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Thursday, November 3, 2016 FOOTBALL Safar 3, 1438 AH Masterclass from GULF TIMES Man City exposes brittle Barcelona SPORT Page 3

QATAR STARS LEAGUE El Jaish survive Sailiya scare in 10-goal thriller The game started at an intense pace and with just ten minutes gone, both teams had found the back of the net thanks to some sloppy goalkeeping El Jaish celebrate their victory over Al Sailiya.

SPOTLIGHT United manager Mourinho gets one-match touchline ban, fi ne

AFP over two separate incidents yesterday. £50,000 in relation to media com- London The 53-year-old Portuguese re- ments he made prior to Manchester ceived the ban for being sent to the United’s game at Liverpool on 17 Octo- stands during the 0-0 draw with ber 2016,” read the FA statement. mbattled Manchester United Burnley last weekend and the fi ne for “An Independent Regulatory Com- manager Jose Mourinho will remarks he made ahead of the Premier mission heard that Mourinho accepted serve a one match touchline ban League game with Liverpool. He also the comments he made on 14 October and pay a £50,000 ($60,000, receives a mandatory £8,000 fi ne for 2016 constituted improper conduct but PICTURE: E55,000 euros) fi ne after being pun- being sent to the stands. denied they brought the game into dis- El Jaish goal machine Romarinho unleashes a powerful shot against Al Sailiya yesterday. Jayaram ished by the Football Association “Jose Mourinho has been fi ned repute, in contravention of Rule E3(1). By Sports Reporter Paul Efoulou on the ten minute mark. game after some beautiful build-up Doha After Al Sailiya drew level, Jaish play on the edge of the box created moved up a gear and took control of the space for him to drill a shot from 20 Watford chairman game, scoring two goals in quick suc- yards out and take what most would Riva resigns l Jaish went back to the top of cession. Abdulkader Elyas found the think would be an unassailable lead the Qatar Stars League table af- net on the 20th minute and Jaish’s Bra- into the second half. London: Raff aele Riva ter beating second from bottom zilian goal machine, Romarinho, made Al Sailiya’s second-half fi ghtback resigned as chairman Al Sailiya in a ten goal thriller at it 3-1 after 22 minutes. started with goals on 46th and 53rd of Watford, the Premier E League club being the Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium which Romarinho, who was hot off the heels minutes when Sayaf al-Korbi hit the fi nished 6-4 to The Soldiers. of a hat-trick last weekend, then made woodwork and Mohammed Mudather investigated over allega- El Jaish now have 16 points from six it 4-1 with 37 minutes gone and took his headed home from the rebound and tions of falsified financial matches, while Al Sadd, with 14 points, tally to fi ve goals in the last two games Abdelraouf Hussein netted to make it information before the are second on goal diff erence ahead of and eight goals this QSL campaign. The 5-3 just two minutes later. current owner completed Lekhwiya. Rayyan are fourth with 12. Brazilian, who is now the league’s lead- A penalty from Al Sailiya’s Paul his takeover. The game started at an intense pace ing goal scorer, struck a beautiful free- Efoulou on the 65th minute then made “For the past four years I and with just ten minutes gone, both kick over Al Sailiya’s wall from 25 yards it 5-4 and let Al Sailiya dream of a have acted with honesty teams had found the back of the net out which left the goalkeeper with no fairy-tale comeback. That wasn’t to and in good faith in all thanks to some sloppy goalkeeping. chance as it smashed into the top right be though, unfortunately, as Rashidov my dealings on behalf of El Jaish took the lead after just fi ve corner of the goal. took the goal tally into double fi gures the club, and the club has minutes thanks to a goal from striker The fi rst-half goals kept on coming on the 77th minute and sealed all three developed and grown a Sardor Rashidov. Jaish’s lead didn’t last for El Jaish and just before the halft- points for El Jaish after running half great deal in this period,” long though as the league strugglers Al ime whistle, their new captain, Seydou the length of the pitch and fi nishing he said in a statement. Sailiya made it 1-1 thanks to a goal from Keita, struck The Soldiers’ fi fth of the from 18 yards out. XAVI SHINES AS SADD THRASH SHAHANIA

Al Sadd skipper Xavi (R) celebrates scoring against Shahania in the QSL yesterday. See also page 2 Gulf Times 2 Thursday, November 3, 2016 FOOTBALL

QATAR STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Tabata the hero as Rayyan edge Ahli Madson goal gives By Sports Reporter produced a spectacular hack- Doha heel defl ection from close range but his sharp shot was blocked by goalkeeper Amer al-Dosari. atar Stars League de- With current Qatar national team fending champion- coach Jorge Fossati taking notes ships Al Rayyan relied in the stands, Al Rayyan managed Qon a brace from star four corners in the fi rst 30 min- Khor stunning draw striker Rodrigo Tabata to beat Al utes in what was an exhibition of Ahli 2-1 at the Jassim bin Hamad all-out attack on the Al Ahli de- Stadium yesterday. fense line. In the round-six clash, Tabata In the 34th minute, striker Se- scored twice from the penalty bastian Soria attempted a fl ick spot to power his side to a well- into the Al Ahli net but his shot fought win. For Al Ahli, captain from close range fl ew above the and striker Meshal Abullah re- crossbar in the fast-paced game. against Lekhwiya duced the defi cit from the penal- A minute before the end of the ty spot in the second half penalty fi rst half, Tabata fi red a bullet kick in the 65th minute. towards Al Ahli goalmouth but Lekhwiya managed to find the net first in the second half, taking the lead again With former player and cap- goalkeeper al-Dosari punched tain Fabio Cesar watching from away the low ball. in the 57th minute thanks to a close range goal from Qatari international Ali Afif. the stands, the star-studded Al In injury time, Tabata lifted Al Rayyan side showed early intent Rayyan with a well-taken pen- By Sports Reporter Al Khor secured a well-deserved to dominate the proceedings. But alty kick. The referee penalised Doha point on the 73rd minute when predictably Al Ahli, who recently Al Ahli’s skipper Abdullah for Al Khor players congratulate the referee deemed Lecomte had reinstated head coach Yousef a handball inside his own box Madson on his equaliser. brought down number 91, Ali Adam, resisted with rough tack- by pointing to the penalty spot. ekhiwya dropped points in their Abdulkarem, in the box. Madson les on the Al Sadd Stadium pitch. Al Rayyan captain Tabata drove quest for their fi fth QSL falcon stepped up and converted the In the third minute, Al Rayyan the ball into the right hand cor- shield yesterday, sharing the penalty to make it 2-2 with a super also hit back with similar intent ner of the net while goalkeeper Lpoints with Al Khor in a 2-2 draw. cool fi nish, stuttering his run and with Daniel Goumou bringing al-Dosari chose to go left. It was Al Khor got off to the unluckiest of sending Lecomte the wrong way down Abdul Hussain resulting in Tabata’s fourth goal of the sea- starts, gifting Lekhwiya the lead after just a free-kick. son. 11 minutes through an own goal. South Lekhwiya a 2-1 lead going into the break Seconds later, Al Ahli’s Hussain Buoyed by the late strike close Korean international after a fi ne cross found him with acres of fi red a bullet from close range, to the end of the fi rst half, Al Nam Tae-hee made a darting run to- space in the six yard box. Despite a huge beating the Al Sadd goalkeeper Rayyan wasted little time in as- wards the 18 yards box before passing to leap to meet the ball with his head, the but the ball ricocheted off the serting itself in the second. Taba- Ali Afi f who whipped a dangerous cross man in red missed the ball and it went out goalpost in the 4th minute. In the ta doubled Al Rayyan’s lead in the into Al Khor’s six yard box from the right for a goal kick. 1-1 at the half-time whis- 8th minute, Al Rayyan’s Gonzalo 53rd minute when he scored off a wing. Seeing that Lekhwiya’s Youssef El- tle. Viera produced a snap-header off penalty kick for the second time Arabi was approaching the back post, Al Lekhwiya managed to fi nd the net fi rst a corner kick but his defl ection in the game played under lights at Khor’s number 23, Welinton Souza , at- in the second half, taking the lead again fl ew above the Al Ahli crossbar in Al Sadd stadium. tempted a sliding clearance but instead on the 57th minute thanks to a close range the fi rst serious attempt at goal by In the 65th minute, Al Ahli stabbed the ball into the back of his own goal from Qatari international, Ali Afi f. the defending champions. reduced the defi cit after much net to hand Lekhwiya an easy 1-0 lead. Youssef El-Arabi managed to set Afi f The tension on the pitch be- drama. Mohamed Alaa brought Al Khor stepped up the pace in the up with a clever chest controlled lay off came obvious when Al Sadd’s down Al Ahli’s Yessoh Nguessan search for an equaliser which they nearly after a looping cross drifted into the six Goumou brought down Al Ahli’s inside the Al Rayyan box result- got after 30 minutes of play after Brazil- yard box. Afi f hit it fi rst time and left Baba Fred Dabanka in the 10th minute, ing in a penalty. Al Ahli skipper ian import, Madison, drew a fi ne fi ngertip Djibril with no chance. resulting in a short stoppage in Abdullah took aim for the right save from Lekhwiya’s goalkeeper, Amine Both teams continued to create chanc- play. In the fi rst 15 minutes of play side of goalkeeper Omar Barry Lecomte. es, with Lecomte pulling off a nefi refl ex in the round six clash, Al Rayyan who stopped the ball but referee After picking up the ball 35 yards out, save to deny a Mouhssine Iajour’s free- tipped the scales with 54 percent al-Khamis ordered the penalty to Madson ran at Lekhwiya’s Chico Flores kick from 25 yards out, and Lekhwiya’s of the possession compared to 46 be taken again. Abdullah scored before unleashing a low, hard shot which number 19, Moaaz Ali again fi nding him- percent by Al Ahli. easily off the second attempt in left Lecomte at full stretch to his right to self with space in Al Khor’s six yard box In the 16th minute, Tabata the 65th minute. tip it past the post. but again failing to test the goalkeeper Al Khor continued with the pressure with his headed eff ort. though and just minutes later got the Al Khor secured a well-deserved equaliser they had been looking for. Mad- point on the 73rd minute when the ref- son struck a beautiful cross from a free- eree deemed Lecomte had brought down kick 35 yards out which found the head of number 91, Ali Abdulkarem, in the box. Al Khor’s big number 5, Sultan al-Enezi, Madson stepped up and converted the who managed to get in front of Chico penalty to make it 2-2 with a super cool Flores and head home to make it 1-1. fi nish, stuttering his run and sending Le- Moaaz Ali Abdalla should have given comte the wrong way.

EMPHATIC Xavi stars as Al Sadd thrash Al Shahania 4-0

By Sports Reporter got down to business end of things the moment the fine form in the first half and had several chances to Doha referee blew the whistle at kick-off time. double his side’s advantage. Fortunately for Jose Fern- With fifteen minutes on the clock Al Shahania goal- ando’s men, keeper Khalifa al-Dosari pulled off a host keeper Khalifa al-Dosari committed a schoolboy error of saves to deny the former Spanish international. captain’s performance from Xavi gave Al and brought down Al Sadd striker Bagdad Bounedjah Nine minutes from the first half, Al Sadd doubled Sadd a comfortable 4-0 win over newly pro- inside his own box. their lead. Defender Abdulkarim Hassan slipped in a moted Al Shahania in the Qatar Stars League Referee Abdulrahman al-Jassim quickly pointed to neat ball to Xavi who took first-time aim at the goal A at Al Arabi stadium yesterday evening. A the spot kick and Bounedjah easily converted the pen- and scored his side’s second goal with relative calm. brace from Bagdad Bounedjah and a goal from mid- alty to give the former champions the lead in the 6th After dominating the first half, Al Sadd added two fielder Ali Asad gave Sadd all three points in a one minute. more goals in the second half. Ali Asad scored in the sided affair. In the 15th minute, Xavi missed an open-goal op- 69th minute while Bounedjah scored his second in the After snapping pictures with fans on his way into portunity as he fired wide from about five metres from 78th minute as Al Sadd picked up three points from the the stadium, Barca legend and Al Sadd skipper Xavi the goal-line inside the Al Shahania box. Xavi was in round six clash. Rodrigo Tabata (R) celebrates Al Rayyan’s win yesterday.

BOTTOMLINE Sunil Chhetri: No better place than Doha for Indian football’s Asian revival By Abilash Nalapat it, has signalled the beginning of the land, which will host the next Asian place with a lot of investment coming Sc.qa revival of Indian football as an Asian World Cup.” in,” he added. power,” said Chhetri, who has plied his Chhetri scored two goals in Bengalu- “Our Under-16 national team fought trade in the reserve team of Portuguese ru’s 3-1 second leg win at home in the hard against established Asian pow- ndia’s most capped player and all- giants Sporting Lisbon and in the MLS semi-fi nals against JDT, which sealed ers Saudi Arabia and UAE in the recent time leading scorer Sunil Chhetri for the Kansas City Wizards. an aggregate 4-2 triumph. And the star AFC Under-16 Championships in Goa, believes he can reignite his special The Indian national team last won of Indian football said it was a case of and we are hopeful they will make a Ibond with Qatar, as he seeks to the Asian Games title in 1962, and were déjà vu after having inspired the na- statement at next year’s FIFA Under-17 script Indian footballing history with runners-up in the AFC Asian Cup two tional team to book a ticket to Doha for World Cup at home. his club, Bengaluru FC, in the AFC Cup years later. But no side from the coun- the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, the fi rst time “Some of the Under-17 boys will be fi nal in the “appropriate setting” of try has managed to reach an Asian fi - India qualifi ed for the elite continental ready for senior duty by 2019, when we Doha. nal since then, until the club from the competition since 1984. start the qualifi cation campaign for the India’s star forward and former cap- southern metropolis defeated defend- He had scored a hat-trick in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. tain, who scored two goals in the 2011 ing champions Johor Darul Ta’zim qualifi cation game – the AFC Chal- “With success coming at the Asian AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, will lead out (JDT) of Malaysia in the semi-fi nals – lenge Cup fi nal against Tajikistan in level for Bengaluru, the Indian national the I-League champions as they seek to and Chhetri is relishing the prospect of New Delhi. team will have a confi dent group of become the fi rst team from India to win the fi nal. “I had never thought of it before win- players for the 2022 qualifi ers.” an Asian title since 1962. “There is no better place in Asia ning the semi-fi nals, but I think I have a Chhetri concluded by saying that he Bengaluru will take to the fi eld for this revival to begin than in Doha, special bond with Doha,” he continued. would be looking to pass the wealth of against Iraq’s Al Quwa Al Jawiya in Sat- which will host the next Asian World “I hope my connection with the city experience won over an unparalleled urday’s fi nal at the Qatar Sports Club Cup,” he explained. helps my club win the fi nal. The Asian career on to his teammates as they look Stadium. “We’ve already reached out to the Cup was a big learning curve for Indian to create more history for India. The 32-year-old forward, who has Indian community in Doha and have football, and I managed to score two “We are hoping we will give other scored 51 goals in 91 international caps, begun receiving such warm responses goals as well against Bahrain and South teams a real fi ght in the 2022 qualifi ers. spoke exclusively to www.sc.qa hours promising support for the fi nal. I am Korea. We will get something close to a home before fl ying out to Doha and said that confi dent our fellow-Indians living in “However, the AFC Cup fi nal is a dif- ambience in a World Cup if we qualify Qatar’s Indian community – the largest Doha will turn up at the Qatar SC Sta- ferent ball game. It is about signalling – it will almost be like playing a World expatriate group residing in the 2022 dium in large numbers on 5 November. India’s resurgence in the Asian scene. Cup in India. We will be a determined FIFA World Cup host nation – will help I would like to tell them that our ap- We’ve battled through for a year and lot come 2019.” his side create history for Indian foot- pearance in the fi nal is not just about made it here.” Chhetri’s Bengaluru take on Al Quwa ball in their adopted homeland. the city of Bengaluru or the province of Chhetri is confi dent that Bengaluru’s Al Jawiya at the Suhaim Bin Hamad “Bengaluru reaching the AFC Cup Karnataka. feat will be just the start for Indian Stadium in Doha on Saturday 5 Novem- fi nal in the host country of the 2022 “It is about India and its revival in football to regain its Asian glory days. ber. The match kicks off at 7pm local World Cup, and hopefully winning Asian football in your adopted home- “Indian football has a good system in time. Gulf Times Thursday, November 3, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT INSPIRATION Guardiola urges City Masterclass from to build on Barca win Man City exposes brittle Barcelona Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. AFP “You need time. I know people Manchester don’t have time. I think the club ‘Sometimes it is a matter of centimetres between robbing a ball or controlling it... gives us time. But maybe today is a good step to say once in our lives When you play against a team like City, they were more eff icient’ ep Guardiola said Man- we play against the best team and chester City had es- we compete against them. tablished a benchmark “Maybe in a diff erent way. We for future Champions play more long balls. Because PLeague success with their stir- still now we are not ready to keep ring 3-1 comeback win over his the ball. former club Barcelona. “We are not ready. Because “When one club like Man- they are 25 years playing that chester City is 25 years without way, we are three or four months. being in Europe, you don’t have Sometimes we have to compete a history,” the City manager told little bit in a diff erent way. reporters at the Etihad Stadium. “Of course now they realise, “History means when you face ‘Wow, we (beat) the best team,’ the big teams, you have the con- so we are able to do that. sistency to fi ght face-to-face. “For future generations, they’re “We don’t play against Barca, going to realise, ‘Wow, these guys we play against us; against our tra- were able to beat the best team and dition and what we have to do.” we have to do it again.’” Barcelona briefl y threatened to run riot after Messi’s goal, only ‘NO EXPLANATION’ for Sergi Roberto’s overhit pass The win, City’s fi rst against Bar- to allow Raheem Sterling to tee celona after fi ve straight defeats, up Gundogan for a 39th-minute means they can secure a place in equaliser. the last 16 with victory at Borus- De Bruyne’s free-kick ear- sia Moenchengladbach in their ly in the second half put City penultimate game. ahead and with Barcelona un- “Our victory today is so im- able to handle the intensity of portant and of course now we their pressing, they struck again have one more game to win to go through Gundogan to seal vic- in February,” Guardiola said. tory in the 74th minute. “The fact Gladbach have drawn While Guardiola was thrilled (against Celtic) gives us some by his side’s victory, which left breathing space. We are lucky that them two points below leaders if we get through, we will not get Barcelona in Group C, he said Barca in the next round.” their guerilla tactics were not Beaten manager Luis Enrique, suited to long-term success. Guardiola’s former Barcelona “The (fi rst) 38 minutes (shows) teammate, was unable to explain we cannot compete with the best his team’s capitulation after teams in the world,” he said. what he said was “one of the best “This club was 25, 30 years out 40 minutes we have played”. of Europe. These kind of clubs — “I’ve not got an explanation. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern I don’t know if you believe me. Munich and so on — are playing There’s no explanation for this,” ever year. They were at home. said the Spaniard.

Man City’s Ilkay Gundogan (R) celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Kevin De Bruyne during the Champions League match against Barcelona. RELIEF AFP such a diffi cult team, has a lot of merit.” Pique’s ability to play out from the back their last 12 games. Madrid Messi’s 21st minute opener was fol- was missed against City’s pressing. Worryingly for Enrique, Iniesta and lowed by a 15-minute spell of complete In his absence, Sergio Busquets had Pique will also miss Sunday’s crucial Barca domination, but Sergi Roberto’s to take even more of that responsibility La Liga trip to Sevilla, whilst Iniesta is a Celtic live to fi ght efeat to Manchester City error in gifting the ball away on the edge from holding midfi eld and was unchar- doubt for Real Madrid’s visit to the Camp shouldn’t dent Barcelona’s of his own box turned the game as Ilkay acteristically fl ustered in consistently Nou on December 3. chances of Champions League Gundogan levelled before the break for giving the ball away. Despite defeat Champions League another day aft er progression but the manner in Pep Guardiola’s side. “Sometimes it is a matter of centime- progress will be assured for the Spanish whichD the English side stormed to victory Kevin De Bruyne’s stunning free-kick tres between robbing a ball or controlling champions with just a point at Celtic in exposed the brittleness of a Barca side and another from Gundogan sealed a 3-1 it,” said Busquets, who is suff ering one three weeks’ time. Gladbach draw badly missing the injured Gerard Pique win after half-time and a famous win for of the worst spells of form in his distin- Barca can also secure top spot with and Andres Iniesta. Guardiola against the club he won 30 tro- guished career. four points from their last two games as Barca had won all fi ve previous meet- phies with as player and coach. “When you play against a team like Borussia Moenchengladbach travel to the ings between the sides over the past two Even Guardiola was eff usive in his City, they were more effi cient.” Catalan capital on matchday six. years and a landmark European victory praise for Barca’s start. Enrique’s men retain the better head- looked set to be beyond City once more “The (fi rst) 38 minutes (shows) we FEAR FACTOR GONE? to-head record against City thanks to when Lionel Messi fi nished off a lethal cannot compete with the best teams in Busquets’s life is further complicated by Messi’s hat-trick in a 4-0 rout in Barce- counterattack for his 15h goal in his last 13 the world,” he said. the absence of Iniesta alongside him in lona two weeks ago. games against English opposition. Yet, in seeing their good work of the fi rst midfi eld. “We are calm because it is still in our “They were a scandalously good (fi rst) 45 minutes so ruthlessly undone by City’s Without the key cog in assuring qual- hands,” said Suarez. 40 minutes,” said a far-from-downbeat power, pace and precision, Barca’s depend- ity service to the “MSN” frontline, City’s While there is no need to panic, Barca boss Luis Enrique. ence on two pillars of the side — often over- pressing managed to short-circuit Bar- City’s second-half showing at the Eti- “I think it was one of the best fi rst-half looked due to the presence of Messi, Luis ca’s midfi eld after the break. had means at least some of Barca’s fear performances from my team (this season), Suarez and Neymar — was exposed. It is no coincidence that Iniesta hasn’t factor will be lost if the two meet again which, in a scenario like this and against As well as being a rock at the back, started in all three of Barca’s defeats in in the knockout phase.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers gestures at full time. BOTTOMLINE AFP added: “To come here when they Monchengladbach were clearly the better team two weeks ago, I felt we were the bet- ter side tonight and should have eltic are still alive in the won the game. Champions League af- “I’m very proud of the team Barca will not sink aft er City loss ter Moussa Dembele’s tonight. I thought they were ex- penalty allowed them cellent.” toC come away from their trip to The Hoops were missing Kolo Reuters Champions League results Manchester Borussia Moenchengladbach Toure, Jozo Simunovic, Kieran Ludogorets (BUL) 2 (Cafu 12, (Stindl 32) Celtic (SCO) 1 (Dem- with a 1-1 draw on Tuesday. Tierney and Leigh Griffi ths due Keseru 15) Arsenal (ENG) 3 bele 76-pen) The Scottish champions to injury but they could have arcelona will not be (Xhaka 20, Giroud 41, Ozil 87) seemed to be heading for elimina- gone in front in the fi rst half, knocked off course Man City (ENG) 3 (Gundogan tion with two matches to spare in Scott Sinclair seeing a shot beat by their 3-1 defeat at Basel (SUI) 1 (Zuff i 76) PSG (FRA) 39, 74, De Bruyne 51) Barcelona Group C after Lars Stindl gave the goalkeeper Yann Sommer but Manchester City in the 2 (Matuidi 43, Meunier 90) (ESP) 1 (Messi 21) hosts the lead at Borussia-Park. strike the post. ChampionsB League on Tuesday But Dembele netted from the Gladbach had been the more despite being outplayed in the Besiktas (TUR) 1 (Quaresma 79- Atletico Madrid (ESP) 2 (Griez- spot with 14 minutes left after Ju- dangerous team before that and second half by Pep Guardiola’s pen) Napoli (ITA) 1 (Hamsik 82) mann 28, 90+3) Rostov (RUS) 1 lian Korb had been sent off to earn the Bundesliga side went in front fi red-up side, the Catalan club’s (Azmoun 30) Brendan Rodgers’ men a draw. just after the half-hour mark. manager Luis Enrique said. Benfica (POR) 1 (Salvio 45+2- Celtic remain bottom of the Christoph Kramer’s pass The Spanish champions are pen) Dynamo Kiev (UKR) 0 PSV Eindhoven (NED) 1 (Arias section and are fi ve points be- found Thorgan Hazard and his second in La Liga two points be- 14) Bayern Munich (GER) 2 hind Manchester City in second cutback was fi nished fi rst-time hind arch rivals Real Madrid and Borussia M’gladbach (GER) 1 (Lewandowski 34-pen, 74) place with a home clash against by Stindl, who had also scored face a testing game on Sunday Barcelona and a trip to the Etihad the opener at Celtic Park. at high-fl ying Sevilla, who are Stadium still to come. Celtic remained in the game, a point behind them, with Luis “This is how it is, this isn’t a In games like this you always pay A last-16 spot is surely beyond however, and won a penalty when Enrique declaring they would drinks machine where you hit a for your errors.” them and catching a Gladbach Dembele was dragged down by not dwell on the City defeat. Barcelona coach Luis Enrique. button and a can of Coke comes Striker Luis Suarez added: side who are two points better off Korb just at the point of shooting. “We have to get up and keep out. If anyone turned their “We’re aware of how well we in the chase for a Europa League The defender was sent off by going. We never sit back when Etihad stadium, with the daily early lead, to a power cut. TV off after 40 minutes they played in the fi rst half but... we berth remains a big ask, but Portuguese referee Manuel De we win and we don’t sink when Sport declaring that “Barca Luis Enrique emphasised Bar- wouldn’t have believed we lost have to be self critical because Celtic can be pleased at keeping Sousa and Dembele — who had we lose. Defeats are everyone’s got themselves into a twist” ca’s domination of City for most the game,” the Barca boss. we did not play well in the sec- their hopes alive. missed from the spot in the 7-0 responsibility, above all the and “threw away a game that of the fi rst period, in which Li- “We played scandalously well ond half. “It was always going to be defeat to Barcelona in September coach’s, and we’re going to keep was half won, overpowered by onel Messi scored, but conceded for 40 minutes but we com- “We have to take positive and about learning for us this year,” — netted from 12 yards. getting better,” he said. City’s intensity”. that they never recovered from mitted a huge error that really negative conclusions from the admitted Rodgers to BT Sport. Celtic might even have won it, Barca suffered scathing Mundo Deportivo, meanwhile, Sergi Roberto’s misplaced pass harmed us. It was 40 minutes game. Now we have to forget Celtic had been beaten 2-0 at too, but substitute Callum Mc- criticism from the Catalan likened Barca’s surrender in the which allowed Ilkay Guendogan for us, 50 for them, and the re- about the Champions League for home by Gladbach two weeks Gregor fi red just wide at the end press for their collapse at the second half, after they took an to level before the break. sult refl ects how the game went. a bit and think about Sevilla.” ago in Glasgow and Rodgers of a lovely late move. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, November 3, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ONE-MAN ARMY Bayern progress aft er Lewandowski brace Griezmann strikes AFP Eindhoven

obert Lewandowski netted twice on Tuesday as Bayern Munich came from behind to win 2-1 late winner as atR PSV Eindhoven and seal their place in the last 16 of the Cham- pions League. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are guaranteed a place in the top two in Group D with two matches still to play after a night on which Poland hot-shot Lewandowski Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski Atletico advance could have scored fi ve goals, celebrates after scoring. having also hit the woodwork on three occasions. hand to head home the rebound ‘They’re a similar team to us: they defend and counter-attack well. They made it very “Overall we played well going from close range on 14 minutes forward, but took a little bit too as the visitors’ appeals for off side diff icult, but the most important thing was the three points and in the end we’re happy’ long to move the ball in the fi rst were waved away. half,” said Bayern’s Germany for- Lewandowski headed Arjen ward Thomas Mueller. Robben’s cross onto the post on “We should probably have won the half-hour amid protests that by more so we can’t be 100 per- his marker Hector Moreno was cent satisfi ed.” holding him back. Dutch champions PSV’s slim Bayern’s luck fi nally turned chances of qualifying are over four minutes later, however, with Phillip Cocu’s side third when a Philipp Lahm cross in the section and eight points clipped the hand of Andres adrift of Bayern. Guardado. Bayern’s home clash on De- Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi cember 6 against Atletico — who pointed to the spot and Lewand- are also through after beating owski converted the penalty past Rostov 2-1 — is likely to decide PSV goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, who wins the group. who was making his Champions “It was a painstaking start to League debut. the game, but we came back step It was 1-1 at the break and Bay- by step and deserved the win,” ern were all business at the start said Ancelotti. of the second half as left-back “It was important that we did David Alaba cut back inside to not lose our self-confi dence af- force an early save from Pasveer. ter it went 1-1. We still have two With 25 minutes left, Ancelotti games to reach fi rst place. injected some pace by bringing “This is important, but quali- on wingers Douglas Costa and fying was more important.” Kingsley Coman for Robben and Having lost 4-1 away in Mu- Joshua Kimmich. nich a fortnight ago, PSV took a “I tried to change the system to shock lead when Santiago Arias play with two wingers and open headed the hosts ahead inside the space,” explained Ancelotti. the opening quarter of an hour in The switch paid off . controversial fashion. It was Costa’s excellent pass Thomas Mueller had a chance between two defenders which in the fi rst two minutes and freed Alaba to put in the cross Lewandowski hit the crossbar for Lewandowski to tap home the with a header with barely four winning goal on 74 minutes. minutes gone at the Philips Sta- It was his 19th goal in 17 games dion before the home side took a for club and country and his shock lead. fourth in as many Champions Bayern goalkeeper Manuel League games this season. Neuer reacted quickly to parry He hit the woodwork for a Davy Proepper’s header, but Co- third time on 85 minutes with a lombia defender Arias was on half volley.

Champions League Standings Standings after Tuesday’s Besiktas 4 1 3 0 6 5 6 matches (played, won, drawn, Dynamo Kiev 4 0 1 3 2 6 1 lost, goals for, goals against, Atletico Madrid’s French forward Antoine Griezmann (R) scores during the UEFA Champions League Group D match against FC Rostov at the Vicente Calderon stadium. points, Q - qualified): GROUP C Barcelona 4 3 0 1 14 4 9 AFP made it very diffi cult, but the most im- Griezmann opened the scoring in Atletico coach Diego Simeone ended the GROUP A Manchester City 4 2 1 1 10 8 7 Madrid portant thing was the three points and spectacular fashion as he spun onto a de- game with four forwards on the pitch as Arsenal (Q) 4 3 1 0 12 3 10 M’bach 4 1 1 2 4 7 4 in the end we are happy,” Griezmann told fl ected eff ort to fl ick the ball into the top Kevin Gameiro and Angel Correa joined Paris SG (Q) 4 3 1 0 9 3 10 Celtic 4 0 2 2 4 13 2 BeIN Sports Spain. corner with the outside of his left foot. Griezmann and a forlorn Fernando Torres. Basel 4 0 1 3 2 8 1 ntoine Griezmann scored a 93rd- Victory keeps Atletico three points However, the lead lasted just two min- “It was a day of bad decisions,” said a Ludogorets 4 0 1 3 4 13 1 GROUP D minute winner as Atletico Ma- clear of Bayern Munich at the top of utes as Atletico were caught by a bril- self-critical Simeone. Atletico (Q) 4 4 0 0 5 1 12 drid secured their place in the Group D. The Germans also qualifi ed for liant Rostov counter-attack when Dmitri “The coach didn’t have a good game GROUP B Bayern (Q) 4 3 0 1 11 3 9 last 16 of the Champions League the knockout phase on Tuesday with a Poloz timed his pass into Azmoun to per- and the players overcame it.” Napoli 4 2 1 1 9 7 7 PSV Eindhoven 4 0 1 3 4 9 1 onA Tuesday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory 2-1 win at PSV Eindhoven. fection and the Iranian slotted low past However, last season’s fi nalists needed Benfica 4 2 1 1 6 5 7 Rostov 4 0 1 3 3 10 1 over FC Rostov at the Vicente Calderon. “We are on top, but there are two Jan Oblak. the presence of central defender Diego Griezmann’s brilliant volleyed eff ort games left and we have to try to fi nish top It was the fi rst time Atletico had con- Godin when the winner did arrive in con- gave Atletico the lead just before the of the group,” added Griezmann. ceded in the Champions League this sea- troversial circumstances deep into injury half-hour mark, but Rostov immediately Atletico had scored 18 goals in winning son and Rostov became only the second time. EFFORT replied through Sardar Azmoun. their last fi ve home games, but laboured away team to score at the Calderon in the Griezmann barely celebrated as he Atletico struggled to create chances against the Russians’ deep-lying defence. last 15 European games. converted what appeared to be Godin’s throughout, but got a break deep into The on-form Yannick Carrasco found The hosts dominated from then on, but fl ick-on off the underside of the bar. added time when Griezmann fi red home some rare space in behind the Rostov lacked the creativity or physical presence Yet, despite the off side fl ag being Robben wants more and the goal was allowed to stand despite back line 18 minutes in from Griezmann’s up front to break down the Rostov wall of raised, Scottish referee Craig Thom- Rostov’s furious protests for off side. fi ne through ball, but Soslan Dzhanaev defenders. son rightly identifi ed the fl ick-on in fact “They are a similar team to us: they rushed from his line to block the Bel- Dzhanaev comfortably smothered came off a Rostov player, meaning Griez- from teammates defend and counter-attack well. They gian’s eff ort. low shots from Koke and Carrasco, while mann couldn’t be in an off side position. AFP Eindhoven BOTTOMLINE rjen Robben says Bay- ern Munich’s perform- ances must improve as Robert Lewandowski’s twoA goals rescued a 2-1 come- Arsenal through as brilliant Ozil back win at PSV Eindhoven to put them in the Champions League’s knock-out phase. With two games still to play, Bayern are guaranteed a place in goal crowns epic comeback the top two in Group D following AFP than the Arsenal defence to con- David Ospina was again se- Tuesday’s result in Eindhoven. Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben. Paris vert a free-kick from close range. lected in goal for Arsenal in the “It was not a good game from Cafu then turned provider Champions League ahead of Petr us today,” fumed Bayern’s Robben, of course you want to play 90 when Kieran Gibbs fell as the Cech and the Colombian proved who was making his fi rst return to minutes, so I was disappointed esut Ozil scored a Brazilian dropped a shoulder, al- his worth twice with Wanderson Eindhoven in a European game, 14 and sad about the substitution, superb winner as lowing him to cross for in-form bearing down on him before Ozil years after making his Champions but the coach has his reasons,” Arsenal came from striker Claudiu Kesuru to clip won it for Arsenal. League debut for PSV. said Bayern’s Dutchman. 2-0 down to beat home his 10th goal in 14 games. PSG were also thankful for a su- “It is just as well that we have Nevertheless, the switch paid MLudogorets 3-2 in Sofi a on Tues- But then came Arsenal’s as- perb late winner as they beat Basel qualifi ed, but if we play like that off as Costa’s superb pass split day and qualify for the last 16 of tonishing turnaround. 2-1 in Switzerland with a brilliant in last 16, then we will have prob- the Eindhoven defence to allow the Champions League. Alexis Sanchez sent Ozil on a long-range volley from Thomas lems. We played without convic- Alaba to get in behind to provide Arsenal and Paris Saint-Ger- run down the left and he set up Meunier clinching the points. tion, were much too slow. the superb pass for Lewand- main are the two big names in Granit Xhaka for a precise left- Blaise Matuidi’s back-heel “I looked for combinations owski’s winner. Group A and both were in a po- foot strike to pull a goal back on fl ick just before the break gave with Thomas (Mueller) and “I tried to change the system to sition to advance to the last 16 21 minutes. PSG the lead but visiting goal- Philipp (Lahm), but it was diffi - play with two wingers and open with two games to spare. Aaron Ramsey, back in the keeper Alphonse Areola was cult. We must do better, we were some space,” explained Ance- The Gunners did so and the Arsenal line-up, provided a caught off his line when a cross missing something and we fail to lotti. “We did that and Lewand- victory keeps them on course to pin-point cross to set up Olivier from substitute Luca Zuffi sailed impose ourselves.” owksi scored. It was diffi cult at go through as group winners. Giroud, who powered home his over him in the 76th minute to With 25 minutes left, Bayern the start, but slowly we worked Ozil’s wonder strike to se- header to equalise on 41 minutes level the scores. coach Carlo Ancelotti injected our way back into the game and cure the victory will steal the Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring their third goal. as Borjan mistimed his run. Coach Unai Emery’s last trip some pace by bringing on wing- got there in the end. headlines as the gifted German “It’s tough for them but we to the St Jakob-Park fi ve months ers Douglas Costa and Kingsley “It was a painstaking start to ran from deep to complete the a dummy to two scrambling de- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger never gave up,” said Arsenal’s ago was for the Europa League Coman for Robben and Joshua the game, but we came back step comeback in style. fenders and coolly tapped in the told BT Sport after the game. French striker Olivier Giroud. fi nal which his Sevilla side won, Kimmich. by step and deserved the win,” As goalkeeper Milan Borjan winner on 88 minutes. The Bulgarian champions had “We killed them on the coun- and he was celebrating another It was not the return to Eind- added Ancelotti. “It was impor- ran out of the box to meet him, “I told them not to panic at gone in front on 12 minutes when ter-attack. I had a great delivery victory here thanks to Belgian hoven Robben had wanted. tant that we did not lose our self- Ozil lifted the ball over him, sold 2-0 down and stick to our game,” Jonathan Cafu reacted quicker from Aaron and I fi nished the job.” full-back Meunier’s goal. “Such a game is unique for me, confi dence after it went 1-1.” Gulf Times Thursday, November 3, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Gambia women’s keeper dies travelling Man United and Inter to Europe by boat Banjul, Gambia: The goalkeeper of the Gambia’s national women’s football look for Europa boost team died crossing the Mediterranean in the hope of starting a new life in Europe, her former coach told AFP Zenit, Ajax, Shakhtar and Schalke 04 can qualify for the knock out round with wins today yesterday. Fatim Jawara, believed AFP to have been just 19, was on Paris board a boat that ran into trouble in the Mediterranean last month while crossing isfi ring Manchester United from Libya to Europe. She and an Inter Milan who have joins more than 3,300 fi red coach Frank de Boer migrants who have lost their can take a welcome boost lives in its waters this year, Mfrom the Europa League in matchday according to figures from the four of the group phase today. International Organization The epic Group phase of 12 round for Migration (IOM). robin pools of four teams is remarkably As goalkeeper of the wom- close so far with only Zenit, Ajax, Sha- en’s national side, known as khtar Donetsk and Schalke 04 eyeing the Scorpions, Jawara had qualifi cation for the knock out round made her debut a year ago with wins today. in a friendly against a team Much has been made of United’s 37 from Glasgow, Scotland. shots without a goal against Burnley She was part of the Gam- at the weekend, the failure to hit the bian team that made history, ground running of 89mn pounds putting the country’s name (110mn euro) signing Paul Pogba and on the map in the women’s the sorrowful sight of Zlatan Ibrahi- U-17 World Cup in Azerbaijan movic shorn of his confi dence. in 2012. “Her death is untime- United take on Turkish side Fener- ly, but we will remember her bahce having thumped them 4-1 last for her great performances time out as Pogba scored twice ahead on the pitch,” said Chorro of a derby boost with a 1-0 League Cup Mbenga, who was the as- win over Man City. “Two days ago he sistant coach of the national was the worst player in the Premier under-17 side where Jawara League and 48 hours later he’s phenom- made her breakthrough and enal,” said manager Jose Mourinho at knew her well. the time of the French midfi elder, who Jawara is said to have is struggling to live up to his price tag. left Gambia in September Feyenoord and United are level top to cross the Sahara and of Group A on six points while the head for Libya, where most Turks, led by Dick Advocaat and fea- African migrants begin the turing a Robin Van Persie who scored at sea crossing to Europe. Old Traff ord two weeks ago, have four Gambia Football Federation points. Defender Marcos Rojo felt the President Lamin Kabba Bajo Burnley game could be seen as a positive told AFP: “We are grieving at “Obviously, against City, we got the moment as this is a great the victory, and the last match, versus loss to the national football Burnley, we had 37 chances. team and the nation. She will A goal would have been the icing on Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho (centre) keeps an eye on the team’s training session at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. (Reuters) be remembered for saving the cake,” he said. “We are getting to a penalty kick in a friendly the level where we can play as a team. side were well beaten by resurgent top players. Schalke 04 have a perfect At Brussels: Anderlecht (BEL) v Mainz (GER) Donetsk (UKR) encounter involving the We are playing with a great intensity, Chelsea at the weekend but who earned record so far in Europe but have strug- Group D At Braga, Portugal: Braga (POR) v Kon- national soccer team and the throughout the whole of the match,” a deserved 1-1 draw with Manchester gled badly in the Bundesliga, where At Netanya, Israel: Maccabi Tel Aviv (ISR) v yaspor (TUR) Glasgow Girls from Scotland.” Rojo added. City the week before. they sit two points above relegation, al- AZ Alkmaar (NED) Groupe I Gambians represent the Rojo is set to start and with fellow de- In Group E Roma blew a two-goal beit they drew 0-0 at Dortmund at the At St Petersburg, Russia: Zenit (RUS) v At Gelsenkirchen, Germany: Schalke 04 fourth-largest group of fenders Eric Bailly and Antonio Valen- lead and ended up drawing 3-3 at the weekend. Dundalk (IRL) (GER) v Krasnodar (RUS) arrivals to Italy by number cia injured, German veteran midfi elder Stadio Olimpico to Austria Vienna last FIXTURES Group E At Nice, France: Nice (FRA) v Salzburg according to the IOM, despite Bastian Schweinsteiger has made a time out. They drew 0-0 at the week- (Group A-F 1800 GMT kick-off s unless At Bucharest: Astra Giurgiu (ROU) v Vikto- (AUT) being one of Africa’s smallest shock return to fi rst team training. end at Empoli, but even though they are stated; Group G-L 2105 GMT unless ria Plzen (CZE) Groupe J nations with a population of Inter Milan beat Southampton 1-0 second in Serie A they will do well to stated): At Vienna: Austria Vienna (AUT) v AS Roma At Florence, Italy: Fiorentina (ITA) v Slovan around 1.8mn. The Gambia’s away last time out but had been a dis- gain revenge when they travel to Vienna Group A (ITA) Liberec (CZE) information minister cited aster up to that point and on Monday today. At Istanbul, Turkey: Fenerbahce (TUR) v Group F At Thessaloniki, Greece: PAOK (GRE) v the “mass murder of young they sacked De Boer. The fi rst-team The Austrians are on something of a Manchester United (ENG) At Bilbao, Spain: Athletic Bilbao (ESP) v Qarabag (AZE) African migrants on Euro- squad will be taken over provisionally roll having beaten league leaders Sturm At Odessa, Ukraine: Zoryha Luhunsk (UKR) Genk (BEL) Groupe K pean beaches and waters” in by youth team coach, Stefano Vecchi, Graz and city rivals Rapid in their last v Feyenoord (NED) At Reggio Emilia, Italy: Sassuolo (ITA) v At Prague: Sparta Prague (CZE) v Hapoel its reasoning for withdrawing who will be on the bench for the game two league outings. Villarreal remain Group B Rapid Vienna (AUT) Beer-Sheva (ISR) from the International Crimi- against Southampton. unbeaten in Group L but only after bat- At Astana: FC Astana (KAZ) v Olympiakos Group G At Southampton, England: Southampton nal Court (ICC) last week. They sit bottom of Group K behind tling back from two goals down to draw (GRE) (1600 GMT) At Amsterdam: Ajax (NED) v Celta Vigo (ENG) v Inter Milan (ITA) It called the lack of action leaders Sparta Prague and the Israeli 2-2 with Osmanlispor in Turkey. At Nicosia: APOEL (CYP) v Young Boys (ESP) Groupe L by European nations to side Hapoel Be’er Sheva, who stunned They now host the Turks after giving (SUI) At Athens: Panathinaikos (GRE) v Standard At Zurich, Switzerland: FC Zurich (SUI) v protect migrants making the Inter 2-0 at the San Siro. All this bodes up two goals in the last ten minutes in Group C Liege (BEL) Steaua Bucharest (ROU) crossing a “racist genocide” well for Southampton, level second in a 2-1 defeat to Eibar in La Liga on Sun- At Baku: Qabala (AZE) v Saint-Etienne Groupe H At Vila-real, Spain: Villarreal (ESP) v Osman- and attacked the ICC for the Group on four points. Claude Puel’s day having rested and subbed several (FRA) At Ghent, Belgium: Gent (BEL) v Shakhtar lispor (TUR) failing to prosecute their leaders. However, Gambian President Yahya Jammeh FOCUS ROUND-UP dismissed the economic wor- ries of Gambian migrants last year, arguing in a televised address that “true Muslims” British Prime Minister May Coleman recalls Ramsey would encourage their sons and daughters to take up job opportunities which are savages FIFA over poppy issue available at home. In reality 60% of the population live in said Nichol, who along with for Serbian challenge AFP poverty, and a third survive London Peters was tortured while being on $1.25 or less a day, accord- held prisoner. AFP ing to the UN. “It is a statement of remem- Cardiff , United Kingdom ritish Prime Minister brance and an acknowledge- RONALDO MEETS POLISH Theresa May branded ment of sacrifi ce from the First BOY HE HELPED RAISE FIFA’s opposition to World War right through to the rsenal midfi elder Aaron Ramsey’s FROM COMA England and Scotland sacrifi ces of our young men and recall to the Wales squad for next Real Madrid superstar Cris- playersB wearing poppies on their women today. “No-one should week’s World Cup qualifi er with group tiano Ronaldo was reunited shirts in the 2018 World Cup ever be banned from wearing leaders Serbia was a “no-brainer”, ac- with a 15-year-old Polish qualifi er on Armistice Day as a poppy and it brings shame cordingA to manager Chris Coleman. fan, who was awakened ‘outrageous’. The Prime Minis- on Fifa that they continue to Coleman included the 25-year-old — as well from a coma by listening to ter added scandal-racked FIFA propagate this misunderstand- as in-form midfi elder Joe Allen — for a match commentaries of the Portu- should sort their own aff airs out ing of our heritage,” added the the Euro 2016 semi-fi nalists need to win in guese’s goals. rather than interfering in such 53-year-old. Cardiff after successive draws stalled their mo- David Pawlaczyc fell into a matters as the wearing of pop- May’s fellow Conserva- mentum. Ramsey, though, has only 75 minutes coma for three months after pies which commemorates the tive lawmaker Damian Collins, of football under his belt — in the Gunners’ being hit by a car when rid- war dead. chairman of the Commons Cul- come-from-behind 3-2 Champions League ing his bike in 2013. “It is utterly outrageous,” May ture, Media and Sports Com- win over Ludogorets on Tuesday — since in- However, using an experi- said when asked about the mat- mittee, told the BBC FIFA were juring a hamstring in mid-August. Wales are mental technique to trigger ter at Prime Minister’s Ques- playing a double game where the third in Group D on fi ve points after draws with memories in coma victims, tions. “Our football players want rule was good for one but not for Georgia and Austria. Pawlaczyc was awakened by to recognise those who gave their another. “Someone has shared listening to commentaries lives for our security. It is abso- with me on social media an Ire- MOURINHO GETS ONE-MATCH of some of Ronaldo’s most lutely right that they should be Wales manager Chris Coleman land football shirt that has a spe- TOUCHLINE BAN, FINE famous strikes for Madrid. able to do so. A clear message wearing a poppy as part of cial embroidery on marking the Embattled Manchester United manager Jose Accompanied by his is going from this house before remembrance commemorations centenary of the Easter Rising,” Mourinho will serve a one match touchline ban parents Pawlaczyc travelled they (FIFA) start telling us what during the press conference said the 42-year-old, who is also and pay a £50,000 fi ne after being punished by to Warsaw to meet Ronaldo to do they jolly well ought to sort yesterday. (Reuters) a co-founder of ‘New FIFA Now’ the football Association over two separate inci- ued yesterday with a serious right knee injury ahead of Real’s Champions their own house out.” a pressure group to force reform dents yesterday. ruling out the England international for the rest League clash with Legia England play Scotland in a FIFA’s stance was refl ected when in the organisation. The 53-year-old received the ban for his of the season, the English giants announced. Warsaw late last night. World Cup qualifi er at Wembley by early Wednesday morn- “FIFA allow that, so I think behaviour during the 0-0 draw with Burnley The 24-year-old striker — who missed most “I am happy to see he on November 11, the day when ing nearly 200,000 people had people will fi nd it astonishing last weekend and the fi ne for remarks he made of last season with a left knee problem — picked feels good. He is healthy and the United Kingdom tradition- signed a petition urging them to that the poppy’s not allowed.” ahead of the Premier League game with Liver- up the latest injury after coming on as a substi- he is better,” Ronaldo said ally remembers its war dead. rethink. Collins, though, has not giv- pool. He will serve the ban for the game against tute in last week’s 2-1 victory over Spurs in the in a video of the meeting Under FIFA rules, players are not The petition was launched by en up hope FIFA might revise Swansea on Sunday. Mourinho has come un- EFL Cup. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said published on Real’s off icial allowed to wear poppies on their former RAF navigator John Ni- their decision. “I hope common der pressure as United’s form has faded with he was devastated for Ings, who joined from Twitter account. shirts during the game because it chol — who along with his pilot sense prevails. FIFA has strict no wins in their last four league games leaving Burnley for £6.5million plus £1.5mn based on Pawlaczyc was previously would be a political statement. John Peters were shot down and rules banning political, religious them trailing the leading trio of Manchester performance related factors. invited to watch Ronaldo in In 2011, FIFA agreed to let taken prisoner during the fi rst or commercial symbols from City, Arsenal and Liverpool by eight points. Klopp said Ings, who won his only cap in a action at Madrid’s Santiago England wear a poppy symbol Gulf War with Iraq in 1991. “The shirts,” said Collins. Euro 2016 qualifi er against Lithuania with inju- Bernabeu stadium in a Cham- on black armbands when they poppy is not a political state- “I think it is insulting to peo- INGS LIVERPOOL INJURY ry ruling him out of contention for a place at the pions League clash with played Spain in a friendly. ment at all. It could not be fur- ple in this country to say a poppy CURSE STRIKES AGAIN fi nals, said Ings’ strong character would stand Borussia Dortmund in 2014. The strength of feeling against ther from a political statement,” is one of those sort of symbols.” Danny Ings’ injury misery at Liverpool contin- him in good stead for bouncing back again. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, Novmber 3, 2016 SPORT

NBA REACTION Cavaliers march Davis fumes as Pelicans on as sluggish fall again

AFP scorers once again. His tally included Los Angeles 17 of 18 from the foul line. He also grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds. New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry nthony Davis top-scored meanwhile bemoaned the Bucks’ once more but the New Or- ability to score from close range. Spurs stunned leans Pelicans were still left “At the end of the night, they got looking for their fi rst win of almost 60 points in the paint,” Gen- theA season after a 117-113 defeat to the try said. Golden State Warriors record third straight win, beat Trail Blazers 127-104 Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. “You’ve got to make them into a Davis has been in scintillating form jump-shooting team. We can’t keep AFP for the Pelicans (0-4) this season, playing from behind. We can’t keep Los Angeles scoring 50 and 45 points in his team’s playing uphill all the time.” opening two defeats. Bucks forward Giannis Antetok- The 23-year-old followed it up ounmpo was the hero for the visitors he Cleveland Cavaliers ex- with 35 more on Tuesday but once with 24 points while Jabari Parker tended their unbeaten start to again the talented power forward’s added 21 points at the Smoothie King the season with a battling vic- best eff orts were an exercise in futil- Center. tory over the Houston Rockets ity as the Pelicans defense crumbled. Antetokounmpo missed his fi rst Ton Tuesday as San Antonio slumped to An unhappy Davis criticised his fi ve three-point attempts but even- their fi rst defeat of the campaign in an team’s on-court communication tually settled. His long-range eff ort upset loss to the Utah Jazz. following the loss, blaming mental in the fourth quarter put his team up Kyrie Irving scored 32 points and fragility which allowed the Bucks to 117-112 to seal the game. Kevin Love produced a defensive mas- squeeze home. “It just shows confi dence that he terclass in the fourth quarter to see the “We had too many mental break- believes he can make it, we all believe Cavs home against the Rockets, who downs,” Davis said. “We’re not talking he can make it,” Bucks coach Jason saw James Harden fi nish with 41 points out there, and therefore, we have men- Kidd said of Antetokounmpo. in a virtuoso display. tal breakdowns, which leads to easy “He made a big three for us. As a Love, who conjured two steals and layups at the basket and open shots. pitcher who gives up a home run, you a blocked shot in the fourth quarter to “We’re not worried about the of- have to forget what happened on the kill off a Rockets rally, added 24 points fensive part. We scored 113 points. It’s last couple, and he did. while LeBron James weighed in with 19. defense where we’ve got to become “He showed the growth and he was The victory means the reigning NBA better.” able to step up and knock down a big champions are 4-0 for the fi rst time Davis’s 35 points saw him lead all three.” since the start of the 2000-2001 season 16 years ago. Love was pivotal in the win, revealing later he had worked hard at improving his defensive game. “I don’t know what the stats say, but I’d bet you that statistically I’m not a bad defender, so to speak,” Love said. “I think I read defenses relatively well... It’s just something I continue to try to get better at.” Irving meanwhile took the opportu- nity to shine when James left the court midway through the second quarter before later returning for the second half.

‘SEAL OF APPROVAL Irving, 24, rounded off an impressive night’s work with a deep three-pointer, earning the seal of approval from James. “He’s special. He’s growing every day,” James said. “He’s in the zone, he knows who he is and what he’s about. The sky’s the limit for him. He’s only (24). He’s nowhere near to what he could be.” While Cleveland marched on howev- er, San Antonio’s dazzling early season form deserted them in their upset 106- 91 loss to Utah. George Hill scored 22 points to lead the fi red up Jazz, who improved to 2-2, against a powerful San Antonio who George Hill (centre) of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center in San had routed Golden State in their sea- Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday. (AFP) son-opener last week. San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard top- so to speak, just reacted to their off ense. were in and out in that regard.” RESULTS scored overall with 30 points. Veteran “We got back in the game somewhere In the late game, Stephen Curry Cleveland 128 Houston 120 Spurs coach Gregg Popovich mean- in the second quarter and the third pocketed 28 points for Golden State Indiana 115 LA Lakers 108 while slammed his team’s lack of ag- when we were a bit more aggressive and against the Portland Trail Blazers as the Orlando 103 Philadelphia 101 gression. got into passing lanes. Warriors recorded a third straight win Miami 108 Sacramento 96 (OT) “I thought we started out pretty un- “But every time it was a one or two- after last week’s opening upset. Detroit 102 NY Knicks 89 aggressively for whatever reason,” Pop- point deal we’d miss a shot or they’d Curry’s haul in the 127-104 victory in- Milwaukee 117 New Orleans 113 ovich told reporters. make one or turn it over. Overall they cluded a 23-point spree in the third quar- Minnesota 116 Memphis 80 “They shot several uncontested outplayed us. They executed fantasti- ter. Kevin Durant added 20 points while Utah 106 San Antonio 91 Anthony Davis (left) has been in scintillating form for the Pelicans (0-4) this shots. I think we followed them around cally for the entire 48 minutes — we Ian Clark came off the bench to score 22. Golden State 127 Portland 104 season, scoring 50 and 45 points in his team’s opening two defeats. (AFP)

NHL Sharks let good chance for road win slip in Arizona

By Jose Romero 11:59 mark. defense had tightened up of late. Anaheim 4 Los Angeles 0 The Mercury News (TNS) Jones had 27 saves and Patrick Mar- The Sharks pulled Jones for an extra leau and Mikkel Boedker scored for the attacker for the game’s last three minutes Sharks. Arizona goalie Louis Domingue, and change, and Boedker scored with strong start didn’t carry over he and his defence peppered with shots 12 seconds left, his fi rst point since the into the second 20 minutes, and attempts all night, made a spec- second game of the season. But San Jose and that period of time was tacular glove save on Brenden Dillon in didn’t have enough time to equalise. the one that cost the San Jose the fi nal seconds of the second, a mo- Tuesday’s game marked the return SharksA in a 3-2 road loss to the Arizona ment befi tting of the kind of night the of Boedker to Arizona for the fi rst time Coyotes on Tuesday night. The Sharks Sharks had. since being traded by Arizona to Colo- (6-4) gave up two goals in a span of It didn’t take long for the things to rado in February of last season. 68 seconds and were outscored 3-0 in get interesting. A pair of fourth-lin- During a break midway through the the second period, putting an end to a ers, the Sharks’ Micheal Haley and the fi rst period, video highlights of Boed- three-game winning streak. San Jose Coyotes’ Ryan White, started throwing ker’s seven-plus seasons with Coyotes outshot its opponent 41-30, but defen- punches along the boards near the pen- were shown on the centre-ice screen. sive lapses cost the Sharks an opportu- alty boxes only a couple of minutes into Boedker received warm applause and nity to get a road win against a strug- the game. Both were given fi ve minutes cheers. gling Coyotes team. for fi ghting. The Sharks, whose four losses have The fateful second period saw San The Sharks had a big edge in shots all come away from home, have killed Jose lose a 1-0 lead right after Jones 14-6 in the fi rst period, but only one 15 straight penalties over their last fi ve stopped a blast from Brad Richardson. went for a goal. Marleau fought off games. But they went 0 for 2 on the The Coyotes kept possession of the two defenders after taking a pass from power play. puck and Richardson backhanded a Melker Karlsson and fi red in a wrister shot that squeezed under goalie Martin from near the face-off spot left of the RESULTS Jones’ pads to tie the score at 1 at 3:42 net, giving San Jose a 1-0 lead at 14:07 NY Rangers 5 St. Louis 0 of the period. of the period. Columbus 3 Dallas 2 (OT) Arizona (3-6) wasn’t fi nished. Nine- It was Marleau’s third goal of the sea- Toronto 3 Edmonton 2 (OT) teen-year-old forward Lawson Crouse son. Marleau played in his 552nd con- Ottawa 2 Carolina 1 (OT) tallied his fi rst career NHL goal at 4:50 secutive regular-season game, a streak Boston 2 Florida 1 of the second to give the Coyotes a lead that dates back to April of 2009. Tampa Bay 6 NY Islanders 1 they wouldn’t relinquish. Jones’ last save of the fi rst period Buff alo 2 Minnesota 1 The third Arizona goal came cour- came when he defl ected away a good Washington 3 Winnipeg 2 tesy of a long shot from veteran Jamie look from Richardson with three sec- Chicago 5 Calgary 1 McGinn, who beat Jones glove-side onds left. Jones had allowed three goals Nashville 5 Colorado 1 Joonas Donskoi (left) of the San Jose Sharks skates with the puck ahead of Luke Schenn of the Arizona Coyotes during the amid traffi c in front of the net at the in three previous games as the Sharks’ Arizona 3 San Jose 2 third period of the NHL game in Glendale, Arizona, on Tuesday. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, November 3, 2016 7 SPORT

WORLD SERIES Cubs rout Indians to force one-game title showdown ‘We want to be the group that breaks the string. But it’s just correct and apt that we would go seven games’

AFP Cleveland World Series factbox 1908 vs 1948 long-suff ering Chicago Cubs team charged to the brink of Events from the last champion- its fi rst World Series title since ship year for the Chicago Cubs 1908 by routing Cleveland and Cleveland Indians ahead of 9-3A Tuesday, forcing a winner-take-all their winner-take-all showdown showdown Wednesday for the crown. in Wednesday’s seventh game of Addison Russell smashed the fi rst the World Series World Series grand slam in Cubs his- tory and a two-run double as Chicago 1908 levelled Major League Baseball’s best- Chicago Cubs win second of-seven championship fi nal at 3-3. World Series crown in a row. That sets the stage for a seventh- Lose next seven appearances game decider between teams whose through 1945, then go 71 years supporters have endured epic title until returning to the event in waits, more than a century in Chicago’s 2016 case. Neither team has ever won a game Airplanes are barely beyond seven and while they can’t both lose, one-seat flying machines. US only one can claim the throne. flight pioneer Orville Wright is “It’s going to test both teams,” Rus- injured in a crash that causes the sell said. It’s a day that you have to kind first airplane death, leaving him of put it all on the table. I wouldn’t even with a dislocated hip, broken leg say the luckiest is going to win. It’s the and four broken ribs people that come up in the big situa- Henry Ford is rolling the first tions.” automobiles off US assembly The Cubs, who last played in the lines World Series in 1945, own America’s Theodore Roosevelt is the longest sports title drought while the US president but William Howard host Indians have baseball’s second- Taft beats William Jennings longest futility streak, last hoisting the Bryan in the November election trophy in 1948. to replace him “We want to be the group that breaks The Summer Olympics are the string,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon staged in London. John Taylor of said. “But it’s just correct and apt that the US medley relay is the first we would go seven games.” African-American to win Olympic Russell, hitting only .211 (4-for-19) gold in the Series after game fi ve, smashed The portable vacuum a four-run blast in the third inning, cleaner is invented the fi rst World Series grand slam since 2005. Along with his two-run double in 1948 the fi rst, he matched the one-game Se- The Cleveland Indians defeat ries record for runs batted in with six, the Boston Braves for the World done four times, most recently in 2011. Series title. They have yet to win “That’s pretty cool,” Russell said. it again “There’s obviously an opportunity to Incumbent Harry Truman break that record. We’ve been doing is weeks from beating Thomas this all year long, putting new records Dewey in the US presidential in history books.” Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell celebrates after hitting a grand slam against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning of game six of the 2016 World Series at election Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Game of Thrones author ARRIETA STRIKES OUT NINE George R.R. Martin turns three With another masterful pitching eff ort become only the seventh team in World RUSSELL RIPS TOMLIN EARLY between them on Russell’s hit. Russell, 22, became the second- weeks old the day the Indians by game-two winner Jake Arrieta, who Series history to recover from a 3-1 def- Indians right-hander Josh Tomlin, who In the third inning, Kyle Schwarber youngest player to hit a Series grand win the title struck out nine while allowing only two icit to capture the title, most recently went 4 2/3 scoreless innings against walked, advanced on singles by Rizzo slam after Mickey Mantle at age 21 in Baseball legend Babe Ruth runs on three hits, Chicago led com- done by the 1985 Kansas City Royals. the Cubs in game three, was one strike and Zobrist and, after Cleveland pulled 1953. dies at age 53 fortably from the start before a sellout Not since 1979 has a team done it from ending the fi rst inning before sur- Tomlin for relief pitcher Dan Otero, Cleveland’s Jason Kipris doubled to US airplane pioneer Orville crowd of 38,116. by taking the last two games on the rendering three runs on four hits. Russell blasted the ball 434 feet over open the fourth, the fi rst hit off Arrieta, Wright dies at age 76 “You learn quickly from your mis- road as the Cubs seek to do. Home Kris Bryant smacked a solo homer the left-fi eld wall for a 7-0 Cubs lead. and scored the Indians’ fi rst run on a Australian batsman Don takes and then move on quickly and we teams are 18-19 in World Series sev- into the leftfield stands, Anthony “That was the hit of the night,” Bry- Mike Napoli single. Bradman, in his last Test will do that,” Indians manager Terry enth games. Rizzo and Ben Zobrist followed with ant said. “Any time you get four runs on Kipris added a solo homer in the fi fth cricket match against England Francona said. “It will be exciting to Cleveland major sports teams had singles and both scored on Russell’s one swing to go up 7-0, that was huge. to pull the Indians within 7-2. In the at The Oval is bowled out for a come to the ballpark tomorrow.” not won a title since the 1964 NFL double to give the Cubs a 3-0 lead. He had a lot of big home runs this post- ninth, Rizzo belted a two-run homer duck The Cubs, who lost their past seven Browns until the Cavaliers took the Tribe outfielders Tyler Naquin and season. That might have been the big- and Roberto Perez answered with a World Series appearances, are trying to NBA crown last June. Lonnie Chisenhall let the ball drop gest.” run-scoring single for Cleveland.

Mets star Familia NFL ROUND-UP arrested on domestic violence charge Chiefs place Charles on injured reserve AFP Los Angeles Agencies he “doesn’t want to speculate.” Los Angeles Jones, who previously committed to Romo as his No. 1 quarterback when ew York Mets pitcher the 36-year-old returns from a com- Jeurys Familia has been he Kansas City Chiefs pression fracture in his back sustained Narrested on a domestic placed running back Jamaal during the preseason, cited worries violence charge after featuring in Charles on injured reserve about chemistry in a radio interview a new advertising campaign aimed TTuesday amid a report that he Tuesday. at combating the social scourge, may need another knee surgery. “You want to be very mindful of court filings in New Jersey re- Charles tore the anterior cruci- what you’ve got going, which right vealed Tuesday. ate ligament in his right knee 12-plus now we’ve got a lot of chemistry go- Familia, an All-Star closer, was months ago and has never fully healed. ing,” Jones told Dallas radio station arrested at an apartment in the He experienced multiple setbacks this 105.3 The Fan. “That has got to be re- New Jersey town of Fort Lee early season and was examined by well-re- ally recognized if you’re making a de- Monday. According to a complaint spected surgeon Dr James Andrews on cision.” filed at a court in Fort Lee, Familia Monday. is alleged to have caused “bodily The NFL Network reported that An- BILLS’ HARVIN COMING OUT OF injury to another.” drews determined another knee sur- RETIREMENT His accuser, whose name was re- gery was necessary. The type of dam- Veteran wide receiver Percy Harvin dacted from the report, suff ered a age wasn’t revealed. is coming out of retirement to play scratch to the chest and a bruised Being placed on injured reserve the remainder of the season with the right cheek. A police off icer cited means Charles will miss at least eight Buff alo Bills, his agent announced on in the report of the incident “found games. It is possible that he could be Twitter. probable cause to believe that sidelined for the rest of the season. The one-year contract for eight domestic violence had occurred.” Charles played sparingly this sea- games is worth $1 mn plus incentives, Familia lives in Fort Lee with his son with 40 yards on 12 carries over according to NFL Network insider Ian wife and one-year-old son. three games. He sat out Sunday’s game Rapoport. The Mets later said they were against the Indianapolis Colts due to aware of the case. “The matter was knee soreness. BRYANT SUSPENDED FOR SUB- brought to our attention and we Charles is Kansas City’s all-time STANCE ABUSE are monitoring the situation,” the leading rusher with 7,260 yards. He Detroit Lions defensive end Armonty Mets said in a statement. topped 1,000 yards fi ve times during Bryant has been suspended three Familia is part of a featured in a new his standout career. day. Huff , 25, was pulled over by police yards and a touchdown this year, his Previously, Tomlin did not specu- games by the NFL for violating the ad campaign to help stop domestic Charles has one year left on his in New Jersey early Tuesday morning, third season in the National Football late on the length of absence for the substance abuse policy. violence, which also includes New contract that calls for a base salary of according to reports. League. Huff has also impressed as a 34-year-old Roethlisberger, who sus- Bryant recently joined the Lions and York Yankees manager Joe Girardi $3.75mn and a roster bonus of $3mn. It is not clear whether Huff has a kick returner, averaging 36 yards from tained the injury in the fi rst half of a the team said it was aware he might be and other prominent New York-area Kansas City added a running back permit to legally carry a fi rearm. Local seven returns that included a touch- play in which he was intercepted by facing discipline. sports personalities. on Tuesday by signing Bishop Sankey prosecutors are investigating the inci- down. safety Reshad Jones during a 30-15 loss Familia, 27, was responsible for off the New England Patriots’ practice dent, reports said. to the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 16. CARDINALS RE-SIGN BOGGS saving a career-best 51 games for squad. (Editing by Frank Pingue) In a statement, the Eagles said they ROETHLISBERGER MAY BE READY The Arizona Cardinals re-signed the Mets this season. However, his were aware of an incident involving FOR SUNDAY: STEELERS COACH DON’T WANT TO SPECULATE ON guard Taylor Boggs and elevated safety season ended on a low note when EAGLES RECEIVER HUFF STOPPED the player. Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tom- QB ISSUE: COWBOYS BOSS Christian Bryant from the practice he conceded a three-run homer WITH GUN, MARIJUANA: REPORTS “We are aware of the incident today lin said Tuesday that quarterback Ben Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is squad. against San Francisco’s Conor Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Josh involving Josh Huff ,” the Eagles said. Roethlisberger might be ready to play changing his tune about the team’s Arizona placed tight end Ifeanyi Gillaspie in the National League Huff was found in possession of a gun “At this point, we are gathering more Sunday at Baltimore, 21 days after sur- impending quarterback controversy Momah (wrist) and tackle Jared Veld- wild-card playoff . and marijuana after being arrested for information.” gery to repair a meniscus tear in his between rookie sensation Dak Prescott heer (triceps) on injured reserve to speeding, US media reports said Tues- Huff has gathered 13 passes for 72 knee. and injured veteran Tony Romo, saying make room for the duo on the roster. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, November 3, 2016 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Danny Willett downplays Willett wants Turkish Turkish Open security fears

AFP boost in Race To Dubai Antalya, Turkey asters champion Danny Willett ‘I’ve just not been playing very well, so that’s the main aim of the next three weeks to get back to playing good’ has brushed aside any security fears in travelling with his young family to compete in this week’s MTurkish Airlines Open in Antalya. AFP Belek, Turkey The world number 10 is the highest ranked player contesting the fi rst of the tour’s “Final Three” series of big money playoff events. asters champion Danny The Turkish tournament has been hit by Willett is intent on re- fi rst Tiger Woods’ pull out last month and gaining his lead in the then Sunday’s announcement by Rory McIl- European Tour’s Race to roy to withdraw over security concerns. MDubai at the expense of absent Hen- Also missing the $7mn tournament at the rik Stenson at the Turkish Airlines Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort are world Open in Belek. number four Henrik Stenson and USA Ryder Willett has led the money list title Cup winning hero Patrick Reed. since last April when fi tted with the In total 13 of the top-18 on the Race to Du- coveted Augusta National members bai have withdrawn. green jacket. But the 29-year-old Up to three rockets fi red by unknown as- Englishman found himself pushed sailants on October 15 in the Antalya region into second following Stenson’s joint hit a roadside fi shmonger, causing no casual- second in last week’s WGC – HSBC ties, reports said. Champions event in Shanghai. Although the attacks took place some 90 Stenson has elected not to com- kilometres (56 miles) from the tournament pete in the 6.3mn euro opening leg of venue, they prompted offi cials to seek secu- the Tour’s three-event Final Series at rity reassurances. the Regnum Cayla Resort course laid But Willett said he had “no fears” of play- out along the shores of the Mediter- ing in Turkey after talks with the European ranean Sea. Tour’s CEO Keith Pelley. Willett trails Stenson by 261,387 “It’s one of those things where I commit- euros and needs to fi nish fi fth or ted myself to this tournament quite early on, higher to overtake the Swede. so I was always going to play,” added the Eng- “I had a terrible week last week in lishman. China and it was one of them things “Of course, there is a lot of things at risk where anything that could go wrong, but if the offi cials involved say it’s okay then went and I didn’t play great,” he said. we were always going to come down here to “And then just to put the icing on Turkey. the cake, obviously Henrik (Stenson) “Basically, I was only going to pull out if and Rory (McIlroy) both fi nished well the tournament was not going to go ahead. up there. “We’re down here now and there is no “So, it’s unfortunate that Henrik’s sign of anything and in and around here eve- jumped me but I was never going to rything is lovely, and hopefully it stays that win the Race to Dubai on the amount way.” I was on. Another player turning up is triple major “I always had to bump it forward winner Padraig Harrington. and that’s still the aim so I have got “I seriously considered about playing this to go out here this week, and hope- week in Turkey,” he said. fully the golf game gets a little better “But for me, I played golf all through the and we just keep working forward.” 80s and the 90s, the late 80s and the 90s, I The absence of Rory McIlroy over played most of my amateur career, and I was security concerns could also help happy to travel up to Northern Ireland where Willett as McIlroy moved to third they would have also said they had troubles, on the Race to Dubai after sharing as they called it; issues. fourth in Shanghai. “I don’t know if that makes you kind of – Six of the players ranked from kind of gives you a little bit more confi dence, McIlroy to South African Branden maybe. Grace at ninth on the Race to Dubai “It might be a false confi dence but you un- have elected not to compete in derstand that there’s a much bigger picture Turkey. than you as an individual, and so yeah, from However, it will be a case of ‘nor- those experiences, I’ve never really mind mal service’ resuming at next week’s travelling anywhere in the world.” Nedbank Challenge in South Africa, and the second of the Final Series events with all those inside the top- MMA 10, and with the one exception being ‘You want to be sober’ – rooft op tee has players giddy McIlroy, set to compete. “I’ve got the Nedbank next week Lee Westwood and the rest of the But since the golf course was of- past a swimming pool in front of the Dubai before and a few other places and then The Race to Dubai fi nale in Turkish Airlines Open field will be ficially opened in 2008 holiday villas villa and then climb temporary steps and been quite successful. Rousey says three weeks’ time, so there’s still a lot hoping not to raise the roof of the have popped up with one construct- against the side of the house to get “We flew drones off it last night so it of golf left,” added Willett. villa on the 16th tee. ed over the championship tee. onto the roof. Westwood has some gave us a little bit of a feel of how it’s “I’ve just not been playing very The novel tee-off was certainly not For 51 weeks a year the hole from helpful advice for his rivals this week going to play. It looks quite a tough end is nigh well, so that’s the main aim of the part of the Regnum Carya Resort the very back tee measures 391m on the Turkish coast in Belek. tee shot.” next three weeks to get back to play- course design blueprints submit- but with the temporary construction “You want to be sober,” laughed the He added: “I’m not sure I’d want to be ing good golf again.” ted by the company founded by of an artificially grassed tee on the Briton. “It’s a new one, isn’t it? staying in that villa this week with 78 ahead of At 10th in the world Willett fi nds five-time Open Champion Peter roof of the villa it has added 32m to “I’m not great with heights. Having golfers jumping around on the roof himself the highest ranked player in Thomson. the hole. Players will have to walk said that, I’ve hit off from a hotel in hitting golf balls.” the 78-player Turkish fi eld. comeback

AFP RYDER CUP Los Angeles

ixed martial arts superstar Ronda Rousey said that next month’s comeback bout against Amanda Nunes will be one of her last-ev- McIlroy for changes to selection rules Mer fi ghts. The 29-year-old from Los Angeles returns to the octagon on December 30 in Las Reuters Casey, the world number 12, Vegas as the main event in UFC 207, her fi rst has recorded four top-four fi n- bout since she was pummelled to an upset ishes in his last six starts on the defeat by Holly Holm in 2015. US PGA Tour and would have Confi rmation of Rousey’s return after a ormer world number been one of the hottest players on protracted absence has created a huge buzz one Rory McIlroy has the European team at Hazeltine with organisers predicting record pay per urged the European Tour had he qualifi ed for selection. view buys. However, Rousey, one of MMA’s to scrap its controversial biggest stars who has helped widen the ruleF barring non-members of sport’s growing global appeal, said on The Holders Europe lost to the that tour from competing in the US at Hazeltine National, Ellen Show that she is already eyeing her Ryder Cup, the Daily Telegraph prompting the European eventual retirement. reported yesterday. Tour to consider changes to “Not that long, I’m wrapping it up,” Rousey According to McIlroy, the ab- its selection criteria for the told host Ellen DeGeneres when asked how sence of United States-based 2018 edition in Paris much longer she planned to fi ght. Englishman Paul Casey for that “This is defi nitely one of my last fi ghts. reason “defi nitely hurt” Eu- However, the 39-year-old is Everyone better watch, because the show rope’s bid to win the biennial based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and isn’t going to be around forever.” Rousey, a team competition for a fourth has opted not to retain member- former Olympic judo medallist who has used successive time in Minnesota ship of the European Tour where her MMA fame to help launch a career in Hol- last month. Holders Europe lost he would have to compete in a lywood, said the ever-increasing demands on to the United States by a crush- minimum of fi ve tournaments her time had left her weary of the sport. ing 17-11 margin at Hazeltine outside the four majors and four “The build-up is more tiring than anything National, prompting the Euro- World Golf Championship events. else,” she said. “If we had a fi ght right now, I’d pean Tour to consider changes to Europe captain Darren Clarke be like, ‘I’ll fi ght right now,’ and then I’d go its selection criteria for the 2018 added three wildcard picks to get dinner and I wouldn’t really be tired about edition in Paris. the nine automatic selections to it,” Rousey said. “It’s the weeks and weeks of “It should be the best 12 play- round out his team for Hazeltine build-up beforehand and you know you’re ers from Europe versus the best but McIlroy would like to see the fi ghting this one person and it’s your show- 12 players from the US,” Northern entire 12-man lineup qualify on down and the most important thing in your Irish world number two McIlroy merit in the future. whole life and millions of people are watching. was quoted as saying. “For me, “I know that isn’t as exciting in “It’s that build-up for weeks on end. If it there shouldn’t be anything to do terms of captain’s picks and qual- happened right now, I wouldn’t be nervous with membership of tours. ifying process and everything at all. It’s the waiting.” Rousey’s rise through “To have a guy like Paul Ca- else,” McIlroy told the Nolayin- the ranks of MMA earned her comparisons to sey not on our team when he is gup podcast. “But if we’re trying Mike Tyson’s emergence in boxing’s heavy- playing some of the best golf in to make it the fairest way for the weight division during the 1980s, with the the world right now, it defi nitely best 12 to make each team, I think fi ghter generating excitement after a string hurt us (at Hazeltine).” that’s the way to go.” of whirlwind knockouts. Gulf Times Thursday, November 3, 2016 9 SPORT

TENNIS SQUASH Qatar Classic 2016 from November 11-18 Djokovic marches QNA bai PSA World Series Finals Doha Defending champion Mo- hamed El Shorbagy tops an out- standing fi eld as he returns to the atar Squash Federation scene of his two World Cham- (QSF) has completed pionship fi nal defeats in 2012 all technical and man- and 2014, and the hard-hitting agerial arrangements World No.1 is in fi ne form after into third round toQ host the prestigious 2016 Qa- triumphing at the Delaware In- tar Classic Squash Champion- vestments US Open - the second ship which will take place from stage on the PSA Road to Dubai - ‘...you know, just try to get one win every match, and just play one match at a time’ November 11-18 in Doha. just last week. The world’s greatest players The man who ended El Shor- will once again descend on the bagy’s World Championship Agencies Khalifa International Tennis and dream on those two occasions, Paris Squash Complex in Doha for the fellow Egyptian Ramy Ashour, 2016 Qatar Classic - the third is also involved, with the former stage on the 2016/17 Men’s PSA World No.1 looking to put his orld number one Road to Dubai, when the pres- injury problems behind him as Novak Djokovic tigious World Series tournament he eyes up a fi rst Qatar Classic clinched his place begins on November 11, accord- crown since 2007. in the last 16 of the ing to QOC. WParis Masters yesterday with a In addition to the lucrative 6-3, 6-4 victory over Luxem- prize purse of US$150,000 on bourg’s Gilles Muller. off er, the Qatar Classic off ers the A single service break in ei- opportunity for players to accrue ther set sent the record four- crucial points on the PSA Road to time champion through to a Dubai Standings, where only the meeting with Bulgarian 14th top eight players will qualify for seed Grigor Dimitrov. a place at the season-ending Du- Djokovic, 29, must reach the fi nal in Paris to guarantee he ex- tends his 122-week reign at the top of the rankings with Andy Did Pakistan’s Khan really Murray rapidly closing in on the Serb. win 555 in a row? Japan’s Kei Nishikori also cruised into the third round Pakistan squash legend than 555, as it doesn’t take into with a 6-2 7-5 win against Ser- Jahangir Khan is famed for account exhibition matches. bian Viktor Troicki as the race winning 555 matches in a row, His winning streak from 1981 for places at the ATP Tour Finals but a new book has cast doubt was finally brought to a halt by gathered pace yesterday. on the figure and says it might New Zealand’s Ross Norman at The fi fth seed, one of six be much lower. In ‘Jahangir the 1986 world championships players to have already quali- Khan 555’, authors Rod Gilmour in Toulouse. “If you calculate it, fi ed for the season-ending fi nals and Alan Thatcher say nobody it could be more. I played invita- in London, breezed through the was keeping proper records tional, exhibition and challenge fi rst set and quickly broke in during Khan’s five-and-a-half- matches,” he was quoted as the second. A lapse in concen- year unbeaten run from 1981 saying. “The 555 figure should tration by the Japanese, how- to 1986. Khan’s streak of 555 only be my tournament match- ever, allowed world number is credited as the longest es. But it could be between six 28 Troicki to break back but unbeaten run in any sport, but to seven hundred matches if Nishikori broke again to end the the authors say their research you include the others. Because contest in straight sets. has convinced them the figure I wasn’t losing those either!” This is Nishikori’s 300th ca- is “factually incorrect”. Thatcher said if Khan didn’t reer win. “I think it’s a great “There were no statisticians win 555 in a row, the longest number,” said Nishikori. at the time chronicling his winning streak would go to “I’m not sure if it’s good or matches and not once has the Dutch wheelchair tennis legend not. I don’t know how good that figure been highlighted in press Esther Vergeer, who won 470 is, but, you know, just try to get reports of the time,” Gilmour consecutive matches over 10 one win every match, and just said in a press release. years until her retirement in play one match at a time.” Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball to “We believe that it could be 2013. “His five-and-a-half-year He will next face either local Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller during their significantly lower. After all, he unbeaten run is certainly not favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, second round match at the ATP World would have to have played over disputed. That will surely never the 11th seed, or Albert Ramos- Tour Masters 1000 indoor tournament in 20 world tour tournaments be conquered,” Thatcher said. Vinolas of Spain. Paris yesterday. (AFP) each year for five years, which “It’s the final tally which we Croatian Marin Cilic set up at the time was certainly not wanted to solve for accuracy’s a third-round clash with Bel- the case in tour matches.” sake. The real figure? It’s hard to gium’s David Goffi n as both Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller during their second round match at the ATP World Tour Masters However, Khan insisted the say. But it could be lower than battle for one of two remaining 1000 indoor tournament in Paris yesterday. (AFP) figure could be even higher 500.” spots for the November 13-20 ATP event at the 02. but has ended his season and ing from the Hong Kong Open to China’s Zhang Shuai to their return following a suspen- Cilic, ninth in the Race to Lon- will not play in the Tour fi nals. with an abdominal injury last dominate Hungary’s Timea Ba- sion. In September, the French don, beat compatriot Ivo Karlovic month. bos 6-4, 6-2. In the day’s last tennis federation lifted a ban on 7-6(7) 6-2 while Goffi n, who is Konta dominates to “Against a player like Sam, matchup, Czech Petra Kvitova the pair, who were sanctioned 11th with an outside chance of guarantee top-10 spot who plays such a big ball and defeated Roberta Vinci of Italy, the previous month for criticis- qualifying, beat France’s Nicolas Britain’s Johanna Konta will has such a big game, I really had 6-1, 6-2. ing the organisation following a Mahut 7-6(5) 6-3. fi nish the year inside the world to do my best to stay there for mix-up over their clothing in a Dominic Thiem’s chances of top 10 for the fi rst time after every single point and take my Garcia, Mladenovic return fi rst-round doubles loss at the taking part in the London show- cruising to victory over Sam chances whenever they came,” to lead France in Fed Cup final Rio Olympics. down, took a big blow when the Stosur on day two of the WTA Konta said after the decisive Top doubles team Caro- The French pair are second Austrian, eighth in the Race, lost Elite Trophy in China yesterday. win in the $2.2mn round-robin line Garcia and Kristina Mlad- in the WTA rankings but were 6-2 6-4 to American Jack Sock The top seed, 25, defeated the tournament. enovic will spearhead France’s defeated in the semi-fi nals of in the second round in Paris. former US Open winner 6-4, In the day’s other matches, challenge in the Fed Cup fi nal the doubles tournament at last Former world number one 6-2 in Zhuhai in her fi rst time world number 18 Timea Bac- against defending champions week’s WTA Finals in Singapore Rafa Nadal is seventh in the Race back on court since withdraw- sinszky came back from a loss Czech Republic after making despite starting as top seeds.

BOXING VW to quit world rally championship at end of season Volkswagen will pull out of the manufacturers’ and drivers’ world world rally championship at the end rally titles for the past four years. Joshua-Klitschko spring of the current season as part of a Ogier, Finnish team-mate Jari-Matti strategic shift to help overcome its Latvala and Norwegian Andreas emissions scandal, the company Mikkelsen have won 42 of 51 rallies announced yesterday. between them. “The VW brand is facing tremen- Volkswagen said it would develop showdown major step nearer dous challenges,” said VW brand a new Polo rally car for customers R&D chief Frank Welsch, citing the to purchase and enter in the WRC2 AFP the WBA will offi cially sanction carmaker’s push into zero-emission category, a tier below the full world London the fi ght between Anthony Josh- technology. championship, from 2018. ua and Wladimir Klitschko for the “We far exceeded our sporting It will also off er a Golf GTI for tour- WBA super title,” Hearn said on goals in the WRC, now we are rea- ing car racing and a Beetle model mouthwatering world www.matchroomboxing.com. ligning Volkswagen Motorsport and for rallycross. heavyweight title show- “We will now move forward moving the vehicle technology of “The team has done great things. At down early next year be- with (Klitschko’s manager) Bernd the future more starkly into focus.” the same time, our vision is firmly tween Britain’s Anthony Boente and Team Klitschko in Top executives and labour leaders ahead, because we are aware of the JoshuaA and former champion planning the date and venue are aiming to agree a cost-cutting great challenges facing the entire Wladimir Klitschko took a major knowing that victory against Eric plan and strategy for the VW company,” said rally team director step closer yesterday after the Molina in Manchester on Decem- brand’s operations in Germany in Sven Smeets in a statement. WBA sanctioned it. ber 10 is more important than time for a meeting of the carmak- “We want our realignment to The exciting Joshua, 27, who ever.” er’s supervisory board on Nov. 18 to contribute to the success of the won the IBF title in April after it Matchroom said the fi ght ratify future spending plans. Volkswagen brand. From now on, was voluntarily vacated by trou- would be staged in “spring 2017”. Europe’s biggest automaker is the focus is on upcoming technolo- bled compatriot Tyson Fury, must While it has been a momentous battling to recover from a scandal gies in motorsport and on our cus- fi rst come through the defence of year for 2012 Olympic champion involving illegal software installed tomer sports range, where we will his belt against solid journeyman Joshua, who boasts a 17-0 record to mask toxic emissions on about position ourselves more broadly Eric Molina in December in Man- with all victories by knock-out, 11mn diesel vehicles worldwide. and attractively.” chester. it has been a frustrating one for Anthony Joshua The scandal is set to cost it billions Joshua’s manager Eddie Hearn 40-year-old Klitschko. of dollars in compensation and had originally hoped the Kl- The Ukrainian had hoped to re- vehicle refits. itschko clash would take place in gain the IBF, WBO and WBA belts The decision to quit rallying follows December, but they had to wait on which he lost to Fury in a stun- a similar move by VW’s luxury flag- the WBA decision. ning upset last November. ship brand Audi, which last week In the meantime, Hearn ac- His rematch with Fury for the announced it was pulling out of the knowledged there was risk in WBA and WBO belts had been World Endurance Championship taking on 34-year-old Molina, set for July 9, only for an injury to and the Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar This file photo taken on October 13, whose previous world title con- force the British fi ghter out. race to focus on the electric For- 2016 shows French driver Sebastien test saw him push WBC holder Fury then pulled out of a sec- mula E series. Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia Deontay Wilder to nine rounds in ond bout scheduled for late Octo- The world rally championship ends steering their Volkswagen Polo R June 2015. ber because of depression and he in Australia on November 20 and WRC as they compete during the “It’s been an arduous wait to vacated the WBA and WBO belts Volkswagen, with French driver first day of the 52nd Rally de Cat- gain offi cial approval but we were so he could focus on battling his Sebastien Ogier, have won the alunya in Barcelona. (AFP) delighted to receive the news that mental turmoil. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, November 3, 2016 CRICKET

INDIA SQUAD FOR ENGLAND SERIES Rohit, Dhawan, Rahul out; Test call-up for Pandya

Reuters nitely ruled out for the Test series.” medium pace and is an useful lower- working on him on the mind aspect. He Mumbai Rahul suff ered a hamstring injury Hardik Pandya order batsman, made his 50-over debut has worked so much on his mind.” during the fi rst Test against New Zea- for India in the series against New Zea- The selection of the uncapped Jayant land in September and is still recuper- land and has been fast-tracked to the Yadav alongside Ravichandran Ashwin, ndia will be without three of their ating. His opening partner Dhawan Test squad. Ravindra Jadeja and Amit Mishra means fi rst-choice batsmen in the fi rst fractured his left thumb after being hit Pandya has earned a reputation in India could play as many as four spin- two Tests against England after twice in the same area during the sec- Indian cricket circles for showmanship, ners although Yadav is not expected to Iopeners Shikhar Dhawan and KL ond New Zealand Test in Kolkata and with his exuberant onfi eld celebrations make the starting XI. Rahul, and middle-order batsman Rohit his place was taken by Gautam Gambhir and swagger off the pitch having proved Ashwin and Jadeja were rested in the Sharma were ruled out due to injuries. in the following match at Indore. a turn-off for selectors in the past. But ODI series against New Zealand and Fast bowler Ishant Sharma returned Recalled after two years, Gambhir after taking three wickets in his ODI will lead India’s spin attack against the to the 15-man squad after missing the scored a half-century in the second in- debut last month against New Zealand, English batsmen, who had a torrid time Test series against New Zealand due nings against New Zealand and is ex- he has now earned himself a place in in their drawn two-Test series in Bang- to illness while uncapped all-rounder pected to open alongside Murali Vijay the squad for a keenly-awaited series ladesh recently. Hardik Pandya received a fi rst call-up to when the opening match of the fi ve- against Alastair Cook’s England side. England are the last team to have the national side for the longer format. Test series against England kicks off in Prasad acknowledged Pandya had a won a series in India when they claimed Right-hander Rohit, who bats in the Rajkot next week. reputation for being “a bit hyper” but a 2-1 triumph in 2012 against the hosts, middle order in the Test team, suff ered Ishant was ruled out of the New had begun to mature under the men- who are currently ranked number one a thigh injury during the fi nal one-day Zealand series after failing to recover torship of former skipper Rahul Dravid in the International Cricket Council international against New Zealand. He from the mosquito-borne viral disease who is now coach of India’s A side. (ICC) Test rankings. is expected to be sidelined for six to chikungunya but has proved his fi tness “His pace has increased, he’s able eight weeks, with a possibility that he by bowling extensively in domestic to move the ball much better, his bats- India squad may also need to undergo surgery, In- Ranji Trophy matches. manship has increased and overall his Gautam Gambhir, Murali Vijay, Karun dia’s selection committee chief MSK Seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar recov- personality — he’s just mellowed down Nair, Virat Kohli (captain), Cheteshwar Prasad told reporters. ered from the hamstring injury he suf- a bit and is doing very well,” Prasad Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman “Rohit Sharma has been badly injured fered during the second Test against said. “He’s one all-rounder we’ve got Sahs (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran and there is a scope of even surgical in- New Zealand and was available for se- who’s an equally competent bowler Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Ravindra Jadeja, tervention,” former India wicketkeeper lection but overlooked because he had and batsman along with (being) a good Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Prasad said. “There is a chance he is go- not played a fi rst-class game. fi elder too. We all know that he’s a bit Umesh Yadav, Jayant Yadav, Hardik ing to be assessed in England. He is defi - The 23-year-old Pandya, who bowls hyper. Rahul Dravid has really been Pandya

The England cricket team arrived in India wickets. Gary Ballance’s place looks particularly than any other pace bowler on either side when partnership at the top of the order in that time. now India’s skipper, but he will want a big score yesterday for a fi ve-match series against vulnerable after scoring just 23 runs during England won the 2012 series in India, but a The normally swashbuckling Shikhar Dhawan, early on to avoid doubts creeping in. the world’s number one side, chastened the series. With Ashwin and a much-improved shoulder problem has sidelined him this time who missed the last Test with a thumb injury, has by a fi rst ever Test defeat against cricket’s Ravindra Jadeja guaranteed a place, India’s round — although he still hopes to play some scored a solitary fifty in his last eight Tests and traditional whipping boys, Bangladesh. In selectors will be tempted to call up veteran Amit part in the series. His long-time partner Stuart his place is in jeopardy. Murali Vijay looks best Umpires under review contrast India, aft er whitewashing New Mishra as part of a three-pronged spin attack. Broad should win his 100th Test cap in Rajkot placed to nail down a slot despite scoring just 45 The series will be the first India has agreed to Zealand, are shaping up nicely as they seek The 33-year-old leggie took 5-18 at the weekend but has a poor record on the sub-continent and runs in his last four innings against New Zealand. play using the decision review system (DRS), to end a run of three successive series de- as India skittled New Zealand for just 79 in the was dropped in 2012 after going wicketless in albeit on a trial basis. India’s board says its feats against the visitors. A glance at some final ODI. Batting great Sunil Gavaskar is among the first two Tests. His replacement Steven Finn Bogey team? previous doubts have been largely addressed of the issues facing both sides before the those calling for three spinners against England, was also called up for the second Bangladesh by improvements in technology. But the fi rst Test in Rajkot starting November 9: saying Mishra is a proven wicket-taker and not Test but looked largely innocuous. It’s the best part of a decade since India’s last Bangladesh-England series highlighted how TV just someone who can dry up an end. series victory over England, and Mishra is the replays can become a double-edged sword by England in a spin Open season only member of the line-up back in those heady undermining umpires’ confidence. Forty-two Off the pace days of 2008 expected to play in Rajkot. Star decisions were reviewed in the two Tests and Sri After their top order was bamboozled by Bang- Despite their impressive 3-0 clean sweep over batsman Virat Kohli was among those who Lanka’s Kumar Dharmasena had 13 of his onfield ladeshi rookie Mehedi Hasan, England now have Ben Stokes impressed with 11 wickets but Eng- New Zealand in their Test series, India still have struggled when India toured England in 2014, decisions overturned by the third umpire. As to contend with the world’s number one spinner, land’s pacemen were otherwise disappointing in some nagging concerns — particularly their scoring just 134 runs in five Tests at an average well as raising questions about the off icials’ Ravichandran Ashwin. Their top five all averaged Bangladesh, doing little to dispel the suspicion lack of a reliable opening partnership. Despite of 13.40. Ashwin, meanwhile, took just three competence, the constant scrutiny sucked less than 25 in the two Tests and none of them they will struggle without their totem Jimmy trying out five diff erent combinations in their wickets in two Tests before being dropped. Lack some of the drama from the series as so many looked comfortable against Hasan, who took 19 Anderson in India. Anderson took more wickets last 14 Tests, India have failed to record a century of confidence is not usually an issue with Kohli, decisions went upstairs.

WACA TEST HARARE TEST Lanka end Zimbabwe Morkel fi t as SA ponder resistance, win 1st Test four-prong pace attack by 225 runs Reuters Dale Steyn is certain to spearhead the attack with Vernon Philander and exciting youngster Kagiso Harare Rabada likely to support him with the potential fourth spot going to Kyle Abbott or Morne Morkel ri Lanka ended Zimbabwe’s day- long resistance seven overs from the end of play to grab victory by Reuters 225 runs on the fi nal day of the fi rst STest at the Harare Sports Club yesterday. Perth Zimbabwe were bowled for 186 runs in their second innings within sight of what xperienced South African would have been a morale boosting draw. quick Morne Morkel has been Sri Lanka’s Dilruwan Perera and stand-in declared fi t to face Australia skipper Rangana Herath took three wick- in the fi rst Test in Perth as the ets each with Perera bowling out tailender touristsE ponder unleashing a four- Chris Mpofu in the 91st over of Zimba- strong pace attack at the WACA. bwe’s second innings to clinch victory The Proteas have won on their last despite a gallant knock by captain Graeme two visits to the WACA on their way Cremer, who followed up a fi rst innings to series triumphs in Australia and century with a stubborn 43. are full of confi dence ahead of today’s Sri Lanka declared their second innings start to the three-Test series. as expected at the start of the day on 247 Faf du Plessis, who is standing in as for six, leaving 98 overs to bowl out the skipper for the injured AB de Villiers, de- hosts, who were set a near-impossible clined to follow his Australia counterpart target of 412 to win. Steve Smith by naming his side yester- Zimbabwe’s openers saw off the first 16 day, leaving the hosts to guess whether Australia captain overs before Brian Chari was bowled for they would play a spinner or not. Steve Smith (left) 10 and they then lost four wickets in 23 Dale Steyn is certain to spearhead talks with his South balls before lunch. Sean Williams’ 40 took the pace attack with Vernon Philander Africa counterpart Zimbabwe to 136-6 at tea but he was dis- and exciting youngster Kagiso Rabada Faf du Plessis at the missed in the fi rst over of the last session. likely to support him with the poten- WACA ground in Cremer saw Zimbabwe into the fi nal tial fourth spot going to Kyle Abbott or Perth yesterday. The hour before being stumped for the ninth Morkel. first Test between wicket with 10 overs left. Morkel played the last of his 71 Tests the two sides starts “We are defi nitely upset that we in January and has struggled with a today. (Reuters) couldn’t last the (fi nal) couple of overs. back injury since but du Plessis said he But to last that long was good for Test was ready to go. “He has been working cricket and there are a lot of positives to extremely hard to get back to full fi t- take from it,” said Cremer. ness,” he told reporters at the WACA. “He’s been trying to do everything pos- sible and he has been bowling really Scoreboard well, so he is defi nitely in contention.” Sri Lanka (1st innings)...... 537 Steyn is only six wickets away from Zimbabwe (1st innings) ...... 373 surpassing Shaun Pollock as South Sri Lanka (2nd innings) ...... 247-6 decl. Africa’s most prolifi c Test wicket Zimbabwe (2nd innings) taker and du Plessis said he hoped the T Mawoyo lbw D Perera ...... 37 33-year-old would notch up his 422nd B Chari b Kumara ...... 10 victim in Perth. H Masakadza lbw Lakmal ...... 20 “Dale’s got so much knowledge in- previous three days, it was quite soft the opening Test. Captain Smith an- recent one-day tour of South Africa, of West Indies last year. C Ervine lbw D Perera ...... 0 side of him and he’s been brilliant,” he and green still.” nounced the team in his pre-match where he took 0-82 on debut as the With Starc also only having one S Williams c D de Silva b Herath ...... 40 said. “He’s had his shoulder problems Groundsman Matt Page said he news conference yesterday with Men- tourists were whitewashed 5-0. Sheffi eld Shield match as preparation M Waller lbw Lakmal ...... 0 of late but he’s an important bowler for thought it would be a strip in keeping nie the man to miss out from the 12- “They’re both bowling well,” Smith after requiring surgery on a nasty gash P Moor lbw Kumara ...... 7 us in this series and, hopefully, he can with the traditions of the ground. man squad announced last week. told reporters. “They’re the sort of he suff ered in training in September, G Cremer st K Perera b Herath ...... 43 stay strong right through the series. “Everything we try to produce has Siddle, 31, played the last of his 61 bowlers who can bowl consistent areas, Australia’s pace attack looks a little D Tiripano lbw Herath ...... 0 We need him.” that pace and bounce, everyone wants Tests against New Zealand in Welling- keep the runs down. I guess it comple- short on match fi tness. C Mumba (not out) ...... 10 Whether South Africa go with to come here or turn on the TV and see ton in February and proved he had re- ments the other guys. We’ve gone with Smith said, however that Siddle C Mpofu b D Perera...... 0 four quicks will probably depend on that ball fl ying through to the wick- covered from the back injury that ruled Sidds on this occasion and it’s good to and Starc had been impressive in the Extras (b5, lb13, w1) ...... 19 whether they think the WACA will of- etkeeper,” he told reporters. “That’s him out for much of the year by play- have him back after a fair injury layoff .” WACA nets this week. Total (all out, 90.3 overs) ...... 186 fer its traditional pace and bounce or what we try and prepare.” ing for Victoria in the Sheffi eld Shield Siddle joins Josh Hazlewood and “They’re quite fresh so they might Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-68, 3-74, 4-74, 5-74, the batsman’s paradise that was pro- Hosts Australia, meanwhile, have last week. left-armer Mitchell Starc in the bowl- be able to sustain things a little bit 6-100, 7-139, 8-145, 9-183, 10-186 duced for the visit of the West Indies chosen the experience of Peter Sid- Mennie was a surprise inclusion in ing attack and will be hoping for a longer than maybe the medical staff Bowling: S Lakmal 24-6-43-2; R Herath last year. “It looked like it was a bit dle over the potential of the uncapped the squad ahead of Jackson Bird having WACA wicket with more pace and would like them to,” Smith added. 30-13-38-3; L Kumara 19-3-45-2 (w1); D Perera harder today,” du Plessis said. “The Joe Mennie as their third seamer for been part of the bowling unit on the bounce than that prepared for the visit “They’re fresh and ready to go.” 15.3-4-34-3; K Mendis 2-1-8-0 Gulf Times Thursday, November 3, 2016 11 SPORT

GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR Tops-Alexander eyes history, Bengtsson aims to get third time lucky ‘I think Rolf has a lot of experience, which definitely is a big strength, and he has been trying to win this title many times. He has been so close so I know it’s important for him to win. We have been in similar positions already a few times though I was ahead of him and ended up winning. My tactic is just to do my best and be on the podium’

By Sahan Bidappa Doha Rolf Goran Bengtsson , Edwina Tops-Alexander

ustralia’s Edwina Tops-Alex- ander and Rolf-Goran Bengts- son of Sweden are locked in a neck-and-neck battle for the GlobalA Champions Tour crown, the fi - nal leg of which will take place this Sat- urday in Doha. The splendid Al Shaqab arena is the fi tting venue for this engrossing battle, which started in Miami in April. But af- ter 14 legs, there is just fi ve points that separates the leader and second placed. Bengtsson is on 272 points, ahead of Tops-Alexander, who is on 267. It’s too close to call but Tops-Alexander has the experience to pull it off on Saturday night at the Grand Prix of Doha. The 42-year-old, married to Global Champions Tour president and founder Jan Tops, is no stranger to being at the sharp end of the grid having won the ti- tle twice, and will make history should she secure a third win of her career. On the other hand, Bengtsson will be hoping to break the drought, having fi n- ished third and second in 2015 and 2014 respectively. The Swede is a silver med- allist at the 2008 Olympics, and also in the team event at the 2004 Games. The pair has been in this position before, with Tops-Alexander fi nishing on top in previous years. But the Aussie knows it won’t be easy. She is under no illusions just how tough it will be, and remains focused at the challenge. “I think Rolf has a lot of experience, which defi nitely is a big strength, and he has been trying to win this title many times,” Tops-Alexander said. mare, Lintea Tequila, it will be a battle 54-yaer-old had to win in Doha to and the lion’s share of the €450,000 Current leaders Valkenswaard United “He has been so close so I know it’s of the highest class to see who fi nishes clinch the title last year but fell short as prize purse on off er. On top of that, the are in pole position going into the fi nal important for him to win. We have been on top this season. Luciana Diniz snatched the crown with overall LGCT Ranking bonus prize fund on a total tally of 309.5 points. in similar positions already a few times “She won here last year in Doha, and a victory at Al Shaqab. of almost €1 million will be divided, The combination of John Whitaker though I was ahead of him and ended up she’s had an amazing year. I have a fan- The Sweded is hoping to make with riders using the fi nal in Doha as and Bertram Allen has proved formida- winning. My tactic is just to do my best tastic groom and management,” she said. amends this year. their last chance to change the order up ble in the debut GCL season, and they and be on the podium. “I feel good, my horse is in fantastic “The fi nal in Doha will be special and and down the leaderboard. have won three of the team’s four wins “Although fi ve points doesn’t sound shape – she was at the Olympics and it would be a dream to take the title. I’ve Other big names competing will be (Miami Beach, Hamburg and Vienna). like much, with the drop off scores it came third in a show a few weeks ago. been in this position twice before so World No.2 Simon Delestre of France, No. They are set to make history by be- does work towards Rolf so I have to have It’s exciting, I think Rolf is in a slightly I’m hoping it’ll be third time lucky! Ed- 6 Germany’s Daniel Deusser, No. 8 and Rio coming the fi rst winners of the GCL. 12 a very good result on the day to win. But easier position as basically I have to be wina is an amazing rider so I know it’ll Olympic Team Gold Medallist Kevin Staut teams will be in action to open the three anything is possible and there is only on the podium, so I have a lot of pres- be tough. But Casall is better than ever from France, No. 9 Marcus Ehning of Ger- days of top level equestrian competition. one of us that can win and one of us to sure but that’s what makes our sport so and I know together we’ll pull out all the many and No. 10 Britain’s Scott Brash. Home team Doha Fursan Qatar are in be second,” she added. exciting. I have to try to do my best and stops at Al Shaqab,” said Bengtsson. Before the marquee event, tomorrow ninth position with 231 points. Olympic With Bengtsson confi rmed to bring stay very focused,” the two-time added. The two in contention will be joined the competition will open with the fi - rider Ali Yousef al-Rumaihi and young his formidable stallion Casall ASK, and For Bengtsson it was so-near-yet- by the very best riders in the world, all nal of the inaugural Global Champions talent Hamad al-Attiyah will carry the Tops-Alexander riding her top Olympic so-far in the past two seasons. The vying for the top spot in the Grand Prix League, the team based event. hosts’ hopes tomorrow. Edwina Tops-Alexander

THIRD TEST Holder, Brathwaite put WI in sight of victory AFP Paceman Wahab Riaz then had Jermaine SCOREBOARD Sharjah Blackwood bowled for four with a sharp incom- ing delivery and Roston Chase caught fl icking Pakistan (1st innings) ...... 281 by a jumping Mohamed Nawaz for two to bring West Indies (1st innings) ...... 337 kipper Jason Holder took a maiden Pakistan back in the game. Pakistan (2nd innings; overnight 87-4) fi ve-wicket haul and opener Kraigg It could have been worse for the West In- S Aslam c Joseph b Holder ...... 17 Brathwaite stood fi rm in a tense chase to dies had Pakistan not dropped two catches in A Ali c Bravo b Bishoo ...... 91 bring West Indies in sight of a consola- the fi rst three overs. With only a single scored, A Shafiq c Bravo b Holder ...... 0 tionS win in the third and fi nal Test against Paki- Johnson on nought edged Mohamed Amir’s Y Khan c Dowrich b Holder ...... 0 stan yesterday. fi fth delivery of the innings to third slip, where M-ul-Haq c Bishoo b Chase ...... 4 Holder set his team — without a win in their Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq grassed a S Ahmed c Bravo b Bishoo ...... 42 last 13 Tests — on the right path with a career- simple catch. M Nawaz c Johnson b Bishoo ...... 19 best 5-30 to dismantle Pakistan for 208, which Johnson again survived a slip catch on three M Amir (run out) ...... 8 gave the West Indies a target of 153 in 135 overs when Sami Aslam dropped another straightfor- W Riaz c Johnson b Holder ...... 1 spread over four sessions. ward opportunity at fi rst slip off a luckless Amir, Y Shah lbw Holder ...... 0 When bad light forced closure nine overs early hurting Pakistan’s chances of early wickets. Z Babar (not out) ...... 15 on the fourth and penultimate day, Brathwaite Earlier, Pakistan’s chances of building a good Extras (b2, lb1, nb2, w6) ...... 11 was unbeaten on 44 to anchor West Indies to 114- lead ended when they slumped from 159-5 at Total (all out, 81.3 overs) ...... 208 5, still needing 39 runs with fi ve wickets intact. lunch to lose their last fi ve wickets for just 49 Fall of wickets: 1-37, 2-41, 3-41, 4-48, 5-134, 6-175, Brathwaite, who carried his bat in the fi rst runs. Opener Azhar Ali fell nine short of his 12th 7-189, 8-192, 9-193 innings with 142, has so far added 47 runs for century when he edged Bishoo in the slip after in- Bowling: Gabriel 15-1-36-0 (2nb, 1w); Joseph the sixth wicket with Shane Dowrich (36 not itially deciding to sweep the ball but later chang- 14-3-41-0 (5w); Holder 17.3-5-30-5; Brathwaite out) to lift West Indies from a struggling 67-5. ing his mind. He batted for 234 balls and hit six 1-0-5-0; Chase 15-1-47-1; Bishoo 19-2-46-3 Brathwaite, who survived a bat-pad catch re- fours and a six, adding an invaluable 86 for the West Indies (2nd innings) view on 43, has hit four boundaries in another res- fi fth wicket with Sarfraz Ahmed, who made 42. K Brathwaite (batting) ...... 44 olute 88-ball knock, frustrating Pakistan’s bowl- Nawaz helped Ali add another 41 for the sixth L Johnson lbw Shah ...... 12 ing for a second time in the match. Dowrich has wicket but fell to Bishoo, who fi nished with 18 D Bravo c Ahmed b Shah ...... 3 hit a six and three boundaries for the West Indies. wickets in the series — the most by a West In- M Samuels c Babar b Shah ...... 10 Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur said “it could dian against Pakistan in a three-match series. J Blackwood b Riaz ...... 4 still go either way”. He added: “We are two Holder then removed the tail, with wickets R Chase c Nawaz b Riaz ...... 2 wickets away from being favourites and this can of Riaz (1) and Yasir Shah (0) to improve on his S Dowrich (batting) ...... 36 happen in two balls. We should have scored big previous best of 3-15 against England at Barba- Extras: (lb2, nb1) 3 in the fi rst innings and a below par score of 281 dos in May last year. Total (5 wickets, 36 overs) ...... 114 left us play chasing games.” Amir was foolishly run out after watching Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-35, 3-57, 4-63, 5-67 From 23 without loss, West Indies slumped to the long-on fi elder Chase save a six and throw- Bowling: Amir 8-0-29-0 (1nb); Riaz 8-0-30-2; 67-5 with leg-spinner Yasir Shah (3-30) dismiss- ing at the bowler’s end with the batsman short Shah 13-4-30-3; Babar 3-1-3-0; Nawaz 4-0-20-0 ing Leon Johnson leg-before for 12, Darren Bravo of his crease. Pakistan lead the three-match se- caught behind for three and Marlon Samuels ries 2-0 after winning the fi rst Test in Dubai by West Indies batsmen Kraigg Brathwaite (left) and Shane caught in the deep for 10 in the space of 13 balls. 56 runs and second by 133 runs in Abu Dhabi. Dowrich walk back at the end of day’s play. (AFP)

Thursday, November 3, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Sandbetweenourtoes takes season-opening Al Safl iya Cup ‘I feel so proud about starting the season with a win. It is a great win for Sandbetweenourtoes’

By Mikhil Bhat was ahead of the pack yet again, Doha demolishing the competition, winning the Thoroughbred Clas- sifi ed Stakes, a Class 4 race for halifa bin Sheail al- three-year-olds rated 80 and be- Kuwari was all smiles low, by 11 lengths. on the fi rst day of the It was the second victory of the season yesterday, with day for the trainer-owner-jockey KSandbetweenourtoes racing to combine of Zuhair Mohsen, Ab- victory in the Al Safl iya Cup, a dulaziz Jassim al-Boenain and Class 2 Thoroughbred Handi- Marvin Suerland, having won cap race for horses rated 91-105, the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate on the dirt at Qatar Racing and event earlier in the evening. Equestrian Club (QREC). Having led from pillar to post, Al-Kuwari was the leading the chestnut colt fi nished ahead owner of the last season, with his of second-placed Fast Gold and horses winning the big ones — Strategic Way completing the HH The Emir’s Trophy with The podium. Blue Eye, Al Biddah Mile with Just like he did last year, Sunley Opera Baron and HH The Emir’s Pride raced to a victory on the Silver Sword with Spaghetti. opening day of the season, win- “I feel so proud about start- ning the Class 3 Thoroughbred ing the season with a win. It is a Handicap event for horses rated great win for Sandbetweenour- 76-90. toes,” al-Kuwari told Gulf Times The seven-year-old, trained yesterday after Marco Monteriso by Deborah Mountain, was no- rode the seven-year-old son of where near the front when the Footstepsinthesand to victory in 1700m run started, with Al Mur- the 1100m run. qab Stud’s Truancy leading and “After such a big season last Millington on his heels. Coming time round, I have been missing on to the fi nal bend, however, the race days, the big races and jockey Stephan Ladjadj had his the wins, and now to start like chestnut ride steadily move up this is great. I hope this season is on the outside. even better than the last time.” On to the fi nal straight, 300m Asked if he feels the pressure out, the Mohamed Hassan Ali after such a big season, he said, Abdulmalik-owned gelding was “After such a big season, there is right next to the leader, and at the (From left) Trainer Mubarak al-Khayarin, Owner Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari, Staff Brigadier (Navy) Ali bin Ahmed Saif al-Badeed al-Mannai, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general always pressure to try and bet- post, he had Truancy by a little manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi and jockey Marco Monteriso on the podium for the Al Safliya Cup, which was won by Sandbetweenourtoes, at the QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim ter it. So it is big pressure for us, over a length for his seventh ca- trainers Jassim Ghazali, Mubarak reer victory. Gaetan Faucon rode al-Khayarin and Mohamed Jas- Elkhart to a third place fi nish. sim Ghazali. Hassan al-Matwi’s Lolita Du “But then again it is still just Panjshir raced to her second ca- the fi rst day of the season, and reer win, when Gerald Avranche you don’t really know what the rode her to a narrow victory over future holds for you. I wish the Ibrahim al-Malki-trained Suhail best for all the owners in Qatar Al Uraiq in the Purebred Arabian and also the international owners Handicap event for horses rated who come here.” 70 and below. Ibrahim al-Malki’s wards, Na- Suhail Al Uraiq, ridden by Al- warah and Victory Laurel, com- berto Sanna, was ridden in quest pleted the podium, while a third, for the fi ve-year-old’s second Aqdaar, fi nished fourth. A year victory, the fi rst being back in after beginning his season with October 2014. Instead, Majd Al a win over the same distance on Arab’s son edged out Umm Qarn dirt, Maazouz was at it again, mare Taima for the second spot. edging out Tameh for a fi ne win Earlier in the day, after 18 un- in the nine furlong Purebred Ara- successful attempts, Hamad al- bian Conditions event yesterday. Marri’s TM Majid Texas fi nally Jockey Pier Convertino kept shed his maiden status winning Maazouz on the heels of Injaaz the Purebred Arabian Maiden Stud’s Mayasa, who jostled for Plate event. Jockey Marco Monteriso rides Sandbetweenourtoes to victory in the the lead with Tameh early on. In Xavier Ziani rode the four- Al Safliya Cup at the QREC yesterday. the fi nal 400m, Mayasa found year-old to a little less than QREC vice-chief steward Abdullah Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) presents the owner’s trophy to Abdulaziz herself spent and left it to the a length’s victory over Umm Jassim al-Boenain after Raj To Riches won the Thoroughbred Classified Stakes yesterday. Deborah Mountain. 4. Al Qatari (Saleem Golam). Won other two to fi ght it out for a vic- Qarn’s fi lly Magie D’Eau, while Race 5: 1. Raj To Riches (Marvin by: ¾, 3, 6. Time: 2:06.67. Owner: tory, and Maazouz, trained by the rest of the fi eld far behind. Ziani), 2. Magie D’Eau (Jean (Gaetan Faucon), 4. Deebal (Pier Time: 1:12.02. Owner: Abdulaziz Suerland), 2. Fast Gold (JP Guil- Rashid Mubarak Aljafali al-Naimi. Majed Seifeddine, did enough to In the Thoroughbred Maiden Baptiste Hamel), 3. Wejdan (Al- Convertino). Won by: Nk, 1 ¾, 6. Jassim al-Boenain. Trainer: lambert), 3. Strategic Way (Pier Trainer: Majed Seifeddine. pass Tameh, saddled by Mubarak Plate event, Suerland rode Api- berto Sanna), 4. Radhwa (Marvin Time: 1:20.48. Owner: Hassan Ali Zuhair Mohsen. Convertino), 4. Comedy Night Race 7: 1. Sandbetweenourtoes al-Khayarin, for a three-quarters cus to an imperious victory, with Suerland). Won by: ¾, 5, 14. Time: Hassan al-Matwi. Trainer: Hassan Race 4: 1. Sunley Pride (Stephan (Marco Monteriso). Won by: 11, (Marco Monteriso), 2. Nawarah of a length victory. the Mohsen-saddled fi lly leading 1:19.93. Owner: Hamad Ateeq al-Matwi. Ladjadj). 2. Truancy (Marvin 13, Shd. Time: 1:50.57. Owner: (Luca Sorrentino), 3. Victory Mayasa was third under JP from pillar-to-post. Al Hazam Mohamed al-Marri. Trainer: H. Race 3: 1. Apicus (Marvin Suerland), 3. Elkhart (Darren Abdulaziz Jassim al-Boenain. Laurel (Alberto Sanna), 4. Aqdaar Guillambert. Raj To Riches had fi nished second in his fi fth run. al-Marri. Suerland), 2. Al Hazam (Saleem Williams), 4. Spongy (JP Guil- Trainer: Zuhair Mohsen. (Yanis Aouabed). Won by: 1 3/4, shed his maiden status on his Race 2: 1. Lolita Du Panjshir Golam), 3. China Club (Yanis lambert). Won by: 1 ¼, 1 /34, Shd. Race 6: 1. Maazouz (Pier Con- Shd, Nk. Time: 1:04.22. Owner: fi nal start last season in April. RESULTS (Gerald Avranche), 2. Suhail Al Aouabed), 4. Frankie Pe (Faleh Time: 1:49.60. Owner: Mohamed vertino), 2. Tameh (Alberto San- Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Yesterday, on the opening day, he Race 1: 1. TM Majid Texas (Xavier Uraiq (Alberto Sanna), 3. Taima Bughanaim). Won by: 6, 4, 3. Hassan Ali Abdulmalik. Trainer: na), 3. Mayasa (JP Guillambert), ainer: Mubarak al-Khayarin.

SPOTLIGHT World Military Shooting Championship from Nov 12

By Sports Reporter continental or regional level,” al- taking part in the European in- Doha Hamad told a press conference ternational military champion- yesterday. The last edition of ship and gave a good account of the championship took place in themselves, winning two medals. he Losail Shooting South Korea in November 2015, Currently the team is training in Range will be the stage while Switzerland had the hon- Qatar,” Dahlan informed. for world’s elite military our of hosting the top military “With a big number of former shooters at the 49th shooters a year earlier. world champions and Olympic TCISM World Military Shooting In 2013, Qatar Armed Froces champions in the fi eld, the com- Championship from November in collaboration with CSIM had petition is expected to be very 12 to 20. hosted the Second CISM Inter- strong. Shooters will be aiming Chairman of the Military national Shotgun Championship. not to just hit still targets but Sports Federation and chairman Founded in 1948, CISM is a moving and fl ying targets dur- of the organising committee of worldwide organisation with ing the championship. So it will the championship Major General member countries spread across be diffi cult for the participants,” Dahlan al-Ahmad, revealed that continents and it organises he added. the nine-day championship will various sporting events for the The opening ceremony will be be contested in 12 categories - six armed forces for 133 member held on November 13 at 3.30pm, for men and an equal number for countries. while the closing ceremony women, with 720 shooters vy- The ultimate goal of CISM is will take place on November 19. ing for the top honours. Shooters to contribute to world peace by Teams will be reaching Doha by from over 50 countries will be uniting armed forces through November 10. taking part in the championship. sports and they operate un- Meanwhile, organisers in- “We feel very happy and proud der the motto of ‘Friendship formed that an exhibition fea- to host this prestigious event in Through Sport’. turing international compa- Doha. This is another high-class Having delivered a perfect nies specialising in shooting competition in line with our Na- show in 2013, Qatar is keen to Chairman of the Military Sports Federation and Chairman of the organising committee of the 49th CISM World Military Shooting Champion- products will be held on the tion’s Vision for 2030 and once host the best world champi- ship Major General Dahlan al-Ahmad (C) addresses the media yesterday. sidelines of the championship. more we have set high standards onship this year too and have The latest shooting ammuni- in organising such an important formed various committees conduct of the event, informed condition, in cooperation with of 29 shooters and ten offi cials, side Qatar and in international tion in the form of pistols, guns sporting event, as we aim to for hosting the championship. offi cials. The organising com- Qatar Shooting and Archery As- the same as China. The team, as championships. and rifl es will be on display and continue building a lasting leg- Around 17 committees have been mittee is getting ready and the sociation. Qatar will have the part of the training programme “The team had a training camp the companies will also pro- acy as ideal organisers of major formed under the main organis- technical facilities at the Losail largest delegation taking part. for the championship, have in Switzerland last month. The vide technical support to the sporting activities at the global, ing committee for the smooth Shooting Range are in perfect The host contingent will consist taken part in various camps out- camp ended with Qatari shooters participants.