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Saturday, October 20, 2018 BOXING Safar 11, 1440 AH Making history, GULF TIMES paving path, bringing glory to Qatar SPORT Page 2 Warm welcome for Qatar’s Youth Olympic Games heroes Barrow and Abdelaziz

Qatar’s Owaab Barrow (left) and Mohamed Abdelaziz are welcomed at Hamad International Airport in Doha on Thursday night after their successful trip to the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Abdelaziz and Barrow clinched gold medals in the 200m and 110m hurdles respectively.

Qatar Athletics Federation president and Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) second vice-president Dr Thani al-Kuwari, and QOC secretary-general Jassim al-Buenain were among those who welcomed the Team Qatar’s delegation on their arrival in Doha.

CRICKET / PAK VS AUS, DAY 4, 2ND TEST Abbas fl oors Australia for Pakistan’s series victory Medium pacer followed his 5-33 in the first innings with figures of 5-62 to wreck the Australian innings for 164

Scorecard

PAKISTAN 1st innings 282 N. Lyon not out 6 AUSTRALIA 1st innings 145 J. Holland c Sohail b Yasir 3 PAKISTAN 2nd innings 400-9 dec U. Khawaja absent injured AUSTRALIA 2nd innings (o/n: 47/1) Extras (lb5) 5 A. Finch lbw b Abbas 31 Total (all out; 49.4 overs) 164 S. Marsh b Hamza 4Fall of wickets: 1-10 (S. Marsh), 2-71 (Head), 3-77 (M. Marsh), T. Head c sub (Rizwan) b Abbas 36 4-78 (Finch), 5-78 (Paine), 6-145 M. Marsh lbw b Abbas 5(Starc), 7-151 (Siddle), 8-155 (La- M Labuschagne c sub (Rizwan) b buschagne), 9-164 (Holland) Abbas 43 Bowling: Abbas 17-2-62-5, Hamza T. Paine b Abbas 06-0-40-1, Yasir 21.4-5-45-3, Asif M. Starc lbw b Yasir 28 5-2-12-0 P. Siddle lbw b Yasir 3RESULT: Pakistan win by 373 runs, take series 1-0

chance to win the match. “Obviously really disappoint- ing to have them fi ve for 57 on day one and we let that opportunity slip,” said Paine. “Abbas challenged our defence time and time again. There’s cer- tainly no sugar coating that we’ve got some real issues with our bat- ting.” Head and Finch put on 61 runs for the second wicket while Starc (28) and Labuschagne added 67 for the sixth wicket, but it only delayed the inevitable. Abbas had Mitchell Marsh (fi ve) and Finch (31) leg-before Pakistan’s Mohamed Abbas. (AFP) wicket and dismissed Tim Paine for nought — before Yasir Shah ‘YOUNGSTERS COMING removed Starc and Peter Siddle THROUGH’ for three. Sarfraz, who was hit on the hel- Australia had reached 155-7 at met by a rising Mitchell Starc de- lunch with the writing very much Pakistan cricket team celebrates with the winners’ trophy after they beat Australia in the second Test match in Abu Dhabi by 373 runs to win the series 1-0. (AFP) livery on Thursday, had gone for on the wall. a precautionary scan which came Pakistan made 282 in their AFP to wreck Australia for 164. 17 wickets in the series — becom- — since being forced to play their The fi rst Test ended in a draw back clear. fi rst innings and then bowled out Abu Dhabi The victory, after Australia ing the fi rst Pakistani fast bowler home matches in UAE since 2009 in Dubai last week. Sarfraz was full of praise for Australia for a paltry 145, gaining were set a 538-run target, al- to take ten wickets in a Test since attacks on the Sri Lankan team Australian opener Usman Abbas, the man of the match. a match winning 137-run lead. lowed Pakistan to wrap up the Mohamed Asif did so against Sri bus in Lahore. Khawaja could not bat after suf- “The way Abbas has bowled all The highlights of Pakistan’s edium pacer Mo- two-match series 1-0 after Aus- Lanka at Kandy in 2006. Australia’s batsmen had no an- fering a recurrence of a knee in- series is one of the biggest posi- batting in this match were 94 hamed Abbas took tralia fought back to draw the Abbas had jolted Australia swers to his accurate seam bowl- jury during practice on Thursday. tives for us,” said Sarfraz. and 66 from opener Fakhar Za- his maiden ten- fi rst Test in Dubai last week. with four wickets off just 23 balls ing under cloudy conditions as Abbas jolted the Australians “All the youngsters who have man in his fi rst Test while skipper wicket haul in a It was Australia’s heaviest de- while Yasir Shah fi nished with only Marnus Labuschagne (43), in the seventh over of the day come through in recent times Sarfraz returned to form with in- Mmatch to fi re Pakistan to a 373- feat against Pakistan, beating the 3-45 to give Pakistan their tenth Travis Head (36) and Aaron Finch when he removed a solid-looking have done well. We have to groom nings of 94 and 81. run win over Australia in the sec- 356-run hammering at this same series win on the neutral venues (31) off ered some resistance. Head, getting an edge to sub- them all to become a good Test Both the teams now play a ond Test in Abu Dhabi yesterday. venue four years ago. of United Arab Emirates. Yasir dismissed number ten stitute wicketkeeper Mohamed team,” said Sarfraz. series of three Twenty20 inter- Abbas followed his 5-33 in the It was Abbas, 28, who de- They have only lost one se- Jon Holland soon after lunch to Rizwan, deputising for Sarfraz Australian skipper Tim Paine nationals with the fi rst in Abu fi rst innings with fi gures of 5-62 stroyed Australia with a haul of ries — 2-0 to Sri Lanka last year hand Pakistan victory. Ahmed. said his side had thrown away a Dhabi on Wednesday. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, October 20, 2018 FEATURE

BOXING Making history, paving a path, bringing glory to Qatar Qatar’s first pro boxer, Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid al-Thani, talks everything from Ali to Mayweather, from his stint in football to his initiation into boxing, from his motivations to larger goal

By Mikhil Bhat really saw Muhammad Ali fi ght- Doha ing. But my mother admired him very much,” he says. “She kept telling me about utside the hustle and how she was worried about bustle of Doha, in a Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. residential compound When Frazier beat Ali the fi rst replete with the usual time (Fight of the Century in soundsO of kids playing, occa- March 1971 at Madison Square sional vehicle driving by, is the Garden in New York City), training home of Qatar’s fi rst pro everyone was at the edge of their boxer — Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid seats and were worried about al-Thani. Ali. Kids often try and get a peek “They felt attached to Ali, be- into the Franck Bohec Boxing cause of his Muslim background, and Training Gym through the because of how he was proud of tinted glass doors but when Islam, and his character. I think Sheikh Fahad is going through his character was actually big- his drill, the doors are under- ger than his boxing, because he standably locked. certainly aff ected me.” Inside though, Cuban salsa And so began Sheikh Fahad’s music sets the rhythm for the deep dive into the sport. “I was training session that’s helmed by amazed to say the least. He was legendary coach Ismael Salas. unique; a heavyweight mov- “It’s all about rhythm and ing like that,” he exclaims. “He movement,” the Cuban says, be- admired Sugar Ray Robinson, fore he breaks into a move that’s and so I started reading on him part dancing and part boxing. and he was a diff erent level. At Sheikh Fahad, 31, smiles looking the time they used fi ght almost at his 61-year-old coach show every other week, 15 rounds with some rhythm. 6 ounce gloves. It was really a Salas got his survival instincts diff erent time. I became a stu- from the rough streets of Guan- dent of the game.” tanamo, before “one of the best Later in the conversation, coaches” turned him around he talks about watching videos and channelled his energies into and reading about the likes of boxing. English former boxer Naseem After all those years, Salas has Hamed, former undisputed worked with 21 world champions world heavyweight champion across weight categories, in- Mike Tyson, and British former cluding the likes of multiple time boxer Chris Eubank. two-weight champion David He moved to the UK to study Haye, multiple time three- International Business, with weight champion Jorge Linares, a specialisation in Marketing former unifi ed featherweight and Finance. “That’s when I champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, met Franck Bohec. Training and and has twice been named as going for boxing classes at the the WBA trainer of the year, the time, I just fell in love with it,” second one as recent as last year. he lights up while talking about “I don’t think I could have had the time. a better coach than him,” Sheikh “I felt like I can really do Fahad, who fi ghts in welter- something.” Qatari professional boxer weight division, tells Gulf Times. Once back in Doha, he started Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Around the time that Salas training with the Qatar national al-Thani (left) takes part was in Linares’ corner against team as an amateur boxer. “I in a training session with Kevin Mitchell at London’s O2 trained with them for four years coach Ismael Salas. Arena in the May of 2015, the and there is no other way to put PICTURES: Nasar TK Qatari had decided to move away it, I learnt a lot with them,” he from being an amateur. says. “Franck (Bohec, Sheikh Fa- At the Doha Open in 2014, he had’s trainer) and I used to often lost in the welterweight fi nal to “He told me that in the pro times before and after my fi ght but this is a new project, coming body and motion. I learn a lot Exciting were also the times talk about Ismael Salas. He had one of his then sparring partners game never underestimate the about Mayweather’s work ethic. to the region, opening something about how to use my body to my for him when he began playing taken a boxer (Linares) from al- and the 2006 Asian Games journeymen that you will fi ght in He told me that he could be at new, we are bound to get criti- benefi t, what kind of mistakes I football while in school. most being retired, to taking him bronze medallist, Huzam Nabah. the beginning. They know all the a nightclub or somewhere, but cised by many. But nobody has am making and I am very ana- “All my friends in school played back to basics and better than he “I had reached a point where tricks of the game. They may not straight after he was probably done this. You need to assess the lytical with myself. Sometimes it football. My best friend, Khalid, ever was.” there wasn’t enough boxing in look good, they might running because his training good and the bad, but you have gets a bit too much.” asked me to join them as a goal- Sheikh Fahad got in touch with Qatar to fulfi l what I had not look in shape, demanded so. He is unique, his to believe in the target. And once With an unbeaten record so keeper. Not many kids want to be Salas through a contact of his at inside,” he but in the ring it’s a approach and his work ethic you achieve that, you will be the far, it sometimes is easy forget a goalkeeper. They eventually said the WBC (World Boxing Council). diff erent story. They are very special and all fi ghters hero, the inspiration, the guide about the losses. that Al Arabi needs a goalkeeper, “We had a long chat about fi ght every week and should admire that. He is where (for the next generation).” “I think in this day and age, and so I went, and the coach there what I wanted to every prospect. So he is because he has put the Sheikh Khalid himself refl ects the emphasis on ‘zero’ came after liked me. I played for the junior team achieve,” Sheikh Fahad he told me that they hours in.” on it. (Floyd) Mayweather (50-0). But for two years in 2002-3. Gabriel says. But all that had to will try to trick Salas, meanwhile, has seen “Fighting (Parlogea and Ghi- we learn from many past champi- Batistuta was at Al Arabi at the time, wait for some time, as you, take your Sheikh Fahad only grow as a ompirica) multiple times actu- ons. Ali lost and so did Robinson, and I would see him on a daily basis, briefl y after that he got confi dence away boxer. ally helps me improve. In my fi rst and (Roberto) Duran. I know the it was a good time,” he says. married and then joined from you, so be “There is a big change in fi ght with (Parlogea), I taste of losing, so I am not fearful He even tried out for Al military service. ready. him. We have been following a caught him by of a loss. One thing I learned is not Sadd, his favourite team, “but I Cut to this week, Salas “Every day I system, have created a process. sur- about how you lose but about how remember the goalkeeper at the is putting Sheikh Fahad was getting a My target is to bring in dynam- you bounce back after a loss. That time for them was so big and through the drills. There pep talk. I feel ics, as part of bio mechanics into really defi nes you,” he tall for our age that I stood no is a bout today in Leon, it (Las Vegas) his boxing game,” says Salas, says. chance”. Spain, against Gheorghe is one of the referring to the study of systems “I love Al Sadd,” he says. “I get Ghiompirica, his third best places in motion, while the body is not very passionate about it be- against the Romanian. to train for in equilibrium. cause my mother sup- They call each other La boxing.” “After all the fi ghts that he ports it, and so, in my Amenaza, “the threat” in Along the has been part of, he is a lot heart, they are attached Spanish, a name that origi- way, he met Roger May- more loose, lot more relaxed, with my mother.” nally stuck with Salas during weather, uncle of Floyd ‘Money’ more co-ordinated. Body At the 2006 Asian his boxing days, and is now says. Mayweather, and connect with needs to be used as a weapon Games in the Qatari capi- used both by the coach and his So he and Bohec be- former Puerto Rican boxer Car- and you can do that only tal, Sheikh Fahad had one ward for each other. gan looking around to see what los De Leon, through the latter’s through co-ordination.” of his fi rst live encounters Reprimanding at times, can be done until they met Salas. son. Sheikh Fahad has been with boxing. “I was there as because he is fl oating around Post his wedding and the mili- unbeaten in eight fi ghts a spectator, watching diff er- the ring too much, the feet not tary service, Sheikh Fahad ended There is a big change in so far, having made his ent boxers. It was the begin- planted and not positioned right up in Las Vegas with Salas for a him. We have been debut in Croatia against ning of my interest in taking on the mat, and whistling and training camp. following a system, Hungary’s Bela Sandor. up boxing,” he says. smiling, when his ward lands a “That was really an education. have created a process. He has since faced Before that, the biggest high- good one during sparring. Vegas has a small boxing com- ‘ Adrian Parlogea of light for boxing as a sport in the My target is to bring in Like many in this world, munity away from the lights, dynamics, as part of Romania thrice, and region was when Muhammad Ali Sheikh Fahad is inspired by away from all the shows; they bio mechanics into his Parlogea’s compatriot Gheo- visited Doha for an exhibition bout Muhammad Ali. Float like a but- know each other, they spar each boxing game rghe Ghiompirica (twice). at the Doha Stadium in 1971. terfl y, sting like a bee, they used other, and they talk bad about — Ismael Salas, He was last in a ring four prise and it How did the family react? “I to say about the heavyweight each other (both laugh),” Sheikh boxing coach of weeks ago, two days after he was all over in the fi rst remember my father having a legend. Fahad says before Salas joins in Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid al-Thani turned 31, against Parlogea. round. In the second fi ght, he conversation with someone very But he is quick to clarify he with a hearty laugh. “We have had to work with knew I was coming with speed close to me. He said I should bal- was not trying to do what the “Lots of crazy people,” Salas him in a diff erent way as com- and explosiveness, and he sur- History and ance it out, that I was training too legend was known for, during chips in. “I admire (Floyd) Mayweather pared to say I would have worked vived longer,” he says. even making it, he says, much. But most teachers told my the session when Salas corrected “Linares used to drive me to a lot. Not for his money-throw- with the others,” Salas says. “In the third, he blocked my motivates him. “And to bring parents, that this is actually giving him. the gym every day, and invari- ing, his personal life, but as a “Most national or promoting strongest side (left) completely. something to Qatar through me balance in my life,” he says. “Habit” is all that it is, Sheikh ably talking about how he made boxer, his work ethic. I was lucky organisations have their own He took me to a place I had never boxing, to Qatari youth, promote “At the beginning of my ama- Fahad assures. “Every fi ghter has his (pro) debut,” Sheikh Fahad actually, that in my pro debut, pool of boxers they can spar been before. So I started using healthy lifestyle, discipline.” teur career it was a surprise. But habits. It’s just about timing and reminisces. I had a cutman called Rafael with. That was the idea behind my right in a way I had never He has in the past spoken when I turned professional, it positioning. Sometimes I need to “(Current WBA Cruiserweight Garcia, who had worked with taking him to Spain; they opened used before. And that gave me about bringing pro boxing to the wasn’t a surprise. In my amateur move my feet, and sometimes I World Champion) Beibut Shu- Mayweather from the beginning their arms for us, gave him a such great feedback for training region in general and Qatar in tournaments, I only fought don’t. In pro boxing, you have to menov spoke about his experi- of his career,” Sheikh Fahad says boxing license. It is a very diff er- camp after. I learn from many particular. “In 20 years’ time, two tournaments with the learn how to punch properly, and ences. He is from Kazakhstan about the man who is credited ent experience, not just for him, of the fi ghters I have met. I am when a kid walks into a boxing headguard. So it was really the that takes a lot of adjustments.” and the only two-weight cham- with saving the money-making but for me, Frank Joseph, the right now at the hardest stage, gym in Qatar, he would look at same thing. Today, my parents But that’s not to say that pion from his country, and there brittle hands of the American matchmaker, Franck Bohec, who but once I build myself, I can go my name as someone who paved encourage me to keep going and The Greatest had no impact on were not many pro boxers from through a unique wrapping is taking care of the fi tness train- anywhere. the way. That puts a lot of pres- achieving more, and making Sheikh Fahad. that country when he started. So technique. ing. It is solid team work. “I have become a more natural sure. It’s also exciting,” Sheikh Qatar proud, and bringing more “I was born in 1987. So I never I felt a connect with him. “I spoke with Rafael many “I have 21 world champions boxer, understanding my own Fahad says. pride to our nation.” Gulf Times Saturday, October 20, 2018 3 SPORT

SHOOTING/QSAA CUP Abdul al-Saadi claims men’s double trap gold By Sports Reporter Doha

bdul Basit al-Saadi claimed men’s double trap gold at the Qatar Shooting and Archery AssociationA (QSAA) Cup at the Lusail Complex yesterday. Masoud Hamad al-Athba won the silver, while Masoud Ali al- Naaba claimed the bronze. The competitions are being held as part of Qatar shooters’ preparations for the forthcom- ing Asian Championships to be held in Kuwait, and the Arab Championships which will be held in Doha next month. The penultimate day of the ten- day long competition saw intense contests. In the mixed air rifl e running target event, Mohamed Winners of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association (QSAA) Cup pose with their medals at the Lusail Complex yesterday. Abutaima emerged the best with Amal Mohamed came second. 50m air rifl e event, Ali al-Qahta- soud Hamad and Sarah Mohamed tee, congratulated the winners. Basit al-Saadi said that the gold “In today’s contest, the last camps and experience of playing Anisa Saleh fi nished third. ni stood out with the best per- are leading after the fi rst day. Al-Naimi said the shooters have medals are not easy to achieve shot made the big diff erence be- in overseas tournaments which Aisha al-Suwaidi topped the formance followed by Abdullah Tournament director Ali al- shown promise, especially after but if the focus and the eff orts are tween me and Masood al-Athba. enabled me fetch the fi rst place 50m Air rifl e prone event in the al-Maatid and Ali al-Marqaab. Mannai and Al-Anoud al-Naimi, the competition in the women’s exerted in the right way, it helps I am always trying to develop my in the competition today in the women’s section. In the men’s In the skeet competition, Ma- member of the teams commit- and girls’ competitions. Abdul to achieve success. skill, especially after the training double trap,” said al-Saadi.

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Wimbledon brings in fi nal set tiebreak Osaka drawn in labelled Kevin Anderson’s epic Reuters London semi-fi nal win over Kevin Isner this year as “cruel”. “I love the tiebreak at 12-12, imbledon will in- not 6-6, that’s too soon,” the troduce a fi nal set Swede told Reuters by telephone. tiebreak starting “The Anderson v Isner match from next year’s would have been spectacular in tough group in WChampionships at the All Eng- the fi fth set but with no end in land Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), sight people lost focus and al- organisers said yesterday. most stopped watching.” After a period of consultation South African Anderson with players and offi cials, the eventually won a near three- AELTC ruled that the tiebreak hour fi fth set 26-24 against Is- will be played when the score ner to revive memories of Isner’s reaches 12-12 in the fi nal set of 2010 record-breaking match WTA Finals debut all matches at the tournament, against Frenchman Nicolas Ma- singles and doubles. The move hut which lasted 11 hours and ‘As defending champion I want to defend my title and end the season on a high’ comes after this year’s semi- fi ve minutes over three days. fi nal between American John The fi nal set took eight hours Isner and South Africa’s Kevin and 11 minutes and was won by Anderson in which the fi nal set Isner 70-68. alone, won 26-24 by Anderson, Wimbledon is the second of lasted almost three hours. the four grand slams to employ “Our view was that the time a deciding-set tiebreak although had come to introduce a tiebreak with the US Open using breakers method for matches that had not at 6-6 since 1970. reached their natural conclusion The AELTC said the rule will at a reasonable point during the apply across all events at the deciding set,” AELTC Chairman Championships, but there would Philip Brook said in a statement. be no change to the current for- “While we know the instances mat of the Wheelchair and Quad of matches extending deep into Wheelchair events, which are the fi nal set are rare, we feel that the best of three tiebreak sets. a tiebreak at 12-12 strikes an eq- AELTC chief executive Ri- uitable balance between allow- chard Lewis said the decision ing players ample opportunity would help ensure better-qual- to complete the match to advan- ity tennis. tage, while also providing cer- “(Players) recognise that the tainty that the match will reach quality of tennis goes down and a conclusion in an acceptable players start playing not to lose timeframe.” in a long fi nal set rather than the The AELTC said it had used determination to win,” he told match data from the past 20 BBC Radio 5 Live. Championships and had con- “They recognise it aff ects the sulted with players and offi cials quality of matches in subsequent to reach a decision. rounds. I think players will play Seven-times Grand Slam better because they know it will champion Mats Wilander said he fi nish at 12-12 in a tie-break and welcomed the decision, having they don’t have to save energy.”

MOTORCYCLING Dovizioso fi res Marquez warning in Japan practice

AFP We will be competitive – but so Tokyo will Marc.” Meanwhile, three-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo pulled ucati’s Andrea out of the race after deeming his Finalists (L-R) Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, Sloane Stephens of the US, Naomi Osaka of Japan, Angelique Kerber of Germany, SC Global founder Simon Cheong, Caroline Dovizioso fanned his fractured wrist had not healed Wozniacki of Denmark, Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic, Elina Svitolina of Ukraine and Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic pose after the singles draw ceremony of the fl ickering MotoGP ti- suffi ciently following a ginger WTA Tennis Finals in Singapore yesterday. (Reuters) tle hopes by clocking out lap on his Ducati. theD fastest time in free practice Runaway championship lead- Reuters is a really good player so I’m on Czech Pliskova. Osaka and yesterday ahead of the Japanese er Marquez, who eff ectively has Singapore just really excited to get to play Stephens face off on Monday Jabeur faces Kasatkina test in Grand Prix. his fi rst match point in Japan this them. I’m just looking forward before Kerber takes on Bertens. The Italian set a quickest week, and Dovizioso opted to to every match,” Osaka said. World number one Simona Kremlin Cup title clash lap time of one minute, 45.358 stay in the garage for the second S Open champion Defending champion Caro- Halep pulled out of the event Qualifier Ons Jabeur battled her compatriots in the crowd. seconds in the morning ses- session. Naomi Osaka faces a line Wozniacki headlines the this week with a herniated disc, past Anastasija Sevastova 6-3 “I’m really happy that Tuni- sion at Motegi, edging out Cal Marquez, who leads Dovizioso potentially tough test White Group which also in- which paved the way for fi rst al- 3-6 6-3 in the Kremlin Cup sians are here. They helped Crutchlow (Honda), Johann Zar- by 77 points with just a maxi- in her debut appear- cludes Petra Kvitova, Elina Svi- ternate Bertens to secure a place semi-finals yesterday to reach me through the end because it co (Yamaha) and Honda’s Marc mum 100 points available from Uance at the WTA Finals after tolina and former world number in the $7 million prize money Marquez, who can secure a third the fi nal four races this season, her first WTA final, where was a little bit diff icult.” being drawn in the same group one Karolina Pliskova. tournament. she meets local hope Daria Russia’s Kasatkina later ended straight title this weekend. can join Australian legend Mick as Angelique Kerber and Sloane “All the best players are here Kasatkina. Briton Johanna Konta’s run Honda’s Dani Pedrosa topped Doohan on fi ve premier class Stephens yesterday. so there’s no easy matches,” DRAW: Tunisian Jabeur, playing in her with a clinical 6-4 6-3 victory the timesheets in a damp after- world titles depending on where Apart from Wimbledon cham- Wozniacki said. Red Group seventh match of the event, to reach the final of the tour- noon session with a 1:48.136 as his Italian rival fi nishes. pion Kerber and 2017 US Open “I’m just excited to start the (prefix denotes seeding): fired 45 winners and had five nament for the second year riders and mechanics kept one The 25-year-old Spaniard winner Stephens, Osaka will also competition and do my best. As 1-Angelique Kerber breaks to outlast the world in a row. eye on the darkening skies. would trail Italians Valentino face Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens, defending champion I want to 3-Naomi Osaka number 11 in an hour and 38 Kasatkina lost last year’s title “We knew the bike would be Rossi, who won the last of his who was named as the WTA’s defend my title and end the sea- 5-Sloane Stephens minutes in Moscow. clash to Julia Goerges but the quick here,” said Dovizioso, who seven championships in 2009, Most Improved Player of the Year son on a high.” 8-Kiki Bertens “This is really amazing and I’m 21-year-old will be confident needs victory tomorrow to have and Giacomo Agostini, whose yesterday, in the Red Group after Play begins tomorrow with White Group really happy. I gave it all today going into her second meeting any realistic chance of delaying eighth came in 1975. the draw for the season-ending Kvitova looking to extend her 2-Caroline Wozniacki and it wasn’t easy because she with Jabeur, who she beat in Marquez’s coronation. “Dovi is the man to beat for us event was made at a glitzy gala 7-1 career record against Svi- 4-Petra Kvitova plays really good,” Jabeur, said the Rio Olympics from a set “But we can still improve in all,” insisted Marquez, attempt- ceremony in Singapore. tolina while Australian Open 6-Elina Svitolina before thanking a number of down. certain areas. There’s too much ing to apply some early psycho- “I think everyone in my group champion Wozniacki takes 7-Karolina Pliskova talk about how the race could go. logical pressure. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, October 20, 2018 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Denly checks in early as England ponder Sarfraz, Paine agree slowing down attack By Ali Martin Hales on standby The Guardian for England aft er Bairstow oe Denly has joined Eng- twists ankle wrecker-in-chief land’s one-day tour of Sri Lanka and will com- Alex Hales is preparing for a pete with Sam Curran for return to the England XI for aJ place in the XI today, as the today’s fourth one-day interna- management consider taking tional against Sri Lanka after pace off the ball as they look to Jonny Bairstow twisted an an- wrap up the series. kle during the team’s regular On Wednesday Eoin Mor- pre-nets football warm-up. Abbas is the best gan’s side took a 2-0 lead with Bairstow, the side’s leading two games to play thanks to a batsman in 2018 with 1,025 ‘Looks like they hadn’t prepared for Abbas, they took him a little easy’ dominant seven-wicket victory runs from opener, suff ered the at Pallekele in a match that was injury to his right ankle while AFP reduced to 21 overs a side due to stretching for the ball and was Abu Dhabi rain. But despite their obvious su- not seen during the remainder periority over the home side the of yesterday’s training session. team may be tweaked regardless. His fitness is now due to be ival captains Sarfraz Tomorrow’s fourth one-day assessed on the morning of Ahmed and Tim Paine international is at the same the match as Eoin Morgan’s were unanimous in venue (a day game that should No 1-ranked side look to take their praise of wicket- hopefully produce more cricket an unassailable 3-0 series lead takingR sensation Mohamed Ab- before any afternoon storms) with one fixture – Tuesday’s bas, who helped Pakistan thrash and England are pondering day-nighter in Colombo – still Australia in the second Test in whether to use Denly’s leg-spin to play. Hales has been frozen Abu Dhabi yesterday. or the left-arm medium of Sam out of his preferred open- The 28-year-old seamer took Curran given the surface they ing position in the past year 5 for 62 as Australia, set a colos- encountered in midweek. because of the blistering form sal 538-run target, were bowled The new-ball pairing of Chris of Bairstow and Jason Roy. But out for 164 on the fourth after- Woakes and Olly Stone – cen- having made six ODI centuries noon in their worst-ever defeat tral to the victory in Dambulla in the past three years – the against Pakistan, losing by 373 – proved easier to score off in Sri most recent being 147 against runs at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Lanka’s 150 for nine, both going Australia during England’s Abbas fi nished with 10 for 95 at eight or more an over, while world-record 481 for six at for the match after taking 5 for the spinners and those with Trent Bridge in the summer 33 in the fi rst innings, ending more variations at their disposal – he represents a more than up as man-of-the-series with off ered Morgan greater control useful replacement. 17 wickets in two Tests. Sarfraz and wicket-taking threat. claimed Australia weren’t ready Tom Curran, granted his fi rst to roll our arms over in the nets for Abbas, who was also named appearance since March after – I thought I was better than Mo, man-of-the-series on Paki- Liam Dawson’s tour-ending he thought he was better than stan’s trip to England earlier side injury, picked up three for me. this year. 17 by varying his speeds master- “It is funny how things have “Looks like they hadn’t pre- fully and Adil Rashid overcame a changed. He has gone on and pared for Abbas, they took him greasy ball for fi gures of four for played over 50 Tests and God a little easy,” said Sarfraz. Aus- 36; Ben Stokes, though wick- knows how many one-dayers tralia entered the two-Test se- etless, also mixed it up for an and T20s, taken lots of wickets ries focused on the threat of leg- economy rate of fi ve an over. and is a genuine all-rounder – spinner Yasir Shah, although he While the younger Curran ap- probably one of the best in the managed just eight wickets. peared to have the edge two days world. He is certainly an inspira- “But credit goes to Abbas, out, Rashid’s success means tion not just for me but for a lot because the pitch is not suitable Denly should not be discounted of people, I am sure. He is a fan- for fast bowlers,” said Sarfraz. for what would be a 10th ODI cap tastic cricketer.” “The way he bowled, he was but a fi rst for nine years. Denly’s arrival comes 10 days the best bowler on either side. Though a batsman primarily, earlier than expected, hav- The way he bowled throughout the 32-year-old’s bowling has ing originally been named in he was the main factor for us improved considerably and he the Test squad only, despite the winning the series.” arrives fresh from his all-round white-ball formats being his Abbas took seven wickets in performances for Kent in the most profi table of late. the fi rst Test which Australia summer, for which he landed Were he to crack this England drew after a determined fi ghtback four awards at the Professional one-day team – no mean feat on the fi fth day in Dubai. Sarfraz Cricketers’ Association’s end- given the resources – it would said both teams were missing of-season bash. likely see him down the order, experienced players, with Pa- Indeed Denly insists the aim a far cry from his role at Kent kistan’s Test unit in a transition Pakistan’s bowler Mohamed Abbas (left) celebrates with teammate after dismissing Australian batsman Travis Head during day four of the now is to become known as a where in both the Royal London phase after last year’s retirement second Test in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (AFP) genuine all-rounder. After ar- Cup and the T20 Blast the right- of senior batsmen Younis Khan riving at the team hotel in Kandy hander has been an aggressive and Misbah-ul-Haq. it but couldn’t. The way we re- challenged our defence and was “hard to swallow”. “It’s bitterly cricket we wanted to play.” on Wednesday, one of the fi rst opener. Australia were without key covered from 57-5 on day one too good for us. Yasir didn’t get disappointing, no doubt. We Pakistan and Australia now teammates he bumped into was Second oldest in the squad af- batsmen Steve Smith and David was remarkable.” the wickets, but he bowled just had some momentum from the head into a series of three Moeen Ali, who has risen from ter Liam Plunkett, who has also Warner – both banned a year Paine agreed with Sarfraz’s as well. Over here, one of the fi rst Test, started really well here Twenty20 internationals, part-timer to mainstay of the joined the trip but may be held for their role in the ball-tam- assessment of Abbas, the fi rst things our bowlers talked about but it went a bit pear-shaped to with the fi rst in Abu Dhabi on bowling attack. back a little longer, Denly also pering scandal in South Africa Pakistani fast bowler to take a was building pressure from both be honest all over the fi eld,” he Wednesday. Khawaja, who has “We used to play England Un- looks a sound bet to impress his in March. “I am not so surprised 10-wicket haul in a Test since ends. That is what Pakistan did said. “It’s hard to swallow. We scored a match-saving 141 in der-19s together and we used to teammates in their all-impor- at this win,” said Sarfraz. “Both Mohamed Asif against Sri Lan- really well together.” came here to win this series and the fi rst Test, is now a doubt take the mick out of each other’s tant football warm-ups given he teams are missing senior play- ka at Kandy in 2006. Paine, who took over the cap- we did OK in the fi rst Test and for the start of the home series bowling,” said Denly. “We were was once on Charlton Athletic’s ers. The way my team played “Abbas is a world-class taincy in the wake of Smith’s showed at least some fi ght and against India, which begins in both batters back then. We used books. the fi rst match, we almost won bowler,” said Paine. “He (Abbas) suspension, said the defeat was showed the style and brand of Adelaide on December 6.

NBA Blazers spoil LeBron’s Lakers debut AFP and Nik Stauskas scored 24 cast like he did when he left Los Angeles points off the bench for Port- Cleveland for Miami eight years land, which won its NBA record ago. 18th straight home opener. Lakers fans were intrigued to eBron James began his With the Lakers up 6-2 after see how well James would mesh Los Angeles Lakers era baskets by Rajon Rondo, JaVale with his mostly younger team- with two rim-rattling McGee and Brandon Ingram, mates, and how much he can dunks on Thursday, but James stole the ball from Port- help them improve on their 35- Lthe 14-time all star couldn’t land forward Jake Layman and 47 record of a year ago. reverse a string of losing debut raced to the other end for a James fi nished with six as- games with new NBA teams. dunk. sists but at times he also looked James scored a game-high The Blazers answered with out of sync with his new mates, 26 points and had 12 rebounds a dunk of their own from Lil- such as when he tried a behind but the Portland Trail Blazers lard. James immediately hit the back pass with 20 seconds spoiled his Lakers debut with back, weaving through defend- left in the game to someone a 128-119 victory at the Moda ers for another emphatic dunk under the basket. No one an- Center arena. to record his second basket as a ticipated the play and the ball The basketball world has new Laker. ended up bouncing harmlessly Abdul Qadir’s son gets Australia PM XI nod been waiting months to see the into the stands. 33-year-old James in the purple THUNDER DUNKS Last season, James averaged Usman Qadir, the son of Pakistan spin-bowling great Abdul, was and gold jersey and when the “They were thunderous,” Josh 27.5 points, a career-high 9.1 named in a Prime Minister’s XI to face South Africa yesterday, inch- moment arrived he delivered. Hart said. “That gave us great assists and 8.6 rebounds. ing a little closer to his goal of one day representing Australia. James electrifi ed the Portland energy. He’s the best player He led the league in minutes The 25-year-old, a leg-spinner like his father, moved to Australia crowd with back-to-back mon- in the world for a reason. He for the second straight year, and to play for in 2016 and is hoping to become a citizen in 2020 and ster slams for his fi rst points showed that.” he also made the all-NBA fi rst represent his adopted nation in the Twenty20 World Cup later that as a Laker, but ultimately he Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots over Portland The Trail Blazers were also team for the 11th straight season. same year. couldn’t prevent them from Trail Blazers centre Jusuf Nurkic in the first half of their NBA game playing with heavy hearts on James appeared in the NBA fi - The Prime Minister’s XI is traditionally a mix of promising young- dropping their 16th straight at Moda Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Thursday following the death of nals for the eighth straight year, sters with experienced internationals whose time in the Australia game to Portland dating back to owner and Microsoft co-found- where the Cavaliers were swept side has come to an end and the side named to play South Africa in March 2014. off season and agreed to a four- as well,” James said. “Those er Paul Allen. The 65-year-old by the Golden State Warriors. Canberra on Oct. 31 was no exception. “It’s not instant oatmeal. year deal worth $154 million were all positive. Allen died on Monday from He played with the Heat from Captained by former Australia Twenty20 skipper George Bailey and It’s not that fast,” James said. with the Lakers. “There’s some things that complications from Hodgkin’s 2010-2014, winning two cham- with former test opener Chris Rogers at the top of batting order, the “It takes some time to get that Against Portland, James shot we could do better. We can re- lymphoma. pionships there. team also includes sprinkling of fringe national team and Australia A chemistry where you can just nine-of-16 from the fi eld in 37 bound a lot better, we had some “We wanted to come out and He returned to the Cavaliers representatives. close your eyes and know ex- minutes of playing time. Josh turnovers, which I expected. Us start the season right and to and won a championship in 2016 Qadir earned his spot on the back of a promising start to his time actly where guys are.” Hart added 20 points for the just trying to get a feel for one honour our owner, Mr. Paul Al- and was the NBA fi nals MVP for in state competition with Western Australia, taking 3-50 on debut The Lakers will play their Lakers. another.” len. That’s what tonight was all each of his wins. against Victoria in a one-dayer last month. fi rst home game today against “I liked our fi ght to get back Said Lakers coach Luke Wal- about for us, not about the noise His fellow Pakistan-born leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed played three the Houston Rockets at Staples into the game when we were ton, “Glad he’s on our team. surrounding the game,” Lillard RESULTS ODIs and two T20s for Australia after claiming asylum in the coun- Center. down double digits. I liked the He’s pretty good at the game of said. Philadelphia 127 Chicago 108 try in 2010, while current Test opener Usman Khawaja was born in James opted out of his con- way we competed at times. I basketball.” With the Lakers, James does Miami 113 Washington 112 Islamabad before emigrating to Australia as a child. tract with Cleveland in the liked the way we shared the ball Damian Lillard had 28 points not have a strong supporting Portland 128 LA Lakers 119 Gulf Times Saturday, October 20, 2018 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Aditi paves way for Indian women golfers AFP but very few women, but I think Aditi became the fi rst Indian Shanghai now it’s growing,” Aditi told AFP to win on the Ladies European at the Buick LPGA Shanghai yes- Tour (LET) when – as a rookie terday. – she triumphed at the Hero diti Ashok is the only In- Aditi, who was at even-par Women’s Indian Open in 2016. dian player on the pres- 144 at the halfway stage, esti- The Bangalore native, whose tigious US-based LPGA mates that there are only about father carries her bag, was Tour and the biggest 20 to 30 professional women named LET rookie of the year, nameA in Indian women’s golf. golfers in India. That is a piddly underlining her promise. So when she says that old at- number when you consider that She is now chasing her fi rst titudes are slowly changing, she the country has a population of LPGA victory and is aware that should know. nearly 1.4 billion. she is something of a trailblazer Just 20 years old, insiders Asked if she faced discrimina- for Indian women’s golf. say that Aditi has the talent to tion from those back home who “We had three or four girls inspire a generation of wom- feel that women should not play on the European Tour last year, en golfers in India, much like golf, she said: “Not really, maybe before we never really had any- former world number one Feng 50 or 60 years ago, but not now, body,” she said. Shanshan in China. India has advanced. According to Aditi, who start- Aditi is used to expectations – “Having said that, 70 percent ed playing golf with her family she represented India at the Rio of India is rural so in the villages “and never stopped”, there are 2016 Olympics when she was they would not even have heard still fi ve times more men Indian only 18. of golf or even think of sport – golfers and they earn more mon- And while she fi nished well let alone golf – as a career. ey than the women. out of medal contention, it “But that is changing slowly “It’s about more girls getting helped put the game she has as the popularity of golf grows. to play,” she said. played since she was fi ve on the “The Olympics helped a lot “Before it wasn’t really con- map back home. because a lot of people who sidered a game that juniors “It’s getting better, we’ve had would not normally follow golf played – and junior girls were men on the bigger tours, like the followed just because it was an very few – but as those numbers European Tour and PGA Tour, Olympic sport.” grow, it’s going to get better.” India’s Aditi Ashok in action during the final day of the 2016 edition of the Qatar Ladies Open. PICTURES: Anas al-Samaraee

GOLF FOCUS Ed Moses backs calls for probe into WADA Piercy grabs lead at bullying claims

AFP that I was told bluntly by various Sydney individuals not to speak. I was told to shut up. “This would be off ensive if thletics great Ed Mo- it weren’t so puzzling: why are CJ Cup as Koepka ses says he was told to some offi cials who purport to “shut up” at a meeting represent clean sport trying to of world anti-doping muzzle the interventions of oth- chiefsA as he backed calls yester- ers with whom they disagree at ‘If there’s no wind, you day for an investigation into bul- international anti-doping meet- lying claims at the organisation. ings?” can definitely take Moses, chair of the US Anti- WADA could not immediately Doping Agency, said a “hostile be reached, but in a statement to makes charge advantage of it’ atmosphere” was “increasingly the BBC denied two-time Olym- becoming the norm in the global pic champion Moses has been AFP anti-doping cauldron”. told to keep quiet. Jeju, South Korea His comments, in an opin- “Neither Mr Moses nor any- ion piece in the Sydney Morn- one else was told to ‘shut up’ at ing Herald, follow allegations by the board meeting in May – had eteran Scott Piercy Beckie Scott, chair of the World that happened, it would have took the second round Anti-Doping Agency’s Athlete been reported by media in the lead at the CJ Cup at Committee, that she was “bul- room,” it said. Nine Bridges yester- lied” by some WADA offi cials “Indeed, during the course Vday with world number three over her opposition to reinstat- of the meeting, Mr Moses did Brooks Koepka lurking in sec- ing Russia’s anti-doping agency. speak. He delivered his report as ond place. Scott, a Canadian former the chair of the education com- The 39-year-old Piercy defi ed Olympic cross-country skiing mittee, for which he was thanked his world ranking of 252 to fi re champion, last month resigned and which was duly and offi cially a bogey-free seven-under-par from the panel that recom- noted by the board.” round of 65, moving to nine un- mended lifting the ban on RU- David Sharpe, the head of der for the $9.5 million US PGA SADA, which had been declared Australia’s anti-doping body, tournament. non-compliant in 2015 after rev- ASADA, on Monday said Scott’s But Koepka, US PGA Tour elations of a vast state-backed allegations should be independ- Player of the Year, sits just one scheme to avoid drug testers. ently investigated, a move that back after his own 65. Lifting the ban was blasted by Moses backed. He fi nished with a fl ourish, many athletes and national anti- “Australia’s Sharpe is right to picking up an eagle at the par- doping agencies. call it out because this inappro- 5 18th following a booming tee Moses, also a physicist who priate behaviour is long-stand- shot. pioneered the development ing and wholly unacceptable,” “I feel like I struck it really of anti-doping policies while he said. well,” Koepka said. working at the US Olympic “This is why it is all the more “I putted really well. My Committee, said he too had wit- surprising that WADA has still iron play was very consistent nessed bullying. not eff ectively said whether it and I gave myself good looks. “Unfortunately, Scott is not will conduct an inquiry into If you can put it on the fairway alone in being attacked for want- Scott’s bullying claims, and why and give yourself a good look ing to clean things up,” he said. it is puzzling that the Interna- at birdies, these greens are so “It was only in May, at WADA’s tional Olympic Committee has good you’re going to make a few last foundation board meeting, remained entirely silent.” putts.” The conditions at the Club at Nine Bridges on the resort is- land of Jeju were far gentler than Kenyan ex-sports minister charged Thursday’s blustery fi rst round, when just 18 players broke par. over Rio Olympics graft A total of 44 did so yesterday, Former Kenyan sports minister led by Brian Harman’s 64. Hassan Wario was charged Koepka – who averaged 313 in court yesterday with abuse yards off the tee last season, of off ice over the siphoning ranking eighth on the tour – off of funds meant for athletes said he capitalised on the be- who competed in the 2016 Rio nign conditions with length. Olympics. “If there’s no wind, you can Kenya enjoyed its most suc- defi nitely take advantage of it,” cessful Olympics ever in Rio, he said. winning six gold medals, six “It brings the driver into play silvers and one bronze, all in for me a bit more and I can fi re track and field. But the on-field away.” achievements were blighted Piercy, who tied for 27th at Scott Piercy of the US tosses the ball on the fifteenth hole during the second round of the CJ Cup golf tournament at Nine Bridges golf by allegations of corruption the CIMB Classic in Malay- club in Jeju Island yesterday. (AFP) among Kenyan team leaders sia last week, said his putter and senior government off icials. “showed up”. ter and Alex Noren were both the Green Jacket at Augusta Na- LEADING SCORES Harman 76-64 An investigation laid the blame “I made some putts of pret- at fi ve-under through 36 holes, tional in 2016 – had a nightmare 135 - Scott Piercy 70-65 141 - J.J. Spaun 71-70, Andrew on Wario, the sports minister at Keino was the chairman of the ty good lengths,” he added. the Swede matching Piercy with day. 136 - Brooks Koepka 71-65 Putnam 73-68, Jimmy Walker the time, and six other former National Olympic Committee “Hopefully, the putter will stay a bogey-less 65. He dropped fi ve shots in six 138 - Chez Reavie 68-70 72-69, Cameron Smith (AUS) senior off icials, according to during the Rio Games when there.” But England’s former Mas- holes from the second to the 139 - Alex Noren (SWE) 74-65, 74-67 142 - Joel Dahmen 72-70, the East African country’s chief more than 55 million shillings Overnight leader Chez Reavie ters winner Danny Willett – seventh – including a double Ian Poulter (ENG) 70-69 Kevin Na 73-69, Brice Garnett prosecutor, Noordin Haji. were misappropriated. He was carded 70 to move to six-under who was joint second after the bogey on the par-4 fi fth – to 140 - Ryan Armour 73-67, Jamie 73-69, Adam Hadwin (CAN) Wario, who became Kenya’s not in court yesterday and and slipped to third place, while fi rst round, still seeking a fi rst card a fi ve-over 77 and slump 54 Lovemark 72-68, Pat Perez 72- 71-71, Kim Si-woo (KOR) 69-73, ambassador to Austria earlier prosecutors said they were Ryder Cup teammates Ian Poul- tournament win since taking places on the leaderboard. 68, Gary Woodland 73-67, Brian Sung Kang (KOR) 75-67. this year, was charged with investigating his role further. six counts of abuse of off ice. Dozens of senior government He and two of his co-accused off icials and business people denied the charges before a are facing various charges relat- Pressure-free Kim grabs outright Shanghai LPGA lead Nairobi magistrate and were ed to corruption, part of a fresh then freed on bail of 1 million attempt by President Uhuru Kim Sei-young reeled off four birdies in ies on holes six to nine on the way to 67. “When I think too much, I play badly,” said opening 66. shillings ($9,915.72) each. The Kenyatta since May to crack a row to grab the outright lead at the She sits top of the pile on 10 under after the 25-year-old. “In my country, I thought Co-sanctioned by the US LPGA and the trial will be held next month. down on widespread graft. halfway stage of the inaugural Buick LPGA the opening two rounds, but with Ariya too much, there was too much pressure China LPGA, the new Shanghai event Prosecutors have said they also Critics accused Kenyatta of fail- Shanghai yesterday. The South Korean and Kang hot on her heels. and I wanted so much to win. becomes just the second off icial LPGA expect to charge Kipchoge Kei- ing to deal with corruption dur- leads by one shot from overnight leader Kim said she was enjoying playing without “This week I try to empty my mind.” tournament staged in China. no, a renowned former athlete ing his first term which ended Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand and Danielle pressure in China, having finished tied 21st World number two Ariya, who is gunning The event, with a $2.1 million purse, joins who bagged golds for Kenya at last year, despite promises to Kang of the United States. last week at the Hana Bank Championship for her fourth win of the season, stayed in the Blue Bay LPGA, which tees off next the Olympics in Mexico City in do so when he was first elected Kim, ranked 15th in the world, nailed bird- on home soil. firm contention with a 69 to go with her month on southern China’s Hainan island. 1968 and Munich in 1972. in 2013. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, October 20, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Court rejects Russian footballers’ appeal

A Russian court rejected appeals by two ex-international footballers who have been charged over an unprovoked attack on two government off icials. Krasnodar midfielder Pavel Mamaev Henry makes Ligue 1 and Zenit Saint Petersburg forward Al- exander Kokorin have been behind bars since last week pending a “hooliganism” trial and were off icially charged. They will be detained until at least Decem- ber 8 and face up to seven years in jail if they are convicted. Video footage caught the two men attacking two return with Monaco Russian trade ministry off icials in an upscale Moscow cafe this month. One of the off icials, Denis Pak, an ethnic Ko- Champions PSG host Amiens today eyeing a record-extending 10th straight win rean, was hit with a chair while eating.

AFP Keita to miss Liverpool’s Paris trip to Huddersfi eld

hierry Henry returns to Ligue Liverpool will be without injured mid- 1 for the fi rst time in 19 years fielder Naby Keita for today’s Premier this weekend, tasked with League trip to Huddersfield Town but dragging a crisis-hit Monaco defender Virgil van Dijk has recovered Taway from the relegation zone after a from a rib problem, manager Juergen miserable start to the season. Klopp said. Keita, who has featured in The Arsenal great came through the all eight league matches for the club so youth system at the principality club far, went off with a muscle problem in in the 1990s, and is now mirroring the Guinea’s 1-1 draw with Rwanda on Tues- start of his playing career with his fi rst day. Liverpool are also sweating on the job as a head coach, after a two-year fitness of striker Mohamed Salah, who spell as assistant to Roberto Martinez picked up a groin injury on international with the Belgian national side. duty with Egypt while fellow forward The 41-year-old has a diffi cult job Sadio Mane is a major doubt after hav- ahead of him, with Monaco occupying ing hand surgery. the relegation play-off spot and only above the bottom two on goal diff er- ence, and he knows that his immediate West Ham’s Wilshere job is just to arrest the slide. “How do suff ers injury setback you defi ne success? It’s diffi cult. At a big European club success is winning West Ham United midfielder Jack the Champions League,” said Henry Wilshere’s return after an ankle surgery ahead of his fi rst game in charge at has been pushed back but in an wel- Strasbourg today. “At other clubs, it’s come boost striker Andy Carroll was winning the league or helping play- back training on the pitch, manager ers get better. Long term, it’s really far Manuel Pellegrini has said. away when I know the situation we’re Wilshere, who joined West Ham from in here and what we need to do.” Arsenal on a free transfer at the start of Leonardo Jardim was sacked as Mo- the season, underwent a minor ankle naco boss last week after a hugely suc- surgery after picking up the injury cessful spell in charge which saw the against Wolverhampton Wanderers club win the French title in 2017 and early last month. The 26-year-old, fi nish as runners-up to Paris Saint- however, remains on the sidelines due Germain last season, but the constant to some inflammation around the ankle, changes of playing personnel eventu- pushing his likely return to next month. ally got the better of him. West Ham, currently 15th, host London Monaco have gone 10 matches rivals Tottenham Hotspur today. without a win since beating Nantes on the opening weekend of the Ligue 1 season, including home defeats by Benzema hits out at Angers and Rennes in recent weeks. kidnapping claims Their fans will be desperately hop- ing that Henry, who scored over 400 Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has goals in a glittering playing career, can brushed off reports he was involved coax the best out of under-performing Monaco’s French coach Thierry Henry (centre) walks past his players during a training session in La Turbie, near Monaco, yesterday. (AFP) in the attempted kidnapping of an youngsters like Youri Tielemans and acquaintance who owes him 50,000 Aleksandr Golovin. The teenager ran riot at the Parc held by Olympique Lillois for most taken the early advantage in the race to will be looking to make a point after euros. “This must stop,” Benzema said “For me, a coach is supposed to des Princes that day, saying that he consecutive victories at the start of qualify for the Champions League — an underwhelming display in France’s on his Twitter page following a report make people better fi rst and fore- “should have scored more”, and Ami- a French top-fl ight campaign, and Christophe Galtier’s men sit second, friendly draw with Iceland. by the Mediapart website implicating most,” 1998 World Cup winner Henry ens will be hoping Mbappe, Neymar coach Thomas Tuchel gave the play- eight points adrift of PSG and three the exiled France international in the said. “Improving players for me is al- and Edinson Cavani are distracted by ers who were not on international duty clear of Marseille. LIGUE 1 FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) attempted kidnap. Mediapart’s report ready a success, but then you have dif- Wednesday’s Champions League clash the week off as reward. Florian Thauvin, the 25-year-old Today: Paris Saint-Germain v Amiens claimed Benzema was personally ferent types of success.” with Napoli. With the title already all but in the winger has been in red-hot form since involved in the alleged attempt because (1500), Caen v Guingamp, Dijon v Lille, PSG host Amiens today eyeing a The French striker has already bag, it could be tempting for PSG to the start of last season, and his Mar- he was owed the money by a supposed Nantes v Toulouse, Reims v Angers, record-extending 10th straight win to scored 10 goals in just seven matches take their foot off the pedal and focus seille side make the short trip to take victim identified only as Leo D. The start the season after Kylian Mbappe’s for PSG this term, and even featured on European matters, but the runaway on Patrick Vieira’s Nice tomorrow. Strasbourg v Monaco (1800) report cites the testimony of Leo D., a four-goal heroics inspired a 5-0 on the front cover of Time magazine leaders have shown no signs of that so Thauvin, who has scored 44 league Tomorrow: Montpellier v Bordeaux former acquaintance of Benzema’s who thrashing of Lyon before the interna- earlier this month. The capital-city far, netting 32 times. With Lyon and goals since returning to France in 2016 (1300), Saint-Etienne v Rennes (1500), filed a complaint with police on October tional break. giants broke the 82-year-old record Monaco both out of sorts, Lille have after an ill-fated spell at Newcastle, Nice v Marseille (1900) 8 following the alleged kidnap.

BUNDESLIGA LA LIGA ‘Disrespectful, disgusting’ — Barcelona and Real scrap for revival AFP Bayern bosses attack media Madrid AFP Berlin eal Madrid and Barcelo- na cannot avoid heading into next week’s Clasico ayern Munich bosses under pressure but each Karl-Heinz Rum- haveR two games to lift the mood at menigge and Uli least, ahead of the pivotal clash at Hoeness yesterday the Camp Nou. Eight games into launchedB an extraordinary at- La Liga and both Julen Lopetegui tack on the German media over and Ernesto Valverde are feeling “disrespectful and disgusting” the heat, forced to defend poor reporting amid a rare four- runs that have seen their teams match winless streak for the manage a combined total of two Bundesliga champions. wins from their last 10 games. “FC Bayern will no longer Madrid’s slump feels the more accept this manner (of report- entrenched, given they are with- ing),” fumed Rummenigge, who out a goal in 360 minutes, dis- even quoted a paragraph of the Bayern Munich are sixth in the Bundesliga table — four points counting injury time, and three German constitution which behind leaders Borussia Dortmund. (Reuters) of their last four matches have says “human dignity shall be ended in defeat. While Barca inviolable”. Rummenigge re- tles — often by a huge points about football clubs, the games can point to their riveting win at vealed Bayern have even taken margin — meaning sharp criti- and people in charge of the Wembley over Tottenham, and legal action against the Axel cism of the club is a rare oc- clubs,” said Frank Ueberall, the then a point gained in Valencia, Springer corporation which currence. Rummenigge and chairman of the German Jour- Madrid have endured successive owns Germany’s top-selling Hoeness certainly appear to nalists Union (DJV). “I don’t setbacks away to CSKA Moscow daily newspaper Bild. be struggling to cope with the know of any law that means we and Alaves. Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale (centre), Marcelo and Karim Benzema (right) attend a training session at the “Obviously you no longer broadsides aimed at Bayern in have to bow down in front of FC They have two home games to Valdebebas training ground in Madrid yesterday. (AFP) think about dignity and de- recent weeks. “We will not put Bayern. It is up to the media to clear the fog, and winnable ones corum anymore,” he told re- up with this slanderous and call a bad run of results the way too, against Levante in La Liga going and to believe. “We are fo- team are only two points off the corner has been turned. Level porters. “There seem to be no degrading coverage,” said Rum- they are.” today before Viktoria Plzen visit cused only on the game tomor- top, where Sevilla are the sur- with the Catalans are Atletico boundaries anymore, especially menigge. “We will protect our Should Bayern fail to win in on Tuesday in the Champions row,” he said. “We know that this prise frontrunners. Madrid, whose resurgence after a for the media and even ‘experts’ players, our coach and also the Wolfsburg, Dortmund have a League. A pair of victories, and season there are questions for all Barca face Sevilla tonight in slow start is already in full swing. who have played at this club.” club from today.” great chance to extend their just as importantly, some goals, teams. How the season will play an unexpected duel of fi rst and Atletico visit struggling Villarre- Criticism of Bayern’s stars, Hoeness, Bayern’s president, lead at bottom side Stuttgart. would earn Lopetegui much- out, nobody knows. We need to second, where the onus will be al today, looking to make it eight particularly club captain continued by singling out in- Dortmund striker Paco Alcacer needed breathing space. win on the pitch.” on Valverde’s men to make a games unbeaten. Manuel Neuer, who has strug- dividual journalists for fi erce is in rich form with nine goals in He is already being asked The Real coach said he had al- statement. Sevilla have won four gled for form since twice frac- criticism, “we will not accept his last fi ve games. about his future in the same job most all his squad fi t with the re- league games on the bounce and, FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) turing his foot in 2017, plus disrespectful, disgusting cov- he sacrifi ced Spain and the World covery of the injured Isco, Karim in one of those, thumped Real Today: Real Madrid v Levante veterans Arjen Robben, 34, and erage”. Bayern’s sports director FIXTURES (ALL TIMES 1330 Cup for in June. “I feel good, I’m Benzema, Marcelo and Gareth Madrid 3-0. They also continue a (1100), Valencia v Leganes (1415), Franck Ribery, 35, has clearly Hasan Salihamidzic, who also GMT UNLESS STATED) Real Madrid coach, the pressure bale, without indicating if any run of blockbuster ties for Barca, irked the senior Bayern fi gures. attended the hastily-arranged would play against Levante. which has already included Spurs Villarreal v Atletico Madrid (1630), Today: Wolfsburg v Bayern is at the maximum,” Lopetegui Back-to-back league de- press conference, fi red back at said yesterday. Seven games without a goal and Valencia, and will stretch Barcelona v Sevilla (1845) Munich, Bayer Leverkusen v feats against Hertha Berlin and criticism that he has failed to Asked if he feels he has the have seen calls grow louder deep into November. After Se- Tomorrow: Rayo Vallecano v Hanover, Stuttgart v Borussia Borussia Moenchengladbach support head coach Niko Kovac support of the club, Lopetegui for Mariano Diaz to be given a villa, they play at home to Inter Dortmund, Augsburg v RB Leip- Getafe (1000), Eibar v Athletic have left Bayern sixth in the enough publically. said he was “absolutely calm” chance and Lopetegui may now Milan on Wednesday and Real Bilbao (1415), Huesca v Espanyol Bundesliga table — four points Germany’s journalist un- zig, Nuremberg v Hoff enheim, and added: “You have to live with be able to oblige, without the Madrid next Sunday. At the start Schalke v Werder Bremen (1830) (1630), Real Betis v Real Valladolid behind leaders Borussia Dort- ion wasted little time in hit- all these ups and downs in a sea- unwanted dig at Benzema’s con- of next month, they face Inter (1845) mund before today’s match at ting back at Bayern’s fury. “We Tomorrow: Hertha Berlin v son knowing that we are where a fi dence. Lopetegui is also right to again in Italy, Atletico Madrid Wolfsburg. Bayern have won won’t allow the bosses of clubs Freiburg, Borussia Moencheng- team can reach any heights and draw comfort from the table, as and Real Betis. A win this week- On Monday: Real Sociedad v the past six German league ti- to dictate how journalists report ladbach v Mainz (1800) the only recipe is to work, to keep Barcelona’s stumbles mean his end and Barcelona might feel a Girona (1900) Gulf Times Saturday, October 20, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Sarri’s Chelsea show Mourinho United travel to Stamford Bridge seven how to have fun and win points adrift of Chelsea

AFP vinces you to put aside any regrets, start a demanding seven-game stretch London even if you concede at the last minute in 21 days against a West Ham side to- or fi ve minutes into stoppages,” Sarri day that have already proven to be at said, reliving the challenge of facing their best on the big occasion this sea- anchester United man- Klopp as Liverpool snatched a 1-1 draw son. Of the Hammers seven Premier ager Jose Mourinho re- with a late equaliser last month. League points from eight games, four turns to his former home “That was an extraordinary show. came from home games against Chelsea today seeking to stop the Just 10 minutes earlier, I saw Klopp and United. Mrot against a high-fl ying Chelsea team looking at me with the game going on. Spurs have equalled their best ever playing with a smile on their faces un- I asked: ‘Why are you smiling?’ He re- start to a Premier League season de- der Maurizio Sarri. United fought back plied: ‘Aren’t you having fun?’ I said: spite already appearing at times to be from 2-0 down at home to Newcas- ‘So much’ and he added ‘me too’. He running on fumes with a series of inju- tle to win 3-2 two weeks ago to hand was losing at the time. Even after the ries to players who went deep into the Mourinho a stay of execution as reports equaliser, remembering that moment, World Cup. emerged that the Portuguese was set to we hugged like two old friends.” Mauricio Pochettino will again be be axed. Chelsea’s players have fl ourished without Dele Alli, Jan Vertonghen and That rousing revival kept the man under Sarri, none more so than the Danny Rose and could be distracted by who won three Premier League titles at Premier League’s top goalscorer Eden a must-win Champions League tie at Chelsea in a job for now. But a far more Hazard. “I like this type of game. It’s PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday. demanding run of fi xtures, including completely diff erent than Conte or City, Liverpool expected to bounce two matches against Juventus and a trip Mourinho before,” said the Belgian, back Neither side were too disheart- to Premier League champions Man- who has eight goals already this season. ened when Liverpool and City played chester City, will determine whether “We have more ball so for me it’s not out a 0-0 draw at Anfi eld just before that victory was a turning point or a bad.” the international break to preserve their false dawn. Sarri has challenged Hazard to score unbeaten starts to the league season. United travel to Stamford Bridge 40 goals this season, adding: “It is easy After that anticipated thriller fell fl at, already seven points adrift of Chel- to stimulate Hazard — as long as you though, both will be expected get back sea, who are level on 20 points at the let him have fun.” How the likes of Paul among the goals this weekend when top of the Premier League with City Pogba, Alexis Sanchez and Anthony Burnley visit the Etihad and winless and Liverpool. Mourinho’s season has Martial must wish they had the same Huddersfi eld host Liverpool. been blighted by confrontations with creative freedom at Old Traff ord. key players and an inability, or refusal, All three were instrumental in Unit- FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) to play the brand of attacking football ed’s fi ghtback against Newcastle when, Today: Chelsea v Manchester United United fans became accustomed to with nothing to lose, Mourinho threw (1130), Bournemouth v Southampton, during the glory years of Alex Fergu- caution to the wind. In three previous son’s 27-year tenure. After missing out visits back to Stamford Bridge as Unit- Cardiff v Fulham, Manchester City v on City boss Pep Guardiola and Liver- ed boss, Mourinho’s conservative set- Burnley, Newcastle v Brighton, West pool manager Jurgen Klopp in the years Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is all smiles during a press conference in London yesterday. (Reuters) up has delivered three defeats without Ham v Tottenham, Wolves v Watford (all since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, a single goal. The time has come, like 1400), Huddersfield v Liverpool (1630) United may also come to regret not in two spells at Chelsea, Mourinho was had more in common than they would back on faces at Chelsea with an at- Sarri, to embrace the “spectacle” if he Tomorrow: Everton v Crystal Palace chasing Sarri when the Italian was on an arch-pragmatist. Despite his clash- probably like to admit when it came to tractive brand of football that has also is to see out a treacherous three weeks (1500) the market in the summer. es with Sarri’s predecessor at Stam- tactics. Sarri’s style could not be more produced results. “There are moments ahead. Even during his successful periods ford Bridge, Antonio Conte, the two diff erent. The Italian has put the smile when the grand spectacle of it all con- Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur On Monday: Arsenal v Leicester (1900)

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS De Bruyne poised to make Mourinho promises ‘Hazard can win Ballon d’Or at Chelsea’ Man City return AFP ahead of tomorrow’s match with Man- Manchester: Kevin de Bruyne best behaviour for London chester United. “No problem at all. I am is in contention to make his very happy with this club, with the team, return from injury when my family is happy here. So If I don’t go to Manchester City host Burnley Chelsea return den Hazard can still become the Spain, it is not a problem. I love the fans — today, City boss Pep Guardiola best footballer in the world even if I think the fans love me. What happens in has confirmed. The Belgian he stays at Chelsea, Blues manager the future, I will be happy, so that’s it.” has made just one substitute Maurizio Sarri said yesterday. Haz- “When I was in Lille I always said I want appearance this season after ardE has made no secret either of his desire to go one day in England because it is my suff ering a knee injury in to win the Ballon d’Or, the annual prize for dream league, because the English league is training on August 15. the best player in the game, or wanting to very hard, and then one day try to move (to) City initially feared that De play for Real Madrid. Spain,” Hazard said. Bruyne would be out of action The 27-year-old Belgian playmaker has Hazard joined Chelsea from Lille in June until late November, but has though insisted it would “not be a prob- 2012 and signed his current deal in Febru- good progress and returned lem” for him to fi nish his career with Chel- ary 2015. If no contract extension is agreed to training prior to a 0-0 sea if a move to Real was not forthcoming. by the end of this season, Chelsea could see draw at Liverpool before the Meanwhile Sarri said Hazard could realise Hazard leaving on a free transfer at the end international break. Guardiola his individual ambitions while remaining thing, without playing in Spain.” of the following campaign, so an agreed decided against rushing City’s at Stamford Bridge. Hazard’s current Chelsea contract ex- move could yet be in the interest of the club player of the year back for “He’s a fantastic player,” Italian boss pires in June 2020 and for all his talk of as well as the player. that top-of-the-table clash. Sarri said. “And so it will be very important wanting to play for Spanish giants Real, Real could do with Hazard’s fi repower. In However, he could be for us if he will remain with us. Very, very there has been no dip in his form for the the absence of the departed Cristiano Ro- eased in from the bench important. I think also he can win every- Blues this season. Since returning from a naldo, Madrid have failed to score in four against Burnley with one eye AFP Mourinho’s promise to con- thing, also the Ballon d’Or, here, without World Cup where he helped Belgium fi n- consecutive games for the fi rst time since on a more prominent role for Manchester, United Kingdom trol his emotions comes at the playing in Spain. Because, for example, if ish in third place, Hazard has scored seven 1985. However, Hazard has also stated he the trip to Tottenham Hotspur end of a week in which he has Chelsea were able to win the Champions goals in six Premier League starts and two has no intention of following the example in the Premier League on been charged by the FA following League, Belgium won the European Cham- substitute appearances. of international team-mate Thibaut Cour- October 29. ose Mourinho insists he comments he made towards a TV pionships, he would be able to win every- “I can fi nish with Chelsea,” Hazard said tois in forcing his way out of Chelsea. will be on his best behav- camera after his team’s dramatic iour on his return to Stam- 3-2 win over Newcastle before ford Bridge, but hopes his the international break. SERIE A ManchesterJ United side infl ict It is understood the United Chelsea’s fi rst defeat of the sea- manager used “abusive, insult- son tomorrow. ing or improper language” in his The Portuguese won three native tongue. Premier League titles in two Even though Mourinho was Ronaldo looks to pick up where he left off successful spells in charge of never in danger of being sus- Chelsea, but has lost all three pended for the visit to his old AFP Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli visit Udi- of his previous visits to Stam- club, United have requested an Milan nese ahead of their trip Wednesday to ford Bridge as United manager extension for his offi cial response Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions without even scoring a goal. And and the FA have duly allowed him League. Inter Milan, third, two points while Mourinho claimed that the until Wednesday to do so. ngulfed in turmoil, Cristiano Ro- adrift of Napoli, face city rivals AC Milan fi xture is now just like any other When asked whether he felt he naldo will look to pick up where in the fi rst derby of the season in the San as far as he is concerned, he also was being victimised by the gov- he left off on the pitch as Juven- Siro, before travelling to Barcelona three conceded that he would not cel- erning body, Mourinho insinu- tus host Genoa in Serie A today days later. ebrate should United break that ated he is more harshly treated beforeE next week’s trip to his former club “It’s the game the city most looks for- run to ease the mounting pres- than other managers. “If I answer Manchester United in the Champions ward to,” said Inter captain Mauro Icardi. sure on their manager. to your question I probably have League. Ronaldo shrugged off explosive “The goal for Inter remains to reduce the “For me, it is another game,” another process because I cannot rape allegations to score for the cham- gap with Juventus and Napoli.” said Mourinho. “Would I cel- imply bias, so my answer is no pions in their last Serie A game against Roma host SPAL looking to stretch ebrate like crazy my team’s goal answer,” he said. Udinese before the international break on their run to four league wins in a row at Stamford Bridge or my team’s Mourinho has also paid tribute October 6 to keep Juventus’s 100% record before welcoming CSKA Moscow in the victory at Stamford Bridge? I to defender Luke Shaw, who this after eight games. Stadio Olimpico, as city rivals Lazio, in don’t think so. I think I would try week signed a contract extension The allegations made by 34-year-old fourth, travel to Parma. Meanwhile, ex- to control myself and to respect that will keep him at the club American Kathryn Mayorga, that Ronal- Italy boss Gian Piero Ventura returns the stadium and the supporters until 2023, with an option for do raped her in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009, to coaching bidding to guide tailenders that were my supporters and sta- an additional year, on a reported threaten to engulf the Portuguese super- Chievo to heir fi rst win of the season. dium for many years.” £160,000 a week. star in a lengthy legal battle. Ronaldo, 33, It will be Ventura’s fi rst match since Mourinho clashed with former The deal represents an im- issued a statement to “fi rmly deny the ac- being sacked last November after Italy Chelsea boss Antonio Conte pressive recovery for the Eng- cusations” but was left out of Portugal’s failed to reach the World Cup fi nals. “I’m when he claimed the Italian land international who has bat- squad for this month’s 3-1 friendly win experiencing this new beginning with the had showed a lack of respect for tled through a loss of form and over Scotland, and 3-2 Nations League enthusiasm of a child,” said Ventura, 70, whipping the home fans into a fi tness, as well as a horrendous victory against Poland. who replaced Lorenzo D’Anna. frenzy during a 4-0 thrashing double leg break, and repeated Juventus have stood behind their star of United in 2016. The visitors public criticism from Mourinho signing and he will look to help the reign- FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) are desperately in need of a win in his time at Old Traff ord. ing champions maintain their six-point Today: AS Roma v SPAL (1300GMT), this weekend as they already trail “Players are diff erent and they lead on second-placed Napoli, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo shrugged off explosive rape allegations to score for Juventus in Juventus v Genoa (1600), Udinese v Napoli Premier League leaders Man- react in diff erent ways to the de- next week’s visit to Old Traff ord where he their last Serie A game against Udinese before the international break. chester City, Chelsea and Liv- velopment process and Luke re- became a star. (1830) erpool by seven points after just acted in the best possible way,” It was business as usual at training for The 23-year-old Pole has scored nine the break with Ivan Juric replacing Da- Tomorrow: Frosinone v Empoli eight games. said Mourinho. “In those diffi cult Ronaldo who posted a photo of himself goals in seven games for Genoa, who have vide Ballardini. “Genoa have changed (1030GMT), Bologna v Torino (1300), “I want to do well for my team, moments, the moments where listening to coach Massimiliano Allegri’s a match in hand, compared to Ronaldo’s coach and they will want to make a good Chievo v Atalanta, Parma v Lazio, Fioren- players, support. I am 100% he was not selected, not playing instructions on social media on Thurs- four. The young player, who arrived from impression here in Turin,” said Juven- tina v Cagliari (1600), Inter Milan v AC Manchester United tomorrow — regularly, he was saying the same day with the ‘thumb up’ emoji. Their ri- Cracovia for four mn euros ($4.6mn) in tus full-back Mattia De Sciglio. “Against Milan (1830) no more space for anything other all the time: ‘I want to play for vals are Genoa, in 11th, but with Europe’s the summer, was relishing coming up the Rossoblu (Genoa) it’s always a tough than respect for the stadium and you and I am going to make it and top scorer this season in Polish striker against the fi ve-time Ballon d’Or winner. game, and after the international break On Monday: Sampdoria v Sassuolo the fans,” added Mourinho. be the player you want me to be.’” Krzysztof Piatek. Genoa also switched coaches during it’s even harder to start again.” (1830GMT)

Saturday, October 20, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

QNB STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Black to lead Canada’s Rayyan face Gharafa challenge at Doha World Gymnastics

By Sports Reporter the opportunity to measure Doha themselves against the top na- tions,” said Ed Van Hoof, head in a must-win game coach. “For us, team is the priori- eigning All-around sil- ty in the fi rst steps towards Olym- ver medalist Ellie Black pic qualifi cation. Our gymnasts Rayyan are coming off a loss to Al Khor, while Gharafa beat Arabi in their last game will hope to cash in on and coaches, who have a blend her excellent form when of youth and experience, are very sheR leads the Canadian women’s motivated towards this goal.” By Sports Reporter Doha team at the FIG World Artistic Canada Squad: Men: Zachary Gymnastics Championships in Clay, Rene Cournoyer, Scott Doha, which will begin from Oc- Morgan, Cory Paterson and Sam he matches between Al Rayyan tober 25 at Aspire Dome. Zakutney; Women: Ellie Black, and Al Gharafa always evoke a Black’s stupendous show at Brooklyn Moors, Ana Padurariu, keen interest on and off the field, the FIG World Challenge Cup in Shallon Olsen and Laurie and it will not be diff erent this Paris, France, saw her dominate Ttime too. The two sides clash today at with four medals – gold (beam), Denommee. the Al Sadd Stadium, in what is easily the silvers (fl oor & vault) and bronze pick of the games in Week 9 of the QNB (uneven bars). “We work togeth- AUSTRALIA’S RIANNA, Stars League. er as a team. It was great to get KIARA RULED OUT This is a game between two traditional out competing again, and to use Rianna Mizzen and Kiara Munte- forces on Qatar’s football scene. Nothing this experience to work towards anu have pulled out of the Aus- less than a victory will satisfy Al Rayy- the World Championships,” tralian women’s squad due to an, placed fourth with 14 points, and Al said Black, lack, who shared the injury for the World Champion- Gharafa, seventh on 10 points. women’s Artistic Gymnastic of ships. Erin Modaro has joined the Rayyan always benefi t much from their the Year award with Brooklyn team on their fl ight from Sydney die-hard fans’ support. Both sides have Moors early this year. as the fi fth member to com- star players in their ranks and that adds Moors, Ana Padurariu, Shallon pete at the Worlds, which starts to the excitement. Rayyan are coming Olsen and Laurie Dénommée are on October 25. “We wish both off a 0-1 loss to Al Khor, while Al Gharafa the other members in the squad. Rianna and Kiara a speedy recov- are on a high after their 3-0 win over Al “We are looking forward to the ery, and congratulate Erin on her Arabi. Worlds. Our task as a team is to selection to the team,” said the The defeats had seen both losing sides build the road to the 2020 Tokyo statement. This year’s edition and their coaches part ways. While Al Al Rayyan midfielder Ibrahim Masoud and Al Gharafa coach Christian Gourcuff (below) speak at a press conference yesterday Olympics,” said WAG team coach will serve as the fi rst qualifying Rayyan replaced Argentinian Rodolfo ahead of their QNB Stars League match. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Alex Bard. “This exciting mix of event for the 2020 Tokyo Olym- Arraubarrena with Bulent Uygun, who athletes will have the opportu- pic Games. coached Al Gharafa in the second half Gourcuff said his team will go all out for nity to gain valuable experience Australia Squad: Georgia-Rose of last season, Al Arabi dismissed Croat victory.“We are eager to build on our vic- leading to Tokyo 2020.” Brown, Alexandra Eade, Emma Luka Bonacic and gave charge to their tory over Al Arabi in the last round. We In the men’s, Canada will fi eld Nedov, Emily Whitehead and Under-23 coach Hatem al-Moaddeb. were without a number of our players Zachary Clay, Rene Cournoyer, Erin Modaro. Team Manager: A win will help Al Rayyan stay in the during the break. Yet, we will try to win,” Scott Morgan, Cory Paterson and Emma Cocks. Head Coach: Mihai top four, while it is a must for Al Gharafa he said. Sam Zakutney. “The Doha Worlds Brestyan in their bid to be among the top quartet. “We know that the game is important will provide the men’s team with Both teams have good players in attack and we are looking for a positive result. and defence. Al Rayyan’s charge will be The game is derby and we know its im- led by Sebastian Soria, Lucca Borges and portance and value. It is important for Rodrigo Tabatta. Al Gharafa have the likes me to put up a consistent performance of Mehdi Taremi, Ahmed Alaaeldin and throughout the game,” Gourcuff added. Vladimir Weiss. Gharafa coach said star player Wesley Ahead of today’s match, Rayyan’s Ibra- Sneijder has started to train but was not him Masoud said it’s must-win game for committing on when the Dutch star will his side. “It will be a tough match espe- return to the playing XI. cially since Al Gharafa are in great form “Our problem is that we do not stay having defeated Al Arabi in the last round. concentrated throughout. The injuries “On the other hand, we had suff ered a also add to our woes and that is adverse- shock defeat at the hands of Al Khor and ly aff ecting our performance. (Wesley) we must collect three points. They are Sneijder has begun training with the rest very important to us. As a player, I have to of the players as he is recovering from an do my best. We have some big players, but injury. I will strive hard to gain the confi dence of “We will wait until the last moment be- our coach,” he added fore taking a decision on whether to fi eld Masoud said the atmosphere is good Schneider or not. Iranian striker Mehdi in Rayyan’s camp despite a diffi cult start Taremi is proving his worth. We were so to the season. “I had only one training team camp and there is great enthusiasm son, but we are going to compete for the unhappy over a series of negative results session with the team after doing Olym- among all players. We cannot say now in best positions,” said Masoud. we have had and were under pressure to Ellie Black remains Canada’s best hope for a medal at the World pic duty. The atmosphere is good in the which position we would fi nish this sea- Meanwhile, Gharafa coach Christian achieve positive results,” said Gourcuff . Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Doha.

FOCUS PREVIEW Boca Juniors, Roma Struggling Al Arabi must improve line up four-team tournament in Qatar position, says new coach al-Moaddeb By Sports Reporter AFP deal with Qatar Airways in April, Doha Doha confi rmed they were aware of the planned tournament and said: “It’s not sure for the moment.” l Arabi’s new coach Hatem al- rgentinian giants Boca Other teams sponsored by Qa- Moaddeb conceded that his side Juniors and Italian side tar Airways include Doha side must improve their position in Roma are in talks to play Al Sadd, who former Barcelona the QNB Stars League. Arabi, in a four-team tourna- great Xavi Hernandez plays for, whoA have won four matches and lost as mentA in Qatar early next year, the and Bayern Munich. many to be placed sixth with 12 points, South American country’s envoy Hernandez also said there take on Al Ahli today. to the 2022 World Cup host said were discussions about the Ar- Ahli have not fared better too. They yesterday. gentinian national team playing beat Al Sailiya 2-0 in the QSL Cup dur- Boca, who have been spon- Qatar in a Doha international ing the international break, but are lying sored by Qatar Airways since friendly next March. eighth in the league with nine points. May, could play other sides Earlier this week, Argentina Arabi and Ahli are coming off contrasting sponsored by the Gulf airline in played Brazil in a friendly in backgrounds, yet they both badly want the tournament including Roma, Saudi Arabia. News of a potential points in order to improve their position envoy Carlos Hernandez said. club tournament comes just after in the table. Al Arabi had lost 0-3 to Al “Next year for sure, let’s say in His Highness the Amir Sheikh Gharafa, whereas Al Ahli defeated Al Sha- the fi rst half of next year, could Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani hania 2-1 in the previous round. be much earlier,” Hernandez completed diplomatic visits to Al-Moaddeb said: “Our position in the said when asked about a pos- several South American coun- QNB Stars League standings is not wor- sible Doha tournament involv- tries earlier this month, includ- rying, we are sixth. But we must improve ing Boca. “Let’s say end of May ing Argentina. our position and these three points are as a last possibility. I was told On the back of that visit, Qatar very important for us,” there were talks between Boca and Argentina are likely to sign Al Arabi’s defeat had resulted in the and Roma, because it would be a 10 trade agreements before the dismissal of their Croatian coach Luka tournament of four.” end of this year, added Hernan- Bonacic. The club then handed over the A spokesman for the Italian dez. Any tournament is likely to charge to Under-23 coach al-Moaddeb. club, which announced its mul- be played in stadiums which will The Tunisian, who started training the Al Arabi coach Hatem al-Moaddeb (right) and goalkeeper Shata Abbasi address the media ahead of their game against Al Ahli. ti-million euro shirt sponsorship be used during the World Cup. squad on Sunday after a two-day break following their 0-2 loss to Al Kharaitiyat Al Ahli’s coach Milan Macala’s wards management and things are stable now. round. Umm Salal, coached by French- in Round 2 of the QSL Cup, has a tough will be keen to keep winning if they are I hope we will be at our best and now we man Laurent Banide, had lost to reigning task on hand. All players, except Ahmed to nurture hopes of fi nishing in the top focus on the next game. We have analysed champions Al Duhail 0-2 in Week 8 of the Fathy and Mohammed El Neel, who are bracket. Ahli have players such as Meshaal their previous game and we are working QNB Stars League, but only after giving a doing duty for the Qatar national team, Abdulla, Mohamed Muntari and Mohsine out ways on how best to deal with them,” tough fi ght. and Iraqi player Ahmed Ibrahim took part Moutaouly to lead their challenge. said Macala. The Orange Fortress put up a strong in the training sessions that mainly focus “Our preparations went off well and In another match today, Umm Salal performance in the second half. However, on the fi tness of players. we are ready to face Al Arabi. The team will have nothing, but the top-four spot they were done in by an early goal. Al Du- Brazilian Mailson de Farias and El Neel trained yesterday with all players except in mind when they host Qatar SC at the hail added another goal at the fag end of lead Al Arabi’s charge. “Al Ahli had beaten injured striker Mohammed Muntari. The Al Gharafa Stadium. Umm Salal are fi fth the game even as Umm Salal looked like Al Shahania in the last round, so we ex- QSL Cup match played during the inter- with 13 points, one less than Al Rayyan equalising any time. pect them to continue good form. They national break was of great benefi t to us. and three adrift of third-placed Al Sailiya. Umm Salal mainly have players like have the ability to turn things around any We took full advantage of the opportunity On the other hand, Qatar SC, under Yannick Sagbo, Mahmoud al-Mawas and time. Al Ahli are a good team and their to test some youngsters,” Macala said. Argentinian Sergio Batista who replaced Ismail Mahmoud to deliver the goods. position always does not refl ect their real “We are well aware of the fact that the Abdulla Mubarak, are ninth with seven They will miss Abdulaziz al-Yahri, potential. They have some outstanding match against Al Arabi will be diffi cult points. They are on same number of who recently underwent an operation at players,” al-Moaddeb said. and we hope to achieve a positive result. I points as promoted team Al Shahania, but Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports medicine “Our case is also similar. We need to am happy with the challenge. I have good ahead on goal diff erence. hospital Aspetar to repair an ankle injury. collect full points. The atmosphere in the options especially in the attack and play- The Kings need points sooner rather Qatar SC have Cameroonian star Samuel team camp is good. The players are disci- ers are competing to be in the squad. Now, than later to stay clear of the danger zone. Eto’o to lead their attack, with good sup- In April this year, Qatar Airways announced that it had signed a plined and that refl ects on our perform- I have solutions in terms of the players for They will also be keen to build on their port from Syrian striker Osama Omari multi-year partnership agreement with Italian football club AS Roma. ance,” he added. diff erent positions. I spoke to the team 2-0 victory over Al Kharaitiyat in the last and Iraqi forward Hussein Ali.