SPORT Wednesday 9 November 2016 PAGE | 27 PAGE | 30 New record for Ronaldo extends Curry as Warriors his stay at Real down Pelicans Madrid Qatar unveils 'Kun Riyadi' programme

The Peninsula success of the “Be an Athlete” QUOTES project is a tangible, practical he Qatar Olympic and operational outcome of our Committee (QOC) in long-standing cooperation with Dr Thani Al Kuwari, QOC Gen- partnership with the the Qatar Olympic Committee eral Secretary Aspire Academy have (QOC) under the guidance of HE We are determined to build on today announced the Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin our success and create more Tcompletion of “Kun Riyadi” (Be Khalifa Al Thani. We are thank- Qatari champions from a wider an Athlete]) a unique Athlete ful to the QOC for entrusting the range of sports. We strive to Development Pathway (ADP) Academy with this critical initi- develop and sustain a talented model that seeks to produce a ative. "Our team of world-class pool of athletes in multiple disci- new generation of Qatari sport- experts from the sports depart- plines, and ensure that all our ing champions. ment, in collaboration with athletes reach their full potential. The three-year project colleagues from across the Acad- And this is exactly what the ADP involved the input of multiple emy teamed up with our aims to achieve. stakeholders, sporting entities partners from the QOC and The ADP is a model for iden- and world-class sport develop- Qatar sports federations to tifying and nurturing talented ment experts from the Aspire implement this remarkable ini- athletes in Qatar, enabling them Academy to create a framework tiative. The Qatar ADP is a to learn, develop and thrive from early childhood to post- unique for Qatar. five-stage model that provides retirement. It is the culmination of many years of hard work, Commenting on the ADP, a comprehensive framework for bringing together a significant number of organisations and President of the QOC, H E Sheikh developing skills at critical peri- expertsfrom both within Qatar and around the world to Dr Thani Al Kuwari, General Secretary of Qatar Olympic Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, said: ods in athlete’s development. develop a framework unique for Qatar. “Producing world-class Committee (QOC) receiving a memento from Ivan Bravo, The ADP was developed fol- Qatari sporting champions is a Director General of Aspire Academy at Aspire Auditorium lowing a review of talent Ivano Bravo, Director General of Aspire Academy fundamental part of Qatar’s in Doha yesterday during the launch of the unique Athlete development frameworks in sev- The model we have developed for Qatar and its athletes vision for sport. While Qatar has Development Pathway (ADP) model that seeks to produce a eral successful sporting nations has been bench marked against 300 sports pathways from made considerable progress on new generation of Qatari sporting champions. and involved the input of interna- around the world, and then reviewed by 40 of the world’s the sporting field in recent years, Pictures by: Kammutty VP/The Peninsula tional experts from a variety of leading sports experts. highlighted by our three silver sports to ensure its sports talent Qatar now have the most comprehensive Olympic feder- medals in the Olympic and Par- to identifying, developing and new ground in the development development efforts are success- ation and general sports participation plan it has ever had for alympic Games this summer, we nurturing talented athletes at of sport at every level. We are ful and unique to Qatar. the general population and the elite athletes to engage through- are keen to build on this success every stage of their career, from very excited to see the outcome The framework includes 39 out a lifetime with their favorite sport. Now it is up to us, as and continue to increase the per- early childhood to post-retire- and we look forward to a bright sport specific models, each tai- a country, to really put all this planning and detailed programs formance of our athletes across ment, enabling them to reach future for sporting excellence in lored to enable optimum into real action. a wider range of sports. their full potential. It is the first Qatar.” development within different All national federations have been active participants with The ADP is a robust frame- of its kind in the MENA region Speaking about the project, sports and disciplines, including Aspire to develop this program for the QOC, tailored made to work that will enable Qatar to and is another example of how Ivan Bravo, Director General of para-sport and women in sport. each sport. We are now eager for the Olympic Committee to be fully unified in our approach Qatar is always striving to break Aspire Academy, said: “The The development of the ADP implement and execute these sports pathway models, with included the consultation of all the help of all stakeholders involved including Aspire, the national federations, and mul- Federations and the Ministry of tiple Qatari government Education. These athlete devel- departments and stakeholders opment pathways cover all ages to ensure that everyone involved from childhood to senior citizens, in its is optimally work- male and female and people with ing towards a shared vision disabilities. where athletes can learn, In order for Qatar to be suc- develop and thrive. cessful at events such as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the games in 2024, we need to be resolute about New pathway turning the program that has been prepared over the last 3 years into The unique Athlete real action. It will require a seri- Development ous revision to the importance of Pathway (ADP) model physical education in the schools seeks to produce a curricula. It will need the disci- new generation of pline and professionalism of the federations and clubs to The members of the 'Kun Riyadi' (Be an Athlete), programme, a unique Athlete Development Qatari sporting execute their day-to-day programs based on the best prac- tice guidelines and athlete steps that we have prepared for Pathway (ADP) model, pose for a picture with Dr Kuwari, QOC General Secretary and Ivan champions. the country. Bravo, Director General of Aspire Academy in Doha yesterday. : Injury forces Gaultier Qatar prepare for Russia to withdraw from Doha event showdown in Doha friendly

The Peninsula Armstrong Vas QATAR CLASSIC 2016 Qatar goalkeeper The Peninsula [1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) vs Cameron trains at Aspire he hosts of the next two Pilley (AUS) Academy in Doha ormer World Champion FIFA World Cup editions Leo Au (HKG) vs [Qualifier] yesterday. Gregory Gaultier’s (pic- James Willstrop (ENG) vs Chris Simpson (ENG) T- Russia and Qatar - are all Ftured) hopes of regaining [Qualifier] vs [7] (EGY) set to clash in an international the most prestigious Qatar Clas- [8] (EGY) vs [Qualifier] friendly tomorrow at Jassim Bin sic title have come to a Gregoire Marche (FRA) vs Mohamed Hamad Stadium. premature end. Abouelghar (EGY) Russia, the hosts of the 2018 Saurav Ghosal (IND) vs [Qualifier] The 33-year-old was forced [WC] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) vs [4] Nick FIFA World Cup, have already to withdraw from the Novem- Matthew (EGY) arrived in Doha for their clash ber 13 to 18 PSA event as he was [3] (EGY) vs [Qualifier] against hosts Qatar - who are unable to recover from the ankle Tom Richards (ENG) vs Zahed Mohamed (EGY) being coached by Jorge injury he sustained during last Max Lee (HKG) vs Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) Fossati. week’s PSA Men’s World [Qualifier] vs [6] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) Qatar - hosts of the 2022

Championship. [5] (EGY) vs [Qualifier] FIFA World Cup - have sched- the national side as it prepares The Qatar squad will now

Cesar Salazar (MEX) vs Omar Abdel Meguid The Frenchman, a 2011 Qatar uled the friendly for match for an 'important two games' train today at the match venue - Classic winner and a runner-up practice ahead of their 2018 over the course of less than one Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium last year in Doha, picked up the FIFA World Cup qualifying week. Fossati - who announced - where the game will take place injury during his quarter-final Frenchman, who has already two seed and will play Eng- match against China on Novem- his a 27-member squad last Fri- tomorrow under lights. Qatar are clash with Egypt’s Tarek Momen spent two months on the side- land’s Daryl Selby in round ber 15. day - headed the training aiming to qualify for the finals of in Cairo last week and was lines after damaging ligaments one, while 2009 winner Nick During their training session sessions yesterday as QFA Pres- the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Fossa- forced to withdraw from his on the same ankle during Janu- Matthew moves up to the yesterday, the Qatar squad was ident watched from the ti's side has already played four semi-final fixture with World ary’s JP Morgan Tournament of number four seeded position joined by Qatar Football Asso- sidelines. Earlier in the day, the games in this phase of Asian Zone No.10 Ramy Ashour as a result. Champions. and will play tournament ciation President Sheikh Hamad squad attended a video training qualifying. Qatar beat Syria 1-0 His ankle problem is the lat- World No.4 wildcard Abdulla Mohd Al bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani session at the football headquar- in their last qualifying match in est in an injury-hit year for the replaces Gaultier as the number Tamimi of Qatar. who threw his support behind ters at Aspire Academy. Doha on October 6. SPORT WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2016 27 New record for Curry as Warriors beat Pelicans

Oakland for his three-point bonanza, Once again, though, Curry AFP Warriors vs especially his 13th and final intervened to turn the tide, hit- Pelicans effort in the fourth quarter. ting his ninth and 10th threes tephen Curry set a new "The guys set great screens of the night to help the Warri- single-game record all night. And on that last play ors into an 84-78 lead. with 13 three-pointers they had the IQ to know where The Pelicans closed to as the Golden State 13 I was. Pretty fun night," he within two early in the fourth Warriors downed the Curry's 13 threes broke the added. but Curry was not to be denied. Swinless New Orleans Pelicans Warriors coach Steve Kerr He buried his 11th, 12th and record of 12 he had shared 111-99 on Monday. with Kobe Bryant and said he had not been surprised record-breaking 13th three Curry, who on Friday had by Curry's spectacular pointers on consecutive pos- Donyell Marshall. seen the end of his incredible display. sessions to turn a five-point 157-game streak with at least "That was quite a show. Not game into a 109-97 lead with one three-pointer in a defeat all that surprising," Kerr said. 2:23 on the clock. to the Los Angeles Lakers, fin- The win saw the Warriors Curry finished with figures ished with 46 points after a 0-7 improve to five and two while of 13 of 17 from three-point dis- virtuoso display. The Pelicans slumped to the Pelicans slumped to 0-7 tance; the 40-point tally was The reigning NBA MVP's 13 0-7 despite another big despite another big points haul the 23rd of his career. threes broke the previous points haul from from Anthony Davis, who fin- "Pulling up from 40 feet, I NBA RESULTS record of 12 he had shared with Anthony Davis, who ished with 33. Davis has don't know how you defend Kobe Bryant and Donyell finished with 33. averaged 30 points per game that," Pelicans coach Alvin Gen- Utah 109 - 84 Philadelphia Marshall. so far this season. try said of Curry. Klay Houston 114 - 106 Washington "That's a pretty cool record Curry nailed three three- Thompson added 24 points Charlotte 122 - 100 Indiana to have," Curry said after the years he had not drained a pointers in a 27-5 scoring run while Kevin Durant chipped in Chicago 112 - 80 Orlando win. "It probably won't last too three. in the second quarter which 22.

Oklahoma City 97 - 85 Miami long, the way guys shoot in this "I was thinking about it a transformed a 35-34 deficit into Durant meanwhile was left

LA Clippers 114 - 82 Detroit league. But to have the three bit in practice for the last two a 61-40 lead shortly before awestruck by Curry's three- Golden State 116 - 106 New Orleans point record is pretty special." days, but after that it was over. half-time. point exhibition. Curry, who made zero of 10 It was nice to keep shooting. However, a 24-9 surge by "It just happened so quickly. three-point attempts in his last And thankfully, they went in." the Pelicans in the third quar- I looked up and the board said Stephen Curry (left) of the Golden State Warriors shoots a three- outing against the Lakers, said Curry paid tribute to the ter, which included nine points '13 threes, NBA record' and I point basket over Terrence Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans at he had not dwelt on his setback work of his team-mates in from Davis, helped New Orle- was like 'Wow'. I didn't even the ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California, US on Monday. last week, the first time in two helping to set him into position ans back into the contest. realize," Durant said.

Brown calls for Harden inspires reckless Embiid Rockets to beat Wizards patience as Washington "We had two really good defensive quar- 76ers fall again AFP ters and two really bad ones," D'Antoni told reporters. New York ouston Rockets head coach Mike "We've got to smooth it out and keep AFP D'Antoni said his team must iron out working on it. We did enough to win. It wasn't Htheir defensive kinks after a James pretty, but we'll take it." hiladelphia 76ers coach Harden-inspired road victory over the Wash- Nevertheless, D'Antoni is confident his Brett Brown called on ington Wizards on Monday. team has the savvy to improve their defense. Pfans to lower expecta- Harden scored 32 points -- including 14 Harden meanwhile also backed the Rock- tions about returning star Joel in the final quarter -- as the Rockets pre- ets to tighten up their defensive game, as they Embiid on Monday as the vailed 114-106 to improve their season record managed to do in the decisive fourth Cameroonian centre works to 4-3. quarter. his way back from a long- Harden's final quarter points spree res- "That was the only way we'd have the term injury. cued the Rockets, who had trailed 95-94 with opportunity to win, through our defense," Embiid scored 14 points just over seven minutes remaining in the Harden said. but the 7ft (2.13m) player's game. The Rockets made 17 of 37 three-point- contribution was not enough However, Houston pulled away with a ers and shot 51.9 percent from the field. to stop the Sixers sliding to run of 12 points to lead 106-95 with 3:43 Both Anderson and Ariza sank three- their sixth loss of the year, remaining. pointers in the decisive stretch of the match. 109-84 to the Utah Jazz. Ryan Anderson chipped in with 23 points For the Wizards, John Wall had 21 points The Sixers (0-6), the while Trevor Ariza added 15 points. and eight assists but was ejected with 33 sec- worst team in the NBA last But D'Antoni was alarmed by the way his onds left following a second technical foul. year with an abysmal record James Harden (left) of the Houston Rockets has a shot blocked by Marcin team had shipped points in the first and third Bradley Beal and Otto Porter bagged 20 of 10 wins and 72 losses, are quarters, conceding 30 and 36 points points for the Wizards, who fell to 1-5 with Gortat of the Washington Wizards during their NBA game at Verizon looking to Embiid, who has respectively. the loss. Center in Washington, DC, US on Monday. missed all of the last two sea- sons due to injury, to help transform the franchise's fortunes. But although Embiid has Bryant and Cubs team-mates Match-fixing scandal impressed in the games he has played in so far this year, Brown said it was easy to for- up for major League awards hits Korean baseball get that the 22-year-old, the third pick overall in the 2014 draft, remained massively Chicago Seoul professional South Korean inexperienced. Reuters AFP baseball league in recent years, "We all get excited, you but this was the first time that know, that he's going to come hicago Cubs infielder Kris Bryant and pitch- outh Korean police on senior club officials have been out from the get-go and be ers Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks have the Monday laid out charges charged with involvement. Joel Embiid and play like a C chance to add more hardware to their mag- Sagainst seven current and According to the police, Lee poised veteran," Brown said. ical season after Major League Baseball announced former professional players allegedly received three million "But it's just not fair, or them as finalists for the league's top awards. involved in an alleged match- won for deliberately walking a true. There is a level of reali- Bryant is among three top vote-getters for the fixing scam, with the apparent batter in the first innings of a zation that we have to go National League MVP along with Los Angeles collusion of club officials. game in 2014. Yoo, who was through to wait and watch Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager and Washington Those named on the charge then pitching for the Hanwha and make him grow. Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy. sheet included Yoo Chang-Sik Eagles, received a similar cash "He's finding his feet, all Voting for the MVP awards in both leagues, and Lee Sung-Min -- currently payout for walking batsmen in wrapped up in this big frame, along with Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Man- pitchers with the Kia Tigers and two separate games in the same with a hell of a lot of talent," ager of the Year honors was conducted at the end Lotte Giants -- who were year. said Brown. of the regular season and the winners will be accused of taking cash to delib- NC Dinos uncovered Lee's Brown's plea for patience announced beginning November 14. erately walk batters while scam but decided not to report however could not deflect The Cubs claimed their first World Series title playing for different teams two him for fear of tarnishing the attention away from another in 108 years when they outlasted Cleveland in an years ago. club's image, police said. disappointing loss. The Jazz epic Game Seven finale last week, and they have The police also accused the South Korea has tough laws were without George Hill a chance to make their year even more general manager and another restricting gambling and the (thumb injury) and Rudy memorable. executive official with the NC government has stepped up a Gobert, who fouled out after Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant Both Lester and Hendricks are finalists with Dinos team of covering up Lee's crackdown on illegal Internet playing just 20 minutes. during the World Series victory rally in Grant the NL Cy Young along with Washington's Max actions before trading him to betting sites. Even with those absences, Scherzer. Park, Chicago, Illinois , US on Friday. the expansion club KT Wiz in But match-fixing scandals Utah remained firmly in con- Cubs manager Joe Maddon is up for NL Man- 2015 for 1.0 billion won in professional sports have trol with Gordon Hayward's ager of the Year against Washington's Dusty Baker Mookie Betts (Boston Red Sox) are up for MVP. ($876,000). increasingly made headlines, 20 points and 16 from Der- and Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Boston's Rick Porcello, Cleveland's Corey Klu- Match-fixing for illegal bet- touching baseball, football, vol- rick Favors leading the way. In the American League, Mike Trout (Los Ange- ber and Detroit's Justin Verlander are finalist for ting purposes has cast a leyball, basketball and even Rodney Hood added 18 points les Angels), Jose Altuve (Houston Astros) and AL CY Young. constant shadow over the motorboat racing. as the Jazz improved to 5-3. 28 SPORT WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2016 Kohli eyes runs against England

Rajkot All eyes on India skipper then surprise unflappable. He looks a very good player Reuters the opponent India's Test of spin. He picks length well and uses but we are the crease well," Cook added of his quite aware of captain Virat opening partner in Rajkot. irat Kohli is aware of his 134 runs those things," Kohli speaks " bowled at him last rather modest Kohli said. summer and was almost straight on the The Indian Test captain scored at a press record against England but "At the phone to me saying how impressed he only 134 runs when he played conference the India captain is not same time we was with this guy. in Rajkot putting himself under any England in 2014. don't want to "It's probably a year earlier than he pressureV against them in the five-test get too ahead yesterday. would have thought. But to average series beginning at Rajkot otoday. of ourselves. 50-odd as an opener in division one as Considered one of the premier bats- We understand a 19-year-old is an incredible feat. I was men of his generation, Kohli averages Age: 19 what we need nowhere near the player he is at 19. close to 46 with the bat but it drops dras- England ready to give debut to do, so we are "Of course, there will be some tough tically to just 20 from 17 innings against 19-year-old in not going to get moments for him over the next few days the English bowlers. swayed away of playing , but I think this the first Test starting today. In the five-Test series in England in or carried guy can play." 2014, he managed only 134 runs at an away by the Ballance scored just 24 runs in four average of 13.4 with a highest score of praise or innings in Bangladesh while Duckett 39. Of his 13 Test centuries, only one series against India. adulation." struggled in his first three innings before came against England at Nagpur in 2012. The last time England toured India Mean- scoring a fighting 56 in Dhaka. "I can put it very simply as that was in 2012, Cook's side suffered a thump- while, t eenager "I feel sorry for Gary," said Cook. the phase when I didn't perform too well ing loss in the opening Test at Haseeb Hameed will become England's start the five-test series. "They were tough conditions in Bang- and it happened to be England and could Ahmedabad but then turned the tables youngest opening batsman when he "You wonder if a 19-year-old, com- ladesh and ultimately it's about how have been any other country in the on the hosts to win the four-match series makes his debut in the first Test against ing on tour, will be overawed but he many runs you score. world," Kohli told reporters yesterday. 2-1. India at Rajkot today with Gary Ballance hasn't been at all. He has looked really "It's unfortunate for Gary. In his six "It made me realise what I need to Since then, India have not lost a Test axed for his lack of runs in Bangladesh. good in the nets and the way he has gone Test matches back, he hasn't quite improve in my game so I am pretty at home, blanking Australia and West , who opened for England about his business. It's obviously a very scored the runs he would have liked to." thankful to England for that. I have been Indies, crushing South Africa and white- in last month's drawn two-Test series special day to pick someone so young." Cook, who had scored three centu- a really improved cricketer from then washing New Zealand in September. against Bangladesh, drops down the Hameed, whose family roots are in ries in consecutive Tests the last time on. In contrast, England are still smart- order to replace Ballance at number India, will be England's fifth youngest England were in India, was confident "I just take it as a setback in my ing from their loss in the second match four. test cricketer at 19 years and 297 days Duckett would be able to adapt to his career, and not motivate myself in a way against Bangladesh in Dhaka where they The 19-year-old Hameed, averages and the youngest since Ben Hollioake role in the middle order. that I have to prove people wrong or I shared the two-game series 1-1 with the 48.50 in first-class cricket for Lanca- played against Australia in 1997. "He's a pretty unflappable charac- have to do something special against a Test minnows. shire and has four centuries and nine All-rounder Hollioake, who was also ter," Cook said. "Historically he has particular opposition." It prompted Cook to label his side fifties. 19 when he featured at Trent Bridge, is played all his cricket in the middle order The right-hander's form in the five as 'underdogs' against India, currently "Haseeb has impressed everyone so the only other teenager to appear in a until the last year. He's comfortable bat- Tests would be crucial for the hosts if the top Test team. far on this trip," England captain Cook test for England since 18-year-old Brian ting anywhere. they are to improve their record against "I think some team might want to told reporters, adding that they had yet Close made his debut in 1949. "It's never ideal when you chop and England, who have won the last three play it down at the start of the series and to decide on their bowling attack as they "He (Hameed) is incredibly change but he is a fine cricketer." Cook hints at giving BCCI lifts threat to up captaincy after the series in India cancel series after Rajkot Reuters funding 'crisis'

lastair Cook has hinted he may step England's down as England's Test captain after captain New Delhi recommended by a panel A their five-match series in India that Alastair AFP headed by a former top judge, begins today. Cook during Rajendra Mal Lodha. "Deep down I don't know how much a practice ndia's cash-rich cricket The Lodha panel has longer I am going to carry on. It could be two session. board yesterday lifted a accused BCCI officials of months, it could be a year," the 31-year-old I threat to cancel the start of "behaving like lords" after they told the October issue of Cricketer its Test series against England repeatedly ignored the magazine. He has led England to 24 Tests victories, hopefully I can play a Test match as just a after judges eased banking deadlines to implement reforms "It makes me feel very satisfied that I've including a 2-1 series win over India on the batter, there's no doubt about that," the left- restrictions which had triggered of what is world cricket's been able to do it for a long period of time subcontinent in 2012. handed opening batsman added. a funding crisis. wealthiest and most powerful and I've had a really good crack at it." Cook, who has scored 10,688 runs at an "If that happens, I'm going to really enjoy Less than 24 hours before board. Cook, who will surpass Michael Ather- average of just below 47 in 135 Tests, with standing at first slip and being the bloke who the high-profile series was due In its submission challeng- ton's England record of 54 matches as test 29 centuries, said he would keep on playing makes suggestions to whoever's in charge to begin in Rajkot, the cash-rich ing yesterday's petition, the skipper after the first match in India, for the foreseeable future. and not being the bloke who has to make board dropped a bombshell by panel said the BCCI was in con- replaced Andrew Strauss as skipper in 2012. "I do look forward to the day when the final decision." telling the Supreme Court it tempt of court by not would not be able to cover the implementing its recommen- running costs of the first match. dations, which include age The Supreme Court last limits for office-holders. month ruled that the board The BCCI had earlier would have to seek prior complained that the funding Australia make staff changes approval from a special panel freeze was hampering investigating its governance in organisation for a series last order to release funds to state month against New Zealand, Melbourne expected to take his place. associations which host Test but the three Tests went ahead Reuters The uncapped Callum Ferguson has also matches. as scheduled in the end. The been drafted into the squad with Adam Voges In a petition filed yesterday BCCI has insisted it is not under an injury cloud, while paceman Joe to the court, the Board of Con- "running away" from ormer Australia wicketkeeper Brad Mennie, 12th man in Perth, or Jackson Bird trol for Cricket in India (BCCI) implementing the reforms after Haddin and fast bowler Ryan Harris will get their chance with Peter Siddle yes- said that "unless money is dis- scandals including accusations F (both pictured right) will join the terday ruled out with a sore back. bursed to the board, the match of corruption and match-fixing team's coaching staff for the tour of New Zea- Depending on the Hobart conditions, between India and England that tarnished the Indian land in January, the country's cricket board spinner Nathan Lyon could be a casualty can't take place". Premier League (IPL). said yesterday. after he failed to take a in South Afri- After considering the peti- Cricket's massive popular- The pair will act as coaching consultants ca's second innings at a cost of 146 runs. tion for several hours, the court ity in India has helped the BCCI during the three-match one-day interna- "I would say every spot is under pres- set aside its previous order and become by far the wealthiest of tional series against New Zealand in January sure," said Lehmann, who is aware that the gave the board immediate all of cricket's national boards, and February, Cricket Australia said. last time Australia lost four in a row, then access to the $90,000 (5.8 mil- netting massive money from Harris will concentrate on bowling, with coach Mickey Arthur got the chop. lion rupees) the BCCI said it sponsorship and TV deals. regular coach David Saker heading to India "That's the nature of the beast if you don't needed to host the match in The BCCI has put the value early with batting coach to pre- have success," he added. Rajkot. of the IPL brand at $4.5bn and pare for the Test series starting in Captain Steve Smith is also under heavy It further allowed the board its current sponsorship deal for February. scrutiny with Australian media blasting the to incur expenses for hosting the tournament with the mobile Haddin, who joined Harris in retirement Australia 'A' side, while Harris, who has aspi- team as a shadow of its former self with the the remaining four Tests in the phone company Vivo is worth last year, will be employed as a fielding rations of becoming the team's next head skipper taking plenty of flak. series against England but $60m. Its last television rights consultant. bowling coach, was an assistant during the The Sydney Morning Herald yesterday asked it to maintain accounts deal with the Star network was "It's a fantastic opportunity for us to have one-day international team's recent 5-0 trumpeted "Un-Australian: Sorry decline of for scrutiny by the panel. worth a reported $750m. ex-players of the calibre of Brad and Ryan whitewash by South Africa on tour. Smith's team is shocking". "We are fine with the But despite its rude finan- on board for this tour and continue their Australia coach Darren Lehmann warned The Australian broadsheet said: "Hot supreme court order because cial health, the board has involvement in Australian cricket," head his wounded squad "every spot is under breath of discontent on captain Smith's we wanted money for organis- regularly found itself embroiled coach Darren Lehmann said in a media pressure" for the second Test this weekend neck." ing the India-England test in scandal in recent years, ulti- release. after their capitulation to South Africa in "Darren Lehmann and Steve Smith are series and that has been mately leading to the formation "Both these guys have worked hard on Perth. now under unprecedented pressure as the allowed," a lawyer represent- of the Lodha committee. their coaching since leaving the game and The Proteas won the opening Test by 177 heads of Australian cricket following the ing the board said on condition A corruption and match- thoroughly deserve their opportunity. runs after poor batting and string of dropped humilation at the WACA," said Sydney's Daily of anonymity. fixing scandal in the sixth "They will bring a great insight to the catches consigned Australia to a fourth suc- Telegraph cricket writer Ben Horne. The court had slapped the edition of the IPL in 2013 team and their appointment highlights some cessive Test defeat. They lost all three Tests "Australia have now slumped to four restrictions on the BCCI's brought about the downfall of of the depth we have in Australia in the on their July-August tour of Sri Lanka. straight Test defeats and history suggests accounts after the board, which the board's president Naraya- coaching pathway system." Opener Shaun Marsh has already been that when the Test side has entered this kind is one of the world's wealthiest naswami Srinivasan after his Haddin, 38, has been involved prepar- ruled out of the second Test in Hobart from of losing red zone in the past, the men in sports bodies, failed to imple- son-in-law was accused of bet- ing the next generation of talent in the Saturday with a broken finger, with Joe Burns charge cop the full extent of the fallout." ment a series of reforms ting on matches. WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 29

Zimbabwe's batsman in action during the third day of the second Test Murray begins Finals match against Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club yesterday. with Cilic showdown

London himself play- AFP The Tour Finals ing second Group McEnroe fiddle to Mur- ndy Murray (pic- Andy Murray ray. The tured) will face Stan Stan Wawrinka reigning Aus- Wawrinka, Kei Kei Nishikori tralian and Nishikori and Marin Marlin Cilic French Open Cilic in the ATP Tour champion will FinalsA group stage as the newly play in the first crowned world number one match of the looks to win the prestigious tour- Group Lendl Tour Finals on nament for the first time. Novak Djokovic Sunday against Murray has never been past Milas Raonic rising Austrian the semi-finals at the season- Gael Monfils star Thiem. ending event, but the Scot Dominic Thiem Mean- arrives at London's O2 Arena while, it was with a huge incentive to take the announced title. Nishikori in the US Open quar- "Yesterday was a great day, yesterday that The 29-year-old shattered ter-finals after beating him at the today has just been a normal day 14-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic's 122-week Rio Olympics and in the Davis at home with the family," said Rafael Nadal will make his reign at top of the world rank- Cup. Murray, whose first match of the return to action at the Mubadala ings over the weekend by He has lost three of his last Tour Finals will be against Cilic World Tennis Championships reaching the final of the Paris four matches against world next Monday. "Once you're out exhibition event in Abu Dhabi at Masters. number three Wawrinka, on the court you don't think the end of December. Nadal's To ensure his first taste of the including in last year's group about your ranking. You're play- 2016 season was plagued by number one position lasts more stage, although he did beat the ing against the top eight players physical problems and he cut his than two weeks, Murray must Swiss in their only meeting this in the world. I look forward to campaign short in October to match or better Djokovic's per- year in the French Open getting out there and playing at recover fully to target a return formance at the Tour Finals, a semi-finals. the O2. to Grand Slam glory in 2017. tournament the Serb has won for Murray was also beaten by "I'll try and take a few days "Excited to announce my the last four years. former US Open champion Cilic rest now, start hitting again on first tournament back will be in After toasting his success in their last meeting, in the Thursday. I need a few days' Abu Dhabi at the #Mubadala- while flying back to London on Cincinnati final, but he defeated break. It will be one big push for WorldTennisChampionship in a private jet after winning the the Croatian in the Queen's Club all the guys. Everyone has played December," the Spaniard posted Paris Masters on Sunday, Mur- semi-finals in June. After win- a lot of tennis and hopefully eve- on his Twitter account. Nadal, a ray was back to business ning Wimbledon for a second ryone can play well." three-time winner of the event, yesterday as he learned his ini- time and then taking the second After looking invincible in will be joined by Murray, Raonic, tial opponents in the Tour Finals. Olympic singles gold of his the first half of the year, Djoko- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, David Gof- Murray has had mixed career, Murray can cap a dream vic, who faces Milos Raonic, Gael fin and Thomas Berdych in the results against his group rivals year by lifting the Finals Monfils and Dominic Thiem in six-man even from December this year, losing to Japan's trophy. the other group, suddenly finds 29-31.

A view of the karting track at LCSC. Pedrosa set to Indian board return for the loves Test cricket, season-ender Valencia fans like T20s Reuters paniard Dani Pedrosa Rajkot to the grounds for IPL and one- plans to race in AFP dayers, empty stands during SMotoGP's Valencia five-day matches have been a season-ender this weekend, ndia's cricket board may bad advertisement for the a month after the Honda have rediscovered a love of traditional format. The decision rider fractured his collar- I Test cricket but with young- to host so many Tests has bone, leg and foot in a crash sters preferring the thrills of befuddled observers of the in Japan. the decision to host game. Honda said in a state- 13 Tests this season represents "Tests invariably are A series of events at LCSC this week ment yesterday that as the something of a gamble. monetarily less lucrative than injuries were healing well, India are preparing to take limited-overs cricket so I don't The Peninsula Day , with Registration starting at 17:30 and the Pedrosa's doctors and team on England in their first five- see the logical revenue path," track open at 19:30 Find more information http:// had agreed that he could Test series at home for almost said veteran cricket writer rganisers at the Losail Circuit Sports Club www.circuitlosail.com/track-days return for the final round. 30 years, however the idea of Prem Panicker. (LCSC) yesterday announced the follow- Pedrosa said: "After I a match that lasts five days The BCCI earlier this year Oing events to be held over the weekend. Karting & Mini Moto started with my rehab, holds little appeal for some. ordered state associations to Thursday 10th and Friday 11th, Karting and Mini things began getting better "Test cricket is slightly bor- submit plans for boosting Training Days Moto tracks are open from 17:00 to 22:00 at the day-by-day and the thought ing as it keeps going on and on," attendances after a Test This week, there will be again another Training VIP car park of the circuit and registration will be of trying to recover in time said 17-year-old Alpesh Dixit between South Africa and India Day at Losail International Circuit, on the 9th at the same track for Valencia was a boost that as he finished batting on a rug- at Mohali in Punjab state was November from 17:00 unitl 20:30 Find more information http://www.circuitlosail. helped during the tougher ged open field near Rajkot in played in front of mostly empty Find more information http://www.circuitlosail. com/karting-and-mini-moto-track moments," added the rider. western India. stands. The same venue draws com/training-at-losail-circuit-sports-club Fans can follow the LCSC activities on: We're still not sure about Rajkot, in Gujarat state, will big crowds every year during https://www.instagram.com/losailcircuit/ how I'll feel on the bike, but host the first Test between India IPL games. Car Track Day https://twitter.com/losailcircuit anyway I'm happy to be able and England from November BCCI Honorary Secretary On Thursday 10th, the track is open for CAR Track https://www.facebook.com/circuitlosail/ to get back to racing." 9-13 but Dixit will only be going Ajay Shirke told associations if he gets a free ticket. the proposals must include "I like T20 cricket the most. clean toilets and disabled- It has so much action, so many friendly areas. sixes and fours," he enthused. The BCCI is also taking Test Dixit is not alone, with cricket to new venues in a bid Parker to face Ruiz in Auckland bout empty stands at Tests to attract fresh audiences that commonplace in a country it hopes will inject life into the Wellington Parker, 24, who has a 21-0 Britain's IBF champion Anthony office and I'm excited to get whose audience has been game's longest format. The AFP record with 18 knockouts, is Joshua early next year. back to work," Pacquiao, wear- reared on a modern diet of Saurashtra Cricket Association now the WBO's top-ranked Duco said that under the ing a flower garland, told T20 cricket, including the (SCA) ground in Rajkot is one ew Zealander Joseph heavyweight. terms of the Auckland fight, the reporters at the airport along- Indian Premier League, of six venues that will host a Parker will fight Mexi- Ruiz, 27, who is Mexican- winner of Parker-Ruiz would side Philippine National Police which attracts global stars Test for the first time during the N can-American Andy Ruiz born but based in the United have to fight the British former chief Ronald Dela Rosa. annually. forthcoming season. in Auckland next month for the States, has a 29-0 record with WBA champion David Haye "So boxing is done, set aside The England series is the However, Panicker believes World Boxing Organisation 19 knockouts. Duco said it early next year. for now, and just focus on first five-Test series in India that simply packing the home (WBO) heavyweight title would be the first heavyweight Meanwhile,w ith another work." since 1987 and is part of a season with Tests and taking vacated by Tyson Fury, Park- title ever contested in New Zea- world title won, Filipino boxer The southpaw, winner of packed 2016-17 schedule that them to new areas of the er's promoter said yesterday. land. "This is a huge sporting Manny Pacquiao touched down world titles in eight different includes 13 Tests over seven country is not enough. After weeks of negotiation, event which I expect to unite in Manila yesterday keen to get weight divisions and the first months. That represents the "You have to sell the series Parker's Duco Events said the the country," chief executive back to the real work of sitting senator to win a world highest number of Test for me to get excited about it. fighters will meet at the city's Martin Snedden said. politics. boxing championship, has not matches in a single season on We have scheduled Tests but Vector Arena on December 10. The WBO ranks Ruiz as its The 37-year-old senator ruled out fighting in the ring Indian soil in 37 years as the we don't sell them the way we On the line is the WBO number three heavyweight claimed the WBO welterweight again. The former congressman, Board of Control for Cricket should. You are not giving me heavyweight belt, one of the behind former champion title with a unanimous points who has a 59-6-2 win-loss- in India (BCCI) embraces the a story or a reason to watch it. two titles Fury vacated last Wladimir Klitschko. victory over American Jessie draw record, said after game's longest format. "Look at the Ashes, it has month in order to seek medi- But the veteran Ukrainian Vargas in Las Vegas on Satur- Saturday's bout that he would Last year, India hosted four history, tradition. But we are cal treatment after admitting he is currently injured and concen- day, his first bout since April. like a rematch with retired Tests and in 2014 not a single not building that kind of took cocaine to treat trating on lining-up a "I went back after the fight American Floyd Mayweather five-day game was held in the narrative in our Test matches," depression. big-money bout against because there is still work at the Junior who beat him last year. country. While crowds throng he said. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2016 Aubameyang is a bit like Ronaldo extends Real deal Ronaldo, says Madrid impressive. I certainly never Watzke Reuters expected to make history at the best club in the world," the Por- Berlin ristiano Ronaldo's new tugal captain told a news AFP five-year contract conference. with Real Madrid "This new contract is a orussia Dortmund which ties him to the dream come true. But this is my striker Pierre-Emerick Spanish club until the penultimate contract. BAubameyang enjoys the Cage of 36 will not be his last, he "I want to end my career at limelight just as much as foot- said on Monday. Real. This is the club that is in my ball superstar Cristiano The 31-year-old forward heart and I will always be linked Ronaldo, according to his joined Real in 2009 and is the to it." club's CEO Hans-Joachim European champions' all-time A three-times world player Watzke. goal scorer with 371 goals in 360 of the year, Ronaldo has helped "He's the sort of player games. Real win one La Liga title, two who enjoys being in the spot- "The numbers are King's Cups and two Champions light a bit. There are players League trophies in seven seasons like that. He's a bit like Cris- The star striker in Madrid. tiano Ronaldo, but 'Auba' can "I want to continue to give handle it," Watzke told Ger- my best," he said. "To continue man daily Bild. to make history, win titles and The Gabon hot-shot put 371 score goals." a crazy six days behind him The Portuguese forward is Ronaldo is targeting 500 by scoring four goals in Sat- the European champions' goals for Real. urday's 5-2 drubbing of "It's possible," he said. "I'm all-time goal scorer with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo speaks during the official presentation of his contract renewal, Hamburg away which broke 371 goals in 360 games. not going to obsess about it. Of the club's four-match winless course, goals are great and I at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on Monday. streak in Germany's top flight. identify myself with that. The His goal-haul came after most important thing are titles." Champions League, then win tino Perez for his support. great moments from Ronaldo, coach Thomas Tuchel threw Ronaldo is short-listed for Euro 2016 and sign a new con- "Football has no memory, who earns about £350,000 him out of Dortmund's squad 5 the world player of the year tract with this club, I can't ask but you (Perez) have a memory ($435,000) a week according to for Wednesday's Champions Ronaldo has helped Real award again after winning the for more. It's truly special." and so does Real Madrid and that media reports. League win over Sporting Lis- win five trophies, 1 La Liga Champions League with Real in Ronaldo has failed to score makes me happy," he said. "Dur- "You never give up, you always bon for flying with his friends title, 2 King's Cups and 2 May and captaining Portugal to in five successive games at the ing a career, there are good and want more and for that reason you to Milan on a private jet last Champions League trophies their first European Champion- Bernabeu stadium but he has bad times but I always want to remain in this club," Perez told Ron- Monday for a shopping trip. in seven seasons. ship title. mustered seven goals in 12 learn and football teaches you a aldo. "We know there will be more Having apologised to his "This is the best moment of appearances this season and he lot." from you because you never get team-mates and coach for his my life," he said. "To win the thanked Real president Floren- Perez is predicting more tired of winning." unauthorised jaunt, Aubam- eyang redeemed himself in Hamburg and his 11 league goals makes him the Bundes- Osasuna sack liga's joint top scorer this Neymar nears trial over transfer corruption season. "The reaction from 'Auba' coach Martin was awesome, but was also Madrid statement from Spain's to N&N, a company owned to have been expected," said AFP National Court said. by Neymar's family. after poor run Watzke. Should he be found However, Spanish "We noticed that (his he prospect of Bar- guilty, Neymar, 24, faces a authorities believe the real Madrid remorse) straight away dur- celona superstar prison sentence of cost escalated to 83.3 mil- Reuters ing our conversations." TNeymar standing between six months and lion. DIS received 6.8 The rout of Hamburg left trial moved closer on two years and a heavy million euros, 40 percent sasuna have sacked Dortmund fifth in the table Monday as a Madrid judge fine. of the fee paid to Santos. coach Enrique Martin and set the club up for their accepted an appeal by According to the The company believe O after a disappointing next Bundesliga game at prosecutors for corruption judge's findings, a pre- it was cheated of its real start with only one win in home to leaders Bayern charges to be brought contract agreement share because part of the their opening 11 league games Munich a week on Saturday against the Brazilian, a between Neymar and Bar- transfer fee was concealed have left the La Liga club sit- following the international court filing said. celona by which the player by Barcelona and ting second-from-bottom in break. The decision overturns received €40m ($44m) in Neymar. the standings. "It's a good opportunity a ruling in July that said 2011 to ward off compet- DIS also argued the Saturday's 1-0 home loss for us to get back (up the irregularities detected in ing clubs for his signature pre-contract agreement to Alaves was Osasuna's sixth table)," said Watzke as Dort- the Brazilian's 2013 trans- "altered the free market of between Neymar and defeat of the campaign and mund lag six points behind fer to Barcelona were an football transfers." Barca impeded other clubs left the Pamplona-based club Bayern in the league table. issue for a civil court, not Bartomeu and Rosell from making offers for the with just seven points of a "We have to make sure a criminal court. also stand accused of fraud player, affecting the value possible 33. we are ready for this game." Neymar's parents, over the transfer. of the transfer fee. "After analysing the But Watzke ruled out any Barcelona president Josep The case initiated with Barca hoped to bring sporting situation of the team, repeat of the Milan trip for Maria Bartomeu and his a complaint from Brazil- an end to the murky affair the club has identified the Aubameyang, even if it did predecessor Sandro Rosell ian investment company when the club agreed to need to make this decision yield four goals in his next -- who resigned over the DIS, which owned 40 per- pay a 5.5-million-euro fine with the aim of reversing the game. scandal in 2014 -- also cent of Neymar's sporting in a deal with prosecutors current dynamics," the club "No, he's flying to play for face corruption charges. rights at the time of his in June to settle a separate said in a statement. his national team and his Both the defence and transfer from Santos. case and ensure the club Martin kept Osasuna from action is not intended to be prosecution have 10 days Barca initially announced avoided trial on tax-eva- being relegated from the Seg- repeated," said Watzke dryly to present their arguments the cost of the move at sion charges over the unda Division in the 2014-15 with Gabon to face Mali away before a final decision €57.1m, €17.1m of which transfer. Neymar also faces campaign before leading the in a 2018 World Cup qualifier Neymar over whether the case will was paid to Santos with tax evasion charges in team to win promotion to the on Saturday. go to trial will be made, a the remaining €40m paid Brazil. La Liga last season.

Henderson hails Liverpool's Southgate backs United's injury Chris Smalling 'world class' front three prone duo after Mourinho rebuke Liverpool back high up the pitch. They all Reuters help the team defensively. The Burton-on-Trent, England "Obviously it's a difficult one because I don't three of them are fantastic at AFP know the reason for the comments Jose's made." kipper Jordan Henderson that and going forward they are Smalling has missed United's last four games has credited Liverpool's unstoppable when they are on ngland interim manager Gareth Southgate with a foot problem, while Shaw has endured S rise to the top of the Pre- it." is satisfied Manchester United's Chris niggling injuries since making his comeback mier League table to the work Liverpool last won the ESmalling and Luke Shaw are genuinely from a double leg fracture sustained in Septem- rate of their attacking trio of league in the 1989-90 season injured, he said on Monday, despite reserva- ber 2015. Philippe Coutinho, Roberto and have since finished second tions voiced by their club manager Jose On Shaw, Southgate said: "If he wasn't fit to Firmino and Sadio Mane. four times, most recently under Mourinho. play yesterday (Sunday) -- and he was with us Liverpool beat Watford 6-1 Brendan Rodgers in 2013-14, Mourinho hit out after Smalling and Shaw in September under (former England manager) on Sunday to go one point clear when they had the inspirational missed United's 3-1 win at Swansea City on Sun- Sam (Allardyce) and was feeling problems with at the top after 11 games, with Luis Suarez leading their attack. day, making a distinction between "the brave" the leg -- there's clearly something. all three forwards getting on the "I don't really like compar- and "the ones for whom a little pain can make "After an injury as severe as that, we've got scoresheet. ing this team to a couple of a difference". to handle that with care as well. It's a difficult Mane scored twice to take seasons ago. I prefer to concen- But Southgate, who left both players out of balance to find. But that's where we have to trust his league tally to six goals, trate on this team and what his squad for England's games against Scotland our medical teams. while Coutinho and Firmino are we're good at and what we're and Spain, said the defenders would not have "I think it's so difficult with any player. Every both on five goals for the cam- doing. The team of 2013-14 is missed the United game unless they felt unable injury is different, every individual is paign after adding one apiece. in the past," Henderson added. to play. different. "They are world-class play- "As a team I feel as though "They didn't play, so there's a medical issue," "I've not known players not play unless ers," Henderson said. we have a lot of quality and in he said. "Chris hasn't played for the last four there's something. Having been a player, that "Their understanding of the the final third they've been bril- games. would be my view on it." game, not only going forward, liant over the past few weeks. "We have really good relationships, medi- England tackle old rivals Scotland in a World but also the work rate they all Liverpool will face South- cal-to-medical, with all clubs. I've got great trust Cup qualifier at Wembley on Friday before give for the team in terms of ampton on November 19, when in our medical team that they'll make the right bringing the curtain down on 2016 with a home pressing and winning the ball the league resumes. calls. friendly against Spain the following Tuesday. WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 31 Five-star Herath puts Coach Al Ajlani top of Zimbabwe in a spin

Harare babwe in a 17-year career. AFP Yesterday he joined coun- Al Kharaitiyat job list tryman Muttiah Muralitharan angana Herath became and South Africa's Dale Steyn just the third bowler to among an elite group of bowl- The Peninsula Rpick up five-wicket hauls ers with five-wicket hauls against all nine Test opponents against all of the other nine l Kharaitiyat Head of to earn Sri Lanka a big first- Test-playing nations. Football Mansoor innings lead before Zimbabwe "If you take my career until Moussa has revealed bounced back on the third day 2009, I had only taken about Ain an interview with of the third Test at Harare 40 with no five-wicket QSL online that Tunisian Sports Club yesterday. hauls," said Herath. Ahmed Al Ajlani is the number Herath recorded figures of "So if you take the last one candidate for the vacant 5 for 89 -- his first five-wicket seven or eight years, I've done coach's post at Thunders, after haul against Zimbabwe -- to a consistent job for the national Kharaitiyat relieved Bosnian bowl the home side out for 272 team. It's a different sort of coach Amar Osim of his duties and give Sri Lanka a 232-run achievement, which makes me in round six. lead in the first innings. very happy." “After we have reached an But after the tourists opted Although Zimbabwe initial agreement with the Tuni- not to enforce the follow-on, reached 134 for two on the third sian coach, the final contract fast bowler Carl Mumba picked morning in reply to Sri Lanka's shall be signed upon the arrival up three wickets to reduce Sri first innings total of 504, they of the coach. The duration of Lanka to 84 for four. ultimately succumbed to spin, the contract is not determined With opener Dimuth Kar- with offspinner Dilruwan Per- yet,” Moussa said. unaratne scoring an unbeaten era picking up 3 for 51 as the “Osim did his best efforts 54 -- his third fifty-plus score hosts lost their last five wickets with the team and we would in four innings -- Sri Lanka for just 19 runs. However, it was like to thank him deeply for the went to stumps on 102 for four, fast bowler Suranga Lakmal whole period he spent with the giving them an overall lead of who set Sri Lanka on their way side. In fact, he developed the 334 with two days to play. in the morning session, which A file picture from the Qatar Stars League match between Al Arabi and Al Kharaitiyat played team significantly whilst with Although Herath had come saw Zimbabwe resume on 126 us. Unfortunately, he didn’t at Al Khor Stadium on October 16, 2016. into the series with 26 five- for two, when he had Craig have luck this season and wicket hauls in Test cricket, he Ervine caught at slip for 64 in therefore it was time to move on,” commented Moussa, on the standings, and will take on fel- Wakrah, slated for November had never played against Zim- the eighth over of the day. sacking of Osim. Moussa urged low strugglers Al Sailiya when 20. New tactician the football players not to com- the QSL resumes after the inter- The training session saw the SCOREBOARD mitt the same mistakes from national break. absence of several key players Sri Lanka (I innings): 504 Bowling: Lakmal 21.1-5-55-2; Herath 26-4-89-5; Ku- We have reached an the previous rounds. Meanwhile, Al Sadd has who have been called to repre- Zimbabwe (I innings): mara 14-0-60-0; D Perera 18-2-51-3; Gunaratne 2-0-5- initial agreement with “Al Kharaitiyat is better announced that young striker sent their respective national T Mawoyo lbw Herath 3 0; De Silva 1-0-4-0. the Tunisian coach, than this and we are awaiting Abdulaziz Al Jalabi is set for a sides. B Chari b Herath 80 Sri Lanka (II innings): the final contract shall more from the players. I urge four week spell on the sidelines Al Sadd is currently in sec- H Masakadza c de Silva b Herath 0 D Karunaratne (batting) 54 be signed upon the them to be fiercer in the future after injuring his knee. ond place in the QSL standings, C Ervine c Karunaratne b Lakmal 64 K Silva c Waller b Mumba 6 S Williams lbw D Perera 58 K Mendis c Mpofu b Mumba 0 arrival of the coach. games.” In other news, Al Sadd and has yet to be beaten this M Waller c Silva b Herath 18 U Tharanga lbw Cremer 17 Al Kharaitiyat is currently resumed training ahead of their term. They have fourteen points P Moor lbw Perera 33 D de Silva c Chari b Mumba 9 in twelfth place in the QSL round seven match against Al from six QSL games. G Cremer c Karunaratne b D Perera 3 A Gunaratne (batting) 6 D Tiripano c Herath b Lakmal 3 Extras (B-6, LB-4) 10 C Mumba lbw Herath 2 Total (for 4 wkts) 102 C Mpofu ( 0 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-16, 3-44, 4-84. Extras (B-2, LB-6) 8 To bat: K Perera, D Perera, R Herath, S Lakmal, L Kumara. QSL STANDINGS Total (all out) 272 Bowling: Mpofu 9-2-17-0; Mumba 11-3-31-3; Cremer

P W D L G/F G/A Pts Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-17, 3-134, 4-173, 5-210, 6-253, 8-1-21-1; Tiripano 6-3-4-0; Williams 5-0-16-0; Chari Football analysis graduate El Jaish 6 5 0 1 18 11 16 7-265, 8-268, 9-272, 10-272. 1-0-3-0. Al Sadd 6 4 0 2 20 9 14 Lekhwiya 6 4 0 2 21 12 14 to intern at Al Gharafa club Al Rayyan 6 3 0 3 10 4 12 Umm Salal 6 2 1 3 8 7 9 Al Khor 6 2 2 2 8 7 8 The Peninsula in both the development of foot- Al Gharafa 6 2 2 2 14 14 8 ball analysists in the QSL, I Al Shahaniya 6 2 2 2 6 11 8 Al Ahli 6 2 3 1 10 11 7 he Qatar Stars League has would like to thank Al Gharafa Al Arabi 6 2 4 0 9 13 6 reaffirmed its commit- club in their commitment to this Muaither SC 6 2 4 0 6 12 6

Tment to football cause and the support of this ini- Al Kharaitiyat 6 1 4 1 5 13 4

development, announcing that tiative from Ahmad Al Harami, Al Sailiya 6 0 4 2 6 11 2 one of its football analytics Executive Director of Competi- Al Wakrah 6 0 5 1 5 11 1 course participants, Qatari tions and Football Development national Khalid Al Subaie (pic- and I wish Khalid all the best in QSL FIXTURES tured) is to undergo a three his internship with the club,” week internship with Qatar speaking at the introduction cer- November 18 Muaither SC vs Al Khor Stars League side Al Gharafa. environment. Al Subaie was emony, Heitor said. Al Sailiya vs Al Kharaitiyat Now in a further commit- joined by Miguel Heitor, Direc- The course, which was pre- November 19 ment to develop expert team tor of Football Development at viously, ran by the QSL football Al Ahli vs Umm Salal analysis in the QSL, Al Subaie the QSL to be formally intro- development department ear- Al Gharafa vs Al Arabi will now join up with analysis duced to club officials and Al lier in the year, taught the basics November 20 Sri Lanka's batsman Dimuth Karunaratne (centre) plays a

team in Al Gharafa, to place the Gharafa head coach Pedro of match analysis and the use of Al Sadd vs Al Wakrah

El Jaish vs Al Shahaniya shot during the third day of the second Test match against skills he learnt in the match Caixinha. the Wyscout system, which is Lekhwiya vs Al Rayyan analysis course in a football club “Today is an important step readily available in all QSL clubs. Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club, yesterday. LeBron fears NFL losing fun as NBA, MLB ratings surge

Washington "You definitely don't want to take the best-of-seven series for the crown just as AFP fun away from the game. That's why we all the Cubs did. "Our sport has done some great fell in love with sports in general, to have things over the last couple of years as far as eBron James isn't sure why the NFL is fun with it." the playoffs, especially in the finals. We're losing US television viewers while the Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player just trying to continue to build our game," LNBA and Major League Baseball enjoy James did explain why he doesn't catch as James said. strong ratings, but he warns the fun factor many telecasts as he once did, aside from "To know you were part of a game that is dwindling. the NBA's 82-game schedule keeping him was something people wanted to watch, The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar, busy. that's special. When they say it was the big- speaking to reporters after a workout Mon- "My kids kind of take me away from a gest ratings since Jordan in the finals, that day, said he enjoyed seeing his favourite NFL lot of things that I used to watch," he said. gives you a lot of pride." team, the Dallas Cowboys, win 35-10 at The NFL fade comes as baseball's World James wouldn't declare the NFL could Cleveland on Sunday before appearing at a Series enjoyed high ratings for the Chicago be surpassed by its top sporting rivals for campaign rally for US Presidential hopeful Cubs' first title run since 1908 and Cleveland America's affection. Hillary Clinton ahead of yestersday's missing out on its first crown since 1948 in "I don't want to talk about a shift, things election. a seven-game thriller that went extra innings of that nature," James said. "I know what has But he noted how several top NFL play- in the final game. happened in our sport and I get a sense of ers have said the NFL is more and more "Baseball, it needed a push and with the what has happened in baseball." becoming the "No Fun League" and that playoffs and the World Series this year, it James, who goes tomorrow with his could be a factor in drops of about 18 or 19 definitely helped," James said. teammates to the White House to celebrate percent on Sunday and Thursday and nearly "Being at three of the World Series the Cavaliers' NBA crown, said he spoke lit- 25 percent on Mondays. games, I think that history, them not being tle to Clinton but enjoyed helping boost her "I don't know the reason," James said. part of it and then being in it, that definitely hopes in the key battleground state of Ohio. "I've heard some of the comments from some helped. Being two Midwestern sports teams "It was great to be a part of it. She's a of the players about the game that the fun helped as well and then the games in great lady," said James. part of it is kind of being taken away. general." "I was very appreciative of being able to "I know when I played (American) foot- The NBA had the highest ratings since do something like that in this state and show ball I played it for that reason, for the Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls were a 1990s my appreciation for what she's trying to competition and for the fun of it. I've seen a dynasty for James and his teammates mak- accomplish. But she has so much on her plate LeBron James speaks at the Cleveland Public Auditorium couple of the main guys talk about how the ing the greatest rally in NBA Finals history, right now there's not much dialogue you can in Cleveland, Ohio on Sunday. game is not as fun. recovering from 3-1 down to win a have in (so short) a time."