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Wednesday, October 25, 2017 Safar 5, 1439 AH Bishoo spins West GULF TIMES Indies to victory over SPORT Page 2

Ronaldo wants seven FIFA best player awards

AFP “Thanks a lot for voting for me,” said Ronaldo London after receiving his trophy from Argentina great Diego Maradona and Brazil’s Ronaldo at the London Palladium theatre. ristiano Ronaldo has set his sights “I mention Leo and Neymar, great to be here. on a “lucky seventh” piece of FIFA Real Madrid supporters, my teammates, my silverware after collecting his fi fth coach, they all support me all year. CMen’s Player of the Year award on “We are in England for the first time and I win Monday. consecutive awards,” he added. “This is a great Ronaldo’s Real Madrid side, who won both La moment for me. I have fans all over the world.” Liga and the Champions League last season, Zidane won out ahead of Chelsea’s Antonio dominated the 2017 Best FIFA football awards Conte and Juventus’s Massimiliano Allegri at a star-studded ceremony in London on to be crowned men’s coach of the year after Monday. becoming the first man to oversee a successful The Portuguese ace has scored 44 goals in defence of the European Cup in the Champions just 48 games for club and country so far this League era. calendar year, including two in a 4-1 Champions “I’d like to thank all of the players for mak- League final win over Juventus in on ing this possible,” said Zidane. “This is a very June 3. special prize.” Ronaldo saw off competition from longstand- Real’s superb campaign was recognised in a ing Barcelona rival Lionel Messi and Paris Saint- FIFPro team that featured Ronaldo and club- Germain’s Neymar, the world’s most expensive mates Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Marcelo and player. Sergio Ramos. But, typical of a footballer who has enjoyed The XI also included FIFA’s goalkeeper of the huge success at both Manchester United and year, Gianluigi Buff on. Real, Ronaldo was not satisfied. AC Milan’s Leonardo Bonucci and PSG’s Dani “I want seven. Five is good but seven is my Alves were in the defence, with Barcelona play- lucky number so seven would be great.” maker Andres Iniesta in a side also featuring Real boss Zinedine Zidane took the corre- Messi and Neymar. sponding manager of the year award, with the Juventus and Italy shot-stopper Buff on topped Spanish giants providing five players in the a three-strong shortlist for the goalkeeper FIFPro team of the year. award ahead of Real’s Keylor Navas and Bayern Ronaldo won the inaugural Best FIFA men’s Munich’s Manuel Neuer. player of the year award last year following Monday also saw the Puskas Award for the best the end of a six-year merger between the FIFA goal of 2017 go to Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud. honour and France Football’s Ballon D’Or. The France striker received the award named The 32-year-old previously won the FIFA World in honour of Hungary great Ferenc Puskas for Player of the Year award, the precursor to the a spectacular ‘scorpion-kick’ against Crystal Best FIFA award, in 2008. Palace in January. He has now won the last two FIFA men’s The Frenchman’s flicked volley with his left trophies as well as three of the last four Ballon foot that went in off the crossbar won ahead of D’Or awards. goals from Venezuela’s Deyna Castellanos.

FOOTBALL/QNB STARS LEAGUE Duhail-Gharafa clash promises exciting fare lthough the ‘Qatar Clasico’ match between Al Slovak Vladimir Weiss, Portuguese Diogo Amado and Sadd and Al Rayyan on Friday will steal the Chilean Luis Jimenez mainly carry Al Gharafa’s hopes. QNB Stars League spotlight this week, the They will have to tighten their defence that has conced- Q&A clash between Al Duhail and Al Gharafa also ed more goals (seven) than they scored (six). Seasoned Apromises exciting fare. goalkeeper Qasim Burham is sure to face stern tests from To be played on Saturday, Al Gharafa will look to cause the rival attackers. a fl utter or two by giving unbeaten Al Duhail a run for Al Gharafa had beaten Al Duhail in the second round Hamdallah: We are aiming for their money. of QSL Cup, but then the latter’s professional players Al Duhail are on a high following their big-margin were away on international duty. Yet, just like the ‘Qatar victory over fourth-placed Umm Salal, while Al Ghara- Clasico’ between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan on Friday, much three points against Al Sadd fa, sixth in the table with fi ve points, will look to com- focus will be on Al Duhail and Al Gharafa. pensate for their surprise loss to Al Kharaitiyat in the Meanwhile, as part of preparations for the ‘Qatar Cla- Al Rayyan fans are eagerly awaiting their Q: Which Al Sadd player worries you the previous round. sico’ between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan on Friday, the Qatar QNB Stars League Round 6 match against most? Things will not be easy for The . They have to Stars League Management (QSLM) held a co-ordination Al Sadd, dubbed ‘Qatar Clasico’, on Friday. A: Al Sadd are a strong opponent with fi re on all cylinders if they are to stop a marauding Al Du- meeting at its headquarters in Al Bidda Tower yesterday. The clash between the two teams always reputed names, but I’m not particularly hail on their tracks. Frenchman Jean Fernandez’s wards QSLM’s Acting Executive Director of Marketing and evoke a keen interest among all stakehold- worried about anyone. should also hope luck is on their side when they take on Communications Hassan al-Kuwari, Competitions De- ers. Both sides have stand-out players in Q: What’re the challenges you foresee Algerian Djamel Belmadi-coached The Red Knights. partment Director Ahmed al-Adsani and representa- all departments to make the game really this season? Al Duhail have been in superb form with an all-win tives from the Stadium Security Department as well as electrifying on the pitch. Al Rayyan’s Mo- A: The competition is very diff icult record. They are ahead of 13-time league champions Al Al Sadd and Al Rayyan clubs were among those who at- roccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah this season. I just hope to stay free of Sadd on better goal diff erence as both are on 15 points. tended the meeting. spoke to the QSL Online about the game injuries. Moroccan striker Youssef El Arabi, who is enjoying A number of important issues, like the need for teams and season in general. Q: What’re Al Rayyan’s ambitions this the form of his life, leads Al Duhail’s charge, ably sup- and organisers to reach the stadium well in time, inviting season? ported by South Korean professional Nam Tae-Hee, Luis the public to come early to avoid crowding, opening of Q: What’s your take on the forthcoming A: Al Rayyan are a big name, so we ex- Martin and Karim Boudiaf. Going by the current form, gates to fans, dressing rooms, match list and early pres- ‘Qatar Clasico’ against Al Sadd? three matches in a row, having beaten Al pect to win titles this season as well. El Arabi is all set to surpass his last season’s top-scorer ence of club representatives at the gates, were discussed. A: It’s like any other game, but needs Markhiya and Al Sailiya in the previous Q: Have you been able to gel well with record of 24 goals. His current tally stands at 10 goals af- It was also decided that spectators should keep the extra work and concentration. The most rounds. your new team-mates at Al Rayyan? ter fi ve rounds. match tickets with them while inside the venue and co- important thing for us will be to gain Q: Al Rayyan haven’t won against Al A: There’s good harmony among the Qatar international forward Ali Afi f and Tunisian operate fully with the security personnel. three points. Sadd in the league for a while… Will this players. I’m sure it’ll be further devel- Youssef Msakni are also capable of putting up winning Gates 1 and 2 have been designated for families and Q: This is your first Clasico. How do you match see The Lions break the jinx? oped as the season progresses. performances. Then, they have reliable Khalifa Abu- school students, Gate 3 for VIPs and Gate 4 for media- look at it? A: Each match is diff erent and I believe Q: What’s your message to Al Rayyan bacar to guard the goal. All these factors contributed to persons. Gates 4 and 5 are for Al Sadd fans while their Al A: Yes. This is my first Clasico. I look Al Rayyan can win this game. fans? Al Duhail’s excellent run this time as well. Rayyan counterparts can use Gates 6, 7 and 8. mainly at my team earning three points. Q: Are Al Rayyan strikers capable of A: I would like to thank them for the Thus, Al Gharafa face a tough task. They have paid Al Sadd, being the host team, will be responsible for Q: What’s your expectation of the penetrating the Al Sadd defence? huge support they’re giving us, on and dearly for their inconsistent performances so far this ticketing and distribution. A special event area, which match? A: Our frontline is strong. That we could off the field as well on social media season. Fernandez would hope his players gel well as a will be open from 5pm on the match day, will feature a A: It’ll be tough for both sides. We’re score against all teams so far in this platforms. We hope to pay back by win- team sooner rather than later. Their fi rst victory came play arena and restaurants for fans who can enjoy the seeking to extend our winning run to season’s league is proof of it. ning titles. against Al Khor in the fourth round after two draws and special activities before entering the stadium. (Qsl.com. another defeat. qa) Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, October 25, 2017 CRICKET

PREVIEW aim to bounce back in second ODI against NZ IANS In the bowling department, Pune apart from medium-pacer Hardik Pandya (1/46) no other Dravid downplays Kohli’s ‘rest’ rumours player made the mark as they fter trailing 0-1 in the only managed to take four wick- IANS, New Delhi: Former India ment is taking right decision (in three match One-Day ets. The spinners, who had done and current Under-19 terms of rotating the players),” International (ODI) se- well against the Australians, also cricket team coach Rahul Dravid said on the sidelines of Aries, India will look to failed drastically. Dravid on Tuesday downplayed FICCI’s felicitation programmes bounce back when the hosts take India’s bowling coach Bharat speculations over Virat Kohli for women cricketers Mithali on a confi dent New Zealand in Arun said to level the series is a being denied rest during the Raj and Jhulan Goswami. the second match at the Mahar- challenge and the team is ready Test series against “Everyone needs rest. He (Kohli) ashtra Cricket Association Sta- for it. next month. will get rest when he wants. dium here today. “We look at it as a big chal- Kohli had recently spoken When and which series (Kohli Despite a brilliant knock from lenge right now. New Zealand about players’ burnout due to will take) rest will be decided by the India skipper Virat Kohli competed exceptionally well, constant cricket and there were the team management, physios (121), New Zealand’s Tom Latham they had a fantastic partnership rumours that he may be rested and physical trainers (after and Ross Taylor joined hands to (in Mumbai) and they went on to for the whole of Sri Lankan se- discussing with the player). hand their team a comprehensive win that game,” Bharat said. ries in order to keep him fresh Probably currently he doesn’t six- victory. “It is a bigger challenge for us for the tour of South Africa need rest. He may be rested The duo contributed a 200- to come back, we know we have which starts on December 30. later. I don’t know why there run stand for the fourth wicket as our plans in place and it is a good The first India vs Sri Lanka is so much of discussion and the visitors overtook India’s total testing ground for the team (on) Test starts from November 16 controversy,” he added. of 280/8 with six balls to spare. how you come back from be- while Nagpur and Delhi will Dravid was asked about Inter- Apart for Kohli and Dinesh hind and do well in the series, he host the second and third Tests national Cricket Council (ICC)’s Karthik (37) no other batsman added. respectively before the sides latest decisions on limiting the rose to the occasion. Many ex- New Zealand, on the other play three One-Day Internation- size of the bats. perienced players got a start but hand, has ticked most of the als (ODIs) and a same number According to the ICC, though could not convert it into a big boxes in the fi rst match. Their of Internationals the restriction on the length score. top-order batsmen clicked and (T20Is). and width of bats remain Kohli also rued that the hosts the bowlers also did a good job. “Rotations are needed. There unchanged, the thickness of fell 30 to 40 runs short and, in the Experienced pacer Trent Boult are a lot of matches being the edges can’t be more than coming match the hosts would (4/35) made his mark and the played, so you need to rotate 40mm and the overall depth like to improve in that depart- Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni bats in the nets during a training session yesterday, ahead of the other bowlers supported him at the players. I think the manage- can be 67 mm at the most. ment. 2nd ODI match against New Zealand today. the other end.

BULAWAYO TEST SPOTLIGHT Ex-umpire Hair admits stealing Bishoo spins West cash from shop

AFP Sydney

ormer Australian Test Indies to big win umpire Darrell Hair has admitted stealing cash from the liquor shopF where he was working, in a dramatic fall from grace for a man who enjoyed a success- ful but controversial career in cricket. over Zimbabwe The 65-year-old, who caused a storm when he no- Bishoo followed up his 5/79 in the first innings with figures of 4/105 in the second balled Sri Lanka star Mut- tiah Muralitharan for an illegal life of a man who, prior to this, AFP bowling action in 1995, took had a lifetime of service to the Bulawayo Aus$9,005.75 (US$7,041) be- community and to a sport that tween February 25 and April 28 he loved.” this year. Magistrate Michael Allen egspinner Devendra Bishoo The Sydney Morning Herald did not record a conviction but proved Zimbabwe’s nemesis said Hair had a gambling prob- sentenced Hair to an 18-month once more as he spun the West lem and that he was fi red when good behaviour bond, noting Indies to a 117-run victory in the his bosses found CCTV footage that he repaid the money. Lfirst Test at Queens Sports Club yester- showing him with his hand in Hair caused an international day. the till. row in 1995 when he repeated- Bishoo followed up his 5 for 79 in the Hair, who stood in 78 Tests ly no-balled Muralitharan for first innings with figures of 4 for 105 in from 1992 to 2008, pleaded throwing, which is illegal for the second, as Zimbabwe were bowled guilty to one charge of embez- cricket bowlers. He later said out for 316 to lose the match inside four zlement and one of stealing on many match offi cials shared days. Monday, documents from the the same doubts but that some While Zimbabwe were once again Orange Local Court showed. were scared to intervene. guilty of some soft dismissals, which in- “My client has been in the Muralitharan, the world- cluded two calamitous run-outs, Bishoo public eye for many years and record Test and one-day wick- played a key role in slicing through the this is a bit of a fall for him, to et-taker, was cleared by the Zimbabwean middle order. fi nd himself before the court International Cricket Council “After seeing how Zimbabwe bowled in these circumstances,” Hair’s (ICC) after undergoing biome- on the first day, I knew I would have a big solicitor Andrew Rolfe said, chanical tests on his bowling role to play in the match,” said Bishoo. according to the Herald. action, but the debate long po- “But it was important to be patient on “This is an aberration in the larised opinion. this pitch, and stick to a plan.” After putting up more of a fight with the bat in their second innings, when HEAVY WORKLOAD and Hamilton Masa- kadza scored half-centuries, Zimbabwe were left to rue their performance on the second day when they were bowled out Lehmann says he for 159 in reply to West Indies’ first in- nings of 219. “We had a really good opportunity may ditch role in there to go and put some runs on the board and put them under pressure, but we had too many soft dismissals on day Legspinner Devendra limited-overs cricket two,” said Zimbabwe captain Graeme Bishoo of the West Indies. Cremer, whose legspin claimed eight AFP that the game is going, you’ve in the match. Sydney got no choice now.” “We couldn’t quite work out how Under Flower, England ex- to score against their bowlers on this perimented with having a wicket.”Once the West Indies had scored ustralia coach Darren separate limited-overs coach, 373 in their second innings, which was Lehmann yesterday but the roles have since been wrapped up when Roston Chase fell for BULAWAYO SCORECARD said an increasingly combined again under Trevor 95 on the fourth morning, Zimbabwe’s punishing cricket Bayliss. challenge was a world-record chase of West Indies f Zimbabwe second innings Acalendar may leave him with Lehmann, who has coached irst innings 219 all out (S. Hope 90, K. Powell 56; 434 to win. G. Cremer 4-64, S. Williams 3-20) H. Masakadza c S. Hope b Brathwaite ...... 57 “no choice” but to hand over Australia since 2013, said he They made a bright start, with Masa- Zimbabwe first innings 159 all out (H. Masakadza 42, C. Ervine S. Mire b Roach ...... 47 responsibility for the country’s would favour splitting duties kadza and putting on 99 39; D. Bishoo 5-79, K. Roach 2-23) C. Ervine lbw b Bishoo ...... 18 one-day and Twenty20 sides, between Tests and limited- for the first wicket at a brisk rate, before West Indies second innings B. Taylor run out ...... 73 leaving him to focus solely on overs, rather than having three both openers fell in quick succession. K. Brathwaite lbw b ...... 86 S. Williams st Dowrich b Bishoo ...... 6 Tests. coaches for the game’s diff er- Masakadza was caught at short leg K. Powell b Cremer ...... 17 Sikandar Raza c Chase b Bishoo ...... 30 Health issues and a heavy ent formats. for 57 — his first half-century in almost K. Hope lbw b Jarvis ...... 43 M. Waller run out ...... 11 workload has seen the 47-year- “You can’t split them three three years — before Mire (47) was un- S. Hope lbw b Jarvis ...... 44 R. Chakabva c and b Chase...... 1 old miss several one-day and ways — Tests, one-dayers and done by some sharp reverse swing from R. Chase b Williams ...... 95 G. Cremer c and b Bishoo ...... 9 Twenty20 series in recent T20,” Lehmann said. fast bowler . Although J. Blackwood st Chakabva b Williams ...... 3 K. Jarvis ...... 23 years, including the just-ended “Some of the time there’s no Taylor was able to keep out the remain- S. Dowrich c Masakadza b Williams ...... 12 C. Mpofu c Powell b Chase ...... 33 limited-overs tour of India. point another coach coming in, der of Roach’s fierce spell, J. Holder c Mpofu b Cremer ...... 24 Extras (5b, 1lb, 2nb)...... 8 He returns to lead Australia it’s just logistical nightmares, was trapped lbw by Bishoo, who went D. Bishoo c Williams b Cremer ...... 44 Total (all out, 90.4 overs) ...... 316 in the upcoming Ashes series so I think you’d probably go on to have Sean Williams by K. Roach b Cremer ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-99 (Masakadza), 2-109 (Mire), 3-141 (Ervine), against England, but sees a white ball, red ball.” wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich and leave S. Gabriel not out ...... 0 4-155 (Williams), 5-219 (Sikandar Raza), 6-246 (Waller), 7-249 time when there is one coach Justin Langer, Ricky Pon- Zimbabwe 155 for four. Extras (3b, 2lb) ...... 5 (Chakabva), 8-253 (Taylor), 9-263 (Cremer), 10-316 (Mpofu). for Tests and another for ODIs ting, Jason Gillespie and David A 64-run stand for the fifth wicket Total (all out, 126 overs) 37 ...... 3 Bowling: Roach 13-3-34-1, Gabriel 10-2-50-0 (2nb), Holder 12-4-30- and T20s. Saker are seen as potential between Taylor and Sikandar Raza gave Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Powell), 2-107 (K. Hope), 3-174 0, Bishoo 32-8-105-4, Chase 13.4-2-61-2, Brathwaite 10-1-30-1. “I think it will get to a stage candidates should Cricket Zimbabwe a glimmer of hope, only for (Brathwaite), 4-211 (S. Hope), 5-224 (Blackwood), 6-244 (Dow- Toss: West Indies where I’ll probably have to look Australia opt to divide the head the hosts to be derailed by a series of soft rich), 7-277 (Holder), 8-369 (Bishoo), 9-369 (Roach), 10-373 Result: West Indies won by 117 runs at changing that set-up,” he coach roles. dismissals. (Chase). Series: West Indies lead two-match series 1-0 told cricket.com.au. The path is already well Raza hit a Bishoo long-hop straight to Bowling: Jarvis 24-1-66-2, Mpofu 10-3-30-0, Williams 35-8-91-3, Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI) and Paul Reiff el (AUS) “I know speaking to (former trodden by players, with many cover, before Malcolm Waller and Tay- Cremer 34-5-114-4, Sikandar Raza 19-4-53-1, Mire 2-0-5-0, Waller TV umpire: Simon Fry (AUS) England coach) Andy Flower specialising in either Tests or lor were both run out, with Taylor, who 2-0-9-0. Match referee: Javagal Srinath (SRI) for example... he didn’t like it ODI/T20s, although plenty made 73, culpable for both dismissals. so much, but I think the way still excel in both. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 25, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Qatar drawn with hosts China for U-23 Championship

Agencies Changzhou

he 2016 semi-fi nalists Qatar were drawn with hosts China for the AFC U-23 Championship, which will be held in January 2018. The draw was held a Tglittering ceremony in Changzhou yesterday. The 16 qualifi ed teams were separated into four groups for next January’s fl agship Asian youth competition. Qatar is in a Group A along with China, Uzbekistan and Oman. Qatar’s Under-23 coach Felix Sanchez ex- pected a very high level of competition but was optimistic his boys will do well. “When you see the teams (in the draw), we knew it would be a good level. We know that playing against China is going to be a good experience, because we ex- Qatar’s Under-23 coach Felix Sanchez expected a very high level of competition in China. pect a good stadium, full of people and we know China have a good team,” said Sanchez after the middle of December – in Qatar there is no league Korea and Thailand, while fellow debutants which also contains Syria and Vietnam. Centre will host nine matches, including the draw yesterday. then, so it’s easier for us. We will play some Malaysia drew a strong group containing Iraq, The ceremony also revealed the tournament’s tournament opener between China and Oman “They have a good squad, the same as Uz- friendlies and a few days before we will come Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The draw produced a four host cities with Changzhou, Kunshan, on January 8, and the fi nal on January 27. bekistan, who are one of the top teams, and here to adapt. I’m looking forward to starting number match-ups which are sure to be highly Jiangyin and Changshu – all located in Jiangsu The AFC U-23 Championship is second only Oman. We expect a very high level of compe- the competition,” the Spaniard added. anticipated, none more so than the match be- Province – to host the tournament’s 32 matches. to the AFC Asian Cup among Asia’s men’s na- tition and we are going to try to perform well. First-time qualifi ers Palestine were drawn tween Asian heavyweights Korea Republic and Changzhou will act as the tournament’s tional team competitions, with the 2018 edition We’re going to start (our preparations) in the with 2016 champions Japan, as well as DPR Australia, to be held in Kushan, in a Group D headquarters, and Changzhou Olympic Sports the fi rst time it will be held in China.

SPOTLIGHT Unsworth keen to make Everton job Koeman’s Everton story his own London: David Unsworth is keen to prove himself worthy of becoming full-time manager of Premier League side Everton after being appointed caretaker boss fol- exposes shortcomings lowing the sacking of Ronald Koeman. The 44-year-old will be in the dugout for today’s intimidating trip to champi- ons Chelsea in the last 16 of the League Cup. Unsworth is a firm fa- of the post-Cruyffi ans vourite with the fans having served the club with distinc- tion as a player, making 350 appearances during two Like Frank de Boer and Frank Rijkaard, Koeman spells at Goodison Park. He gained kudos as a coach by is the latest in a line of managers to stumble guiding the Under-23 side to the Premier League 2 title outside the Ajax and Barcelona models in last season. “I’m a very proud man sat which they were schooled here preparing to lead Ever- ton out tomorrow,” he said By Jonathan Wilson the team and José Mourinho was on the coach- yesterday. “It doesn’t matter The Guardian ing staff . Mourinho, it is true, has turned radically how many games I have, I’ll away from the Barcelona approach but it is against give it everything I’ve got. I that that he is rebelling and in that sense he is more spent the afternoon with the ong before he was sacked, a criticism of Ro- of a post-Cruyffi an than the likes of Mauricio Po- chairman yesterday and we nald Koeman at Everton was that he seemed chettino, Jürgen Klopp or Diego Simeone, who ap- spoke everything Everton. to regard the club as a stepping stone. “He proach football from very diff erent backgrounds. “I’ll repeat myself from last called us Everton, he never called us ‘us’,” The problem for post-Cruyffi ans is what hap- time I sat here 18 months ago Las the former Everton captain Kevin Ratcliff e put it pens when they arrive at a club that has not been (he took charge of their final on Monday. Koeman’s ultimate ambition, as he has schooled in the Ajax method. Van Gaal had the league game of the 2015/16 made clear since he took his fi rst steps in manage- strength of personality to turn Bayern to his will, campaign after Roberto Mar- ment with Vitesse in 2000, is to manage Barcelona. preparing the ground for Guardiola, but even there tinez was fired), who wouldn’t That seems ridiculous as he slinks away from he was working with a club that could remember want this job? The chairman Goodison Park after an unprecedented summer the variant of Total Football it had practised in the has given me an opportu- spree with Everton in the relegation zone. Per- 1970s. Others have been far less successful. nity to hopefully get a run haps now there have been too many failures for Frank de Boer, perhaps, is the most striking ex- of games where hopefully him ever to be taken seriously as a candidate at the ample: he won four league titles at Ajax but his performance levels go up. Camp Nou. But he was once a contender and may reigns at Internazionale and Crystal Palace totalled “From that, performances be again: he has the right heritage – which may be 19 games. Frank Rijkaard’s record is extraordinary. will dictate any future for me part of the problem. After his Holland side, playing at home, lost on as Everton manager. I want to As a player Koeman came through at Groningen penalties in the semi-fi nal of Euro 2000, he led manage and this is an amaz- but joined Ajax when he was 20. It was a move that Sparta Rotterdam to the fi rst relegation in their ing club to be manager of. I had long seemed inevitable. He looked like an Ajax history and was on his way to manage the Dutch make no secret of it.” player, talked like an Ajax player and played like an Antilles when he got the call from Barcelona. Koeman was sacked on Ajax player. He was a defender who was far better There, amid a style of football with which he was Monday after a disastrous at passing the ball than at winning it back. Ajax was familiar, he won two league titles and a Champi- start to the season — despite his fi nishing school; his ideas on the game were ons League. Subsequent spells with Galatasaray the club spending £140mn confi rmed and reinforced when, after a hugely suc- and Saudi Arabia have gone less well. Luis Enrique, ($185mn) on players in the cessful stint at PSV, he joined up with Johan Cruyff similarly, had only a disappointing year with Roma summer — reached its nadir again at Barcelona. There was always a streak of and a moderate year with Celta Vigo on his CV with a 5-2 spanking at home pragmatism about Koeman but there was no doubt before taking Barcelona to two league titles and a Everton’s Dutch manager Ronald Koeman was sacked on Monday after a disastrous start to the season to Arsenal on Sunday leaving about his philosophical inclinations. “He was very Champions League. — despite the club spending £140mn ($185mn) on players in the summer. (AFP) them mired in the bottom much of the Ajax model,” said Ryan Babel who Post-Cruyffi ans work best at post-Cruyffi an three. Koeman for his part made his debut under Koeman at Ajax in 2004. “4- clubs. Diff erent managers have diff erent attributes two diff erent sides. In a sense Koeman’s failure at 2004. Van der Vaart was injured and blamed Ib- thanked the board for allow- 3-3, wingers, a playing style on the ground, a lot of that fl ourish in diff erent situations. Just because Everton says little about how he would fare at Bar- rahimovic, exposing fault-lines in the dressing ing him to take charge of a movement, a lot of changing of position.” a manager has failed at one club does not mean celona, but scar tissue tends to accumulate and it room and placing pressure on the already fraught “great club”. “I would like to It has come to dominate European football over he cannot succeed at another more attuned to his will, understandably, count against him. It’s not relationship between Koeman and his sporting di- place on record my thanks the past decade – albeit emanating more from outlook and, similarly, just because a manager has a coincidence that he has never looked better as rector, Van Gaal. Ibrahimovic was sold to Juventus to the players and staff for Barcelona than Ajax. It is easy to see why Koeman’s been a success in one place does not mean those a manager than he did at Ajax when they won the in the ensuing mess and, without a striker, Ajax all their work and commit- ambition was directed towards the Camp Nou. He skills are automatically transferable. A great racing league in 2004. In that regard, his career has never collapsed. Koeman resigned the following Febru- ment during my 16 months as had, after all, taken his fi rst steps in club coach- driver may not be the best fi t for the school bus. It’s fully recovered from a tackle by Zlatan Ibrahimovic ary and, although he won the league with PSV two Everton manager,” Koeman ing at Barcelona, when he was assistant to Louis telling that in the whole history of English football, on his Ajax team-mate Rafael van der Vaart in a years later, it feels as though he has been seeking wrote on Twitter. van Gaal. Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique were in only four managers have ever won the league with friendly between Sweden and Holland in August another Ajax ever since.

PRIZE CATCH Teen stars shine in Under-17 World Cup shop window AFP could happen because nothing is easy in football,” He has not let in a goal from open play at the Kolkata N’Diaye told FIFA.com. tournament. The Cruzeiro stopper has been hailed “A few months later, he called me back to say by Brazil U17 coach Carlos Amadeu as well as op- that, in the end, I could come along and train with position tacticians like Spain’s Santiago Denia, hey may not yet be household names, but them as I’d grown a little. I was very happy. And who said Brazao could play at the “top professional the Under-17 World Cup semi-fi nals today now I feel comfortable in this team. I feel that I clubs in the world”. could put Lassana N’Diaye, Rhian Brews- have responsibilities, and my team-mates have Brewster, who scored a hat-trick in the 4-1 ter, Abel Ruiz and Gabriel Brazao well on faith in me to score goals.” quarter-fi nal win over the United States, is an- theT way to football riches. Mali are the African champions while European other pressing for fi rst-team action, in this case at The quartet will be the star attractions for the title-holders Spain will be counting on centre for- Liverpool. The young attacker has been the focus many hovering scouts in India when England, at- ward and captain Ruiz to show his class. The Bar- of England’s bid since Borussia Dortmund called tempting to reach the fi nal for the fi rst time, take celona academy product already has four goals in back teen star Jadon Sancho after the group stages. on Brazil, and Spain play Mali. the tournament — including one in the quarter-fi - Brewster made it to the substitutes’ bench for Mali striker N’Diaye, the tournament’s joint nal win over Iran — and has been linked to Arsenal Liverpool in April and coach Juergen Klopp has leading scorer with fi ve goals, could be the prize and other Premier League sides, as well as Juven- hailed him as “wonderfully skilled”. catch. A product of the street game in his home tus. Ruiz already has a buyout clause of three mil- By putting a goal past Brazao, Brewster would country, N’Diaye was only drafted into the na- lion euros on his contract and Barcelona reportedly send the perfect message to Klopp. But he is not tional squad ahead of the qualifying tournament want to increase that after the World Cup is over. counting on anything. “You don’t really get many in August. Coach Jonas Komla spotted the teen- Brazil are normally known for producing goals- opportunities to play at the international level and ager at a league match and told him to join the corers, but their campaign for a fourth U-17 world you have to make the most of it. And it will be the national team. “The fi rst time I went, he told me I title has relied heavily on goalkeeper Brazao and same at the club level too. I have to make the most Mali striker Lassana N’Diaye is Under-17 World Cup's joint leading scorer with five goals. was too small. I was really angry, but I knew that his spectacular saves in India. of my chances,” he said. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, October 25, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS ‘Magnifi cent’ Leipzig’s Bayern Cup Kane would cost 250 million: Perez clash promises “No, (I haven’t asked the price) AFP Madrid because if I ask, he will tell me 250mn,” Perez added. “We have made friends with Tottenham t would take a world record over the time it took to sign Luka 250mn euro ($294mn) fee to Modric and Gareth Bale as with land the on-fi re Harry Kane the two of them we ended up plenty of ‘fi reworks’ from Tottenham Hotspur signing them on the fi nal day of Iaccording to Real Madrid presi- the window. We ended up having dent Florentino Perez. The Eng- a good friendship and he (Levy) Leipzig’s home cup match against Bayern is the plum tie of the second round lish striker’s 13 goals in 12 games always says to me when we win this season has sparked rumours the European Cup: ‘Thanks for AFP he could be the latest star to swap winning the European Cup with Berlin Spurs for Spain following in the my players’”. footsteps of Luka Modric and Madrid’s feat in retaining the Gareth Bale. Champions League was reward- arcel Sabitzer expects fi re- However, having had his fi n- ed on Monday as Cristiano Ron- works when RB Leipzig host gers burned in paying a then aldo won FIFA’s “The Best” play- Bayern Munich in the Ger- world record 100mn euros for er for the second straight year, man Cup today, the fi rst of Bale in 2013, Perez is wary of try- whilst Zinedine Zidane picked Mtwo games in four days between the Bun- ing to negotiate with Tottenham up the best coach award and four desliga heavyweights. Hosts Leipzig hope chairman Daniel Levy. “I think other Real players — Marcelo, to capitalise on Bayern’s injury list with he is a magnifi cent player and, Sergio Ramos, Toni Kroos and stars Manuel Neuer, Thomas Mueller and moreover, he is young with many Modric — joined Ronaldo in the Franck Ribery sidelined. years ahead of him to progress,” team of the year. Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes Perez told Spanish radio station However, the European cham- expects Germany defender Mats Hum- Cadena Cope after attending pions were unable to get the mels to be fi t for both the second-round FIFA’s annual awards. better of Kane’s Spurs in a 1-1 cup clash at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena and And Perez believes Levy’s rep- Champions League draw at the the league match four days later in Mu- utation for delaying moves until Santiago Bernabeu last week. nich, despite suff ering an ankle injury at late in the transfer window to get And Kane will have another the weekend. the best possible deal means he chance to show Madrid what The Bundesliga clash on Saturday is would want more than the 222mn they are missing when the sides also a mouth-watering prospect with just euros Paris Saint-Germain paid meet again on November 1 at a point separating third-placed Leipzig to snatch Neymar from Barce- Wembley with top spot in Group and Bayern, who are second. Leipzig’s lona in August. H at stake. home cup match against Bayern is the plum tie of the second round, which in- cluded holders Borussia Dortmund at third-division Magdeburg last night. “We’re in the fl ow. The fans can look forward to some fi reworks,” said Leip- zig’s Sabitzer, the match-winner in Sat- urday’s 1-0 league victory against Stutt- gart. Leipzig’s CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was more reserved, insisting Bayern “are in a class of their own with a top squad full of world-class players” even without their injured stars. “We’ll need a perfect day, but we believe in ourselves and want to show again that we are good for a sur- prise,” he added. Mueller tore a hamstring in Saturday’s win at Hamburg and Spain’s Thiago Alacantara is set to step into the The Bundesliga clash on Saturday is also a mouth-watering prospect with just a point separating third-placed RB Leipzig and attacking midfi eld role. champions Bayern Munich, who are second. (AFP) Hummels is relishing the back-to-back showdowns against Leipzig. “They have goals in the opening 45 minutes, before who has a thigh injury, and defender Ste- 61 minutes against Stuttgart. an incredible amount of quality and play winning 5-4 away last May. The double- fan Ilsanker (toe). “You’d be reluctant to leave him out, a very intensive game with very intensive header against Leipzig begins a run of It is unclear whether Germany striker we have to see how fresh he is and how counter-pressing,” said Hummels. “You four tough games for Bayern in a fort- Timo Werner will play despite making much time he needs.” have to be very awake and think very, very night. They have a Champions League his return in Saturday’s 1-0 league win at fast. That is the most important thing — match at Celtic next Tuesday followed home to VfB Stuttgart. Werner came off GERMAN CUP SECOND-ROUND FIXTURES that you are switched on from the fi rst by the league game at current Bundesliga in the 2-0 Champions League defeat at Playing Today: Osnabrueck v Nuremberg, second to the fact that the opponent can leaders Borussia Dortmund on November Besiktas last month complaining of diz- Hertha Berlin v Cologne, VfL Wolfsburg v make your life hard.” 4. “These are exactly the kind of games ziness, which revealed a problem with the Hanover 96, Kaiserslautern v VfB Stuttgart Bayern beat Leipzig twice in the Bun- we love,” added Hummels. muscles in his spine. (1830), Regensburg v Heidenheim, Werder England and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane and partner desliga last season, romping to a 3-0 vic- RB coach Ralph Hasenhuettl has injury “You could see he was not quite right,” Bremen v Hoff enheim, Freiburg v Dynamo Katie Goodland pose for a photograph at the The Best FIFA Football tory in Munich last December, with three concerns in Portuguese forward Bruma, said Hasenhuettl after Werner played for Dresden, RB Leipzig v Bayern Munich (1845) Awards ceremony in London on Monday night. (AFP)

ROUND-UP Buff on to retire unless Bilic insists he can thrive under pressure Juve win Champions nder-fi re West Ham United manager ahead earlier this month in Pyongyang but was Slaven Bilic said he will fi ght to keep his West Ham United delayed again after Kuala Lumpur banned travel to League job and that the speculation about his manager Slaven Bilic. North Korea as global alarm grew at the regime’s future has only strengthened his resolve. weapons programme. Kim’s assassination sparked Milan: Italian international UThe 49-year-old Croatian has been given two a diplomatic crisis which saw both countries goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on games to save his job, according to the British banning each other’s citizens from leaving, and said yesterday he will retire media, after a disappointing start to the season withdrawing their ambassadors. Tensions have at the end of the season, which reached a new low with a dire display in since eased. unless Juventus win the a 3-0 home defeat by Brighton and Hove Albion Champions League. last Friday. Bilic, who has guided his side to just BENEVENTO FIRE COACH BARONI The 39-year-old plans to fi ve wins in their last 20 matches, has today’s trip AFTER LOSING FIRST NINE MATCHES bring the curtain down on his to rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16 of the Benevento have fi red coach Marco Baroni after career after the 2018 World League Cup and Saturday’s clash at bottom side becoming the fi rst team in Serie A history to lose Cup, but if Juventus triumph Crystal Palace to turn it around. their fi rst nine matches of the season. in Europe he could continue “You ask me about (Ronald) Koeman (sacked by The club announced that 54-year-old Baroni, on to try to add the Club Everton on Monday), there are always three, four, who led them out of Serie B last season and into World Cup to his collection. fi ve managers in those positions and I’m defi nitely the top fl ight for the fi rst time, would be replaced “There’s no margin (to one of them,” Bilic said. by Roberto De Zerbi. Benevento set their unwant- change mind) because I’m “Does it make me lose my focus? No, it gives ed record by losing 3-0 at home to Fiorentina on quite convinced of the choic- you even more. I never gave up in my career, Sunday. They have scored only two goals in their es I’ve made,” Buff on, who no matter in which way of life, as a parent, as a nine games and conceded 22. De Zerbi, 38, had was named as the goalkeeper friend, as a manager. That’s my biggest strength, two seasons in charge of Foggia, narrowly missing of the year at FIFA’s The Best to be strong in hard times. Now I’m having a hard out on promotion. His only previous experience awards on Monday, told Sky time, yes I am. That doesn’t scare me.” of coaching in Serie A was a three-month spell Sport. “This is my last season Should Bilic lose his job he would become at Palermo last season. Benevento are the second and I’m pretty sure of the the fourth Premier League managerial casualty club this season to change coach after Cagliari — choices I make. One or two of the season, joining Crystal Palace’s Frank de who they visit in their next league match today. more years wouldn’t add or Boer — sacked after just four matches — Craig take away from what I’ve Shakespeare, let go by Leicester City last week, ‘MAGIC’ PENALTY LEAVES already achieved.” and Koeman. THAI GOALIE IN DESPAIR “The only way would be to A Thai goalkeeper was left red-faced after sprint- win the Champions League,” RUSSIA INCREASES WORLD CUP ing from his goaline to celebrate a penalty hitting he continued, suggesting BUDGET BY $600 MILLION the crossbar in a shoot-out — only to watch the that he would share the role Russia has increased the budget for the 2018 ball spectacularly spin back into the empty net. with his understudy Wojciech World Cup by 34.5bn roubles ($600mn) accord- The U-18s cup match (October 21) between Bang- Szczesny at the Club World ing to a decree published on the government’s kok Sports Club and Satri Angthong had fi nished Cup. “At that point, to try offi cial site yesterday. The decree says that the 2-2 in normal time, prompting an epic shootout to win the Club World Cup, overall cost for the preparations for the tourna- Adrien Silva’s move to Leicester City took another MALAYSIA, NORTH KOREA that ended 20-19. maybe Szczesny could play ment will rise by 5.4% — from 643.5bn roubles to twist yesterday with the English club deciding not TO PLAY IN THAILAND The bizarre penalty came early on, throwing one game and me another,” 678bn rubles. Russia’s federal budget will allocate to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Malaysia and North Korea will play their delayed Bangkok a lifeline in a shootout that Bangkok suggested Buff on, who has 390bn roubles, while 91.9bn roubles will come Leicester have been battling to get the 28-year-old Asian Cup qualifi ers in Thailand next month, Sports Club had been on the verge of losing. One played 633 times for Juven- from the regional budget. The rest will come from Euro 2016 winner’s £22mn ($29mn) deadline-day football offi cials said, after the matches were of their players stepped up to take the third pen- tus and 173 matches for Italy. companies and sponsors named as “legal entities” move from Sporting Lisbon registered after it was postponed over a diplomatic row and nuclear alty knowing a miss would see his team dumped “But I think with a goal- in the decree. Russia already increased the World submitted just 14 seconds late, but had their ap- tensions. The Asian Football Confederation said it from the tournament. He struck the ball hard onto keeper like him behind it Cup budget in May by 4.7bn roubles after slashing peal rejected by FIFA earlier this month. had chosen Thailand as the neutral venue for the the crossbar, sending his opposite number dashing is normal that next year I’ll it by 30bn roubles in June 2015 in the wake of the Yesterday, they blamed world football’s govern- games on November 10 and 13, at a stadium which from his line in jubilation. But in comical scenes, stand aside.” economic crisis. The competition will be played in ing body for their decision not to pursue the case is yet to be confi rmed. Satri’s keeper turned to see the ball bounce near Juventus, European cham- 12 stadiums from June 14 to July 15 next year. with CAS which eff ectively means Silva will have The fi rst leg was originally scheduled for March the penalty spot and spin back towards the un- pions in 1985 and 1996, have to wait until January to play for them. The club 28 in Pyongyang, but it was postponed twice guarded net. He scrambled back as the ball crossed finished runners-up in the LEICESTER DECIDE AGAINST added they would support France-born Silva — after the murder of the North Korean leader’s the goal line, sending him to his knees in despair. Champions League twice in CAS APPEAL IN SILVA SAGA who remains with them and is training with the half-brother in Malaysia in February sent ten- A video of the bizarre penalty has been viewed the past three years. The long-running saga over Portugal midfi elder squad — if he decided to go alone to CAS. sions soaring. The game was fi nally due to go more than two million times on Facebook. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 25, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Los Angeles Kings fall to Maple Leafs 3-2 Simmons hits triple By Curtis Zupke couldn’t criticise him after a Los Angeles Times 30-save night, including two big stops in the fi rst period. “He’s a real fi ery competi- he joyride ended tor and I think emotion in his with a walk down the game is a good thing,” Stevens tunnel in a huff , the said. “It’s not an ideal situation seething noticeable in to be short-handed for the last double in Sixers win TJonathan Quick’s waddle. two minutes of a hockey game, The Los Angeles Kings fi - but he’s a stand-up guy and ‘I’m just glad we won, honestly. That means so much more than stats for me’ nally lost a game in regulation, I’m sure he knows that.” eight games into their season. Quick said he came out fi ne AFP Coach John Stevens cited the from the elbow but did not Washington Toronto Maple Leafs as their want to discuss the protocol biggest challenge to date, and incident. he was right as his team had “I don’t know what the ... ustralia’s Ben Sim- diffi culty handling their speed happened there,” Quick said. mons set himself be- and forechecking in a 3-2 loss “I don’t know what happened. yond such immortals in front of 19,235 fans at Air You have to ask the league.” as Michael Jordan and Canada Centre. Lewis gave the Kings life LebronA James with his fi rst NBA What Stevens didn’t fore- with a breakaway short-hand- triple double on Monday in only see was an eventful game for ed goal to make it 3-2 with 6:41 his fourth league contest for the Quick, who capped his Mon- remaining. It gave him fi ve Philadelphia 76ers. day night with a boiled-over points in three games. The 21-year-old from Mel- roughing penalty with 2:05 re- Adrian Kempe scored on bourne, last year’s NBA Draft maining that practically ended an impressive snap shot that top pick who missed all of last the best start in franchise his- beat Frederik Andersen in the season with a right foot in- tory. The Kings were 6-0-1 second period after Andersen jury, scored 21 points, grabbed and knew the party would end stopped the fi rst 28 shots. a game-high 12 rebounds and eventually. But the Kings chased the passed out a game-high 10 as- “You never want to think puck frequently and paid for sists for the Sixers in a 97-86 tri- like that,” Trevor Lewis said. it. Toronto scored fi rst on umph at Detroit. “But obviously I don’t think Matt Martin’s defl ection as he “I felt like I needed to just kind anyone’s won 82 games in a crowded Quick. Tyler Bozak of take over and fi nd guys and row.” chipped in a puck on the pow- make plays,” Simmons said. Quick was penalised for er play, and Patrick Marleau Simmons became the fi rst pushing Leo Komarov as tipped Morgan Rielly’s point NBA player in 50 years to manage Komarov skated through the shot early in the third period. a triple double – double-digit slot. Quick fumed since a The Maple Leafs let the game production in three statis- strange episode in the fi rst pe- Kings back into the game, tical categories – within his fi rst riod when he was told to leave though, which made it tougher four league starts. the game by the NHL’s concus- to swallow. “I think we played And he’s only the third NBA sion evaluators because he took well when we pushed in the player to manage the achieve- an elbow from Zach Hyman. other half of the game,” Kempe ment, joining Art “Hambone” Backup Darcy Kuemper re- said. “I think we deserved an- Williams of the 1967-68 San placed Quick as he made his other goal.” Diego Rockets and Oscar Rob- way to the dressing room. But In the second match of the ertson of the 1960 Cincinnati Quick immediately returned day Martin Jones stopped 33 Royals. to the net while Kings coaches shots as San Jose defeated New Those players went on to be- argued with offi cials. Finally, York at Madison Square Gar- come NBA champions, Robert- Quick went to the bench and den. Logan Couture scored son with Milwaukee in 1971 and sat out the rest of the period. his fourth goal in two games, Williams with Boston in 1974. Stevens said the league re- and Tim Heed scored his fi rst The Aussie is also only the viewed it a second time and NHL goal for the . Joo- second player to open his NBA determined Quick did not have nas Donskoi and Melker Karls- career with four double doubles, to be removed. But Stevens son added goals for San Jose, matching Robertson’s rookie said he was told that if there’s which has won two of three on run. Cameroon big man Joel an injury on the ice, the player a fi ve-game road trip. Embiid scored 30 points and has to “come out for one play.” Henrik Lundqvist made 20 grabbed nine rebounds for the “Then (the referees) come saves for the Rangers, who 76ers, who took their fi rst win of over and said, ‘You know have lost six of seven. Mika the season after three defeats. what? That’s never happened Zibanejad scored New York’s “I’m just glad we won, hon- before,’ which is respectful,” lone goal in the third period. estly,” said Simmons. “That Stevens said. “They were doing means so much more than stats what they thought was right.” RESULTS for me. It’s awesome to have a Stevens clearly wasn’t right Maple Leafs 3 Kings 2 triple-double but at the same with Quick’s penalty but Sharks 4 Rangers 1 time, it’s even better to win, es- pecially with these guys and a young team like this.” Simmons is averaging 15.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists through his fi rst four NBA games. “Him with the ball, able to do Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (No 25) shoots over Detroit Pistons centre Andre Drummond in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. the things he does, produces a lot Mandatory Credit: PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports of these mismatches and num- bers,” 76ers coach Brett Brown a game-high 29 points while the club’s four-game season- Sacramento 117-115 with interim ington to a 109-104 victory at said. “We were able to post him – Kevin Durant added 25 points opening scoring mark of 146 coach Jay Triano guiding the Denver. At Miami, Josh Richard- he’s able to see over pick-and-rolls and Klay Thompson had 21 as points by Hall of Famer Kareem Suns. son scored 21 points and Wayne – and you see how gifted he is in the defending champion Golden Abdul-Jabbar from 1972. De’Aaron Fox’s jumper with Ellington netted 19 of his 20 early off ense and the open court. State Warriors improved to 2-2 Mike Conley hit two 3-point- 58 seconds remaining pulled the points in the second quarter to “He has got that breakaway with a 133-103 rout at winless ers in a pivotal 13-0 Memphis Kings even at 112-112, capping a lead the Miami Heat over Atlanta speed that’s jaw-dropping. And Dallas (0-4). run in the fourth quarter to 14-3 run, but Phoenix hit 5-of- 104-93. he’s 6-foot-10 (2.03m). That Greek star Giannis Antetok- help the Grizzlies rally past host 6 free throws in the last minute stat line, we were kind of seeing ounmpo scored 32 points and Houston 98-90. and Garrett Temple missed a RESULTS snapshots of that the fi rst three Khris Middleton added 20 to Spaniard Marc Gasol led buzzer shot for the Kings. Warriors 133 Mavericks 103 games. It just seems a lot more lead the Milwaukee Bucks over Memphis (3-0) with 26 points LaMarcus Aldridge scored 20 Grizzlies 98 Rockets 90 special when it’s associated with visiting Charlotte 103-94. The while Conley added 17. points to lead fi ve double-fi gure Spurs 101 Raptors 97 a win.” Greek has cracked 30 points in scorers as the San Antonio Spurs Heat 104 Hawks 93 every game for the 3-1 Bucks. Suns win for interim coach downed visiting Toronto 101-97. 76ers 97 Pistons 86 Warriors romp at Dallas With 147 points over the fi rst In their fi rst game after coach Bradley Beal scored 20 points Bucks 103 Hornets 94 Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (No 51) tries to Two-time NBA Most Valuable four games of the season for the Earl Watson was fi red following and John Wall added 19 and 12 Wizards 109 Nuggets 104 get around Los Angeles Kings forward Trevor Lewis at the Air Player Stephen Curry scored Bucks, Antetokounmpo broke an 0-3 start, Phoenix outlasted rebounds to power 3-0 Wash- Suns 117 Kings 115 Canada Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NFL Wentz carves up Redskins as Eagles win fi ft h in row The Sports Xchange when quarterback Kirk Cousins fi eld goal from Nick Rose for an second touchdown pass, this Washington threw a 5-yard touchdown pass early 3-0 lead. Following some time a 4-yard strike to Ertz for a to tight end Jordan Reed late in sloppy play through the fi rst 17-10 lead. the third quarter. Philadelphia quarter, the Eagles put together arson Wentz threw came right back and extended its a solid drive and it resulted in a Sendejo suspended for touchdown passes to lead to two touchdowns. 50-yard fi eld goal from Elliott hit that sent Wallace’s four diff erent players, The news was not all good for with 13:15 remaining in the sec- helmet flying catapulting the Phila- the Eagles, however, as left tack- ond to tie the game at 3. Minnesota Vikings safety An- delphiaC Eagles past the Wash- le Jason Peters was carted off the It was Elliott’s 11th consecu- drew Sendejo has been suspend- ington Redskins 34-24 on Mon- fi eld with a leg injury with 14:06 tive fi eld goal and his fourth from ed for one game following a hit day. remaining in the third quarter. 50 yards or longer this season. on Ravens’ wide receiver Mike Wentz connected with wide Philadelphia was leading 17- Washington responded quickly Wallace during Sunday’s game. receiver Mack Hollins for 64 10 when Peters got tangled up and capped a seven-play, 81-yard The contact sent Wallace’s hel- yards, threw a 4-yard strike to with defensive lineman Ziggy drive with a 7-yard touchdown met fl ying and forced him from tight end Zach Ertz and a 9-yard Hood. Peters’ leg appeared to pass from Cousins to running the game. Sendejo was penalised pass to undrafted free agent run- bend awkwardly, and the veteran back Chris Thompson for a 10-3 for unnecessary roughness. ning back Corey Clement. had an air cast placed on it before advantage with 9:14 left in the The Vikings won the game 24- Wentz’s fourth score came on heading out on a cart. Peters, a fi rst half. Eagles linebacker Najee 16. “The violation was fl agrant a 10-yard pass to wide receiver nine-time Pro Bowl tackle, did Goode got turned around, allow- and warrants a suspension be- Nelson Agholor for a 31-17 lead not return. ing Thompson to walk into the cause it could have been avoid- with 11:10 remaining. Rookie kicker Jake Elliott’s 42- end zone untouched. ed, was violently directed at the Wentz has already thrown 17 yard fi eld goal with 6:19 left gave Wentz struggled might- head and neck area and unrea- touchdown passes through sev- the Eagles a 34-17 lead. Cousins’ ily through most of the fi rst half, sonably placed both you and an en games, one more than he had third touchdown pass, his sec- going 3 of 8 for 30 yards and opposing player at risk of serious all of last season. He fi nished the ond to Reed, this one for 12 yards, three sacks. But Wentz showed injury,” NFL vice president of night 17 of 25 for 268 yards with cut the defi cit to 34-24 with 3:17 some toughness and lofted a football operations Jon Runyan one interception. The Eagles (6- left. Cousins completed 30 of 40 beautiful 64-yard touchdown said in a statement. Sendejo will 1) won their fi fth straight. The passes for 303 yards with one in- pass to rookie wide receiver Hol- be eligible to return to Minne- Redskins (3-3) dropped into a terception. lins to tie the game at 10 with sota’s active roster on October second-place tie in the NFC East The Redskins drove 66 yards 3:19 remaining. With 22 seconds 30 following the team’s game Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor (No 13) celebrates with quarterback Carson Wentz (No 11) with the Dallas Cowboys. on eight plays on their fi rst pos- left in the half, Wentz continued against the Cleveland Browns in after his touchdown catch during the fourth quarter of their NFL game against the Washington Redskins at Washington got within 24-17 session but settled for a 27-yard his improved play and tossed his London on Sunday. Lincoln Financial Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, October 25, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Bolt determined to pursue football dream AFP If you have a dream or something you “It would be diffi cult to convince Austin really want to do, you want try to see (Jose) Mourinho, but we never know, where it could go.” it’s something I said to Alex Ferguson Bolt has had a longstanding invita- the other day when I was there,” he etired sprint king Usain Bolt tion to train with Dortmund, an ar- joked. has vowed to pursue his dream rangement facilitated by his long-time Bolt meanwhile said he hoped to of playing professional foot- sponsors Puma. fi nd a role with the International Asso- ball but admits he will not ciation of Athletics Federations (IAAF) “embarrass”R himself if his goal is out of Open invitation after exploring options for his football reach. However the Jamaican has not taken career. The Jamaican track and fi eld super- advantage of the Bundesliga side’s of- “I am waiting to see if my football ca- star, who retired from athletics after fer yet because of a niggling hamstring reer is going anywhere, but I defi nitely August’s World Championships, has problem. want to work with IAAF, in ways to pro- long spoken of trying his hand at soccer “My hamstring is just keeping back mote the sport, to keep the sport at the and has been invited to train with Bun- right now, in two weeks I can train again level which I left,” he said. “I want to desliga side Borussia Dortmund. and get back to some shape, then I can use my name to promote our sport, like Bolt, the 100m and 200m world record really explore that situation,” Bolt said. an ambassador role.” holder and eight-time Olympic champi- “They said the invitation is always Football aspirations aside, Bolt said on, insists he is serious about his football open, so it is all about me getting over he is enjoying being freed of his gruel- dream despite scepticism that at, 31, his my injury and into shape. Then I can ling training regime. advanced age will count against him. “It’s explore it and do the trials and see what “I am not missing training, not one a personal goal, I don’t care what people level I am at. bit – that’s one thing I know I wouldn’t really think about it,” Bolt told report- “For me it’s just to try to see if I really miss,” Bolt laughed. ers on the sidelines of the Formula One can be one of the best, anything I am “I miss working with coach (Glen) Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday. doing, I’ll try to do it at my best.” Mills, I try to talk him as much as “I am not going to lie to myself, if I Bolt however admits that he is not possible, to talk to him, to have some feel I can’t do it, I am going to say ‘For- optimistic about being granted a simi- laughs,” he said. “I know when the get this’. I am not going to embarrass lar opportunity with the club he sup- competition starts, and I start to see myself. “It’s a dream, it’s another chap- ports, Premier League giants Manches- everybody, the track meets, defi nitely Sprinting legend Usain Bolt (left) shakes hand with Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP in the Mercedes F1 ga- ter of my life that I really want to do. ter United. I’ll miss that.” rage before the United States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on October 22, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (AFP)

RUGBY SELECTION great Roberts omitted, rookie Aussies unbackable Parkes set for debut

AFP tion. There is no place either for Cardiff , United Kingdom hooker Scott Baldwin, whose now infamous encounter with a lion at a game park in South Af- ales great Jamie rica resulted in his hand being favourites as World Roberts faced fur- bitten. Gatland, though, said ther disappoint- he is looking forward to seeing ment yesterday how the less experienced play- Wafter being left out of the squad ers melded in with the World for their four autumn Tests. Cup in Japan. The 30-year-old failed to Squad make this year’s British and Forwards (20): Irish Lions squad and now head (), (Scar- Cup seeks credibility coach has left lets), Nicky Smith (), the 93-times capped player Leon Brown (), Tomas ‘The World Cup is huge for our game, we don’t have fond memories of the last World Cup’ out of the Tests with Austral- Francis (/ENG), ia, Georgia, world champions (Scarlets), Kristian Reuters New Zealand and South Africa. Dacey (Cardiff ), Elliot Sydney There is a fi rst call-up for Dee (Dragons), New Zealand-born Hadleigh (Scarlets), (Scarlets), Parkes, even though the (Ospreys), Seb he 15th edition of the 30-year-old Scarlets util- Davies (), Cory World Cup ity back will only be eligible Hill (Dragons), gets underway in Mel- for selection due to residency (Ospreys), Sam Cross (Ospreys), bourne on Friday with rules for the fi nal Test against (Bath/ENG), TAustralia unbackable favourites the Springboks on December 2. (Ospreys), Josh to lift the trophy and organisers Gatland, who will lock horns Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Aaron banking on tweaked eligibility again with the All Blacks hav- Shingler (Scarlets), Justin Tipu- rules to increase the competi- ing guided the Lions to a sen- ric (Ospreys) tiveness of the tournament. sational 1-1 series tie with the Backs (16): Aled Davies (Scar- The Kangaroos are a prohibi- third Test drawn, recalls fl y- lets), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), tive 5-1 on with the bookmakers half who won (Ospreys), Dan to claim their 11th title on Dec. the last of his 48 caps in 2016. Biggar (Ospreys), 2 in the last of the 28 matches He will vie with (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland played by 14 teams in 13 cities for the playmaking role and (Bath/ENG), Owen Williams across Australia, New Zealand probably partnering scrum- (Gloucester/ENG), Jonathan and Papua New Guinea. half Rhys Webb. Webb’s ill- Davies (Scarlets), The strength of New Zealand, timed move to Toulon next (Dragons), Hadleigh Parkes* who stunned the hosts to win year could see his Test ca- (Scarlets), (Os- the World Cup the last time it reer brought to an abrupt end preys), (Dragons), was held Down Under in 2008, thanks to new rules which (Cardiff Blues), usually adds the only shred of stipulate players plying their Steff an Evans (Scarlets), Leigh competitive respectability to the trade abroad must have at least Halfpenny (Scarlets), Liam Wil- tournament. 60 caps to be eligible for selec- liams (Saracens/ENG). England, who contributed to three World Cup triumphs for Great Britain in the early days of FOCUS the tournament, provide Aus- tralia’s opponents in the opening match and are the only other na- tion with a realistic hope of up- Scotland name 10 setting the co-hosts. The English were the only team to score any tries against Hooker Cameron Smith will lead the Australian side. uncapped players the Australians four years ago when the Kangaroos won all of in Australia in 2008 so we want combined with the lack of elite The biggest benefi ciaries have ready weakened by the absence Reuters the national squad and we’re their matches and destroyed the to turn that around,” Smith said competitions in almost all of the been Tonga, who managed to of fi ve eighth Kieran Foran be- looking forward to working Kiwis 34-2 in the fi nal. last week. other nations, the international persuade standout NRL forward cause of injury and Jesse Brom- with them throughout the au- Mal Meninga’s squad, while “It’s a celebration of our game federation has loosened the eli- to ditch the wich for disciplinary reasons. cotland named 10 tumn series,” Townsend said. not quite of the quality of the and I think everyone who gets gibility rules. New Zealand side on the eve of England, who have a strong uncapped players “We’re facing two of the 2013 vintage, is again replete involved with this tournament With the aim of ensuring as the Kiwi squad announcement. halves combination in Gareth yesterday in a bigger world’s top three sides after with the cream of the National and comes out and sees all much top quality talent as possi- Tonga coach Kristian Woolf Widdop and Luke Gale, are men- than expected 36- a signifi cant challenge from Rugby League (NRL). the matches is going to be for ble will be on show, players with has named a team rich with NRL tored by wily former Kangaroos manS squad for the November Samoa in our opening game. It Unfl appable hooker Cameron a treat. dual eligibility but not picked by talent for their opener against coach Wayne Bennett, who was internationals. Coach Gre- will be an excellent challenge Smith captains the side and with “There is going to be some one country can turn out for the Scotland in Cairns on Sunday, taking the long view of the cam- gor Townsend has taken the for our players.” his and Melbourne great football played and there other. Taumalolo starting with 2013 paign ahead of Friday’s opener chance to blood new talent Scotland have been hit by Storm teammates, halfback are some wonderful players on The result is the likes of eight- World Cup winner Andrew Fif- against Australia. for the games against Samoa, injuries to 10 players, includ- Cooper Cronk and fullback Billy show throughout this tourna- cap Kangaroo Robbie Farah ita, Will Hopoate, Michael Jen- “If we get beaten by a few New Zealand and Australia at ing captain and Slater, makes up a “big three” ment so I can’t wait.” captaining a Lebanon team also nings and in the points, well that will give us con- Murrayfi eld next month after Fraser Brown. Fullback Stuart looking to wrap up an NRL, State featuring Parramatta Eels fi ve backline. fi dence to go onto the next stage, injuries reduced his options. Hogg and winger Tommy Sey- of Origin and World Cup treble. LOOSENED RULES eighth Mitchell Moses, future Taumalolo’s defection will and if we get to play a fi nal fi ve back-row- mour return having missed the “The World Cup is huge for Given the heavy concentration Kangaroo James Tedesco turning certainly add spice to Tonga’s weeks later, that’s when er Luke Hamilton, a former summer tour on Lions duty. our game, we don’t have fond of top quality rugby league talent out for Italy and Jarryd Hayne fi nal pool game in Hamilton you want to be at your best,” Wales Under-20 player, was memories of the last World Cup in Australia and New Zealand joining the Fiji side. against a New Zealand side al- he said. included along with Sale’s SQUAD 28-year-old winger Byron Forwards: , McGuigan, who is joint top try , John Barclay, Irish great O’Callaghan to hang up boots scorer in this season’s English Scott Cummings, Cornell Premiership. Irish rugby great Donncha O’Callaghan announced both for province Munster and his country, will see out of Munster’s – which was boosted by private money and du Preez, , But there was no place for yesterday that he will retire from the sport at the end of the season captaining English Premiership side Worces- the Irish Rugby Football Union which could have risen , , Edinburgh back-rowers John the season. The 38-year-old lock was an integral member ter. Aside from the Grand Slam triumph, 94-times capped to 400,000 euros for Zebo, whose try tally for Munster , , Hardie and Magnus Brad- of the Ireland side that memorably won the 2009 Six O’Callaghan also won the 2004 Triple Crown and two stands at 55. he has scored nine tries in 35 Tests since Luke Hamilton, Darryl Marfo, bury, who are both suspended Nations Grand Slam and is currently playing for Worces- European Cups with Munster, as well as being selected for making his Ireland debut in 2012. Stuart McInally, WP Nel, Jamie by their club for disciplinary ter Warriors, having retired from international rugby two British and Irish Lions squads (2005/09). Zebo – whose father is French from the Caribbean island Ritchie, , reasons. Hamilton, 25, whose four years ago. “It’s been great. I have had a great time. of Martinique – will be reunited with former Munster , George Turner, father is Scottish, was one of Ryan Wilson, Hamish Watson I love the game and I want to finish loving it,” he told Zebo risks Test future over Racing move teammate and fly-half Ronan O’Gara, now three new players included Backs: The Irish Examiner. “Honestly, body wise I feel great. The a member of the coaching staff . “I have always noted the Phil Burleigh, Alex Dun- through family connections, game is changing though and everyone is talking about Munster’s record try scorer Simon Zebo’s international draw to play abroad one day, and in not taking this deci- bar, Dougie Fife, Nathan Fow- along with Edinburgh’s Lon- it this season. “Over the last three years, the physicality future could be in doubt after accepting a lucrative off er sion lightly I have decided on what’s best for my family,” les, Chris Harris, , don-born prop Darryl Marfo has gone through the roof. “I’d love to be able to walk from French outfit , according to the Irish he said on his decision to leave. With my partner Elvira , , whose mother is Scottish. away from it and say I had a great time within it and be Times. The mercurial 27-year-old wing is thought to have and two young children, Jacob and Sofia, we are planning Ruaridh Jackson, Lee Jones, “The players selected have thankful to the game itself.” O’Callaghan, who formed a been off ered up to 700,000 euros ($823,000) per year for our future and this is the right time for us to make the Huw Jones, Byron McGuigan, worked exceptionally hard at legendary second-row partnership with Paul O’Connell by Racing. Their off er dwarfed that of rivals Pau and that move.” , , Finn their clubs to earn inclusion in Russell, . Gulf Times Wednesday, October 25, 2017 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT WADA to investigate claims of The sun refuses to systematic doping in China

Beijing: The World Anti- Doping Agency (WADA) will perform at 2018 fl ame investigate allegations by a retired physician that sys- tematic doping took place in Chinese sport during the 1980s and 1990s, the inter- national anti-doping agency said in a statement. In a programme on ceremony in Olympia German channel ARD at the weekend, Xue Yinxian, who worked with several Chinese national teams, Due to poor weather, the flame which was lit during rehearsals had to be used during the ceremonies called for all medals award- ed to the nation’s athletes during that period to be withdrawn. The 79-year-old, who made similar allega- tions in 2012, said “medals were showered in doping” and claimed around 10,000 Chinese athletes had used banned substances. Xue, who is claiming asylum in Germany, alleged that she was sacked after re- fusing to administer banned substances ahead of the 1988 Seoul Olympics. “The Agency will ensure that, if action is warranted and fea- sible under the World Anti- Doping Code, the necessary and appropriate steps will be taken,” WADA said. “As a first step, the Agency has asked its independent Intelligence and Investiga- tions (I&I) team to initiate an investigative process in order to collect and analyse available information in co-ordination with external partners.” Chinese athletes regularly failed dope tests after the country returned to the Olympic fold in the early 1980s but there was concert- ed eff ort by the government to crack down on the use of banned substances ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Russia’s athletics federa- tion, Paralympic committee and anti-doping agency (RUSADA) remain suspended Actress Katerina Lechou (right), acting as the high priestess, lights the Olympic flame at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, the sanctuary where the were born in 776 BC, during the lighting ceremony after reports commissioned of the Olympic flame for the 2018 Winter Olympics, yesterday. The 2018 Winter Games will take place in Pyeongchang, South Korea from February 9 to February 25. (AFP) by WADA alleged state-spon- sored doping. AFP ympic Committee President Thomas Bach. “Then sions over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions wors- 24-year-old Nordic skier Apostolos Angelis. Olympia, Greece and now, the Olympics is a symbol of hope and en. The Pyeongchang Winter Games will be held He then passed it to 37-year-old former South PHILIPPINE peace. We are carrying the ancient traditions to the from February 9-25 only 80km from the heavily Korean international footballer Park Ji-Sung, who BOXER DIES AFTER future. The Games are universal and stand above guarded border with the nuclear-armed North. played for Manchester United and Eindhoven. SPARRING MATCH he Olympic fl ame left Ancient Olym- all diff erences that divide us and are here to unite The South has successfully staged several inter- “The Olympic fl ame is a universal symbol of peace pia in Greece yesterday and began its humanity,” Bach said. “Our Olympic values have national sporting events including the 2002 FIFA and friendship,” said Hellenic Olympic Committee long journey to the opening ceremony of stood the test of time of peace and understanding,” World Cup despite decades of military tensions on president Spyros Capralos. the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter he added. the peninsula. The 1988 Seoul summer Olympics The torch relay will cover 2,129 kilometres on TGames in February. Due to poor weather and the Bach praised the work of the South Koreans in took place only months after a bomb planted by Greek territory and will arrive at the Acropolis in lack of sunshine, the fl ame which was lit on Sun- organising the next Winter Games and added that North Korean agents killed all 115 people on board Athens on October 30. Participating will be 505 day during rehearsals had to be used during the “we are waiting for excellent Games”. President of a South Korean plane, in an apparent attempt to torchbearers and 36 welcome ceremonies will be ceremonies. As rain fell actors in ancient Greek the Pyeongchang 2018 Organising Committee Lee scare off foreign spectators and contestants. held in 20 districts during the eight days. costume resorted to the backup fl ame at the ruins Hee Beom said the Winter Games in his country “From the sacred land of Olympia, we give a On October 31 the fl ame will be handed over of the 2,600-year-old Temple of Hera instead of will be “safe and secure”. “All countries have been message of hope that all disputes and quarrels to the Pyeongchang 2018 Organising Committee a scheduled ceremony using a parabolic mirror to invited to attend and it is an honour for us to host around the world would be put aside,” said Olym- during a nighttime ceremony at Athens’ Panath- Philippine boxer who was kindle the fl ame. The torch relay will take it around the competition. We will spread the word of peace pia mayor Yiannis Kotzas. After thanks to the god enaic Stadium, where the fi rst modern Olympic involved in a recent scandal Greece and on to 2018 hosts South Korea. and harmony,” Lee added. Apollo, “king of the sun and the idea of light”, in the Games were held in 1896. The torch harks back to over faked brain scans has Dignitaries at the ceremony included Greek The South Korea government has promised that shadow of the Greek South Korean and Olympic the ancient Olympics, when a sacred fl ame burned died after a sparring session, President Prokopios Pavlopoulos, South Korean the Pyeongchang Games would be safe after some fl ags, high priestess Greek actress Katerina Lehou throughout the Games. The tradition was revived sports off icials said yester- Prime Minister Lee Nak-Yon and International Ol- nations suggested they may skip the event if ten- handed the fl ame to the fi rst relay runner, Greece’s in 1936 for the Berlin Olympics. day. Jeff rey Claro fell into a coma and later died after being knocked down in the FORMULA ONE FOCUS second round of his match on Friday, said Dioscoro Bautista, head of the boxing division of the Games and Toro Rosso drop Kvyat and give Hartley No halo but IndyCar Amusement Board. The board is looking into the incident. Some 150 Fili- another go at Mexican Grand Prix could see screen pino boxers, including Claro, were banned in August for Reuters Reuters The 2018 Indy car was falsifying the results of brain Mexico City Mexico City presented in July without scans which were ordered to any device in place. detect serious head injuries. However a prototype The boxers submitted false oro Rosso have dropped Russian ndycar has ruled out us- screen is being developed CT scan results, apparently Daniil Kvyat for Sunday’s Mexi- ing a head protection device because they could not af- can Grand Prix and handed Bren- similar to Formula One’s got to be able to see up,” added ford an actual test. don Hartley a second chance after halo but a screen could yet Miles. While Claro, 20, was Tthe New Zealander made a strong debut in Ibe introduced some time next Formula One is due to intro- among those banned, he Texas at the weekend. Frenchman Pierre season, according to series chief duce its halo cockpit protection was cleared for a match in Gasly will return to the lineup after miss- executive Mark Miles. “It could system from next season after November after he submit- ing the US Grand Prix to compete in the be next year. It’s not going to be also testing transparent shield ted new CT scan results fi nal round of the Japanese Super Formula in March but it could be during concepts. Unlike IndyCar, For- on September 7, board championship that was ultimately washed the season,” he told reporters at mula One does not race on oval members said. Games and out by bad weather. the weekend’s US Grand Prix in circuits. The ‘halo’, which is fi xed Amusement Board medical Hartley, who fi nished 13th at the Circuit Austin, Texas — a double-header at three points including a cen- chief Radentor Viernes said of the Americas, impressed with his calm with Sunday’s Mexican F1 race. tral pillar in front of the driver they checked Claro’s new approach to stepping in at the last mo- The 2018 Indy car was pre- that supports a protective loop test results and found them ment and made no major mistakes in the sented at Indianapolis Motor above his head, has been criti- to be genuine, adding that race. “Scuderia Toro Rosso’s driver lineup Speedway in July without any cised by some fans and drivers they showed no signs of any for the upcoming 2017 Mexican Grand Prix device in place. However a pro- for its looks. injury. But a scan after he will be formed by Pierre Gasly and Brendon totype screen is being developed It will also be used in Formula lapsed into a coma showed Hartley,” the team said in a statement. and could be tested on track be- Two next year and other FIA- that Claro had a fresh brain Gasly competed for the Red Bull- fore the end of the year. sanctioned junior series at later injury, probably from a blow owned team in Malaysia and Japan along- “We think greater head pro- dates. The push for increased while sparring, and an older side Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who has now Toro Rosso drivers Daniil Kvyat of Russia (left) and Brendon Hartley of New Zealand walk tection is important. We’re head protection has gathered brain injury incurred after moved to Renault. It is the third time that to the grid before the US F1 Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on Sunday. (AFP) working on it. It won’t be a halo, urgency following the deaths in September 7. The combined Kvyat has been dropped by Red Bull and it will be some form of a wind- 2015 of British Indy Car driver injuries probably led to his it remains to be seen whether he returns, testing with Toro Rosso in 2009. fi ve points from 15 races this season, fi n- screen,” said Miles. Justin Wilson and French For- death, Viernes said. with the 23-year-old Russian seemingly no His return to the fold is unprecedented ishing 10th in Austin, and was completely “We’re making real progress mula One driver Jules Bianchi. Claro had been wear- longer in the company’s long-term plans. for a team that has cast many drivers aside eclipsed by Sainz in the early part of the on something that won’t really Wilson died after being hit on ing protective headgear in Toro Rosso serves as a feeder team to over the years, but he has won the Le Mans year. He was dropped from the Red Bull alter the look of our car. Drivers the head by debris from another the sparring match before the main Red Bull Racing outfi t, bringing 24 Hours and world endurance champi- senior team four races into the 2016 sea- will be able to see through it, over car while competing at Pennsyl- his death, Bautista said. on young drivers, and Kvyat was always onship in the intervening years. The New son to make way for Max Verstappen, a it. Forget what each of us may vania’s Pocono Raceway, while Philippine flyweight Karlo operating on borrowed time having been Zealander, his country’s fi rst Formula One Dutch teenage prodigy who is now 20 and think about it aesthetically or Bianchi suff ered severe head in- Maquinto died in 2012 aged promoted and dropped from the former driver in 33 years, also has a reputation as a two times race winner. Toro Rosso are otherwise, it’s pretty clear that juries in the 2014 Japanese Grand 21 after being knocked champions. a very quick driver from his time with the still evaluating their options for 2018, with since we’re on ovals and they’re Prix when his car hit a recovery down twice in a match with However, Hartley is 27 and was dropped Porsche endurance team. Gasly looking sure to be one of the drivers banked, the driver couldn’t see tractor. IndyCar’s showcase race another Filipino. from the Red Bull programme entirely after Kvyat meanwhile has accumulated only and Hartley clearly in the frame. up through it (the halo). You’ve is the Indianapolis 500 in May.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Fit-again Woods good for golf, says Williams survives World No 1 Johnson

AFP the ailing Woods off but said the Shanghai American must be patient. “It’s a long journey to make a comeback but if anyone can do it orld number one - and if there’s anyone you can’t 3-hour Ostapenko Dustin Johnson count out - it would be him,” hopes to see fellow said the Swede, who won The American Tiger Open last year. “It would be good WWoods get back to his brilliant fun to see him end his career in best, saying a fi t-again Woods good style on the golf course in would be good for golf. the years to come.” The 41-year-old Woods gave a There has been continuing tantalising glimpse of a possible speculation about Woods’ future epic, Pliskova wins long-awaited return from injury in golf and he has also battled on Monday when he posted on personal problems, the latest ‘Sometimes you need some luck. I don’t know if I had any tonight as I had to work for every Twitter a video of himself hit- being when he pleaded guilty to ting a “Stinger” shot with a long driving under the infl uence in point. It’s not easy when you lose the first match. Both of us were in the same situation’ iron. Former number one Woods August. Woods recently said he used the Stinger shot to great was uncertain if he would ever Reuters advantage during his heyday return to competitive golf, but Singapore more than a decade ago. the Twitter video was proof that But the 14-times major cham- he is making progress in his lat- pion has long been plagued by est comeback bid. enus Williams pro- back trouble and has only re- duced a vintage dis- cently been approved to resume play full of guts and full golf activities after yet more determination to grind surgery. Woods has not won a Vout a 7-5 6-7(3) 7-5 victory over major since the 2008 US Open, Jelena Ostapenko at the WTA but Johnson said yesterday: Finals yesterday to set up a “Obviously he’s still very, very White Group decider for a semi- popular: without Tiger the game fi nals berth against Garbine wouldn’t be where it is today.” Muguruza. Speaking in Shanghai ahead Williams and Ostapenko had of the WGC-HSBC Champi- both lost their opening ties on ons, Johnson added: “I’d like to Sunday so were desperate for a see him come back and playing victory to keep their future fate really well, it’s good for us, it’s in the eight-woman event in good for everybody, it’s good for their own hands and neither ap- the game. peared willing to budge in a ti- “He draws a lot of fans, a lot of tanic three hour and 13-minute people watch him and it’s good slugfest. for us that more people watch In the end, the 37-year-old us play the game,” said Johnson, Williams emerged from a bruis- 33, whose raw talent has seen ing encounter that featured 20 comparisons between him and breaks of serve with a triumph Woods. built on her calmness at the Henrik Stenson, another key moments and ruthlessness leading contender this week in when off ered a chance to attack Shanghai, also refused to write her opponent’s weak second serve. “Sometimes you need some luck. I don’t know if I had any QOC secretary general lauds beach tonight as I had to work for every point,” Williams said in a court- volleyball team achievements side interview. “It’s not easy when you lose The Qatar Olympic Committee yesterday for the preparation of the fi rst match. Both of us were (QOC) secretary general Jassim the 18th Asian Handball Cham- in the same situation and you Rashid al-Boenin has applauded pionship to be staged in South have to fi ght, what else can you the glorious achievements of Korea in January. The event will do, to live another day.” Qatar’ Beach Volleyball team serve as a qualification tourna- If the fi rst encounter of the who won 2017 Asia Pacific Beach ment for the 2019 IHF World day was a marathon, the sec- Volleyball Championship in Handball Championship. ond was a sprint as Czech third South Sumatra, Indonesia and Qatar’s head coach Valero Rivera seed Karolina Pliskova swat- AVC Volleyball Tour Grand Front has selected 20 players for the ted aside Spaniard Muguruza Osaka Open titles. training sessions including Belal 6-2 6-2 in just 62 minutes to At a meeting held yesterday with Fatnasi, Mustafa al-Karad. Abdul- advance to the last four as pool the Qatar Volleyball Association lah al-Karbi, Rashid Youssef, Za- winner with two victories from (QVA) president Ali Ghanem inadin Bu Menjel, Anis Zouaoui, as many ties. al-Kuwari and QVA board mem- Abdulrazzaq Murad, Rafael The opening match started bers, the QOC Secretary General Capte, Abdulrahman Tariq, Dani- with Ostapenko trying to force praised beach volleyball team’s jel Saric, Ahmad Madadi, Wajdi the pace with the high-risk recent results and received a Sinen, Feras al-Shayeb, Ali Ha- strategy that carried her to brief presentation on QVA’s vi- mad, Belal Lebeinka, Mohamed French Open glory, while Wil- sion and plan for the upcoming Saeed, Mustafa Amir, Marawan liams was content to pick up free period. Sasi, Hadi Hamdoun and Hossam points as her opponent sprayed The secretary general visited the Romman. Qatar is placed in a plethora of attempted winners QVA sport facilities to ensure its Group D alongside Saudi Arabia, wide or long. compliance with the Qatar Olym- China and New Zealand. The Latvian edged ahead in pic Committee’s new strategy. the opener, however, and even USA’s Venus Williams celebrates winning her WTA Finals group match against Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko in Singapore yesterday. (Reuters) He appreciated the QVA eff ort to Qatar futsal team to kick off served for the set at 5-3 but the securing further progress and Asian qualifiers against Jordan veteran American dug deep and The pair’s inability to hold running out of lives when she race though the fi rst set in just court but I am happy that I am development for the game in the Qatar futsal team is set to face reeled off six consecutive games serve spilled over into the tie- sent a backhand wide. Williams 26 minutes. through,” Pliskova said. country. Jordan in the Asian qualifiers, to steal the fi rst set and then break and Williams handed Os- could smell blood and a boom- Muguruza has often struggled “I was expecting a tough one Al Boenin has also confirmed the which will be held in Bangkok move ahead in the second. tapenko three set points with a ing ace brought up three more against the Czech, trailing 6-2 in so it was good that it was actu- QOC’s commitment to provide on November 10.Qatar will face wild forehand and the Latvian match points and the American head-to-head meetings ahead ally easy today.” the QVA with all logistics serv- Lebanon in the second game on OUT OF LIVES levelled the contest on the fi rst sealed victory on the second of of their match, and despite of- Williams (1-1) and Muguruza ices and moral support could November 12. The other teams The 20-year-old battled back of them when the American them with a crosscourt back- fering some resistance when (1-1) will meet tomorrow to de- help the federation to achieve its in the Qatar group is Lebanon as the pair traded two breaks netted a backhand. hand winner. she saved three match points at cide who advances along with ambitions and goals. and Jordan. Qatari team played apiece before Williams brought Four more breaks of serve fol- Pliskova was impressive in 5-0 down in the second set, the Pliskova (2-0), while Ostap- two friendly matches against up a her fi rst match point in the lowed in the decider until Os- her straight sets win over Wil- Spaniard had little answer to enko’s (0-2) tournament debut Qatar handball team ready Malaysia recently. Qatar will also 10th game that she failed to con- tapenko rallied from 0-40 to liams to open the tournament Pliskova’s power. is already over and she will have for Asian Championship hold a camp in Thailand from vert when she dumped a fore- hold in the ninth game and the and she was equally imperious “I don’t think either of us only pride to play for when she Qatar’s senior handball team has October 28. Iran is the defending hand into the net as Ostapenko Latvian saved three more break against Wimbledon champion played that well today as we faces the Czech on the same started their training sessions champion. continued to go for her shots. points in the 11th before fi nally Muguruza as she broke twice to had to wait so long to get on day.

FOCUS Del Potro looking to bolster late ATP Finals bid Juan Martin del Potro is looking to build on his recent momentum at the Swiss Indoors this week, as the injury-plagued Argentine bids to snatch a place for next month’s ATP Finals in London. Federer sees off Tiafoe in Basel The former US Open champion said on Tuesday that the left wrist AFP hour, 50 minutes. The Swiss has won on which he fell hard a fortnight ago in a Shanghai semi-final loss to Basel, Switzerland all four of their Fed Ex ATP Head- Roger Federer is not giving him problems. 2Head matchups without dropping The 29-year-old is seeded fourth at the St Jakobshalle, where home a set. The pair’s last meeting came favourite and top seed Roger Federer is bidding for an eighth title. oger Federer delighted a ca- at this year’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Del Potro showed that his fitness problems are behind him by beat- pacity crowd to ease past Championships, where Federer won ing Grigor Dimitrov to win his second straight Stockholm Open title American youngster Frances 6-1, 6-3. Third seed David Goffi n of at the weekend. Tiafoe 6-1 6-3 in his fi rst Belgium, battling for a place in the He will start his Basel campaign against Portugal’s Joao Sousa today . roundR match at the Swiss Indoors in ATP World Tour Finals, began with a “I just want to keep winning events,” Del Potro said. his home town of Basel yesterday. 6-2 7-5 win over German Peter Go- “I’m not thinking of London, it was not one of my goals this year. I The world number two streaked jowczyk and will meet South Korean know I’m getting closer, I’m just fighting to win all my matches. away with the opening set and al- Hyeon Chung next. “My goal is to play a good tournament here,” he said of the Swiss though he was made to work a little event where he lifted titles in 2012 and 2013, beating Federer in both harder in the second he was never se- Results finals. riously troubled by the wildcard. The First round “I will see how far I can move (in the points race to London). 35-year-old Swiss, trying to chase Roger Federer (SUI x1) bt Frances “I must also see how I feel for Paris (next week’s final Masters tourna- down the absent Rafael Nadal for the Tiafoe (USA) 6-1, 6-3 ment of the season). I will be playing for four straight weeks, that’s end-of-year number one ranking, will Ryan Harrison (USA) bt Alexandr something I’ve not done for three or four years.” face Frenchman Benoit Paire in the Dolgopolov (UKR) 6-4, 6-1 Del Potro, who has undergone multiple wrist surgeries and missed second round. Benoit Paire (FRA) bt Steve Johnson months of play in recent seasons, stands a provisional 14th in the Federer is trying to win his home (USA) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) points chase with two weeks remaining in the regular season. tournament for an eighth time, having David Goff in (BEL x3) bt Peter Go- Out of the possible qualifiers he stands 11th, as Andy Murray, Novak missed it last year while he recovered jowczyk (GER) 6-2, 7-5 Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka have all ended their seasons due to from injury. Jack Sock (USA x5) bt Vasek Pospisil injuries. Del Potro is 470 points behind Pablo Carreno Busta, who Federer will next face Frenchman (CAN) 3-6, 7-6 (9/7), 7-5 Leonardo currently holds the eighth and final spot for London, with 500 points Benoit Paire, who moved past Ameri- Mayer (ARG) bt Mischa Zverev (GER Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates after winning against Frances Tiafoe of the US at the available to the Basel champion. can Steve Johnson, 6-3, 7-6(4) in one x8) 7-5, 7-5. Swiss Indoors tournament in Basel yesterday. (AFP)