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Sunday, November 5, 2017 Safar 16, 1439 AH Munro fires New GULF TIMES Zealand against India to level series SPORT Page 7 WORLD SUPERBIKE Broken records: Rea lays waste to 15-year-old mark

By Sahan Bidappa World champion Doha amasses 556 points onathan Rea might have hoped the 2017 season didn’t end for him. For, the Kawa- in the season to break saki rider not only won his third successive WorldSBK title with two and half rounds to ’ 2002 spare,J he also smashed many records on his way through a dominating year. record; Mahias wins Last night at the Losail International Circuit, the Northern Irishman fi nished the season with Supersport another record to his name. The 30-year-old broke American Colin Edwards’ 15-year-old all- time points record with victory in Race 2 of the Qatar round of the WorldSBK championship. Having already won the Race 1 on Friday, Rea needed another 25 points to rewrite the record books and that is exactly what he delivered. It was Rea’s 16th win of the season last night, which meant he ended the season with 556 points com- pared to Edwards’ 552 set in the 2002 season. It was also Rea’s 16th career double win, which equalled the total of both Troy Bayliss and . “I don’t have words to describe. I just want to thank my family, my team and most of all my ri- vals Chaz (Davies) and Tom (Sykes) because they pushed me to improve, gave me motivation to work better, to get smarter. I’ve really enjoyed it,” (also left) of Kawasaki Racing Team celebrates his win in said Rea, with his wife and two young sons join- Race 2 of the Qatar round of World Superbike with his children at Losail ing in the celebration on the podium. “I now want International Circuit yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil to get back home and enjoy the moment because these times don’t come along every day. I want to savour it with my family and my team,” he added. Rea had topped the short warm-up session ahead of the fi nale, and he was even more lethal in the race despite starting from the third row as per the reverse grid rule. The Kawasaki man was handed the lead on lap four when Chaz Davies experienced a massive near-highside which broke his screen. Rea needed no invitation and swept into top spot. Ducati’s Davies still bagged second in the championship chase as rival of Yamaha crashed out, losing the front at turn 14 a lap be- fore. Davies did close back in on Rea, but the world champion extended the gap and cruised home by two seconds ahead of Ducati rider. Alex Lowes took the fi nal podium place, bounc- ing back from his double crash on Friday to pass Pata Yamaha teammate with fi ve laps left to run.

MAHIAS CLINCHES SUPERSPORT Meanwhile, Frenchman won his maiden World Supersport title last night. The GRT Yamaha rider was in a to win the championship, having gone into the season fi nale race with a 20-point lead over defending champion Kenan Sofuoglu of Kawasaki. An 11th place fi nish or better would have been enough for Mahias to seal the title, but he chose to win it in style after a long tussle with Jules Cluzel of . The margin of victory was a narrow 0.023seconds. The Frenchman had benefi ted from fi ve-time champion Sofuoglu’s injury issues throughout the year, but he was consistent enough take advantage of it. Sofuoglu’s return from triple hip fracture de- layed Mahias from grabbing the 2017 title in Jerez but there was no stopping the Yamaha rider last night. Federico Caricasulo of Yamaha fi nished a close fourth, beaten across the line by the gritty So- fuoglu. The Turkish rider was caught up further back in the fi eld, fi ghting with the likes of Sheridan Morais (Kallio Racing), Niki Tuuli (Kallio Racing), Kyle Smith (Lorini) and PJ Jacobsen (Agusta) as he made his way through the pack to fourth and then chased Caricasulo down in the fi nal stages.

WORLDSBK RACE 2 RESULTS (TOP 10) 1. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing) 33:39.98 2. Chaz Davies (Racing Ducati Panigale) +1.961 3. Alex Lowes (Crescent Yamaha) +4.185 4. Michael van der Mark (Yamaha) +5.843 5. Xavi Fores (Barni Ducati Panigale) +8.987 6. Marco Melandri (Racing Ducati Panigale) +14.675 7. () +16.251 8. (Kawasaki Puccetti) +19.675 9. Leon Camier (Agusta RC) +20.607 10. Roman Ramos (Kawasaki Go Eleven) +20.628 Gulf Times 2 Sunday, November 5, 2017 FOOTBALL

EPL 100 goals for Cavani as Salah double PSG hammer Angers Paris Saint-Germain’s Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani (L) celebrates after scoring fi res Liverpool against Angers yesterday. past West Ham The victory took Liverpool back to sixth position after they were briefly dislodged by Sean Dyche’s Burnley earlier in the day

AFP minutes as Mbappe turned in a Dani Paris Alves cross from the right, and it was 2-0 before quarter of an hour had been played. he injured Neymar was left Again Alves was the provider with a at home as Edinson Cavani delightful through ball for Draxler, who reached a century of goals in beat Mathieu Michel with a clipped Ligue 1 with a brace in Paris fi rst-time fi nish. TSaint-Germain’s 5-0 romp away to The third goal that allowed Cavani Angers yesterday. to reach his century came at the end The world’s most expensive player of a brilliant move, with Alves fi nding sat out the game at the Stade Raymond Adrien Rabiot, who released Mbappe to Kopa with a minor thigh problem showcase his lightning pace and set up picked up in the midweek Champions Cavani to blast home. League win over Anderlecht but he was Cavani, signed from Napoli in 2013, not missed as PSG went provisionally reached the landmark on his 145th seven points clear at the top of the table Ligue 1 appearance and joins a select from Monaco. club in having scored 100 times in two Kylian Mbappe and Julian Draxler of Europe’s big fi ve leagues having also both scored early goals and Cavani net- achieved the feat in . ted his 100th in France’s top fl ight on The only others to have done so are the half-hour mark. Gonzalo Higuain (Spain and Italy) and The Uruguayan scored again on the Zlatan Ibrahimovic (France and Italy). hour mark before Mbappe grabbed his He is also well on course to catch second of the day late on to take him to Ibrahimovic as the club’s all-time top six goals in 12 appearances for the club. scorer in the league, with the Swede A second successive fi ve-goal victo- hitting 113 in his four seasons with the ry for PSG means they remain unbeaten club. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah celebrates in all competitions this season, while Cavani hit his 101st — his 13th of this scoring their fourth goal with Angers are still without a win at home. season — in trademark fashion, starting (L) in the English yesterday. As well as Neymar, PSG were with- his run in the right-back position and out Marquinhos and Angel Di Maria, bursting forward to collect a Draxler whose partners have both given birth in pass before toe-poking home. recent days. Coach Unai Emery there- Mbappe completed the rout as he fore opted to give a fi rst start since Au- rounded Michel and scored from a gust to Javier Pastore. tight angle after being released by Lu- PSG’s opener arrived inside fi ve cas Moura.

LA LIGA Valencia put pressure

AFP Results to rescue a point for Stoke City in a 2-2 zone, with Pulis’s proud record of never on Barca, Atletico win London draw, denying new Leicester manager being relegated under threat. Huddersfield 1 (Van La Parra 44) West Claude Puel another victory after he “We are in the results business and AFP Brom 0 won his fi rst match at the helm against these results mean there’s some pres- Madrid ampant Liverpool turned up Newcastle 0 Bournemouth 1 (Cook 90+2) Everton last week. sure on me,” said Pulis. the heat on beleaguered West Southampton 0 Burnley 1 (Vokes 81) The 2015-16 Premier League cham- “I am disappointed professionally — Ham boss Slaven Bilic with a Stoke 2 (Shaqiri 39, Crouch 73) Leicester 2 pions are now unbeaten in six games it hurts to go such a long time without alencia swept aside Leganes 4-1 win yesterday as former (Iborra 38, Mahrez 60) in all competitions after early season winning a game,” he added. “But things 3-0 yesterday as they contin- Rchampions Leicester City extended Swansea 0 Brighton 1 (Murray 29) struggles but will be disappointed they conspire against you at times and you ued their stunning form with their unbeaten run with a draw at Stoke. West Ham 1 (Lanzini 55) Liverpool 4 twice let their lead slip, and in the end don’t get the breaks.” an eighth straight win to close Elsewhere, struggling West Brom’s (Salah 21, 75, Matip 24, Oxlade-Chamber- were indebted to goalkeeper Kasper Dyche’s Burnley added to their im- Vto within a point of La Liga leaders Bar- winless run stretched to nine league lain 56) Schmeichel, who made a fantastic fl y- pressive away record with a 1-0 win at celona. matches in a 1-0 loss against 10-man Playing today (kick-off s GMT): ing stop in the dying seconds. Southampton, courtesy of a late strike Marcelino Garcia Toral’s side also Huddersfi eld, cranking up the pressure Chelsea v Man Utd (1630), Manchester “I am happy with the attitude of my from substitute Sam Vokes. moved ahead of Barca as the league’s on manager Tony Pulis, while Burnley’s City v Arsenal (1415), Tottenham v Crystal players, it was a good game, good in- With three wins and two draws, top scorers with 30 goals in their fi rst 1-0 victory at Southampton lifted them Palace (1200), Everton v Watford (1630) tensity and passion,” said Puel. Burnley have already won more games 11 games as Dani Parejo, Rodrigo and briefl y to sixth in the table. “We had a lot of chances today. It is and points on the road than they Santi Mina found the net. In the evening fi xture at the London diffi cult to accept one point but Kasper amassed in the whole of 2016-17. “No one will go undefeated through Stadium, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool took Chamberlain restored Liverpool’s two- saved well at the end so then OK, we “Fantastic,” said Dyche, who has 38 games, but we are going to enjoy the the lead in the 21st minute following a goal cushion and Salah put the game take a point. It is an encouraging game been linked with the vacant Everton moment,” said Marcelino. lightning break when Mohamed Salah beyond the home side. which is important for the future.” job. “The two that came on up front “In the dressing room there is no eu- Valencia’s forward Santi Mina (L) steered home following a pass from The victory took Liverpool back to Huddersfi eld’s Rajiv van La Parra were a credit to their professionalism. phoria, there is realism and constant celebrates a goal with Valencia’s the returning Sadio Mane and doubled sixth position after they were briefl y broke the deadlock at home to West They came on and really aff ected the analysis. Spanish midfielder Dani Parejo (C), their lead within three minutes when dislodged by Sean Dyche’s Burnley ear- Brom, lighting up a match devoid of game today and Sam Vokes’s header “We know how diffi cult it will be to Valencia’s Colombian defender Jeison Joel Matip tapped after a corner. lier in the day but it leaves West Ham real quality with a stunning strike on was a fantastic fi nish. What a header. keep this up, it’s practically impossi- Murillo (TOP) and Valencia’s French Bilic brought on Andy Carroll for the just a point above the relegation places the stroke of the interval that lifts them “I am delighted to be where we are ble.” midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia. second half and West Ham were back with a single win in the Premier League up to 10th. West Brom, struggling for but there are a lot of challenges com- After travelling to Espanyol follow- in the match 10 minutes later through since early September. goals, have not won a Premier League ing our way and the group know we will ing the international break, Valencia nee Andreas Pereira’s cross. Manuel Lanzini but as the home fans In the early game, former England match since mid-August and remain have to work hard for every point we host Barca at Mestalla on November And the team-spirit in this Valencia were still celebrating, Alex Oxlade- striker Peter Crouch came off the bench just two points clear of the relegation get.” 26. side was demonstrated when habitual Parejo has been one of many players penalty-taker Parejo let Mina take re- rejuvenated by Marcelino’s arrival at sponsibility from the spot eight min- BOTTOMLINE Mestalla after two seasons in the dol- utes from time to round off the scor- drums for Valencia. ing. The captain’s clever free-kick that “It was a phenomenal (gesture). skidded underneath the Leganes wall They worked it out themselves and I Peerless Celtic break British unbeaten record got Valencia off to a perfect start on 14 prefer it like that,” added Marcelino. minutes. “It goes to show the atmosphere AFP actually beaten what was a British hind from Celtic’s fi rst corner of the On loan Paris Saint-Germain wing- there is within the group, which is the Glasgow record — and obviously Celtic were match. Stuart Armstrong fi red the er Goncalo Guedes has been Valencia’s foundation for us to perform like this.” the holders of that already — means low corner to the centre of the penalty star performer in recent weeks and By contrast, Atletico Madrid’s it’s a truly special day for the players area where there was plenty of space the Portuguese was inches away from struggle for goals continues but Di- rench striker Moussa Dembele and the club,” said Rodgers. for the unmarked Sinclair to fi re the his fourth goal of the season when he ego Simeone’s men were bailed out by scored one and created an- “It means everything. It’s an in- ball high into the net beyond the de- struck the post early in the second pe- Thomas Partey’s 91st-minute winner other two as Celtic thrashed St credible feat by the players and a spairing Zander Clark. riod. in a 1-0 victory at Deportivo la Coruna. Johnstone 4-0 to break their wonderful example of professional- Celtic began the second half as they The hosts had to wait until 19 min- A 1-1 draw at home to Azerbai- ownF 100-year British record of un- ism,” added the 44-year-old North- ended the fi rst and came close to add- utes from time to seal the points with jani champions Qarabag all but ended beaten domestic matches ern Irishman. ing a second shortly after the restart. a blistering counter-attack that ended Atletico’s Champions League cam- The Scottish champions extended St Johnstone had been the last side An Armstrong corner in the 53rd with Spanish international Rodrigo paign in midweek amidst a run of one their domestic unbeaten record to 63 to defeat Celtic on domestic duty minute was met by Dedryck Boyata but heading home Manchester United loa- win in eight games. to eclipse the Celtic team of Willie back in May 2016, but they never his looping header was nodded off the Maley who went 62 league games un- looked like repeating that feat. line by Aaron Comrie at the back post. beaten — pre-League Cup whilst the Scott Sinclair opened the scoring in Celtic doubled their lead when Dem- Scottish Cup was not played during the 28th minute before Dembele add- bele struck, the French striker started Iraq beat Lebanon 2-0 in Doha World War I — between 1915 and 1917. ed a second in the 72nd minute. the move on the half-way line and Brendan Rodgers’s team are joint- Steven Anderson turned a Dembele burst into the box to get on the end of Doha: Iraq opened their campaign Hayder Hussein had a chance as early third now in UEFA’s all-time domes- cross into his own net two minutes Armstrong’s cut-back to fi nish confi - in the AFC U-19 Championship 2018 as the third minute to put Iraq ahead, tic unbeaten records list, alongside later before Olivier Ntcham added a dently past Clark. Qualifiers with 2-0 victory against but his left-footed shot from just Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol. late fourth. Dembele proved to be a thorn in St Lebanon at Grand Hamad Stadium in outside the area missed the target by Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps (88) — Celtic were unchanged from their Johnstone’s side as he set up Celtic’s Doha yesterday. a whisker. who ironically began Rodgers tenure Champions League 2-1 home defeat third two minutes later. Ibrahim Bayesh and Ali Raad Khadim Hussein then met Ahmed Farhan’s last year with an embarrassing defeat by Bayern Munich on Tuesday but Australian midfi elder Tom Rogic fed found the target for the winners. cross from the right with an acrobatic in a Champions League fi rst leg match they showed no signs of a European the ball to the striker on the left wing Iraq dominated the ball possession volley in the 10th minute, but Leba- — and Romania’s Steaua Bucharest — hangover as they quickly warmed to and his attempt to pick out Sinclair and created plenty of chances, but non goalkeeper Antoine Al Douaihy who won the European Cup in 1986 the task in the autumn sunshine. with a cut-back came off Saints de- Lebanon, to their credit, put up a bat- palmed it away for a corner. and reached the fi nal in 1989 — of the Celtic’s Mouusa Dembele scored A sluggish St Johnstone, without fender Anderson and trundled into his tling display. Qatar will meet Lebanon tomorrow. late 1980s lead with 104. “To have one goal and created another. a goal since 23 September, went be- own net. Gulf Times Sunday, November 5, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA UPDATE No fracture for Cahill but still a doubt for Bayern down World Cup playoff

Reuters was identifi ed, monitoring and reha- Sydney bilitation will be required to manage Cahill back to full fi tness. Dortmund to open “The Socceroos’ medical and coach- ustralia’s totemic forward ing staff will determine Cahill’s eli- Tim Cahill has not fractured gibility for the upcoming 2018 FIFA his ankle but is still a doubt World Cup Intercontinental Play-off for next week’s fi rst leg of the (CONCACAF-Asian Zone) against WorldA Cup playoff against Honduras, Honduras. Football Federation Australia said yes- “A further update regarding Cahill terday. will be provided by FFA on Sunday.” four-point lead The 37-year-old forward injured the Cahill scored his 49th and 50th in- joint in A-League action for Melbourne ternational goals to ensure Australia City on Friday, casting doubt on his fi t- defeated Syria in last month’s Asian Lewandowski claims 11th league goal in as many games this season ness for the match in San Pedro Sula on playoff , which set up the interconti- November 10. nental tie for a place in next year’s tour- “Tim Cahill underwent an X-ray on nament in Russia. Friday night and an MRI scan on Satur- Even if he fails to recover in time for day morning to determine the extent of the fi rst leg, Australian football fans will an injury sustained to his right ankle,” be desperate for him to play some part in read a statement. “While no fracture the second leg in Sydney on Nov. 15.

SETBACK Peru’s Guerrero to miss World Cup playoff aft er failing doping test

Reuters “This will be over in 30 days and you’ll Lima see. He’s an exemplary man.” With Guerrero as captain and Argen- tine Ricardo Gareca as coach, Peru has eru’s chances of qualifying come closer to qualifying for the World for the World Cup for the fi rst Cup this year than it has in decades — time since 1982 dimmed after helping to boost the approval rating of soccer’s governing body FIFA President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Psuspended the team’s captain Paolo Guerrero, a striker for the Flamen- Guerrero for failing a doping test. go sports club, has scored 32 goals in Unless reversed, the 30-day provi- 83 internationals. His free kick goal sional suspension will deprive Peru of against Colombia in the fi nal qualifi er its main striker for two playoff matches in October helped Peru get the point against New Zealand this month to that guaranteed them a playoff spot. determine which team will play in the The Peruvian Football Federation, World Cup in Russia next year. which announced FIFA’s decision to The substance found in the exam was suspend Guerrero on Twitter, said it a stimulant and Guerrero must now hoped the results of the test would be demonstrate where it came from, FIFA cleared up soon. anti-doping offi cial Fernando Solera Peru will play New Zealand in Wel- told ESPN Brazil. “For the FIFA disci- lington on Nov. 11 with the return leg plinary committee and for us working four days later in Lima. Bayern Munich’s (right) heads the ball during the match against Borussia Dortmund in Dortmund, Germany, yesterday. (AFP) in the area of doping control, there is The suspension also means Guer- no doubt at all that a banned substance rero will miss the semi-fi nal of the AFP ited with Bayern’s third goal which by Ron-Robert Zieler, but Stuttgart lev- was present,” Solera said in the broad- Copa Sudamericana, South America’s Berlin fl ew into Dortmund’s net just ahead of Serie A: Crotone rally to elled just after half-time when Daniel cast interview. equivalent of the Europa League. Fla- Lewandowski’s outstretched foot on beat Bologna 3-2 Ginczek converted a penalty. Guerrero, 33, could not be reached mengo will play Colombian side Junior 67 minutes. However, Filip Kostic put Hamburg for comment. His mother, Petronila Nov. 23 in Rio de Janeiro before heading ayern Munich stamped their Defender Marc Barta, who was in- Crotone won 3-2 at Bologna yester- back in front and Germany Under-17 Gonzales, urged Peruvian fans to have to Baranquilla for the return leg a week authority on the Bundesliga jured in April’s bomb attack on the day, rallying with a brace from Ante international Jann-Fiete Arp, with his faith in him and suggested cold medi- later. yesterday by opening a four- Dortmund team bus, scored the hosts’ Budimir after home striker Simone second in two games, sealed the win. cation might have been detected in the Flamengo said Guerrero always had point lead as Robert Lewand- consolation goal two minutes from time. Verdi also struck twice in the game Borussia Moenchengladbach exam. exemplary professional conduct and owskiB netted an audacious goal in The win leaves Bayern unbeaten in dropped to seventh after their 1-1 draw “Paolo had a terrible cold” when he will not play in a match against the that opened the Serie A weekend. their commanding 3-1 win at Borussia their seven games since Jupp Heynckes Marksman Verdi converted two at home to Mainz. was tested after an Oct. 5 match against Gremio soccer club on Sunday for the Dortmund. took charge at the end of September. free-kicks in the first half, with Bu- Mainz took the lead on 19 minutes Argentina, Gonzales told journalists. Brazilian championship. Defending champions Bayern stay Third-placed Dortmund have now dimir tapping in for a temporary 1-1 through French defender Abdou Dial- on course to win the German League won just one of their last seven games equaliser. Crotone’s Marcello Trotta lo, but Gladbach equalised when tow- for a sixth straight season after domi- in all competitions which has seen then converted a penalty for 2-2 and ering Danish centre-back Jannik Vest- nating the high-tempo showdown at them surrender a fi ve-point lead over Budimir fired home the winner 20 ergaard headed home midway through Celebrating Scolari beaten as Brazilian Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park. Bayern in the league. minutes from time. Bologna stayed the second half. A superb curling strike from Dutch They now trail Bayern by six points 12th on 14 points while the Calabria Mid-table Augsburg and Bayer heads for Guangzhou exit playmaker Arjen Robben on 17 min- and are two behind RB Leipzig, who side Crotone rose to 14th on 12. Leverkusen shared the points in a 1-1 utes put Bayern head before a cheeky went second earlier with a 2-1 come- draw as Kevin Volland’s strike just af- Luiz Felipe Scolari lost what is expected to be his final game at freshly backheel from Lewandowski defl ected back win at home to Hanover 96. ter the break was quickly cancelled out crowned Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande, beaten 2-1 yester- off a defender on its way to the back of Germany striker , pions League. by Austrian defender Kevin Danso. day by the side managed by the man who could replace him. The final-day Dortmund’s net on 37 minutes. 21, who has just recovered from a Elsewhere Schalke, who are now un- away victory for Fabio Cannavaro’s Tianjin Quanjian, coupled with defeat Having missed Bayern’s 2-1 win at neck injury, proved his form ahead of defeated in their last six games in all RESULTS for Hebei China Fortune, propelled them into a third-place finish in the Celtic on Tuesday in the Champions the world champions’ high-profi le competitions, climbed to fourth — level RB Leipzig 2 (Poulsen 70, Werner Chinese Super League (CSL) and means they will contest the AFC Cham- League with a thigh injury, Lewand- friendly matches against England and on 20 points with neighbours Dort- 85) Hanover 1 (Jonathas 56) pions League play-offs next season. Guangzhou’s fans came for a party owski claimed his 11th league goal in France in the next 10 days. mund — with a 1-0 win at Freiburg. Freiburg 0 Schalke 1 (Caligiuri 62) at their Tianhe Stadium after last month wrapping up a seventh CSL title as many games this season and is cur- Werner set up Yussuf Poulsen’s Winger Daniel Caligiuri scored the Borussia Moenchengladbach 1 on the trot and to bid a fond farewell to their coach Scolari. The club have rently the Bundesliga’s top-scorer. equaliser and then netted an 85th- only goal against his old club. (Vestergaard 67) Mainz 1 (Diallo 19) made no statement on the decorated Brazilian’s future after two-and-a- Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick minute winner after the Brazilian Hamburg moved out of the bottom Augsburg 1 (Danso 49) Bayer half successful years in southern China, but multiple media reports say Aubameyang, the top scorer last sea- Jonathas had given visitors Hanover three with a 3-1 win at home to Stutt- Leverkusen 1 (Volland 47) that he has chosen not to renew his contract. The 68-year-old was not on son in Germany just ahead of Lewand- the lead at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena. gart, who had midfi elder Dzenis Bur- Hamburg 3 (Hunt 20, Kostic 65, the bench because of suspension, but emerged onto the pitch after the owski, has now failed to score in each The result got Leipzig back to win- nic sent off after just 13 minutes for Arp 69) Stuttgart 1 (Ginczek 55-pen) game to see his side lift the CSL trophy. The game was a dead-rubber for of his last fi ve games, but still has 10 ning ways after last week’s back-to- two yellow cards. Borussia dortmund 1 (Bartra 88) his side, but for Tianjin there was all to play for with an AFC spot up for goals in 11 league matches. back cup and league losses to Bayern Aaron Hunt put Hamburg ahead from Bayern Munich 3 (Robben 17, Lewand- grabs. Left-back was cred- and a 3-1 defeat at Porto in the Cham- a free-kick after a goalkeeping blunder owski 37, Alaba 67)

SPOTLIGHT Pochettino keeps Spurs grounded for Palace visit

AFP “We must be ready for a very tough ried Spurs into the last 16, came at the keeping Harry Kane and Dele Alli, his London game. Crystal Palace have a very good cost of injuries to Hugo Lloris (groin) old England players, quiet. team. They struggled from the begin- and Toby Alderweireld (hamstring) that “We know how dangerous and good ning of the season. have ruled both out of Sunday’s match. they are,” said Hodgson, who led the auricio Pochettino has “They changed manager, but we Back-up goalkeeper Michel Vorm national team between 2012 and 2016. vowed his Tottenham Hot- know Roy Hodgson very well. We had will make his fi rst league start of the “Our job has got to be to prevent spur players will remain a good relationship with him from the season in place of Lloris, with Eric Dier them getting into dangerous situa- grounded when they face national team. They are always organ- a candidate to fi ll in for Alderweireld. tions.” MCrystal Palace, the Premier League’s ised. It will demand a lot of energy. Palace are in desperate need of a re- His own trump card could be Wil- bottom side, at Wembley today. “It’s true the challenge now is to be sult, but manager Hodgson does not fried Zaha, scorer of last week’s 97th- Tottenham are still basking in the focused. It’s a massive opportunity to expect Tottenham to be complacent minute point-saver in Palace’s 2-2 adulation that has come their way since forget the Real Madrid game.” and take his struggling side for granted. draw against West Ham United. they beat Champions League holders Spurs’ 1-0 defeat at Manchester “They are young, professional and “Since Wilfried has been back from Real Madrid 3-1 beneath the Wembley United last weekend left them eight well-managed,” he said. injury he has added a diff erent dimen- arch on Wednesday. points below leaders Manchester City “I’ll be surprised if we don’t see sion,” Hodgson said. The mood would be dampened if Pal- in third place and Pochettino is already Spurs play well. I expect to see the team “We threaten teams much more now ace, who are yet to score in fi ve away concerned about being cut adrift. I have admired since the start of the in the fi nal third. He excites us all be- league defeats, are not beaten this week- “Crystal Palace is another fi nal for season. They beat Real 3-1, but it could cause he has the ability to set up and end and Pochettino has warned his play- us,” he said. “After out defeat against have been six. score goals.” ers not to take their eyes off the ball. Man United, it’s so important to win “Knowing Pochettino, he’ll be tell- Mamadou Sakho and James “We must be focused. We must use again in the Premier League. ing his team all the right things — keep McArthur could feature for Palace after the result to lift us and build confi - “We know very well in football, we running and doing what they have been returning to training following their re- dence,” said the Tottenham manager. must keep feet on the grass. All the doing — and making sure there is no spective calf and ankle injuries. “But we understand we must work games are so important and tough. You complacency. Patrick van Aanholt is a doubt with a hard to get another good result on Sun- cannot be relaxed when you compete in “The big question is whether the hamstring problem, while Chung Yong Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino (right) speaks to Harry Kane after day. It’s always diffi cult to play Wednes- this game.” players will be able to take it on board.” Lee (hamstring) and Christian Benteke he is substituted during the UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid day to Sunday. The eff ort was massive. The victory over Madrid, which car- Hodgson’s principal task will be (knee) are both out. at in London on Wednesday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, November 5, 2017 FOOTBALL

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Guardiola wary of Morata and Lukaku Gunners repeating FA Cup triumph seek return to form AFP Manchester

nbeaten Manchester City’s season shows no sign of losing momentum with 15 wins from as Chelsea face Utd 16 in all competitions after UWednesday’s 4-2 Champions League victory at Napoli. Chelsea and Manchester United are battling to keep pace with leaders City City have not lost a competitive match anywhere since April, but that AFP defeat came in the FA Cup semi-fi nals London against Arsenal, the team who visit the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League today. lvaro Morata and Romelu Lu- Manager Pep Guardiola has said he kaku will be under pressure sees no possibility of City emulat- to fi re their teams back into ing the achievement of Arsenal’s ‘The Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. the Premier League title race Invincibles’ of 2003-04, by going whenA the misfi ring strikers clash in through an entire Premier League sea- his 178th for City. Chelsea’s showdown with Manchester son unbeaten The Argentina international, who United today. “Apart from the defeat at Watford, had looked apprehensive as he got close Chelsea forward Morata and Unit- Arsenal have won a lot of games,” said to the record, should now enjoy the op- ed front man Lukaku were the toast Guardiola. portunity to relax in front of goal a little of their clubs after celebrating their “It’s complicated for us. We hope we more. close-season transfers with a barrage can recover well after the travel and the Arsene Wenger has been encouraged of goals. game in Naples. by Arsenal side’s recent run of form But, with Chelsea and United bat- “It’s so tough when you have the that had seen them recover to win their tling to keep pace with leaders Man- Champions League to consider. previous three games before Thurs- chester City, Morata and Lukaku have “Arsenal played without their real day’s scoreless Europa League draw. lost their midas touch at the wrong squad on Thursday (Europa League The visit to the Etihad Stadium, moment, putting them under the group game against ), however, presents an altogether more microscope at Stamford Bridge this so they have eff ectively rested for one demanding test and the Gunners man- weekend. week. We will lack energy, so our fans ager knows his side must improve their United manager Jose Mourinho will be important.” awful record at the homes of the Pre- splashed out £75mn ($98mn) to sign City have scored 35 goals and con- mier League’s leading teams if they are Lukaku from Everton after persuading ceded just six in their 10 league games to be considered title contenders. the Belgium international to snub in- so far, winning at Chelsea and thrash- The north London club last won at terest from Blues boss Antonio Conte. ing Liverpool 5-0 in the process, leav- one of the established top six when Lukaku was off to a fast start, net- ing many rival managers wondering they beat City in January 2015 and since ting 11 times in his fi rst 10 games. how they might be stopped. then they have picked up just six points However, the 24-year-old fi nds Among the players to have impressed from a possible 42 in 14 away trips. himself in the midst of a barren spell this season is Raheem Sterling, the “We will try to play our game. We stretching back six games to the end of Manchester United’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (right) runs past Benfica’s Brazilian defender Jardel during the UEFA winger who Arsenal wanted to sign in will not hide,” said Wenger. September. Champions League match at Old Traff ord in Manchester, England, on Tuesday. (AFP) August, and who might have been al- “When we go there, we want to de- United fans have grown frustrated lowed to leave had City’s attempt to fend well — but as well, you cannot go by Lukaku’s lack of contributions seven goals in his fi rst seven games fol- this weekend as champions Chelsea tles and was sacked twice — after United sign Alexis Sanchez been successful. there and be focused on only defend- outside the penalty area, prompting lowing his club record £58mn ($75mn) try to claw their way back into the title lost both their visits last season. Sterling has not been a prolifi c scorer ing. We want as well to play, have the Mourinho to chastise Old Traff ord move from Real Madrid. race. Abused by Chelsea fans during during his short career, but has seven ball and create dangerous situations. crowd for failing to give the striker But, like Lukaku, the 25-year-old Fourth placed Chelsea are four United’s 4-0 and 1-0 defeats, Mour- Premier League goals already this sea- The best way to defend sometimes is to enough support in last weekend’s win Spaniard has failed to score in his last points behind second placed United inho insists he doesn’t attach special son, a total that only Tottenham’s Har- attack. over Tottenham. six games, earning criticism for some and nine points adrift of table-toppers signifi cance to the fi xture. ry Kane can better so far. “If you want to play football, when Lukaku responded to the doubt- lethargic displays. City. “It isn’t a big thing. It’s normal, it’s The winger has another three goals you walk out on the pitch you have to ers by admitting he is still a work in Morata also had to claim he had Conte’s side crashed to a 3-0 defeat football. One day you are in one club, in the Champions League to go with accept the gamble and the risk. It is progress. been misquoted after an interview in at Roma in the Champions League on the next day you’re in another club,” that, including one during Wednes- part of the game. “You can’t judge me as the fi nished which he appeared to hint he wouldn’t Tuesday, erasing the momentum from he said. day’s win. “After, you have to rate the risk. Is it article. I’d rather have a career where stay with Chelsea for long because he successive league wins over Watford Conte, who will give N’Golo Kante a Also among the goals in midweek a bigger risk only to defend than to at- year after year I improve rather than doesn’t enjoy London’s hectic life- and Bournemouth. late fi tness test on his hamstring inju- was Sergio Aguero, who fi nally became tack if a team is very strong to attack? going to the top and decline,” he said. style. United are fi ve points behind City ry, admits Chelsea no longer have any the club’s all-time record scorer with Maybe it is a bigger risk only to defend.” “I know I have a lot of talent, but I In the circumstances, Morata and after winning only one of their last margin for error if they are to overhaul want to have more assists, I want to Lukaku could do with silencing the three league games, although they United and City. make sure when my team is in diffi cul- critics by producing a priceless win- made it three successive wins in all “Now there is a big problem for all ties they can count on me.” ner at the Bridge. competitions by beating Benfi ca in the teams that want to fi ght for the ti- Indian federation ‘reminded’ by FIFA After missing out on Lukaku, Conte Both players carried hefty price tags midweek. tle and this big problem is Manchester settled for Morata as an expensive because of the belief they were ready Mourinho will be hoping for better City,” Conte said. over outside interference consolation prize. to deliver when the stakes are highest. luck on his latest return to Chelsea — “If they continue in this way it will Morata hit the ground running with That will be the case in west London the club where he won three English ti- be very diffi cult to fi ght for the title.” India’s football federation (AIFF) has “FIFA has also reminded the AIFF been reminded by FIFA that it cannot that... member associations, includ- be influenced by legal or political ing the AIFF, are obliged to manage inference from inside the country, their aff airs independently and I should moan about Pogba more, says Mourinho the global football body said. without undue influence from third The warning came after a Delhi High parties.” Manchester United manager Jose our injuries and remind everybody, without Pogba. Oh, all the big matches League leaders Manchester City Court ruling on Tuesday annulled the The High Court ruling came less Mourinho believes he deserves credit day after day or press conference — against Liverpool, against Chelsea, ahead of their trip to champions AIFF’s most recent presidential elec- than a week after India completed for not complaining more about Paul after press conference,” he said. against Spurs — without Pogba. Oh.’ Chelsea on Sunday. tion and ordered a re-run to be organ- its hosting of the under-17 World Cup Pogba’s injury problems and those “It’s my way of dealing with prob- “I don’t speak about Pogba one Mourinho’s preparations for the ised by the country’s former election and was praised by FIFA president aff ecting the rest of his squad. lems. It’s my way of trying to moti- single time. It’s only when you ask match against his former club were commission chief SY Quraishi. Gianni Infantino, who said he wants France midfielder Pogba has been vate and respect and give confidence me about his situation. And it’s not disrupted by the fact he had to travel FIFA statutes state that member to make football the most popular absent for almost two months be- to the players that are going to just Pogba. It’s Pogba, it’s Fellaini, it’s to Madrid on Friday to settle a tax federations must be free from legal sport in the cricket-mad nation. cause of a hamstring injury sustained replace those people. Carrick, it’s Ibra, it’s Marcos Rojo. It’s case with the Spanish authorities. and political interference in their The AIFF election, held last De- during a 3-0 Champions League vic- “But maybe I have to reconsider my a big group of players. So yes, I think United’s trips to Stamford Bridge have respective countries and the world cember, saw Praful Patel re-elected tory over Basel on September 12. profile. I know that I moan with a we are doing very, very well.” become fraught aff airs since Mourinho governing body has suspended as president. The High Court has Five other players — Marouane lot of things, but I don’t do with the Mourinho has repeatedly refused joined United in May 2016, but he says other national associations in the ordered a fresh election within Fellaini, Michael Carrick, Marcos injuries and probably I should. to predict when Pogba might be he is still popular with Chelsea’s sup- past in similar cases. five months which it said must be Rojo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jesse “I think any other manager would be fit again. The former Juventus porters. The United manager is one of “FIFA has sent a letter to the AIFF held under rules stipulated by the Lingard — are currently sidelined and speaking about Pogba every day. ‘Oh, midfielder returned to United’s Car- the most significant figures in Chelsea requesting more information about national sports code. Mourinho says their absences should I don’t have Pogba. Oh, when will I rington training headquarters just history, having ended the west London Delhi’s High Court decision as well as The AIFF has said it was fully com- be taken into account. have Pogba?’ over a week ago after spending time club’s 50-year wait for a league title in the steps that AIFF intends to under- plaint with both Ministry of Youth “You know, I think it’s my fault be- “’Oh, 10 matches without Pogba. Oh, all rehabilitating in Miami. 2005 at the end of his first season as take in this matter,” FIFA told Reuters Aff airs and Sports directives, as well cause I should cry every week about the Champions League group phase United are five points below Premier their manager. in an emailed statement. as FIFA statutes.

ASPIRE ACADEMY TRI-SERIES TOURNAMENT Aspire U17 team triumph over Lebanon FA, AZ Alkmaar

By Sports Reporter Performance & Development at AZ ited Aspire Academy to compete in Doha Alkmaar, added: “It’s very important the Tri-Series tournament has grown to play against teams from diff erent steadily since it was launched in 2012. footballing cultures and with diff ering Last year, a total of 32 clubs and associ- n a series of thrilling matches styles of play. Being here is great prepa- ations participated in the tournament. played last week, Aspire Academy’s ration and practice for our team. We Participating teams have included ma- U17 football team topped the ta- were impressed by the skills of Aspire jor football clubs such as such as Liver- ble in the latest Tri-Series football Academy’s players and their passion pool FC (England), Paris St-Germain Itournament, after winning both their for the game.” (France), Ajax Amsterdam (Nether- games against visiting teams from Bassem Mohamed, Technical Di- lands), Zenit St. Petersburg (Russia), Dutch football club AZ Alkmaar, and rector of the Lebanon FA said: “We’re Nagoya Grampus Eight (Japan), Esper- the Lebanon Football Association. grateful for the invitation. We have re- ance de Tunis (Tunisia) and Palmeiras Organised by Aspire Academy, the cently selected our youth teams, so the (Brazil) as well as national youth teams tournament featured Aspire Academy’s boys haven’t been playing together for from Canada and Denmark. U18, U17 and U16 football teams com- a long time. Participating in competi- The selection criteria for overseas peting against players of the same age tions like this is key to their develop- teams taking part in Aspire Academy’s from the visiting teams. Dutch Club AZ ment because it helps them grow to- Tri-Series football competition in- Alkmaar’s U18 and U16 teams proved to gether as a team. The competition in cludes a strong emphasis on youth de- be strong and challenging opponents, ing from the side-lines, Gullit said: pressure and challenging situations, so challenging, which is always a sign of a Doha was of very high standard. Leav- velopment programmes, in addition to securing top spots in their respective “Tournaments like these provide young that they can transfer the knowledge great competition. At this stage, we’re ing our results to one side, there were their standard of football and football- age groups. players with an opportunity to shine they develop in training to competitive less focused on the fi nal results, more moments where the boys showed great ing style. During their time in Qatar, Ruud Gullit, former AC Milan star, and to have their talents recognised, as games on the pitch. Our teams enjoyed on giving our players the opportunity potential against strong opponents.” representatives from visiting clubs are captain of the Dutch national team well as improve their game.” playing against our regional neighbours to compete against the best academies The fi fth round of the 2017-2018 also invited to present their philoso- that triumphed at the 1988 UEFA Eu- Commenting on the tournament, from Lebanon and against a prestigious in Europe or Asia. Realising that they’re season will run next week and involves phy and management approach when ropean Football Championship, and Edorta Murua, Technical Football Di- European team. The competition was a able to compete at the same level will teams representing the Spanish Cul- working with junior players, which is of player-manager at Chelsea FC during rector at Aspire Academy, said: “One good test of the boys’ ability. help instil confi dence and support their tural y Deportiva Leonesa and Eintra- considerable benefi t both to coaches at the 1990’s was in Doha to watch his son of the Tri-Series’ main objectives is “We did well against Lebanon, but the athletic development.” cht Frankfurt from Germany. Aspire Academy as well as those of the play at the Tri-Series matches. Speak- to teach our players how to cope with games against AZ Alkmaar were more Marijn Thijmen Beuker, head of The number of teams that have vis- Qatar national teams. Gulf Times Sunday, November 5, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA HORSE RACING Forever Unbridled springs Breeders’ James pours in Cup Distaff surprise 57 as Cavaliers topple Wizards ‘I don’t want to give myself a ceiling. I don’t want to cap myself’

AFP Washington LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers puts up a Forever Unbridled and jockey John Velazquez walk into the winner’s our-time league MVP LeBron shot over Jodie Meeks of the Washington Wizards circle after a win in the ninth race during the 34th Breeders Cup James poured in 57 points for the in the first half of their game at Capital One Arena in world championships at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Picture: Jake second-best scoring perform- Washington, DC. Roth-USA TODAY Sports ance of his career as the Cleve- landF Cavaliers busted out of a slump with ered around the Richard Fahey- AFP a 130-122 win over the Washington Wiz- Del Mar, United States trained Sands of Mali as they ards. turned for home. James also delivered 11 rebounds and Down the stretch he pulled seven assists on Friday for the Cavaliers, orever Unbridled won away to beat Untamed Domain who shot 56 % from the fi eld and im- the $2mn Breeders’ Cup by a length, with Voting Control proved to 4-5 on the season. Distaff on Friday to cap third, a further half-length back. The 32-year-old American sank 23 of Fthe opening day of ac- “It went very smooth,” Moore 34 shots — including two three-pointers tion in the $28mn Breeders’ Cup said. “When he hit the front, — and made all nine of his free throw at- at Del Mar Racetrack. he wasn’t quite sure how to get tempts in front of a crowd of 20,100 at The day’s four races off ered a down and gallop yet. So I think the Capital One Arena in the US capital. tantalising warm-up to today’s there’s more to come from him.” “I don’t want to give myself a ceiling. nine-race slate, which will fea- The $1mn Dirt Mile produced I don’t want to cap myself,” said James, ture Arrogate going for a repeat plenty of drama as Battle of Mid- who recorded his fi rst 50-point game in the $6mn Classic, and High- way out-duelled Sharp Azteca in since returning to his hometown Cava- land Reel aiming for a repeat vic- the stretch. liers. “I want to be as complete a basket- tory in the $4mn Turf. The 18-1 shot trained by Jerry ball player as I can be. Highland Reel trainer Aidan Hollendorfer and ridden by US- “Even rounding 33 I feel I am in the O’Brien opened his account based French jockey Flavien Prat best shape of my career. I am out here, I with a victory in the one mile, got the victory by half a length might as well keep getting better.” $1mn Juvenile Turf, where Men- with Awesome Slew a distant Derrick Rose added 20 points for the delssohn gave the Irish trainer a third and 2-1 favourite Mor Spir- Cavaliers, who lost three games during 27th Grade/Group One victory it was eighth. their four-game losing skid by double of the year. The spotlight, however was digits. O’Brien, who had broken on the Distaff , where Forever Both teams were struggling heading the late Bobby Frankel’s world Unbridled seized the win a year into Friday’s game as the Wizards only record with his 26th Group One after fi nishing third in the same added to their woes, having now lost four win last weekend, was disap- race at Santa Anita. of their last fi ve. pointed in his fi rst opportunity The 5-year-old mare trained Bradley Beal scored 36 points for to extend the record on Friday in by Dallas Stewart and ridden by Washington. John Wall had 13 points and the Juvenile Fillies Turf won by John Velazquez, was racing for 15 assists as the Wizards shot 53.6 % from Rushing Fall. just the third time this year in the fi eld. WWJames, who is in his 15th Rushing Fall, ridden by Javier the 1 1/8 mile race. NBA season, fi nished just four points shy Castellano, swept to the lead at Sent off at odds of 7-2, she was of his career-high 61 set in 2014 against the top of the stretch and fi n- sixth in the early going, running the Charlotte Bobcats. ished 3/4 of a length ahead of smoothly on the outside. But there is also something about Best Performance. Velazquez, picked for the ride playing the Wizards that seems to bring Trainer Chad Brown notched over Joel Rosario who had pilot- out the best in James. his second straight win, and ed Forever Unbridled to victory In February, James banked home the fourth overall in the race over in the Fleur De Lis and Personal game-tying three point shot in the clos- one mile on Del Mar’s tight turf Ensign Stakes this year, took her ing seconds of regulation and Cleveland track. to the front around the turn and went on to beat Washington 140-135 in O’Brien’s September fi nished powered home. overtime in a contest that some consid- third with a strong late run after “I know it’s a short stretch, so I ered to be the league’s 2016-17 regular- an awkward start. wanted to make sure I wasn’t too season game of the year. But stablemate Happily, a far back,” Velazquez said. “Once Wall and Beal told reporters earlier on two-time Group One winner I got her running — I got to the Friday that they believe Cleveland pur- in Europe sent off as the 2-1 fa- lead a little bit too soon — but she posefully dropped out of the top seed in vourite, fi nished last in the fi eld got it done anyway.” the playoff s last season to avoid facing of 14. Trainer Bob Baff ert said he Washington in the early rounds. “She took too long to fi nd a couldn’t fault Abel Tasman’s run, James played like someone who took gear and by then it was too late even though it left his Kentucky that slight to heart. and there was some horses in Oaks winner in second by half a front of her,” jockey Ryan Moore length. said. Paradise Woods was third, Moore made sure it didn’t three lengths back, and Elate, Results happen again in the Juvenile sent off as the 2-1 favourite, n-fi Turf. ished fourth. Boston ...... 101 OKLAHOMA CITY 94 Mendelssohn broke sharply “She just got beat by a really DENVER ...... 95 Miami ...... 94 from the fi rst stall, settled in good horse,” Baff ert said. “That Toronto ...... 109 UTAH ...... 100 behind the leaders and pow- was a tough race.” New Orleans...99 DALLAS ...... 94 SAN ANTONIO 108 Charlotte ...... 101 NFL Houston ...... 119 ATLANTA ...... 104 On Friday, he scored 24 points and from a double digit defi cit to defeat the points, six rebounds and 11 assists. NY KNICKS .....120 Phoenix ...... 107 Cleveland shot 65.8 % from the fi eld in Oklahoma City Thunder 101-94 and ex- In Atlanta, James Harden had 29 points the fi rst half for a 74-66 lead. tend their winning streak to seven games. and 11 assists before sitting the fourth DETROIT ...... 105 Milwaukee ...... 96 “Nothing that we did was going to Irving scored 15 of his points in the quarter as the Houston Rockets bombed Federal court stays Chicago...... 105 ORLANDO ...... 83 work,” Wizards coach Scott Brooks said. fourth quarter. Forward Al Horford also away early from three-point range to beat PHILADELPHIA 121 Indiana ...... 110 “The guy was on fi re. That’s what hap- rose to the challenge and fi nished with 20 the Atlanta Hawks 119-104. Cleveland ...... 130 WASHINGTON .....122 pens certain nights with great players.” points for Boston. Harden was six of 11 on three-point Elliott’s suspension Elsewhere, Kyrie Irving fi nished with Paul George led the Thunder with 25 shots, and the Rockets took 47 of their 89 25 points as the Boston Celtics rallied points, while Russell Westbrook had 19 shots from behind the arc, making 16. The Sports Xchange brain to further the study of con- Dallas cussions after his death. Buoniconti, the defensive lead- BOTTOMLINE er of the Dolphins’ undefeated federal appeals court 1972 Super Bowl championship granted an administra- team, has elected to donate his tive stay for suspended brain to the Chronic Traumatic Astros celebrate victory, White House visit uncertain ADallas Cowboys run- Encephalopathy team at Boston ning back Ezekiel Elliott on Fri- University and the Concussion AFP ange, navy blue and white. area’s intricate network of natural drainage day, reinstating his eligibility for Legacy Foundation. Houston “What comes out of this moving for- into the Gulf of Mexico. today’s game against the Kansas In May, Buoniconti, 76, went ward on the political side, what we do or Many Harvey victims are still working to City . The 2nd US Circuit public in a Sports Illustrated ar- don’t do, what sports has turned into rep- return to normalcy. Their damaged or de- Court of Appeals in New York ticle that he suff ers from memory undreds of thousands of rev- resenting the country’s tone, will have to be stroyed homes and belongings have not yet granted the request to the NFL loss among other ailments stem- ellers poured into Houston’s decided in time,” team manager AJ Hinch been replaced or rebuilt. Players Association on behalf of ming from his 14-year pro foot- streets on Friday to celebrate told reporters. “This is meant to be,” Harvey victim Joe Elliott. ball career. the baseball team’s fi rst-ever “We’re not going to allow anything to Eaton Jr told local television station KHOU. “We note that the issuance of WorldH Series title win, just two months polarise this moment that we want to cel- “We are all champions now. We are rooting an administrative stay does not after America’s fourth-largest city was ebrate with our fans.” for one thing.” constitute a resolution on the A number of NFL owners will hit with historic fl oods. The Astros won the coveted Major So many turned out for the celebration merits,” Susan L. Carney, a judge be asked to turn over commu- The celebration was tinged with uncer- League Baseball championship title on that public transportation was overwhelmed. on the US Court of Appeals for nications records related to the tainty, as the team said it had not decided Wednesday, in a 5-1 triumph over the Los There were reports of long lines for train and the Second Circuit, wrote in Fri- Colin Kaepernick collusion case about a potential White House visit, con- Angeles Dodgers, bringing home a World bus service to downtown — with some una- day’s fi ling. With his six-game against the league. sidering its controversial occupant. Series trophy for the fi rst time since the ble to reach the parade in time. Friday became suspension on hold once again, A league source told ESPN’s Such a visit is traditional for a champi- team’s inception in 1962. an unoffi cial city holiday, with many taking the 22-year-old Elliott arrived Adam Schefter that Dallas Cow- onship team, but President Donald Trump The games in the best-of-seven series the day off work and the school district even at the Cowboys’ practice facil- boys owner Jerry Jones, New has had a testy relationship with sports George Sprinter #4 holds up the featured dramatic swings of momentum be- cancelling classes for the afternoon parade ity Friday morning. He was not England Patriots owner Robert fi gures, including calling for the fi ring of Championship Trophy as Houston Mayor tween the two teams and breathtak ing rallies and rally at the city hall. with the team on Wednesday and Kraft and Houston Texans owner protesting American football players who Sylvester Turner and Carlos Correa look — energising the Texas city still recovering The festive parade snaked through Thursday, per league rules. Bob McNair, among others, will kneel during the national anthem. on during the Houston Astros Victory from the destruction of Hurricane Harvey. downtown streets with fl oats, politicians be deposed and asked to turn over Trump also disinvited this year’s NBA Parade on November 3, 2017 in Houston. Two months ago, Harvey brought waving at crowds and the University of all cellphone records and e-mails champions, the Golden State Warriors, record-setting fl ooding to Houston, kill- Houston marching band blasting music. Hall of Famer and former Mi- in relation to the collusion case when players hesitated over a visit. countless fans lined the streets — ing 88 people and submerging vast swaths One group marched with giant infl ated ami Dolphins linebacker Nick brought by the former San Fran- As the Astros celebrated their win, many clad in the team colours of or- of land. Every waterway overfl owed in the baseballs. Buoniconti said he will donate his cisco 49ers quarterback. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, November 5, 2017 SPORT

GOLF Kiradech and Lowry share Turkish Open lead AFP he has not tasted success since Kapur shares lead at Delhi event Third round leading scores Summerlin Golf course in Las Antalya, Turkey winning twice in 2015, fi rst in 199 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat Vegas. The second round will China and then later that year India’s Shiv Kapur, playing on his home course in New (THA) 66 67 66, Shane Lowry resume early Saturday morning for a fi rst time on European soil Delhi, ended yesterday by sharing the lead with American 68 66 65 and will be immediately followed hailand’s Kiradech in Scotland. Paul Peterson on the third day of the Panasonic Open India 201 - Padraig Harrington 65 72 by the third round. Aphibarnrat and Ire- Kiradech, however, is clearly tournament. 64, Justin Rose 69 68 64, Nico- If Spaun can maintain the lead land’s Shane Lowry benefi ting from two big deci- Kapur, who has never won a professional event at the Delhi las Colsaerts (BEL) 64 64 73 it will be the fi rst time in 34 career share a two-shot lead sions this season: fi rstly to be- Golf Club, closed the day on three-under 69 following a 202 - Thomas Pieters (BEL) 69 USPGA events he leads through Theading into the fi nal round of gin working with the renowned two rounds. Spaun’s only pre- 25-footer for eagle in the final hole. 67 66 the Turkish Airlines Open in Peter Cowen, long-time coach “My hitting was not good at all, and it was my short game 203 - Matthieu Pavon (FRA) 66 vious lead after any round was Antalya. to 2016 Open champion Henrik that has been very sharp and it saved me,” Kapur, who 71 66, Dylan Frittelli (RSA) 70 67 in the fi rst round of last week’s Neither player dropped a shot Stenson; and secondly dropping started the day with an opening bogey-six, said. 66, Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) 69 Sanderson Farms Championship. yesterday with Kiradech sign- 18kg from a high of 108kg. “But I am proud of the way I hung and showed a lot of grit 68 66, Stephen Gallacher 69 65 He fi nished tied for 34th. ing for a fi ve-under par 66 and The third round was also the to save pars and that eagle was a great way to end the 69, Matthew Southgate 69 65 Spaun’s lead is contingent Lowry a six-under 65 to move to occasion of his father’s birthday day,” he added. 69, Eddie Pepperell 66 66 71 on how fellow American Kelly 14-under par in the $7 million (6 and Kiradech celebrated by ar- Peterson, 29, the southpaw from Arizona who won the 204 - Julian Suri (USA) 68 70 66, Kraft fi nishes. Kraft, who shot a million euros) event on the Reg- ranging a number of fellow Tour Czech Masters last year, began his day with an eagle and Joost Luiten (HOL) 64 73 67, Pe- 67 in the opening round, is three nm Carya course. colleagues, including Stenson ended it with a chip-in from the edge of 18th to move from ter Uihlein (USA) 69 67 68, Lee strokes back after making it Three players share third place who is his father’s idol, to extend an overall 11-under to 13-under. Westwood 67 68 69, Matthew through 15 holes on Friday. on 12-under par – Ireland’s Pa- birthday wishes. “I am trying to get my first Asian Tour win and patience will Fitzpatrick 69 65 70, Paul Dunne Kraft’s round included one of draig Harrington and England’s “I asked fi ve top players this be the key for me tomorrow,” Peterson said. 67 70 67 two aces recorded Friday. He got Justin Rose, who both shot a morning if they would let me Another Delhi Golfer, Shamim Khan, signed for a 69 to take Selected others his hole-in-one at the par-three seven-under par 64, along with video a message and I especially third place on an Indian dominated field at the $400,000 208 - Tommy Fleetwood 71 70 fi fth hole with a 174-yard shot. Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts, the have to thank Henrik, Justin Asian Tour event. 67, Martin Kaymer (GER) 71 71 66 Brice Garnett had the other fi rst and second round leader Rose, Ian Poulter and Nicolas ace, scoring it on the par-three who posted a disappointing 73. Colsaerts,” Kiradech said. Spaun leads in Las Vegas 14th hole. “I am very pleaed to come “Henrik, it’s really special dech having won three times on enough. If it’s not, so be it and World No.6 Rose capped his After missing the cut last year First-round leader Whee Kim from fi ve strokes behind at the for him (his father) and he is his the European Tour but with the that’s the way it is.” round with four birdies in suc- J.J. Spaun shot a 65 in the second could not hold the lead, shoot- start of my round to be at the top idol. He never asks me for pho- last also two years ago. Colsaerts went into day three cession from the 12th in his bid round of the Shriners Hospitals ing a one-over 72 to drop into a of the leaderboard,” said Kira- tos but he asked me last week at “It’s been a while since I’ve leading by four and had extend- to secure back-to-back victo- for Children Open, which was sixth-place tie. Defending champ dech, who has his eyes on the the World golf Championships. won so I can’t really remember ed his lead to fi ve shots when he ries for a fi rst time in his career suspended by darkness for the Rod Pampling is trying to join Jim $1.6 million fi rst prize. That’s why I try to beat him what it was like,” he joked. birdied the seventh hole. after winning last week’s WGC second straight day. Furyk (1998, 1999) as the only The aff able Thai golfer has (Stenson)... because my dad love “I just have to get out there But a double bogey six on the - HSBC Champions event in The 27-year-old American, players to win this event in con- enjoyed three wins on the Euro- you too much.” tomorrow (Sunday) and play 11th where he found water and Shanghai. Today was the best I’ve who fi red a fi ve-under 66 in the secutive years. He has some work pean Tour and while runner-up Lowry heads to the fi nal day my game and do what I do every bogeys at 12 and 16 saw him drop played all week, and maybe even opening round, is at 11-under- to do as the 48-year-old Aussie is last month in the Italian Open with the same record as Kira- day. If it’s good enough, it’s good to a share of third. better than last week,” said Rose. par 129 after 36 holes at the tied for 66th.

RUGBY FORMULA 1 This time it is for sure, says Massa Wallabies hit 60 Hungarian Grand Prix in 2009, AFP London said he cherished his time in the sport since making his de- but in 2009. razilian driver Felipe “I take so many great mem- Massa is to retire ories with me as I prepare for defi nitively from For- my fi nal two races in Brazil mula One at the end and Abu Dhabi, and although against Japan in Bof the season he announced they will be emotional, I am yesterday. looking forward to ending on The 36-year-old Williams a high note and preparing for a pilot - who won 11 Grand Prix new chapter in my career,” said to date - decided to call it a day Massa. His best fi nish overall as his team are yet to confi rm was runner-up for Ferrari to their line-up for next season. Lewis Hamilton in 2008 after Massa had indicated he a thrilling season long battle. European warm-up would like to compete again Williams deputy team prin- next year - having originally cipal Claire Williams said ‘Japan’s players fought hard and were really strong in the breakdown. They turned changed his mind about re- Massa had been an absolute tiring at the end of 2016 - but dream to work with. “I would us over too many times and put 30 points on us — we’ve got to be better than that’ Williams are thought to be fa- like to thank Felipe for all he vouring giving Poland’s Rob- has done for the team over the ert Kubica, who has performed last four years. It has been an miracles to return after a ter- absolute pleasure to work with rible crash in a rally in 2011, him,” she said in a statement. the drive alongside Canadian “We are especially grateful Lance Stroll. that he agreed to postpone his “I agreed to return this sea- retirement from F1 for a year, son to help Williams when the after Valtteri (Bottas) joined call came,” said Massa. “I have Mercedes, which demonstrated now enjoyed four great years the depth of the relationship we with the team, but my career built during our time together. in Formula 1 will fi nally come “We appreciate that it to an end this season.” wasn’t an easy decision for Massa, who suff ered a seri- him to return, after having ous injury when hit by the sus- such an emotional send-off at pension of a rival’s car in the the end of last year.”

COMMENT Rugby chiefs hit back as 2023 tensions escalate

AFP Ireland reacted furiously to London South Africa Rugby CEO Ju- Australia’s Henry Speight and Japan’s vying for the ball during their match in Yokohama yesterday. (Reuetrs) rie Roux suggesting the race was over and that they and the AFP our game,” said Australia captain the Australians, who scored our level and theirs,” he said. Michael Cheika, whose side take orld rugby chiefs French should take the “moral Yokohama, Japan Michael Hooper. further tries through Speight, “Discipline in that fi rst 20 on Wales in Cardiff next week- yesterday hit back high ground” so nothing unto- “Japan’s players fought hard Tatafu Polota-Nau, Nick Phipps minutes hurt us and we have to end. after French feder- ward happens between now and and were really strong in the and Rob Simmons. improve in a lot of areas before “We dropped off a bit toward ation boss Bernard the vote. But World Rugby, the njury-hit Australia crushed breakdown. They turned us The Asian champions were the World Cup.” the end but Japan played very WLaporte criticised the techni- game’s governing body, hit back Japan 63-30 in Yokohama over too many times and put 30 left stunned when Speight burst Despite missing key players, well. It was a fantastic atmos- cal report for the 2023 World in a statement yesterday. yesterday to kick off their points on us — we’ve got to be clear to score Australia’s second Australia were never threatened phere and a great place to play Cup amid an escalating war of “World Rugby is concerned northern hemisphere tour in better than that. try after just 11 minutes as the at the venue for the 2019 World rugby.” words between the bidders. by the reported comments by Iimpressive style. “But it was a great experience fl oodgates threatened to spring Cup fi nal in what proved to be a Japan, who were destroyed The host candidates regarding the The Wallabies ran in nine tries playing here,” he added. “The open. gentle workout for tougher tests 91-3 by Australia the last time Board unanimously recom- Rugby World Cup 2023 host se- in a lopsided encounter as they fans were loud and you can feel Trailing 35-3 at halftime, Ja- away to Wales, England and they met at the 2007 World Cup, mended earlier this week lection process and recommen- followed up wins against world how big it’s going to be here for pan improved after the break Scotland this month. have struggled since winning that the World Rugby Coun- dation, and in particular those champions New Zealand and the the World Cup.” with locks Wimpie van der Walt Hodge was calmness personi- three games at the 2015 tourna- cil award the tournament to attributed to the Federation Barbarians with a clinical dis- Kerevi’s second provided the and Amanaki Mafi grabbing tries fi ed with regular fl yhalf Bernard ment under Eddie Jones. South Africa when they vote Francaise de Rugby,” they said. play against the 2019 World Cup game’s highlight, the bulldoz- before bundled Foley out sick and made several “It was a really disappoint- later this month. Laporte told “While disappointment and hosts. ing centre collecting a no-look over after the fi nal buzzer to help pinpoint passes that led to tries, ing start to the game,” said Japan AFP that he wants the report high emotion following the an- Tevita Kuridrani muscled over pass from Kurtley Beale to cap a Japan hit the 30-point mark, to while second-choice scrumhalf coach . recommending South Africa nouncement of a recommen- for a hat-trick of tries and Samu stunning move started by Henry the joy of 43,000 in Yokohama. Phipps looked solid in place of “We gave penalties away in to be modifi ed, believing that dation is understandable, such Kerevi added two more, while Speight deep in Australia’s own Japan captain Michael Leitch the injured Will Genia. the fi rst half and couldn’t re- France’s credentials have been comments are both unfounded utility back Reece Hodge slotted half. pulled no punches in summing “Between the last game and ally get our game going. But in underrated. and inaccurate.” The govern- a perfect nine from nine with the Japan lost 47-27 to a world up the match. this game we lost fi ve or six the second half we showed what He questioned how South Af- ing body, whose chairman is boot in his fi rst test at fl yhalf. select side last week in a butter- “We were up against one of the players but our mindset and at- we can do when we create some rica was deemed to outperform former England captain Bill “We were really happy with fi ngered display but ill discipline top four teams in the world and titude were very good from the pressure on the opposition and France on issues such as quality Beaumont, said their selection probably about 60 minutes of cost the Brave Blossoms against we felt the diff erence between start,” said Australia head coach play our type of rugby. of hotels, stadiums and doping. process had been transparent. Gulf Times Sunday, November 5, 2017 7 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Stoneman, Vince start well, Root, Munro fi res Kiwis to Cook out cheaply for England

AFP get time in the middle.” Perth Vince had a charmed life series-levelling win and gave three chances in his knock on 47, 63 and 67, twice ‘The way I bat is the same every time, whether I’m chasing 200 or 120’ ark Stoneman and at slip by Nathan Coulter-Nile James Vince were and once at mid- from AFP in the runs but a pull. Rajkot, India skipper Joe Root Dawid Malan and Gary Bal- Mwas dismissed cheaply as Eng- lance spent valuable time in land made a solid start to their the middle with Malan scor- olin Munro yesterday Ashes tour in Perth yesterday. ing 56 and Ballance 51, before said he was relishing Stoneman hit 85 off 113 they both retired to give others batting top of the or- balls while Vince compiled further down the order batting der after his blistering 82 off 129 balls as the tourists practice. centuryC powered New Zealand reached 349 for six at the close Malan was impressive in his to a series-levelling win against of the fi rst day after winning time at the wicket. He stroked India in the second the toss in their two-day game his fi rst through mid- international. against a Western Australia XI. off for four, and looked fl uent Munro, a middle-order bats- But Root fell for just nine on front and back foot and man who was promoted to open and experienced opener disciplined outside off stump. the innings in India, smashed an Alastair Cook was out on the Jonny Bairstow (36) and unbeaten 58-ball 109 to propel second ball of the innings in Chris Woakes (25) guided the the Kiwis to 196-2 in Rajkot. setbacks for the England team tourists to stumps. Kiwi fast bowler Trent Boult ahead of the Ashes series. It was an underwhelm- then claimed four to re- Root looked annoyed when ing start to the Ashes tour for strict India to 156-7 despite a he was given out caught be- former captain Cook, who valiant 42-ball 65 from Indian hind when it looked like the was out for a fi rst-ball duck skipper . But it was ball had fl icked his leg rather to Ryan Harris the last time he Munro’s supreme batting show than his bat. played at the WACA Ground that set up New Zealand’s 40- Stoneman fell 15 runs short back in 2013. run win after their opening loss to of his century when he was Cook prodded at a good ball India in the three-match series. picked up at second slip as he from Ashes Test pace aspirant “I love batting at the top of the attempted to drive paceman Coulter-Nile just outside the order, getting the team off to a Lance Morris. off stump and nicked to wick- fl yer with Guppy (Martin Gup- That ended a 153-run stand etkeeper Calum How. till),” the left-handed batsman for the second wicket with Coulter-Nile proved a said after receiving the man of Vince, who was caught at mid- handful for Stoneman and the match award. wicket off Aaron Hardie. Vince in his opening spell “The way I bat is the same “It was good to get that time before they settled into the every time, whether I’m chas- in the middle,” Stoneman said. groove. ing 200 or 120. Go out there, stay “There was enough there to Coulter-Nile, who fi nished still and try and hit fours and keep the opening bowlers in- the day with one for 43 off 16 sixes,” he added. terested with the new ball and overs, is attempting to force Munro put on 105 runs for the there’s that bit of extra bounce his way into the Australian opening wicket with Guptill, to lay here, which always has the squad for the fi rst Test against a solid foundation after the Kiwis catchers in play. England, starting in Brisbane elected to bat fi rst on a wicket that “It was nice once we got on November 23. promised runs. Munro made the through that new-ball period England decided to fi eld 13 most of his two reprieves, on 45 to settle in and get into some players in the tour match, with and 79, to register his second T20 rhythm. only Steven Finn (jarred left ton -- in just 54 balls. “Cook and Root are the knee), Moeen Ali (side strain) bankers -- it’s a shame for and back-up wicketkeeper Riding his luck them on a personal note but it Ben Foakes missing from the “Few chances went my way, New Zealand batsman plays a shot during the second T20 international against India at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium gave other guys the chance to 16-man touring squad. but that’s T20 cricket, you need in Rajkot yesterday. (AFP) luck in your way. Felt good with the bat, but had been getting after denying Guptill, who Extras (lb2, w10) 12 out at funny times,” Munro, who smashed 3 fours and 3 sixes in Total (2 wickets, 20 overs) 196 Aussie batsmen hold key to potential made an impact in the preced- his 41-ball knock, a fi fty but the Fall of wickets: 1-105 (Guptill), Ashes whitewash: McGrath ing ODI series that the Kiwis lost damage had already been done. 2-140 (Williamson) 2-1, said. Debutant paceman Moham- : Kumar 4-0-29-0 (w2), Legendary Australian paceman Glenn McGrath is fond of Munro also got the wicket med Siraj gave away 53 runs in Siraj 4-0-53-1 (w1), Bumrah 4-0- predicting Ashes whitewashes for his compatriots over England of Shreyas Iyer, who scored 23, four overs but got his maiden 23-0, Chahal 4-0-36-1 (w2), Patel - but this time round he is not so sure. with his right-arm medium pace international wicket in skipper 3-0-39-0 (w5), Pandya 1-0-14-0 The 47-year-old, who brought the curtain down on his stellar to make India slip further after Kane Williamson for 12. India (target 197) Test career 10 years ago with a 5-0 cleansweep of England, told Boult rattled the Indian top- Munro, who hit 7 fours and R. Sharma c Phillips b Boult 5 Daily Mail newspaper everyone is expecting him to say 5-0. order. Boult got openers Shikhar 7 sixes, and Tom Bruce, who S. Dhawan b Boult 1 “Well, it would be rude of me not to, wouldn’t it?” jested Mc- Dhawan bowled, for one, and scored 18, signed off with a 56- V. Kohli c Phillips b Santner 65 Grath. “If our bowlers can stay on the park and bowl well there Sharma caught behind, for fi ve, run unbeaten stand for the third S. Iyer c & b Munro 23 could be a good chance of that again. “It’s always up to the bats- to leave India struggling at 11-2 wicket. “I thought New Zealand H. Pandya b Sodhi 1 men. Bowlers will win matches as long as the batsmen score after two overs. were really good with the bat M.S. Dhoni c Santner b Boult 49 enough runs. That’s coming from a bowler.” Kohli tried his level best dur- early on,” said Kohli. A. Patel c Williamson b Boult 5 However McGrath - who took 563 Test wickets in 124 Tests over ing his fi fty-plus partnerships “We didn’t take our chances, B. Kumar not out 2 a 14 year period - admits that prediction could be tempered by a with Iyer and then Mahendra yes, but at one stage they were J. Bumrah not out 1 couple of personnel issues the Aussies are facing. “I think it will Singh Dhoni, who scored 49, but looking to get 235-240 and credit Extras (b2, lb1, w1) 4 be a fascinating series and I don’t think there’s a real stand-out the climbing run-rate got to him. to (Jasprit) Bumrah and Bhuvi Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 156 winner,” said McGrath, not just a Test bowler but an integral part The star batsman fi nally fell (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) to pull Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Dhawan), of the Australian side that won three successive One Day World to Mitchell Santner’s left-arm things back.” 2-11 (Sharma), 3-65 (Iyer), 4-67 Cups. “Both teams have got issues, there’s no doubt about that, spin and with him India’s hopes The action now moves to the (Pandya), 5-123 (Kohli), 6-130 and looking at the England squad, half the guys I haven’t really faded away. The hosts though deciding match in Thiruvanan- (Patel), 7-154 (Dhoni) seen play before to be honest. “I don’t think the Australians have were always left playing catching thapuram on Tuesday. Bowling: Milne 4-0-30-0 (w1), settled on their team. “The No 6 position and the keeper are up up after Munro and Guptill, who Boult 4-0-34-4, Grandhomme in the air at the moment so we’ll see what happens. It’s still spe- scored 45, hammered the Indian Scoreboard 1-0-10-0, Santner 4-0-31-1, Sodhi cial. It’s still the ultimate.” McGrath says the Ben Stokes aff air has bowling. Guptill hit Yuzvendra New Zealand 4-0-25-1, Munro 3-0-23-1 obviously aff ected the balance of power between the two sides. Chahal for two sixes and a four M. Guptill c Pandya b Chahal 45 Result: New Zealand beat India Talismanic all-rounder Stokes has had to remain in England as in the leg-spinner’s fi rst over to C. Munro not out 109 by 40 runs. New Zealand bowler Trent Boult appeals successfully for the wicket he awaits the outcome of a police investigation into an incident make his intent clear. K. Williamson c Sharma b Siraj 12 Series: The three-match series of Rohit Sharma (left) during the second T20 international at the in Bristol in September. Chahal fi nally got his revenge T. Bruce not out 18 is tied at 1-1. Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot yesterday. (AFP)

TENNIS Qualifi er Krajinovic to face Sock in Paris fi nal AFP matches at Grand Slam or Masters One fi nal ace levelled for Isner, Vandeweghe to meet Goerges in fi nal Paris tournaments in his career before but Krajinovic brought up a match this week, but he has claimed fi ve point on his own serve with a Second-seeded CoCo Vandeweghe will clash with German second-tier Challenger titles in magnifi cent backhand winner and Julia Goerges in the WTA Elite Trophy final after they regis- erbian qualifi er Filip Kra- 2017 to return to the world’s top clinched victory by crunching a tered identical straight-set wins in their respective semi-final jinovic stunned John Isner 100 after struggling with injuries forehand down the line. matches yesterday. yesterday with a thrilling in recent years. Sock, 25, saw off a spirited Ben- After seventh seed Goerges had overpowered Anastasija 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/5) Krajinovic looked to be the fi t- neteau with little trouble to deny Sevastova 6-3 6-3 in the first semi-final, American Vandeweghe victoryS to reach the Paris Mas- ter player, having had a day off the Paris crowd a fi rst home fi nal- took to court to outplay Australian Ashleigh Barty with the ters fi nal and end the American’s due to Nadal’s withdrawal, while ist since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga six same scoreline. World Tour Finals bid. Isner had been taken to a decid- years ago. Goerges broke Sevastova in the opening game and never took The world number 77 will take ing set in all of his three previous A topsy-turvy opening set, her foot off the pedal to clinch the first set in 40 minutes. on Jack Sock in Sunday’s fi nal, matches. But the giant American, which saw the players share four In the second set too, Goerges broke Sevastova early to take after the American beat French runner-up in Paris to Andy Mur- breaks of serve in the fi rst six charge and she sealed an easy victory with a backhand winner wildcard Julien Benneteau 7-5, ray last year, found a second wind games, took the crucial turn when down the line to avenge her loss to the Latvian in Mallorca in 6-2 to move within one win of a in a second-set tie-break, reeling Sock broke in game 11. June. Tour Finals spot. off the first fi ve points in a row. Sock, who started the week 24th The German reeled off 41 winners and did not face a break Krajinovic dug deep to come Serbia’s Filip Krajinovic celebrates winning against USA’s John Isner in He closed it out with two mas- in the ‘Race to London’ standings, point in the contest, winning 76 percent of her second-service through a deciding-set tie-break the Paris Masters semi-final in Paris yesterday. (AFP) sive aces to take his tally for the had found his rhythm on serve and points as she sailed into her fifth final of the year. against the big-serving Isner, who match to 16. forged into a one-set lead. Vandeweghe likewise had little trouble in claiming the first set struck 31 aces. He is the lowest- an emotional Krajinovic told the was looking for a fi rst Tour Fi- The 83rd-ranked Benneteau, against Barty, the American losing just one point on serve and ranked player to reach a Masters crowd. nals appearance. Krajinovic saved Sock ends Benneteau run who delighted the home fans with winning 16 straight points on serve. fi nal since then-world number 191 Isner, 32, needed to win the three break points in his opening Krajinovic saved a rare break a shock win over third seed Marin She raced to a 5-2 lead in the second but Barty saved three Andrei Pavel in the French capital tournament to grab the last place service game and grew into the point to edge ahead in the third Cilic in the last eight on Friday, match points in the next game before the American came back in 2003. for the year-ending eight-man contest from then on, breaking Is- set, but Isner continued to rat- was struggling against Sock’s to serve out the match. The 25-year-old reached the event in London from Spaniard ner in game fi ve. tle through his service games, powerful forehand and fell a break Vandeweghe fired a total of 32 winners against nine unforced last four after world number one Pablo Carreno Busta. Now his It was only the third time the including one that featured four down in game fi ve of the second errors to assert her dominance. The American will break into Rafael Nadal withdrew from the compatriot Sock is the only man world number 14 had dropped his thunderous aces. Isner grabbed an set. the top 10 for the first time in next week’s rankings after reach- tournament before their quarter- who can deny Carreno Busta. serve in the tournament, and Kra- early 3-0 advantage in the decid- The world number 22 was by far ing her second final of the year. fi nal on Friday with a right knee “Very disappointing. I had the jinovic closed out the fi rst set with ing breaker, but Krajinovic showed the stronger player and completed Despite the defeat, Barty finishes the year as the highest injury. chance to do something I’d never a confi dent hold to love. great resolve to take fi ve of the victory with a run of four straight ranked Australian, inside the top 20. “This is the best day of my life,” done before,” admitted Isner, who The Serb had only won two next six points. games to close in on London.

Sunday, November 5, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

QNB STARS LEAGUE MOTORCYCLING New class for Qatar Superstock 600 Ribeiro double seals announced By Sports Reporter is parallel to the championship. Doha We are bringing everybody to a higher level,” al-Remaihi said. The reigning Qatar Super- he Qatar Motor and stock champion Saeed al-Sulaiti Sailiya’s thrilling 3-2 Federation expected another exciting bat- (QMMF) and Losail Cir- tle this season with Mashel al- cuit Sports Club (LCSC) Naimi. Tyesterday announced a new class “To be honest, I had a smooth for the second season of the Qa- ride. I had decided that I would tar Superstock 600, to be held in give it all. I was surprised to see December. myself do so well. I want to thank The riders will battle it out for my team for the way they set up win over Umm Salal QSTK Trophy if they achieve the the bike to suit my riding style. best lap time of 2.09 seconds at We did it. Hopefully we can do Gounerou Mohy’s dramatic late equaliser secures Kharaitiyat a much-deserved point the Losail International circuit well in the coming days and with a 600cc bike or 2.07 with a weeks. First of all, I want to say By Sports Reporter 1000cc bike. ‘Thank you’ to Mashel. We both Doha Speaking on the sidelines were improving. We managed of the Qatar Round FIM Su- lap times we did not expect on a perbike World Championship, stock bike,” he said. l Sailiya recovered to QMMF president Abdulrahman On the other hand, al-Naimi secure a late 3-2 vic- al-Mannai hoped the new class hopes to get the better of his tory over 10-man Umm with add more excitement to the compatriot this season. Salal in the QNB Stars Qatar Superstock 600 series. “I would like to thank my team League,A thanks to a double from “As you saw Saeed al-Sulaiti who work very hard for me. Every Wagner Ribeiro at the Al Ahli and Mashel al-Naimi produced time I do well, it is because of the Stadium yesterday. very exciting battles last year. This support I have. I enjoyed myself The game started cautiously year, we expect the championship in the SuperSport qualifying. I and it was not until the 36th to be just as exciting. We cannot am happy when I am on my bike. minute that the deadlock was wait for the start of the 2017-18 I hope we can do better. I feel I broken by Al Sailiya playmaker championship and the Losail cir- can be better as I used just one Abdulkarim Salem whose spec- cuit is the perfect venue for it,” tyre. I want to thank the QMMF tacular shot from a tight angle al-Mannai said. The QMMF pres- and the LCSC for their support,” found its way into the corner of ident also lauded the LCSC for or- he said. the net. ganising the Qatar WorldSBK. The new class for QSTK Tro- Umm Salal had been slow “I think LCSC have done a phy will be open for those rid- to get going, but turned things fantastic job hosting this event ers who achieve their best lap around very quickly in the sec- and they have stitched together time of 2.09 seconds at the Lo- ond half, thanks to a towering added attractions for this week. sail International Circuit with a header from Youcef Sekour as The organisation is amazing,” he 600cc bike or 2.07 seconds with he rose to meet an outswinging noted. LCSC vice-president and a 1000cc bike. Qatar Super- corner. Minutes later, Al Sailiya general manager Khalid al-Re- stock 600 and QSTK Trophy will goalkeeper Abdraman Aziz’s maihi said the challenge for the consist of fi ve rounds and both defl ected clearance fell to Mah- second season is to build on the classes are open to international moud al-Mawas, who skipped success of last year. riders. The registration deadline past a couple of opposition play- “The major objective we have is December 3, 2017. ers before converting to give been working on is to get a qual- Umm Salal a 2-1 lead. ity set of riders. This year we CALENDAR The response eventually came want to build on the success of Off icial Practice: December 8 from the home team as they last season. We had fun on track and 9 started to increase the intensity, Al Sailiya and Umm Salal players in action during their QNB Stars League match at the Al Ahli Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma and in the stands. Last year the Round 1: December 15 and 16 but were denied on many occa- competition level was very high. Round 2: February 2 and 3 2018 sions by Umm Salal keeper Basel chances that they were unable to The newcomers have improved Round 3: February 16 and 17 Zaidan. convert, with Rachid Tiberka- dramatically. 2018 Their luck changed, however, nine being at the heart of much That is partly because our Round 4: March 15, 16 and 17 on 79 minutes when they were of them. friends in QMMF have devel- 2018 awarded a penalty after captain His fi rst chance came as he oped a training programme that Round 5: April 6 and 7 2018 Juad Ahnash handled in the area. met a chipped pass and from Wagner stepped up, but saw his close range was denied by an ex- shot saved, only to be on hand to cellent stop from the The Dream convert the rebound and bring Team’s goalkeeper Mohamed the scores level. Naim. The hosts thought they From here on, there were a had the opener as Tiberkanine stream of attacks from the home this time found himself through side and they fi nally made it on goal and, after rounding the count in the 87th as Wagner’s goalkeeper, somehow missed the long-range eff ort took a wicked target from close. defl ection and into the top cor- The second period of play was QMMF president Abdulrahman al-Mannai (second left), LCSC vice ner. Any hopes of a late equaliser very much the same, with the president and general manager Khalid al-Remaihi with Qatari riders were dashed as substitute Mahir hosts creating the lion’s share of Saeed al-Sulaiti (left) and Mashel al-Naimi at the Losail International Issa was sent off having caught opportunities and Al Arabi hap- Circuit yesterday. Al Abidi with his studs. py to sit back and wait for their This victory now creates a bit chance to come. That chance did of daylight in the league between arrive against the run of play in Fun activities in store at LGCT Doha 2017 the two sides and Umm Salal will the 79th as Hamad Ismail’s cross be keen to get back to business in from the right was beautifully Al Shaqab has added a new dimension to the 2017 Longines Global the next round when they face Al steered into the far corner by Champions Tour — which will be held from November 9 to 11 — by Sadd away. Al Sailiya will travel Mardik Mardikian with a header. including fun-filled recreational activities targeted at family audiences. to Al Gharafa. Deep into injury time, Mardi- Thus, beyond attracting the equestrian enthusiasts, LGCT Doha will not Meanwhile, Gounerou Mohy’s kian had a chance to seal the only feature world class show jumping competition, but the Al Shaqab dramatic, late equaliser secured Al points, but his shot with just the arena will be transformed into day full of activities to cater to every Kharaitiyat a much-deserved point keeper to beat went wide and this member of the family. Tailored especially for families and children, a against Al Arabi. Al Arabi will be was to prove costly. line-up of activities such as pony rides, jumping castles, horse riding desperately disappointed to have Al Kharaitiyat immediately simulator, face painting and roaming magician are some of the off erings let the victory slip having seen responded with an attack that at this year’s LGCT. And, just like Doha, the old and the new exist side- their conservative approach to the saw Tiberkanine feed the ball by-side as areas have also been set aside for Qatari traditional games as match nearly reap the rewards. to Mohy inside the area and his well as virtual reality sets which will allow children to experience both In an eventful fi rst half, it was powerful shot was defl ected past old and modern activities. One of the highlights of the fun activity is an the hosts who had the upper the keeper to secure a last-gasp Al Arabi and Al Kharaitiyat players vying for the ball during their QNB Stars League match yesterday. art workshop by renowned Cuban artist Juan Arel Ruiz Contino. hand, creating some exceptional 1-1 draw. PICTURE: Anas khalid

SPOTLIGHT QSSA Cup: Nasser wins skeet gold Qatar to host world billiards and snooker By Sports Reporter dia’s 16-time world champion in bil- Doha liards and snooker, Pankaj Advani. “I’ve never entered back-to-back snooker and billiards events at a World atar will host both the bil- Championship before. I’ve done it at the liards and snooker events at Senior Nationals, but this is quite diff er- the IBSF World Champion- ent. It is going to be a challenge, but I’m ships this month. looking forward to it,” Advani was quot- QThe billiards tournament (150-up ed as saying in The Hindu newspaper. and long-up formats) will be held from Meanwhile, his offi cial app was also November 9 to 15 and the snooker tour- launched on Friday. “The app will wel- nament from November 17 to 25. come fans into my world. Apart from The back-to-back tournaments are match and tournament details, users a departure from the past when they will get to know me better — the music were separated by at least two weeks. I like, travel tips, etc. We will also hold The events will pose a challenge to In- contests for fans,” Advani added.

Gold medal winner Nasser al-Attiyah (centre) celebrates on the skeet podium of Qatar Shooting and Archery Association (QSSA) Cup with silver medallist Saeed Abu Shareb (left) and bronze medallist Rashid yesterday.