SPORT 07 I Wanted to Start and I Thought I Was Going to Start, but the Coach PSG’S Kylian Mbappe Made His Choice and I Had to After Scoring a TODAY’S ACTION Accept It

THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 07 I wanted to start and I thought I was going to start, but the coach PSG’s Kylian Mbappe made his choice and I had to after scoring a TODAY’S ACTION accept it. I also wanted to show hat-trick against Club that it’s difficult to get by Brugge at Champions 17:20: Al Wakrah vs Al Khor at Al Wakrah Stadium 19:30: Umm Salal vs Qatar SC at Al Duhail Stadium without me. League.

STATISTICS FOR THE MEXICAN GP Hamilton zooming in on Lap distance: 4.304km. Total distance: 305.354km (71 laps) 2018 pole: Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull One minute 14.759 seconds. 2018 winner: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull Race lap record: One minute 18.741 seconds (Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, sixth title in the Americas 2018) Start time: 1310 local (1810 GMT) REUTERS Hamilton has not fin- be easy and we expect edented Mexican hat-trick TITLE MEXICO CITY ished in the top three at Mexico to be the most dif- after winning in 2017 and Mercedes took their sixth successive constructors’ title in Japan, equalling Formula One’s highest ficult one for us.” 2018 while Ferrari’s Ferrari’s 1999-2004 record. Lewis Hamilton looks sure altitude circuit, the Auto- If the champions Sebastian Vettel and Charles I think Mexico is They are sure of an unprecedented sixth championship double in a row, to join Michael Schumacher dromo Hermanos Rodriguez struggle in the thin air, as Leclerc have started the last with only Hamilton and Bottas in contention for the drivers’ crown. as only the second six-times which stands at 2,285 they have for the past two five races on pole position generally our worst Hamilton has a 64-point lead and will clinch his sixth title in Mexico if he Formula One world metres above sea level, since years, then Ferrari and Red between them. race of the year scores 14 points more than Bottas. The Briton would win any tie-break champion but the Briton will he won there in 2016. Bull can scent an Since Mexico returned to because he has nine wins to Bottas’s three, with only 4 rounds remaining. need to do something “I think Mexico is gen- opportunity. the calendar in 2015, the because of the way special too achieve the feat in erally our worst race of the Red BullBull’s s Max VerVer-- winner has always come our car is set up Under the 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 scoring system, Hamilton must finish Mexico oonn Sunday.Sunday. year because of the way stappenstappen is from theth front row. and it’s going to be on the podium or the championship remains open until Texas a week later. Expectect Ferrari and Red oourur car is set up and chasingchasing an LastLast year’s race ended a tough one for us: - If he wins the race, with a bonus point for fastest lap, he is champion if Bull, as well as Mercedes iit’st’s going to be a unprec-unprec- withoutwithout a Mercedes driver Bottas is not in the top three. team-matemate Valtteri Bottas, toughtough one for us,” on the ppodium, while Ham- Lewis Hamilton - A Hamilton win without fastest lap clinches the title if Bottas is not in the to go flatat out to make him he saidsaid afteafterr thethe ilton waswa only ninth in 2017. top four. wait at leasteast until TexasTexas,, the JapaneseJapanese GranGrandd WhileWh Verstappen -- significant only until you - Second brings Hamilton the title if Bottas is eighth (without fastest lap) or followingng weekend,weekend, to step Prix.Prix. twice a winner this year realise there was a 23-year lower. closer toto Schumacher’sSchumacher’s Team bosbosss withwith hishi Honda-powered gap until 2015, but the - Third place, with fastest lap, gives Hamilton the title if Bottas is ninth or record seveneven titles. TotoToto WolffWolff team ---- has been playing omens are looking lower. Otherwise, he is champion only if Bottas is 10th or lower and does Sole rivalrival BBottasottas isis 6644 agreed:agreed: “The down hhis chances, sceptics promising. not take the fastest lap. points behindehind and Hamilton fourfour remaining will recallrec he also did that Ferrari have been faster Hamilton has only once this season scored 14 points more than Bottas and needs too score 14 points racesraces araree last year.yea than anyone over a single has not been on the podium in the last two Mexican Grands Prix. more thanan the Finn.Finn. not “I“I ddon’to think there’s one lap and on the straights. RACE WINS Thatt means a podiumpodium ggoingoing tracktrack leleft this season where Hamilton and Bottas, the finish as ththee babarere mminimuminimum to wewe cancan do a particularly winner in Japan, will be able Hamilton has 82 career victories from 246 starts, with Schumacher’s record if the 34-year-old-year-old is to seal good job,”jo motorsport.com to race without any team 91 in his sights. Vettel has 53. the championshipmpionship withwith quotedquoted tthe Dutch youngster considerations now that Ferrari have won 238 races since 1950, McLaren 182, Williams 114, Mer- three racesces to spare, as sayisayingn after the Japanese Mercedes have clinched the cedes 99 and Red Bull 61. Former champions McLaren and Williams have and historyory susug-g- GrandGrand Prix.P constructors’ title for a sixth not won since 2012. gests thatat willwill “If“If wwe can just finish year in a row and an Hamilton has won nine of 17 races so far this season, Bottas three, Verstap- be no eeasyasy closeclose toto the podium or on unprecedented sixth suc- pen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc two, Vettel one. matter. thethe podiumpodi every weekend, cessive title double. Mercedes have had eight one-two finishes this season. thenthen I think that’s the The last back-to-back POLE POSITION maximummaxim for us at the round of the season is a Hamilton has a record 87 career poles, Vettel 57. moment.”mome sell-out for the fifth year in Only five races this season have been won from pole -- Bottas in Azerbai- NotN since 1990 has a a row. Racing Point’s Sergio jan, Hamilton in Monaco and France and Leclerc in Belgium and Italy.

Lewis Hamilton FerrariFer driver tri- Perez is again the only Ferrari have had 64 front row lockouts, equalling Mercedes in the all-time umphedum in Mexico, a Mexican on the starting records. statistics that sounds grid.

Any spy would be England must look to wasting smother NZ: Mehrtens their time, REUTERS you build yourself up for a a lot; drag them in. I’m not sure TOKYO massive defensive effort to come Billy Vunipola is at his energetic says Jenkins up fast and smack them in mul- best at the moment, but the All England must abandon thoughts tiple tackles and not let them go Blacks would respect the locks, REUTERS of providing a spectacle when forward. particularly Maro Itoje and TOKYO they face New Zealand in Satur- “They will have the ball... but Courtney Lawes.” day’s Rugby World Cup semi- England, through their line speed England will also have to Welsh skills coach Neil Jenkins final and opt for an effective must take away the value of their think carefully about their brushed off the possibility that style that may not be easy on the possession... the better plan has kicking game, Mehrtens said. enemy spies could be eyeing eyes, former All Blacks flyhalf to be to stop them from getting “Ben Youngs shouldn’t be Wales training sessions, saying Andrew Mehrtens has said. (the ball).” Mehrtens said box-kicking so much because they would be wasting their England face the holders at England would have to swap flu- that brings the danger of giving time. Yokohama hoping to improve idity for a tactically sound effort possession back again,” he said. “There’s quite a lot of their record of seven wins in 41 when they have the ball. “Yes, kick on Beauden buildings round us watching us meetings, and Mehrtens believes “What are England’s com- Barrett; England can pressurise train, but I’m not overly con- Eddie Jones’s men can prevail parative strengths? You want to him because if you put the high cerned about that at the end of with a simple plan. slow up the game. You want to ball up on him and you get there the day,” said Jenkins, whose “There’s no rocket science play set piece to set piece. That’s at the same time, even if he wins Britain’s Prince Charles talks with the Wales rugby team members Welsh side take on South Africa behind this mission. It doesn’t what the All Blacks don’t like,” the ball, you know he’s not still during their training session in Tokyo, yesterday. on Sunday for a place in the matter how the points come. Mehrtens said. there in the back line for the next rugby World Cup final. Don’t get sucked into playing “Beat them up and smother phase. England coach Eddie Jones better rugby, play more effective them. While it may get called “The defensive line can’t had earlier claimed that their rugby,” Mehrtens who played 70 ‘smothering’, no one cares if it really hold back, so that kick in Prince Charles pops training session had been times for New Zealand, wrote in works... this is not about pro- behind the number 12 and the filmed from a nearby Tokyo The Times newspaper. viding a spectacle. It is about number 13, with Elliot Daly and tower block. “How do you do that? You getting results. Jonny May running on to it, in to see Welsh rugby England, who take on New slow them down at the tackle... “England should try to maul should be effective.” Zealand in the other semi-final, team in Tokyo are believed not to have inves- tigated the filming, with Jones saying: “That’s the fun of the AP World Cup.” TOKYO Jenkins laughed when asked about the spying Over in Japan to attend an For him to come along shenanigans. enthronement ceremony for the was brilliant, and I am “I wouldn’t have a clue, I country’s new emperor, Britain’s don’t know, I can’t answer that Prince Charles has popped in to sure it will give the one for you,” coach Jenkins see the Welsh rugby team ahead boys a lift... it was just smiled. of its World Cup semi-final a great honour for him “There’s enough analysis match against South Africa. that goes on...There might be The Prince of Wales, who is to be there watching one or two trick plays up their first in line to the British throne, us: Wales assistant sleeves or one or two things visited a Wales training session coach Neil Jenkins slightly different come Sunday, England’s players in Tokyo yesterday. but you pretty much know during a training Wales assistant coach Neil His other son, Harry, has a what’s coming and it’s simple: session in Chiba, Jenkins said “for him to come similar role with England’s you know what’s coming but Japan. along was brilliant, and I am Rugby Football Union. can you stop it?” sure it will give the boys a lift... Prince Charles was one of “The reality is you adapt to it was just a great honour for him the guests in Tokyo on Tuesday what’s in front of you in the to be there watching us.” when Emperor Naruhito game and try to stop it if you Prince Charles’ son, William, ascended the Chrysanthemum can, that’s pretty much how it is a royal patron to the Welsh Throne to be proclaimed as works.” Rugby Union. Japan’s 126th emperor. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER 2019

In-form Qatar ready to take on Bahrain in handball semi-final

DOHA Bahrain made two wins in QNA Group B at the ongoing Asian Men’s Handball Olympic Qual- Team Qatar will take on Bahrain ification Tournament. today in the semi-final of the The participating teams Asian Men’s Handball Qualifi- were divided into two groups cation Tournament for Tokyo Team Qatar were drawn in 2020 Olympics at Al Duhail Group A alongside Hong Kong, Indoor Arena. Saudi Arabia and India while The tournament, which is the second group includes being held in Doha and ends Bahrain, South Korea, Iran, and next Saturday, sees eight teams Kuwait. competing for a single ticket to While the champions of the the Tokyo Games. tournament will receive a single The hosts are in outstanding ticket to the Tokyo Games, the form in the event so far. second-placed team will have Qatar finished their group to compete in the play-offs next engagements with six points, April. from three wins from as many It is the second time in a row Team Qatar shines at GCC Women’s Games in Kuwait matches against Saudi Arabia, that Qatar is hosting the Asian Qatari players pose for a group photo after the conclusion of 6th GCC Women’s Games, which was held in Kuwait. Qatari players produced Hong Kong and India. Men’s Handball Qualification outstanding performance to win a total of 8 medals including one gold, two silver and five bronze during the event. They finished Group A on Tournament for the Olympic top. Games. McIlroy backs Woods, Spieth and McIlroy lead Woods to give all as star field at Zozo Championship Presidents Cup captain AP The Zozo Championship, INZAI CITY, JAPAN which begins today, REUTERS will be held at the CHIBA, JAPAN With a field that includes Tiger Accordia Golf Narashino Woods, Jordan Spieth and Rory Country Club, about 80 Rory McIlroy has backed Tiger McIlroy, the PGA Tour’s first Woods to do an excellent job as kilometers east of Tokyo tournament in Japan has plenty either a playing or non-playing of star power. in Inzai City. captain of the United States The Zozo Championship, team that will take on the Inter- which begins today, will be held It is part of three nationals at the Presidents Cup at the Accordia Golf Narashino tournaments that make in December. Country Club, about 80 kilom- up the PGA Tour’s Asia Though Northern Irishman eters (50 miles) east of Tokyo in Swing, including the McIlroy will not feature in the Inzai City. event, he knows Woods well It is part of three tourna- CJ Cup in South Korea enough to make an intelligent ments that make up the PGA won last week by Justin observation of the 15-times Tour’s Asia Swing, including the Thomas and the HSBC major champion. CJ Cup in South Korea won last Champions in Shanghai Woods was famously week by Justin Thomas and the next week. lukewarm about team events HSBC Champions in Shanghai early in his career, appearing next week. The Japanese almost disinterested in the The Japanese tournament, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. tournament, co-sanctioned with the Japan “He’s evolved a lot as a Golf Tour, is a 78-man, no-cut co-sanctioned with the person over the years and I field with a $9.75m purse. Japan Golf Tour, is a think he takes his leadership The weather could prove to Tiger Woods of the US (left), Jason Day of Australia (centre) and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland 78-man, no-cut field with role in those team competitions be a factor on the weekend. during the first hole tee at a “Japan Skins” pre-match ahead of the Zozo Championship in Inzai, a $9.75m purse. a lot more seriously now than Japan is bracing for two more Chiba on Tuesday. he might have before,” McIlroy storms heading its way a week said yesterday on the eve of the after a typhoon devastated the said in a pre-tournament same problem spot. He played tour. “There’s something about thing. You don’t know where the Zozo Championship. country’s central and northern interview. in the inaugural “The Challenge: Asia,” Thomas said yesterday. trouble is and it doesn’t enter “He put a lot into the US regions. A forecast for another “The game of golf is so strong Japan Skins” game on Monday “I seem to do pretty well over your mind.” team at Hazeltine (site of the typhoon has been downgraded here in Japan, and to have seen at the same course and did not here. I don’t really know what it There is an agreement in 2016 Ryder Cup) when he to a tropical storm. it grow like it has over 20-some appear to be in any discomfort. is. It’s always a good time of year place to hold the Zozo Champi- couldn’t play but was a vice Woods last played in an odd years that I’ve been playing Jason Day, who beat Woods for me.” onship until at least 2025. captain. official tournament in Japan in is very special.” in the Skins game, is also part of McIlroy, who is playing in The tournament sponsor has “He wouldn’t have taken 2006 at the Dunlop Phoenix, The Masters champion is the field as well as Japanese star Japan for the first time in 11 years, drawn a great deal of attention the job as Presidents Cup where he lost in a play-off to making his first start in his 23rd Hideki Matsuyama and Thomas, said he wasn’t concerned about in the relatively conservative captain if he wasn’t going to Padraig Harrington. He won the season on the PGA Tour, needing whose win in the CJ Cup was his playing on an unfamiliar course. Japanese business world. give it his undivided attention. Dunlop Phoenix the two previous one victory to reach 82 wins and 11th PGA Tour event and his “That’s OK. I mean, I’ve won Zozo Chief Executive Yusaku So I think he’ll be a wonderful years. tie the career record held by Sam second in South Korea. majors before by playing nine- Maezawa, owner of the online captain. If he approaches the “It’s going to be a lot of fun Snead. After his win in South Korea, hole practice rounds,” McIlroy Japanese retailer, is known for captaincy the way he’s to be back here in front of fans Woods had arthroscopic Thomas now has two more wins said. lavish spending on artworks, a approached his whole career, that really understand and surgery on his left knee two over the last three seasons in “Sometimes when you don’t Stradivarius violin and a future he’ll be great at that,” said respect the game of golf,” Woods months ago - his fifth on the Asia than any other player on know a course, that’s a better trip to the moon. McIlroy. Nationals outlast Astros to capture opener AFP crown and the US capital’s grounded into a fielder’s HOUSTON World Series first since the Senators cap- choice, Soto blasted a tured the 1924 champi- two-run double off the left- Overcoming a pitcher who Dominican 20-year-old leftfielder Juan Soto onship. No Washington field wall to lift the Nationals hadn’t lost in five months, smacks a solo home run in the fourth inning team since 1933 had played ahead 5-2 -- the major the Washington Nationals and a two-run double in the fifth off Astros in the Series. league’s best lineup at took a huge step toward ace Gerrit Cole to ignite Washington’s victory. Washington right- scoring with two outs in an delivering the US capital its hander Max Scherzer took inning producing that way first Major League Baseball the victory despite lasting once again. crown in 95 years by edging 1-0 in Major League Base- won 19 straight decisions in only five innings, striking But the Nationals Houston 5-4 in Tuesday’s ball’s best-of-seven cham- his past 25 starts over five out seven while allowing bullpen of relief pitchers, opening game of the 115th pionship final, which con- months, the longest one- five hits and three walks. with the worst earned-run World Series. tinues Wednesday in season win streak in MLB Houston first baseman average of any playoff team Dominican 20-year-old Houston. history, but he also surren- Yuli Gurriel smacked a in major league history, leftfielder Juan Soto Soto became the third- dered the most runs he has two-run double off the left- struggled to finish. smacked a solo home run in youngest “cleanup” batter since last losing on May 22. field wall to put the Astros Tanner Rainey surren- the fourth inning and a -- fourth in the lineup -- in The five earned runs ahead 2-0. dered a towering solo two-run double in the fifth World Series history after Ty Cole allowed matched his Washington’s Ryan homer to Houston’s George off Astros ace Gerrit Cole to Cobb in 1907 and Miguel total from his prior eight Zimmerman answered with Springer in the seventh, his ignite Washington’s victory. Cabrera in 2003. starts combined, with Hinch a solo homer in the second fifth consecutive World “He likes to throw the The Nationals have won calling Soto “the difference inning and Soto blasted a Series game with a homer fastball. I just sat there and 17 of their past 19 games, in the game.” solo shot to left field in the to break a record he shared waited for the fastball,” Soto including seven in a row, The Astros are chasing fourth to equalise at 2-2. with Lou Gehrig and Reggie Washington Nationals’ left fielder Juan Soto said. and opener winners have their second title in three The Nationals seized the Jackson. (left), right fielder Adam Eaton (centre) and Left-handed closing taken 18 of the prior 22 seasons while the Nationals, lead for good in the fifth Daniel Hudson replaced centre fielder Victor Robles celebrate after reliever Sean Doolittle World Series titles. who moved from Montreal when Adam Eaton singled Rainey and struck out Yordan defeating the Houston Astros on Tuesday. forced the last four outs as Cole, this year’s major to Washington for the 2005 in Kurt Suzuki from third. Alvarez with the bases loaded Washington jumped ahead league strikeout leader, had season, chase their first After Anthony Rendon to end the threat. THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 09 Rajeh wins Owner’s Cup Al Shahania Stud Director Abdurahman Al Mansour receiving the Owner’s Cup following the victory of Rajeh, trained by Gassim Mohammad Ghazali at Al Rayyan Park, yesterday. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) kicked off the local racing season with the first meeting, Owners Cup Day which featured feature eight races. RIGHT: Jockey Tomas Lukasek guiding Al Shahaniya Stud owned Rajeh towards the finish line to win the Owners Cup.

Ganguly’s rise: New President Ganguly vows Today cricket, to make BCCI ‘corruption-free’ tomorrow India AFP AFP sums from sponsorship and TV deals. oversee the running of board. But the NEW DELHI MUMBAI But it has also been embroiled in a board’s reluctance to implement Lodha’s series of scandals, including accusations recommendations, which included age Sourav Ganguly was one of the most Former captain Sourav Ganguly of corruption and match-fixing that tar- limits and term limits on office-bearers, astute captains ever and his move to yesterday vowed to clean up Indian nished the Indian Premier League (IPL) Things need to be brought had triggered a number of legal battles. take over the world’s richest cricket cricket as he was elected President of -- the country’s lucrative Twenty20 back in place, reforms need Ganguly promised to listen to body could be just another step to the sport’s rich and powerful but troubled extravaganza. to be done, huge amounts national skipper Virat Kohli, the “most becoming one of India’s future leaders. national board. The appointment of the 47-year-old important man in Indian cricket”, and The 47-year-old took over Cricket’s massive popularity in India Ganguly -- for an initial 10 months only of money to be paid to said he would speak to the star player Wednesday as head of the Board of has made the Board of Control for Cricket -- at a meeting in Mumbai yesterday state associations: Ganguly today. Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in India (BCCI) by far the wealthiest of ends more than two years of a committee “Virat Kohli is the most important vowing to end a decade of scandal at all the national boards, netting massive appointed by India’s top court overseeing man in Indian cricket, we will listen to the $2bn-a-year organisation. the board’s affairs. on credibility, corruption-free and same- him. Mutual respect will be there, But many observers see Ganguly’s “It’s an honour that I have for-all BCCI. That’s the way I led India opinions will be there,” Ganguly said. accession as a step closer to a key role been asked to take this role and that’s the way I will take forward “We will support him in every pos- in national politics -- a cricket god is a by the members when it’s this organisation with whatever time I sible way, whatever he wants.” guaranteed vote-catcher for any party a new start for the BCCI,” have.” Ganguly, a left-handed opener, that manages to snare one. Ganguly, wearing his A corruption and match-fixing retired from Test cricket in 2008 having Some reports say the ruling India captain’s blazer, scandal in the sixth edition of the IPL in accumulated 7,212 runs including 16 Bharatiya Janata Party wants Ganguly said in his first address 2013 brought about the downfall of the centuries -- his first made at Lord’s on to be its candidate for chief minister in as BCCI chief. board’s then-president Narayanaswami debut. his native West Bengal state in an “Things need to be Srinivasan after his son-in-law was election in two years. brought back in place, accused of betting on matches. He met BJP president and Home reforms need to be The appointment of his successor Minister Amit Shah just before he done, huge amounts Anurag Thakur and his number two Ajay emerged from backroom meetings as of money to be paid to Shirke was seen as representing a break the only candidate to take the BCCI into state associations. with the past. It’s a challenge and I’ll its new era after more than two years “It’s a challenge and I’ll But in January 2017 Thakur and do it the way I know. The being run by a Supreme Court appointed do it the way I know. The Shirke were axed by the Supreme Court way which I feel is best for committee. way which I feel is best for over their inability to enact a series of BCCI with no compromise Shah’s son is to be BCCI secretary in BCCI with no compromise recommended reforms. the changes. The order came after judges slapped on credibility, corruption- Ganguly, who was born into a restrictions on the BCCI’s accounts in free and same-for-all wealthy West Bengal family, was pre- 2016 over its failure to implement BCCI. That’s the way I led viously close to a fierce rival of the BJP changes put forward by a panel headed India and that’s the way -- the regional party that currently runs by a former top judge, Rajendra Mal the state. The talks with Shah unleashed Former Indian captain and current Lodha. I will take forward this feverish speculation. BCCI President Sourav Ganguly reacts The court then appointed a top organisation with whatever “He seems to be very comfortable during a press conference in Mumbai, anti-corruption troubleshooter, time I have: Ganguly in working with a cabal that seems to yesterday. Vinod Rai, as head of a team to have clear BJP political affiliation,” Sanjay Jha, a spokesman for the oppo- sition Congress party told NDTV television. International Nistula Hebbar, political editor with Du Plessis says no quick fix for The Hindu newspaper, said that Ganguly would be a top prize for the BJP. cricketers back “He is popular, iconic for Bengalis, a genuine achiever and has been above Bangladesh strike struggling South African team politics.” Hebbar said meeting Shah could be AFP REUTERS contentious home Test series just 18 It is not only retirements that have “just an opening gambit for greater DHAKA CAPE TOWN months ago, where their ability to dig stung. The loss of fast bowlers Duane involvement”. in and compete with bat and ball was Olivier and Kyle Abbott, batsman Ganguly was one of India’s most Cricket’s global players’ representative There is no quick fix for South Africa’s a big factor. Rilee Rossouw and spinner Simon successful captains, forging the team group has lent its support to Bangladesh ailing Test team in the wake of their South Africa have now lost five Harmer, among others, to so-called spirit that made the country a power in players in their unprecedented strike over demoralising series whitewash in Tests in a row, including two shock Kolpak contracts to play in England international cricket. pay and benefits. India, captain Faf du Plessis said, as home losses to Sri Lanka, and are that prevent them playing for the The “God of the Offside” retired The walk-off began on Monday and retirements, defections abroad and struggling with on-field know-how national team has also been a blow. from Tests in 2008 with 7,212 runs includes several members of the national an under-performing domestic scene to dig themselves out of tough “We are losing our experience in including 16 centuries -- one hit on his squad, casting doubt on Bangladesh’s tour drag them into mediocrity. situations. international cricket, but we are also Test debut at Lords. of India due to start in early November. South Africa were thrashed in all Du Plessis is one of the last losing our experience in domestic He began his innings as a cricket The Federation of International Crick- three matches and look a shadow of remaining players from the side that cricket,” Du Plessis said. administrator after taking over as West eters’ Associations praised the players “for theth side tthathathat bebeateata waswas rankedranked numbern one in Tests as “Your top players domestically are Bengal state chief in 2015 following the taking a stand together in order to secure AustraliaAustralraliia in a recentlyrececently as 2015.20 going overseas, so you are missing out death of Jagmohan Dalmiya. fair conditions,” the body’s executive He admitsadmitdm s their lack of succession on a lot of your best players, a talent Dalmiya was one of the most clever chairman Tony Irish said in a statement late planningplananningg toto replacere the likes retired pool that is all of a sudden a lot smaller. cricket politicians, having guided South Tuesday. batsmenbatsb memen GraGraemerae Smith, AB de Vil- “And the gap between domestic Africa back into international cricket in “This has happened despite the chal- lierslierlieers andand HashimHa Amla, and fast cricket and intentional cricket - there 1991 after the end of apartheid. lenging environment for players to collec- bowbowlerswllerers MorneMor Morkel and Dale needs to be things put in place to make He is not the first Test star to become tivize in Bangladesh and it is a clear indi- Steyn,Steyn, isis nownow biting hard. sure you can address that a little bit BCCI leader: Maharajkumar of Vizian- cation of the need for change in the way “If“If youou lookloolo back three or four better.” agram (known as Vizzy), Shivlal Yadav players are treated in what we regard as an yearsyearars andand sosomeoneom had the vision of Du Plessis admits South Africa have and Sunil Gavaskar all held the post. important cricket country.” sayingsayinggt thatthath in tthree or four years’ time had to rebuild from scratch, and with But the BCCI, placed under court Announced by national Test and therethehere willwilll bebe a lot of experienced guys a four-test home series against England administration in 2017 after a string of Twenty20 captain Shakib Al Hasan, the whowh couldcoulc d retire,ret what do you do to looming in December and January, scandals, has changed. The Indian strike follows increasing criticism from makeake sursureure yoyouu get yourself ready for they are in a vulnerable place. Premier League has brought enormous players that the Bangladesh Cricket Board whenw n thatthatat timetim comes?” Du Plessis “It’s a tough place to start, right at new wealth and pressures in the cricket- is not sharing its wealth. saidaid to reporters.reprepoo the beginning. Obviously, in a perfect mad country. Their demands include a 50 percent pay “Possibly“Possi we are guilty for not world, you will start somewhere in the Riven by factions and competing hike for first-class players, the expansion planningplanp nninni for all of these guys middle, change one or two players and business interests, Ganguly can see there of national pay contracts, increased match goinggoigoing aat the same time,” he said. that period takes a little bit shorter,” he is more of the mess to be cleaned up. fees in domestic four-day and 50-over “We“W could have been a said. “It’s actually an emergency as I have games, and better benefits for grounds staff. littlelittittlel bit smarter in the “But the position we find ourselves said before and I’m happy to get the But in his first reaction after the strike, planningplan phase and the in now, with a lot of experience out of responsibility to turn it around,” Ganguly Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul phasingph out of the great the Test team, that process will said after filing his nomination last Hassan called it a “conspiracy” unrelated players.”plp probably take a little bit longer.” week. South African captain Faf du Plessis to pay. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER 2019

Five nations to compete in the tournament from November 24 to December 6 Hosts Qatar to take on Yemen We are excited to again be hosting the Arabian Gulf Cup in Arabian Gulf Cup opener in Qatar. This is yet another opportunity ARMSTRONG VAS to host a major THE PENINSULA football event as Qatar continues its Asian champions and hosts Qatar will take on Yemen in the opening preparations for the match of the 24th Arabian Gulf FIFA Club World Cup, Cup which will kick off on which will be held November 24 at the Khalifa Inter- here this year and in national Stadium, it was revealed here yesterday during the draw 2020, and the FIFA ceremony. World Cup, which will Five nations will contest in kick off in just over the tournament with all the three years’ time: matches taking place at the Khalifa International Stadium Saud Al Mohannadi. from November 24 to December 6. At the draw ceremony in Doha, it was announced that hosts Qatar would be joined in the tournament by defending champions Oman and ten-time We are pleased to winners Kuwait, along with Iraq announce that ﬁve and Yemen. The teams will teams will compete compete in a round-robin format, Officials conducting the draw of the 24th in this year’s edition with the side which finishes top Arabian Gulf Cup in Doha yesterday. of the group claiming the coveted PIC: MOHAMED FARAJ of the Arabian Gulf trophy. Cup, including the This will be the fourth time reigning champions Qatar has hosted the tournament, which is organised by the Arab of Asia and nations Gulf Cup Football Federation who, between them, (AGCFF). champions of Asia and nations in Aspire Zone, this historic venue QR50, 30 and 10. Besides been 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Local have claimed this The Maroons have twice won who, between them, have has previously hosted the Arabian available online – from 1 Organising Committee and Vice prestigious trophy the event on home soil – in 1992 claimed this prestigious trophy Gulf Cup, the Asian Games and November 2019 – they will be President, Qatar Football Associ- and 2004 – and will be aiming 18 times,” Jassim Al Rumaihi, the AFC Asian Cup. available at Mall of Qatar, Doha ation, said. 18 times. We are for a glorious double in 2019 after General Secretary of the AGCFF, The stadium, which recently Festival City, Villagio, Souq Waqif During the draw ceremony looking forward to lifting the AFC Asian Cup in said. hosted the IAAF World Athletics and Hamad International Airport. the tournament emblem and hosting thousands February. “We are looking forward to Championships, is equipped with “We are excited to again be mascot were unveiled. The of fans from across The Arabian Gulf Cup was hosting thousands of fans from state-of-the-art cooling tech- hosting the Arabian Gulf Cup in emblem showcases the Qatari conceptualised in the 1960s, with across the region as Qatar con- nology, which allows it to be used Qatar. This is yet another oppor- flag and a football, and sym- the region as the first edition taking place in tinues its preparations for the all-year-round. tunity to host a major football bolises the country’s passion for Qatar continues its 1970. Kuwait became the first FIFA World Cup in 2022,” he Tickets will be available to event as Qatar continues its prep- the beautiful game. The mascot preparations for country to win the title after added. buy online from today at www. arations for the FIFA Club World is an oyster holding a pearl called the FIFA World Cup defeating Bahrain. The tournament venue, GulfCup2019.qa and at outlets Cup, which will be held here this ‘Sodeifi’, the Arabic word for “We are pleased to announce Khalifa International Stadium, across the country from year and in 2020, and the FIFA ‘shell’. The mascot features the in 2022: Jassim Al that five teams will compete in reopened in May 2017 following November 1. World Cup, which will kick off in colours of the Qatari flag and pays Rumaihi, General this year’s edition of the Arabian an extensive redevelopment to Tickets will be available in just over three years’ time,”Saud homage to the country’s seafaring Secretary of AGCFF. Gulf Cup, including the reigning prepare it for Qatar 2022. Located three categories and priced at Al Mohannadi, Chairman of the and pearl diving past.

QNB Stars League Disappointed Xavi says Al Sadd Today’s fixtures 17:20: Al Wakrah vs Al Khor at Al Wakrah Stadium 19:30: Umm Salal vs Qatar SC at Al Duhail Stadium Tomorrow deserved to be in the ACL final 17:20: Al Shahania vs Al Sailiya at Al Ahli Stadium 19:30: Al Arabi vs Al Rayyan at Al Arabi Stadium On Saturday THE PENINSULA must continue working and DOHA 17:20: Al Sadd vs Al Ahli at Al Ahli Stadium learn from our mistakes. Today’s 19:30: Al Duhail vs Al Gharafa at Al Duhail Stadium match showed that we are a big Al Sadd head coach Xavi Hern- team with character. We must andez said his side were more learn the lessons for the next deserving to go through to the season.” AFC Champions League (ACL) Xavi also spoke about how QSL: Al Wakrah eye final, after losing to Al Hilal in the absence of Baghdad the semi-final stage on Bounedjah and Abdelkarim aggregate, despite winning the Hassan affected the team, but win against Al Khor second leg 4-2 in Riyadh. added that “the team put up a Speaking at the post-match great performance.” THE PENINSULA press conference, Xavi said: “It “This game deserved to be a DOHA was a great game from both final and not a semi-final, as it teams, which was worthy of a is a game for the history books Al Wakrah will be looking for full points when they take on Al Khor semifinal.” of Asia,” he added. in their QNB Stars League Week 8 match today at Al Wakrah Stadium. “We were better in the first Meanwhile, Al Sadd mid- Coach Marquez Lopez side desperately need a win as they bid and second legs. I am proud of fielder Nam Tae-hee was at the to move into the top half. With seven points from an equal number my team and I am also disap- heart of the Wolves’ efforts to of matches, the Spaniard will be hoping to add to the two wins they pointed because we deserved to reach the AFC Champions have managed so far along with, one draw and four loss. be in the final,” he added. League final. Lopez knows there are no easy matches for the picking and the Xavi said the first leg loss Nam was named as the Man- tussle with Al Khor will be no different. made the difference in the qual- of-the-Match for his perform- “All games in the league this season are difficult, there is no easy ification race. ances, which included scoring match. Al Khor is no exception and we have to be at the top of our “We played with the same Al-Sadd’s second goal of the readiness,” said Lopez, while speaking to journalists on the eve of manner as in the first leg. The game and assisting Khoukhi the match. Al Sadd’s Spanish coach Xavi result was only because the red Boualem for the fourth goal. “Our team returned to the league after spending two seasons in Hernandez gestures during card. Today we played with our Speaking after the game, the Second Division. We are preparing for the Al Khor game with the second leg of the AFC identity, but it was only the first Nam said: “We played a great the intention of winning, which is very important,” he added. Champions League semi-final leg result that made things dif- game. The first leg result was the “Our team is improving after every game. If we win, we go up match against Saudi’s Al Hilal ficult for us. reason for our exit in the semi- in the ranking table. If we lose, we will work for victories in the in Riyadh on Tuesday. “We tried to give our best but final. Today was a footballing coming games,’ said Lopez. luck was not in our favour. We lesson.” Meanwhile, Al Khor coach Omar Najhi said they have been playing well as a unit but the end results have not reflected the good work done on the playfield. “The last period was an opportunity for us to rectify the mis- Koroki header eases Urawa into final takes we made in the previous games. We had done well in the matches so far, but we had not been winning in recent weeks,” Najhi said on the eve of the match. REUTERS aggregate victory. Koroki’s “I’m proud of our players. without reward. The Brazilian Najhi said they are targeting a win against Al Wakrah. GUANGZHOU 50th-minute goal ensured They put on a good performance went closest to opening the “Our players have the determination and enthusiasm to make Urawa advanced to the final and we will try our best to do even scoring eight minutes before the a strong comeback and correct the mistakes. We will do everything Urawa Red Diamonds will face having gone into the second leg better in the final.” break when his shot on the turn in our capacity to achieve victory over Al Wakrah. Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the at Guangzhou’s Tianhe Stadium Guangzhou coach Fabio Can- cannoned back off goalkeeper “We know that the encounter is difficult because Al Wakrah are Asian Champions League final with a two-goal advantage from navaro fielded an attacking Shusaku Nishikawa’s right post on an organised team. We’ve analysed the games of Al Wakrah and after Shinzo Koroki’s second- the first game in Japan. line-up as he sought to find a way a frustrating night for the home we will look to exploit their weaknesses in order to collect three half header earned the Japanese “I’m so happy to advance to back into the tie and former side. Al Hilal will host the first leg points,” he added. side a 1-0 win over Guangzhou the final,” said Urawa head coach Benfica striker Anderson Talisca in Riyadh on November 9 with the Al Khor go into the match with four points from six matches, Evergrande yesterday and a 3-0 Tsuyoshi Otsuki. tormented the Urawa defence return on November 24. having collected one win and one draw so far in the campaign. THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 11 Stage set for final round of WorldSBK at LIC THE PENINSULA DOHA LOSAIL INTERNATIONAL Losail International Circuit (LIC) is all CIRCUIT set to host another spectacular MOTUL FIM World Superbike season finale. The annual WorldSBK visit to The final round of the 2019 cam- Qatar is a spectacular event, paign will take place once again in the with the action taking place at incredible scenario of the night of Qatar night under the floodlights of with hundreds of floodlights illuminating the superb Losail International the track, while in the paddock stunning Circuit, located around 30km entertainment won’t be missed for the outside Doha, in the Qatari fans. desert. Qatar has become the At Losail, the Paddock Show will season-ending round in recent have a completely new different face, seasons, with titles often on the and it will bring fans even closer to the line as the riders do battle around action on track and to all the riders from the 5.4km track. each category. Starting today afternoon with WorldSSP300 FP1 the live commentary TODAY’S SCHEDULE of all sessions will be on from the 15:15-15:45 - WorldSSP300 - FP1A MOTUL Action Box (Pit Garage Nr. 9), 16:00-16:45 - WorldSSP - FP1 where fans will also have the chance to 17:00-17:50 - WorldSBK - FP1 watch the action on in the pit lane and 18:15-18:45 - WorldSSP300 - FP2A even to experience what it feels like to 19:00-19:45 - WorldSSP - FP2 see the bikes passing onto the straight The spectators at the Losail International Circuit during an earlier edition of the FIM World Superbike Championship 20:00-20:50 - WorldSBK - FP2 from the pit canopy. in this file photo. Fans will also be able to test their knowledge on WorldSBK by taking part WORLDSBK RECORDS AT in the famous interactive quiz “A place to be tomorrow evening as from Walk tomorrow and Saturday and take entertainment available for all fans of LOSAIL CIRCUIT question to WorldSBK” tomorrow and 21:00 local stars of the QMA Academy a close glance to the bikes and teams all ages at LIC. Saturday, and win exclusive prizes. and all riders from WorldSBK, working in their garages from the pit Moreover, and as usual for the final PRACTICE RECORD: After each Tissot Superpole sessions WorldSSP and WorldSSP300 will be lane. round of the year, the Official Prize Tom Sykes in 2018: 1'56.124 (166,8 and races, bikes will roll into the parc there to meet the fans and sign auto- Apart from the Paddock Show at the Giving Ceremony on Saturday evening Km/h in a Kawasaki ZX-10RR) fermé and fans will get the chance to graphs for them. MOTUL Action Box, Hyundai car dis- will see the 2019 World Champions and see the riders receiving their trophies With just their ticket, not only fans plays, merchandise, motorbikes exhi- Winner finally receiving their trophies RACE RECORD: on the podium and take part in their will be able to access all grandstands, bitions, a traditional Arabic tent as a during an exceptional event that this Jonathan Rea in 2016: 1'56.974 celebrations. but they will also be able to access the chillout area, food and even a karting year is set to be bigger and better than (165,6 Km/h) in a Kawasaki ZX-10R The podium area will also be the paddock area and take part in the Pit area will complete the off-track ever before. CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

WorldSBK Bautista keen to have another 1: Jonathan Rea Kawasaki 601 2: Alvaro Bautista Ducati 460 3: Alex Lowes Yamaha 305 4: Michael Van Der Mark Yamaha 304 5: Toprak Razgatlioglu Kawasaki 299 go at world title next season 6: Leon Haslam Kawasaki 257 7: Chaz Davies Ducati 249 RIZWAN REHMAT Q: Q: Excerpts from a Q&A session What is your opinion about What is the main difference championship. They got the 8: Tom Sykes BMW 219 THE PENINSULA with the Ducati star: the night race in Qatar? between MotoGP and maximum from each moment. 9: Marco Melandri Yamaha 173 A: I have raced here in the night WorldSBK? He has a lot of experience. We Former MotoGP rider Alvaro Question: How does it feel to before. My first impression A: The difference is big. Espe- did well in the first half of the 10: Jordi Torres Kawasaki 132 Bautista of Spain will attempt to be on the WorldSBK circuit for (then) was that when I was cially when you are riding in season, we did well. In the 11: Sandro Cortese Yamaha 126 outpace arch-rival and points the first time? taking corners, I saw shadows MotoGP, you just have to race second half, he was able to get 12: Loris Baz Yamaha 118 leader Jonathan Rea of Britain Answer: Yes, this is my first and I thought somebody was and try to win. In MotoGP the more points as we had bad luck. 13: Michael Ruben Rinaldi Ducati 118 when the 2020 WorldSBK season in Superbike. I am trailing me. Always the shadows bike is built just to race. In It was pleasant to fight against 14: Leandro Mercado Kawasaki 75 season kicks off in February happy with the results. I am made me believe there were a Superbike, the bike is there to the best. Sure I will try to beat 15: Markus Reiterberger BMW 73 next year. second in the championship. lot of riders near me (smiles). I be used in all conditions in all him next time. After a blistering start to his We established ourselves well was always looking back but tracks. When I joined Superbike 16: Eugene Laverty Ducati 63 debut WorldSBK season this in a lot of races. Then we then I got used to it. At the end I didn’t know much about the Q: What about your team? 17: Leon Camier Honda 45 year, Bautista tapered off arrived at tracks that we didn’t it is very similar to racing during bike. I didn’t know the tyres. I A: I am super happy with my 18: Alessandro Delbianco Honda 28 somewhat in the second half to know. There was a bit of bad the day. You are focused on didn’t know many tracks. In team. At the moment I am very 19: Ryuichi Kiyonari2 Honda 22 arrive for this week’s final round luck at some races. It was not riding and you have to see the MotoGP, there is only one race focused and I want the best pos- 20: Lorenzo Zanetti Ducati 21 of the Championship trailing my fault but this is racing. But track only. The visibility is nice on Sunday that you are trying sible result from the last round. Kawasaki giant Rea by a stag- I would like to finish well in and the track is easy (in Qatar). to win. If you win, you celebrate That’s my main target. But at the gering 141 points. Qatar. I know this circuit well. The only difference is that you until the next race. If you don’t start of the season, I did not have WorldSSP “We did well in the first half I have contested here in 250 see more of the track as there is win, you try to be better in the experience and now I do. I have 1: Randy Krummenacher Yamaha 202 of the season, we did well. In the and 125 also. I won here in 125. less distraction (from a day next race. I didn’t expect to win spent time on the bike and I 2: Federico Caricasulo Yamaha 194 second half, he (Rea) was able I look forward to racing. It will race). I have raced here in March so many races. From that aspect, have more experience. There 3: Jules Cluzel Yamaha 180 to get more points as we had be a big different from MotoGP. and there is humidity. The track the 2019 season has been pos- will be less things to learn next 4: Lucas Mahias Kawasaki 143 bad luck. It was pleasant to fight I hope to finish the season with in the evening here is different itive. But for sure, after this year. Hopefully I will have more 5: Hikari Okubo Kawasaki 97 against the best. Sure I will try points. to what it is in the morning. season I will try - at least - to understanding of the champi- to beat him next time,” Bautista, win the championship. For next season, I will 6: Raffaele De Rosa Mv Agusta 92 34,34, said yesterday.yesterday. onship next year.year. be more sure and more precise. 7: Thomas Gradinger Yamaha 86 “For“For nextnext season,season, I willwill bebe 8: Isaac Vinales Yamaha 81 more sure andand moremore precise,”precise,” Q: How was it Q: How was the season for you, 9: Corentin Perolari Yamaha 81 hehe said.said. like comcompetingpeting mentally and physically, since 10: Ayrton Badovini Kawasaki 59 “I willwill try -atat lealeastst - to win withwith JonathanJonathan you have raced the most races 11: Peter Sebestyen Honda 54 thethe cchampionshiphampipionshipp nexnnextt yeyear,”ar,”ar Rea? at any level this season? BautistaBautista said.saisa d.. A: ForFor sure,sure, thethe A: Physically it was tough but 12: Loris Cresson Yamaha 41 “At ththee end,e I tthink,hinkh , wew fightfight againsagainstt tthehe it was tougher mentally. In 13: Jules Danilo Honda 36 missedmissedd tthehee eexperiencexperx riencnce wwiwithth best SupSuperbikeerbike MotoGP, you prepare for the 14: Hannes Soomer Honda 34 the bikeke anandnd witwithh ththehe cham-cham- rideriderr is not easeasy.y. race on Sunday. And after the 15: Kyle Smith Kawasaki 24 pionship.pionshiphip. MoreMoM ree thanthanann theyththeey What I sasaww wwasas at race, if you get a good result, 16: Hector Barbera Yamaha 22 won thet champi-champip - firstfirst halfhalf ofof thethe you are happy and you can cel- 17: Federico Fuligni Mv Agusta 13 onship,onship, ((itit wwawas thatthat)a ) season,season, hehe hashas a lotlot ebrate. And if there is a bad wewe lostlost thehee cham-chachamm- ofof eexperiencexperience on result, you get motivated for 18: Lorenzo Gabellini Yamaha 10 pionship.piononshship. TThTheyhey ggotot hishis bike.bike. He knowsknonowss the next round. In Superbike, 19: Jack Kennedy Yamaha 9 thee maxmaximumaxxix mumum thethe chamchampionship,pionnship, your first race is on Saturday. 20: Glenn Van Straalen Kawasaki 9 fromom eacheacc h hehe kknowsnows hhisis teatteam,m, If you get a good result and mommomemoment,”nt,nt,”,”,” thehe he kknowsnows his bbikbike.e. that makes you happy but you WorldSSP300 SpaniardSpapaniardrd added.adadda ed. TheyThey worworkk totogether.ogegether. can’t celebrate (smiles). You 1: Manuel Gonzalez Kawasaki 148 TheyThey get maxmaximumimimum have to get ready and concen- fromfrom eacheach condition.coondndition. trate for the next day. Again 2: Ana Carrasco Kawasaki 106 For usus,, it wwasas nnew.ew. you have the Superpole race 3: Scott Deroue Kawasaki 106 WeW ddididd nnotot hhaveavea refref-- in the morning and then you 4: Andy Verdoïa Yamaha 89 erenceerenrence fromfrom pre-prer - have to be ready. You win but 5: Victor Steeman KTM 69 viouviouss seseasons.asonns.s still can’t celebrate. You have 6: Marc Garcia Kawasaki 68 SomeSometimesometimes it wwas to keep same level of concen- 7: Jan-Ole Jahnig KTM 61 easeasierier aandndd ssome-omeme- tration. That’s the difference. ttimesimes wew had It is very difficult as you don’t 8: Galang Hendra PratamaYamaha 55 problems.problems. At the endend,, have that much of time. You 9: Hugo De Cancellis Yamaha 47 I think,think, we missmissededd ttheheh have to be very precise with 10: Nick Kalinin Kawasaki 47 experienceexperience wwithithh ththe your timing. 11: Kevin Sabatucci Yamaha 39 bikebike andand withwith thethe 12: Bruno Ieraci Kawasaki 30 championship.championship. MoMorere Q: From next year, there will 13: Jeffrey Buis Kawasaki 21 than thetheyy wowonn ththee be races for new young riders? championship,championship, (it(it wawass How do you see that? 14: Omar Bonoli` Yamaha 19 that)thatth ) we loslostt ththehe A: When I was in that age, I did 15: Koen Meuffels Kawasaki 16 something similar in Spain. But 16: Maximilian Kappler KTM 16 to make a category for young 17: Manuel Bastianelli Kawasaki 14 riders to get the same expe- 18: Tom Edwards Kawasaki 14 rience is very positive. To get all Spanish rider Alvaro Bautista speaks during a press 19: Beatriz Neila Yamaha 12 the young riders compete is very conference held in Doha yesterday, ahead of the FIM 20: Samuel Di Sora Kawasaki 11 World Superbike season ﬁnale. good. It is very positive for our sport. SPORT

PAGE | 07 PAGE | 09 Hamilton New President zooming in on Ganguly vows sixth title in the to make BCCI Americas ‘corruption-free’

Thursday 24 October 2019 Alex hits double as Liverpool trounce Genk

REUTERS GENK, BELGIUM

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain marked his return to the Champions League stage with two superb goals as Liverpool claimed their first group stage win on the road for two years with a 4-1 triumph at Belgian club Racing Genk yesterday. It was not as comfortable as the scoreline suggests but two sublime finishes by Oxlade-Chamberlain, playing his first game in the compe- tition since suffering a serious knee injury in the semi-final against Roma 18 months ago, and one each from Sadio Mane and Mo Salah sealed the points. Genk got a late consolation through Stephen Odey. Victory lifted Liverpool to six points, one behind Group E leaders Napoli, although the evening began on a sour note when a banner depicting striker Divock Origi was removed from the away end with Liverpool condemning it as racist. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s fizzing low shot gave Liverpool the lead after Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (centre) scores their fourth goal against KRC Genk during their two minutes but Genk were not about Champions League Group E match played at the Luminus Arena in Genk, Belgium, yesterday. to roll over. They had several golden opportunities to equalise and thought they had done so with Mbwana Samatta’s Messi leads Barcelona past bullet header after 26 minutes but his effort was ruled marginally offside. Slavia Prague; Chelsea win Genk were still in the hunt but Oxlade-Chamberlain gave Liverpool breathing space in the 57th minute REUTERS with a sensational improvised finish PRAGUE from outside the area. Messi first to score in Mane gave the scoreline a rather A quick-fire strike from Lionel flattering look when he finished off Messi and a second half own goal 15 straight CL seasons a superb move after 77 minutes and gave Barcelona a 2-1 win over Salah rubbed salt into the hosts’ Slavia Prague in a thrilling Cham- AFP wounds with a classy fourth as Genk pions League Group F encounter PRAGUE finally began to run out of steam. yesterday where both sides spurned multiple chances. Lionel Messi became the first ever player to score at least once in 15 Barcelona swarmed forward consecutive Champions League seasons after opening the scoring at from the kick off, keeping Slavia Slavia Prague yesterday. YESTERDAY’S bottled up in their own end and The 32-year-old Argentinian beat goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar with RESULTS denying them possession. a low left-footed shot after robbing midfielder Petr Sevcik outside They took the lead in the third the Slavia box and a quick exchange with Arthur who put him through minute when Messi forced a neatly. turnover before feeding the The goal was Messi’s 113th overall from 138 Champions League GROUP E: ball to Arthur who returned appearances. 2-3 FC Red Bull Salzburg Napoli it for the Argentine to slip 1-4 KRC Genk Liverpool past the goalkeeper. GROUP F: Slavia regrouped Barcelona, harried all night by Batshuayi was set up by fellow sub- 2-0 Inter Milan Borussia Dortmund quickly and began a hard-running Slavia side, stitute Christian Pulisic for the 86th 1-2 Slavia Prague Barcelona pressing forward in reclaimed their advantage in the minute winner as Chelsea finished GROUP G: numbers during a lively first 57th minute when a Luis Suarez strongly. 2-1 RB Leipzig Zenit St Petersburg half in which they out-shot Bar- shot from a tight angle bounced off In Lisbon, an 86th minute 2-1 Benfica Lyon celona and created three golden Peter Olayinka and into the net. blunder by Olympique Lyon keeper GROUP H opportunities to level the score. Elsewhere, a late goal by sub- Anthony Lopes handed Benfica 0-1 Ajax Chelsea The home side, pushed on by a stitute Michy Batshuayi propelled Lisbon a late goal for a 2-1 victory Lille 1-1 Valencia roaring crowd, kept their foot on Chelsea to a 1-0 win at Ajax that threw Group G wide open. the pedal after the break and Amsterdam yesterday for a second In Milan, forward Lautaro Mar- deservedly levelled in the 50th Champions League victory in Group tinez scored one goal and missed a Barcelona’s Lionel MMessieessi cecelebrateslebrabratess minute when Lukas Masopust held H after a fast and furious tussle at second-half penalty as a lacklustre with Gerard Pique afterfteer sscoringcoring ttheirheir off a defender before threading a the Johan Cruijff Arena. Inter Milan scraped their first win ﬁrst goal agains Slaviaa PraguePrague atat thethe pass to Jan Boril who made no Manager Frank Lampard’s late in their Champions League group Eden Arena in Prague,uee, yeyesterday.sterday. mistake in front of goal. replacements paid dividends as by beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0

Sodeifi Top riders gear up for unveiled Superbike season finale Former MotoGP rider Alvaro Bautitsa (pictured) of Spain speaks during a press conference held in Doha yesterday, ahead of the FIM World Superbike season finale. Bautitsta will be among a host of The official mascot for the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, ‘Sodeifi’ top riders who will be is seen on a screen during the draw ceremony held in Doha, in action at the Losail yesterday. Five nations will contest in the tournament with all International Circuit the matches taking place at the Khalifa International Stadium as the 2019 MOTUL from November 24 and December 6. INSET: An official shows FIM World Superbike the slip of Oman during the draw ceremony for the 24th season finale begins Arabian Gulf Cup held in Doha, yesterday. P10 today. P11