SPORT FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2016 21

Rain washes out first Kohli, Pujara tons give India day's play in Christchurch honours on opening day

Christchurch Reuters Visakhapatnam Rajkot, dominated play dur- ersistent rain AFP ing his 204-ball knock, laced forced the aban- with 12 fours and two sixes, Pdonment of the kipper Virat Kohli and before being caught behind off first day's play of the first Cheteshwar Pujara Anderson in the final test between New hit majestic centuries session. Zealand and Pakistan at to help India take Kohli carried on the good Hagley Oval in Christch- opening day honours work with consummate ease urch yesterday. Sas they reached 317 for four in the company of Ajinkya Steph Curry of the Golden Play had been at stumps against England in Rahane (23) who lost his cool expected to begin at 1100 the second Test in Visakhap- in the penultimate over of the State Warriors dribbles the (2200 GMT), but heavy atnam yesterday. day as Anderson struck with ball during Wednesday's rain overnight ensured it Kohli put on a marathon the second new ball. NBA game in Toronto, did not begin as 226-run stand for the third The batting duo stitched Canada scheduled. with Pujara (119) after together a 68-run partnership While groundstaff, the hosts lost their openers as skipper Alastair Cook jug- who had said earlier they early to the England gled with his bowling options. Curry, Durant would need two hours to seamers. England spinners, who prepare the venue once Fit-again paceman James gave India a run for their lead Warriors rain stopped, worked to Anderson enjoyed his return money in the drawn Test in prepare the ground dur- with three only to see Rajkot, returned wicketless in Los Angeles ing brief interludes of the rest of the English attack three sessions with AFP fine weather throughout face a tough time after the and Zafar Ansari taking a bit the day, umpires decided hosts opted to bat first. of a stick. tephen Curry and Kevin at their second pitch Kohli on 151 and Ravi- Ali though did give Kohli Durant combined for 65 inspection at 1600 there chandran Ashwin on one were a scare after going for an lbw Spoints to give the Golden was no chance of any at the crease when stumps referral, but the third umpire State Warriors their fifth con- play. were called. upheld the on-field call even secutive victory on Both teams had Kohli made full use of his though the ball would have Wednesday as the Cleveland turned up before the reprieve on 56 when Adil clipped the leg stump accord- Cavaliers slumped to defeat scheduled lunch break at Rashid dropped him at long ing to the ball tracker. in the absence of LeBron 1300 and even begun leg off Ben Stokes to record Cricket apart, there was James. warming up but they his 14th Test century. drama when a stray dog Reigning NBA MVP Curry were forced off due to The star batsman mixed forced the umpires to call tea scored 35 points while Durant consistent showers the right dose of caution and four balls early due to it weighed in with 30 as the sweeping across the aggression to thwart the Eng- appearing from behind the Warriors launched a four- ground. lish bowling attack at India's sightscreen and evading game road trip with a 127-121 The weather is newest Test venue. attempts to chase it from the win over the Toronto expected to clear on Fri- Bringing up his 10th Test field. Raptors. day and remain fine for ton with a six off leg-spinner There are thousands of Durant added nine the remainder of the Rashid, the in-form Pujara stray dogs on India's streets, rebounds and six assists while match. Play will start half tackled the English bowlers and this was not the first time Klay Thompson finished with an hour earlier than with aplomb. one has interrupted a sport- 14 points. scheduled on the second Pujara, who scored 124 in ing event. day, when the toss will In 2011, India was forced NBA RESULTS be made. SCOREBOARD to halt its first ever Formula Philadelphia 109 Washington 102 A massive earth- One practice session when a England (I inning): 537 India's Virat Kohli plays a Orlando 89 New Orleans 82 quake that jolted central India (I innings): stray dog ran onto the Buddh shot during the Second Indiana 103 Cleveland 93 New Zealand on Monday M Vijay c Hameed b Rashid 126 International Circuit. match against Boston 90 Dallas 83 has taken some of the G Gambhir lbw Broad 29 Earlier in the day, Stuart England, played at the Dr. NY Knicks 105 Detroit 102 focus off the beginning C Pujara c Cook b Stokes 124 Broad got Lokesh Rahul for V Kohli (batting) 26 Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Atlanta 107 Milwaukee 100 of the host country's test nought in the second over, Oklahoma City 105 Houston 103 cricket season. A Mishra c Hameed b Ansari 0 while Anderson accounted for ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium

Extras (B-12, LB-1, W-1) 14 in Visakhapatnam, India. Golden State 127 Toronto 121

New Zealand's Kane Total (for 4 wkts) 319 Murali Vijay (20). Denver 120 Phoenix 104 Williamson is making his Fall of wickets: 1-68, 2-277, 3-318, 4-319. India handed off-spinner San Antonio 110 Sacramento 105 home bow as captain Bowling: Broad 20-7-54-1; Woakes 23-5- Jayant Yadav his Test debut

having succeeded Bren- 39-0 (1w); Ali 22-6-70-0; Ansari 17.3-1-57-1; with the Visakhapatnam pitch don McCullum. Rashid 16-1-47-1; Stokes 10-1-39-1. expected to turn as the match progresses. McGregor challenges call on Hohns, Chappell to fix crisis Mayweather again Sydney "It is vital that Australian AFP cricket finds the best candidate Australian cricket New Yourk for this role," said Peever. selector Trevor Hohns Reuters revor Hohns was yester- "Trevor is highly experienced (left) speaks with day appointed Australia's as a selector, and will ensure we team captain Steve resh off his latest tri- interim chairman of selec- place our best players on the umph, UFC champion T Smith (centre) and tors after Rod Marsh quit, with field this summer while we seek Conor McGregor contin- chief coach Darren F drafted in to help a permanent replacement for ues to call out boxing rescue the national team in Rod." Lehmann during a champion Floyd Mayweather crisis. Former Test fast bowler training session in and attempt to lure him into The experienced Hohns, who Jason Gillespie and ex-captains Sydney in this file a bout. previously served as chief selec- Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh photo. Trevor Hohns McGregor called May- tor during a hugely successful have all been touted as possible was appointed weather "afraid" and period for Australia, currently successors to Marsh. Australia's interim demanded $100m for a sits on the four-man selection The retired wicketkeeper chairman of selectors showdown between the two panel with , coach resigned on Wednesday with after Rod Marsh quit, during an appearance in a Darren Lehmann, and now immediate effect after a run of with Greg Chappell New York nightclub on Chappell. chair- five heavy Test defeats left the drafted in to the Tuesday. man David Peever said Hohns team humiliated and facing team in crisis. "As far as real fighting -- had agreed to step up to ensure demands for heads to roll. true, pure unarmed combat continuity while the search for They crashed to a third- -- Floyd don't want none of a full-time replacement was car- straight home series defeat to this," McGregor said, in a ried out. South Africa on Tuesday and video published by TMZ. "I now face being whitewashed in want the $100m cash to fight Trevor Hohns a home series for the first time him in boxing rules because in their history if they lose to the he's afraid of a real fight." Hohns sits on the Proteas in Adelaide next week. The 39-year-old May- four-man selection panel The last time Australia lost weather retired in September with Mark Waugh, coach six straight Tests -- against India of 2015 after accumulating a Darren Lehmann and and England in 2013 -- the coach matches and claimed the 1999 only four players -- captain youth pathway programme and 49-0 record during a 19-year Chappell. at the time, Mickey Arthur, was and 2003 World Cups in a golden Steve Smith, David Warner, had his finger on the pulse of career that produced world sacked. era. He rejoined the selection Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazle- young talent. titles in five weight divisions Under his guidance, While spinner Hohns played panel in 2014. He will be aided wood -- were sure to keep their "His in-depth knowledge of and earnings in excess of Australia won a only seven Tests for Australia, he in trying to turn around the places after Australia's second up-and-coming talent in the $800m. record 16 successive had a highly successful previous team's fortunes by former Test demoralising collapse in the Australian system will be inval- McGregor is flying high Test matches and stint as a national selector from captain Chappell, who has been Hobart Test this week. uable," he said. after last week's knockout claimed the 1999 and 1993 to 2006, including a dec- drafted in on a temporary basis Peever said Chappell, who has "Naturally the board and our win over Eddie Alvarez. 2003 World Cups in a ade as chairman. ahead of a raft of changes had two previous stints as a selec- senior executive are disap- The victory made the golden era. Under his guidance, Australia expected for Adelaide. tor, had been instrumental in pointed with the recent Test 28-year-old a titleholder of won a record 16 successive Test Lehmann has declared that restructuring Cricket Australia's performances," Peever added. two UFC belts. 22 SPORT FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2016 In-form Muaither face Al Khor as Al Sailiya take on Al Kharaitiyat

The Peninsula the first week we did recovery three goals and then in one game because we were very tired as we scored 4 so we need to work ewly promoted we did a lot of running on the on that.” Muaither take on Al pitch. In the second week, we Kharaitiyat recently Khor in round seven prepared tactically and focused appointed a new manager, Yaakoubi of the QSL today on set plays. And we also played Ahmed Al Ajlani from Tunisia, afternoon, the game a friendly game against Al after the departure of Amar Nwill kick off at 4:00pm at the Al Fatah.” Osim. signs with Gharafa stadium. “Dioko is a top player; he has The new coach will bring Muaither have registered scored more than eighty goals in with him a hunger to win as he Al Wakrah back to back wins in their last the QSL. He’s playing amazingly hopes to bring in some positive two QSL games. The Stallions are for us and he has a lot of expe- results. currently eleventh in the QSL rience. He is very positive and Tawfiq Zaboub, assistant SL side Al Wakrah has standings with six points from down to earth and we are very Muaither coach Al Khor coach Jean coach of Kharaitiyat spoke about formally announced six games. happy that he is playing for us,” Philip Birrol Fernandez the transition from Amar Osim Q that Tunisian coach Philip Birrol, the head coach added the Frenchman at the to Ahmad Al Ajlani as head Kais Yaakoubi (Pictured) as of Muaither is wary of the attack- press conference on coach, “As you know we are in their new coach replacing ing threat that Al Khor possess, Wednesday. for the team, Fernandez added, points. Kharaitiyat is a good team transition after Amar Osim left Uruguayan manager Mauri- “Al Khor have a good team and Al Khor has only lost one “My personal ambition is to and I know the new coach very the club and now we have cio Larriera. The club took to they score many goals. They game in the season so far and improve the team and players. well.” Ahmad Al Ajlani as the coach. He social media last night to con- have good strikers in Madison they will be looking to continue We had many changes in terms “We have to respect asked the players to train with firm the move, with Yaakoubi and Iajour, they are dangerous their string of positive results of players before the season, Kharaitiyat even though they full concentration. The players signing his contract till the we will have to deal with these against Muaither. The Knights sit however, players we now have didn’t get good results but they were under stress and they now remainder of the season in skilled attackers.” sixth in the table with eight are good. They want to work are a good team and they play feel the difference and they feel front of club officials. Talking about the interna- points. hard and they know the season with discipline and I believe that better psychologically. The new Yaakoubi has enjoyed a tional break, Birrol added, “In Jean Fernandez, the head is long and they want to give it both teams are equal. We will try coach will have the same tech- host of managerial roles in his coach of Al Khor hopes for a pos- their all.” to win to motivate us for the rest nical staff and we will help him.” native Tunisia and was most QSL - WEEK 7 itive result against his opponents, In the other match of the day of the season. We are not getting “Al Sailiya also had a diffi- recently managed Club “We are going to face Muaither Al Sailiya take on Al Kharaitiyat the desired results but we are cult campaign as they are not Africain. Al Khor has only lost who are a good team. We pre- at the Al Ahli stadium , at 06:10 playing well,” added the Tuni- used to being in such a position. The 50 year old coach will one game in the pared very well and we are pm. sian head coach at the press They will like to improve but it now be charged with reviv- season so far and they hoping to provide a good result Sailiya are struggling for conference on Wednesday. will not be against us. We only ing the fortunes of The Blue will be looking to in this game.” form this season as they have Trabelsi stressed the impor- have 4 points and we can't lose Waves, who are currently in continue their string “All the matches are difficult only two points from six games. tance of the three points, “We points anymore,” added the last place in the QSL of positive results in the QSL. Our team is doing They will be hoping for their first need these three points as they assistant coach of Kharaitiyat. standings. against Muaither. well because of our good results win of the season against fellow wilbe the first three points for us. “We are focusing on giving Al Wakrah have yet to in the last few games which gave strugglers Kharaitiyat. Sure we have problems in the confidence to the players and to win in the QSL this season, Kharaitiyat recently us confidence. Muaither beat Al Sami Trabelsi, the head offensive department. The only allow them to play freely. They and will be hoping that Yaa- appointed a new Arabi and Wakrah and they have coach of Sailiya knows the bad game for our defense was had many directives and restric- koubi can have a positive manager Ahmed Al good players. We are in good importance of this game, “This against El Jaish. But in the five tions before but not anymore. impact on the side ahead of Ajlani from Tunisia shape but we must respect our is a big game for us. It’s very hard games, we have proven that we We focused on the defense in their home game against title after the departure of opponents,” added the French as we have seven games in one are one of the best defenses in training because we don’t want chasing Al Sadd at Al Wakrah Amar Osim. tactician. month. We are working on cor- the league. The offense is the to concede so many goals,” stadium. Speaking about his ambition recting mistakes and getting issue because we only scored added Zaboub.

Sergio Garcia Al Rayyan's Garcia eyeing back-to-back QSL titles

The Peninsula quality. Whilst both sides also have Q: Are you worried about any year, we will continue improving. two good managers who know the players from Lekhwiya? A big win against Lekhwiya itle rivals Lekhwiya and Al league well. I think that Nam Tae Hee has would show how serious Al Rayyan Rayyan face off in the round Q: Can Al Rayyan defeat had a great start to the season for is to retain the QSL title. T7 QSL match of the week on Lekhwiya in this game? them. He was last months best Q: Can this group retain the QSL Sunday evening. Of course, we have shown last player and you can see why. We title? QSL online spoke with Al Rayy- season that we can beat Lekhwiya will have to make sure he is quiet We have the ability to do so. an’s Spanish striker Sergio Garcia in the league. As ever the aim of Al if Al Rayyan are to get the win. You just have to look at the quality to get his thoughts on the match up. Rayyan is to get all three points and Q: Al Rayyan defeated we have in our side, which has not Q: How do you see the match push up the table. We need to play Lekhwiya twice last season, are you changed. One obstacle is that all versus Lekhwiya? in the same manner and perform- capable of doing the same again? three teams El Jaish, Lekhiwya and It’s going to be very difficult ance as we did in the previous It is always possible, I think that Al Sadd have improved. Which between two big names with high game versus Al Ahli, then we will we have proved ourselves against means we will have to up our game quality players who have plenty of win. the better teams in the league this to win the QSL falcon shield. Wenger seeks revenge as he meets Real and Atletico clash nemesis Mourinho in Old Trafford in final Calderon derby London recovering from surgery on Reuters a broken arm. There are also doubts Barcelona able to dig us out of the trou- Atletico due to move from the rsene Wenger has about midfielder Marouane Reuters ble we were in," said Atletico 50-year-old ground to a new probably never had a Fellaini and full back Luke captain Gabi, who has won 67,000 capacity arena next A better chance of Shaw as Mourinho grapples reaking Atletico the La Liga title, King's Cup year. finally beating a Jose Mour- with the most serious injury Madrid's recent stran- and reached two Champions The game will have plenty inho side than when Arsenal crisis of his time at United. Bglehold on a fixture that League finals under of significance in the title race. visit Old Trafford tomorrow Ibrahimovic's absence will used to be a foregone conclu- Simeone. Real top the La Liga standings to face a Manchester United give Marcus Rashford the sion for Real Madrid is the "With one look or gesture on 27 points, two above Bar- team in underwhelming form chance to move to his natural challenge facing coach Zine- he's able to speak to any celona in second and six clear and ravaged by injuries and position as central striker. dine Zidane ahead of player,y, and that's why y at the of Atletico in fourth. suspensions. The Old Trafford faithful tomorrow's Madrid derby, the momentment tthehe most importantimportant The Frenchman has will be looking for signs that last at the Vicente Calderon thingng for this club is the fact never trumped Mourinho in Mourinho is making progress stadium. we hhaveave Simeone witwithh us." 13 competitive games since despite a disappointing start Real enjoyed utter domi- RealReal sstilltill hhaveave ththee they first clashed in 2004 and to his reign which has left nation over their rivals for 14 upperper hand on their neigh- he has often been the loser them sixth in the table, six years but the tables have boursurs in European off the pitch as well, with points behind fourth-placed turned and they have not won competitionmpetition and tomortomor-- Mourinho taunting him about Arsenal and eight adrift of a league derby since Jose row'sw's game is thethe firstfirst Arsenal's lack of title success leaders Liverpool. Mourinho oversaw a 2-1 win meetingeting betweenbetween thethe over the past decade. Wenger's main injury at the Calderon in 2013. teamsms since Real's ppenaltyenalty But Arsenal have a good doubt cleared up on Tuesday Atletico have won four shootoutotout victory in tthehe opportunity to register their when forward Alexis Sanchez and drawn two of the last six Championsampions League final first Premier League win at showed no ill-effects after league derbies, just one dem- last May.May. Old Trafford since 2006 scoring twice in a 3-1 come- onstration of how charismatic TheThe game takestakes on when they face a United back win. Argentine coach Diego Sime- extrara significance for being team that could be without For once, Arsenal, who one has transformed the the llastast lleagueeague dderbyerby at six players, including their had 11 other players on full fortunes of the sleeping giant the Vicente CalderonCalderon first-choice defence. international duty last week, he took over in December stadiumdium withwith Striker Zlatan Ibrahi- will be confident of winning 2011. movic is suspended and on a ground where Wenger "He is a coach with a centre halves Eric Bailly and has often emerged an angry unique capacity to communi- Chris Smalling are injured second best, most notably in cate, that's why he has got along with right back Anto- 2011 when they were humili- Arsene Wenger where he is and why he was Zinedine Zidane nio Valencia who is ated 8-2. FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 23

Ruthless El Shorbagy one step away Djokovic routs Goffin in Tour Finals

from Qatar Classic hat-trick London AFP Armstrong Vas The Peninsula All Egyptian final ovak Djokovic crushed Top seed and David Goffin 6-1, 6-2 defending champion Nat the ATP Tour Finals he final of the 2016 mounts an astonishing yesterday as the world Qatar Classic squash comeback to deny number two kept his foot on tournament will be an Nick Matthew a place the gas in the race to finish all-Egyptian affair the year atop the world in the final between top seed and rankings. Tdefending champion Mohamed Djokovic had already El Shorbagy and recently World Champion qualified for the semi-finals crowned world champion Karim reaches a third as group winner, but the Serb Abdel Gawad. successive major final was keen to keep the momen- In the first semi-final the but his first one in tum going in his bid to world no. 1 mounted an aston- Qatar overhaul world number one ishing comeback to deny Nick Andy Murray and he took just Matthew of England a place in 69 minutes to demolish Gof- the final while securing a pas- the crowd went wild. fin at London's O2 Arena. sage for the fifth time in a row El Shorbagy won the semi- The 29-year-old has in Qatar. final in 83 minutes 8-11, 9-11, been in a prolonged slump Matthew won the Qatar 11-9, 11-4, 11-9. since winning the French Classic in 2009 and El Shorbagy With yesterday’s win El Open for the first time in the last two editions. Shorbagy extended the head-to- June, sparking rumours El Shorbagy also featured in head record against Matthew to about his private life and the two World Championships 12-8, and has now won seven of questions about his recent finals held in Qatar. the last eight. involvement with a 'spirit- The Englishman seemed to In the second semi-final, ual guru' as he lost the top Mohamed Al Shorbagy of Egypt (left) in action against Nick Matthew of England during the be in calm control in the first half Gawad recovered from his cus- ranking to Murray. of the match, with El Shorbagy tomary slow start as surprise Qatar Classic squash championship in Doha yesterday. Pic by : Abdul Basit/The Peninsula But the decline is all rel- unable to impose the pace he semi-finalist Daryl Selby of Eng- ative as Djokovic has now likes. Matthew led most of the land led through most of the first win the next three and book a Open last month. The Egyptian QATAR CLASSIC SQUASH won 21 of his last 22 matches first, took the second with a run game, eventually taking it 16-14. place in the final. powerhouse, who also topped CHAMPIONSHIP at the Tour Finals, keeping of four points at the end, and led The World Champion found Qatar Classic is the third last years standings, began the Semi-final Results him on course to win the 8-5 and 9-7 in the third. his stride and dominated the stage on the 2016/17 PSA Road season in inauspicious style with [1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (Egy) bt [4] Nick Mat- tournament for a fifth succes- The Egyptian took four next three games to reach a third to Dubai. a surprise quarter-final exit to thew (Eng) 8-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4, 11-9 sive year and points in a row to take a game successive major final and his Only the top eight players on Australian No.1 Cameron Pilley [3] Karim Abdel Gawad (Egy) bt Daryl Selby (Eng) record-equalling sixth time back, dominated the fourth then first in Qatar. the PSA Road to Dubai Stand- in the Hong Kong Open – the 14/-6, 11-6, 11-2, 11-5 in total. pulled away from 6-all in the Gawad won 3-1 (14-16, 11-6, ings will qualify for June’s Dubai first stage on the PSA Road to Today's Final It is also the fourth time [1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (Egy) vs [3] Karim Ab- decider to lead 9-6 and 10-8. 11-2, 11-5) in 50 minutes. World Series Finals, and it is cur- Dubai – but bounced back to del Gawad (Egy) in the last five years that

Matthew saved one match ball, Selby started off on a prom- rently El Shorbagy who leads the defeat Matthew in the final of the Venue: Khalifa International Squash Com- Djokovic has won all three of but on the next a video decision ising note taking the first game way with 115 points after his suc- US Open to surge to the plex at 5.30pm his group matches at the Tour gave a stroke to El Shorbagy and but the Egyptian came back to cess in Philadelphia at the US summit. Finals. Djokovic is now 70 points ahead of Murray in the ATP's 'as it stands' rankings, although he already knew winning the tournament German team tops in 50m rifle event would give him the year-end pole position whatever hap- pened against Goffin. The Peninsula "I'm very glad my game is going in the right direction. ermany women's team Today I felt the most comfort- topped in the 50m rifle 3 able so far in the tournament," Gpositions at the 49th CISM Djokovic said. World Military Shooting Champi- "I felt like I increased the onship at the Losail Shooting quality of tennis compared to Range. the other matches. The German team consisting A Qatari shooter practices during the 49th CISM "I'm looking forward to of Lisa Muller, Jolyn Beer and Sil- World Military Shooting Championship at the the semi-finals on via Rachl made a total score of 1750 at Losail Shooting Range yesterday. Bottom: Saturday." to win the gold medal. Dutch Ambassador to Qatar Dr Bahia G Tahzib Tour Finals debutant Switzerland clinched the silver Lie (right) poses for a picture along with Major Dominic Thiem and Wimble- meal in the event with a score of General Dahlan Al Hamad, the President of don finalist Milos Raonic meet 1740. the Qatar Military Sport Association and Brig. in a shoot-out to determine The Swiss trio of Nina Chris- General Nasr Al Hitmi, Championship Director, who qualifies for the last four ten, Vanessa Hofstetter and and Brig. General Rashed Mahboub Al Dosari, alongside Djokovic. Myriam Bruehwiler did their best head of media Committee during her visit to Murray faces Stan but could not outwit the German the CISM event yesterday. Pics by: Syed Omar Wawrinka in his last group firepower in crucial stages in the match today knowing a vic- final rounds. tory would guarantee he The Russian Federation shoot- qualifies as group winner, ers of Iuliia Karimova, Mariia thus avoiding a clash with Feklistova and Alena Nizkoshap- Djokovic before the final. skaia claimed the bronze. The Goffin was a late replace- nine-day event continues today. ment for the already Around 700 shooters from 50 eliminated Gael Monfils, who countries are taking part in the pulled out of his last group championship. match to avoid aggravating Meanwhile, Dutch Ambassa- the rib injury that has trou- dor to Qatar Dr Bahia G Tahzib Lie bled him for several weeks. made a visit to the venue of the The Belgian, up to a ongoing championship. career high 11th in the world She was received by Major rankings, had been paid General Dahlan Al Hamad, the £80,000 ($99,000) to hang President of the Qatar Military around the O2 Arena all Sport Association in the presence week as one of the tourna- of Brig. General Nasr Al Hitmi, ment's on-call substitute Championship Director, and Brig. players, but even that sum General Rashed Mahboub Al might not have made up for Dosari, Head of Media acting as a punch bag for Committee. Djokovic. Djokovic had won all four of his previous encounters with Goffin and he quickly took control again with a Westwood leads in Dubai, McIlroy struggles break in the fourth game of the first set. Not for the first time this Dubai The Englishman's long-time the 12th hole. Julien Quesne of which is probably a good thing," him, and his yardages and the week, Djokovic cut a tetchy, AFP bagman Billy Foster has been France and Nicolas Colsaerts of added Westwood when asked way he reads the wind and stuff brooding figure and after advised to rest his injured knee, Belgium were a stroke behind about having someone new on like that. Put my game to his being given a time violation ee Westwood made light of but that did not affect the world the inaugural 2009 champion at his bag. information." for taking too long between his regular caddie's 47, who is looking for his first Dubai's Earth course of Jumei- "Obviously a different cad- Spain's Sergio Garcia made serves he had an animated Labsence to post a six under win of the year. rah Golf Estates. die doesn't know my game. He's a late double bogey, on the par-4 conversation with both the par 66 and lead the DP World He started the opening round "Billy normally thinks for only had one round on the bag. 16th hole, to fall to four-under umpire and tournament Tour Championship by one shot with three birdies on the front me," said Westwood. He's sort of making it up as he par 68, tied fourth alongside supervisor as he complained yesterday as Rory McIlroy nine, and made another four on "I probably have to do more goes along. Joost Luiten and Francesco about not being given a warn- struggled. the back along with a bogey on this week, think a little bit more, "I have full confidence in Molinari. ing first. SPORT Friday 18 November 2016 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 Kohli, Pujara tons Wenger seeks give India honours revenge at on opening day Old Trafford World number one Dusan eyes All-Stars glory in Doha

Rizwan Rehmat The Peninsula

orld's premier player Dusan Domovic Bulut Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Wis keen to wind up the Thani, President of the QOC, 2016 season with a win today poses for a photograph with when he leads Novi Sad Al Wahda at the FIBA 3x3 All-Stars Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al competition. Sabah, President of ANOC The 31-year-old Serbian (left) and Thomas Bach, the yesterday said he couldn't IOC President, during the ANOC achieve the goals which he tar- General Assembly in Doha. geted at the start of the season. "This has not been a great season. I couldn't achieve what I wanted to do in 2016," Dusan said ahead of today's one-day 3x3 spectacle that takes place at QOC praised as Qatar Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. Seven other teams are also in line to compete for the top prize of $20,000. "I think I have already hosts successful ANOC played something like 25 tour- naments. We could have had better results than we did," The Peninsula The spectacular ceremony Dusan said. Emir HH Sheikh Tamim recognised and celebrated the "Right now I am only inter- Dusan Domovic Bulut atar Olympic Commit- bin Hamad Al Thani achievements of the NOCs and ested in winning the top prize. I tee was praised for received two significant athletes from the Rio 2016 want some money and a vaca- successful hosting of awards during the ANOC Games. tion after that," Dusan said with competing here. The Americans Dusan said. "We will show eve- biggest gathering of in recognition of his Speaking in his closing his trademark smile in place. are good and so are the univer- ryone why we are the best QOlympic Movement address, Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad "I can't wait for tomorrow. sity sides from Canada," Dusan team," the Serbian said. leadership in developing outside the Olympic Games as Al Sabah, President of ANOC, This is my fourth time here in said. Hamane Niang, FIBA Africa sport and empowering the 2016 Association of National said: “On behalf of ANOC I would Doha," the two-time All-Star "I would say it is a tough President and FIBA Vice Presi- youth in Qatar and Olympic Committees (ANOC) like to thank Sheikh Joaan and winner said. "I have done well business," he said. "You see dent, said this week's All-Stars General Assembly come to a around the world. Qatar for organising our meet- here," he added. players with passion trying to competition will be the final edi- close following two days of high ing. It has been very well Dusan, who will team up win games and competitions," tion of the hugely followed level meetings between Olym- Assembly. I have no doubt that organised and everyone has with Marko Zdero, Dejan 'The Dusan said. event. pic leaders from around the the decisions you have taken will appreciated their visit to Doha. Maestro' Majstorovic and Marco "My expectation from this "From next year, we will see world. benefit the Olympic Movement We have enjoyed all the side Savic today, said world stand- event is that I need some money. the event on the World Tour cal- Officials representing 205 and athletes, as well as develop events and yesterday the Gala ards in 3x3 were at We want to win $20,000," endar. This will be the final National Olympic Committees, and progress sport across all dinner was excellent.” an all-time high. Dusan said. "We know we have All-Stars edition in Doha. The International Federations, Inter- fields.” During the General Assem- "Competition nowadays is to play our best game. I think we exact details will be announced national Olympic Committee The ANOC General Assem- bly, ANOC pledged their higher. We constantly compete have arrived well prepared," he at a later date. The All-Stars was members and Olympic Stake- bly adds to the growing list of commitment to developing the with tougher players and teams. said. launched in 2012 and it has been holders came together to discuss successful global sporting events Olympic Movement through a It is serious business now. There "We play the best 3x3. Eve- a huge success," Niang said important issues and recom- hosted in Qatar, which includes number of reforms, with protect- are some solid teams rything is great in our side," yesterday. mend reforms that aim to World Championship events in ing clean athletes and the fight Launched four years ago, enhance the Olympic five sports over the last two against doping remaining a top FIBA 3x3 All Stars the World Tour is the flagship Movement. years, all of which were hosted priority. Also on high on the event of , a for- The two-day General Assem- in the Middle East for the first agenda was the Rio 2016 Olym- Venue: Al Gharafa Indoor Hall, Doha mat that sees huge following bly was hosted by the Qatar time in their history. This trend pic Games, with ANOC vowing around the globe. Olympic Committee (QOC) at the will continue with Qatar hosting to build on Rio 2016’s success Prize money: The World Tour is contested The overall prize money at the FIBA 3x3 All Stars amounts to $80,000. Below is the breakdown: Sheraton International Conven- a further six World Champion- through the work and support of 1st: $20,000 by cities from around the world. tion Centre and saw over 1200 ship events over the coming ANOC Commissions and Work- 2nd: $14, 000 The number of events on the delegates participate - the big- years. ing groups and their 3rd: $8,000 World Tour saw an increase gest number in the history of the Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin recommended reforms. 4th: $6,000 from seven to eight in the 2016 event. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Hamad Al Thani received two Other significant items on the Most Spectacular Player of the season: $2,000 season. Al Thani, President of the QOC, significant awards this week in agenda included a report from The 5 teams which earned their spot based on the ranking or by winning the FIBA 3x3 World Tour get a $6,000 The second-placed team in thanked everyone at the close of recognition of his leadership in the ANOC President in which he appearance fee. Doha gets $14,000 while the the General Assembly, which was developing sport and empower- reflected on a successful year for Shoot-Out Contest team that finished third wins held for the first time in the ing youth in Qatar and around NOCs, in which a record number Up to 1 player per All Stars team (so a maximum of 8 participants) attempt 18 shots from four different locations: 5 $8,000. There is a special prize region. the world. The first was the IOC of countries competed at the Rio from the right wing (45° angle from the baseline), 5 from the top of the arc, 5 from the left wing (45° from the of $2,000 for the Most Spectac- Speaking at the occasion, Trophy, which is awarded to 2016 Olympic Games, and an baseline) and 3 from the end of the 3x3 court. Shots from around the arc are worth 1 point, while shots from the end ular Player of the Season. Sheikh Joaan said: “It is my those who serve sports and sup- address from the IOC President of the court are worth 2 points. In case of a tie (same points and time), the tied players shoot again. The competition starts at pleasure to thank each and every port the Olympic Movement, and Thomas Bach, who provided an Prize: $1,000 4:45pm and ends around 9:00m one of the delegates for coming the second was for ‘Contribution update on Olympic Agenda 2020. If a player breaks the Shoot-Out Contest record (Maurice Riddick - 15 points at the World Tour Americas Masters), the with the prize distribution prize money will be doubled ($2,000) all the way to Doha. I hope you to the Olympic Movement’, The next ANOC General ceremony. had an enjoyable and productive which was awarded at the end Assembly will be hosted in time during the ANOC General of the ANOC Awards. Prague. Felix inspires Qatari students

Six-time Olympic Champion and nine-time World Champion sprinter Allyson Felix shares her experiences with students during her visit to the Qatar Academy Doha. Felix was in Doha for the 2016 ANOC General Assembly.

FROM LEFT: Dusan Domovic Bulut, the number one 3x3 basketball player in the world, Alex Sanchez Niang, FIBA 3x3 Managing Director, Hamane Niang, FIBA Vice President, and Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari (right), Executive Director of Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), pose for a photograph during a press conference ahead of the 2016 All-Stars 3X3 competition, at QBF headquarters yesterday. Picture by: Baher Amin / The Penisula