard led the game-high 32 points for the his victory over Lucas Matthyse that “loneliness” had prompted Raptors with 18 points while Knicks, who lost their sixth in Kuala Lumpur in July, him to return to the ring. Pascal Siakam added 15, Spain’s game in a row. breaking up one of boxing’s most “When I stopped boxing I Serge Ibaka added 14 and Green At Miami, Brooklyn’s famous double-acts. just realised after watching some finished with 13. D’Angelo Russell scored 20 However, the 39-year-old fights, I feel so lonely,” Pacquiao An Ibaka jumper put points to lead six Nets scorers raised eyebrows during a press said. Toronto ahead 91-89 but the in double figures in a 104-92 conference in New York on “Despite my work in the Magic equalised on a dunk with victory over the Heat. Monday when he said Roach Senate as a public servant, I 2.3 seconds remaining in the Hassan Whiteside had would be back in his corner for really miss boxing. I feel lonely. fourth quarter by Evan game highs of 21 points and 23 his January 19 fight against Boxing is my passion, I grew up Fournier, who led Orlando with rebounds in a losing cause. Manny Pacquiao (left) and Adrien Broner face off during a press Broner in Las Vegas. in boxing.” 27 points. The Washington Wizards, conference at Gotham Hall in preparation for their upcoming Roach though expressed Pacquiao, 60-7 with two But that only set the stage playing without injured centre match on Monday in New York City. The match is set to take place bemusement about Pacquiao’s drawn and 39 knockouts in a for Green’s last-second heroics. Dwight Howard, rallied from a announcement in remarks to on January 19, 2019 in Las Vegas. career that began in 1995, said “I just got a good look and 24-point first-half deficit with Sports Illustrated, saying he had he still hopes to negotiate a got the shot up. Luckily it went a stunning second-half revival not been in contact with his When asked to clarify the niques, or anything like that.” rematch of his 2015 superfight in,” Green said. to defeat the visiting Los former protege. situation, Pacquiao said he Pacquiao said he plans to with Floyd Mayweather. “We wanted to show some Angeles Clippers 125-118. “I still have never directly hoped Roach would work as a divide his training camp into two Mayweather, who won a spoken to Manny (since 2017),” “supervisor”, with long-time parts, with the first half taking fight widely regarded as a Roach said. associate Buboy Fernandez place in the Philippines and the letdown, has frequently teased “I’m not going to make a taking a lead role in training. final part in the United States. the possibility from his move until Manny calls me. I’ve “I don’t have any problem He said Roach would play retirement. Pacquiao said any been like a father to Manny for with Freddie Roach,” Pacquiao no part in the Philippines leg of move for a rematch would have 15 years. If he can’t call me, there said at a media roundtable. his training camp. to come from Mayweather. will be no deal.” “All I say is that I think the “He can just wait here,” he other work in training should be said. “I’ll be here next month in assigned or designated to Buboy. December.” “Freddie can supervise or If Pacquiao and Roach are instruct Buboy, this is what we’re reunited, it will come after a I don’t have any going to do.” striking and pronounced I’m not going to make problem with Freddie When pressed on whether divorce. Despite the father-son he had spoken to Roach like bond they had shared for a move until Manny Roach. All I say is however, Pacquiao admitted over a decade, Pacquiao said he calls me. I’ve been like that I think the other that there had been no contact. could not remember the last a father to Manny for work in training “We have scheduled to talk time he spoke to Roach, blaming 15 years. If he can’t should be assigned or today,” he said. demands of his role as a Senator “My idea is to let Buboy in the Philippines for the rupture. call me, there will designated to Buboy. handle the mitts, and (Freddie) “It’s been a long time ago,” be no deal: Trainer Toronto Raptors’ players celebrate after the game winning basket Manny Pacquiao should just supervise and correct Pacquiao said. Freddie Roach against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday in Florida, USA. the training situation, or tech- “A long time ago that I didn’t THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 09

Globe-trotting France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (left) shares a light moment with team captain Yannick Kuchar seeks Noah during a training session at The Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve second World d’Ascq yesterday. Cup of Golf title this week

REUTERS MELBOURNE

Matt Kuchar will hope to end a globe-trotting month with a second World Cup of Golf title in Melbourne on Sunday as he spearheads a low- profile United States team at the $7m tournament. The eight-times PGA winner, who paired up with Gary Woodland to claim the 2011 tournament in south Phil Mickelson (left) and Tiger Woods (right) pose for a photo during a press conference before The China, will partner Kyle Noah taking no chances Match: Tiger vs Phil golf match at Shadow Creek Golf Course. Stanley at the biennial event against 27 other two-man teams. ahead of Davis Cup final Win over Woods is worth Starting the month at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas, AP more than $9m: Mickelson Kuchar picked up a drought- PARIS breaking win at the May- akoba Classic in Mexico Laid-back in everyday life, Yannick Noah is meticulous when REUTERS baiting that is part of boxing and UFC promotions before warming up for the it comes to being a tennis coach. LAS VEGAS were left sadly disappointed as the news con- World Cup with a share of So over the last 10 days, the France captain has been paying ference turned into a love-in. 23rd at the Australian Open close attention to anything that could derail his team’s chances Bragging rights will be worth more than the $9m The 42-year-old Woods and Mickelson, 48, in Sydney. of winning an 11th Davis Cup title against Croatia this weekend. prize money to Phil Mickelson when he takes on spent so much time lavishing praise on each other While most of his compa- “The most important thing was to spend as much time as Tiger Woods in an 18-hole winner-takes-all pay- that it was hard to remember there was time when triots rest up for the Thanks- possible together thinking about this final,” said Noah, who per-view showdown in Las Vegas. they actually disliked each other. giving holiday, Kuchar will summoned his players for a demanding training camp in For two of the world’s richest athletes the Even an attempt to end the news conference instead tee off with Stanley northern France about two weeks ahead of the final. prospect of pocketing millions for playing an with a traditional boxing nose-to-nose stare down against a solid Australian “We could have imagined a training camp in Paris. Once afternoon round at Shadow Creek Golf Club ended in farce with neither man able to keep a team featuring Marc the day is over, everybody gets back home,” Noah said. tomorrow may not set the heart racing. straight face for more than a few seconds before Leishman and Cameron “In fact, you lose your focus. Here, as soon as we woke up, But for Mickelson the thought of forever being breaking into laughs and a hug. Smith. we were in the final. When we started to run in the morning, able to wave that cheque in Woods’ face was “He’s one of the greatest players to ever pick Kuchar felt energetic it was still dark, but we were already in the final. During our something priceless that left him giddy with up a golf club,” said Woods, the winner of 14 major enough to have a hit of tennis meals, we thought about the final.” excitement ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday titles. with his family earlier in the Noah guided France to Davis Cup titles in 1991, 1996 and clash. “Greatest of all time,” replied Mickelson, who week at Melbourne Park, the 2017, but he will step down after this weekend and Amelie “It’s great to win the $9 million but I just don’t has five majors in his trophy case. venue of the Australian Open Mauresmo will take over. want to lose to him and give him the satisfaction One aspect of the event not manufactured is grand slam, and shrugged off Since he returned to captain France in 2016, Noah has been because the bragging rights are what is going to the competitiveness Woods and Mickelson bring any notion of fatigue. rewarded with success. be even worse than the money,” Mickelson said to the golf course. “This is week four in a Despite a drop in individual performances, Noah’s players at a news conference yesterday to drum up interest The showdown will be highlighted by several row, but that’s not atypical for have reached the Davis Cup semifinals every year during his in “The Match”. side bets and Mickelson wasted no time throwing me,” the 40-year-old told most recent stint, losing only once to Croatia in 2016. “Every time I see you I want to be able to rub down the gauntlet by betting Woods $100,000 reporters after playing the They won the title against Belgium last year and now have it in. I want to sit in the Champions locker room that he would birdie the first hole. pro-am on Wednesday. the chance to conquer the last final played in its traditional at Augusta and talk smack. I want that.” Woods took the bait but not before upping the “It’s been a fun travel, format. Beginning next year, the top team event in men’s tennis That was about as close as Woods and Mick- ante, telling Mickelson, “Why not $200,000”. taken me to some great will be decided with a season-ending, 18-team tournament at elson, two of the most fascinating and successful “So you think you can make birdie on the first places. a neutral site. golfers of their generation, came to trading shots hole,” said Woods smiling. “Double it.” “And I think when you’re “We’ve got a unique chance, which will never happen again, as they attempted to help sell the pay-per-view The biggest bet being put down, however, is excited to be somewhere, to play a Davis Cup final at home,” Noah said. “We fought for duel which can be seen for a modest $19.99. the one made by WarnerMedia and Turner Sports you’ve got tons of energy,” he this chance throughout the year. Not only for the team, but Despite their best efforts the obligatory trash who are gambling there is enough interest to make said. also for the event. Most of us have been obsessed by (this final). talk around the golfing cage match has been forced the unique pay-per-view event a success. The tournament boasts an We want to make sure we are on top of all the things that can and limp. “This is me versus him, this is winner take all honour roll of winners be controlled. Then there will be the craziness of the match.” Fifteen years ago the dislike was real and pal- and it has a unique special feel golf doesn’t have including Jack Nicklaus, Gary The Croats are favoured to claim a second title after their atable, the jabs they took at each other stung. But all the time or rarely has ever had if ever,” said Player and Tiger Woods from team became the first unseeded nation to win the 2005 Davis that once frosty relationship has thawed to the Mickelson. “I am hopeful that this is received well, its previous 58 editions but Cup by defeating Slovakia. point that they play practice rounds together. I am hopeful we provide a glimpse into the future has struggled for relevance in While French players have been struggling individually Anyone expecting the sort of foul mouth of what sport-watching is all about.” an increasingly crowded over the last 12 months - Lucas Pouille is the best ranked international calendar. Frenchman in Noah’s team at No. 32 - Croatia will be led by World number 21 seventh-ranked Marin Cilic, who qualified for the ATP Finals Mother Nature Leishman is the highest this month after a consistent season. ranked player in a modest In singles, Cilic will be backed by No. 12 Borna Coric. doing World field at Metropolitan this year. The final will be played on clay under the retractable roof However, England duo of the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille and Cilic might struggle Cup of Golf no Ian Poulter and Tyrell Hatton to adapt to the slow surface, having competed on hard court promise to bring a sprinkling last week in London. early favours of Ryder Cup passion nearly “I will be ready,” Cilic said. “We had Davis Cup ties already two months after crushing the on clay immediately after hard court tournaments. I believe United States in France as I’m going to be fine, adjusting my play, a bit more of sliding, REUTERS part of team Europe. running. The conditions (on) indoor clay are slightly faster than MELBOURNE “We played the Ryder outdoor clay. I will be fine.” Cup only a few weeks ago,” Pouille wrapped up France’s 10th Davis Cup title last year The World Cup of Golf is getting said Poulter, a huge fan of by winning the decisive point against Belgium in the final. In an early taste of Melbourne’s Melbourne’s Sandbelt the absence of Richard Gasquet, Gael Monfils and Gilles Simon, fickle weather. courses. he will play in singles while Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who has been Organizers of the 28-team Team England’s Tyrrell Hatton (left) and Ian Poulter speak during “Not that we were paired sidelined with a knee injury for most of the season, is likely to event at Metropolitan Golf Club a press conference after a practice round at the World Cup of Golf together, but obviously team be used as France’s No. 2. Noah has also the option of fielding have moved up tee times by an in Melbourne yesterday. events don’t happen enough... Jeremy Chardy. In doubles, France has the better team with hour for today’s first round of and it’s great to go out and French Open champions Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues the 72-hole stroke-play tour- rounds each. worked and what didn’t work, play in this format.” Herbert, who reached the final at the ATP Finals. nament that features fourballs Heavy rain is in the forecast mainly what worked,” Kjeldsen England will tee off This year’s Davis Cup final has a familiar ring to it, at least (best ball) and foursomes beginning in the early afternoon said yesterday. against Denmark’s title- for fans of soccer. France defeated Croatia 4-2 in the World (alternate shot) over two today. Yesterday was mostly “I think we’ve got a good defending duo Thorbjorn Cup final in July. Croatia captain Zeljko Krajan said his team sunny after a big storm hit the idea what we need to do, but like Olesen and Soren Kjeldsen, did not receive any encouraging messages from the country’s course on Tuesday evening, Thorbjorn says, it’s going to be who won at nearby Kingston soccer players but added “they will be happy if we (avenge) bringing with it hail, high winds very difficult. I think there are a Heath Golf Club in 2016. the World Cup final.” and plenty of rain. lot of strong teams this year as Teams play four-ball for The forecast is even worse well.” the first and third days of the Davis Cup champions since 2000 for tomorrow, with cool tem- Stanley said he’s not too 72-hole strokeplay event, Read under as year, winning team, scores, runners-up, city and country: peratures and more rain. worried about the weather. with foursomes on the second 2000 ...... Spain 3–1 ...... Australia, Barcelona, Spain Teams from Malaysia and “It’s one of the best golf and final days. 2001 ...... France 3–2 . . Australia, Melbourne, Australia Zimbabwe will tee off in the courses in the world so it’s a Weather conditions are 2002 ...... Russia 3–2 ...... France, Paris, France fourballs competition on great venue for this week,” he likely to test the players’ 2003 ...... Australia 3–1 . . . . . Spain, Melbourne, Australia Thursday at 7:20 a.m. with the said. “I know we’ve got a little patience, with a thunder top-ranked teams of Australia weather coming in but I live in storm forecast for early in 2004 ...... Spain 3–2 ...... US, Seville, Spain (Marc Leishman and Cameron Seattle so that’s no big deal for today’s opening round, and 2005 ...... Croatia 3–2 . . . . Slovakia, Bratislava, Slovakia Smith) and the United States me.” showers to continue into the 2006...... Russia 3–2 ...... Argentina, Moscow, Russia (Matt Kuchar and Kyle Stanley) Martin Kaymer, who will weekend. 2007 ...... US 4–1 ...... Russia, Portland, US off last about three hours later. represent Germany with World number 30 2008...... Spain 3–1 Argentina, Mar del Plata, Argentina Soren Kjeldsen and Thor- Maximilian Kieffer, was in the Stanley, who will be looking 2009...... Spain 5–0 . . . . C Republic, Barcelona, Spain Maximilian bjorn Olesen, who won the title same frame of mind. to land a 25th World Cup title 2010 ...... Serbia 3–2 ...... France, Belgrade, Serbia Kieffer of for Denmark by four strokes two “The weather forecast is for the United States, said he 2011 ...... Spain 3–1 ...... Argentina, Seville, Spain Germany years ago at nearby Kingston what it is and we all have an would have no problem with 2012 ...... Czech Republic 3–2 . . . Spain, Prague, Czech Republic watches his Heath, are back for another umbrella and rain gear so off that. 2013 ...... Czech Republic 3–2 ...... Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia tee shot in attempt to win on a sandbelt we go,” Kaymer said. The “I know we’ve got a little 2014 ...... Switzerland 3–1 ...... France, Lille, France Melbourne course in southeast format will switch to weather coming in, but I live 2015 ...... Great Britain 3–1 ...... Belgium, Ghent, Belgium yesterday. Melbourne. foursomes tomorrow and in Seattle, so that’s no big deal 2016 ...... Argentina 3–2 ...... Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia “Obviously we’ve picked up Sunday, with Saturday for me,” he told reporters 2017 ...... France 3–2 ...... Belgium, Lille, France a few things two years ago, what returning to fourballs. with a huge smile on his face. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2018 Stage set for show jumping gala

THE PENINSULA Al Rumaihi, 34, guided DOHA Bolandro to win the 135 cm class in an impressive The three-day QNB Qatar manner and later grabbed the International Show Jumping top prize of €3,360 in the Championship will kick off at feature class - the Grand Prix QEF’s Outdoor Arena from astride his reliable gelding today. Vivaldi K. The two-star event will Less than 24 hours after carry an overall prize bag of winning the feature event of €51,000 and a total of 9 com- the penultimate day, the Al petitions across the three-day Rumaihi-Vivaldi K combi- event co-hosted by Qatar nation outclassed a star- Equestrian Federation (QEF) studded line-up of local and and Al Shaqab. international riders in the Top Qatari entries will be Grand Prix which also served joined by riders from as one of the qualifying Canada, France, Jordan and rounds of the Arab League for Morocco, organisers said the 2018 World Cup. yesterday. This week’s event follows after the hosting of the Al Rayyan International Show Jumping Championship last week. Last week, Qatari rider Mubarak bin Yousef Al Rumaihi enjoyed a special event when he won five competitions. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) yesterday confirmed that a number of family activities have been outlined during the three-day event. A huge crowd was present for last week’s Al Rayyan QNB QATAR INTERNATIONAL SHOW JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP International Show Jumping Championship. Riders taking Today’ s Schedule To follow last week’s part in the 3:30 - 5:15 Class 1 Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 , Max. 115 cm , 2 Horses per athlete, 350 m/min, €4,000; pattern, two of the competi- practice session 6:00 - 5:05 Class 2 Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1, Max. 120/130 cm, 2 Horses per athlete, 350 m/min | tions this week will include a on the eve of €5,000 qualifier for the FEI World 7:50 - 8:15 Class 3 Two Phases FEI Art. 274.5.3, Max. 140 cm, 2 Horses per athlete, 350 m/min, €7,000 the three-day Friday Cup™ tomorrow and the QNB Qatar 2:00 - 4:00 Class 4 Table A, Against the clock with jump off - FEI Art. 238.2.2, Max. 115 cm,2 Horses per athlete, 350 Grand Prix on Saturday. International m/min, €5,000 The Grand Prix on Sat- Show Jumping 5:00 - 6:15 Class 5 Table A, Against the clock with Jump Off FEI Art. 238.2.2, Max. 130 cm, 2 Horses per athlete, 350 urday will carry a prize bag Championship m/min, €6,000 of €12,000. which will kick 7:00 - 7:30 Class 6 Qualifying competition for the FEI World Cup competition number.9, Table A, Against the clock FEI Five days ago, Qatari off at QEF’s Art. 238.2.1, Max. 145 cm, 2 Horses per athlete, 350 m/min, €8,000 Saturday show jumping star Al Rumaihi Outdoor Arena. sealed his supremacy at the 2:00 - 3:40 Class 7 Two Phases FEI Art. 274.5.3, Max. 120 cm, 2 Horses per athlete, 350 m/min, €6,000 4:25 - 5:15 Class 8 Two Phases FEI Art. 274.5.3, Max. 135 cm, 2 Horse per athlete, 375 m/min, €8,000 2018 Al Rayyan International 6:00 - 7:00 Class 9 GRAND PRIX - World Cup Competition, Two Rounds FEI Art. 273.3.3.1 & 273.4.3 + 273.2.2 + Annex

Show Jumping Championship D FEI World Cup Arab League rules + Annex VIII art 6, Min 145 - Max. 160 cm, 1 Horse per athlete, 350 m/min, €12,000 when he scooped a double at | LR (Group E) QEF’s Outdoor Arena.

Kahn tipped to be Bayern’s Qatar maintain impressive run next president, says report at Arab Shooting Championship AFP BERLIN THE PENINSULA DOHA Former Germany captain Oliver Kahn is emerging as Qatar shooting team con- the favourite to be the next tinued its impressive run in president of Bayern Munich the 14th edition of Arab -- 15 years after he first put Shooting Championship 2018 himself forward for the job. to win seven medals at Losail In 2003, while he was still Shooting complex in Doha on keeping goal for Bayern and Tuesday . Germany, Kahn said in an In rifle 50m, Kuwait’s interview that he “could not shooter Turki Al Shamari imagine a better man than claimed the gold medal me” to one day take charge ahead of Oman’s Ibrahim Al of Bayern. Moqbali. While in the Current Bayern president women’s rifle 50m, Qatar Uli Hoeness, 66, is due for re- Aisha Al Suwaidi clinched election in November 2019. the first place and second According to magazine Sports place went to Zahra Al Bal- Bild, Kahn, 49, is Hoeness’ oushi from Sultanate of prefered candidate to replace Oman. him when he eventually In the women’s pistol stands down. 10m,Qatar’s Nasra The pair have stayed in Mohammed won the gold contact since Kahn retired in The podium winners at the 14th Arab Championship pose for a picture during the victory ceremony at Losail Shooting Range on Tuesday. medal as the silver medal 2008 after making 632 went to Wadha Al Baloushi appearances for Bayern in 14 from Oman. years, winning the Bundesliga In this prestigious cham- title a joint record eight times. pionship shooters are com- Neither Kahn nor the club peting in several categories has commented on the specu- including Rifle, Pistol, Skeet, lation. Former Bayern and Trap and Double Trap which Germany captain Lothar Mat- will take place from 16-25 thaeus says Kahn would be November. the ideal candidate to succeed The event is bringing Hoeness, who has spent together more than 200 nearly 50 year at the club as shooters (men and women) a player, then team manager representing many countries and eventually president. including Oman, Sudan, Iraq, “He (Kahn) is a face of Jordan, Palestine, Kuwait, Bayern Munich, carries the Lebanon, Libya, Morocco and club’s DNA within him and is hosts Qatar. a connoisseur of football,” On Monday, Qatar won wrote Matthaeus in German three gold medals, two in daily Bild. individual skeet events for “He was always ambi- men and women and the tious and has continued to third one came in the men’s educate himself, even in team event. financial matters. THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 11

French midfielder Kylian Mbappe reacts after getting injured during the friendly football match against Uruguay, at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside Paris on Tuesday. PSG have nervous wait on condition of Neymar and Mbappe

AFP CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES PARIS NOVEMBER 28 GROUP E Paris Saint-Germain were anx- AEK Athens vs Ajax iously waiting yesterday for the Bayern Munich vs Benfica GROUP F results of scans on injuries to Lyon vs Manchester City Neymar and Kylian Mbappe just Hoffenheim vs Shakhtar Donetsk days before their crucial Cham- GROUP G pions League clash with CSKA Moscow vs Viktoria Plzen Liverpool. Roma vs Real Madrid Neymar limped off after just GROUP H eight minutes of Brazil’s 1-0 Juventus vs Valencia friendly win against Cameroon Manchester United vs Young Boys on Tuesday. NOVEMBER 29 Mbappe shoulder injury overshadows The Brazilian forward had GROUP A treatment for an apparent groin Atlético Madrid vs Monaco problem after just five minutes Borussia Dortmund vs Club Brugge GROUP B and collapsed to the turf soon France’s home win against Uruguay PSV Eindhoven vs Barcelona afterwards to boos from the Tottenham Hotspur vs Inter Milan crowd in the central English GROUP C town of Milton Keynes. Napoli vs Red Star Belgrade In Paris, Mbappe hurt his Paris Saint Germain vs Liverpool AFP night for his Paris Saint-Germain Mbappe tried to play on, but League, but it’s like that,” Giroud shoulder in a nasty fall as World GROUP D PARIS coach Thomas Tuchel after the he only lasted a matter of seconds said. “We may have lost a game Cup winners France ended their Lokomotiv Moscow vs Galatasaray German had already seen Neymar before signalling to the bench that we shouldn’t have, but we had the year on a high note with a 1-0 FC Porto vs FC Schalke 04 A shoulder injury to Kylian Mbappe hobble off injured early in Brazil’s he could not continue and was heart to react, and I think we did win over Uruguay at the Stade overshadowed France’s 1-0 friendly friendly with Cameroon in Milton replaced by Florian Thauvin. it pretty well.” de France. win over Uruguay at the Stade de Keynes. “He has a sore shoulder, he’s The world champions started But the victory was over- appear to be a serious problem. France on Tuesday as Didier PSG face Liverpool in a crucial fallen badly,” said France’s World to play with more confidence, and shadowed when Mbappe was “He felt discomfort,” Lasmar Deschamps’ world champions Champions League clash at the Parc Cup-winning coach Didier Des- Tanguy Ndombele forced the hurt after falling awkwardly as said. “He will need a bit more ended the year on a high note. des Princes on November 28. champs at half-time. “He will have onrushing Campana into a good he challenged the diving time to evaluate it and take a After the disappointment of Roared on by a large crowd in to see after with the medical staff... save after a wonderful scooped Uruguay goalkeeper Martin scan, but in principle it is not a seeing the Netherlands pip them Paris, France opened up the I hope it’s not bad.” pass by Griezmann. Campana for the ball. serious injury.” to a place at the Nations League Uruguay defence in only the fourth Chelsea striker Giroud wasted Substitute Jonathan Rod- France coach Didier Des- PSG coach Thomas Tuchel finals with a late Virgil van Dijk goal minute, but Giroud fired a first-time another good opportunity for the riguez went close as Uruguay piled champs said the news on will be hoping that both of his in Germany on Monday, Olivier Gir- shot wide of the near post with just French shortly after the break, bodies forward looking for an Mbappe, the 19-year-old star players are fit to play when oud’s 52nd-minute penalty gave goalkeeper Martin Campana to beat. heading over from the edge of the equaliser, but Oscar Tabarez’s forward who shot to global the French champions host Liv- France victory in a repeat of the Matias Vecino headed too six-yard box. team slipped to a second suc- prominence at the World Cup, erpool in Paris on Wednesday two teams’ World Cup quarter-final close to Hugo Lloris as the visitors But he was given an even cessive 1-0 friendly loss after their was “not necessarily reassuring, with both sides chasing qualifi- meeting in Russia. settled into the game, but Mbappe better chance to get on the defeat by Brazil in London last but not worrying either. cation for the knockout phase “It was important to finish on should have put France ahead scoresheet as Martin Cacares was week. “He had some shoulder pain of the Champions League. a positive note, even in the last when he raced clean through on penalised for handball after “We have to understand after his fall and he has to have PSG sit third in Group C, one defeat (by the Netherlands) saw goal, only to mishit a chipped effort Antoine Griezmann’s shot struck against whom we came to play in tests tomorrow morning, but point behind Liverpool who are us miss out on the (Nations League) well wide. his chest and his arm. Europe -- Brazil and France,” said there is no serious concern,” equal on points with first-placed semi-finals,” France coach Des- The PSG man was left writhing Giroud stepped up and Tabarez. “I think the French were Deschamps said. Napoli. Neymar’s replacement champs told M6. on the ground in pain after a heavy slammed a confident spot-kick into superior in the first 15 or 20 Neymar played down his in the Brazilian lineup, Everton’s But Mbappe had to be touch saw him tackled by Campana, the bottom corner past Campana. minutes, but after that it was rel- injury, saying in an Instagram Richarlison, headed in on the replaced in the first half after a appearing to sustain a shoulder “We’re a little disappointed not atively balanced in the second message that “it was nothing stroke of half-time to secure nasty fall, continuing a miserable injury as he crashed to the turf. to be qualified in the Nations half.” serious”. victory for the Selecao. France Brazil team doctor Rodrigo won thanks to Olivier Giroud’s Lasmar also said it did not 52nd-minute penalty.

South Korea Icardi, Dybala on target as Ireland part company on ‘right path’ as Asian Cup Argentina ease past Mexico with O’Neill and Keane

REUTERS REUTERS looms: Bento MENDOZA DUBLIN

REUTERS An early goal from Mauro Icardi Ireland have parted company with manager Martin O’Neill and SEOUL and a late strike from Paulo his assistant Roy Keane after a run of six matches without a victory, Dybala gave Argentina their the country’s Football Association said yesterday. Coach Paulo Bento believes second win in a row with a 2-0 Their last game in charge was a turgid 0-0 draw with Denmark South Korea are continuing to victory over Mexico in a in the UEFA Nations League on Monday. make progress under his lead- lukewarm friendly in Mendoza Former Leicester City and Celtic manager O’Neill was appointed ership after the side extended on Tuesday. in November 2013 and had 55 games in charge. their unbeaten run with a With two minutes gone When O’Neill was appointed to replace experienced Italian thumping win over Uzbekistan Icardi, the Inter Milan striker Giovanni Trapattoni, and former Manchester United midfielder to enhance their status as one controversially left out of Argen- and Ireland international Keane joined him, it was seen as a “dream of the favourites for next tina’s World Cup squad, beat team” to revive Ireland’s fortunes after they missed out on the year’s Asian Cup. two Mexican defenders on his 2014 World Cup. Four different players right foot before transferring the The early signs were encouraging with Ireland qualifying for scored for South Korea as they ball to his left and whipping it Argentina’s Mauro Icardi celebrates after scoring the Euro 2016 Championship after beating Bosnia in a playoff. crushed the White Wolves 4-0 past the keeper. their first goal against Mexico at the Estadio Malvinas Ireland then progressed to the last 16 after a group stage win over in Brisbane on Tuesday, to Dybala doubled the lead Argentinas in Mendoza, Argentina on Tuesday. Italy. improve their record to six three minutes from time when Their run was ended by a 2-1 defeat at the hands of hosts France games without a defeat since he finished off a sweeping after having taken an early lead. Bento took over from Shin counter attack beautifully set up double header. The best chance The result takes interim Ireland reached a play-off for this year’s World Cup finals in Tae-yong in August. by Giovanni Simeone. for the visitors fell to Jesus Gal- coach Lionel Scaloni’s record Russia but were thrashed 5-1 at home by Denmark, having drawn “I think we’re going in the Mexico had more of the pos- lardo midway through the since the World Cup to four the first leg 0-0 in Copenhagen. right direction,” the Portu- session but Argentina were well second half but his point-blank wins, one draw and one defeat. Since then, however, results have been disappointing and they guese manager told reporters. worthy of a victory that came header was well saved by sub- His team have conceded just the finished bottom of their Nations League group. “We still have room for four days after their 2-0 win in stitute keeper Paulo one goal in the 1-0 loss to Brazil They failed to win a competitive match in 2018 or to score in improvement, but I believe Cordoba in the first match of the Gazzaniga. last month. O’Neill’s last four games in charge. we’re on the right path. I want to make sure all the players understand where the national team is trying to go. “Overall, we dominated Chinese teams face salary cap in move to curb spending the match today. Even with a 2-0 lead after the first half, we didn’t lose our focus in the REUTERS regulations, the CFA would The China Football A spate of marquee signings transfer fees valued at more than second half, and that led to a BEIJING introduce restrictions on cash Association (CFA) has has seen players such as Brazil’s 45 million yuan ($6.49m) for good result.” injections for clubs, as well as taken various measures in Oscar and Argentine Carlos Tevez foreign players and 20 million The coach omitted Tot- Clubs in the Chinese Super player bonuses, transfer fees and recent years to discourage make big-money moves to China yuan for Chinese players. Xinhua. tenham Hotspur forward Son League (CSL) will be required to salaries, according wastefulness by top flight in recent years, but it has not The CFA also put rules in Heung-min and Newcastle adhere to a new set of regulations The rules will require clubs made any substantial impact on place just days before the start of clubs, who have spent vast United’s Ki Sung-yueng from from next season, including a to adhere to unified accounting the national team’s performance. the 2017 season which saw clubs the squad, giving him a chance player salary cap to prevent them and player contract standards, sums to lure high-profile China has only qualified once for forced to select one under-23 to assess newcomers ahead of from splurging on fees. while the salary cap will set limits overseas players and the World Cup finals -- in 2002 player in their starting lineup, a the Asian Cup, which kicks off The China Football Associ- on the amount of earni ngs they coaches to the country. -- but President Xi has declared move that proved unpopular in the UAE on Jan. 5. ation (CFA) has taken various can spend on player a desire to see the country qualify among coaches. The two-times Asian measures in recent years to dis- remuneration. and similar types of awards will for, host and win the tournament Authorities introduced the champions have been drawn courage wastefulness by top flight By the 2019 season, every be forbidden. in the near future. policy to ensure more inexpe- in Group C at the 24-team clubs, who have spent vast sums domestic player must sign labour Driven by soccer-loving pres- Authorities, however, have rienced players were given tournament and will open to lure high-profile overseas contracts and single-game bonus ident Xi Jinping, China has also stepped in to curb overspending opportunities to play in the against the Philippines in Dubai players and coaches to the limits will be introduced, with the been using its financial might to on transfer fees and salaries. country’s top flight after years on Jan.7. China and Kyrgyzstan country. amounts announced at the start invest in prestigious overseas Regulations were put in place of disappointment for the are the other teams in the pool. As part of the new of each season. Cash payments clubs like Inter Milan in Italy. last year, imposing a tax on national team THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 07

It’s going to be a week off. It’s England paceman CRICKET CRICKET been a frustrating trip for me James Anderson says really because you want to after being left out of First Test: Bangladesh vs Women’s World T20: contribute to the wins. final Sri Lanka Test. West Indies, Day 1 Australia vs West Indies ACTION TODAY’S

Defeat worst ‘Spare part’ Australia’s batsman Glenn Anderson out of my career, Maxwell (right) hits a shot off the bowling of India’s Krunal of final Test says coach Pandya during their first T20 Arthur in Brisbane, yesterday. against SL AFP AFP COLOMBO ABU DHABI England have left record- Pakistan head coach breaking fast bowler James Mickey Arthur described Anderson out of the final Test his team’s narrow four- against Sri Lanka starting run defeat in the first tomorrow to give match Test against New practice to fellow paceman Zealand in Abu Dhabi as Stuart Broad. the “worst of his “Yes I’m not playing this coaching career”. game, Broady’s going,” Pakistan, set a Anderson said yesterday, modest 176-run target, expressing frustration over a were undone by a sham- tour in which he has taken bolic batting display as just one wicket in two Tests they lost their last seven where spinners have wickets for just 41 runs dominated. after being on course for Anderson, who has taken victory at 130-3 on more Test wickets than any Monday. other fast bowler in history, Left-arm spinner said that while Broad was Ajaz Patel had a dream “delighted” at getting a debut for New Zealand chance he was feeling like a as he picked up 5-59 on “spare part”. a turning Sheikh Zayed “The thinking is that with Stadium pitch. Arthur the series sewn up it’s an said Pakistan were opportunity to rotate.” hurting from the defeat. “I think the feeling is they “This is probably one Australia pip India in want Broady to get some Test of the worst defeats I cricket under his belt,” added have ever suffered in my the 36-year-old. career,” Arthur, who also England go into the third coached South Africa and final Test in Colombo and Australia, said. with a 2-0 lead and gunning “Everyone from rain-marred first T20 for a whitewash. myself as head coach to “So it’s going to be a week the players and the staff AFP SCOREBOARD to the pressure. Earlier, Maxwell off. It’s been a frustrating trip BRISBANE are hurting but we will India Australia smacked four sixes in an for me really because you use this defeat as a moti- R. Sharma c Finch b Behrendorff ...... 7 D. Short c Yadav b Ahmed ...... 7 explosive display before the want to contribute to the vation to give ourself Australia edged India by four S. Dhawan c Behrendorff b Stanlake ...... 76 A. Finch c Ahmed b Yadav ...... 27 heavens opened and the teams wins. every opportunity to win runs for a nerve-wracking win KL Rahul st Carey b Zampa ...... 13 C. Lynn c & b Yadav ...... 37 were called off by the umpires “But I feel like I’ve tried the second game,” in their opening Twenty20 yes- V. Kohli c Lynn b Zampa ...... 4 G. Maxwell c Kumar b Bumrah ...... 46 after 16.1 overs. my best but it’s not really vowed Arthur. The terday despite a gallant 76 from R. Pant c Behrendorff b Tye ...... 20 M. Stoinis not out ...... 33 After an hour-long delay, been a series for the seamers,” victory gave New Shikhar Dhawan, giving them a D. Karthik c Behrendorff b Stoinis ...... 30 B. McDermott not out ...... 2 they came back out to face five he added. K. Pandya c Maxwell b Stoinis ...... 2 Extras (b1, w5) ...... 6 Zealand a 1-0 lead in the huge confidence boost after a B. Kumar not out ...... 1 Total (4 wickets, 17 overs) ...... 158 balls and Maxwell was out to the “I feel like a bit of a spare three-match series and run of poor results. K. Yadav not out ...... 4 Fall of wickets: 1-24 (Short), 2-64 (Finch), 3-75 first of them, with Australia part but I think that’s just the was the fifth narrowest With a rain-marred match Extras (lb3, nb2, w7) ...... 12 (Lynn), 4-153 (Maxwell) making 158-4. nature of playing cricket win by runs in Test in Brisbane reduced to 17 overs, Total (7 wickets, 17 overs) ...... 169 Bowling: Kumar 3-0-15-0, Bumrah 3-0-21-1, Experienced bowlers Jasprit here.” England sewed up the cricket’s history. the visitors were set 174 to win Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Sharma), 2-81 (Rahul), 3-94 Ahmed 3-0-42-1 (2w), Yadav 4-0-24-2 (2w), Pan- Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar series -- a first away series Arthur said his bats- under the Duckworth-Lewis- (Kohli), 4-105 (Dhawan), 5-156 (Pant), 6-163 (Pan- dya 4-0-55-0 (1w) Kumar had set the early tone, win since beating South men’s shot selection was Stern system after the hosts dya), 7-163 (Karthik) Result: Australia win by 4 runs restricting Finch and D’Arcy Africa in 2015-16 -- on poor, having needed 139 made 158-4, Glenn Maxwell top- Short to just 12 runs off the Sunday in Kandy. on day four with all ten scoring with 46. one I pencilled in to do that job dangerman Rohit Sharma for opening three overs after Kohli And Anderson said he was wickets intact. India needed 13 off the last at the end. He had clear plans seven, but there was no stopping put them into bat. happy to have been part of a New Zealand over from Marcus Stoinis, but in and executed his plans really Dhawan who hit 16 off one over Short fell to Khaleel Ahmed squad that has played so well grabbed three quick a desperate bid to get the runs well.” to bring up his ninth T20 50 off for seven, bringing Lynn to the away from England. wickets in the space of two wickets fell and they missed Indian captain Virat Kohli just 28 balls. crease and he set the Gabba on The veteran of many eight balls before Azhar the target. called it an “exciting see-saw Lokesh Rahul made 13 fire by crunching three huge highs and lows in England’s Ali (65) and Asad Shafiq It eased the pressure on Aus- battle”. before he was cleverly stumped sixes in one loose over from fortunes said the tour under (45) added 82 runs for tralia who have been struggling “A lot of Indians came to by Alex Carey, bringing Kohli to Ahmed. captain Joe Root had been “a the fourth wicket. to find their feet after the ball- support us. It was a great atmos- the crease to huge roars from the Finch went for 27 soon after real big stepping stone for us “There was no com- tampering scandal in South phere to play in,” he said. big Indian contingent. when fooled by a wrong’un from as a team.” placency, I can certainly Africa in March. “We bowled well and then But he didn’t last long, gone Kuldeep Yadav and Lynn also “We’ve been good in parts say,” said Arthur. They have endured a dire they came back into the game for four with Chris Lynn taking fell to the spinner after a quick- over the past 18 months but “The guys tried run of results since and had lost with Stoinis and Maxy (Maxwell) a catch at third man off Adam fire 37 off 20 balls. a bit inconsistent. I think the unbelievably hard and fours T20s before this one. batting well. And a really good Zampa. And Dhawan wasn’t far Maxwell played himself in improvements we’ve made everyone was disap- “The boys played really well knock from Shikhar (for us).” behind, caught on the boundary then went into Lynn mode, and continue to make have pointed from the especially through the middle Dhawan opened the innings ropes attempting an upper cut whacking three successive sixes really shown this trip.” decision of shot selection overs with the bat. They showed in the run chase and immedi- off Billy Stanlake’s bowling. to take 23 off a Krunal Pandya He highlighted the batting under pressure. We need a lot of courage,” said skipper ately began plundering the Aus- It left Rishabh Pant and over. of stand-in wicketkeeper Ben to learn from this and Aaron Finch. tralian attack, smashing two Dinesh Karthik needing to score Ably partnered by Stoinis -- Foakes, Rory Burns and move forward very, very “The bowling was out- boundaries off Jason Behren- 78 runs off 36 balls. They who clubbed an unbeaten 33 -- Keaton Jennings as well as quickly.” standing under a lot of pressure. dorff’s opening over. whittled it down to set up a nail- they put on 78 before the England’s spin trio Moeen Ali, I was confident. Stoinis was the Behrendorff got the scalp of biting finish before succumbing weather halted their progress. Adil Rashid and Jack Leach. Coach Stead expects tougher contest in 2nd Test

AFP DUBAI history of Test cricket. The win series since 1969 and Stead 150 Test wickets in Abu Dhabi, was Stead’s first as head coach thinks they need further praised the team’s spirit. Two days after one of the most- since he replaced Mike Hesson improvement in order to “It was an amazing sensational wins in Test cricket, in August and he believes it will change that. fightback,” said Wagner. New Zealand are preparing in change Pakistan’s mindset “I don’t think we’ve won too “We knew we’d be in with Dubai for the second Test ahead of the second Test which many Tests when we’ve scored a chance if we kept fighting. against Pakistan with coach starts on Saturday. 153 in the first innings,” said That last hour (on day four) was Gary Stead expecting an even “Pakistan are a good team, Stead of New Zealand’s first quite freakish.” tougher contest. hard to beat over here,” said innings total. Wagner broke the dan- New Zealand pulled off an Stead. “It was always going to be gerous stand of 82 between extraordinary four-run win in “That’s what makes this that we need to keep fighting Azhar Ali (65) and Asad Shafiq Abu Dhabi on Monday as they really, really pleasing. But they’ll and fighting, and my message (45) and then claimed Yasir defended a modest target of be better for it, and if they were to the boys was that if you can Shah’s wicket to play his role. 176. taking us lightly, they won’t be lose wickets in clumps, then “We know that even if we Debutant left-arm spinner now. why can’t we do that back to are a little bit behind we can Ajaz Patel took 5-59 as Paki- “I expect them to be better them through sustained keep fighting, we know what stan’s last seven wickets fell for and I expect us to be better as pressure,” said Stead. we can achieve. It was bloody just 41 runs. well.” Fast bowler Neil Wagner, tough, hard work, a big fight New Zealand batsman Neil Wagner (right) is bowled out during It was the fifth tightest win New Zealand have not who became the eighth New and it will just get harder. the first Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi last Monday. in terms of runs in the 141-year beaten Pakistan in an away Zealand bowler to complete (Pakistan) will come back hard.”