SPORT

Saturday 5 November 2016 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 Pacquiao can't Fenerbahce stun take Vargas for United as roaring granted Saints beat Inter Happiness van T Paradijs shows top form

Qatari rider Faleh Suwead Al Ajami Rizwan Rehmat astride Armstrong The Peninsula van de Kapel during the Longines Global Champions Tour at erman rider Daniel Al Shaqab Arena Deusser yesterday yesterday. emerged with a cred- itable win as Happiness van T GParadijis produced a flawless rou- tine to clinch the issue in the 145cm class at Al Shaqab Arena. Nine-year-old Happiness van T Paradijs clocked a time of 24.47 seconds in phase 2 to claim the top spot on day two of the Longines Global Champions Tour. Deusser picked up the top prize of €8250. Great Britain's Laura Renwick, astride MHS Washington, finished second in a time of 24.75 seconds. Renwick won €5,000 for her German rider Daniel Deusser astride Happiness van T Paradijis receives the trophy after winning efforts. Sweden's Peder Fredric- son guided H&M Zaloubet to the Class 01: 2016 CSI5* 1.45m at Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. emerge as the third-best rider. H&M Zaloubet clocked a time of five riders. Earlier yesterday, 25.01 seconds. Jos Verlooy (Far- Class 01: Doha 2016 CSI5* 1.45m Saudi rider Abdullah Alrajhi pro- felu de la Pomme, 25.12 seconds) duced a flawless routine with H and Jessica Mendoza (Constance, Two Phases: A + A, Both Phases Against the Clock Zoe to top the field in the 25.42 seconds) completed the top [Rank, Rider (Horse), Prize money, Time] 120/125cm class. five in the two-phased competi- 1: Daniel Deusser (Happiness van T Paradijs) €8,250 - 24.47 H Zoe clocked a time of 36.80 tion. Hamad Al Attiyah emerged 2: Laura Renwick (MHS Washington) €5,000 - 24.75 seconds in the jump off to help as 's best rider of the day 3: Peder Fredericson (H&M Zaloubet) €3,750 - 25.01 Alrajhi claim top prize of €6600. with Appagino 2 who finished in 4: Jos Verlooy (Farfelu de la Pomme) €2,500 - 25.12 Qatar's Mubarak Yousuf Al 16th spot. Appagino 2 clocked 5: Jessica Mendoza (Constance) €1,500- 25.42 Rumaihi, astride Limoncello 6, 60.27 seconds with 1 penalty. finished second in a time of 38.07 Edwina Alexander-Tops of seconds. The second place was Australia finished in 21st spot with Class 02: Doha 2016 CSI5* 1.45m worth €4000 to Al Rumaihi. Lintea Tequila. Table A: Against the Clock Home rider Salem Rashid Al Earlier in the 140cm class, [Rank, Rider (Horse), Prize money, Time] Marri sealed the third spot with Qatar riders grabbed the top five 1: Cian O'Connor, IRE (Callisto)€8250 - 63.11; Marfurlong Magic who clocked a spots in the jump off segment at time of 38.59 seconds. Al Marri got 2: Bassem Hassan Mohammed, QAT (Argelith Squid) €5,000 - 63.28 Al Shaqab Arena. Khalid Moham- richer by QR 3000. 3. Emily Moffitt, USA (Cassius Clay) 65.11. med Al Emadi guided Tamira IV Qatar's Hamad Nasser Al Qadi to top spot worth a whopping (St Lucia, 40.97 seconds) and €16,500. Tamira IV clocked a finished in second spot with a time finish in a time of 40.53 seconds. Mohammed Taleb Al Saaq (Tag- time of 36.68 seconds as Al Emadi of 37.72 seconds. Al Ghazali picked up the prize of fart 111 Z, 39.02 seconds, 4 emerged as the top rider in a list Al Rumaihi, a popular rider in €7,500. Salmen Sultan Al Suwaidi penalties) completed the top five. of 15 starts. Qatar's Mubarak You- Doha, picked up €10,000 for his (Cantaro 32, 41.46 seconds) and Action continues today at Al suf Al Rumaihi, astride SIEC efforts. Nasser Al Ghazali guided Rashid Towaim Al Marri (Beyonce, Shaqab where riders take to the Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z, Quel Homme to the third-place 42.51 seconds) completed the top course at 10:30am.

Abdullah Alrajhi astride H Zoe, clears Class N 3: Doha 2016 a hurdle during the Class N 3: Doha Invitational 1.20/1.25m 2016 Invitational Table A: Against the Clock with 1.20m/1.25 event Jump-Off at Al Shaqab Arena in Doha yesterday. [Rank, Rider (Horse), Prize money, Time] 1:Abdullah Alrajhi (H Zoe) €6,600 - 36.80 2: Mubarak Yousuf A S Al Rumaihi (Limoncello 6)€4,000 - 38.07 3: Salem Rashid Mohammed Al Marri (Mar- furlong Magic) €3,000 - 38.59 Abdullah Alrajhi astride H Zoe, 4: Hamad Nasser Al Qadi (St. Lucia) €2,000 receives his award after winning the - 40.97 Class N 3: Doha 2016 Invitational 1.20m/1.25 event. 5: Mohammed Al Marri (Tagfart 111 Z) €1,200 - 39.02 Class N 4: Doha 2016 Invitational 1.40m Table A: Against the Clock with Jump-Off [Rank, Rider (Horse), Prize money, Time] 1: Khalid Mohammed A S Al Emadi (Tamira IV) €16,500 - 36.68 2: Mubarak Yousuf A S Al Rumaihi (SIEC Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z) €10,000- 37.72 3: Nasser Al Ghazali (Quel Homme) €7,500 - 40.53 4: Salmen Sultan A M Al Suwaidi (Cantaro 32) €5,000 - 41.46 5: Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri (Beyonce) €3,000 - 42.51

Khalid Mohammed A S Al Emadi astride Tamira IV, clears a hurdle during the Class N 4: Doha 2016 Invitational 1.40m event at Al Shaqab Arena in Doha yesterday. SPORT 5 NOVEMBER 2016 SATURDAY 21

World Series Death of Hughes ruled 'tragic accident' final game Sydney Cricket Ground on Novem- their belief that unfair play different protective equip- Reuters ber 25, 2014. had contributed to his ment. Australia's cricket most watched He died two days later death." board in May made it com- he death of Australian in a Sydney hospital. "It is hoped that they pulsory for players to wear in 25 years batsman Phillip After reviewing the cir- accept the compelling evi- helmets when facing fast and THughes (pictured) was cumstances surrounding the dence that the rules were medium-paced bowling in a "tragic accident" and not incident to determine complied with. Phillip was line with recommendations Chicago as a result of a failure to whether the 25-year-old's excelling at the crease as he from a review into the death Agencies enforce the rules of the death could have been so often did and that his of Hughes. game or inadequate safety avoided, NSW State Coroner death was a tragic accident," The family had been he dramatic final game equipment, the New South Michael Barnes said he could said Barnes. angered that Hughes had of the 2016 World Series Wales (NSW) Coroner's find no evidence to support The helmet worn by been subjected to threaten- T was the most-watched Court ruled yesterda. the view of Hughes' family Hughes came under the ing language from an baseball game in 25 years. Hughes was hit on the that he had died in a "very spotlight following his opponent and had suffered The Chicago Cubs back of the neck by a rising unsafe workplace". death, though the NSW Cor- a sustained spell of aggres- defeated the Cleveland Indi- delivery when playing for "The family's grief at los- oner said the batsman's sive short-pitched bowling ans 8-7 in 10 innings on South Australia in a domes- ing their much loved son and death could not have that contravened the rules Wednesday night and Fox tic match at the Sydney brother was exacerbated by been avoided by wearing of the game. announced that its Game 7 broadcast averaged just over 40 million viewers. That represents the most viewers since 50.3 million tuned into watch the Minne- sota Twins record a 1-0, 10-inning victory over the South Africa shrug off Steyn Atlanta Braves in Game 7 of the memorable 1991 World Series. The Minnesota Twins appointed Thad Levine as the blow to gain 102-run lead team's senior vice president and general manager Levine, who turns 45 on Perth SCOREBOARD Nov. 12, has served as the Reuters assistant general manager for South Africa (I innings): 242 Australia (I innings): the Texas Rangers for the past outh Africa's bowlers ral- D Warner c Amla b Steyn 97 11 seasons. He also spent six lied magnificently after S Marsh lbw Philander 63 years in the Colorado Rock- the loss of pace spear- U Khawaja b Rabada 4 ies' organization, working as head Dale Steyn before S Smith lbw Maharaj 0 the senior director of baseball their batsmen pushed to A Voges c&b Rabada 27 operations in 2005. San 102-run lead at the close on M Marsh lbw Philander 0 The St. Louis Cardinals South Africa's Dale Steyn P Nevill c Amla b Maharaj 23 day two of the first test against M Starc c du Plessis b Maharaj 0 signed manager Mike Math- reacts after injuring Australia yesterday. eny to a three-year contract himself at the WACA P Siddle (not out 18 Steyn left the field with a J Hazlewood c Duminy b Philander 4 extension through the 2020 Ground in Perth yesterday. shoulder injury before lunch and N Lyon c Elgar b Philander 0 season. Financial terms were was later ruled out of the series Extras (LB-3, NB-5) 8 not disclosed by the team for Steyn set to be with a stress fracture in a ham- Total (all out) 244 Matheny, who won three con- mer blow for the touring side. Fall of wickets: 1-158, 2-167, 3-168, 4-181, secutive National League 5-181, 6-202, 7-203, 8-232, 9-243, 10-244. sidelined for But the remaining Proteas Bowling: Steyn 12.4-3-51-1; Philander 19.2-2- Central titles (2013-15) during bowlers ripped out the hosts for 56-4 (3nb); Rabada 20-1-78-2 (2nb); Maharaj his five seasons as manager. 244 before tea before Dean Elgar 18.2-5-56. The Cardinals picked up six months (46 not out) and JP Duminy (36 Second (II innings): the $12m option on the con- not out) combined for an unbro- S Cook c S Marsh b Siddle 12 tract of left-hander Jaime Perth ken 59-run stand to steady the D Elgar (batting) 46 Garcia. Garcia was 10-13 with AFP innings after two early wickets H Amla b Hazlewood 1 a disappointing 4.67 ERA in 32 J P Duminy (batting) 34 in the final session. Extras (LB-5, W-5, NB-1) 11 appearances (30 starts) in he playing future of South Africa were 104 for two Total (for 2 wkts) 104 2016. The losses were the most South African fast at stumps having fought back Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-45. in his eight-year career.

Tbowler Dale Steyn strongly after Australia had dom- Bowling: Starc 9-4-18-0; Hazlewood 10-2-31-1 The Philadelphia Phillies

appeared in grave doubt Fri- inated the first day. (1nb); Siddle 8-4-12-1; Marsh 4-1-11-0 (5w); Lyon declined veteran slugger Ryan day, with the cricketer Vernon Philander took 4-56, 9-2-27-0. Howard's option for the 2017 expected to need surgery on teaming up brilliantly with deb- season. Philadelphia elected his troublesome right shoul- utant left-arm spinner Keshav Warner a century. The Austral- to pay the first baseman a $10 der as he faces the prospect Maharaj (3-56) as Australia lost ian vice captain and opener million buyout instead of pick- of being sidelined for at least 10 wickets for 84 runs after Shaun Marsh pushed Australia to ing up the option, which was six months. resuming in the morning at 105 158 before Steyn had Warner worth $23m. Steyn, who first hurt his without loss. caught in the slips for 97. The Washington Nation- shoulder late last year, aggra- Kagiso Rabada took three Steyn exited in his following als picked up the $12m club vated the problem before wickets, with Steyn grabbing the over but it did little to break the option for the 2017 season on lunch on the second day of first of the day to deny David Proteas' focus, with Rabada left-hander Gio Gonzalez. the first Test against Australia bowling Usman Khawaja for four Gonzalez, 31, went 11-11 in Perth as his series came to and Maharaj grabbing a memo- with a 4.57 ERA with the a premature end. rable first wicket, trapping Steven Nationals in 2016. The 33-year-old right- Smith lbw for a duck as the cap- The New York Mets picked armer had just bowled the 244 tain skipped down the wicket. up the $13m option on out- fourth ball in his 13th over Steyn left the field with a Marsh was given out lbw in fielder Jay Bruce despite the when he clutched at the shoulder injury before lunch the final over before lunch and slugger's disappointing South Africa's Hashim Amla is bowled by Australia's Josh shoulder and left the field. but the remaining Proteas the rot continued after the break. 50-game stint with the club. Scans at a local hospital bowlers ripped out the Philander and Maharaj ratch- Hazlewood during their first Test match at the WACA Ground Bruce was acquired from revealed a fracture in his right hosts for 244 before tea. eted up the pressure with three in Perth yesterday. the Cincinnati Reds prior to shoulder and he will return straight maidens before Mitchell the trading deadline and bat- to South Africa for possible Marsh succumbed for an eight- midwicket. Wicketkeeper Peter Peter Siddle and Josh Hazlewood ted just .219 with eight homers surgery at the conclusion of ball duck. Adam Voges showed Nevill managed 23 before Josh bowled Hashim Amla for one, and 19 RBIs. the Test. Team doctor 10/84 some resistance but Rabada Hazlewood (4) and Nathan Lyon, having dismissed him for a duck The Boston Red Sox exer- Mohammed Moosajee said caught a leading edge off his own the fourth duck of the innings, fell in the first innings. cised their 2017 contract Australia lost 10 wickets Steyn, who is just four Test bowling to dismiss him for 27. quickly to wrap up the Austral- But Elgar and Duminy stood option on right-handed wickets shy of Shaun Pol- for 84 runs after resuming Mitchell Starc lasted only six ian innings. firm in the last hour to complete pitcher Clay Buchholz but lock's South African record, in the morning at 105 balls before holing out for a duck Shaun Marsh took a sharp a fine day for South Africa and declined its option on catcher was likely to be sidelined for without loss. off Maharaj, driving to South catch at midwicket to dismiss give the tourists hope of setting Ryan Hanigan, making Hani- at least six months. Africa captain Faf du Plessis at Stephen Cook for 12 off paceman a big target on day three. gan a free agent.

Pacquiao can't take Vargas for granted in return

Los AngelesAngeles preparations for Saturday's title fight am just happy to be a part of the his- he says he wakes up for a 7 a.m. run. AFAFPP against Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas. tory," Pacquiao said. He has to be at the Senate at 10 a.m. for "I respect Vargas and his team, how Pacquiao looked impressive in meetings and then the afternoon ses- annyanny Pacquiao'sPacqu seven-month dedicated they are. I feel what he's feel- April when he dominated Timothy Bra- sions run until 5 p.m. hiatushiatus can hardly be consid- ing right now because I've been there dley in their third fight -- one he said He goes to the gym in the evening Meredered a retirementretir but there is when I was 27 years old, 28 years old would be his last. where he works out until 9 p.m. before no ddoubtoubt tthathat tthehe eieight division boxing and I know how hungry I was." Now if he gets past World Boxing heading home. champ used the ttimeim off to reflect on Pacquiao is an eight division world Organization welterweight champ Var- "It's not easy being a senator work- hishis passion fofor the sport. champion, something he takes great gas, as many think he will, Pacquiao ing in the office and being a boxer while "I thought I wouldn't pride in. It is a record that trainer Fred- could be looking at a fight against you're training. It's hard, but it's a good seesee you again, but now die Roach thinks will not be broken in unbeaten Terence Crawford in 2017. thing when you are happy and enjoy- I'mI'm here to continue his lifetime. The way Pacquiao's been able to jug- ing it," said Pacquiao. my journey," said the "Winning world titles in eight divi- gle 14 hour days in the Philippines No fighter can go on forever but newlyn elected Phil- sions is not that easy. I am so blessed backs up the notion he could continue Pacquiao is still one of the most recog- ippinesi senator who to be a part of boxing history by win- to fight for some time at a high level. nizable names in boxing and is training Manny Pacquiao is in the final days of ning them. That is not me boasting. I In a typical day of wearing two hats, with renewed energy says Roach. 22 SPORT SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2016 Fenerbahce stun United as roaring Saints beat Inter

Cristiano Paris Ronaldo AFP

he Europa League action continued on Thursday as Manchester United went down to defeat in Leicester heroes vie with Turkey, Southampton Tbeat Inter and Athletic Bilbao's Aritz Aduriz made history by scor- Ronaldo for 2016 accolade ing five goals against Genk. Manchester United endured another frustrating night as Jose Zurich on the list for his Madrid Mourinho's side lost 2-1 to Fener- AFP showings but also his role in bahce in Istanbul. helping Wales to the Euro They fell behind to Moussa IFA said yesterday it 2016 semi-finals, where Sow's spectacular overhead kick had drawn up a short- Ronaldo's Portuguese ended from the edge of the box inside two Flist of 23 candidates for their hopes. minutes. Another superb strike, its Best Men's Player of 2016 FIFA will make the this time from a Jeremain Lens with luminaries such as award on January 9 in free-kick just before the hour, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Zurich and also honour the doubled the Turkish side's lead Ronaldo. top coach of 2016. before Wayne Rooney pulled one Barcelona's Messi and France boss Didier Des- back with a long-range drive late Real Madrid's Ronaldo have champs and his former on. The goal allowed Rooney to dominated almost a decade France teammate Zinedine equal Ruud van Nistelrooy's club Fenerbahce's forward Moussa Sow (centre) kicks to score next to Manchester United's defender of accolades between them Zidane, who led Real to the record tally of 38 goals in Euro- but also in the mix this time Champions League, are in pean competition, but that was no Marcos Rojo (left) and Daley Blind during their UEFA Europa League match at the Fenerbahce Ulker are Manchester United's the hunt. consolation to Mourinho. Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey on Thursday. world record signing from Among those looking to United are now third in Group Juventus Paul Pogba as well be crowned top female A, a point behind Fenerbahce and Southampton closed in on a the ball into his own net. Saints are Spanish club's 5-3 win against as fellow France interna- player are last year's winner with two games left. place in the knockout rounds as second in the group, two points Genk of Belgium in Group F. The tional Antoine Griezman of Carli Lloyd of the United Feyenoord, who visit Old Trafford they came from behind to beat behind Sparta Prague, who won 35-year-old had a hat-trick by Atletico Madrid. States who plays for Hou- next, drew 1-1 away to Zorya managerless Inter Milan 2-1 at a 2-0 at home to Hapoel half-time at San Mames, got his In a nod to Leicester ston Dash and Brazilian star LuhanskEuropa in Ukraine. League packed St Mary's. Beer-Sheva. fourth goal in the 74th minute and City's improbable English Marta of Swedish club Inter travelled to England Two weeks after losing 2-1 at completed a rare nap-hand by title win Rosengard, who has won the without a coach after sacking home to Zenit St Petersburg, Dun- netting from the spot in stoppage midfielder N'Golo Kante also award five times. Europa League Frank de Boer on Tuesday. Ste- dalk again came up just short time. Aduriz is the first player to makes the provisional list Three members of Ger- fano Vecchi took interim charge against the Russians as they went score five goals in a Europa League along with former team- many's Olympic gold medal Zenit became the first and saw his side go in front just down by the same score at a freez- match and the first to score a hat- mates Riyad Mahrez and winning team are also team to secure a place after the half-hour mark when ing Petrovsky stadium. Brazil trick of penalties in the Jamie Vardy, as does West among the ten-woman in the last 32 after Mauro Icardi converted the loose international Giuliano scored both competition. Ham's France striker Dim- shortlist -- Bayern Munich collecting the ball after Cuco Martina had goals for Zenit. Zenit have the The last player to score five in itri Payet. midfielders Melanie maximum 12 points. blocked from Ivan Perisic. maximum 12 points from four a game in the old UEFA Cup was Ronaldo is seen as Behringer and Sara Dabritz, Southampton came roaring games and became the first team the Italian Fabrizio Ravanelli for favourite following a season and Lyon's Dzsenifer Aduriz is the first back in the second half, skipper to secure a place in the last 32. Juventus against CSKA Sofia in in which he won the Cham- Marozsan. Virgil van Dijk equalised on 64 Dundalk remain in contention to 1994. The tally doubled Aduriz's player to score five pions League for the second The coaches and skippers minutes, finishing after an Oriol qualify too -- they are level on four tally for the season to 10 goals in goals in a Europa time with Real and also of national sides will vote for Romeu flick came back off the bar. points with Maccabi Tel Aviv, who all competitions. The Basque club helping Portugal to Euro the various categories but a League match and the And the winner arrived in fortui- drew 0-0 with AZ Alkmaar in are second in Group F with six 2016 glory, though he was public internet vote will also first to score a hat-trick tous fashion six minutes later Israel. points, behind Genk on goal dif- injured early on in the final be taken into account as will of penalties in the when a Tadic cross from the left Veteran striker Aritz Aduriz ference. and a point clear of both win over France. Ronaldo's the views of 200 global media competition. was deflected through to the back made history as he scored all five Sassuolo and Rapid Vienna, who clubmate Gareth Bale is also representatives. post where Yuto Nagatomo turned goals for Athletic Bilbao in the drew 2-2 in Italy. Daunting Sevilla trip awaits defeated Barca

Madrid a major doubt due to a hamstring back on Real in third, but can move AFP LA LIGA FIXTURES problem that forced him to miss the top when they travel to Real Socie- midweek win. dad today. arcelona face a huge task to (All kick-offs GMT) Barca could be five points adrift Diego Simeone's men were the Today bounce back from defeat at Granada vs Deportivo la Coruna (12:00), of Real by the time they kick off as only Spanish side to book their place Bthe hands of old boss Pep Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid (15:15), the European champions host in the last 16 of the Champions Guardiola's Manchester City in mid- Osasuna vs Alaves (17:30) Leganes tomorrow. League in midweek, but needed a week when the Spanish champions Las Palmas v Eibar (19:45) Madrid endured an embarrass- dramatic 93rd-minute Antoine travel to high-flying Sevilla Tomorrow ing night in front of an empty Griezmann winner to see off FC Ros- tomorrow. Real Madrid vs Leganes (11:00) stadium on Wednesday as they tov 2-1. Barca trail La Liga leaders Real Celta Vigo vs Valencia spurned a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 Centre-back Stefan Savic is sus- Espanyol vs Athletic Bilbao (15:15)

Madrid by two points with Sevilla, Villarreal vs Real Betis (17:30) away at Legia Warsaw. pended with Lucas Hernandez or

who have won their last seven home Madrid could be boosted by the the fit-against Jose Maria Gimenez Sevilla vs Barcelona (19:45) games, just a point further adrift. return of Luka Modric for the first set to deputise. On top of their Champions time in a month after he underwent Kevin Gameiro should also League defeat in Manchester, Barca Barca were the last visiting side surgery on a knee cartilage replace Fernando Torres in attack. Barcelona's Lionel Messi reacts following have sneaked past Valencia and to win at the Sanchez Pizjuan. How- problem. Real Betis coach Gustavo Poyet's their defeat against Manchester City in Granada in their last two league out- ever, a 2-0 win in the first leg of the Marcelo and James Rodriguez job is on the line when his side visit UEFA Champions League match at the ings as the absence of Gerard Pique, Spanish Super Cup in August came should also be fit after missing the fifth-placed Villarreal tomorrow. Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England on Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta has before Sevilla had bedded in many trip to Warsaw, but Sergio Ramos, Betis are two points off the rel- Wednesday. taken its toll. of their 11 summer signings. Casemiro and Pepe remain egation zone in 13th and fans called All three are expected to miss out Sevilla have injury problems of sidelined. for Poyet's head during last week- once more at the Sanchez Pizjuan. their own, though, with Samir Nasri Atletico Madrid are three points end's 1-0 defeat to Espanyol. Manchester City look to cap week to remember

London Liverpool also at home to PREMIER LEAGUE without the distraction of Champions League. AFP Watford that day. FIXTURES European football, will bid to By contrast, Spurs were Tuesday finally saw City Today (All kick-offs GMT) keep pace with City at home lacklustre in a 1-0 loss to anchester City will get the better of Barcelona as Bournemouth vs Sunderland (15:00) to Everton. Bayer Leverkusen in the have the chance to they beat the Spanish giants Burnley vs Crystal Palace (15:00) Since reverting to a back Champions League at Mput daylight between 3-1 in the Champions League. Manchester City vs Middlesbrough (15:00) three, manager Antonio Wembley. themselves and their title It was a particularly West Ham vs Stoke (15:00) Conte has seen his side keep They may boast the rivals when the Premier sweet victory for City Chelsea vs Everton (17:30) four clean sheets but the Premier League's lone League leaders try to cap a manager Pep Guardiola, who Tomorrow Italian has no time for title remaining unbeaten record Arsenal vs Tottenham (12:00) memorable week by beating made his name as both a Hull vs Southampton (14:15) talk at this stage of the and are just three points off

Middlesbrough at Eastlands player and coach at Swansea vs Manchester United (15:00) season. top spot, but Spurs have not

today. City lead on goal dif- Barcelona The match also Leicester vs West Brom (16:30) Arsenal have not lost in won any of their last six ference from Arsenal and saw City fans' favourite Liverpool vs Watford (14:15) any competition since the games in all competitions. Liverpool, with Chelsea just Sergio Aguero lead the attack opening day of the season Jose Mourinho will hope his a point further back. after he was controversially and their midweek 3-2 win Manchester United side, Arsenal are not in action left out of the starting side for fellow Spaniard Aitor away to Bulgaria's already eight points adrift of until tomorrow when they the 4-0 loss in Barcelona a Karanka. Ludogorets has left the top spot, can provide him face Tottenham Hotspur in fortnight ago. Middlesbrough Chelsea, fresh from a 2-0 Gunners well-placed to with some respite at second- Pep Guardiola the North London derby, with are managed by Guardiola's win over Southampton and qualify for the last 16 of the bottom Swansea tomorrow. SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 23 Bengaluru FC, 's Air Force clash in AFC Cup final in Doha

Armstrong Vas The Peninsula Asian football confederation cup engaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri has cau- If Bengaluru FC win tioned his younger the final they will team-mates not get become the first overwhelmed by the Indian club to win the B‘euphoria’ of the moment when AFC Cup. they take on Air Force Club of Cilic knocks Iraq in the Asian Football Con- federation (AFC) Cup final here 's Djokovic today at Qatar Sports Club. clinical finishing in Chettri’s club, having front of goal have already written themselves into been a big part of Air out in Paris the record books by making the Force Club's success AFC Cup final, is aiming to script with his 15 strikes Paris history by becoming the first coming from just 10 AFP Indian club to win the continen- appearances. tal championship. arin Cilic dumped a "One thing about this team struggling Novak is that everybody - owners to the matches and the Spaniard was MDjokovic (pictured) players to theball-boy - is on the confident that his team was fully out of the Paris Masters quar- same wavelength. They all want armed and prepared to neutral- ter-finals yesterday to pave to win. We sometimes might not ise the physical challenge Air the way for Andy Murray to like each other, but we all want Force will pose in the final. become the new world Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri (left) and coach Albert Roca speaking on the eve of the to improve and we all want to "We respect the team in number one. win,” said the 32-year-old, who front of us. They are very strong, AFC Cup final in Doha yesterday. Cilic had lost all 14 previ- is India’s all-time highest scorer very physical. They have scored ous meetings with Djokovic with 51 goals in 91 international a lot of goals, they have a good services of midfielder play- but cast the Serb's 122-week appearances. striker. I have just told the team maker Bashar Resan and reign at the top of the rank- Bengaluru FC qualified for to be ready for a battle, said defender Samal Saeed, both who Shaikh Salman to ings into serious doubt with the final defeating defending Roca, who earlier worked as are serving suspensions. a 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) victory. champions Johor Darul Ta'zim assistant coach at Barcelona FC. “Our preparations have been Murray faces Tomas Ber- in the semifinals on 4-2 aggre- Roca’s side do face a formi- good so far,” said Qasim, whose attend Cup final dych for a place in the gate last month. dable test in the form of a side side have begun the Iraqi Premier semi-finals later and is just Chhetri scored a brace in the which has the tournament’s League with two wins out of two two wins from supplanting second leg at home becoming leading scorer Hammadi matches, including a recent win The Peninsula additional importance with long-time rival Djokovic at their top-scorer with five goals Ahmed, who has netted a stun- over former AFC Cup finalists the new increase in prize the summit. to his name. ning 15 goals in 10 appearances Arbil at the end of October. FC President Shaikh money, as part of the AFC’s If the Briton defeats Ber- "I just want to make them for the -based side. “We won 3-1 in our last domes- Salman bin Ebrahim Al efforts to strengthen the dych he would then take on realise that they need to play their Ahmed, if fitness permitting, is tic league match and we were able AKhalifa (pictured) will competition. Milos Raonic or Jo-Wilfried normal game. It is easy to get a certainty to lead the forward to rest some players ahead of the attend the AFC Cup final The AFC President Tsonga for a chance to claim caught up in the euphoria of this line for Air Force Club. AFC Cup final. We hope and wish match between Air Force stressed that regardless of the the number one ranking. moment and as a young player I "We must keep control over that this will help us be crowned Club of Iraq and India's JSW winner, the biggest aspira- Record four-time cham- know that sometimes you don't our emotions. We can't get nerv- AFC Cup champions. Bengaluru FC at the Suheim tions for this year’s final was pion Djokovic arrived in Paris know whom to go and speak to,” ous, because they will then not “We have a good idea on bin Hamad Stadium (Qatar to reflect Asian football’s needing to reach the final to said the senior member of the be able to perform. The aim is Bengaluru’s strengths and Sports Club) today. principles of fair play and the ensure he remained ahead of club. to play football. Spain is a coun- weaknesses, in fact we feel we Shaikh Salman hoped passionate support for the a rapidly approaching Mur- "So I've been making every- try where players are not the know the Indian club very well. that the match will showcase game. ray. But the Serb's bid to body feel at ease, we've been biggest in size, but they know It is important for us to win the high-level competition, bring Shaikh Salman con- register a fourth straight title playing cards and just hanging exactly what they need to do at AFC Cup so we need make sure excitement to Asian football firmed that all necessary in the French capital ended out. We know it is a massive all times,” Roca cautioned. we raise all aspects of our game fans, and reflect the abilities preparations for the AFC Cup abruptly as an improbable game, but the result is not in our "It's the first final for us, and and avoid making any mis- and determination of Asian final had been finalised by escape act fizzled out against hands. We just have to under- a strong team against us. For takes,” added Qasim. clubs. the AFC, expressing his an in-form Cilic. stand what our gaffer says and sure, we are really excited about Bengaluru have never The AFC President appreciation to the Qatar The ninth seed, who on try and execute those plans winning the title. It will be very played against a West Asian side stressed that the two teams Football Association for their Thursday qualified for the properly," he added. good for Indian football. We're before. A win in Qatar will make deserved their places in the support in hosting the final Tour finals in London, broke Coach Albert Roca care- ready for that,” he added. them richer by $1m while a final following an impressive in DohaDoha,, QatarQatar.. immediately to signal his fully-drawn tactics gave Basim Qasim coach of Air defeat will fetch them half of the run of results throughout thethe intent against a player who Bengaluru the edge in earlier Force Club will be without the amount. campaign,campaign, addingadding thatthat had totally dominated him in thethe twotwo teamsteams havehave thethe his career. capabilitiescapabilities to ppro-ro- In typical fashion Djoko- duceduce a captivatingcaptivating vic then hit back straight finale, as theythey away to level, but Cilic's con- attemattemptpt to be the fidence was undimmed and first clubs in their the Croat capitalised on a respectrespectiveive countrcountriesies shaky service game from his to win thethe titletitle fforor tthehe opponent at 5-4 to grab the first timetime.. opening set. ShaikhShaikh SSalmanalman alalsoso Former US Open cham- noted that this year’s pion Cilic threatened again ffinalinal carriecarriedd early in the second, but Djok- ovic landed a crucial breakthrough at 4-all to serve for the set. An undeterred Cilic broke back, though, and had the top seed on the ropes as two Basim Qasim, coach of Air Force Club of Iraq speaking during a press conference in Doha match points passed him by yesterday. at 6-5 on the Djokovic serve. However, there was to be no remarkable recovery this time for Djokovic, as Cilic took charge in the tie-break and closed out a famous win at the fourth attempt. "It's good for me, I played great tennis. He had beat me 14 times but we had close matches and that helped me play better," Cilic told Sky Sports. "I served really well today, hit the spots well, I didn't give him too many chances." American John Isner awaits Cilic in last four after he outlasted compatriot Jack Sock 7-6, (8/6), 4-6, 6-4. Isner and Sock, who teamed up to win the doubles Coach Jorge Fossati conducting the training camp of in Shanghai last month, Qatar national team in Doha yesterday. Qatar will play an traded crunching blows as the international friendly with Russia on November 10. The first set headed to a tie-break, Russia clash comes five days ahead of Qatar’s 2018 FIFA but the latter was made to pay World Cup qualifying game against China on November after failing to convert a set 15. point.