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Monday, November 13, 2017 FORMULA 1 Safar 24, 1439 AH Vettel wins Brazilian GULF TIMES Grand Prix, Hamilton fourth from pits SPORT Page 2 FOCUS ‘Moroccan people have been waiting for this for a long time’ Morocco assistant coach Mustapha Hadji talks about what it means to reach their first World Cup since 1998

By Ed Aarons play for your own country and repre- former government fi nance minister The Guardian Tunisia’s Maaloul dedicates 2018 sent all your family. I’m really happy Fouzi Lekjaa as president of the Mo- with the choice I made and to be able to roccan FA in 2013 also proved to be a WC qualifi cation to Qatar and Kuwait help the current generation. turning point. Lekjaa has ensured that or most players, it was the kind “When you have players like them the success of the country’s thriving of nightmare scenario probably Nabil Maaloul, Technical and Qatari brothers, with coming to play for their own country it domestic league – WAC Casablanca best forgotten. But nearly 20 Director of the Tunisian whom I have had an excel- makes a big diff erence. We have been beat Al Ahly in the fi nal of the African years since Morocco’s World national football team, has lent career. I hope that the able to mix together the best of the Champions League last weekend – CupF hopes were so cruelly dashed by players from overseas and those who has been translated to the national dedicated their qualifica- unjust blockade imposed Norway’s surprise victory over a Brazil tion to the 2018 FIFA World on Qatar is lifted as soon as grew up in Mo- side, with King Mohammed VI also side featuring Ronaldo and Roberto Cup to Qatar and Kuwait, possible. Also, I hope that rocco.” attempting to fulfi l his late father Carlos, that golden summer in France after their goalless draw the suspension on Kuwaiti The Hassan II’s long-term ambition to is a memory that Mustapha Hadji with Libya punched their football would be lifted ap- host the World Cup in 2026 – the fi fth (pictured right) will always cherish. ticket for Russia. “I would soon,” Maaloul, a former point- time they have bid for the tournament “It was of the law of football. You like to greet all the Arabs, coach of Qatari club El ment having just missed out to South Africa just have to accept it,” insists the and would like to dedicate Jaish, was quoted as say- of the in 2010. Hadji is in no doubt what former Coventry and Aston Villa this win in particular to our Kuwaiti ing to beIN Sports. qualifying for next year’s edition could midfi elder. “I played in front of all my do for his country. friends and family so it was a special – there is passion among the players fi rst quarter-fi nal appearance at the He says. “Morocco loves the game time. Everyone was waiting for Mo- and we have brought in a more profes- Cup of Nations since 2004 earlier and is a real football country. It’s rocco to make it through to the second sional approach. The spirit is superb this year with home victories over the fi rst time we have quali- round but sometimes that’s just the Saturday. A spectacular transforma- and that has made a big diff erence. Mali and Gabon to put themselves fi ed since the king came to the way it is. Maybe if we got through we tion in fortunes under the former Ivory Sometimes just having quality isn’t in pole position for a place in Russia throne. It is the biggest gift would have been beaten badly and peo- Coast manager Hervé Renard, who in enough.” next summer. Hadji, who represented we can give if we make it. ple would have forgotten all about it. 2015 became the fi rst man to win Africa Bolstered by a number of players France at Under-21 level having moved The Moroccan people But we played some very good football Cup of Nations titles with diff erent with Moroccan heritage who were born to Alsace-Lorraine as a child, believes have been waiting for and that will always stay in the hearts countries, has transformed a team that overseas including the captain, Medhi they are reaping the benefi ts of the this for a long time of the Moroccan people.” had struggled to live up to the exploits Benatia of Juventus, the Southampton squad’s varied upbringings. – rich people, poor Despite Hadji’s brilliant solo goal in of previous generations and missed out forward Sofi ane Boufal, the Galatasaray “I was probably the fi rst player people, the guy on the 2-2 draw with Norway and a 3-0 on hosting Africa’s premier competi- playmaker Younès Belhanda and the to choose Morocco and it comes top of a mountain victory over Scotland in Saint-Étienne tion that year after pulling out because rising star Achraf Hakimi of Real down to what is in your heart,” with his sheep.” in their fi nal match, the Atlas Lions of the Ebola epidemic. Madrid, he says. “It’s not about money were denied the chance to follow the With Hadji as his assistant, the Renard’s or any- class of 1986 into the knockout stage former Cambridge United manager has side thing after Kjetil Rekdal’s 89th-minute pen- led Morocco to the top of Group C after fol- else alty against Brazil in Marseille. six matches. lowed – you Two decades on, Morocco have got “He has done a really great job,” says up a the opportunity to make it to the World Hadji. “You can see Cup for the fi rst time since then when the atmos- they beat Ivory Coast phere 2-0 in Abidjan on in the team Morocco players celebrate during the World Cup qualifier against Ivory Coast. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE Marquez is MotoGP’s youngest four-time champ

Reuters race I always tried to be calm, control the seven laps to go. end, and it was open until 10 laps to the Valencia, Spain situation,” said Marquez of his wobble The Spaniard managed to stay on the end,” said Dovizioso, who saw Marquez’s during the race. bike as he ran wide into the gravel trap, slide and save but could do nothing to take “Suddenly I said now is the time to dropping to fi fth place and with Dovizio- advantage of it. onda’s Marc Marquez won his push because I felt really good. But in so ahead of him. Marquez replaced the late Mike Hail- fourth MotoGP world champi- turn one I lost concentration on the brake Both Ducati riders then fell a lap later, wood as the youngest ever four times onship in fi ve years yesterday point, I braked too late...Marquez style fi rst Lorenzo and then Dovizioso. The champion in the top fl ight, achieving the after the Spaniard’s only rival until the end,” he grinned. Italian got back on track before retiring feat at 24 years and 268 days compared to AndreaH Dovizioso crashed out of a dra- Compatriot and teammate Dani Ped- in the pits as Honda started the celebra- the British great’s 1965 record of 25 years matic season-ending race in Valencia. rosa won the race with French rookie Jo- tions. and 107 days. The 24-year-old, who started on pole hann Zarco second for the Tech3 Yamaha Marquez, who celebrated with a large The Spaniard, who has won all his titles position with a 21-point lead and also team after leading early on. red dice highlighting the numbers four with Honda, also replaced Italian great almost fell, fi nished third and safe in the With Dovizioso in fi fth place and una- and six, for his MotoGP titles and total Valentino Rossi as the youngest to win six knowledge that he was the sport’s young- ble to fi nd a way past his Ducati teammate championships in all categories, ended world championships. He was also the fi rst est four times champion in the top cat- Jorge Lorenzo, despite repeated team or- the season with 298 points to runner-up rider in the 69-year history of grand prix egory. ders, Marquez looked in control until he Dovizioso’s 261. motorcycling to win at least fi ve races a sea- “It’s an amazing feeling. During the misjudged his braking and ran wide with “I’m happy because we tried until the son for eight years in a row. Gulf Times 2 Monday, November 13, 2017 SPORT

FORMULA 1 FOCUS United States battle Vettel wins in past Belarus to win 18th Fed Cup

Reuters “I believe in these American play- Minsk ers,” she said in a courtside interview. Brazil, Hamilton “They’re tough as nails. American women are tough as nails! There’s go- he United States put in a bat- ing to be dancing all night.” tling performance to beat hosts Vandeweghe had put the visitors Belarus 3-2 yesterday and win ahead with a composed display to a record-extending 18th Fed beat world number 78 Sabalenka 7-6 TCup title, their fi rst in 17 years. (5), 6-1, before Sasnovich struck back, Shelby Rogers and Coco Vandeweghe downing Sloane Stephens 4-6, 6-1, fourth from pits downed Aryna Sabalenka and Aliak- 8-6 to force the doubles. sandra Sasnovich 6-3, 7-6 (3) in the Rinaldi and Belarus captain Edu- doubles to hand the visitors the deci- ard Dubrou sprung surprises for the It was Vettel’s first win in eight outings since the Hungarian GP in July sive point. decider, with the former sending out The US had not won the title since Vandeweghe instead of Alison Riske, AFP beating Spain 5-0 in 2000, while Bela- and Dubrou sticking with Sabalenka Sao Paulo rus were without former world number and Sasnovich instead of fi elding Vera one Victoria Azarenka, who missed the Lapko and Lidziya Marozava. fi nal due to an ongoing custody battle “I’m just really thrilled for all four ebastian Vettel bounced back with her baby son’s father. players,” Rinaldi added. “I’m so proud from his world championship Vandeweghe is the fi rst player to of all four of them. That was the plan, disappointment in fi ne style record a spotless year in Fed Cup sin- to go out there and take the doubles. yesterday when he won a sunlit gles rubbers since Petra Kvitova went “Coco came out and played just BrazilianS Grand Prix for Ferrari. unbeaten for the Czech Republic in unbelievable. Shelby stepped up and The four-time champion took the 2011, and the American won eight Sloane, my heart was broken for her lead at the start and, apart from a pe- matches in total — six singles and two but she battled this whole week and she riod after his pit-stop, controlled an doubles — in the competition. battled all the way to the end.” incident-packed race to fi nish 2.8 sec- Kathy Rinaldi was understandably US Open champion Stephens lost onds ahead of pole-sitter Valtteri Bot- over the moon after becoming the fi rst both her matches and her defeat yes- tas of Mercedes. US captain to guide a team to a Fed Cup terday means she has not won a singles Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 cham- title in their fi rst year since Marty Ries- tie since winning the fi nal at Flushing pion, resisted late challenges from sen in 1986. Meadows on September 9. newly-crowned four-time champion Lewis Hamilton to hang on to third ahead of the second Mercedes driver, who had started the race from the pit lane. Dutchman Max Verstappen came home fi fth ahead of his Red Bull team- mate Australian Daniel Ricciardo and retirement-bound local hero Felipe Massa, a rousing seventh for Williams in his fi nal home city race. The Brazilian emerged triumphant in his own private scrap to the line with two-time champion Fernando Alonso of McLaren Honda, who fi n- Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel celebrates winning the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yesterday. (Reuters) ished eighth. Sergio Perez fi nished ninth for Force MASSA FAREWELL Dane Kevin Kevin Magnussen’s Haas. stration of speed and passing moves, India and Nico Hulkenberg 10th for Raikkonen admitted: “Lewis got close The latter two were forced to retire he was up to fi fth before settling for Renault. to me at the end, but it’s impossible to as, in a separate incident, Frenchman fourth place. It was Vettel’s fi rst win in eight out- overtake here if you have close speed Romain Grosjean lost control of his “It was fun,” said Hamilton. “Just ings since the Hungarian Grand Prix in between the cars.” Haas and slid into compatriot Esteban like my karting days when I started July and his fi fth of the season. It was Massa gave the home crowd some- Ocon’s Force India, taking the pair of from the back. But I messed up yester- also Ferrari’s fi rst win in Brazil since thing to cheer about as the Williams them off into a gravel trap. day and I know I was quick enough to 2008. driver heads to retirement. It was the fi rst retirement of Ocon’s win from pole to fl ag, but I made the “It’s been a tough couple of weeks He won the race at Interlagos in career after 27 races and Grosjean was job a lot harder. for us, but it’s nice to get both cars on 2008 when he was pipped to the title handed a 10-seconds penalty. “When I woke up this morning my the podium here,” said Vettel. by Hamilton. In the chaos that ensued, Hamilton goal was to do the team proud and “I had a good getaway and then I “I feel so emotional today,” admit- took advantage and rose to 14th before score points. I tried, but ran out of US team players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Fed Cup in Minsk, had wheelspin, so I thought I missed ted Massa. “All you guys, thank you the Safety Car pulled off and racing tyres at the end.” Belarus, yesterday. (Reuters) my chance but I think Valtteri had the very much for everything that we resumed. same so I surprised him. passed together and for all the support The world champion, who had BRAZILIAN GP RESULTS “I wanted to pull out a gap and then and energy.” clinched his fourth title two weeks 1. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 1:31:26.260 SPOTLIGHT to control the race from there and it On a hot blue-skied day, with a earlier in Mexico, made the most of his 2. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) +2.762 worked out.” track temperature of 60 degrees Cel- rebuilt car, powered by a new engine, 3. Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) +4.600 Bottas admitted: “My goal was to sius, the key action took place on the following his crash in qualifying on 4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) +5.468 win so it was very disappointing. We fi rst lap when, following a multiple Saturday. 5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +32.940 South Korea’s Chung lost it in the start. After that it was collision at the fi rst corner, the Safety While Vettel pulled clear by 1.9 sec- 6. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) +48.691 very close. I tried to put some pressure Car was deployed. onds ahead of Bottas, it was Hamilton 7. Felipe Massa (Williams) +1:08.882 on Sebastian, but it didn’t happen. This incident saw Ricciardo spin setting the fastest laps as he sliced 8. Fernando Alonso (McLaren) +1:09.363 Lewis did a great comeback to score on a kerb, hit luckless Belgian Stoff el through the fi eld. By lap 21, of the 71, 9. Sergio Pérez (Force India) +1:09.500 wins NextGen fi nals points.” Vandoorne’s McLaren and, in turn, following an immaculate demon- 10. Nico Hülkenberg (Renault) 1 lap AFP lars (335,000 euros) but no world rank- Milan ing points for winning the under-21 TENNIS tournament. It was Chung’s third victory over outh Korea’s Hyeon Chung up- Rublev, whom he beat earlier this week set top-seeded Russian Andrey and also saw off in Winston-Salem on Rublev to claim his fi rst title at the ATP Tour in August. Federer back in the groove at Tour Finals the Next Gen ATP fi nals in Mi- Russia’s Daniil Medvedev won the lanS yesterday. third-place playoff after Croatia’s Bor- AFP The bespectacled 21-year-old rallied na Coric pulled out injured. London from a set down to see off Rublev, the The ATP used the inaugural tourna- world number 37 who reached the US ment to test a number of innovations Open quarter-fi nals this year, 3-4 (5), with the promising young players of oger Federer made a strong 4-3 (2), 4-2, 4-2 in just under two hours. the season competing in the round rob- start to his bid to cap his Chung, ranked 54, sealed victory in format with the fi rst to four games in golden year with a seventh on his third match point after Rublev each set winning — a tie-break is used ATP Tour Finals title as the saved two to came back to 3-2 in the when the scores reach 3-all. SwissR star defeated Jack Sock 6-4, 7-6 fi nal set. Changes also included no line judges (4) yesterday. The former student of the Nick Bol- with all calls made using Hawk-Eye Four months after winning Wim- lettieri Tennis Academy in Florida — Live, no lets, sudden-death points bledon for a record eighth time just a who turned to a mental coach to help at deuce and a shot clock to ensure a few miles across London, Federer is him deal with the pressure of tennis — 25-second rule between points to keep back in the English capital aiming to receives the top prize of $390,000 dol- things ticking along. cap a remarkably successful spell by lifting the silverware at the O2 Arena. When Federer missed last year’s Tour Finals through injury, it seemed possible he would never recapture his former glories. He came into 2017 having missed half of last season due to fi tness prob- lems and was without a Grand Slam title since 2012. But the 36-year-old has enjoyed a stunning renaissance, winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action against USA’s Jack Sock at the ATP Tour Finals in London yesterday. (Reuters) among seven titles — more than other male player over the last 11 months. With defending champion Andy Mur- David Goffi n on Monday, however the Sock, who had grabbed the last Tour Federer hasn’t triumphed at the ray, Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka Spaniard admits he is still struggling Finals berth by winning his fi rst Mas- season-ending Tour Finals since 2011. all absent from the Tour Finals due to with the knee problem that forced him ters title in Paris earlier this month. But after seeing off Sock in his group injury, Federer and Rafael Nadal are the to pull out of the recent Paris Masters. Even the 25-year-old, yet to make opener, the world number two has unquestioned headline acts. Speaking after receiving his year- it past the last 16 at any Grand Slam, now won his last 11 matches. Having won the French and US end number one trophy following the was caught off guard by his climb to a That dominant streak has already Opens this year, Nadal has matched Federer match, Nadal said he is ready career-high ninth in the rankings. earned him titles in Shanghai and Ba- Federer’s unexpectedly dominant run to give it a go against Goffi n. He was forced to cancel a scheduled sel, and he hopes to maintain that hot as the old rivals hoovered up all four of “It has been a fantastic season, a round of golf at Augusta as he instead streak all the way to the Tour Finals this year’s Grand Slam crowns. very emotional one after all of the prepared to face Federer. crown next weekend. Nadal is already guaranteed to fi n- things I have been going through in A relaxing stroll around that famous “It’s wonderful to be back, especial- ish as the year-end world number one the last couple of years with injury,” course might have seem preferable to ly after missing last year with injury,” for the fi rst time since 2013, making he said. facing Federer, who hadn’t lost a set Federer said. the 31-year-old the oldest man to earn “To have this trophy again is some- in their three previous meetings and “I got off to a great start, but the that honour. thing I never thought was possible. quickly took charge with a break in the second set was tight. But Nadal’s hopes of fi nally winning See you tomorrow on court.” fi rst game. “The breaker could have gone either the Tour Finals for the fi rst time could That was all the advantage Federer way and in the end he helped me with be hampered by injury. CAUGHT OFF GUARD needed as the 19-time Grand Slam some mistakes. I’m really happy I got Nadal, twice a Tour Finals runner- While Nadal frets over his fi tness, Fe- champion swept through the fi rst set Winner Hyeon Chung (left) of South Korea and runner-up Andrey Rublev of Russia through somehow.” up, is due to open his campaign against derer was back in the groove against with 10 winners and four aces. pose with their trophies at Next Generation ATP Finals in Milan yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, November 13, 2017 3 SPORT

ASHES ADVICE Warner tells opener Renshaw to avoid Bayliss worried about newspapers

Reuters bowlers, Mitchell Starc, Josh Melbourne Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, who were superb in defeat- ing Western Australia in the ustralia vice captain previous round. England batting David Warner has Renshaw enjoyed a fi ne urged his under- home summer against South ‘Batting collapses have been a concern for us for a little while. We have games like that, where pressure opening Africa and Pakistan, but since partnerA Matt Renshaw to avoid stroking 60 against India in we lose wickets like that, and it is a concern.The batsmen realise they have got to do better’ reading newspapers this week Bengaluru in March, he has and score some runs in the not scored a half-century in Sheffi eld Shield ahead of the nine test innings. England’s players walk off the opening Test of the Ashes. “I want him to do well. I am fi eld following their victory The 21-year-old Renshaw a mate of his and wish him against Cricket Australia XI on has averaged 36.64 from his success,” Warner said. the last day of a four-day tour 10 tests in a positive start to “He’s got to keep playing match in Adelaide. (AFP) his international career but well. has had a tough Shield cam- “When I see that at the paign for Queensland, failing other end it brings a spark to to surpass 20 runs in his four my eye because you know your innings. partner is on as well.” Neither coach Darren Le- Halfway across the country, hmann nor any of Australia’s England’s crushing 192-run other selectors have queried win over a weak Cricket Aus- the youngster’s spot in the test tralia XI in the tour match in side but his poor run of form Adelaide came with a warn- has attracted plenty of scru- ing from former test paceman tiny from local media in the Ryan Harris. leadup to the Gabba test start- “I think it is (vulnerable), ing Nov 23. especially with no Ben Stokes,” Warner will be on the oppo- Harris, who coached the home site side when Renshaw pads side, said about the tourists’ up against New South Wales batting. at Brisbane’s Adelaide Border England’s bowlers per- fi eld from Tuesday but wished formed well in the four-day the opener well. game but former captain “I want him to score runs Alastair Cook’s lean tour con- this week. He’s been under tinued with scores of 15 and 32. a bit of pressure this week, “I think (Cook) looked a bit there’s been a bit of talk in the rusty, I guess,” added Harris. media,” Warner told local me- “I’m sure he’ll look forward dia on Sunday. to another hit next week. But “You have to keep putting we all know what he can do. the numbers on the board. You don’t score over 10,000 “As a youngster I would be runs and not be any good.” steering clear of newspapers England play their fi - this week.” nal warmup match against a Renshaw’s task has been Cricket Australia XI in Towns- made easier, with New South ville, in far northern Queens- Wales resting their trio of test land state, from Wednesday.

Reuters “The batsmen realise they tinued with scores of 15 a Cricket Australia XI in Ad- ern Australian XI) we bowled PSL DRAFT Melbourne have got to do better and they are and 32 in Adelaide after a elaide and is unlikely to play in a lot of half volleys and a lot of working hard to do that.” duck in Perth in the fi rst warm- Wednesday’s next tour game in long hops. England’s batsmen will have up match. Townsville. “In this match we got the ngland coach Trevor another opportunity to get some “I don’t have too many con- Bayliss said he does not expect length a lot better and put pres- Bayliss is concerned by big runs under their belt in the cerns about Cooky at the top of Ball will be out of action for long sure on the opposition. We will his batsmen’s tenden- fi nal warm-up match against a the order. It’s probably fair to say and believes the quick could be certainly have to do that during cy to collapse and says Cricket Australia XI in Towns- he always looks a bit rusty. He’d in the running for the Ashes se- the Test series.” startsE will need to be converted ville, in far northern Queensland be the fi rst to admit that,” the ries opener in Brisbane starting James Anderson, Stuart Broad into centuries if the touring state, from Wednesday before 54-year-old said. “He would like November 23. and Chris Woakes appear to be side are to win the Ashes series the fi rst Test in Brisbane’s Gabba to be scoring a few more runs, “There could be a possibility England’s front-line pace attack against Australia. from November 23. but he’s played almost 150 Tests, he would be right for the next heading into the series but Ball England’s batsmen are yet to “By all accounts the wicket in I’m sure he’s been through this game but we will probably let and Craig Overton are pressing score a hundred in their fi rst two Townsville is a pretty good one. before. He’s hitting plenty in the him go there and make sure he their claims. warm-up games since arriv- It’s quite fl at,” Australian Bayliss middle of the bat in the nets.” is right for selection for the fi rst Overton boosted his Test ing in Australia but cruised to a said. Bayliss was encouraged by the Test,” Bayliss told reporters in prospects by taking three for 15 192-run win over a weak Cricket “Hopefully that will help our form showed by England’s bowl- Townsville. in the CA XI second innings. Australia XI in a tour match in batters make some big scores. ers in the four-day game and “At least he will be available “It’s the fi rst time I have seen Adelaide. Yet in a worrying sign Not just spend time in the mid- said he expected paceman Jake for the fi rst Test. Whether we him up close over a number of for England, the match also wit- dle, but make 100s. That’s Ball, who suff ered an ankle liga- pick him or not, we have got to overs,” Bayliss said. nessed the Ashes holders lose defi nitely what we will need ment strain during the Adelaide make that decision once we get “He is not necessarily quick four wickets for three runs and throughout this Test series. match, to be available for selec- closer. He should be right in that but he bowls a heavy ball and seven wickets for 47 during the “It would be great if we could tion in the opening Test.“He 7-10 day time frame, he’s fairly good lengths. He is consistent second innings. have some hundreds, that’s for should be fi ne in seven to 10 confi dent.” with that length, which you need “Sixties aren’t enough,” Bayl- sure. Obviously once the Test days,” Bayliss said. England rolled the CA XI for 75 at the top level.” iss said yesterday. series comes around, the inten- England seamer Jake Ball is to wrap up an emphatic 192-run All-rounder Moeen Ali, who “We need 160s. Batting col- sity of that competition, hope- expected to be fi t and available victory in the four-day warm-up missed the Adelaide match be- lapses have been a concern for us fully that really kicks our batters for the fi rst Test Bayliss said. game in Adelaide on Saturday. cause of a side injury, is expect- Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik (left) looks on as former Pakistani for a little while. We have games into gear.” Nottinghamshire’s Ball “I thought we got our lengths ed to return for Wednesday’s captain Wasim Akram present the third edition of the Pakistan like that, where we lose wickets Former captain Alastair sprained his ankle while bowling a lot better in this game,” Bayliss four-day game against CA XI in Super League (PSL) draft in Lahore yesterday. (AFP) like that, and it is a concern. Cook’s lean tour has con- in last week’s tour game against said. “In Perth (against a West- Townsville.

SPOTLIGHT MARATHON Kenyan Kalalei ‘Ready to counter-attack India, triumphs in Athens

AFP over the Persians, before dy- Athens ing of exhaustion. Run on a four-lane con- but have to execute plans’ crete avenue through the ur- IANS the areas his bowlers were work- he would talk to the likes of In- amuel Kalalei won the ban districts of east Athens Kolkata ing on. “I think we have done dian head coach Ravi Shastri and 35th Athens Classic with a fi nish at the all-marble all that we could do to counter bowling coach Bharat Arun. Marathon yesterday as Panathenaic Stadium, the site attack what we are going to ex- Asked to compare Sri Lankan Kenyan runners domi- of the 1896 Olympics, the race terating that his side has pect in the Test matches. And Chinaman bowler Lakshan natedS the gruelling, largely up- is a challenge for runners as done all that they could have reverse swing is one of the areas Sandakan with India’s Kuldeep hill course by sweeping the top much of it is uphill. to counterattack India in the we wanted to work on,” he said. Yadav, Ratnayake said: “They fi ve places in the men’s race. Test series, Sri Lanka bowl- The island’s bowlers were also are very similar, similar in feet, The 23-year-old crossed Iing coach Rumesh Ratnayeke trying to get used to the ball that similar in bowling. Similarly dif- the line in two hours, 12 min- yesterday laid stress on execut- will be used in the series. Rat- ferent, I may say.” utes and 17 seconds, ahead of ing plans and strategies at the nayake did not foresee much of But he conceded that Milton Kiplagat Rotich, who right time. a problem with only a few of the Sandakan needed to improve a clocked 2:14.18, with Jonath- “We’ve plans for everybody. players having the experience of “little bit” on control. an Kiptoo Yego in third at We are always good with plans. playing in India before. The Sri Lankans were yet to 2:16.08. Can we execute those plans? “They have been in the circuit take a look at the Eden Gardens The women’s race was won At what stage? At what point? for some time. It is just India is strip, on which they would play by 18-year-old Ethiopian Be- Hopefully, that works to our new to them. We are touring In- the fi rst match of the two-Test daru Hirpa Badane in a time of benefi t. Then we have to look dia after eight years. We haven’t series from November 16. 2:34.18. at the other way also. We have won a Test match on Indian soil. “The Eden wicket that i know Around 18,500 runners to counter-attack,” Ratnayake That’s what we are aiming for, of from the long past, has been a from dozens of countries took told media persons here after even though the immediate past good track, and given lot of runs, part in the authentic mara- the drawn warm-0up game with hasn’t been good”. but at the same time the ball thon which began near the Board President XI. Asked whether the Sri Lankan seams also a little bit,” said the tumulus erected for the Greek With the Sri Lankans losing team management would dis- 53-year-old cricketer. dead from the Battle of Mara- 0-9 at home to India across for- cuss with its Indian counterpart He said Angelo Mathews thon. mats earlier this year, Ratnayake about ways of coping with the would not roll his arm during the Another 30,000 partici- said this time around they were Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella plays a shot during match against trans-generational situation Test series, but would bowl dur- pated in the shorter 5km and taking it as challenge. Board President XI match in Kolkata. (AFP) which the islanders were now ing the one dayers. 10km races in downtown Ath- “We are seeing where we can passing through after the retire- In view of Mathews’ non- ens. According to legend, the sort of improve on. We have dis- gies will work out. And hopefully said. Ratnayeke, a former fast ment of a series of key players, availability as a bowler, the Sri 42km route from Marathon to cussed what we can do, in the ar- the execution comes upright. We medium bowler of repute who Ratnayake, said: “I am not sure Lankans were looking at the likes Athens was fi rst run by Phei- eas of batting and bowling. are ready for it. We know it is a took 73 wickets in 23 Tests for Sri about it, but certainly that’s an of Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun dippides, an Athenian mes- Samuel Kalalei celebrates after “We know the players we are huge challenge. We want to make Lanka between 1983 and 1992, option”. Shanaka and Roshen Silva to fi ll senger who in 490 BC dashed winning Athens Marathon going to meet. Hopefully strate- sure we execute things right,” he said reverse swing was one of But he said, at a personal level, in the all-rounder’s slot. to the city to announce victory yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Monday, November 13, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Team Frijns honoured at Night of Champions Agencies Porsche GT3 Rookie Championship on year. Doha trophy. “Already you can feel the energy and Speaking at the event surrounded excitement build as the countdown to by trophies Frijns said: “Last season the opening race on the 17th Novem- atar’s emerging driving star, in Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle ber in Bahrain. We’ve a bigger grid and Charlie Frijns has been hon- East was my most successful yet and more nations represented than ever oured as one of the leading an incredible adventure so I can’t wait before so I’m sure the scenes of cel- drivers of the Porsche GT3 for the new season to start. ebration tonight will have inspired the CupQ Challenge Middle East Season “I was very close to clinching the new breed of drivers awaiting the start 8 at the annual ‘Night of Champi- overall title so it’s encouraging to of Season 9.” ons’ held at the Bahrain International know I’m amongst the quickest. Even The highly successful formula of Circuit. though reigning champion Ryan Cul- Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Mid- The prestigious evening hosted on len will not return to the series to de- dle East will continue in Season the eve of testing for the new season fend his title, it will still be a massive 9 and consists of six race week- off ered moments to savour for all driv- test to win the overall standings. But’s ends with 12 races over a period of ers but especially last season’s second that the aim and I’m looking forward six months with an expanded grid placed driver Charlie Frijns who is a to testing the new car.” featuring new racers from South Af- Doha resident. Frijns was joined on Series Founder and Manager Walter rica, Scotland, Oman and Germany. stage by champion Ryan Cullen of Ire- Lechner added: “What a wonderful Drivers from nine diff erent coun- land, Oman’s Silver category winner way to look forward to the new season tries will compete Dubai Autodrome, Al Faisal al-Zubair and bronze catego- by celebrating all the achievements of Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi and ry winner Magnus Ohman of Sweden, the past. Bahrain International Circuit. who were all presented their trophies. It’s a proud moment to see last sea- The championship starts on 17th On a special night of celebration for son’s champions return and share an November in Bahrain as part of the Porsche and motorsport in the region, occasion with eager fresh new driv- FIA World Endurance Championship father and son duo of Rob Frijns and ers just starting out on their journey. weekend at the Bahrain International Charlie Frijns of Qatar were presented Every single driver should be congrat- Circuit and come to a thrilling con- the Team Championship title. While ulated for the contribution they have clusion by supporting offi cial 2018 future star Al Zubair also returned to made to motorsport in the Middle Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix the stage to receive the inaugural GCC East and a series that is growing year weekend.

GOLF BOXING Beterbiev knocks out Koelling for title Grace comes from when he was pushed to the AFP Fresno, United States seventh round by Alexander Johnson in 2015. Koelling landed very few ussian boxer Artur good punches in the one-sid- Beterbiev claimed his ed fi ght but he can fi nd solace fi rst world title belt in becoming the fi rst fi ghter on Saturday with a to survive into the 12th round behind to clinch 12thR round knockout of En- with Beterbiev who some call rico Koelling in a battle for the the best pure puncher in box- vacant IBF light heavyweight ing today. crown. With his fi rst world title in The undefeated Beterbiev hand there are some who now recorded his 12th straight feel the two-time Russian knockout but he had to go Olympian is on the verge of past seven rounds for the fi rst fi nally fulfi lling the lofty ex- ‘Africa’s Major’ time in his career to get the pectations he had coming out 175-pound belt. of the amateur ranks. ‘It’s a dream come true to win. It was a hard weekend for South African sports fans’ The 32-year-old Beterbiev Beterbiev moved to Mon- systematically dismantled treal when he turned pro and AFP underdog Koelling over 12 signed a contract with pro- Sun City, South Africa rounds, fi nishing him off with moter Yvon Michel. Beterbiev a right hook to the head with and Michel are now embroiled 27 seconds left in front of a contract dispute which is in randen Grace sank a crowd of 13,800 at the Fresno the Canadian courts. 40-foot birdie putt on State University arena. This was just the second the 16th hole to set up He knocked Koelling down career loss for Koelling who victory at the Nedbank for the fi rst time in the fi ght had won seven in a row since a GolfB Challenge yesterday as he earlier in the round but the 2015 defeat on points to Italian carded a blistering fi nal round 27-year-old German was able Mirco Ricci. 66 to win by a single shot from to continue after an eight Koelling (23-2) was hoping Briton Scott Jamieson. count from the referee. to become the fi rst German The 29-year-old came from Beterbiev improved to a to win a world title in the US three shots back overnight at career record of 12-0 with 12 since Max Schmeling won the the Gary Player Country Club knockouts after just his sec- NBA - now the World Boxing for an 11-under-par total of 277, ond pro fi ght outside of Can- Association - world heavy- an eighth European Tour vic- ada, where he trains. weight title at Yankee Sta- tory and a $1.25 million purse in Beterbiev had over 300 dium, New York, in June 1930. the penultimate event of the fi ghts in an impressive ama- In the main event, crowd fa- season. teur career that included two vourite Jose Ramirez stopped Grace is the fi rst home winner victories over former light Mike Reed in the second round of South Africa’s biggest tourna- heavyweight champ Sergey of a junior welterweight fi ght. ment - dubbed Africa’s Major - “Krusher” Kovalev. Ramirez is hoping to fi ght since Trevor Immelman a decade As a pro, Beterbiev had only world title holder Amir Imam ago after going out in 33 on Sun- been past four rounds once next. day and then sinking three more birdies on the back nine for a six- under-par round. SPOTLIGHT Jamieson, 33, had a one-shot lead after Saturday but ended on 278 following a fi nal round 70 which included a double bogey Davis triumphs in at the eighth hole. Frenchman Victor Dubuis- son was third. The second- QGL’s tournament round leader had started seven under-par and picked up two By Sports Reporter participated by 40 golfers. more shots yesterday with a fi nal Doha Aaron Lee won the ‘closest round 70. to pin’ award, Akshay Randeva Chinese golfer Li Haotong won the ‘longest drive’ award, recorded the best round of the amie Davis emerged Corey Carson won the ‘closest tournament yesterday, storm- victorious in the golf to rope’ award and Chereh- ing up the leaderboard to fourth tournament organised zade Pedder won the ‘longest with a 64. by Qatar Golf Lovers putt’ awards. It was Grace’s fi rst tourna- (QGL)J at the Doha Golf Club QGL hosted a prize distri- ment win since he enjoyed suc- Branden Grace celebrate with the trophy after winning the Nedbank Golf Challenge yesterday. over the weekend. bution function and dinner for cess on the PGA Tour in South Naeem Nanji was declared all thee golfers and gave away Carolina some 18 months ago. 68-70-71-70 runner-up in the tournament prizes to the winners. “It’s a dream come true to win. 281 - Li Haotong (CHN) 70-77- Fowler has share of lead at OHL Classic It was a hard weekend for South 70-64 African sports fans but luckily 282 - Martin Kaymer (GER) 73- Rickie Fowler, who is playing for the first time since ers are predicting thunderstorms and heavy this can put a couple of smiles on 69-69-71 helping the Americans retain the Presidents Cup downpours for the next two days. A total of 79 faces,” he said. 283 - Lee Westwood 70-70- trophy, has a share of the lead at PGA Tour’s rain- players made the cut at one-under 141 - but it is not South Africa’s soccer team 74-69, Darren Fichardt (RSA) hit OHL Classic at 10-under 132. a 54-hole cut, since groups will remain the same were eliminated from World Cup 71-69-75-68 World number 10 Fowler is tied with Patrick Rodg- over the next two rounds. qualifi cation on Friday while the 284 - Matthew Fitzpatrick 70-77- ers and Patton Kizzire, who hasn’t hit a ball since Springbok rugby side suff ered 68-69, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) Friday because of thunderstorms which have Knee-knocking putt gives Shin debut win a 38-3 thrashing at the hands of 71-73-70-70 caused delays over the past two days. American rookie Micah Shin holed a nerve-racking Ireland in Dublin on Saturday. 285 - Graeme Storm 69-75-71-70, Fowler finished three holes early Saturday morn- birdie putt on the first playoff hole to claim his de- “I felt if I could go bogey free Tommy Fleetwood 73-74-67-71 ing and was then forced to wait out a five-hour but Asian Tour victory at the Manila Masters yes- today I would have a chance. 286 - Soren Kjeldsen (DEN) rain delay, only to see play at the Playa del Carmen terday. Shin drained his putt from four feet to edge I drove well all week and it al- 71-78-69-68, Alex Noren (SWE) course halted by darkness. After waiting out the Arnond Vongvanij, after the Thai missed his own lowed me to be aggressive when 69-72-75-70, Thorbjorn Olesen weather, Fowler said all he could do was hope for birdie attempt from seven feet as they replayed I needed to be and it paid off ,” he (DEN) 71-75-73-67, Shane Lowry the best on Sunday – which will be a 36-hole finish. the par-five 18th. It meant a career-high payday of added. 72-71-72-71, Joost Luiten (NED) “We deal with weather every once in a while on $180,000 for Shin, the world number 784 whose In July, Grace shot a 62 in the 71-72-72-71, Charl Schwartzel the PGA Tour, around the world, really,” Fowler highest earnings so far had been $6,791 for tied third round of the Open at Royal (RSA) 69-73-72-72, Haydn Porte- said. “You kind of just learn to play when you get 36th at this year’s Shinhan Donghae Open. Shin Birkdale to set the record for the ous (RSA) 73-73-67-73 to play, relax when you get to relax. Rest when you birdied his last two holes in regulation to force the lowest round in a major champi- 287 - Tyrrell Hatton 71-70-76-70, can, tee it up when you can.” playoff with Arnond, as they both shot 67 in the onship. Benjamin Hebert (FRA) 74-69-74- Fowler saved par on the 18th hole to record a four- final round to be tied on 19-under-par 269 at the 70, Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 67- under 67, while Rodgers settled for a 65 after firing par-72 Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club. Leading final-round scores 77-74-69, Ian Poulter 74-72-70-71, his first bogey of the tournament on No 17. Shin’s second shot in the playoff found the rough. 277 - Branden Grace (RSA) 68- Paul Waring 70-73-73-71, Richie Kizzire finished the second round with a 70. But he recovered to fire four feet from the hole, 75-68-66 Ramsay 73-70-72-72, Richard The third round will resume early Sunday morning. setting up his birdie putt and his breakout win in 278 - Scott Jamieson 68-73-67-70 Sterne 74-72-69-72, Matthieu It is also contingent on the weather, as forecast- what was also his first Asian Tour top-10 finish. (L to R) Cory Carson, Clark White, Cherehzade Pedder, Jamie 279 - Victor Dubuisson (FRA) Pavon (FRA) 72-74-68-73 Davis, PK Mathew and Naeem Nanji. Gulf Times Monday, November 13, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Miller arrested for suspicion of Golden State hitting domestic battery

By Maria Torres Luck, who went on season- The Kansas City Star ending injured reserve last week, continues to look for answers about his surgically hiefs defensive tackle repaired right shoulder. their stride, Wizards Roy Miller was ar- Sources told ESPN’s Mike rested in Jacksonville, Wells and Chris Mortensen early on Saturday that the 28-year-old Luck is in Cmorning. Europe seeking treatment on He was taken into cus- his throwing shoulder. tody on suspicion of domes- The Colts decided to place tic battery at 4:53am and was Luck on injured reserve on Nov. not eligible for bond. He was 2 following his visit with doc- beat Hawks 113-94 scheduled to appear in court tors to ask why he still had sore- Saturday afternoon at 1pm in ness in his right shoulder. The ‘Not to take credit away from the Lakers and the Hawks, but they’re not the best off ensive Jacksonville, according to jail move ended months of specula- records. Miller has appeared tion about whether Luck would teams. Once we get to those good teams, then we’ll be able to measure what we have’ in seven games this season and play this season after he under- made two tackles, including one went surgery in January. AFP in the Chiefs’ 28-17 loss to the The Seattle Seahawks left Los Angeles Cowboys in Dallas on Sunday. Arizona night with a lengthy The team has a bye this week. list of injuries as over 10 play- The Chiefs issued the fol- ers had to leave the game he Golden State Warri- lowing statement: against the Cardinals at some ors delivered a message “This morning we were point. And while players Saturday that the de- informed about an incident weren’t fond of Thursday Night fending league champs involving one of our players, Football games before their Tare back on form with a domi- Roy Miller. We are still in the win in the desert, wide receiver nating 135-114 victory over the process of gathering details on Doug Baldwin was especially Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. the situation. We will have no critical in the game’s aftermath. Philadelphia had won fi ve of further comment at this time.” Baldwin believes the Thursday its last six, but found itself hope- Miller, who is 6-foot-2 and games should be banned. lessly outgunned in the second 318 pounds, joined the Chiefs “This s*** should be ille- half against the Warriors, who in August. He played six games gal,” Baldwin said. “It is not extended their winning streak to for the Jacksonville Jaguars OK. It’s not OK. You can quote six games. last year before an Achilles in- me on that. This is not OK. ... All six wins have been by 17 jury ended his season. Absolutely, guys do not have or more points, the longest such Meanwhile Indianapolis enough time to recover. You streak in franchise history. Colts quarterback Andrew can’t recover in four days.” Forward Kevin Durant re- turned from a one game ab- sence to lead all scorers with 29 points. Klay Thompson had 23 and Stephen Curry 22 for the Warriors, who shot 58.5 percent from the fi eld. Durant sat out Wednesday’s game against Min- nesota with a sore left thigh. J.J. Redick fi nished with 17 points, French guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot came off the bench to score 15 and forward Dario Saric added 14 for the 76ers. The 76ers have now lost nine straight against Golden State. They had a chance to take a lead at the end of the sec- ond quarter, but Kevon Looney blocked Ben Simmons under- neath the rim. Looney got the ball which led to a three-pointer from Thompson to put Golden Hill placed on IR by Bengals with ankle injury State up 65-64 at the half. The Warriors had a scare in Golden State Warriors Kevin Durant (right) scorers 29 points against Philadelphia 76ers. The Cincinnati Bengals placed running back Jeremy Hill on the fi rst 24 minutes when they season-ending injured reserve with an ankle injury. lost Curry for a few minutes af- to-back games for the fi rst time since winning last season’s fi rst- of his fi eld goal attempts in the pointers and added 26 points Hill tweaked an ankle in last Saturday’s walkthrough and did not ter Simmons’ knee banged into since opening the season 3-0. round playoff series. fi rst half Saturday and fi nished for the Rockets. Reserve Tyreke practice during the week ahead of Sunday’s game against the Curry’s right thigh. Morris said he is now look- with seven points on two-of-16 Evans led the Grizzlies with 22 Tennessee Titans. Curry headed to the locker ing forward to the next couple Strong defence shooting. “It wasn’t my night,” points. Marc Gasol added 15 Hill’s career in Cincinnati is likely over as he will be an unrestrict- room after a few seconds but of weeks when they face teams Washington’s defence kept said Schroder. while Mike Conley was held to 12 ed free agent after the season. was only gone a brief time. Once like Toronto and Miami that are the Hawks’ at bay. Atlanta shot John Wall skipped the team’s points. The Bengals’ second-round pick in 2014, Hill had just 116 rushing back, he wasted no time getting higher in the standings. 41 percent from the fi eld and morning practice due to illness, yards and no touchdowns on 37 carries this season despite on the scoresheet again. “Not to take credit away from had 24 turnovers, resulting in 39 but dressed for the game and RESULTS starting seven games. In his rookie season, he rushed for 1,124 Elsewhere, Bradley Beal and the (Los Angeles) Lakers and the points for the Wizards. scored 10 points in the fi rst half Bucks 98 Lakers 90 yards and nine touchdowns. Markieff Morris combined for 37 Hawks, but they’re not the best Taurean Prince scored 19 as Washington led 49-42. Knicks 118 Kings 91 The Miami Dolphins activated safety T.J. McDonald off the points as the Washington Wiz- off ensive teams. Once we get to points and Marco Belinelli 15 for In Houston, James Harden Warriors 135 76ers 114 reserve/suspended list. ards defeated the Atlanta Hawks those good teams, then we’ll be the Hawks, who dropped their scored 38 points as the Houston Rockets 111 Grizzlies 96 McDonald was suspended the first eight games this season for 113-94. Beal tallied 19 points and able to measure what we have,” third game in a row and second Rockets beat the Memphis Griz- Pelicans 111 Clippers 103 violating the NFL’s policy and program for substances of abuse. Morris 18 as the Wizards im- Morris said. Washington shot in as many days. zlies 111-96. Wizards 113 Hawks 94 McDonald, 26, pleaded no contest in January to a reduced form proved to 7-5 on the NBA season. 53.8 percent from the fl oor and Dennis Schroder, who was Harden made 11 of 25 shots, Spurs 133 Bulls 94 of DUI. He was sentenced to 36 months probation and required Kelly Oubre also had 18 points led by as many as 25 points in superb against Washington in including six three-pointers. Nuggets 125 Magic 107 to serve 200 hours of community service. for the Wizards, who won back- the fi rst meeting with Atlanta the playoff s, missed all eight Eric Gordon also hit six three- Jazz 114 Nets 106

NHL Sharks blank Canucks 5-0 By Curtis Pashelka shorthanded goal on a breaka- Jones in Wednesday’s 5-1 loss to the now in their fi rst season under The Mercury News way at the 15:59 mark gave San Tampa Bay Lightning and stopped new coach Travis Green than Jose a two-goal cushion. eight of nine shots. they did the last two years under Tomas Hertl made a play to He got the call against the Ca- Willie Desjardins. he San Jose Sharks might help spring Couture, who slid a nucks with Jones likely getting Last season, the Sharks were a be better equipped this backhand shot under Canucks the nod against the Los Ange- combined 16-4-3 against the six season to win more low goalie Jacob Markstrom for his les Kings on Sunday to wrap up a Western Conference teams that scoring slugfests than team-leading ninth goal of the weekend against Pacifi c Division missed the playoff s, including Tfree-wheeling aff airs. But their season. opponents. a 5-0 mark against Vancouver, 5-0 victory over the Vancouver Hertl opened the scoring for Considering how bunched up which helped them have some Canucks on Saturday was hardly the Sharks 48 seconds into the the Pacifi c Division was going insurance to fi nish in the top by design. fi rst period. A shot from Justin into Saturday’s game, it fi gured three in the Pacifi c once they The Sharks frittered away four Braun was stopped by Markstrom, to be an important weekend. Not went cold in mid-March. power play chances and misfi red but the rebound went off Hertl’s necessarily because it’s vital to “Right now my concern is on a handful of other scoring op- skate and into the net, ending his climb the standings in mid-No- with our game and making sure portunities in the fi rst half of the nine-game goalless drought. vember, but because you don’t we get it back to where we need it game to help the Canucks hang The line of Hertl, Couture and want to fall too far back. to be,” Sharks coach Pete DeBoer around. Melker Karlsson had been held The Los Angeles Kings came said Saturday morning. A stellar night from goalie without a point the last three into Saturday in fi rst place with “It wasn’t there last game and Aaron Dell was the biggest rea- games before Saturday. Hertl, in 24 points, followed by surprising we want to get it back. son the Sharks were able to close particular, had just one assist in Vegas with 21. “The good teams in this league out their fi ve-game homestand his last six games. Vancouver and Calgary were extend their winning streaks and with a 4-1 record, as he made The Sharks had an 11-4 edge tied for third with 18, Anaheim limit their losing streaks. That’s 41 saves for his second career in shots with just under seven had 17 and the Sharks, coming where we’re at. We just came off shutout. minutes left in the fi rst period. off Wednesday’s 5-1 thumping four in a row we won. We had a Sharks centers Logan Couture Dell fi nished the period with 10 at the hands of the Tampa Bay bad one and we want to make sure and Chris Tierney each added saves, including a point-blank Lightning, had 16. we put an end to that quickly.” empty-net goals in the fi nal 1:41 chance by Bo Horvat late in the “There’s enough for us to fo- of the third period, and Tierney fi rst period as the Sharks were cus on our own things and where RESULTS added a penalty shot goal with killing a penalty to Timo Meier. we need to get better,” Sharks Rangers 4 Oilers 2 12.2 seconds left, to make the Dell, making his fourth start forward Joonas Donskoi said Senators 4 Avalanche 3 fi nal score more fl attering than of the season, also stopped Derek Saturday morning when asked if Wild 1 Flyers 0 perhaps it should have been for Dorsett’s shot on a Canucks’ 2 on he pays attention to the division Predators 5 Penguins 4 (SO) the home team. 1 when the Sharks were up by one standings at this time of year. Blackhawks 4 Hurricanes 3 (OT) The Canucks had outshot the and on their fourth power play. “But of course every time Canadiens 2 Sabres 1 (OT) Sharks 17-8 in the third period The Sharks had four shots on you play against a team that’s Blue Jackets 2 Red Wings 1 (SO) before Couture’s empty-netter goal in 6:38 of time with the man in your division it’s a big game Maple Leafs 4 Bruins 1 with 1:41 to go. advantage, as two of their power and they’re big games for us this Islanders 5 Blues 2 Vancouver also outshot the plays were cut short by their own weekend.” Sharks 5 Canucks 0 Sharks 12-2 at one point in the penalties. There’s no question the Ca- Devils 2 Panthers 1 San Jose Sharks goalie Aaron Dell defends the goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period second period, before Couture’s Dell came on in relief of Martin nucks are playing better right Jets 4 Coyotes 1 at SAP Centre at San Jose. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Monday, November 13, 2017 RUGBY

MILESTONE RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP England trounce France to set up Crotty scores All quarter-fi nal with PNG

AFP second half from both sides, the home Sydney team went to score fi ve more tries in the second term. It was PNG’s third win of the tourna- Blacks’ 2,000th ment. They surpassed their 50-6 win ngland put paid to France 36-6 against Wales to register their biggest yesterday to set up a Rugby World Cup victory and their highest- League World Cup quarter- ever Test score. fi nal with Papua New Guinea. Captain David Mead scored his EWayne Bennett’s team out-muscled fourth try of the tournament to become France seven tries to one in Perth, while PNG’s greatest World Cup try-scorer. the PNG Kumuls fi nished top of Pool C Justin Olam matched Mead’s three-try try in France rout with a 64-0 rout of the United States in haul against Wales for the record for Port Moresby. most tries in a World Cup match for Les Chanticleers needed to beat PNG. Despite a spirited second-half fightback from the hosts, there was no their traditional English rivals to have a Rhyse Martin landed 10 goals from 11 chance of reaching the last eight from attempts for the most points by a Ku- masking the gulf in class less than two years out from the 2019 World Cup Pool A, but never recovered after trail- muls player in a World Cup match. ing 26-0 inside the opening half-hour. Ireland won their second game of the The French missed 26 tackles in the tournament but downing Wales 34-6 fi rst half but were more competitive in in Perth was not enough to earn them a the second, restricting England to just quarter-fi nal spot. 10 further points. The Wolfhounds knew their fate be- Powerful winger Jermaine McGill- fore kick-off after Papua New Guinea’s vary scored a try double, making it four victory over the USA meant they could tries for the tournament, while NRL- not fi nish top of Pool C. based star Gareth Widdop tallied 12 Ireland had the match in their keep- points from a try and four conversions. ing with a 22-0 lead at half-time, with England will face the in-form PNG in Oliver Roberts scoring two tries and Melbourne next Sunday in the quarter- Liam Finn fi nishing with 14 points from fi nals after the Kumuls battered USA a try and fi ve goals. with 11 tries before their home fans on In next weekend’s other quarter- Sunday. fi nals, Australia face Samoa in Darwin, The Kumuls exploded out of the Tonga take on Lebanon in Wellington blocks to lead the Americans 22-0 af- and New Zealand are up against Fiji in ter just 18 minutes and despite a sloppy Christchurch.

SPOTLIGHT Smarting South Africa say no excuses for Ireland thrashing

Reuters our support back home,” the former Dublin Stormers coach said. “The Albany thing was tough but we came back and we’ve got three more outh Africa’s captain and coach games on tour so we just have to fi ght said there was no excuse for our way back from this one... I think Saturday’s record 38-3 thrash- our inconsistencies is something I’d ing by Ireland and admitted the like to see improve in a big way.” SpringboksS needed to quickly put an Coetzee, who described Ireland as New Zealand’s centre Ryan Crotty (C) celebrates end to their current ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ the “All Blacks of Europe” ahead of the after scoring a try during their friendly rugby union run of performances. game, praised his opponents tactical international Test match against France at The Stade Allister Coetzee’s side came to performance and the clinical nature of de France Stadium, in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Dublin having recovered from a 57-0 their fi nishing. Paris, on Saturday. thrashing to New Zealand in Albany Ireland coach Joe Schmidt was quick in September by pushing the world to dismiss the idea that his side’s “in- AFP Despite a spirited second-half fi ght- Barrett kicked a penalty to add to his There was still time before the break champions to within a point a month credibly satisfying” win marked the Paris back from the hosts, there was no earlier conversion and after his chip for a passage of stunningly quick and later but it was back to the drawing decline of South African rugby. masking the gulf in class less than two ahead forced France to carry the ball slick passing to send Cane over, with board at the Aviva Stadium. “I think in the changing room the years out from the 2019 World Cup in over their own line, New Zealand had a Barrett’s conversion giving the tourists “It’s a tough day, it’s not what any of players wouldn’t say it (Springbok rug- ew Zealand racked up their Japan. fi ve-metre scrum. a huge half-time lead. us wanted. We’ve no excuses and we’re by) is going backwards,” Schmidt said. 2,000th international try and But after a thoroughly one-sided France were creaking and following France came out fi red up for the sec- going to have to rectify this, us and the “I grew up watching Springbok threatened to hand France a fi rst half, France’s only consolation is a series of scrums, a long mispass from ond period and after an Anthony Bel- management,” South Africa captain teams be pretty dominant at their peak sound thrashing before a sec- that they didn’t succumb to a record Barrett found Naholo in acres of space leau penalty, they were denied a try fol- Eben Etzebeth told a news conference. and I don’t think this Springbok team is Nond half rally limited them to a 38-18 defeat — their 61-10 reverse in Wel- to stroll over for the second try. lowing a scything break from livewire While they trailed by 14 points before that far away from some of that... We win in Paris on Saturday. lington in 2007 retains that dubious Coles went off with what seemed a scrum-half Antoine Dupont by Wil- Ireland pulled away with three tries would be naive to think the next time Ryan Crotty chalked up the land- honour. knee injury and France struck back im- liams deliberately batting the ball out in the last 10 minutes, South Africa we play the Springbok that there’s a mark score as four fi rst-half tries — New Zealand gave notice of their in- mediately, kicking a penalty to the cor- of play in the New Zealand end zone. were second best by some distance all 35-point margin between us because the others from Dane Coles, Waisake tent on their fi rst possession as a bril- ner and then fi ring the ball out to the But he copped a yellow card and evening and Coetzee said their scrum, that’s just not the reality.” Naholo and Sam Cane — gave the All liant one-handed offl oad after con- right for Thomas to dive over. France were awarded a penalty try. breakdown work and discipline let After watching newer members of Blacks a 31-5 half-time lead on Armi- tact from Sonny Bill Williams set up a France’s expected pack dominance France had their tails up and after them down. the squad such as Bundee Aki, Jacob stice Day. chance on the very next phase for the didn’t materialise and six minutes be- another Belleau penalty, Thomas was Asked if he felt he was under pres- Stockdale and Andrew Conway do “a Teddy Thomas crossed for France centre, but he was held up over the line fore half-time tighthead prop Rabah denied a second try after his right foot sure, Coetzee said a coach is always un- fantastic job”, Schmidt said he would on his return to the fold after a two- by prop Jeff erson Poirot. Slimani was sin-binned after collaps- grazed the touchline. der pressure after a test match defeat. mix the team up a little bit for next year absence while a penalty try helped From the resulting scrum typically ing a scrum for the third time, while They had a period of pressure close to “It’s diffi cult to explain. There are weekend’s visit of Fiji. close the gap before Naholo grabbed his quick passing and a clever line run by loosehead Poirot went off for a concus- the New Zealand line but the All Blacks no positives from our side to be hon- “It augers well for us going forward second in the fi nal minute to prevent Coles saw the hooker go through a gap sion protocol. held out with Williams now back on est. It’s a disappointing defeat and as but next week’s score at the moment is New Zealand from being kept scoreless to score the opening try of the game. New Zealand needed little more the fi eld and there was a palpable sense a group we take full responsibility for 0-0 and it will be until we kick off ,” he after the break. France were struggling to contain encouragement and a brilliant rugby that the hosts had let their one chance that, we’ve let ourselves down and said. Beauden Barrett kicked a perfect six New Zealand’s rapid brand of running league style grubber from Williams slip through the fi ngers. from six from a 13-point personal haul rugby and were frequently scrambling was touched down by Crotty for the All It proved the case as Naholo had the for the visitors. in defence deep inside their own 22. Blacks’ 2,000th international try. fi nal word.

BOTTOMLINE Rejuvenated Aussies eye England aft er Wales win

AFP younger boys getting a chance. Cardiff “Some players who have been out Wales’ Jonathan Davies of the squad a while will get an oppor- is tackled by Australia’s tunity. It’s a chance for players to put ustralia’s rugby renaissance Karmichael Hunt in themselves in contention for the All continued in Cardiff with a Cardiff on Saturday. Blacks game. fourth consecutive win in a “It’s about assessing where this run of seven unbeaten and group is in the next 48 hours and see- headA coach Michael Cheika was not ing how they come back on Monday.” ruling out another triumph against When they do come back in they England next weekend. will have to refl ect on a 13th successive The clash at Twickenham will see defeat to the Wallabies, who are once two Aussie coaches going head-to- again World Cup opponents in Japan head, but Cheika said any talk of rival- in 2019, and be mindful of the fact the ry between him and former clubmate Georgians will arrive on the back of a Eddie Jones was “irrelevant”. 54-22 win over Canada in Tbilisi. “It is Australia versus England, “We’re disappointed in terms of the that’s all that counts. It is not about result, but we talked about throwing having any fun with Eddie, we will prepare every day like we are going to off the fi eld on the motorised stretcher some new faces out there, some new have fun on our own in our own camp play our best game on Saturday and go and will be assessed during the week. caps. Some guys have had their fi rst and then we will prepare ourselves from there.” His injury came moments after re- caps at home and they’ll be better for each day the best we can,” said Cheika The Wallabies were forced to play placement wing Hallam Amos had that experience,” added Gatland. in the wake of his side’s 29-21 victory, near their very best by a revamped added a second home try to the one “That was Australia’s ninth game their 13th in a row against Wales. Welsh side missing the likes of Sam scored by Steff Evans in the first half. in the last few months. If you look at “We understand that the pundits Warburton, Ross Moriarty, George “It looks like an ankle injury at the where they started the Rugby Cham- over here don’t think we have much of North, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb. moment and he’s been strapped up pionship, they were beaten by 50 a chance and they have already given Wales might also have to go into and put on crutches. It doesn’t look points by the All Blacks. England 3-0 for November. next weekend’s match against Geor- brilliant, but we’ll know more in the “Our whole focus is on planning “One guy said: ‘All respect to Aus- gia without the services of British and next 24 hours,” said Wales head coach for the World Cup — exposing some tralia, but a decent club side would Irish Lions centre Jonathan Davies. Warren Gatland. young players and giving them oppor- South Africa’s lock and captain Eben Etzebeth claims the line out during the beat them’. So I don’t think there is too He turned his left ankle in the fi nal “I’ll think we’ll make a lot of chang- tunities, developing the game that we autumn international rugby union Test match against Ireland at the Aviva much for them to worry about. We will play of the game and had to be carried es for next week. There will be some can play. stadium in Dublin on Saturday. Gulf Times Monday, November 13, 2017 7 FOOTBALL

SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT Ireland hold Denmark Switzerland edge to fi rst-leg stalemate AFP Irish manager O’Neill made just one Copenhagen change from the team that beat Wales 1-0 to snatch second place in qualifying Group D last month, bringing in Bristol he Republic of Ireland and City midfi elder Callum O’Dowda to re- Denmark played out a drab 0-0 place the suspended David Meyler. draw in the fi rst leg of their The hosts started strongly and out N. Ireland to World Cup play-off in Copen- could have taken the lead in the 11th hagenT yesterday. minute when Randolph saved Danish The closest either side came to a goal left-back Jens Larsen’s volley, before was when Pione Sisto fi red wide in the quickly getting back to his feet to hold fi rst half for the hosts, while Yussuf onto Andreas Cornelius’ follow-up ef- Poulsen saw a 90th-minute header fort. saved by Darren Randolph. Sloppy defending from Ireland skip- Both sides will be satisfi ed with the per Ciaran Clark gave the ball straight qualify for W Cup result, as Martin O’Neill’s Irish now to Christian Eriksen and West Ham know victory in Dublin on Tuesday United keeper Randolph could only would secure a fi rst World Cup appear- palm the midfi elder’s eff ort back into Ricardo Rodriguez’s controversial first-leg penalty in Belfast proved ance since 2002, but an away goal for the middle, but Sisto fi red the rebound the Danes could prove decisive after wide with the goal gaping. enough for the Swiss to reach their fourth consecutive FIFA showpiece this clean sheet. But the visitors grew into the game “A draw has always got to be seen as a as the fi rst half wore on and Cyrus positive result. Although we could have Christie was denied by the onrushing done with scoring an away goal,” Ireland Kasper Schmeichel after bursting into midfi elder Harry Arter told Sky Sports. the area with an enterprising run from “It (the World Cup) feels a bit closer full-back. than it did before the game. If before Ireland continued to sit deep and the campaign, we’d have been off ered a frustrate Denmark, who fi nished sec- one-off game against Denmark to qual- ond to Poland in Group E, after the ify for the World Cup, we’d have bitten break. off your hands for it.” Hareide threw on former Arsenal Denmark coach Age Hareide left man Bendtner with less than 20 min- striker Nicklas Bendtner on the bench utes to go as the home side went in in favour of Feyenoord’s Nicolai Jor- search of a lead to take to Lansdowne gensen. Road.

SUPPORT Neymar not immune to criticism, says Mbappe

AFP Mbappe, Neymar and Cavani have Paris linked up to devastating eff ect this sea- son, with the trio combining to score 24 goals through PSG’s fi rst 12 league ylian Mbappe insisted his matches. Paris Saint-Germain team- But Mbappe conceded Neymar was mate Neymar is “human like just as susceptible to criticism as any- Keveryone else” after the Bra- one else. zilian was reduced to tears on Friday by “It just simply proves that he’s hu- the controversy that has followed him man like everyone else. He’s like us, he since his arrival from Barcelona. has two arms, two legs, a heart, so he A tearful Neymar pleaded with the can be aff ected by the criticism he is media to stop the “false stories” about subjected to,” Mbappe told French tel- Swiss players celebrates their qualification at the end of the FIFA 2018 World Cup play-off second leg football match between Switzerland and Northern Ireland at his alleged frosty relations with PSG evision channel TF1 yesterday. St. Jakob-Park Stadium in Basel. coach Unai Emery and fellow striker “From the outside he gives off a cer- Edinson Cavani following Brazil’s 3-1 tain image, he doesn’t appear to be af- AFP Rwanda qualify despite only drawing at home low drive with his legs. international friendly win over Japan fected... But when you’re on the inside, Basel The Swiss, who fi nished second to in Lille. he opens himself up to you, he shows AFP, Johannesburg: Rwanda Both countries had lost in the final Portugal in qualifying Group B despite The 25-year-old said he was “hurt” he’s a normal person. filled the final place at the 2018 Afri- round of regional eliminators – winning nine of 10 matches, came out by the issue, before adding that he “He’s incredibly strong on the pitch witzerland held off Northern can Nations Championship (CHAN) Rwanda to Uganda and Ethiopia to of the blocks quickly after half-time was “really happy” in Paris following that you think he’s just as strong off it, Ireland to seal a place at the yesterday despite only drawing Sudan. with Zuber seeing an eff ort blocked his world-record 222-million-euro but away from it he remains a normal 2018 World Cup in Russia with 0-0 in Kigali against Ethiopia in the Kenya were ditched as hosts of and left-back Rodriguez drilling nar- ($264mn) transfer in August. guy.” a 0-0 second-leg draw yester- second leg of a play-off . the biennial tournament having rowly wide. dayS that secured a 1-0 aggregate play- Northern Ireland sent out a remind- The Rwandans qualified 3-2 on fallen behind with preparations off victory. aggregate having won the first leg and Morocco outvoted Equatorial er that they were still in with a chance Five-star Spain thrash Costa Rica Vladimir Petkovic’s side wasted by that score in Addis Ababa last Guinea for the right to replace of forcing extra-time, as Washington numerous fi rst-half chances as the weekend. them. sent a header looping away from keep- AFP, Málaga: Spain’s stunning form before moving to Madrid, was given Northern Irish stayed in the tie, but Egypt withdrew from the competi- Rabat hosts the 16-nation finals er Sommer, but also the top corner. under coach Julen Lopetegui contin- a standing ovation as he left the Ricardo Rodriguez’s controversial tion for home-based footballers, draw this Friday with the Janu- Switzerland had become frustrated ued as David Silva scored twice in a pitch. fi rst-leg penalty in Belfast proved citing the refusal of clubs to release ary 12-February 4 tournament by their inability to kill the tie off , and 5-0 friendly thrashing of Costa Rica Lopetegui opted to rest Manchester enough for the Swiss to reach their players, and this gave Rwanda and scheduled for Agadir, Casablanca, Washington created a good chance for in Malaga on Saturday. United goalkeeper David de Gea, fourth consecutive World Cup. Ethiopia a second chance to qualify. Marrakech and Tangier. George Saville to break the deadlock, Andres Iniesta, Jordi Alba and Alvaro instead handing a first team debut Northern Ireland fell short in their only for the Millwall midfi elder to curl Morata also netted in a one-sided to Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa bid to reach a fi rst fi nals since 1986. tamely at Sommer. display from the 2010 world cham- Arrizabalaga, but otherwise played a Away manager Michael O’Neill re- In a high-tempo opening to the day’s loss in Belfast, but the 25-year- O’Neill sent on Kilmarnock winger pions. familiar-looking team to the side that placed Kyle Laff erty up front with game, Haris Seferovic should have old Seferovic was proving a real hand- Jordan Jones for his international de- The only negative for Spain was the swept to the top of their World Cup Queens Park Rangers striker Conor doubled the hosts’ aggregate lead but ful as he volleyed wide from a tight but with 15 minutes remaining. sight of local hero Isco being asked qualifying group. Washington, while the hosts named headed Xherdan Shaqiri’s vicious angle. The home side should have sealed to be substituted after being hit Silva, Isco and Iniesta combined an unchanged starting XI. cross past the far post. Petkovic’s side were struggling to a ticket to Russia in the 85th minute, with a tough tackle from Costa Rica to stunning eff ect throughout the With heavy rain leaving the St Switzerland continued to push for make the most of their early chanc- but Seferovic’s poor day in front of defender Kendall Waston, who was game, with the Manchester City Jakob-Park pitch in bad condition, a crucial opening goal, but Gareth es, though, as goalkeeper Michael goal went from bad to worse when he immediately hauled off after being midfielder laying on the pass for Northern Ireland started strongly. McAuley did well to help Blerim Dze- McGovern got down quickly to deny blazed over with the goal at his mercy. booked for the challenge. his former Valencia teammate Alba Chris Brunt brought a good save maili’s shot over the crossbar, and Stoke City winger Shaqiri at the near Northern Ireland almost made him The Real Madrid midfielder, who is to thrash past Costa Rica’s stand-in from Yann Sommer with a swerving Benfi ca striker Seferovic again headed post. pay with a late rally, but Rodriguez from Malaga and spent two impres- goalkeeper Danny Carvajal in the long-range strike in only the third a Shaqiri delivery off target. The Norwich City keeper was called cleared a Jonny Evans injury-time sive seasons playing at La Rosaleda sixth minute. minute, before Stuart Dallas fi red over O’Neill’s visitors still looked much into action once more before the half- header off the line as Switzerland from the resulting corner. brighter than they had done in Thurs- hour mark, keeping out Steven Zuber’s clung on.

BOTTOMLINE Italy’s old guard in fi nal stand to make W Cup

AFP the Italian Cup, the Italian Super Cup he earned his 117th cap in the fi rst leg Milan and the UEFA Cup before joining Juven- of the play-off in the Swedish capital, tus for 51mn euros in 2001 and going on but Buff on’s haul is well out of reach. to become a club legend with eight Se- “It would be great to be able to play at taly’s old guard face a fi nal stand in rie A titles with the Turin giants. my fourth World Cup. It’s a tourna- today’s World Cup play-off against At age 39, his statistics are stag- ment that no one wants to miss,” said Sweden in the San Siro after Gian gering. With a remarkable 627 Italian De Rossi. “The stakes are so high that Piero Ventura’s side lost the away top-fl ight appearances he will also the idea of shedding blood and sweat Ileg 1-0. will earn his 175th cap against Swe- is appropriate. We must give every- Here AFP Sport looks at the three den on Monday. That is 39 more than thing right to the fi nish.” veteran warriors of the 2006 World another 2006 World Cup winner, Fa- ANDREA BARZAGLI (Juventus) Cup-winning campaign who face an bio Cannavaro, and 63 more than the Barzagli has won the World Cup, Bun- inglorious exit if Italy fail to qualify for legendary Dino Zoff . “I don’t want to desliga and six Scudettos, but despite the tournament for the fi rst time in 60 think it’s the game of life, but I’m con- being one of the most decorated de- years. vinced that with the help of the public fenders of his generation the 36-year- we will do it,” he insists. old often goes under the radar. Bar- GIANLUIGI BUFFON (Juventus) DANIELE DE ROSSI (Roma) De- zagli started playing midfi eld but was The Italy and Juventus captain is target- fensive midfi elder De Rossi is going for advised by Juventus coach Massimil- ing a record sixth World Cup appearance a fourth World Cup. The 34-year-old iano Allegri to switch to defence when in Russia. He made his international de- has spent his entire senior career with the pair played together for Pistoiese but as a 19-year-old in October 1997 in hometown club Roma which he joined in the Italian second division. “I said the snow of another World Cup play-off in 2000, rejecting big money moves that if he wanted a diff erent kind of ca- against Russia, coming on for the in- Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on shouts away. He scored on his international reer, he needed to change — he needed jured Gianluigi Pagliuca, and immedi- instructions during his team’s FIFA World debut in 2004 in a World Cup quali- to drop back 15 metres,” said Allegri. ately saved heroically from Dmitri Alen- Cup 2018 qualification football match fying match against Norway. He wore Barzagli went on to star for Ascoli, ichev and ensured Italy qualifi ed for the against Sweden on November. Italy’s captain’s armband for the fi rst Chievo, Palermo and Wolfsburg before following year’s World Cup. time in a 0-0 friendly draw against joining Juventus in 2011. “Andrea is Buff on, whose mother was a discus Iceland in March 2005. De Rossi over- our professor. He’s always in the right thrower and father a weightlifter, made took the recently-retired Andrea Pirlo place at the right time,” says Juventus his Serie A debut with Parma, winning in the all-time appearances list when teammate Giorgio Chiellini.

Monday, November 13, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOOTBALL/QSL CUP Hamdalla gives Rayyan fourth India’s Advani beats straight victory Russell to win 13th world billiards title ‘Once I took the second frame, I was a lot more comfortable, a lot more relaxed’

By Mikhil Bhat “I still don’t feel that I have won the Doha world title. It has not sunk in yet that I have won such a big title, and I have beat- en a great player like Mike for it,” he said. Abderrazaq Hamdalla (R) is being congratulated by his teammates ndia’s Pankaj Advani sat in his “I didn’t even think of the title, be- after he scored the winner against Umm Salal in the QSL Cup. chair, watching his opponent, cause you have a formidable opponent in former champion Mike Rus- front of you, the last thing you are think- By Sports Reporter their seats at the Al Ahli Sta- sell, reel off a stream of can- ing is about the title because you have got Doha dium when Al Arabi found the Inons and pots for a 155-point break to play six full games, and it could go 6-4, net as early as the second minute to go 1-0 up in the IBSF World Bil- 6-5, because he is equally good and can through a quick-footed drive by liards 150Up Championship fi nal. score equally well. So I just thought let l Rayyan prevailed over Yousef Ahmed. He warmed his chair even more in the me play frame by frame, and eventually Umm Salal 1-0 while Al Al Sadd equalised three min- cold environs of Al Arabi Sports Club’s rattled off six games. I couldn’t believe Arabi were thoroughly utes later through Jugurtha indoor hall, as Russell went 89-0 in the the way I played, really surprised myself,” tested by Al Sadd be- Hamroun, who easily beat Al second frame. said Advani, who did a good job of hiding foreA winning 5-4 in the QSL Cup Arabi goalkeeper Mahmoud And then it happened. The kick. Rus- the surprise and the happiness behind yesterday. Zarayi. sell missed the pot. “It’s the worst thing his calm demeanour and a smile. In yesterday’s other Round Al Sadd took the lead in the to happen,” Advani said later. Russell had brushed aside his opening 4 Group B action, Al Markhiya 14th following a neat 1-2 be- If a human brain was a see-through loss to India’s Dhvaj Haria to make it to held Al Ahli to a goalless draw. tween Yasser Abubaakar and mechanical machine, you would have the fi nal against a formidable and unde- Al Rayyan thus stormed into the Rami Suhail, with the latter perhaps seen the parts not aligning and feated Advani. semifi nals with 12 points and an fi nding the net. working like they should. But it isn’t. The 155-point break looked like the all-win record with one round of Three minutes later, Al Arabi And so you believe what Russell tells you perfect foundation for yet another world matches to spare. converted an indirect corner later. “I started to worry about my tech- title. kick into their second goal as nique.” And that, was bad news for the “I didn’t feel my technique was very RAYYAN 1 UMM SALAL 0 Tarek Hamed Abdelmagid pro- Englishman. strong. And that was the problem. When Al Rayyan beat Umm Salal after duced a deft left-footed drive The tide turned. “Once I took the sec- you feel like that, you feel pressure, be- a battling contest at the Al Ara- that sailed above the head of Al ond frame, I was a lot more comfortable, cause you are not confi dent of your bi Stadium. It was Al Rayyan’s Sadd goalkeeper Jehad Hudib. a lot more relaxed,” Advani told Gulf shots. I mean everybody faces pressure, fourth consecutive win after Al Sadd surged into lead one Times. “And then decided, ‘You know but if you face pressure but trust your Abderrazaq Hamdalla struck the more time as Hatem Kamal fi red what, today I am just going to play my technique to be strong, you feel good,” only goal in the 80th minute. in one in the 29th after an indi- game’.” Russell, who has earlier worked with the In the 10th, star striker Rod- rect free-kick. But four min- And the 32-year-old from the Indian Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation, rigo Tabata attempted a bicycle utes later, Al Arabi drew parity city of Bengaluru did. Armed with fi ve said. shot, but Umm Salal goalkeeper through Yousef’s second goal. 100+ breaks, including three breaks of The Englishman, however, is confi dent Basel Zaidan tipped the ball Mohamed Atif (71st) and 151 each, Advani won his 11th IBSF world he can brush aside the loss in the Long Up over the crossbar. Three min- Hamroun again (76th) scored for billiards title, which was also his 13th format of the tournament, which began utes on, Umm Salal’s Rami Fayez Al Arabi and Al Sadd respectively world billiards title. yesterday afternoon. launched a fi erce left-footed before Hamad Ismail came up The title may be Advani’s 17th overall “It’s another day. You just have to shot, but the ball was stopped by with the winner in the 81st. world title, but there was nothing routine regroup. I have played the game for 32 Al Rayyan goalkeeper Mubarak about it. years. I don’t really worry about these al-Khater. AL MARKHIYA 0 AL AHLI 0 things. I know my game, and I know their Soon after resumption of play, Al Ahli and Al Markhiya played game. I just try my best,” he said. Umm Salal’s Mubarak al-Beraik out a goalless draw at the Al Advani was palpably upbeat. was booked for a rough tackle Wakrah Stadium. It was the sec- “I am always expected to win the gold. on Mohsine Moutouali of Al ond draw for both teams. Of course, rightfully so, because when Rayyan. After the sides failed to con- you represent your country, you want to As the match progressed goal- struct meaningful moves, Al win nothing less than a gold. I don’t think less with Al Rayyan enjoying Markhiya nearly pulled off a goal we should be happy with silvers and more ball possession, Hamdalla in the 60th. However, striker bronzes anymore. I think we should aim just about managed to fl ick one Abdulqadir Ilyas, lurking in- big, because we work hard for it, we train from close range following a long side the box, failed to convert a hard for it, and if we believe in ourselves, ball from the midfi eld. Two min- relatively-easy close-range op- we can be the best,” he said. utes later, Adil Rehaili of Umm portunity. “But of course, Long Up is a diff erent Salal was booked for a second Al Markhiya dominated the story, there are many title favourites. time and ordered off the pitch. stat-sheet by earning seven cor- “For now, I just want to enjoy this for a ners against three by Al Ahli and while, and come back in the evening, and India’s Pankaj Advani lines up a shot during his world billiards final against Mike Russell AL ARABI 5 AL SADD 4 were marginally better in ball slowly get into the groove for the longer of England at the Al Arabi Sports Club yesterday. (Left) Russell ponders his next move. The fans barely settled into possession (51 per cent). format.” PICTURES: Ram Chand

BASKETBALL LEAGUE BOTTOMLINE Al Rayyan, Wakrah Qatar football players take post easy wins part in school sports event

s part of the Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) social re- sponsibility strategy, Qatar senior and Olympic national teams’A stars Wahem AlMoez Ali, Tamim al-Muhaiza, and Sultan al-Brek took part in a sports event organised by Abdullah bin Ali al-Misnad Secondary School yes- terday in Al Khor. The event, which was under the theme ‘Tamim Al Majd’, a symbol of pride to the nation, involved organising a fun and exciting football match between the stu- dents and the Qatar senior and Olympic Action from the Al Rayyan-Al Ahli match in the Qatar Basketball national team players. League yesterday. The national teams players and cap- tain Saeed al-Misnad, along with the By Sports Reporter pointers out of seven attempts QFA national teams technical adviser Doha while Flowers succeeded fi ve signed footballs and took memorable times from the three-point pictures with the students in the fun- mark. packed event. herwood Brown scored a Mohamed Abdulaziz also ex- The event was attended by QFA Di- game-high 30 points and celled for the winners with 17 rector of Operations of National Teams Philip Flowers chipped in points. Department Ahmed Abbassi, QFA Head 26 as Al Rayyan defeated Nemanja Besovic and Nenad of Communications Ali al-Salat, and AlS Ahli 97-81 in the Qatar Bas- Eivchevic were the main scor- National Teams Technical Advisor Cap- ketball League at the Al Gharafa ers for Al Ahli with 16 and 24 tain Saeed al-Misnad, and supervised by Sports Club yesterday. points, respectively. Jassim Jumaa al-Muraikhy, School Prin- which made everyone feel proud to cel- falls under the QFA’s social responsibility Tamim al-Muhaizah, national team Al Rayyan dominated the In the second match of the cipal, and Ali Saad al-Humaidi, Deputy ebrate under the theme ‘Tamim Al Majd’. framework and strategy which focuses player expressed his happiness for par- match right from the start and day, Al Wakrah eased past Al School Principal for Administration and “I would like to thank the QFA for at- on the importance of constantly building ticipating in the school’s event with his never looked back. After edging Shamal 87-74 with Marcus Student Aff airs. tending our school’s event and positively on our relationship with the schools and teammates which promotes communi- the fi rst period 25-20 they dou- Johnson top-scoring with a Jassim Jumaa al-Muraikhy, School impacting our students. The QFA is in local community.” cation between the players and students bled their lead at the halfway whopping 40 point, scoring Principal handed the QFA delegation constant communication with the local He added: “The participation of our who are fans of the game. mark, 47-37. seven times from the three- certifi cates of appreciation to thank schools in Qatar to ensure we are a part national teams stars highlights the col- He said: “We have taken this oppor- That left Al Ahli with a tall point mark. them for attending the school’s sports of all their community engagement ini- laboration between the QFA National tunity to interact with the students, order, and although they scored Earnest Ross and Adaamu event and interacting with the students tiatives.” Teams Department and the QFA Market- who are passionate about football, and it 22 points in the third and fourth Saaka scored 17 and 14, respec- which helped educate the students about Ahmed Abbassi, QFA Director of Op- ing and Communications Department, showed us how loyal they are to the sport sessions, they couldn’t stop Al tively, for the winners, while Ali the positive values of football. erations of National Teams Department which includes visiting various schools and the Qatar national teams. We hope to Rayyan from emerging com- Saleh El Hagg with 26 and Ab- He commented: “The day ended on a said: “Our presence at today’s sports in Qatar or inviting school students to see them in our matches supporting us fortable winners. delkader Kosar with 22 played positive note and represented the true event organised by Abdullah bin Ali al- visit the headquarters of the national and enjoying the wonderful atmosphere Brown nailed four three- well for Al Shamal. sense of community and unity in Qatar Misnad Secondary School in Al Khor teams.” in the stadium.”