RUGBY | Page 6 TENNIS | Page 7 Hansen leaps Svitolina, to defence Pliskova storm of under-fi re into WTA Cheika Finals semis

Friday, October 26, 2018 FOOTBALL Safar 17, 1440 AH Real Betis stun GULF TIMES Milan, Arsenal win in Lisbon SPORT Page 2 SPOTLIGHT ‘Qatar Gymnastics Federation has made a wonderful garden in the middle of the desert’ By Sports Reporter Watanabe, who was dressed in couraging even more Qatari Doha a thobe, and Ali al-Hitmi. residents to become involved, Addressing the audience, whether participating or being Watanabe said, “Qatar Gym- a spectator,” he said. he 48th edition of FIG nastics Federation has made a Al-Hitmi added: “President Artistic Gymnastics wonderful garden in the mid- Watanabe and FIG family, thank World Champion- dle of the desert. For ten days you for the trust that you have ships Doha 2018, the from today, with the power of placed in us. We are so grateful Tfi rst such event to be staged in our gymnasts, we’ll see the for the support and co-opera- the Middle East, was launched beautiful and strong fl owers tion that you have provided as with a grand opening ceremo- (of gymnastics) bloom at the we aim to forge a path for future ny at the magnifi cent Aspire Aspire Dome. I wish all gym- athletes, inspire new gymnasts Dome yesterday morning. nasts good luck.” and grow this sport in Qatar.” On the occasion, the Presi- Al-Hitmi welcomed the Qatar’s female gymnast, dent of Qatar Gymnastics gymnasts and offi cials from 16-year-old Jana al-Kiki then Federation and Executive Di- various countries. “Hosting took an oath on behalf of the rector of the Organising Com- Qatar Gymnastics Federation president Ali al-Hitmi (left) and this prestigious event in Qa- athletes as did coach David mittee Ali al-Hitmi thanked International Gymnastics Federation president Morinari Watanabe. tar has given us the opportu- Kikuchi of Canada and judge His Highness the Amir Sheikh nity to take gymnastics to new Han Yoon-Soo of South Korea. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani The opening was attended tee, Jassim al-Buainain, Secre- many, among others. heights in our country and to This was followed by Qatar’s for his guidance and interest in by several distinguished guests tary-General of Qatar Olympic The championship was of- drive the passion and engage- national anthem. sport, which he said is an in- and included Dr Thani al-Ku- Committee, and Sheikh Saoud fi cially declared open by In- ment for the sport amongst A Chinese acrobatic show tegral part of Qatar’s National wari, Second Vice-President bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, ternational Gymnastics Fed- our communities; expand- then entertained the audience. Vision 2030. of the Qatar Olympic Commit- Qatar’s ambassador to Ger- eration President Morinari ing gymnastics reach and en-

World has trust 48TH ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DOHA 2018 in Qatar, says Sheikh Saoud

By Sports Reporter Doha Russians excel in atar’s ambassador to Germany, Sheikh Saoud Qbin Abdulrahman al- Thani, who graced the opening of 48th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018 qualifying on Day 1 at the Aspire Dome yesterday, termed the successful launch of the event as a fruition of Qatar’s hard work and the trust it has Nagornyy, Dalaloyan lead the Russians in the men’s team event built over the years. “The trust that Qatar has from the By Sahan Bidappa International Gymnastics Federa- Doha tion hasn’t come by chance. It has come with the long experience that they have with Qatar and ussian men made a which has built over the years with steady start in their its history of sport,” said Sheikh pursuit for fi rst team Saoud while speaking to the medal since 2006 as theR World Artistic Gymnas- media soon after off icial opening of the event. tics Championships began in “Over the last decade and a half, Doha yesterday. Qatar has organised several world At the Aspire Dome after championships in various sports fi rst day’s qualifi cations, Rus- and now we have the gymnastics sians were sitting pretty atop Doha Worlds. Next year we will be the leaderboard ahead of the hosting the IAAF World Champi- Netherlands and Switzerland. onships for athletics and then we Nikolai Kuksenkov, Artur have the 2022 FIFA World Cup Dalaloyan, Nikita Nagornyy, Qatar coming up, and we have David Belyavskiy and Dmitrii many more after that. Lankin combined for Russia’s Russia’s Artur Dalaloyan in action during the Rings apparatus “So this shows and explains total score of 258.402, which at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Doha the trust international sporting should be enough for them to yesterday. PICTURES: Thajudheen Qatar’s Mosa Ahmed does his routine in pommel horse. bodies have in Qatar and what make it to the fi nal as one of we can deliver. The facilities that the eight qualifi ers. Reigning (From left) while on the comeback trail, we possess and the organisa- champions Japan will open Qatar Olympic he ripped a rib muscle. He is tional abilities of Qatar help gain their campaign today, so will Committee certainly well-placed to once confidence, and the trust in the USA, Great Britain and China. (QOC) again challenge for a spot on people who are conducting the Despite their barren run at secretary- the podium. events,” he explained. the World Championships, general Jassim Meanwhile, Qatar’s Ahmed Sheikh Saoud said the FIG was Russia won team silver at Rio al-Buenain, al-Dayani was placed 57th, confident of Doha Worlds’ 2016 and are also reigning Eu- FIG president while Mosa Ahmed was lying success well in advance. “In ropean team champions. With Morinari in 102nd position in the Pom- gymnastics, we have been host- only two athletes per country Watanabe and mel Horse. It was a below-par ing the Word Cup series over the advancing to the individual QOC second performance from the young years and the FIG now knows the all-around fi nal, there was vice-president Qatar gymnasts, who are up people behind the events here fi erce competition within the Dr Thani against World class gymnasts. in Qatar very closely. They were Russian squad. al-Kuwari at The second and fi nal day confident that the first gymnas- Nagornyy was the most the opening of men’s team and individual tics world championships of the consistent performer yester- ceremony. qualifi cations will be held Middle East in Qatar would be a day and led the all-around from 9am today. The two days success much before the start of standings with a total of in the future. On the pommel Championships top three – no safe way. I wanted to do one of women’s qualifi ers will take the event in Doha,” he said. 87.098, ahead of Dalaloyan horse, we made a few mistakes Zonderland, Tin Srbic and more release, but I was so tired. place tomorrow and on Sun- He credited Qatar’s growth as who tallied 84.572. Dala- but they were silly mistakes. Bart Deurloo – in Horizontal I don’t know why I wasn’t re- day. Only top eight teams will the capital for major sports loyan’s fi ne performances on Pommel horse is an event Bar eased their way towards covered from Parallel Bars.” qualify for the fi nal. The best events to the vision of Qatar’s the parallel bars and the fl oor where we should be getting a the top of the leaderboard Srbic had high praise of 24 gymnasts from qualifi ca- leaders and their belief in sports saw him fi nish more than lot of points,” said Nagornyy. yesterday. Zonderland and said he was tions will qualify for the All- being an investment for future 1.000 ahead of third-placed The Netherlands had an Zonderland and Croatia’s just pleased to compete with around fi nal with a maximum generations of the nation. Belyavskiy. overall exceptional perform- Srbic were separated by just the Dutchman. “I have been of two gymnasts per country. “Our passion and love for sport Nagornyy was happy with ance as a team, fi nishing with one-hundredth of a point, looking at him since I was 10 For the apparatus fi nals, has come from the belief of our the team’s performance, but a 245.663 team total to pro- with the former leading. The years old,” said Srbic. “He is only eight best gymnasts can leaders that investment in sports added there was scope for im- visionally move into second pair remained on top of the maybe the best gymnast on make it to the medal round, means in investment in the provement especially in pom- place behind Russia. Epka standings for the rest of the High Bar of all time and I am with a maximum of two gym- Chinese future generations of our nation. mel horse, where both Kuk- Zonderland led his team on day with Dalaloyan in third, proud just to be in the same nasts per country. More than acrobatic show Qatar looks to sport as a vehicle senkov and Dalaloyan slipped. both events, scoring a 14.633 just ahead of Deurloo. arena competing with him.” 500 gymnasts from 76 nations entertains the to achieve the vision of His “It was overall quite good. I on parallel bars and a 14.4 “Today I did a safe routine,” The Croat has had a tough are taking part in the World audience during Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim made a few mistakes but we (with a huge 6.2 diffi culty Zonderland, the London 2012 run-up to defending his title. Championship, which is being the opening bin Hamad al-Thani as Qatar’s will deal with them. I will score) on Horizontal Bar. Olympic Games champion, Three months ago he injured staged in the Middle East for ceremony National Vision for 2030.” work on fi xing the mistakes In fact, last year’s World said. “If I go to the fi nal, there is his left shoulder and then, the fi rst time. yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Friday, October 26, 2018 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA FOCUS No Messi or Ronaldo, yet Clasico could defi ne season Klopp happy to Reuters “We need to gain a little tran- is extraordinary,” coach Ernesto Madrid quillity bit by bit: we have to Valverde said. “Of course we keep going. On Sunday we have miss him, but we want to miss forget Salah slump a game that motivates us a huge him while winning. or the fi rst time since amount.” “Messi often gets us out of 2007 club football’s ar- Barca, who will be without jail in diffi cult games against guably the biggest game the injured Messi, sit top of La low blocks and obviously we as Liverpool ease will not feature either Liga on 18 points, just one ahead want him to get better as soon LionelF Messi or Cristiano Ronal- of the chasing pack in what is as possible. Madrid will be such do yet Sunday’s Clasico between shaping up to be the tightest ti- as dangerous opponent. Lo- past Red Star Barcelona and Real Madrid will tle race in years. petegui’s side will come here and be as feisty as ever with plenty The Argentinean has been in looking to show their strength riding on it. scintillating form this season, and I’m not taking anything for Real coach Julen Lopetegui scoring seven and laying on an- granted.” has come in for fi erce criticism other fi ve goals in Spain’s top Today, second-placed Es- this season, having presided fl ight, while also hitting fi ve in panyol visit in-form Valladolid over a run of fi ve games with- the Champions League. looking to put pressure on their out a win — the team going eight Criticism has been levelled city rivals Barca ahead of the hours and one minute without at the Catalan side that in re- Clasico. Tomorrow, Athletic Bil- scoring — before Tuesday’s un- Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui gestures during the Champions cent times they have become bao host fellow surprise strug- convincing 2-1 triumph over League match against Viktoria Plzen in Madrid on Tuesday. (AFP) too reliant on their talisman and glers Valencia, while Real Socie- Viktoria Plzen that saw the team they now face the ultimate test dad visit Atletico Madrid in the whistled off the pitch by their spell the end for the 52-year-old “We came from a run of quite to show they can function with day’s late kick-off . own fans. at the Bernabeu. a lot of games without winning Messi sidelined, too. On Sunday third-placed Local media reports suggest “We haven’t always won and the objective was to win in “We always want to play as a Alaves welcome Villarreal, while that any sort of negative result when we deserved to but foot- circumstances that were not at team, but when Messi is there he Sevilla host bottom of the table away to their great rivals could ball is like that,” Lopetegui said. all simple. gives us a touch of brilliance that Huesca.

EUROPA LEAGUE Real Betis stun Milan,

Liverpool’s midfielder Mohamed Salah (top) in action during the UEFA Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade at Anfield in Arsenal win in Lisbon Liverpool, England, on Wednesday. (AFP) AFP was clear from the draw,” added Liverpool Klopp. “But you cannot do more Sanabria and Lo Celso goals at San Siro hand Milan their first Europa setback than win your own games.” Liverpool had struggled for DPA iverpool manager Jur- goals in recent weeks with a Barcelona gen Klopp hopes talk of new-found defensive stabil- Mohamed Salah’s ear- ity instead keeping them level on ly-season slump will be points with Manchester City at eal Betis stunned Lquashed by the Egyptian’s dou- the top of the Premier League. seven-time European ble in a 4-0 win over Red Star champions AC Milan Belgrade on Wednesday that took KLOPP TINKERS with a 2-1 win at the his tally for the club to 50 goals. Klopp tinkered with his preferred SanR Siro in Europa League Group Salah ended a four-game goal 4-3-3 system by moving Salah F yesterday, while Arsenal tri- drought with the winner at Hud- centrally as the focal point of a umphed 1-0 at Sporting Lisbon dersfi eld on Saturday and looked 4-2-3-1 and his decision to hand to take control of Group E. more like his old self in scoring Xherdan Shaqiri a start paid off Toni Sanabria and Giovani Lo either side of half-time. as the Swiss added some much- Celso’s goals sent the Spanish Roberto Firmino and Sadio needed creativity in midfi eld. side top of the table, one point Mane were also on target as Shaqiri’s pass played Andy clear ahead of their Italian op- Liverpool’s prolifi c front three Robertson in behind the Red Star ponents who grabbed a late con- that led them to the Champions defence and his cross was con- solation through Patrick Cutro- League fi nal last season all scored verted by Firmino for his fi rst ne, while Olympiakos are third in the same game for this fi rst goal in eight games to get Liver- after a 2-0 win at Dudelange. time this campaign. pool off the mark. Elsewhere Danny Welbeck’s “It’s good that we can maybe Salah then took centre stage to powerful drive earned Arsenal stop talking about that a little take his tally for the new season victory in the Portuguese capi- bit,” said Klopp. “I was not in to six despite a slow start spark- tal, with their 11th consecutive doubt, he was not in doubt, but ing concern he would not meet victory sending them top of if you are constantly asked about the standards of his incredible 44- Group E above Sporting. it, you think something is up.” goal debut campaign at Anfi eld. The Gunners have not enjoyed Salah has reached his half- He fi red home from another such a long winning streak for 11 century quicker than any other neat touch by Shaqiri to give years, while Sporting have only player in Liverpool history after Klopp’s men breathing space lost one other match at home just 65 appearances for the Reds. before half-time and then from in the last two years. Vorskla are “It’s great, I’m happy to score the penalty spot after German third after a 1-0 win at Qarabag. my 50th goal,” said Salah despite referee Daniel Siebert awarded a FC Zurich edged Bayer his muted celebrations. very soft spot-kick for Filip Sto- Leverkusen 3-2 to lead Group “We know how to play with jkovic’s challenge on Mane. A ahead of the Germans, while each other and know our quali- Klopp then withdrew Salah AEK Larnaca tied 1-1 with Lu- ties,” he added of his combina- before Liverpool’s second pen- dogorets Razgrad. Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck celebrates after scoring a goal during their Europa League match against Sporting Lisbon yesterday. (Reuters) tion with Firmino and Mane re- alty of the night to rob him the Salzburg thrashed Rosenborg fi nding its spark. chance of a hat-trick when Milos 3-0 to go top of Group B while namo Zagreb after their 2-1 win (GER) 2 (Bellarabi 50, 53); AEK Bordeaux (FRA) 1 (Briand 26); Group E: Qarabag (AZE) 0 Vor- Liverpool are now back on top Degenek handled inside the area. RB Leipzig are second after at Spartak Trnava, while Fen- Larnaca (CYP) 1 (Larena 25-pen) FC Copenhagen (DEN) 0 Slavia skla Poltava (UKR) 1 (Kulach 48); of Champions League Group C as Mane missed his opportunity beating Celtic 2-0. erbahce are second after a 2-2 Ludogorets (BUL) 1 (Lukoki 7) Prague (CZE) 1 (Matousek 46) Sporting Lisbon (POR) 0 Arsenal Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli in Salah’s absence as Milan Bor- Zenit St Petersburg top Group draw at Anderlecht. Group B: Salzburg (AUT) 3 (Dabbur Group D: Anderlecht (BEL) 2 (ENG) 1 (Welbeck 78) drew 2-2 in the French capital, jan turned his penalty onto the C after coming from behind to 34, 59-pen, Wolf 53) Rosenborg (Bakkali 35, 50) Fenerbahce Group F: AC Milan (ITA) 1 but all three sides remain sepa- crossbar. beat Bordeaux 2-1, while Slavia RESULTS (NOR) 0; RB Leipzig (GER) 2 (Cunha (TUR) 2 (Frey 53, Kaldirim 57); (Cutrone 83) Real Betis (ESP) 2 rated by just two points. However, the Senegalese made Prague are second after a 1-0 Group A: FC Zurich (SUI) 3 31, Bruma 35) Celtic (SCO) 0 Spartak Trnava (SVK) 1 (Ghor- (Sanabria 30, Lo Celso 54); Dude- “We are not through yet. This amends 10 minutes from time win at FC Copenhagen. (Marchesano 44, Domgjoni 59, Group C: Zenit St Petersburg bani 32) Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) 2 lange (LUX) 0 Olympiakos (GRE) group obviously stays excit- by stabbing home Daniel Stur- Group D is headed by Di- Odey 78) Bayer Leverkusen (RUS) 2 (Dzyuba 41, Kuzyaev 85) (Gavranovic 64, Orsic 77) 2 (Torosidis 66, Jordanov 81-og) ing until the end, I think that ridge’s pass.

SPOTLIGHT BOTTOMLINE Ozil still a Germany Lloris: from Captain Courageous to Captain Calamity

AFP Wednesday’s hot-headed deci- toughest job” said the London fan despite bitter London sion to charge out of his area and Evening Standard, accusing the bring down PSV Eindhoven’s World Cup-winner of failing in Hirving Lozano earning a red his captain’s role of showing his departure ottenham’s Hugo Lloris, card. team-mates how to be champi- lambasted in the British The lack of sang froid is an ons. AFP media following his lat- uneasy fi t with the man who in The Daily Telegraph asked if London est exploits, has suff ered 2008 insisted on playing for his “Lloris is becoming a problem Ta sharp downturn in fortunes then club Nice only two days af- Spurs can no longer ignore?” since lifting the World Cup as ter his mother, Marie, had died although it adds later that in his rsenal midfi eld- French captain in July. and performing well. fi ve EPL appearances this term er Mesut Ozil has Seen as a cool head of the fi eld Widely castigated in the he has kept three clean sheets pledged his support for and a calm presence in goal for British media, Lloris appears to and conceded just two goals. the German national Tottenham Hotspur and France have the confidence of Pochet- No other player on the pitch teamA despite bitterness from over the years, things have gone tino, who refused to lay the has their mistakes highlighted both sides over his retirement citing “disrespect and racism” quickly awry for the 31-year-old blame at his door even though as much as the man between the from international football. within the German football fed- since his unbelievable error in PSV’s late equaliser following posts — but Spurs legend Glenn “I’ve always been supporting eration (DFB). the World Cup fi nal that gifted the red card has all but ended Hoddle had no sympathy with the DFB Team since my child- Ozil, born in Germany to Croatia a second goal in July. Spurs hopes of reaching the Lloris for Wednesday’s incident. hood and I’ve still many friends Turkish parents, had been tar- France still won the fi nal but knockout stage. “I can’t believe what I’ve just playing for the German national geted with xenophobic com- things have hardly improved for “It wasn’t a mistake, it was an seen. You have got to concen- team,” Ozil said in a Twitter Q&A ments and singled out for criti- drink-drive shamed Lloris. action and a sending off — it can trate,” said Hoddle, who was session on the eve of Arsenal’s cism by angry fans. Since then he has received a happen a lot in football,” said commentating on the match. Europa League clash with Sport- Months earlier the 30-year- 20-month driving ban in Sep- Pochettino. “Lloris comes and he does not ing Lisbon. old had courted controversy tember for being two times over need to come. He’s panicked.” “Of course I’m still supporting when he and Manchester City the legal limit in London and ‘HE’S PANICKED’ His wealthy parents — his the team!” midfi elder Ilkay Gundogan, who was then sidelined by injury — Others, though, have not been father Luc is a banker in Monte Ozil was a key member of the is also of Turkish descent, were blamed on stress from his arrest so kind on a player who owns the Carlo and his late mother was a Germany side that won the 2014 pictured alongside Turkey’s by Spurs manager Mauricio Po- unwanted record of being the lawyer — named him Hugo after World Cup. president Recep Tayyip Erdogan chettino. most mistake-prone goalkeeper the great French author Victor But the 92-times capped mid- months before the fi nals. His return to football off ered in the Premier League of late Hugo. fi elder retired from international At the time, Turkey were con- little respite. He committed with 10 errors in the last three For the moment his mood Tottenham Hotspur’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (left) and teammate football following Germany’s testing the hosting of the Euro another howler in the Champi- seasons. would be best summed up by the Harry Kane (right) look on after Lloris received a red card for a humiliating exit from the World 2024 fi nals with Germany — a ons League match with Barce- “Sorting out liability Hugo title of one of Hugo’s greatest challenge on PSV Eindhoven’s Hirving Lozano during the UEFA Cup fi nals in Russia last summer, race Germany eventually won. lona and then compounded it by Lloris is Mauricio Pochettino’s works — Les Miserables. Champions League match in Eindhoven on Wednesday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, October 26, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Tuchel faces up to PSG limits aft er Di Maria rescues draw against Napoli AFP PSG are third, a point behind for just 11 weeks, but we must ed and he switched to a back three Paris Napoli with a trip to Italy up next improve, that is clear.” for the second half, taking off before Liverpool visit Paris next struggling left-back Juan Bernat month. That means there is a NAPOLI ‘DESERVED VICTORY’ and replacing him with another aris Saint-Germain real risk that a club with ambi- Ancelotti coached PSG to the centre-back in Thilo Kehrer. coach Thomas Tuchel tions of winning the Champions Ligue 1 title in 2013 before leaving Paris duly stepped up the pres- accepted that his side League could be sent packing in for Madrid, and he fi rst returned to sure and were rewarded with the have to improve in Eu- the group stage. the Parc des Princes a year ago in equaliser in the 61st minute, al- Prope after requiring an injury- “We can improve, it’s not pos- charge of Bayern Munich only to be though there was a touch of good time Angel Di Maria goal to draw sible to make errors because the sacked by the German giants after fortune about the goal. 2-2 with Napoli in the Champi- opposition are very strong,” said a chastening 3-0 defeat. Mbappe exchanged passes ons League on Wednesday. Tuchel, who has been showered This time his Napoli team were with Neymar before releasing PSG looked beaten until Di with praise with his side winning excellent for long spells, fresh Thomas Meunier, whose low ball Maria curled home in the third all 10 of their games in Ligue 1, a from beating Liverpool in their in from the right was turned into minute of time added on, salvag- record-breaking start to a French last European outing. his own net by Mario Rui. ing a point from a game in which season. “We played well, and I think Napoli retook the lead when they had been second-best for “I have lots of respect for the we would have deserved the vic- Mertens stabbed home from long spells. teams in this group. I knew be- tory for our eff orts, but that is close range in the 77th minute af- Prior to that it looked as though fore it would be really compli- what playing PSG is all about, ter Marquinhos had blocked a Fa- goals from Lorenzo Insigne and cated, and in my opinion we are they have players of such qual- bian Ruiz shot, and that appeared Dries Mertens, either side of a not the favourites. This group is Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel (left) and teammates congratulate midfielder Angel Di Maria ity,” said Ancelotti, who coached to be that. Mario Rui own goal, would give really diffi cult and we can’t be (second from left) after he scored a goal during the UEFA Champions League Group C match against Napoli Di Maria at Real Madrid. But just as PSG looked de- Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli the vic- surprised.” at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, on Wednesday. (AFP) Mertens had hit the bar for feated, substitute Julian Drax- tory in the French capital. Doubts had already been raised Napoli before they went ahead ler found Di Maria in the 93rd Instead, the biggest benefi ci- about PSG’s true capabilities at to Paris. evening, which was a world away Tuchel. just before the half-hour mark. minute and he curled a shot high aries of this result are surely Liv- this level when they performed It was an accomplished away from the strolls they so often en- “We are not an Italian side, we Jose Callejon’s superb pass found into the top-left corner from 20 erpool, who move to the top of poorly in losing 3-2 to Liverpool performance from Napoli, but joy domestically. are not Atletico Madrid, we are Insigne, who fi nished beautifully yards. Group C after easing to a 4-0 at Anfi eld, and once again they PSG’s all-star attack of Neymar, “It is always complicated PSG and we have another style. over the advancing Alphonse “We have another opportu- win over Red Star Belgrade in the were exposed here, with Ance- Kylian Mbappe and Edinson against an Italian team because “They have been together for Areola. nity at home and I hope to see the night’s other game. lotti revelling in his latest return Cavani toiled for much of the of the culture they have,” said years, and we have been together Tuchel knew action was need- same game,” said Ancelotti.

QNB STARS LEAGUE FOCUS Pep talk: I couldn’t Gharafa face tough manage another English team Reuters here... I want to make a better club London to make them believe we are strong enough to do better things.” The 47-year-old won 14 tro- Al Khor challenge anchester City’s phies as Barcelona coach and Spanish manager seven while at Bayern, but said Pep Guardiola says that a less intrusive media land- ‘I think we will have it tough... they are coming from two successive victories’ it would be impossi- scape made it easier to settle as a Mble for him to ever coach another manager in England. By Sports Reporter has conceded only one goal in the last team in England and says he is “I understand why in England Doha three matches. now a Mancunian for life. you can stay at a club for 20 years “Some of our players such as Moham- Guardiola, who led City to the in one place,” Guardiola, who ed Buqshan, Musaab Abdulmajid and Premier League title last season also claimed the League Cup for l Gharafa will face a tough chal- Ahmed Askar are on the injury list. How- with a record points tally of 100, City last season, added. lenge from Al Khor when they ever, we have trust in our young players,” signed a contract extension with “Here during the week I don’t clash in the QNB Stars League said Casoni. the champions earlier this year see the journalists and for exam- today as both teams aim to im- In another match today, Al Arabi will that will take him to the end of ple we had maybe some problems proveA their positions on the points table. take on Qatar Sports Club. the 2020-21 campaign. in the locker room, sometimes Al Gharafa started the season as serious “We are facing a diffi cult situation as One of the most success- we have to be tough with play- contenders for a top-four spot, but with we had lost our last three games (against ful managers in world football, ers — but nothing goes out. Just the tournament almost at the half-way Al Sailiya, Al Gharafa and Al Ahli). Our Guardiola has been known to a few times. stage, they must be wondering what went priority is to arrest the slump and we keep his coaching stints brief, “In Barcelona or in Bayern wrong. need to get back to the winning path. We spending four years at Barcelona Munich everything that hap- With just 11 points from nine matches must work on the psychological, physi- and three at Bayern Munich. pened, the next time (day) it is under their belt, they are unenviably cal and technical aspects,” said Al Arabi However, even if he ended his in... the media. So here you are placed eighth in the standings. Al Khor coach Hatem al-Moaddeb. stay at City after fi ve years in more comfortable.” are two spots below with eight points “I expect a strong match against Qatar 2021, he said he could not envis- The former Barcelona player from nine games. SC mainly because of the position of two age one day managing a Premier has won almost every major hon- Al Khor’s only two victories so far came Al Gharafa coach Christian Gourcuff and Al Khor coach Bernard Casoni (right). teams in the table. Even otherwise, our League rival. our available to him as a manag- in their last two games which puts them games against Qatar SC are diffi cult. “I will be Mancunian for rest er. However, one of the prizes he in line for a hat-trick of wins, a milestone an injury. the match would be tough. “We will do our best to improve our of my life. I will (always) be a still wishes to claim, is hearing they would be eager to achieve. “Our performance against Al Rayyan “We will face a strong team in Al team’s performance. The most important Manchester City fan, it would Elton John sing live. In fact, Al Gharafa coach Christian was not that impressive because we did Gharafa who have some excellent players thing at the moment is to win points. not be possible to train another “I’ve never been to a concert of Gourcuff was wary of Al Khor precisely not control the ball properly. But the good and a coach. We seek a positive result in “In the previous game, our regular team in England like Manchester his, it is a huge dream. I met him for the same reason. thing was that we managed to get back this game and also improve our perform- goalkeeper Masoud Zarai was absent City,” Guardiola said in an inter- at Watford when we played there “I think we will have it tough against Al into the match after being in defi cit,” said ance,” said Casoni. due to an injury. He will miss this match view with BBC Radio 5Live. last season and it was a huge Khor because they are coming from two Gourcuff . “After beating Al Rayyan and Al as well. So are Mudir Abdrabbo and Mo- “I feel beloved from the people pleasure,” Guardiola said. successive victories and both were im- Al Gharafa player Vladimir Weiss add- Kharaitiyat, we know where we are and hammed Salah El Neel. We will try to fi nd pressive. After shocking Al Rayyan, they ed: “I always give off my best in all match- we began to discover ourselves more and ideal substitutes for them.” scored a great win over Al Kharaitiyat in es, whether it is for clubs or the national more. We are also analysing our strengths “If we achieve a positive result against the last round,” Gourcuff said. team. We hope to beat Al Khor, who are on and weaknesses, and hopefully we will Qatar SC, things will work well for the “We will go into the match with a de- a high following their recent results. Our correct the mistakes in the next games. players, especially psychologically. All sire to win and thus collect full points. goal now is to collect as many points as “I do not see tactical errors in the de- teams are more or less close. Right now, Our campaign suff ered a setback as Ab- possible from the coming games.” fence. There is only a lack of concentra- we are dealing only with the next game. dulaziz Hatem will be out of action with Al Khor coach Bernard Casoni also said tion at times. The proof is that the team Our target is victory,” said Hatem.

APPRECIATION Godinho hails Qatar team spirit aft er quarters spot sealed BUNDESLIGA

AFC Qatar will now meet Thailand Bogor in the quarter-fi nals on Sunday after the Thais beat North Korea Dortmund out to 2-1 to fi nish second in Group B. atar’s assistant coach Requiring a win to remain in Lino Godinho be- contention ahead of the match, stretch winning run lieves his team’s in- the result – coupled with table- credible team spirit topping Japan’s 5-0 defeat of wasQ a major factor in his side’s Iraq in the group’s other game against Hertha qualifi cation for the AFC U-19 – saw Thailand move through to Championship Indonesia 2018 the last eight at the expense of Reuters the club are fl ourishing under the quarter-fi nals. third-placed North Korea who Berlin guidance of Swiss coach Lucien Qatar’s 4-0 win over Chinese had needed a victory of their Favre in his fi rst season in charge. Taipei on Wednesday rounded own to guarantee their progress. With a deadly and versatile off a group stage campaign that Meanwhile, Japan cruised into orussia Dortmund will attack that has seen 14 diff erent began badly with a defeat to the the quarter-fi nals with a per- try to protect their lead players get on to the Bundesliga United Arab Emirates, before a fect record of three wins after at the top of the Bun- score sheet, Dortmund are hard sensational 6-5 victory against defeating Iraq 5-0 in their fi nal desliga tomorrow when to stop. host nation Indonesia brought Group B match. theyB take on Hertha Berlin as the “It is a really good run when the 2014 champions back into Qahtan Chitheer’s Iraq side hosts look to continue an im- you look at the results, the contention. only had an outside chance pressive start to the season that amount of goals scored and con- In the end, and with three of advancing coming into the has seen them win 10 of their 12 ceded,” said Dortmund’s attack- teams level on six points, Qatar match, but a Taichi Hara brace game in all competitions. ing midfi elder Mario Goetze, assumed pole position in Group Qatar players celebrate a goal during their 4-0 win over Chinese Taipei in the AFC U-19 Championship and goals from Yuta Taki, Kyo- Unbeaten Dortmund have who played his fi rst full 90 min- A by the narrowest of margins Indonesia 2018 on Wednesday. suke Tagawa and Koki Saito put scored 27 goals in eight league utes of the season on Wednesday. after scoring more goals than paid to their slim hopes. games so far, their biggest haul Hertha, after a good start, have either second-placed Indonesia “The team is excited to have take, but we didn’t expect to is one big family, they grew up to- The defending champions had at this stage of a campaign, and managed just one win — against or the eliminated United Arab qualifi ed for the next phase,” the experience that after our fi rst gether and developed together. been anointed as Group B win- their 20 points is their second- Bayern — in their last four Bun- Emirates in the games between Portuguese tactician, who was match. “Diffi culties make them ners before the Matchday Three best total. Coupled with their desliga matches, drawing their the trio. standing in for suspended head “But the players reacted very stronger and they have come to- clash, but they ensured they will impressive domestic form, Dort- last two. Bayern, who rebounded After a night of high drama, coach Bruno Pinheiro, revealed. well after that, they faced what gether as one (to make sure we enter the knockout stage as the mund’s 4-0 demolition of Atleti- from a four-game winless run Godinho was quick to praise Qa- “During this group stage, we was a diffi cult situation, didn’t qualifi ed). The spirit and deter- competition’s form team with co Madrid in the Champions with a victory at VfL Wolfsburg tar’s united front. knew we had room for one mis- hide and kept going. This group mination were simply fantastic.” another commanding display. League on Wednesday confi rmed last week, travel to Mainz 05. Gulf Times 4 Friday, October 26, 2018 SPORT

SECOND LEG OF HATHAB AT QEF’S INDOOR ARENA FROM TODAY

The second season of the Hathab equestrian series will continue with the second leg to be held today and tomorrow at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Indoor Arena. An initiative of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Hathab was a runaway success in its inaugural season. The veterinarian check for horses was held yesterday, followed by a technical meeting for the riders. The competition will begin today at 3pm with Small Tour and Medium Tour events. Tomorrow, the Dressage Level 1 and 2 events will be held from 9am followed by Open Class and Big Tour. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS ‘Car crash in Bravo retires from slow motion’ aft er Australia humbled

Reuters Abu Dhabi

internationals ustralia’s sensational powerplay batting col- lapse was like “watch- ‘I am extremely fortunate to have a career that has taken me across the globe’ ing a car crash in slow motion”A according to captain Aaron Finch after his side were dismissed for their third-lowest score in Twenty20 cricket on Wednesday. Finch’s side were bundled out for 89 in the fi rst Twenty20 international against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi with Sar- fraz Ahmed’s side reducing them to 22 for six in the sixth over. Pakistan won the game by 66 runs after they earlier posted 155 for eight, to take a 1-0 lead in not good enough.” the three-match series. “That Finch said the team would power play was horrifi c. It was need to consider making some carnage. It was like a car crash serious changes to their bat- in slow motion,” Finch told re- ting technique before the sec- porters after his side crumbled ond game of the series in Dubai at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. “Any today. His batting lineup, with- time you lose fi ve or six wickets out the suspended Steve Smith in the power play it’s not ideal.” and David Warner, was argu- The tourists’ run chase was ably their strongest available only resurrected by bowlers with Finch, D’Arcy Short, Glenn Ashton Agar (19) and Nathan Maxwell and Lynn providing Coulter-Nile, who scored 34, some power hitting at the top of with the pair helping them avoid the order. their lowest score in Twenty20 All four were bowled on what international cricket of 79 turned out to be a particularly against England in 2005. benign batting surface. The only other player to get “I think when that many guys into double fi gures was the re- get bowled it’s obviously alarm- turning Chris Lynn, who scored ing, particularly on a fl at surface 14, and opener Finch, who was that didn’t swing a hell of a lot,” bowled for a three-ball duck by said Finch who was out trying to left-arm spinner Imad Wasim cut a ball from Wasim that hit said he accepted a lot of respon- middle stump. sibility for the collapse himself. “The batting was awful. But “I had the responsibility to get we can bounce back. We do have us off to a good start and set up a lot of experience in the team the chase,” Finch said. “When and some good players. One bad you get out in the fi rst over and day with the bat doesn’t throw don’t get the start needed, that’s everything out the window.”

Colourful Warne joins MCC World Cricket committee

Reuters Tests, 164 one-day interna- my debut for the West Indies, have done, leave the interna- Bravo plays for the Chennai London: Australian spin great Port of Spain tionals and 66 T20 interna- I still remember that moment tional arena for the next gen- Super Kings franchise in the Shane Warne said he had tionals. His last appearance for I received the maroon cap be- eration of players.” Indian Premier League and has “plenty to off er” as he was ap- his country came in the short- fore walking onto the Lords Bravo, known for his big- also represented T20 outfits in pointed to the MCC’s influential est Indies all- est format against Pakistan in Cricket Ground against Eng- hitting ability and a wide range England, Australia, Pakistan, World Cricket committee, which rounder Dwayne September 2016. land in July 2004. The enthu- of slower deliveries, ends his Bangladesh and the Caribbean. suggests changes to the game’s Bravo announced “Today I want to confirm to siasm and passion I felt then, I international stint with 2,200 “I am extremely fortunate to laws. The 49-year-old replaces his retirement the cricket world that I have have kept with me throughout runs at an average of 31.42 in have a career that has taken me fellow Australian Rod Marsh, fromW international cricket yes- officially retired from interna- my career. Tests. across the globe into the most who stepped down after serving terday tional cricket in all formats of “However, I must accept In ODIs, he finished with prestigious dressing rooms on the committee since 2012. The 35-year-old Trinida- the game,” he said in a state- that for me to preserve my lon- 2,968 runs at 25.36, while sharing experiences with all “It is an honour to have been dian, who made his West In- ment. gevity as a professional crick- claiming 199 wickets at an the recent legends of this glori- asked to be a member of the dies debut in 2004, played 40 “After 14 years when I made eter, I must do as others before economy rate of 5.41. ous game,” he said. MCC World Cricket committee,” Warne said in a statement. “It is an extremely exciting BOTTOMLINE time for cricket and I hope that I will have plenty to off er in discussion and debate. I look he was delighted to have the forward to contributing to the Australian on board. work of the committee.” “Obviously his profile in the India call up seamers Bumrah, Kumar Warne has gained a reputa- world game is as big as they tion for his robust views. This come and with his extensive AFP The second game on Wednes- The West Indies lost the preced- week, he said Australia’s Test experience, I am sure he will New Delhi day ended in a thrilling tie in Visa- ing two-Test series with India 2-0. team needed a “kick up the off er great insights into many khapatnam after the Indians scored backside” after their series diff erent facets of the game,” 321-6 off their 50 overs, riding on a INDIAN SQUAD: defeat to Pakistan. Gatting said. ndian selectors yesterday record unbeaten 157 by skipper Virat As a player, he was the first Recommendations of the picked pacemen Jasprit Bum- Kohli. Kohli, 29, became the quick- Virat Kohli (capt), Rohit Sharma, bowler to reach 700 Test wick- committee, which meets twice a rah and Bhuvneshwar Ku- est batsman ever to reach 10,000 Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, ets and his final tally of 708, in year, have resulted in innova- mar for the remaining three ODI runs on his way to a second Rishabh Pant, M.S. Dhoni 145 Tests from 1992 to 2007, is tions including day/night Test Ione-day internationals against the successive century. (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, second on the all-time list. cricket and limiting the size West Indies. Fast bowler Mohamed The third one-dayer will be Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Committee chairman Mike of bats. At its last meeting in Shami, who was included for the played in the western city of Pune Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Gatting, flummoxed by Warne’s August, the committee raised fi rst two matches, has been left out tomorrow followed by games in Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Umesh famous ‘ball of the century’ du- the idea of using a “shot clock” Mumbai (October 29) and Thiru- for the rest of the fi ve-match series Yadav, K.L. Rahul, Manish Pandey. ing the 1993 Ashes series, said to speed up play. which the hosts lead 1-0. vananthapuram (November 1). Gulf Times Friday, October 26, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA James gets into win column as Lakers rout Suns ers led 76-54 at the break and Phoenix never AFP RESULTS Los Angeles got closer than 16 in the third quarter. Atlanta 111-104 Dallas Elsewhere, Kawhi Leonard scored a season- high 35 points to help the Toronto Raptors im- eBron James had 19 points, 10 assists Brooklyn 102-86 Cleveland prove to 5-0 with a 112-105 win over the Min- and seven rebounds as Los Angeles Miami 110-87 New York nesota Timberwolves, equalling their best start clobbered the Phoenix Suns 131-113, Toronto 112-105 Minnesota in franchise history. Jonas Valanciunas scored giving the four-time MVP his fi rst 16 points, Serge Ibaka had 15 and Norman Pow- Lwin as a Laker. Chicago 112-110 Charlotte ell added 10 for the Raptors, who also won fi ve James scored all his points in three quarters Utah 100-89 Houston straight to start the 2015-16 season. Jimmy and likely would have posted his 74th career Indiana 116-96 San Antonio Butler scored 23 points, Derrick Rose had 16 triple double if he hadn’t sat out the fourth and Taj Gibson 13 for Minnesota. In Houston, Milwaukee 123-108 Philadelphia with the game already in hand. But this Laker Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points to power win, he said, was by committee as seven play- LA Lakers 131-113 Phoenix the Utah Jazz to a 100-89 win over the Rockets ers reached double fi gures. “It feels great to Sacramento 97-92 Memphis who struggled without the suspended Paul and win, period,” he said. “But it feels good for us Golden State 144-122 Washington then they lost James Harden, the reigning NBA to know that what we have been doing over MVP, in the fourth quarter with an injury. training camp and these fi rst few games of the the way to the end of the game.” Harden, who is expected to be looked at season that we are continuing to get better. Devin Booker led the Suns with 23 points, by team doctors on Thursday, said his ham- “We got better tonight and we are going to seven rebounds and seven assists but left the string is sore but the injury is not serious. try and continue that going forward.” game in the third quarter with a sore ham- “Just being cautious,” he said. With Harden Lance Stephenson had 23 points, JaVale string. Deandre Ayton, the fi rst draft pick out the game, the Jazz regained control, scor- McGee added 20 points, and Kyle Kuzma 17 this year, had 22 points and 11 rebounds. Los ing the next 10 points to make it 94-79 and for the Lakers. James signed with the Lakers Angeles was without suspended guard Ra- cruised to victory. The Rockets had to rely on three months ago after leading the Cleveland jon Rondo for his role in a heated fi st fi ght 34-year-old Carmelo Anthony who fi nished Cavaliers to four straight NBA fi nal appear- with Houston Rockets Chris Paul on Satur- with 22 points. Harden scored a team-high ances, including their fi rst championship day night. They were also missing Brandon 29. Paul fi nished up a two-game suspension in 2016. James joins a Lakers club that has Ingram who was slapped with a four-game for his role in the fi ght with Lakers Rondo. missed the playoff s in each of their last vefi ban for starting the melee, then, after being In Atlanta, Kent Bazemore scored 32 points seasons, the longest playoff drought in fran- separated, charging back into the kerfuf- as the Atlanta Hawks rallied from a 26 point chise history for the 16-time NBA champions. fl e and throwing a wild sucker punch from fi rst half defi cit to defeat the Dallas Maver- “We stuck to the game plan,” James said. behind at an unsuspecting Houston player. icks 111-104. “We were able to get them out of it in the Phoenix committed four turnovers in a 17-2 Bazemore delivered a clutch monster dunk later stages of the fi rst quarter, and then took Los Angeles outburst that put the Lakers up with just over a minute to go and Trae Young Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (centre) celebrates with teammates against the Phoenix Suns it into the second quarter and into the half, all 63-43 with 3:51 left in the fi rst half. The Lak- contributed 17 points in the win. in the second-half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

MLB NHL Leafs hold off Jets’ rally in 4-2 victory Price and Red Sox Leafs jersey after playing for the Reuters Winnipeg Minnesota Wild last season. The Jets were plagued by missed shots in the fi rst two he Toronto Maple Leafs periods, and perhaps were still continued their early- working out the chemistry on season road dominance some new line assignments. on Wednesday, collect- Patrik Laine was moved along- stay hot, take 2-0 Ting a 4-2 win over the Winnipeg side Blake Wheeler and Mark Jets to improve to a perfect 5-0- Scheifele on Winnipeg’s top line, 0 in away games this season. with Kyle Connor moving back John Tavares scored his sev- to join Nikolaj Ehlers and Bryan enth goal of the season, con- Little on the second line. verting a pass from Mitchell Winnipeg’s off ense fi nally got Marner at the 8:28 mark of the on track when Ehlers converted third period after Marner had a Jacob Trouba pass at 4:57 of World Series lead driven towards Winnipeg’s net. the third period. The goal ended Tavares’ goal was an important a long drought for Ehlers, who ‘I take a lot of pride of being able to evolve from pitch to pitch and I did that really well’ momentum changer, as the Jets had not scored in his previous 26 had scored twice earlier in the games (including playoff s). AFP period to narrow Toronto’s lead Just 1:31 later, Scheifele scored Boston to a single goal. on the power play to further Kasperi Kapanen opened continue Winnipeg’s tendency the scoring with an unassisted for late-game scoring prowess. avid Price threw six strong in- marker at 14:38 of the fi rst pe- Of the Jets’ 31 goals this season, nings and JD Martinez singled riod, shooting it through traffi c 18 have come in the third period in the deciding runs Wednes- with the Maple Leafs creating or overtime. After Toronto held a day as Boston defeated the Los pressure in Winnipeg’s end. 28-18 edge in shots over the fi rst AngelesD Dodgers 4-2 to seize command After going scoreless in To- two periods, the Jets outshot of the World Series. ronto’s fi rst nine games, Nazem Toronto by a 22-11 margin in the The Red Sox grabbed a 2-0 edge in Ma- Kadri ended his season-opening third. The Jets suff ered their first jor League Baseball’s best-of-seven fi - slump 11:43 into the second pe- regulation loss on home ice this nal, which shifts to Los Angeles for game riod, as his wrist shot from the season, dropping to 5-1-1 in their three Friday with Boston a perfect 5-0 in circle got past Connor Helle- own arena. road playoff contests this year. buyck. Price, a 31-year-old US left-hander, Tyler Ennis also scored for the RESULTS baffl ed Dodgers batters much of the night Leafs in the period, tipping in a Toronto ...... 4-2 .... Winnipeg with fi ve strikeouts and three walks over Josh Leivo point shot at the 2:25 Florida ...... 3-2 .... NYIslanders (OT) six innings, surrendering his only two mark. The goal was Ennis’ fi rst Tampa Bay 1-0 .... Colorado runs and three hits in the fourth inning. of the season and fi rst in a Maple Vancouver .3-2 .... Las Vegas (SO) “I take a lot of pride of being able to evolve from pitch to pitch, being able to adjust, and I did that really well,” Price said. Kaepernick ‘blackballed,’ says “I made a lot of pitches in that fourth inning. They put some good swings on Eagles’ Jenkins pitches. These guys (teammates) picked Three days after two of the me up like they have all year long. That leading supporters of unem- was huge.” ployed NFL quarterback Colin Designated hitter Martinez, with the Kaepernick bickered on the season’s second-best major league bat- field, one of the two says he has ting average, smacked a two-out, bases- no doubt that Kaepernick “is loaded single to right fi eld in the fi fth to being blackballed.” plate the winning runs. The comments from Philadel- Price was then followed by Boston phia Eagles defensive back relievers Joe Kelly, Nathan Eovaldi and Malcolm Jenkins come amid Craig Kimbrel in retiring the fi nal 16 his feud with Carolina Panthers Dodgers batters over the last 5 1/3 in- safety Eric Reid. In a protest nings to secure the Red Sox 100th all- against police brutality, and Quarterback Colin Kaepernick time playoff victory on a cold and windy to show support for people of night at Fenway Park. colour he says are oppressed situation and the social justice “We’re playing good baseball,” Price in the US, Kaepernick began push as separate issues, and said. “Now we need to go to LA and not sitting on the bench during the his comments on Wednesday come back to Boston.” national anthem in 2017 presea- came back to the former San son games. Francisco 49ers quarterback, NO BIG HITS FOR DODGERS That led to him kneeling during while also taking a dig at the Price, who lost his fi rst 11 career playoff the anthem. The Jenkins-Reid Jacksonville Jaguars. starts before beating Houston last week fissure is rooted in the agree- “While our main focus is always in the American League fi nals, threw 58 ment between the nonprofit on the community and those of his 88 pitches for strikes in collecting Players Coalition and the NFL. systemic oppressions, how his second playoff win in a row. Both players were part of the we can leverage our relation- “You’ve got to give it to Price. He made coalition, but Reid left amid ships, our access and resources pitches there. We stressed him,” Dodgers concerns about its agenda. to help people in everyday manager Dave Roberts said. “They made While the NFL agreed to communities, there is still a pitches when they needed to. We’re not Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning in game two of the 2018 provide almost $100 million for responsibility to speak out on hitting the ball well right now. The dif- World Series at Fenway Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports causes considered important to Colin Kaepernick, who started ference is they got the big hit when they people in African-American are- this movement and still doesn’t needed it and we didn’t.” In a matchup of storied clubs who seen only fi ve times in World Series his- 2-1. Ryu contained Boston for 4 2/3 in- as, Reid argued that Kaepernick, have a job,” Jenkins said. Eovaldi’s stint as a reliever likely last met in the World Series in 1916, the tory and last done 45 years ago. Boston nings but surrendered singles to Chris- and his drive for social justice, “I wholeheartedly believe he is means Boston right-handed pitcher Rick Red Sox seek their ninth title, fourth in opened the scoring in the second in- tian Vazquez and Mookie Betts then should have played a stronger being blackballed, to speak out Porcello will start game three against 15 seasons and fi rst since 2013 while the ning when Xander Bogaerts doubled and walked Andrew Benintendi to load the role in forging the agreement. in support of Eric Reid, who put Dodgers’ rookie righty Walker Buehler at Dodgers try for their seventh crown and scored on Ian Kinsler’s single to left fi eld. bases. Reid, who continues to his job on the line to fight for Dodger Stadium on Friday. fi rst in 30 years after falling one win shy The Dodgers struck back in the fourth That prompted the Dodgers to bring in kneel during the national those who didn’t have a voice,” In World Series history, 43 of 54 teams last season. when David Freese singled, took second relief pitcher Ryan Madson, who walked anthem, has said he believes Jenkins said. with a 2-0 lead, just under 80 percent, base on Manny Machado’s single and Steve Pearce to force in the tying run. Jenkins “co-opted with the “I can turn on the tape this week have won the crown, doing so in each of RYU TAKES THE LOSS third on Chris Taylor’s walk before scor- Martinez then singled to right fi eld to movement that was started by and our opponent and see Colin the past 10 opportunities. Dodgers star Ryu Hyun-jin became the ing on Matt Kemp’s sacrifi ce fl y to cen- drive in two runs, giving Boston a 4-2 Colin to get his organisation Kaepernick deserves a job,” The Red Sox improved to 9-0 in the fi rst South Korean starter in a World trefi eld. lead. Madson struck out Bogaerts to end started. It was cowardly. He sold Jenkins added, referring to the playoff s when scoring fi rst. They led the Series game going against Price. It was Yasiel Puig followed with a single to the inning but the damage was done, the us out.” Jaguars, whom the Eagles will major leagues this year at 74-15 when the second consecutive game with two centrefi eld to score Machado, giving the runs coming with two outs as nine of Jenkins views Kaepernick’s play on Sunday in Jacksonville. scoring fi rst. lefty starting pitchers, an occurrence Dodgers their fi rst lead of the Series at their 12 have in the World Series. Gulf Times 6 Friday, October 26, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY Hansen leaps to defence of under-fi re Cheika AFP Hansen likened Cheika’s posi- possibility when I fi rst started aly. “Through our history, Aus- Tokyo tion to current United manager playing rugby,” said the code- tralia is probably the team that’s Jose Mourinho, who has come hopping superstar. hurt us more than any other under fi re after a poor start to “My feet are fi rmly on the team,” he added. ew Zealand coach the season. ground. I haven’t had many min- “Everyone knows what it’s Steve Hansen yester- “Mourinho is probably in a utes playing rugby this year but like between the two countries day launched an im- similar boat at the moment,” I’ve got confi dence in my ability – whether it’s footy, marbles or passioned defence of said Hansen. and it helps playing alongside tiddlywinks, we want to beat NWallabies rival Michael Cheika, “They’re going to decide what these magicians.” them. We need to be right on top pointing to how Manchester they’re going to do with him be- World champions New Zea- of our game.” United stuck with Alex Ferguson cause it’s probably not going as land, chasing a 3-0 series white- Cheika, whose side lost six before a glittering run of football well as they would like. wash having extended their 15- of eight games before eras- success. “I just think that sometimes year stranglehold on the ing a 24-point half-time defi cit After Hansen and Cheika we pull the trigger too quickly on Bledisloe Cup, also recalled against Argentina, will give Is- named their teams for this the coach – sometimes I guess fellow centre Ryan Crotty while rael Folau his fi rst start as centre, weekend’s Bledisloe Cup clash it is warranted, but most time I Damian McKenzie returns at while veteran Sekope Kepu could in Japan, the All Blacks coach don’t think it is,” he added. fullback. earn his 100th cap after being off ered support to his opposite “I think it’s a good thing (Aus- The All Blacks slipped up last named among the reserves. number, who survived calls for tralia) have given the players a year after winning the fi rst two “When Williams gets go- his head thanks to a stunning 45- platform that’s secure, because Tests against the Wallabies and ing he’s pretty diffi cult to stop,” 34 comeback win over Argentina they know the coach is secure Hansen expects a stern exami- said Cheika when asked about earlier this month. and once that happens people nation this weekend. a potentially explosive midfi eld “I do know that continuity has can get on and do what they have “They’re Australian so they clash. been proven over and over again to do.” don’t need too much motiva- “But we’re lucky to have a guy to be a pretty good recipe,” said Sonny Bill Williams is set to tion,” said Hansen, whose team like Izzy who can fi ll that spot so Hansen. play his 50th Test on Saturday face the 2019 World Cup hosts it should be good fun watching “Look at Alex Ferguson. He as the All Blacks named a strong Japan in Tokyo on Novem- him play there.” was just about to get the sack team for the third Bledisloe Cup ber 3 before fl ying to Europe to Australia will also play No- and went on to do the job for 30 game in Yokohama. complete their fi ve-match tour vember Tests away to Wales, years – and he wasn’t too bad.” “I didn’t think 50 caps was a against England, Ireland and It- Italy and England. All Blacks’ head coach Steve Hansen attends a press conference in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP)

GOLF SPOTLIGHT England’s Shadoff grabs lead in Taiwan Reed seizes opening regards the self-ruled island as a AFP Taipei renegade province. In July, Taiwan was stripped of hosting rights for the 2019 ngland’s Jodi Ewart East Asian Youth Games, a move Shadoff shot a sparkling which sports offi cials blamed seven-under-par 65 to on Beijing’s anger over calls for lead the LPGA Taiwan a referendum to compete at the round lead in windy ChampionshipE by two shots yes- Olympics as ‘Taiwan’, rather terday, raising hopes of her fi rst than the Beijing-mandated victory on the tour. ‘Chinese Taipei’. ‘It feels great. To be able to come out here Nelly Korda of America and South Korea’s Kang Hae-ji were LEADING SCORES AFTER and to be the first event back and to feel like tied for second at the par-72 Ta ROUND ONE Shee Golf and Country Club in 65 - Jodi Ewart Shadoff (ENG) I hit the ball really solid. I had full control’ Taoyuan. No players from China 67 - Kang Haeji (KOR), Nelly Shanghai are at the tournament after Feng Korda (USA) Shanshan and Liu Yu pulled out 68 - Lee Jeong-Eun (KOR), Ryu Reuters without explanation, raising the So Yeon (KOR), Moriya Jut- Shanghai possibility that tensions with anugarn (THA), Ally McDonald Beijing may have spilled over (USA), Hsu Wei-ling Hsu (TPE) into the sporting arena. 69 - Carlota Ciganda (ESP), merican Patrick Reed Organisers from the LPGA Ayako Uehara (JPN), Megan carded a blemish-free Taiwan confi rmed the players Khang (USA), Yi Chen Liu (TPE) eight-under-par 64 to “withdrew their registration” 70 - Brooke Henderson (CAN), surge to the top of the but did not say when or why they Kim Sei-young (KOR), Chella leaderboardA after the opening made the request. Choi (KOR), Ji Eun-hee (KOR), round of the WGC-HSBC Cham- Relations have deteriorated Madelene Sagstrom (SWE), pions in Shanghai yesterday. since President Tsai Ing-wen of Jennifer Song (USA), Annie Park Teeing it up for the fi rst time Taiwan’s independence-leaning (USA), Jacqui Concolino (USA), since Ryder Cup, the reigning Democratic Progressive Party Bronte Law (ENG), Yu Chiang Masters champion showed no took offi ce two years ago. Beijing Hou (TPE) signs of rust as he made four birdies to make the turn in 32 before gains on the fi rst three FOCUS holes ensured he steered clear of the chasing pack. Reed holed an 18-footer on his fi nal hole to take a two-shot lead as he signed for Thai teen takes top a near-perfect opening round in windy conditions at the Sheshan International Golf Club. spot aft er round one “It feels great,” the 28-year- old said. “To be able to come out here and to be the fi rst event back at Panasonic Open and to feel like I hit the ball really solid. I had full control, especial- ly with how windy it was today. It felt really good because if you can go out and shoot rounds like that in these kind of conditions, you know you’re going to have confi dence when the wind dies down and there are perfect con- ditions out there.” Fellow Americans Xander Schauff ele and Tony Finau were the closest challenger at six- under, while Englishman Mat- thew Fitzpatrick, who won the European Masters last month, fi nished a short further back for fourth spot. Fitzpatrick’s com- patriot Tommy Fleetwood, Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Span- iard Rafa Cabrera Bello, Ameri- can Billy Horschel and Taiwan’s C.T. Pan were tied for fi fth at four-under as several big names struggled in testing conditions. Rory McIlroy had to trust Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai. his instincts and play a shot with alternate hand to salvage AFP as he takes aim at a breakthrough a double-bogey on his way to New Delhi Asian Tour title. He had fi nished a mixed-bag 72. The world tied-21st at the Panasonic Open number fi ve, beginning on the Patrick Reed of the US reacts after a putt during the first round of the WGC-HSBC Champions golf tournament in Shanghai yesterday. (AFP) last year. “I feel very good with back nine, sprayed his tee shot hailand’s Suradit Yong- my game. I hit a lot of fairways. near a large trunk on the par- 66 - Xander Schauff ele (USA), charoenchai carded a My tee shots were very good to- four 16th, giving him no room Tony Finau (USA) 60-million-to-one shot! Club golfer bags two holes-in-one six-under 66 with three day and that was the key to play for a right-handed swing. 67 - Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) birdies on the last fi ve well here,” said Yongcharoenchai The Northern Irishman holesT to take the lead at the Pa- after the day’s play. 68 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat An Australian club golfer has close and I turned to the fellas golfer carding a hole-in-one are turned the club face to connect a (THA), Rafael Cabrera Bello defied odds of more than to say ‘I think this is going to go around 12,500-1, according to nasonic Open India golf in New “I played my irons very well left-handed clearance on his way (ESP), Tommy Fleetwood (ENG), 60-million-to-one to shoot two close’ and they were all jumping insurance companies. Delhi yesterday. too and gave myself a lot of birdie to dropping two shots but recov- Billy Horschel (USA), Cheng holes-in-one in a single round up and down,” he told the ABC. And the odds of two holes- The 19-year-old, who fi nished opportunities. ered well with four birdies on the Tsung Pan (TPE) on a course in Melbourne, local “I kind of missed it going in.” in-one in the same round are tied-fi fth at last week’s UMA “Obviously I am riding on front nine to fi nish eight strokes 69 - Keegan Bradley (USA), media reported yesterday. But he had another bite of the quoted at roughly 67-million- CNS Open in Pakistan, ended my good form as well. I fi nished off the pace. Brooks Koepka, George Coetzee (RSA), Ian Jim Grant said he missed seeing cherry just six holes later at the to-one, though mathematicians the opening round of the Asian tied-fi fth in Pakistan two weeks who was making his debut as Poulter (ENG), Justin Rose his first ace go in on the 11th at 17th, a 180-metre (196-yard) par can disagree on the exact Tour event with seven birdies ago,” said the player who will the world number one, made one (ENG), Adam Scott (AUS), Matt the Green Acres Golf Club in the three with a bunker guarding figure because of the variables against one bogey. celebrate his 20th birthday on birdie and one bogey in his round Wallace (ENG) suburb of Kew because he was the front left of the green. involved. India’s Ajeetesh Sandhu and Sunday. of 72. Defending champion Jus- 70 - Pat Perez (USA), Alexander chatting with playing partners, “We jumped for joy and It is not clear whether Grant Tapy Ghai along with Bangla- Rahman, a two-time Asian tin Rose was left fuming after a Bjork (SWE), Patrick Cantlay the Australian Broadcasting whooped a bit. It was quite bought two rounds of drinks desh pro Siddikur Rahman were Tour winner who holds an im- bogey on the fi nal hole for a 69. (USA), Ryan Fox (NZL), Andrew Corporation reported. amazing,” he said, adding that for everyone at the clubhouse joint second on 67 at the par-72 pressive track record at the Putnam (USA), Chez Reavie “I hit a lovely 8-iron up and I he had used a 5-iron. afterwards – one for each of his Delhi Golf Course. course, rediscovered some of his LEADING SCORES (USA), Kyle Stanley (USA), Emil- thought the ball was getting The odds of an amateur aces. Yongcharoenchai was de- best form, carding a bogey-free 64 - Patrick Reed (USA) iano Grillo (ARG). lighted to continue his fi ne form round dotted with fi ve birdies. Gulf Times Friday, October 26, 2018 7 SPORT

F1 Hamilton faces nerve-wracking title showdown AFP championships. and belligerence of the Red Bull ish seventh and take the title Mexico City “We will have to keep pushing team. whatever else happens around to win both (team and driver’s) Max Verstappen won last him. titles,” said Wolff . “The United year’s race at the Autodromo Last year, he took his fourth ewis Hamilton faces a States Grand Prix confi rmed Hermanos Rodriguez, where the title by fi nishing ninth after be- nerve-wracking scrap in what we said before the race - thin air at 2,200 metres (7,200 ing lapped by Verstappen. Mexico’s power-sapping this year’s championship fi ght is feet) above sea level reduces en- “Our guys will do great analy- altitude this weekend far from over.” gine eff ectiveness and places a sis and then we’ll come back Lbefore completing the apparent Given that Hamilton has greater premium on a car’s aero- stronger,” he said after Sunday’s formality of claiming his fi fth won six of the last eight races dynamic performance. demise in Austin. Formula One world title. and has a 70-point lead over fel- His Red Bull team-mate Dan- He will be aware, also, that his Just a week after a bruising de- low four-time champion Sebas- iel Ricciardo, so angry last week- Mercedes team-mate Valtteri feat in Texas, where a resurgent tian Vettel of Ferrari with three end that he punched a hole in a Bottas, without a win this year, Ferrari out-performed them at races remaining, it outcome may wall after being forced into re- can hand him the title if he is the United States Grand Prix, look inevitable. Mercedes lead tirement, will be determined to victorious. Hamilton and Mercedes have Ferrari by 66 in the teams’ title secure a fi nal victory before he Red Bull, however, will not be licked their wounds in readiness race. leaves the team for Renault next easy to beat. for an even more challenging On paper, Hamilton requires season. “The thin air helped us last contest. only fi ve points to draw level year and we hope it will be the “We have a battle on our with the legendary fi ve-time NO CHOICE same this time,” said team chief hands,” admitted Mercedes team champion Juan Manuel Fangio in All this suggests a fi erce battle Christian Horner. boss Toto Wolff . “But it provides the record books with fi ve world lies ahead with Vettel, who had “Realistically, we know it’s us with an opportunity to learn championships, leaving only the speed to win last weekend, our last shot at winning a race and come back stronger.” Michael Schumacher, on seven, and has no choice but to attack. this year.” That view is shared by to catch. He can only keep his title dream As always, a passionate at- 33-year-old Briton Hamilton, For Mercedes to seal a fi fth alive by winning all three fi nal mosphere will be generated by and the entire Mercedes team, consecutive team title, they races while Hamilton fails to a Mexican crowd backing home as they seek to recover enough must outscore Ferrari by 20 - a score fi ve points. hero Sergio Perez, of Force India, lost performance to retain both more diffi cult task that will be The Englishman, however, as they chase down McLaren for the drivers’ and constructors’ complicated by the likely speed knows he can cruise to fi n- sixth place in the championship.

TENNIS MOTORSPORT Al-Attiyah looking to seal regional title Svitolina, Pliskova before Qatar rally

By Sports Reporter programme of regional MERC Doha 3 events this season and three consistent fi nishes in Jordan, Lebanon and Cyprus have given atar’s Nasser Saleh Kahy a 49-point lead in the title storm into WTA al-Attiyah will be race. hoping to lay his hands In his fi rst full season of re- on a 14th FIA Middle gional rallying, Kahy secured EastQ Rally Championship title in victory in Jordan and third plac- 16 years at next weekend’s Kuwait es at the other two rounds at the International Rally to enable him wheel of his Skoda Fabia 1.6, a to focus on winning the Manateq car built by Skoda Motorsport International Rally of Qatar for a and running in the RC4 class. Finals semi-fi nals 14th time two weeks later. The Fabia will feature the yel- Czech driver Vojtech Stajf low livery of SEG Qatar for the ‘I had to fight for every ball, and I think today I was really pushed mentally’ stands in the Qatari’s way in Ku- last two rounds of the series wait and will be pushing hard to where additional support comes try and become the fi rst non- from Michelin, Total Oils, el- Arab driver in the history of the Baharri and MMS Racing. championship to seal the overall Lebanon’s Rony Kanaan and title. Cypriot racer Panayiotis Xeno- Since the championship’s in- phontos claimed their points ception in 1984, only eight Arab for respective MERC 3 successes drivers have ever won the series, at the Rally of Lebanon and the with Saeed al-Hajri sealing the Cyprus Rally, where Kahy’s con- inaugural victory in 1984 and the sistent fi nishing proved decisive. likes of Mohamed Ben Sulayem, Djiyerian, who acted as the Mamdouh Khayat, Sheikh Competition Liaison Offi cer at Hamed bin Eid al-Thani, Abdul- the recent Jordan Baja, is the lah Bakhashab, Nasser Saleh al- nailed on favourite to wrap up Attiyah, Sheikh Khalid al-Qas- the MERC 3 Co-drivers’ Cham- simi and the late Misfer al-Marri pionship for the second time. following in his wake. He won the series last year with Meanwhile, Lebanese rally close Jordanian friend Asem driver Henry Kahy and his Jor- Aref. danian navigator Musa Djiyerian The Manateq International will be hoping that everything Rally of Qatar will start and fi n- goes to plan and they are able to ish at Souq Waqif in downtown wrap up the 2018 MERC 3 Rally Doha with the ceremonial start Championship title at the Ku- planned for 19.00hrs on Thurs- wait International Rally on day, September 15. November 1-3. Entries close on Wednesday, The pair have tackled a full October 31.

Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina celebrates after defeating Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki in their WTA Finals match in Singapore yesterday. (AFP)

AFP champion claimed the much- the baseline in long rallies with after a 6-3, 6-4 triumph against physically and mentally,” she Singapore needed fi rst set, it all came little separating them in a high- Kvitova in 83 minutes. said. “I still had a lot of positive down to a pulsating 12th game standard spectacle. Winless Kvitova needed to thoughts in the match to fi ght of the second. After being broken in the win in straight sets to keep her and turn it around but it didn’t gutsy Elina Svitolina Svitolina wasted four set eighth game, Wozniacki was campaign alive but struggled happen.” Tsitsipas sets up Medvedev clash in Basel willed herself to the points but an errant forehand just three points away from throughout to complete a dis- It was one-way traffi c early tefanos Tsitsipas domi- phy breakthrough at the week- semi-fi nals after over- from Wozniacki on her fi fth elimination in the tenth but dug appointing fi rst WTA Finals ap- with heavy-hitting Pliskova nated Peter Gojowczyk end in Sweden with his fi rst coming Caroline Woz- triggered elation from the deep to reel off three straight pearance since 2015. rattling off the opening four 6-3, 6-1 yesterday to career title. niackiA in a gruelling three-set Ukrainian. games to claim the fi rst set. Former world number one games en route to eliminating line up a Swiss Indoors “I’m playing well,” said match, knocking the defend- “We were both under pres- With all to play for in the sec- Pliskova booked her spot in the number four seed, who had quarter-fiS nal with one of his 16th-ranked Tsitsipas, who ing champion out of the WTA sure,” Svitolina told reporters ond set, the standard lifted with the semi-fi nals for the second 15 unforced errors in the fi rst toughest NextGen rivals. moved onto 41 victories for Finals in Singapore. after the match. “I had to fi ght Wozniacki hitting a sublime straight year having also beaten set. The Greek fourth seed the season. “I think the rivalry The unbeaten Ukrainian out- for every ball, and I think today I slice winner to hold serve in Wozniacki earlier in the tourna- With the pressure off , Kvitova will next face Russian Daniil between the young guys right lasted Wozniacki 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 in was really pushed mentally.” the sixth game but she couldn’t ment. stormed to a 4-2 lead in the sec- Medvedev, who defeated Italy’s now may be even stronger than two hours and 35 minutes to fi n- Wozniacki said Svitolina de- convert two game points in the It was Pliskova’s fi rst victory ond set as it appeared a seventh Andreas Seppi 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 in that of the big names. ish top of White Group. served the victory. “I think it decisive 12th game. over Kvitova after three straight straight match at the WTA Fi- their second-round encounter “We all want to get to the top Karolina Pliskova also quali- was very close in both sets and Svitolina captured a break losses. nals would go the distance. in Basel. Medvedev owns three sometime, we always want to fi ed after the Czech defeated even in the third set,” she said. in the eighth game of the third “It was a huge victory for But Pliskova rediscovered titles this season from Syd- do better than the other guy.” compatriot Petra Kvitova in “I gave it my all out there. She set en route to continuing her me,” she told reporters after the her rhythm to win four straight ney, Winston-Salem and last Tsitsipas, 20, is the young- straight sets earlier in the night. just played better than me to- unbeaten record in the tourna- game. “It meant a lot to get into games and book a berth into the month in Tokyo. est player in the ATP Top 20, Having won her opening two day.” ment. It was sweet revenge for the semi-fi nals after beating semis. He has also defeated last and the fi rst Greek to win an matches, Svitolina needed just An aggressive Wozniacki Svitolina, who won just two her, it’s just special.” The fi nal round-robin week’s Stockholm champion ATP title. He also reached his one set to clinch her semi-fi nals made a fast start to the match games against Wozniacki at last Kvitova played down fatigue matches in Red Group will be Tsitsipas in two meetings this fi rst Masters fi nal in Toronto in spot, while Wozniacki required and attacked Svitolina’s serve. year’s WTA Finals. as a factor after a gruelling sea- played on Friday with all four season, in Miami and the US August before losing to Rafael a straight sets victory. Underlining the tense situa- Earlier, Pliskova became the son. players still in the race for semi- Open. Tsitsipas made his tro- Nadal. After the Australian Open tion, both players slugged along fi rst player into the fi nal four “I was really feeling well fi nal spots.

Friday, October 26, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar’s horses dominate Arabian races in Toulouse

Julien Auge (left) rides Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Naama to victory ahead of Lwsail, ridden by Jean-Bernard Eyquem (second from left), in the French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Sprint (Gr2 PA) in Toulouse on Wednesday. At right, Auge rides Al Shaqab Racing’s Rijm to victory in the French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Classic (Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup) (Gr1 PA). PICTURES: Robert Polin

Agencies Trophy des Pouliches (Gr1 PA) at Saint- Rijm showed his quality in the last race Toulouse, France Cloud. In yesterday’s contest, Adiba left of the day, the French Arabian Breeders’ Yaraa at two lengths and a half in second Challenge Classic (Sheikh Zayed bin place, while Aleen was third. Al Shaqab Sultan Al Nahyan Cup) (Gr1 PA). The diba, owned by His Highness Racing’s colours were represented by race saw yet another Al Shaqab one- Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa two horses in the French Arabian Breed- two with Al Mouwaff ak in second spot. al-Thani, and Al Naama and ers’ Challenge Sprint (Gr2 PA) and both After cantering in the second-last posi- Rijm, owned by Al Shaqab stepped on the podium. Al Naama, un- tion, Rijm, ridden by Auge, accelerated Racing,A kept Qatar’s fl ag fl ying high der Julien Auge, managed to take home on the outside and was already in front during the French Arabian Breeders’ the success by a nose at the post, edging coming on to the home straight. He won races at Toulouse in France on Wednes- out Lwsail, who had looked set for a vic- by more than seven lengths in front of day. tory with Jean-Bernard Eyquem in the Al Mouwaff ak, leaving a great impres- Qatar’s horses landed three of the saddle. sion for his fi rst Group victory. four black type races in the nine-con- Trainer Thomas Fourcy said: “I Last in the turn, the latter, who was test race meeting, which rounded off thought I would have a hard time beat- ridden by Eyquem, showed a good eff ort the group Arabian races of the French ing Ateej, who defeated us last time. along the outside rail to take the runner- season. Adiba showed her superiority Both horses showed real courage. They up place. Ijram completed the frame, and won her fi rst Group race very easily both came to win and ran well. They fi nishing in third. in the French Arabian Breeders’ Chal- Gabriel Bon (left) rides Adiba, owned by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, to victory in the French Arabian both fought for success against each The four-year-old colt, Rijm, had fi n- lenge – Pouliches (Gr2 PA). Cantering Breeders’ Challenge – Pouliches (Gr2 PA) in Toulouse. other at the end. I am very happy with ished third in a Gr1 PA over the 2,000m at the back of the fi eld, she accelerated both my horses.” at Doncaster in September, after fi nish- in the middle of the track on the home When asked by her jockey Gabriel vantage in the last 150 metres with ease. bounced back from a sixth place fi nish Ateej, who was the favourite, took the ing runner-up in a Gr3 PA at Ostende in straight. Bon, the fi lly managed to take the ad- Trained by Didier Guillemin, Adiba earlier this month in the Qatar Arabian third place. Al Shaqab Racing-owned late August.

WORLD SUPERBIKES QNB STARS LEAGUE El Arabi double Brilliant Laverty excels on fi rst as Duhail thrash day of free practice at Losail Kharaitiyat 4-1, Rayyan pip Sailiya

Eugene Laverty of Milwaukee Aprilia in action at the Losail International circuit yesterday.

Al Duhail’s Mohamed Moussa congratulates Bassam Hisham al-Rawi after he scored against Al Kharaitiyat yesterday.

By Sports Reporter When the fi rst half ended, Al Doha Duhail enjoyed most of the ball possession, 67 per cent to 23 by Al Kharaitiyat. They also pro- l Duhail stormed back duced seven corners to just two from a goal down to by their rivals. thrash Al Kharaitiyat A few minutes into the second 4-1 in a QNB Stars half and after Al Rawi received LeagueA 10th round match here his marching orders follow- yesterday. ing his foul on Valentin, Nam Romanian midfi elder Valen- missed a golden opportunity to tin Lazar put Kharaitiyat ahea- score from close range when his din the 23rd minute, but it was snap-header was palmed over one-way traffi c after that as Al the crossbar by Sofyan. Duhail’s Bassam al-Rawi (32nd), However, exactly at the hour Mohamed Moosa (60th) and mark, Al Duhail went 2-1 up as Yousef El Arabi (77th and 85th) Moosa made the most of an er- found the target for the defend- ror by Al Kharatiyat’s Abdarah- ing champions. man Abdallah who jumped high Valentin was on target as he, to head the ball away, but ended after a couple of back-heal short up allowing the former to fl ick passes, swivelled on his feet in- the ball into the open net. ugene Laverty (Milwaukee April- utes; Rea followed fi fteen minutes later, the Englishman seems set to end his sea- Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha side the Al Duhail box and shot El Arabi then easily converted ia) completed a brilliant fi rst day inching ahead by just 30 thousandths of son on a high at Losail. Offi cial WorldSBK Team) seemed des- the ball past goalkeeper Khalifa a penalty to give Al Duhail a 3-1 at Losail International Circuit, a second. Lorenzo Savadori (Milwaukee Aprilia) tined for that fi rst qualifying shootout Ndiaye with a slick fi nish. cushion. It was El Arabi’s eighth taking fi rst position in the com- Sykes would tighten the gap further in was fi fth fastest yesterday, moving in- after crashing in FP1 and struggling Just nine minutes later, Al goal of the season. The Moroccan binedE Free Practice timesheets. The fi - the dying stages of FP3 to just eight thou- side the top spots at the end of the third through FP2 and most of FP3; however Duhail equalised through al- added another goal from close nal round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike sandths of a second. But it was Laverty practice. He moves into tomorrow’s Su- the Dutchman found some late form Rawi off an indirect corner. range. World Championship gets underway in who managed to steal the top spot one perpole 2 ahead of Loris Baz (GULF Al- in the closing session and recorded the Al-Rawi, stationed close to the In the second match, two sec- Qatar with the Irish rider showing his full minute before the chequered fl ag came thea BMW Racing Team), sixth fastest in eighth fastest time for the day. goal, latched on to a loopy cross ond-half goals lifted Al Rayyan potential, having managed to beat both down, setting a fastest lap of 1’57.323, Qatar. Closing the top ten for Free Practice from El Arabi and fl icked the ball to a 2-1 win over Al Sailiya. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team nearly two tenths of a second faster than In the fi nal round of the Panigale R be- was Toprak Razgatlioglu (Kawasaki Puc- into the net before goalkeeper Sebastian Soria (71st) and Ro- WorldSBK) and Tom Sykes (Kawasaki the two ZX-10RRs. After also topping fore its four-cylinder brother arrives next cetti Racing), the Turkish rider extending Ahmed Sofyan could eff ect a drigo Tabata (82nd) scored the Racing Team WorldSBK) in the fi nal min- FP1 and getting pipped to P1 by just 0.025 season, Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing his good momentum into the Pirelli Qatar stop. goals for Al Rayyan after Al Saili- utes of FP3. seconds in FP2, the Irishman seems set to – Ducati) was only able to fi nish sev- Round as the top independent rider yes- Just before the end of fi rst half, ya’s Abdulqadir Ilyas had found Both KRT riders had fi nished outside leave his mark on the fi nal round of 2018. enth fastest, with teammate Chaz Davies terday. Leandro Mercado (Orelac Racing South Korean star Nam Tae-Hee the net close to the fi rst-half the top two in the second session and Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Offi cial (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in ninth and VerdNatura) however fell just short of the curled in a well-taken shot from whistle. returned to the track determined to re- WorldSBK Team) completed the front Xavi Fores (Barni Racing Team) twelfth Superpole 2 positions in eleventh, as did the edge of Al Kharaitiyat box, This was Al Rayyan’s fi fth vic- cover their advantage under the Qatari quartet, although he was unable to im- onboard the other red machine, with the both Red Bull Honda World Superbike but the ball narrowly missed the tory in 10 matches and it moves fl oodlights. First it was Sykes who moved prove upon his best FP2 time. Topping independent riders champion forced to riders (Jake Gagne 13th, Leon Camier far post with Sofyan completely them to second spot behind Al into the lead inside the opening ten min- the second session earlier in the evening, battle his way through Superpole 1 today. 14th). beaten. Duhail