Qatar Ready to Rock the World with ‘Cool’ Show

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Dahlan Al Hamad (second right), Vice-President and Director General of IAAF WCH Doha 2019 Orgnising Committee and Vice-President of the IAAF, Dr Saud Abdula Ghani (left), Professor at the College of Engineering at Qatar University, Aretha Thurmond (second left), 4-time Olympian and Managing Director of International and Championship Teams for USA Track and Field, Mariam Farid (third left), and Abderrahman Samba (right), join a group of young kids at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha yesterday.

The countdown begins: Qatar ready to rock the world with ‘cool’ show

RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Qatar yesterday kicked off the official one-year countdown to the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, saying the venue preparations have been completed way ahead of schedule. Dahlan Al Hamad, the Director General of the Local Organising Com- mittee (LOC), yesterday announced the Sept 27-Oct 6 mega event next year would be the most modern version of the track and field world. “We are ready. Today we are starting the clock on our one-year countdown to the championships. As we sit here, I hope you can see and feel everything is in place including a growing excitement and energy amongst the local community,” Al Hamad said. “I welcome the world to our new- look Khalifa International Stadium - the Dahlan Al Hamad, Vice-President and home of the IAAF World Athletics Cham- Director General of IAAF WCH Doha 2019 Organising Committee and Vice- pionships Doha 2019. The track is laid A view of the press conference held at the Khalifa International President of the IAAF, in Doha yesterday. and ready to compete on,” the IAAF Vice- Stadium in Doha yesterday. PICS: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA President added. Doha will stage the 10-day event using state-of-the-art cooling tech- many historic sporting events, including “Legacy is something that we nology, Al Hamad confirmed. the athletics at the 2006 Asian Games believe in strongly in Qatar and we are “The new cooling technology is on and 2011 Arab Games, as well as the IAAF very proud that we can honour our right now and offering a climate close Final Grand Prix in 2000,” Al Hamad sporting past while celebrating our to what the athletes and fans will expe- pointed out. sporting future by hosting the IAAF rience in 365 days’ time. Our schedule “Renovation works are now com- World Athletics Championships in Doha is out, our tourism infrastructure is in pleted, transforming this stadium into in 2019 at the Khalifa International place and we have revealed information one of the most technologically advanced Stadium,” he said. on our logo and ticketing,” he added. stadiums in the world with a GSAS sus- “Leaving a mark on the people of our “We are ready to connect the world tainability certificate. region is also important to us. By wel- of athletics, ready to inspire a new gen- “The state-of-the-art cooling system coming the world’s best athletes to Doha, eration and ready to welcome athletes you feel now will provide a pleasant we hope to inspire the generations to and fans from all corners of the world,” 24-26 degrees Celsius temperature come to take to the track or become fans Al Hamad said confidently. during competition and can be adjusted of the sport. Our ticketing structure will “Our website is now live. I encourage as required, guaranteeing optimal con- offer avid athletics fans an array of new those interested in buying tickets to reg- ditions for athletes and fans alike while options to Follow Your Champion, tra- ister their interest on the website. Tickets also being considerate on the envi- ditional Arab Majlis seating or finish line will go on sale from November this year, ronment,” he added. seats. But tickets also provide those new with travel packages to support available Al Hamad underlined Qatar’s great to athletics taste: options as well as group January 2019,” he said. reputation for being the home of track choices for the family. We hope this He said Qatar will use next year’s and field in the region. structure will bring together new and Asian Athletics Championships as a test “Qatar is no stranger to holding ath- old fans, of all ages, nationalities and event in April 2019. letics event, having hosted major inter- culture as well as inspire young people “The stadium is now fully functional. national athletics events for over 21 Sheikha Asma Al Thani (left), Director of Marketing and Communications of to become athletes. As the clock ticks It will be used for the 2019 Asian Ath- years. We are a young and ambitious IAAF WCH Doha 2019, and top Qatari athlete Mariam Farid are seen during down to this momentous event for our letics Championships in April which will nation and I hope that seeing is believing a press conference at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha yesterday. country and region, we will continue to be the official test event for the IAAF and as today we are delivering upon our communicate more of our activities to World Athletics Championships Doha promises,” Al Hamad said you all,” Al Hamad said. “We want to 2019 and later host 2022 FIFA World Cup “To have such an ambition requires athletes and our local community to Athletics Championships in the Middle thank everyone at the IAAF for your matches,” Al Hamad announced. innovative, creative and bold thinking. experience it live for the first time. All East, one of our main commitments in guidance and trust in our hosting of the The Khalifa International Stadium That is why an exciting new schedule these developments take imagination partnership with the IAAF on is to grow Middle East’s first-ever IAAF World Ath- will be one of the venues to be used by exists with new formats. That’s why this but stem from a single goal of enhancing participation of this great sport across letics Championships and ability to leave Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. stadium has new sustainable, cooling athletics worldwide,” he said. Qatar, the region and the world,” he a true legacy for the sport across the “Originally built in 1976, it has hosted technology and why we want our young “By hosting the first ever IAAF World pointed out. region,” he added. FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 17 Doha gets ready to reach new heights for 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: With 365 days to go until the IAAF World Athletics Cham- pionships Doha 2019, hosts Qatar are ready to welcome the world of athletics and stage the biggest sporting event in the nation and region’s history. Organisers yesterday unveiled the completed stadium, showcased its state-of-the-art sustainable cooling system and revealed ticket options that will allow fans to watch the action in new ways. For four days, the organising committee have taken the IAAF through their detailed plans and played host to team leaders and coaches from 30 nations, as they begin preparations for their athletes and teams to complete in the 17th IAAF World Athletics Championships. To mark the one-year countdown, the doors were opened to the upgraded Khalifa International Stadium in Aspire Zone for special guests and media, including Qatar’s world- class 400m hurdler and 2018 Asian Games Champion Abder- A view of the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. This venue will host the rahman Samba and promising IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 next year. PICS: Baher Amin sprint talent Mariam Farid, along with officials and sponsors. All attendees enjoyed a first- hand experience of the unique pink track and weather conditions the innovative cooling Mission 2019: Samba sets sights on system will offer athletes and fans. Track temperatures were set to a pleasant 24-26 Degrees Celsius courtesy of the revolu- world record, more glory for Qatar tionary in-stadium air-condi- tioning technology, which will FAWAD HUSSAIN or Olympics this year (because of superb guarantee optimal conditions for THE PENINSULA form). athletes and fans alike while also “But I am looking for a better 2019 being sustainable. through hard training. We have many com- The Global Sustainability DOHA: After a phenomenal season, Qatar’s Abder- petitions. The World Championships (at Assessment System (GSAS) cer- rahman Samba is not thinking much about the action home) and before that we have the Asian tified stadium which will also as he is itching for a ‘much-needed’ vacation. But Athletics Championships at the same venue. host 2022 FIFA World Cup when he comes back the next season he will mean So I am looking forward to these events and matches, is ready to play host to business – to continue to pursue the world record whatever event comes next year,” he said. the 2019 Asian Athletics Cham- and grabbing titles that come his way. Samba reiterated his pledge to continue pionships in April 2019, the The star 400m hurdler made a clean sweep of pursuing the world record of American official test event for the IAAF titles in the 2018 season, remaining unbeaten in the athlete Kevin Young, who set the World World Athletics Championships eight Diamond League finals, and a record run at record and Olympic record of 46.78secs at next year. Asian Games in Jakarta to clinch gold medal for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. The ticketing programme Qatar. “Two athletes from Qatar – me in hurdles was also unveiled and will offer Throughout the season, the 23-year-old con- and (Mutaz) Barshim in high jump are avid athletics fans an array of tinued to dip below 48 seconds every race. looking to set new world records. We are on options which allow them to The highlight of his performance was a time of it and also we speak about winning the follow their champion, sit in tra- 46.98sec, the second fastest time ever, at a meeting events and gold medals for Qatar,” he said. ditional Arab cushioned Majlis in Paris earlier this summer. Speaking about his plans next year, seating or choose finish line “I am very happy for my achievements this Samba said he would be looking to compete seats. Tickets also provide those season. I earned so many good results this year,” in the 400m races. new to athletics taster options Samba told reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony “The 400m helps me in the 400m priced at €14 or QR60. at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday, hurdles and I will be competing in those Family and group discounts marking 365-day countdown to the IAAF World races. We have not planned for the new are also available for those Athletics Championships Doha 2019. season as my coach is on vacation.” looking to purchase bulk tickets. “When I broke into the 46(sub) in Paris, that was Asked about his plans for the long off Fans locally and globally should my best moment of the season. When I started this season, the star hurdler replied: “I will enjoy now register their interest in season I wanted to be fast but was not expecting Abderrahman Samba, Qatar’s premier athlete, is seen during the and sleep. I am preparing to go for vacation. tickets via https://iaafworldath- this time, though the world record was in my mind. 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championship press conference held at I want to keep my vacation plan secret as I leticschamps.com/doha2019/ I would have liked to have World Championships the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha yesterday. don’t want people to bother me during that.” tickets to ensure they receive information, alerts and reminders for when tickets go wonderful sport across Qatar, the committee we have a trusted stadium or viewers around the Abderrahman Samba. Speaking perceptions. The logo for the on sale in November. region and the world. partner who is committed to world. We are encouraged by after experiencing the track and championships was also revealed Speaking on the finish line of “To have such an ambition delivering a World Athletics what we have seen over this last conditions, he said: “My heart is for the first time at the event, and the athletics track at Khalifa requires innovative, creative and Championship which makes a week and look forward to already racing, and the adren- is the creation of a local, all- International Stadium, Vice- bold thinking. That is why an real difference to the world of working with athletes, member aline is pumping just by standing female branding team. The logo President and Director General exciting new schedule exists with athletics. federations and partners to on the track. To compete in a hopes to capture the attention of of the IAAF World Athletics new formats. That’s why this “With a year to go it is deliver an outstanding World stadium of this significance in young people so that they are Championships Local Organising stadium has cooling technology important the foundations are in Athletics Championships one front of my family and nation motivated to choose athletics. Committee and Vice-President and why we want our young ath- place, so the final year can be year from today.” will be amongst the greatest Commenting on the oppor- of the IAAF, Dahlan Al Hamad, letes and our local community spent testing facilities, systems Access is a key focus for all moments of my career. I’m also tunity for women, Sheikha Asma said: “Today is a very important to experience it live for them- Al Thani, Director of Marketing day in our readiness prepara- selves. That’s why we will “Qatar has been hosting official IAAF events for over 21 years and in and Communications for IAAF tions. Ready to be gracious hosts. introduce a midnight marathon. the organising committee we have a trusted partner who is committed World Athletics Championships Ready to connect the world of All these developments take to delivering a World Athletics Championship which makes a real Doha 2019, said: “Looking athletics. Ready to inspire a new imagination but stem from a around, it is easy to see that a lot generation and ready to single goal of enhancing athletics difference to the world of athletics. The fact that this is our ﬁrst has been built. But at the same welcome athletes and fans from worldwide.” championship in the Middle East is hugely exciting. It means we can and time a lot of barriers and percep- all corners of the world. In addition to these creative should do things differently and provides an opportunity to reconsider tions of Arab women in sport “Qatar is a young and ambi- and exciting developments what is possible in terms of new formats to appeal to spectators in the need changing. Definite progress tious nation. We hope that seeing already confirmed, the IAAF has been made with new role is believing and as you can see World Athletics Championships stadium or viewers around the world.” models emerging all the time, but today we are ready to deliver Doha 2019 aims to reach new these invisible barriers still exist. upon our promises, from our heights and place itself in IAAF IAAF President Sebastian Coe Every woman who participates stadium to our airport, our infra- history. An enhanced compe- in the first IAAF World Athletics structure to accommodation and tition schedule, a first-ever mid- and services. This is where we involved especially fans trav- excited to show my fellow ath- Championship can inspire our world-famous hospitality. night marathon along Doha’s are now and there is a clear plan elling to Qatar with direct flights letes from all corners of the change and encourage more girls Everything is in place including beautiful corniche and a first for testing. from over 110 destinations. Once world what we can offer in not to participate in sport at any level a growing excitement and energy 4x400m mixed relay, have all “The fact that this is our first in Qatar, the stadium is located only world-class hospitality and or consider a career trackside in amongst the local community. been announced to maximise fan championship in the Middle East only 15 minutes from Doha’s facilities, but also the talent we branding, marketing or more. In hosting the first ever IAAF entertainment and global reach. is hugely exciting. It means we downtown area of West Bay and have coming through the ranks.” Real change will only be possible World Athletics Championships Commenting on one year to can and should do things differ- sits in the middle of the world- By committing to connect the by ensuring as many young girls in the Middle East, we have a go, IAAF President Sebastian Coe ently and provides an oppor- renowned sporting centre Aspire world of athletics, Doha is deter- are in the stadium as boys to shared vision and commitment said: “Qatar has been hosting tunity to reconsider what is pos- Zone. mined to further accelerate the witness the performances of in partnering with the IAAF, to official IAAF events for over 21 sible in terms of new formats to Someone familiar with growth of women’s athletics world champion athletes through grow participation of this years and in the organising appeal to spectators in the Aspire Zone is Team Qatar’s own across the region by changing their own eyes.” 18 SPORT FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2018

China’s Wang crushes Puig India firm favourites to win at Wuhan Open record 7th Asia Cup crown AFP

IANS and Rahul and Rayudu in equally WUHAN: Rising star Wang top form, it will be interesting to Qiang demolished Olympic DUBAI: Defending champions see if the Indian team man- champion Monica Puig 6-3, India are the favourites to lift the agement decides to play Rahul 6-1 at the Wuhan Open in Asia Cup trophy for the record in the middle order. China yesterday, cruising into seventh time when they face a In such a scenario, the axe the semi-finals to the delight confident Bangladesh in the final could be either on Dinesh of the home crowd. at the Dubai International Karthik or Kedar Jadhav, but the The impressive victory Cricket Stadium here today. latter’s part-time off-spinning was the 14th on the trot on For India, the last-ball draw ability gives him an upper hand. home soil for Wang, who has against Afghanistan in their final Going into the final, India, said she wants to follow the Super Four encounter on who made as many as five footsteps of China’s two-time Tuesday will serve as an eye changes in their tie against Grand Slam winner Li Na. opener despite all the top guns, Afghanistan, will be boosted by With the fans firmly including skipper Rohit Sharma the return of the regulars, espe- behind her, Wang made a and his in-form opening partner cially the new ball pair of Bhuv- breathless start to the match, Shikhar Dhawan were rested for neshwar Kumar and Jasprit putting her Puerto Rican the inconsequential tie. Bumrah, who were dearly challenger on the back foot. Chasing a competitive 253, missed in the death overs. Puig, who came into the India under Mahendra Singh India will also hold a psycho- quarters with an upset win Dhoni got off to a flier from the logical advantage over the over world number two new opening pair of Lokesh Mashrafe Mortaza-led team after Caroline Wozniacki on Rahul (60) and Ambati Rayudu their seven-wicket win in their Wednesday, switched gears (57) before a mini collapse, first Super Four tie of the ongoing and tried a more aggressive coupled with a few run-outs and Asia Cup. approach, but was unable to umpiring errors, eventually Bangladesh, who defeated faze the local favourite. Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan speaks during a press conference in Dubai, yesterday. INSET: Bangladesh resulted in a tie. Pakistan in their do-or-die Super Wang was even more captain Mashrafe Mortaza speaks during a press conference on the eve of the Asia Cup ﬁnal. With both Rohit and Shikhar Four clash on Wednesday, will dominant in the second set set to return to the playing XI, battle against all odds, including and wrapped up the match injuries to a few key players in of experienced al-rounder left-armer Mustafizur Rahman. in just over an hour, having SQUADS FOR ASIA CUP FINAL their attempt to lift the trophy Shakib Al Hasan has resurfaced Mustafizur, who has been off- already made history by for the first time. Bangladesh fin- again. But on the positive side, colour for most part of the tour- becoming the first Chinese India ished runners-up twice -- to former skipper Mushfiqur nament, came back to form player to reach the quarter- Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Pakistan in 2012 and to India in Rahim, who is the second highest against Pakistan when he finals of the Wuhan Open, a Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, 2016. run-scorer in the tournament so scalped four wickets for 43 runs. WTA Premier 5 Manish Pandey, Siddarth Kaul, Lokesh Rahul and Deepak Chahar. Bangladesh also had been far, belted a brilliant 99 against In the absence of the spin tournament. Bangladesh handicapped by injuries to some Pakistan to strengthen Bangla- spearhead in Shakib, off- “Today’s win makes me Masrafe Bin Mortaza (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Mithun, Litton Kumar Das, of their key players. On the desh’s shaky middle order. spinners Mehidy Hasan and very, very happy,” Wang said.

Mushfiqur Rahim, Ariful Haque, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, opening day, opener Tamim The bowling department will Mahmudullah will be Mortaza’s “This is the first time I’ve Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nazmul Islam Apu, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman and Abu Haider Rony. Iqbal was ruled out with a wrist be once again spearheaded by go-to bowlers in the middle reached... (these stages) of a fracture, then the finger injury the skipper Mortaza and overs. Premier 5 tournament.” Wang’s impressive run at Wuhan includes a shock Pakistan’s captain victory in the second round Sarfraz Ahmed over world number seven Australia name two Test Karolina Pliskova. The 26-year-old Tianjin native won her first WTA vice-captains for first time Tour 250 title at the Jiangxi Open in July, and clinched the AFP Guangzhou Open last week. codes around the world,” he Hohns indicated the She also grabbed headlines said. decision to name vice-captains at the French Open with her SYDNEY: Australia have for “Our vision is to create was in part to avoid naming a straight-sets demolition of the first time named two Test great cricketers and great single person being seen as a Venus Williams. cricket vice-captains -- all- people, and we are extremely likely successor to Paine, who Earlier, Australia’s Ash- rounder Mitchell Marsh and fortunate to have such terrific took over from Smith fol- leigh Barty had to dig deep to fast bowler Josh Hazlewood -- young men,” Hohns said. lowing the scandal when sand- overcome Anastasia Pavly- as they look to move on from Marsh, aged 26, will act as paper was used to alter the uchenkova, beating the a major cheating scandal. sole vice-captain behind Paine condition of the ball. Russian 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 to The pair were chosen to during the two-Test series “It was not a process secure her semi-final berth. back up captain Tim Paine via against Pakistan in Dubai designed to find the next Aus- In-form Barty is currently an unprecedented vote by beginning on October 7 tralian Test captain, but to find ranked 17th in the world, and team members and a final because experienced two vice-captains who will a strong finish in Wuhan -- Captain Sarfraz loses decision made by a panel that Hazlewood, aged 27, is side- support and help drive the where the winner will get included coach Justin Langer lined by injury. team’s goals and objectives,” 900 points -- could help her and selector Trevor Hohns, It will be Australia’s first he said. inch up the rankings before sleep after abject Cricket Australia said. Test tour since the ball-tam- Since the South Africa the end of the season. “We believe the new lead- pering scandal in Cape Town debacle, Cricket Australia has Barty started strongly ership model will best support which led to one-year suspen- launched a number of internal against the 39th-ranked Pav- Asia Cup showing the captain,” Hohns said of the sions being imposed on reviews aimed at creating a lyuchenkova, taking the first decision to have more than captain Steve Smith and his more respectful culture and set 6-2, but the Russian did one Test vice-captain for the deputy, David Warner, who moving away from the win- not appear in a mood to give AFP first time. was also banned from ever at-all-costs mentality blamed in too easily and made an that if I say I haven’t slept “It is a successful model holding another leadership for the explosive ball-tam- aggressive recovery to take DUBAI: Disappointed for the last six nights used across various sporting position. pering row. the second. But the Aussie, Pakistan captain Sarfraz nobody will believe me, who has been impressive in Ahmed has revealed he lost but... this is part of life and her run to the final four at sleep for six days during his it will go on.” Sarfraz, who Wuhan, then regained her team’s flop at the Asia Cup. was appointed captain for grip on the close encounter. Pakistan lost their all three formats last year, Barty pulled off one of the must-win game against urged the authorities not to Pakistan drop Amir upsets of the tournament on Bangladesh by 37 runs in take any hasty decisions. Wednesday when she Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, “I will say again we knocked out Wimbledon meaning they failed to don’t need to press the champion and world number qualify for Friday’s final in panic button. We need to from Australia Tests three Angelique Kerber in Dubai. back the players who have straight sets. AFP Bangladesh will face been doing well in the PAKISTAN SQUAD of the UAE. Amir has been The 22-year-old Barty defending champions India recent past,” said Sarfraz, dropped on lack of form and said she is looking to sustain Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Azhar Ali, Fakhar in the final. who managed just 68 runs LAHORE: Pakistan yesterday Wahab Riaz and Mir Hamza that momentum to end 2018 Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Asad Pakistan lost both their in four matches. left out struggling pace comes in the side. on “the best note possible, games against arch rivals “My performance isn’t spearhead Mohammad Amir Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Yasir “We have three spinners whether that is results-based India -- by eight and nine good so the team lost. The from the 17-member squad for Shah, Shadab Khan, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Yasir, Shadab and Asif who are or feelings-based”.

wickets -- while narrowly team lost because of me. I the two-match Test series Abbas, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Faheem in the squad keeping in view the beating Afghanistan by should’ve performed as a against Australia starting in Ashraf, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan. UAE wickets,” said Inzamam. Wang Qiang three wickets. captain but I didn’t and we United Arab Emirates next The first Test starts in Dubai Sarfraz said the lost because of that.” month. 19-year-old leg-spinner Shadab from October 7 while the second pressure of captaincy and Sarfraz, who has been The 26-year-old fast bowler, Khan and 33-year-old off- is in Abu Dhabi from October 16. not scoring runs led to some playing all three formats who returned from a five-year spinner Bilal Asif, who has yet Both teams will also play disturbed nights. since the World Cup 2015, ban for match-fixing in January to play a Test match but played three Twenty20 internationals, “Look, the pressures of said it was up to the 2016, had a wicketless Asia Cup three one-day internationals in the squads for which will be captaincy are always selectors to decide whether in which he was dropped for two 2015. announced later. there,” said Sarfraz. he should be rested. matches. Shadab has eight wickets in Left-arm paceman Riaz “Pakistani captains, “This is not my job, this Pakistan crashed out of the four Tests. returns to the squad after whoever they are, always is the job of the selection Asia Cup after losing to Chief selector Inzamam-ul- playing the last of his 26 Tests have pressure. committee and the PCB. Let Bangladesh. Haq said the team was selected in October last year. “Obviously when you them decide. I gave you an Pakistan will heavily rely on keeping in mind the conditions The squad also has another aren’t performing and the answer, it is not my job. My its ace leg-spinner Yasir Shah in the UAE, where Pakistan had fast-rising left-arm paceman team is losing then there is job is to play, I will play. I who played a key role in the 2-0 been forced to play its home Hamza who has yet to play for more pressure. The truth is will keep playing.” win over Australia in UAE in matches since 2009. Pakistan. 2014, when he took 12 wickets. “The team has been selected Sarfraz Ahmed will lead the Besides Yasir the squad has keeping in mind the conditions side against Australia. FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 19

Doha ready to host ITF Coaches Conference

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) has completed its preparations for hosting the 2018 ITF West & Central Asia Regional Coaches Conference to be held in Doha from October 10-12 in cooperation with the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The conference will highlight a huge number of issues including the strategies and plans to Al Sadd captain Xavi (left) and striker develop tennis worldwide and the latest training Akram Aﬁf (right) celebrate along with methods and programs especially for young their team-mates during their QSL match players. against Qatar SC at Qatar SC Stadium, During the conference, eight experts form yesterday. PICS: MOHAMMAD FARAG the ITF will deliver a series of theoretical and practical lectures for coaches including Ruben Neyens from Belgium and Emma Doyle form Australia. More than 120 coaches will participate in the conference The QTSBF has completed the process of Al Sadd crush Qatar SC as receiving the applications to participate in the conference as 70 coaches from several west Asian countries have confirmed their participation in the conference in addition to 55 other coaches from Qatar. Al Duhail seal Al Ahli win The QTSBF has also issued the entry visa for FAWAD HUSSAIN participating delegations in addition the other first half scoring three goals and THE PENINSULA Al Duhail logistic arrangements including hotel reserva- adding a couple of more goals in the striker Yoused tions, as the working committees leave no stone final session to seal another com- El Arabi unturned to prepare the courts to host the con- DOHA: In-form Al Sadd continued manding victory in the season. (foreground) in ference. The venue will be equipped with screens their goal-scoring spree to thrash Hamid Ismail scored the first action against and other equipment to help lecturers in both Qatar SC on their home turf, goal for ‘The Wolves’ following a an Al Ahli the theoretical and practical sides. claiming a 5-1 victory in their sixth free kick in the 12th minute, with player during The organising committee of the conference QNB Stars League (QSL) match, league’s top scorer Baghdad their QSL will hold a trip for the participating delegations yesterday. Boundejah doubling the lead for in match at Al in Souq Waqif. In another match at Al Ahli the 19th minute. Ahli Stadium, The QTSBF Executive Director and Con- Stadium yesterday, defending Qatar star Akram Afif made it yesterday. ference Director Saad Al Mohannadi said, “The champions Al Duhail continued 3-0 in the 28th minute before Qatar preparations to host the conference began close pursuit of leaders Al Sadd in SC star Samuel Eto’o reduced the months ago as the working committees began the QSL standings with a fighting lead six minutes before the half- their work as per a detailed plan set by the 2-1 victory over Al Ahli . time whistle. federation” Al Sadd were looking in the Captain Xavi scored the fourth “The organising committee stepped up its similar form of their 5-0 crushing goal for Al Sadd with his clinical free preparations for the conference two weeks over Al Rayyan in Qatar Clasico last kick in the 57th minute. before its beginning” he added and stressed that week as they dismantled Qatar SC Ahmed Bader struck the last- the higher organising committee is coordinating defence with back-to-back attacks. gasp goal to seal the crushing with the other sub-committees to ensure holding They were outstanding in the victory. an exceptional edition of the conference. Earlier, Yousef El Arabi (30th Al Mohannadi also reaffirmed that the QTSBF and 36th minutes) scored for Al is keen to organise one of the best editions of Duhail, while substitute Mohsin Al the conference and to highlight the experience Yazeedi reduced the margin for Al of the federation in hosting the major sporting Ahli in the 88th minute. events. It’s worth mentioning that the West & Moroccan striker El Arabi, the Central Asia Regional Coaches Conference is top scorer in the last two seasons, one of the most important development pro- YESTERDAY’S RESULTS took his tally to seven goals. grams being organised by the ITF. Al Duhail moved on to 16 points The Al Duhail bt Al Ahli 2-1 as Al Ahli remained on six. event is Al Sadd bt Qatar SC 5-1 Al Ahli matched their formidable held bien- TODAY rivals ball for ball initially, but grad- nially in ually faded out. Asia, Africa, 5:50pm: Al Gharafa vs Al Ali Ferydoon spearheaded their South Kharaitiyat at Al Gharafa Stadium attack, but he could not do much as Al Ahli got the first real chance before the teams went into the America, he was tightly marked. in the 19th minute. Majed break. Al Ahli almost reduced the Central 8:00pm: Umm Salal vs Al Khor at At the other end, El Arabi and Mohammed connected a Nigel de margin in the 70th minute except America Al Gharafa Stadium Almoez Ali led Al Duhail’s attacks, Jong free-kick, but shot over the bar. for a goalline save by Sultan Al Breik and the TOMORROW with ample support from Nam El Arabi opened the scoring on off a shot from Ferydoon. Caribbean, Tae-Hee and Paolo Edmilson in the the half-hour mark by evading the Soon Al Ahli goalkeeper Yazan while in 5:50pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Shahania midfield. offside trap and headed home after Naim blocked Ali Afif’s shot. Europe the at Al Sadd Stadium While Al Duhail missed Murad Bassam Al Rawi lobbed in the ball Al Ahli’s goal came off the boots event is Naji, who was red-carded during from long distance. of Mohsin, who capitalised on a held on an 8:00pm: Al Arabi vs Al Sailiya at their victory over Al Gharafa in Their second goal came when defensive lapse. He had come in for annual Week 6, Al Ahli were without Barro El Arabi produced a placing shot off Majed in the second half. Nam then Saad Al Mohannadi Al Arabi Stadium basis. Siddiqi and Meshaal Abdulla who a cross from the right by Edmilson. cracked a shot against the right both were unwell. Nam missed the target twice upright in stoppage time. Woods paired with Reed in Ryder Cup opener

REUTERS The ﬁrst match of the Europe captain Thomas foursomes - where players play day sees Justin Rose and Bjorn described the role as the alternate shots with the same PARIS: Tiger Woods will partner Spanish rookie Jon Rahm proudest moment of his long golf ball - and though Europe fought Patrick Reed against Francesco taking on Brooks Koepka career, battling to be heard in the back to close the gap, the home Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood and Tony Finau. face of relentless cheering and side eventually ran out con- in the fourth and final fourballs chanting from the thousands of vincing 17-11 winners. match when the Ryder Cup gets fans who had been on the course This time Europe have opted under way today, a grouping Rory McIlroy and during yesterday’s final practice to start the day with the fourball sure to be the number one draw Dane Thorbjorn Olesen and who gathered together for format where each man plays his for fans at Le Golf National. face world number one the ceremony. own ball and the lowest scoring Woods, back in the compe- “This great continent can be player on each side counts in the tition after not playing in the last Dustin Johnson and Rickie divided at times but here we matchplay competition. two editions, is in hot form and Fowler. stand as one,” said the Dane. Over 7,000 fans will ring the it looks a formidable partnership United States captain Jim Furyk first tee when play gets with this year’s Masters English duo Paul spoke of his country’s special underway at 08.10 local time champion Reed. Casey and Tyrrell Hatton bond with France. today, creating a noise and The first match of the day “For more than 200 years we atmosphere unlike anything seen sees Justin Rose and Spanish take on Jordan Spieth and have been friends and allies and in any other golf event. rookie Jon Rahm taking on Justin Thomas. this week as a token of our The United States have not Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau. special bond our players will be won on European soil since 1993 Rory McIlroy and Dane Thor- playing with bags emblazoned - the year three of the current bjorn Olesen face world number just outside Paris as France with an image of the Statue of American team were born. one Dustin Johnson and Rickie proudly hosts the event for the Liberty,” he said. Both sets of players, captains Fowler, while English duo Paul first time. “Inside in the ropes we and assistants wore yellow Casey and Tyrrell Hatton take on With only three Frenchman compete together, outside we ribbons on their suits as a tribute Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. ever having played in the event, stand together, as we always to 22-year-old Spanish amateur The pairings were organisers opted for former have and always will.” golfer Celia Barquin Arozamena, Team USA’s Tiger Woods (foreground) and Patrick Reed during announced at yesterday’s international footballer David Two years ago at Hazeltine who was found stabbed to death a practice session in Guyancourt, France, yesterday. opening ceremony in bright, late Ginola to act as Master of the United States swept to a 4-0 on a course in the United States afternoon sunshine at the course Ceremonies. lead in the opening morning’s last week.