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SHOOTING Joy for Qatar as al-Rumaihi qualifi es for 2020 Olympics Al-Rumaihi entered the final in sixth place after five rounds of qualifying SPOTLIGHT Qatar’s Mohamed al-Rumaihi with Qatar Shooting and Archery Association President Ali Pakistan’s Mohamed al-Kuwari. Bashir

Qatar’s Mohamed clinches al-Rumaihi is hoisted by his teammates after nailing his Olympics spot. Tokyo spot At left is coach Robert Mlodzianowski.

By Anil John Doha

atar’s close-knit shooting com- munity erupted in celebration yesterday after Mohamed al- Rumaihi booked a quota spot at Qthe Olympics, the fi rst shooter from the country to do so for next year’s quadren- nial Games in Tokyo. The 30-year-old made the cut despite fi nishing fi fth in the Men’s Trap fi nal in the ongoing 14th Asian Shooting Champion- Agencies with a score of 574. A poor fi nal ships at the Lusail Shooting Complex. Doha series put paid to his hopes of “Congratulations to Mohamed al-Ru- bagging one of the four available maihi, the fi rst Qatari shooter to qualify Tokyo 2020 quotas in the event. for next year’s Olympics,” Qatar Olympic ndia’s loss proved to be Pa- India’s shooters, however won Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin kistan’s gain as Ghulam eight medals but missed out on Hamad al-Thani tweeted. Mustafa Bashir joined three possible Olympic spots. Kuwaiti shooters made a clean sweep of teammate Mohamed Khalil India’s tally now stands at four the podium with gold medallist Talal al- IAkhtar on the fl ight to Tokyo by gold, three silver and six bronze Rashidi winning the second quota place clinching a quota spot in the 25m medals. for his country, but since his country had Rapid Fire Pistol competition in Kynan Chenai was second exhausted its two quotas for the event – Doha. in the men’s Trap qualifi cation Abdulrahman al-Faihan had won one last The duo were denied visas by with a solid 122, but in the six- year – al-Rumaihi was a benefi ciary. India to participate in the ISSF man fi nal, he fi nished sixth with The Qatari Trap trio of al-Rumaihi, World Cup in New Delhi in the 13 successful hits out of his fi rst Rashid al-Athba and Saeed Abu Sharib aftermath of an attack on secu- 25-shots. Kuwait, Chinese Taipei also bagged the team bronze, behind win- rity forces in Indian administered and Qatar bagged the three quota ners Kuwait and runners-up India, thus Kashmir’s Pulwama district in places. providing the icing on the cake on the February. The Delhi event was The Indian men’s Trap team country’s celebrations. also an Olympic qualifi er. of Kynan, Manavjit Singh Sand- The team competition runs concur- While Khalil went on to earn hu and Prithviraj won the silver rently with the individual event with the his spot by fi nishing 6th at the medal with a total score of 357, combined scores of the participants from Mohamed al-Rumaihi, Rashid al-Athba, Saeed Abu Sharib and coach Robert Mlodzianowski celebrate with their team bronze Rio de Janeiro World Cup in six short of Kuwait who won the each participating nation determining the medals at the Lusail Shooting Complex yesterday. PICTURE: Nasar T K August-September, Bashir pro- gold. positions. duced some impressive shooting India picked up two gold, two Al-Rumaihi entered the fi nal in sixth Mlodzianowski said shooters in Qatar in Doha yesterday, where he fi n- silver and two bronze medals ad- place after fi ve rounds of qualifying, each are used to strong desert winds, but the RESULTS CHECK ished fi fth to qualify. ditionally in the junior men’s and round consisting of 25 shots at clay discs light was a problem. The International Olympic women’s 50m Rifl e Prone com- released from computer controlled ma- “It was the fading light that posed a Men: 50m Rifle Prone: 1. Yu Hao 617.6 Committee (IOC) had slammed petitions.The junior men’s team chines designed to deliver 10 left, 10 right problem. It makes concentration diffi cult,” 25m Rapid Fire Pistol: 1. Lin Junmin (Chn); 2. Niraj Kumar (Ind) 616.3; 3. India for not issuing visas, say- comprising Niraj Kumar, Abid and 5 straight-away targets to each com- he added. (Chn) 35 (585); 2. Li Yuehong (Chn) 32 Abid Ali Khan 614.4 (Ind) ing the decision had violated the Ali Khan and Harshrajsinhji Gohil petitor. It calls for immense concentration That probably was the case in the fi nal (588); 3. Yao Zhaonan (Chn) 27 (578) Team: 1. India 1845.0 (ARJ); 2. China Olympic Charter. As a result, logged a total of 1,845 to win the where one’s natural physical and mental where al-Rumaihi could only hit 18 targets Team: 1. China 1751; 2. Korea 1736; 3. 1844.4; 3. Korea 1818. the ISSF had decided to scrap the gold ahead of China and Korea. instincts have to be in synchronisation out of 30. In fact he could only hit one out India 1716. two Olympic quotas in the event Niraj, with his eff ort of 616.3, also with the technique and methodology de- of his fi rst set of fi ve targets which in the Trap: 1. Talal al-Rashidi (Kuw) 42; 2. Women: in which the Pakistanis were to won an individual silver and Abid livered by modern coaching. fi nal analysis killed off his chances of fi n- Khaled al-Mudhaf (Kuw) 38; 3. Naser Trap: 1. Ray Basssil (Lbn) 36; 2. participate – the 25m Rapid Fire an individual bronze with a score “I am very happy that I could qualify for ishing on the podium. Meqlad (Kuw) 29; 4. Kun-Pi Yang Sarsenkul Rysbekova (Kaz) 36; 3. Pistol event. of 614.4. The junior women’s the Olympics. It is a dream come true for Not that anyone was too bothered by it. (Tpe) 26; 5. Mohamed al-Rumaihi Yukie Nakayama (Jpn) 28 Yesterday, as Bashir shot his prone team comprising Nishchal, me,” al-Rumaihi said after the competi- “Our aim was to secure as many quota (Qat) 18; 6. Kynan Chenai 13 (Ind) Team: 1. Kazakhstan 341; 2. China way to Tokyo, the whole visa Bhakti Khamkar and Kinnori Ko- tion, which fi nished as dusk set in. places as possible for the Olympics. With Team: 1. Kuwait 363; 2. India 357; 3. 338; 3. Chinese Taipei 335; 4. India episode returned to haunt India. nar also won the team gold with a “It was a tough contest. The Kuwaiti Mohamed’s success we have got one now Qatar 354. 329. If the Indian government had is- combined score of 1,836.3. Here shooters were every strong, the others too. and we are very happy with that,” said Ali sued visas to the Pakistani duo, too, China and Korea won silver I am proud of my eff ort,” he added. Mohamed al-Kuwari, the President of the Junior men: Junior women: the quotas would not have been and bronze respectively. Al-Rumaihi’s Polish coach Robert Qatar Shooting and Archery Association. 25m Rapid Fire Pistol: 1. Zhu Haojie 50m rifle prone: 1. Ma Yuting (Chn) scrapped and Anish Bhanwala, Nishchal and Bhakti too won Mlodzianowski was thrilled with al-Ru- He said with skeet shooter and London (Chn) 33; 2. Cao Jiahao (Chn) 26; 3. 618.1; 2. Nischal (Ind) 615.3; 3. Bhakti who won the gold in Delhi, would an individual silver and bronze by maihi’s success. Olympics bronze-medallist Nasser al- Shin Hyeonjin (Kor) 22 Bhaskar Khamkar (Ind) 614.2 have bagged an automatic Olym- notching up scores of 615.3 and “It was a great eff ort from Mohamed to Attiyah and a few others also in the fray, Team: 1. China 1723; 2. Korea 1676; 3. Team: 1. India 1836.3; 2. China 1829.1; pic spot. 614.2 respectively. come to the fi nal after fi ve tough rounds Qatar was hopeful of winning more spots. India 1676. 3. Korea 1820.7. Bhanwala had another chance Yuting Ma and Hao Yu of China and then compete in the fi nal in diffi cult “We are hopeful. Especially, we have in Doha but he could only fi nish won the individual golds in both conditions,” said Mlodzianowski. high hopes from Nasser,” he added. 11th in qualifi cation yesterday the junior prone competitions. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, November 7, 2019 FOOTBALL

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Liverpool’s Klopp unsure how he Chelsea, Ajax draw will approach two games in 24 hours

Reuters Football League (EFL) over the Liverpool, England situation, Klopp said: “Kind of. European thriller You want to be really in trou- ble with FIFA? I’m not sure. You iverpool manager Juergen want to be really in trouble with Klopp said it was too soon the EFL, probably not. We re- to decide exactly how his spect the competitions.” team will play two games The German said his main is- Lin 24 hours in England and Qa- sue with the League Cup was tar but it was time to address the playing two-legged semi-fi nals as Liverpool win regular fi xture pile-ups facing at a busy time in the campaign. top clubs. “I don’t understand that and I Premier League leaders and don’t like it. With the rest it is a ‘I suppose and anyone who watched that has to say what a game of football’ European champions Liverpool nice competition,” he said. AFP plan to fi eld two diff erent squads “The Club World Cup you play Paris, France in the League Cup and FIFA’s only if you win the Champions Club World Cup in the space of League and that doesn’t happen 24 hours in December due to a in your life fi ve million times, orginho scored two pen- lack of available dates to post- you take the opportunity. Is it the alties as Chelsea came pone the domestic match. best time of the year? Nope. Are roaring back from 4-1 Liverpool’s League Cup quar- we anyway pretty busy? Yep. But down to draw 4-4 with ter-fi nal against Aston Villa is set we go there, we try to play all the nine-manJ Ajax in a Champi- to be played on December 17 — games we have, with all that we ons League classic on Tuesday, the week they travel to Qatar for have,” he said. while holders Liverpool claimed the Club World Cup where they Klopp, who guided Liverpool a narrow victory and a stuttering play their fi rst match on Decem- to the Champions League title Barcelona were held. ber 18. last season, said it was wrong There was also a rous- It is not yet clear how Liver- that competitions were relying ing comeback win for Borus- pool will split their squad and on certain teams going out in or- sia Dortmund over Inter Milan whether Klopp will be present at der to keep the fi xtures in order. and a big success for Valencia, both games. “You cannot work like this that but the greatest drama came at “We asked Aston Villa if you hope that somebody goes out Stamford Bridge. they could come to Qatar and and then everything is fi ne,” he Ajax appeared to be head- we could play the game there,” said. ing for a stunning victory when joked Klopp when asked about “I don’t want to cancel com- Hakim Ziyech set up Donny van the situation after his team’s 2-1 petitions, I am from Germany, de Beek to put them 4-1 ahead 10 win over Genk in the Champions why would I want to cancel Eng- minutes into the second half. League on Tuesday. lish competitions? But it should Before that, Jorginho quick- “We don’t know exactly how still be possible to talk about the ly levelled from the spot after we do it, we have an idea but its problems and that is what I did. Tammy Abraham’s own goal too early to speak about it. We If some people don’t like that — I gave the Dutch champions a sec- had to make a decision, we made cannot change. ond-minute lead, but a Quincy that decision because all the oth- “The problems are obvious. Promes header and a Kepa Ar- er alternatives were more prob- Every year we do the same thing rizabalaga own goal made it 3-1 lems than solutions and didn’t — and some people fi nd it funny at the break. work out. that ‘Look at that they have to After conceding again, Cesar “We said this way we can do play fi ve games in three days, Azpilicueta poked in from close as good as is possible. In the next let’s see how they do that?’” range for Chelsea to pull it back to couple of weeks we will decide “We cannot carry on like this, 4-2, and then came the crazy mo- exactly how it will look,” he said. come on, that is why I asked to ment midway through the second sit down at a table because at one half which really gave them hope. Chelsea’s Jorginho (right) celebrates scoring the goal with teammate Tammy Abraham during the UEFA Champions League Group H match UNDER PRESSURE point we have to fi nd a solution, In one fell swoop, Italian against Ajax Amsterdam at Stamford Bridge in London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday. (Reuters) Asked if the club had faced pres- the solutions so far sound to me referee Gianluca Rocchi sent sure from FIFA and the English more like another problem.” off Ajax’s Daley Blind and dis- Nigerian striker Victor Osim- Tanzanian striker Mbwana tias Vecino scoring. (ESP) 0 Slavia Prague (CZE) 0 missed Joel Veltman for a sec- hen put Lille ahead at half-time, Ally Samatta headed Genk level Yet Dortmund fought back At Dortmund, Germany: Borus- ond caution for a handball in the but Dani Parejo’s penalty re- before the interval, and it took in the second half to win the sia Dortmund (GER) 3 (Hakimi 51, box seconds later. Jorginho then stored parity and Valencia then a fi ne strike by Alex Oxlade- game as Achraf Hakimi grabbed 77, Brandt 64) Inter Milan (ITA) 2 converted the resulting penalty. scored three times in the last Chamberlain to win the game. a brace either side of a Julian (Martinez 5, Vecino 40) Teenager Reece James made eight minutes. “The plan was to win the Brandt goal. it 4-4, and Chelsea thought Adama Soumaoro’s own goal game and we did that, so job It is a result that leaves Dort- GROUP G they had gone in front when was followed by a stunning Ge- done,” admitted Klopp. mund second in Group F, three At Saint Petersburg, Russia: Azpilicueta fi red in, but that goal off rey Kondogbia strike and a Liverpool are top of Group E, points ahead of Inter and one Zenit St Petersburg (RUS) 0 RB was disallowed for an Abraham Ferran Torres eff ort. Lille are a point above Napoli, who could behind Barcelona, who are still Leipzig (GER) 2 (Demme 45+5, handball. eliminated. have qualifi ed for the last 16 top despite a 0-0 draw at home Sabitzer 63) “I can’t explain the game. For with a win against Salzburg but to Slavia Prague. At Lyon, France: Lyon (FRA) 3 all the things we might analyse ‘JOB DONE’ FOR KLOPP were held to a 1-1 draw. (Andersen 4, Depay 53, Traore 89) back, the madness of the game, Liverpool won 4-1 in Genk two RESULTS Benfica (POR) 1 (Seferovic 76) we are here for entertainment I weeks ago and looked on course HAALAND SCORES AGAIN GROUP E suppose and anyone who watched for another comfortable vic- Erling Braut Haaland’s early pen- At Naples, Italy: Napoli (ITA) 1 GROUP H that has to say what a game of tory against the Belgians when alty — the 19-year-old’s seventh (Lozano 44) Salzburg (AUT) 1 At London, England: Chelsea football. Respect to Ajax, what Georginio Wijnaldum gave them Champions League goal this sea- (Haaland 11-pen) (ENG) 4 (Jorginho 5-pen, 71-pen, a spectacle,” Chelsea boss Frank the lead at Anfi eld. son — gave Salzburg the lead, be- At Liverpool, England: Liver- Azpilicueta 63, James 74) Ajax Fans hold up a banner of Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp before the Lampard told BT Sport. However, with manager Jur- fore Hirving Lozano equalised. pool (ENG) 2 (Wijnaldum 14, (NED) 4 (Abraham 2-og, Promes match against KRC Genk at Anfield in Liverpool, United Kingdom, on The result means Ajax, Chel- gen Klopp resting several play- In Germany, Inter looked to Oxlade-Chamberlain 53) Genk 20, Kepa 35-og, Van de Beek 55) Tuesday. (Reuters) sea and Valencia are level on ers ahead of this weekend’s be heading for a second straight (BEL) 1 (Samatta 41) At Valencia, Spain: Valencia (ESP) seven points atop Group H, with clash with Manchester City, the win against Dortmund as they 4 (Parejo 66-pen, Soumaoro 82- the Spaniards coming from be- reigning European champions raced into a 2-0 half-time lead GROUP F og, Kondogbia 84, Torres 90) Lille SOLUTION hind to beat Lille 4-1. were pegged back. with Lautaro Martinez and Ma- At Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona (FRA) 1 (Osimhen 25)

BOTTOMLINE Solskjaer targets Europa success as Barca need fi xing fast as patience tonic for Man Utd AFP with Valverde wears thin London, United Kingdom anchester United boss Ole Gunnar AFP Super Cup. at the level we expect. The re- Solskjaer has tar- Barcelona, Spain He brought stability and calm, sults are not bad, but they could geted qualifying for and the team, steadied by his be- be better. We have to improve.” Mthe knockout stages of the Eu- lief in discipline and hard work, But without a sense of direc- ropa League as a pick-me-up af- kle problem and will be missing rnesto Valverde tried won the league. A year later, they tion, supporters are also less ea- ter defeat to Bournemouth ended defender Victor Lindelof, who to put the criticism did it again, this time by 11 points. ger to wait. a brief revival. played at Bournemouth having down to high demands But while initially some of “Pique asks for patience and The mood at Old Traff ord been a doubt for the game. and snap reactions but the aesthetics, and players, re- we have it,” wrote Mundo Depor- had been lifted by three succes- United, who won the Europa Barcelona’sE malaise, underlined mained, Barcelona’s sense of tivo yesterday. “But that doesn’t sive victories following a draw League under former manager by a goalless draw at home to identity fi zzled. The reliance on mean continuing while wearing against Liverpool but the 1-0 loss Jose Mourinho in 2017, are yet Slavia Prague on Tuesday, will Messi has grown heavier while a blindfold.” on the south coast on Saturday to concede a goal in Group L and be laid at the feet of their coach. success in Spain no longer ex- Valverde’s contract ends next was another unsatisfactory Pre- winning the competition might After losing 3-1 at Levante in cuses failure in Europe, particu- summer and although it con- mier League outing. be their best route into next sea- La Liga on Saturday, Barca pro- larly the kind seen against Roma tains an option to extend for United have seven points son’s Champions League. duced a performance that of- and Liverpool. another year, there might be from three games in Europe this They are currently languish- fered few assurances and even “Barcelona have a history of an opportunity for an amicable season and victory over Parti- ing in 10th place in the Premier less encouragement this will be fantasic collective play and then conclusion. zan Belgrade at Old Traff ord on League, 10 points behind fourth- the year they, and Lionel Mes- on top of that Messi made the Erik ten Hag, Xavi and Ronald Thursday would secure their placed Chelsea. si, win the Champions League diff erence,” Arsene Wenger told Koeman could be possible suc- progress. But Solskjaer said his team again. beinSports on Tuesday night. cessors. “You’re disappointed when were heading in the right direc- Messi hit the crossbar but was “Today it looks like they wait To stay longer, Valverde will you lose a game and of course we tion. unable to deliver the goal at a month, it could well be that team like ours, it’s all about win- for Messi to do something and likely have to win the Champi- were on half a run,” Solskjaer said “There’s no shortcuts in foot- restless Camp Nou that might Barca, Dortmund and Inter Mi- ning,” said Valverde. “And if it the strength of the team-play ons League but crash out early or yesterday. “But it won’t happen ball,” he said. “It’s hard work, have papered over the cracks lan are all within three points of can be emphatic, even better. It has gone. It looks like they have fall away in La Liga, and he could in one instance that you turn sticking together and team spirit. and, at least, quietened the each other going into the fi nal is never enough. lost their charisma.” go sooner too. everything round. We have to keep working — we whistles at the fi nish. round, when Valverde’s side are “At the start of the season, it’s Without the likes of Xavi “Three days ago we were enjoy- “It was a quick turnaround, we know we’re on the right track. Gerard Pique and Valverde away at the San Siro. not about winning one title, it’s and Andres Iniesta, Valverde ing a winning streak and now eve- couldn’t get the goal that we felt “Saturday was disappointing both pointed to the tables in the And in the league, they lead, about winning three or four. So may not be able to replicate the rything has unravelled in a fl ash,” we deserved early on. But we go but we’ve got the chance to get team’s defence, with Barcelona but not with conviction. Level the frustration when you don’t style of Pep Guardiola but he said Valverde. “If you can fall into again. We’ve got a great chance two wins before the (interna- sitting top of La Liga and fi rst in on points with Real Madrid, win a game is high.” has Messi, Antoine Griezmann, a hole in three days, in three days now to qualify for the next tional) break. Group F, still more than likely to Barcelona are only one ahead When Valverde arrived in Ousmane Dembele and Frenkie you can also climb out of it.” round, which then means the last “It (Europa League) is one go through, although with fi rst of Sevilla in fi fth, albeit having 2017, he took over a team in cri- de Jong. The feeling is the style But the whistles on Tuesday two games you can try out a few route (to the Champions League), place now up for grabs. played a game less due to last sis, stunned by the departure of should be better than this. suggest the dip goes deeper. things.” one of two. It has just turned No- If they fail to win at home to month’s postponed Clasico. Neymar and stung by consecu- “I would ask for patience,” Barcelona need fi xing and Val- United are still without the vember. You don’t talk about the Borussia Dortmund later this “In football today, and in a tive defeats to Real Madrid in the said Pique. “We are not playing verde knows time is running out. injured Paul Pogba due to an an- end league table in November.” Gulf Times Thursday, November 7, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Copa Libertadores fi nal moved to Peru due to Chile unrest The Copa Libertadores final between Flamen- go and River Plate has been moved to Lima in Peru from Santiago due to the continuing Dortmund relishing unrest in the Chilean capital, the South Ameri- can Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said on Tuesday. The November 23 final was due to be held at the National stadium, but Santiago has been beset by violence over the last few weeks as protests that began over a rise in metro fares have amplified and spread. Millions have since marched against inequal- Bayern cracker aft er ity in what have become the biggest protests seen in Chile since the country’s return to democracy in 1990. Representatives from both finalists and the Argentine and Brazil- ian football associations met at CONMEBOL’s headquarters for close to five hours before deciding that the game will now take place in ‘crazy’ CL comeback the Peruvian capital. Only Champions League Suddenly it is champions Bayern who are floundering in fourth, a point behind Dortmund to decide Asian teams for DPA Club World Cup: AFC Berlin, Germany The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) pub- lished yesterday a statement referring to recent orussia Dortmund media reports on the Asean Club Championship produced a come- and the possibility of the tournament’s winner back for the ages to participating in the newly expanded FIFA Club defeat Inter Milan World Cup in 2021 in China PR. The AFC said that 3-2B on Tuesday but have little it wishes to reiterate that AFC representative time to revel in their success teams to the FIFA Club World Cup will only be before facing Bayern Munich through the AFC Club Competitions namely the this weekend. AFC Champions League. The AFC confirmed in “It will give us momentum the statement that it has received a proposal to for Saturday,” said chief exec- organise the Asean Club Championship from utive Hans-Joachim Watzke. the Asean Football Federation (AFF). While the “We are ready for the clasico.” AFC welcomes all eff orts by the AFF to support Achraf Hakimi’s second the development of club football in the region, half double, either side of there are processes that need to be followed, Julian Brandt’s equaliser, especially in ensuring all outstanding issues are earned Dortmund a crucial clarified before the approval. three points in Group F. They now trail leaders Barcelona by one point ahead of going Second man pleads guilty to Spain on November 27 but to attempted robbery of lead Inter by three. “It will stay exciting in the Arsenal stars group,” said Mario Goetze. A second man pleaded guilty yesterday to try- “We still have a very diffi cult ing to rob Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil and Sead task in Barcelona and a home Kolasinac of their watches in a moped am- match against Slavia Prague, bush. Jordan Northover, 26, admitted trying who have taken a point in to steal the expensive items from the Premier both away games so far.” League footballers in northwest London on But thoughts of the Cham- July 25, a court heard. Ashley Smith has al- pions League can be paused, ready pleaded guilty to his role in the attempt- for a few days at least, as Dort- ed raid involving close friends Ozil, 31, and mund prepare for a mouth- Kolasinac, 26. CCTV footage spread widely on watering trip to Munich. social media showed burly Bosnian defender Dortmund have won only Kolasinac, nicknamed ‘The Tank’, chasing off fi ve from 10 league games this the two moped attackers, who were wearing season and coach Lucien Favre helmets and dark clothing. German midfielder was coming under pressure. Ozil can be seen in his black Mercedes G class Tuesday’s comeback, how- 4x4 before he reportedly took refuge in a ever, following a 3-0 triumph Borussia Dortmund’s Achraf Hakimi (centre) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in the UEFA Champions League Group F match against Inter Milan Turkish restaurant. World Cup winner Ozil and over Wolfsburg, has lifted the in Dortmund, Germany, on Tuesday. (AFP) full-back Kolasinac were left out of Arsenal’s mood just as dark clouds have squad for their opening Premier League game arrived in Munich. played a wonderful game. but have since returned. Bayern will be led by in- That’s how we need to per- Furious Inter coach Conte lambasts club over poor planning terim coach Hansi Flick on form on Saturday too.” Iraq proposes Jordan as Saturday after a 5-1 loss at Critics could say the best Reuters felt like a broken record as Conte made similar com- Eintracht Frankfurt cost Niko teams avoid the need for dra- Milan, Italy he kept complaining about plaints when he was coach venue for qualifi ers amid Kovac his job. matic comebacks by not be- the crowded fixture list and at Juventus, where he won Suddenly it is champions ing two goals down in the fi rst explaining that Inter are still three successive Serie A protests Bayern who are fl ounder- place. urious Inter Milan in the early stage of building titles but struggled in the Iraq has proposed Jordan to host its 2022 ing in fourth, a point behind Dortmund were not terri- coach Antonio Conte a new team. Champions League, famous- World Cup and 2023 Asia Cup qualifiers this Dortmund and four behind ble in the opening period but Fhas lambasted the “They tell me that I should ly saying that “you can’t eat month, after FIFA requested an alternative surprise leaders Borussia missed chances while Lautaro directors of his club for poor smile more on television,” at a 100 euro restaurant with venue because of ongoing protests, off icials Moenchengladbach. Martinez and Matias Vecino planning after seeing his he added. “But I always end a 10 euro note.” said yesterday. Iraq had been due to play the Dortmund held a nine- were clinical for visiting Inter. team squander a two-goal up saying the same things, His comments are likely two games in Basra — against Iran on Novem- point advantage to Bayern “We started the game pret- halftime lead and lost 3-2 to about the growth process, to raise eyebrows as Inter ber 14 and Bahrain on November 19 — but the at one time last season be- ty well but to concede the two Borussia Dortmund in the about taking it step by step.” spent more than 150mn southern port city has been caught up in the fore eventually being hauled goals was a bitter pill to swal- Champions League. and Serie A with such a small “The lads are giving every- euros ($166.34mn) on new anti-government demonstrations that have in. Extending the gap now low,” said Brandt. “Our reac- The fiery coach repeated his squad,” said Conte after thing and going at full pelt signings during the transfer swept Baghdad and the south. “Jordan was could well prove crucial in the tion was absolutely crazy.” complaint that his squad is Tuesday’s match. and I can’t ask them for more window. However, they also chosen to host the matches against Bahrain months to come. Favre agreed. “Unfortu- too thin and players too in- “I’m tired of saying the same than that,” he said, before let a number of key players and Iran,” Abdelkhaleq Masud, the head of “If we play like that, then nately, we conceded twice but experienced to battle on two things over and over again, complaining about their lack go including Mauro Icardi, Iraq’s football federation, told AFP yesterday. we have a good chance in we knew if we made it 2-1, fronts and also suggested perhaps they could come of experience. their leading scorer for each The proposal must now be approved by FIFA. Munich too — and that’s how anything is possible,” the coach that club directors should here over and say something. “We are talking about players of the last five seasons, and The decision is a major disappointment for we’ll need to play: with lots said. “In the second half we face the television cameras I hope that this will help them who, apart from Diego Godin, midfielder Radja Nainggolan. Iraq, which had lobbied FIFA for years to of intensity, courage and a pressed better to prevent Inter’s as well as himself. understand a few things.” have never won anything. Chinese-owned Inter, who reverse a ban on hosting home internationals readiness to take risks,” said counter-attacks. That was the “Some important mistakes There was no immediate Who do we turn to? Nicolo have not won any major because of instability. Sebastian Kehl, Dortmund’s key, we had more possession of have been made at the reaction from the club Barella who has come from silverware since 2011, are head of professional football. the ball. It was a very, very good planning stage, we can’t play leadership. Cagliari? Or (Stefano) Sensi, second in Serie A, one point “All of that was in our per- game with a lot of speed. And it both the Champions League Conte conceded that he who came from Sassuolo?” behind leaders Juventus. Liverpool fan to return to formance today. The lads was a crazy game.” Anfi eld for fi rst time aft er savage attack FOCUS CHANGE Liverpool fan Sean Cox is to return to Anfield on Sunday for the first time since sustaining serious head injuries in an attack by Roma supporters outside the ground in April 2018. Wenger evasive Australia women soccer players’ goal on Cox, whose family will be hosted by the club for the top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City, recently moved to a specialist neuro- over Bayern job equal pay expected to boost girls in sport logical facility in the north of England for a 12-week rehabilitation programme, focused on AFP Reuters to the knockout stage. developing his speech and movement, after Berlin, Germany Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia The new pay structure, which 18 months of treatment in Ireland. In April includes improved parental this year a Liverpool legends charity match leave benefi ts, also gives the in Dublin raised £640,000 for the Sean Cox rsene Wenger has not ruled himself landmark equal pay Matildas the same percentage Rehabilitation Trust. out of the running for the vacant head deal brokered by the share of revenues as the men’s coach role at Bayern Munich while Australian women’s team, the Socceroos. Ralf Rangnick, another potential can- soccer team, the Mat- The agreement comes af- Infantino planning Iran didate,A is reportedly not interested. ildas,A has the potential to boost ter the women’s World Cup in visit for game with Wenger, 70, gave an evasive answer when female participation in sports, France in June to July this year broadcaster beIn Sports directly asked him equality advocates and sports was hailed by soccer’s world female fans about working at Bayern, who need a new head groups said yesterday. governing body as the best yet, FIFA president Gianni Infantino plans to attend coach after Niko Kovac was dismissed on Sun- Australian soccer’s governing showcasing the tactical, techni- a league game in Iran where female fans will day in the wake of Munich’s 5-1 drubbing at body announced it had reached cal and physical improvements be allowed to attend. Infantino recently wrote Eintracht Frankfurt. a “unique” agreement with the in the women’s game. to the Iranian football federation express- Wenger, who speaks fl uent German, coached players’ union that “closes the FIFA also claimed a record bil- ing his intention to travel to Iran and watch Arsenal from October 1996 until May 2018 and pay gap” between the men’s and In this February 27, 2019, picture, Australia’s national women’s lion television viewers. a game with women present, according to a admits he misses some aspects of coaching. women’s national teams. football team takes part in a training session in Sydney. (AFP) Australia is among a list of source. For the first time in 40 years, several While Wenger has enjoyed his year away from Pay disparity between men’s countries that have registered thousand women were able to watch Iran’s football, the satisfaction of winning matches and women’s footballers has team as the Matildas — is a real age 14, girls drop out of sports interest to host the 2023 edition 2022 World Cup qualifier against Cambodia and preparing players are “something you miss, been in the spotlight since the US boost in the arm to show that at two times the rate of boys, of the women’s World Cup with on October 10 at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran. of course,” said the Frenchman. women’s team sued governing times are changing and women’s with the lack of opportunities a decision expected to be made FIFA, which sent a delegation to that game, Meanwhile, Ralf Rangnick, currently head body US Soccer in March alleging sport is being seriously valued,” and access to equipment, social in May next year. said it was looking “more than ever towards a of sport and development at Red Bull and the gender discrimination in earnings said Susanne Legena, CEO of stigma, and safety and trans- Chris Nikou, Football Federa- future when ALL girls and women wishing to previous sports director at Bundesliga side RB and working conditions. Plan International Australia. portation cited as key reasons. tion Australia chairman, said the attend football matches in... Iran will be free Leipzig, is reportedly the latest big name to turn In June, the Matildas “It will encourage girls to Under the new deal, women new pay agreement would give to do so, and in a safe environment”. Another Bayern down. launched a campaign calling for potentially keep active dur- players will receive an increased the next generation of Austral- source said that world football’s governing “Ralf is not available. We don’t believe that prize-money parity ahead of the ing those teens years when they share of prize money for FIFA ian children “a chance to be an body hopes the process of allowing women what Ralf Rangnick is all about is currently women’s World Cup. normally drop off .” World Cup qualifi cation, up to Olympian, and the lure of play- into Iranian stadiums will be “prolonged, not being sought by Bayern,” Rangnick’s manager “Any move like this for equal Figures from the Women’s 40 percent from 30 percent, ris- ing at a FIFA World Cup — re- stopped and not reversed”. Marc Kosicke told German daily Bild. pay — and for such a prominent Sports Foundation show that by ing to 50 percent if they progress gardless of your gender”. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, November 7, 2019 TENNISRUGBY

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Rugby Australia Victorious Springboks appoints panel to arrive home to heroes’ review WINNING THE FOUR-YEARLY SHOWCASE OF RUGBY 2019 SO DECISIVELY HAS LIFTED THE SPIRITS OF A NATION season

MIRED IN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL QUAGMIRES Reuters welcome Sydney AFP Johannesburg ugby Australia (RA) said yesterday it has housands of South Africans appointed a panel to screamed with joy, danced and review the Wallabies sang at OR Tambo airport near 2019R season, which saw coach Johannesburg on Tuesday as the Michael Cheika stand down TSpringboks who won the Rugby World after their World Cup quarter- Cup returned home. fi nal defeat to England. Forward Pieter-Steph du Toit, voted The panel will consist of World Rugby Player of the Year two days former Australia internationals ago, and scrum-half Faf de Klerk were Pat Howard and Nathan Sharpe, among the fi rst to arrive. and four-time Olympian Bo Nearly four hours later, the star attrac- Hanson, and will work with RA tions, captain Siya Kolisi and coach Rassie Director of Rugby Scott John- Erasmus, touched down to a frenzied re- son to deliver the review over the ception. next month. The victorious squad, coaches and of- It had been tasked with re- fi cials were scheduled to arrive between viewing the entire Wallabies Tuesday and yesterday as no airline could program and World Cup cam- accommodate the entire group on one paign and delivering feedback fl ight. that will be used for the 2020 “We are privileged to do what we are international season and future doing... we know that can give a little bit Rugby World Cup and Olympic of hope to the people,” Kolisi told a packed Games campaigns, RA said. media conference. “Twelve months ago Rugby “We won because we wanted it a lot. Australia completed a restruc- The people here gave us another reason ture of its High Performance en- to want it even harder. We had our people vironment,” RA Chief Executive with us and it was really special for us.” Raelene Castle said in a state- Erasmus, who celebrated his 47th ment. “Whilst we’ve made sig- birthday on Tuesday, said: “What we nifi cant progress in a number of want to keep on lasting is what we’re see- areas, the new structure is only ing here at the airport (racial unity). in its early stages and still needs “We have to focus on making sure that time to bed-in completely and everybody gets equal chances of playing, show long-term results. everybody gets good nutrition and every- “Having these three individu- body gets a fair chance. als leading the (review) proc- “There are so many things that we have Springboks captain Siya Kolisi holding the World Rugby Cup after his arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday. (AFP) ess will provide a well-rounded to fi x, we can’t just focus on the Spring- perspective on the Wallabies boks. There are so many bigger things that program and enable us to take we have to fi x.” forward any key learnings for A carnival atmosphere enveloped the delivery into the major tourna- normally sedate international arrivals ment preparations.” section of the airport as every Springbok received deafening applause. Black and white, male and female, young, middle aged and old, low-income EPCR disappointed earners and the wealthy all descended on with Saracens the airport east of Johannesburg to salute no-show at their heroes. Champions Cup Many wore replica green and gold shirts launch and waved national fl ags as they celebrat- Saracens’ representatives ed the rugby triumph, which was all the have pulled out of yesterday’s sweeter after poor recent results by the season launch of the national football and cricket teams. Champions Cup in Cardiff , The Springboks fi rst dominated and prompting European then crushed pre-match favourites Eng- Professional Club Rugby land 32-12 in Japanese city Yokohama last (EPCR) to consider taking Saturday to lift the World Cup a record- action against the English equalling third time. Winning the four- Premiership club. European yearly showcase of rugby so decisively has and English champions lifted the spirits of a nation mired in eco- Saracens were docked 35 nomic and social quagmires. points and fined 5.36mn Although boasting the most developed A young fan waves a Springboks flag while he waits for the South African Rugby Fans react as they wait for the team to arrive. (Reuters) pounds ($6.91mn) by the economy in Africa, South Africa is strug- team’s arrival. (AFP) Premiership on Tuesday gling with stagnant growth, near 30-per- Mashiolane said he loved the speech Formed in 1891, the Springboks fi elded after being found guilty cent unemployment and widespread and Rassie and they were along the lines of nesburg to join the celebrations. Kolisi made last weekend about unity as it only whites for 90 years before fl y-half of breaching salary cap poverty and inequality. Media headlines uniting us and giving us hope. “I came here because this is Nelson uplifted his spirits. “He knows about our Errol Tobias became the fi rst black player regulations. “EPCR is about corruption in state institutions and “Right now there is a lot of euphoria in Mandela’s legacy — this is what he would lives as black people and I hope politicians to represent his country. disappointed to learn of violence against women and children also the county, but what we need to do is turn have wanted,” he said, referring to the learn from that. They must not think we Despite government pressure Saracens’ decision to make appear with alarming frequency. that into tangible changes. The problem support the deceased former state presi- are stupid — we can see they are trying to for the Springboks to select teams their club representatives Rosharon Morgan, 34, said she closed is that we are not working toward (racial) dent gave the Springboks. divide us.” that better refl ected a population unavailable for today’s off icial the family engineering business for the unity. “There are still many issues that “Rugby has united us. Where I come What made the Springboks’ success that is 90% black, many coaches 2019/20 Season Launch of dayBOTTOMLINE in order to welcome the Springboks. need to be addressed such as racial and from rugby is a sport played by white peo- special was it being achieved with a team chose predominantly white teams. the Champions Cup and ‘MANDELA’S LEGACY’ economic inequalities.” ple but today it has united us. refl ecting both racial groups with nine Erasmus turned the tide after replacing Challenge Cup in Cardiff ,” “I’m here because the Springboks are Moemedi Mashiolane, 45, works in the “We want white people to know that we whites and six blacks in the starting line- embattled Allister Coetzee as coach last Champions Cup organisers the pride of the nation,” she told AFP. security industry and took advantage of want to be part of rugby and they must al- up. Last year, Kolisi became the fi rst black year, giving a string of black stars op- EPCR said in a statement. “I was listening to the speeches of Siya free train transport from central Johan- low us to play the game.” Test captain in South African history. portunities.

BOTTOMLINE Japan’s Joseph in the fray for All Blacks coach’s role AFP Robertson. Impey said the selection panel, which Wellington “I made a decision I’m going to stay with includes former World Cup-winning All Jamie. If he applies for the All Blacks, I’m in. Blacks coach Graham Henry, expected ap- If he stays with Japan, I’m in,” Brown said. plicants to have their coaching support team ew Zealand Rugby bosses have Brown, a former All Blacks fl y-half, has ready when interviewed. ruled out a foreign coach for the formed a close bond with Joseph since the “Whether it’s your scrum coach, your All Blacks, revealing yesterday pair rebuilt an ailing Otago Highlanders into backs coach, your defence coach, whatever they have asked 26 New Zealand- Super Rugby champions in 2015. it is we want to see a team going forward,” he Ners to apply including Jamie Joseph, who re- The pair elevated World Cup hosts Ja- said. cently guided Japan to a historic fi rst World pan into a top-10 nation with victories over “Those 26 candidates know what we’ve Cup quarter-fi nal. Ireland and Scotland in the just-concluded been saying so we’re expecting that in the Chairman Brent Impey said it was “a lux- showpiece. applications. ury” to have such coaching depth to call on “This is high performance. You’ve got to after Steve Hansen stepped down at the end ‘This is high performance’ get the best, the very, very best. Our stand- of the Rugby World Cup last weekend. “It felt right to stick with Jamie and what ards are very high. We believe our team has The new coaching team will be named we’ve been doing for the last eight years,” to be the best it possibly can.” before Christmas, but Joseph is yet to say Brown said. Former Waikato Chiefs coach Dave Ren- whether he will seek the All Blacks post or “It was a massive decision. One hundred nie, now with the Glasgow Warriors, said remain with Japan. per cent I want to coach the All Blacks to- last week he had been asked to apply for the “If you look at what we’ve seen with the morrow. But it didn’t feel right fl oating be- post. World Cup, many of those best coaches tween three diff erent coaching teams where Another prominent name believed to be come from (New Zealand),” Impey said. I don’t get a say. in the mix is Warren Gatland, although the “We believe we have covered the fi eld in “Jamie puts together a great team and outgoing Wales coach has been told he could terms of those coaches who would have the we’re all trying to make the team better. not be the All Blacks coach and also keep his skillset to do the job. This is a specialist job.” That’s what I like about Jamie... Everyone’s contract as the 2021 British and Irish Lions The announcement came as Japan’s as- trying to make the team better. coach. sistant coach Tony Brown revealed he would “We both want to coach the All Blacks Impey said former Ireland mentor Joe stay loyal to Joseph and had rejected ap- but we both want to do it at the right time. Schmidt was not available for considera- proaches to join the coaching teams of two Whether the right time is now, I hope it is or tion as he is taking a break from the game for leading contenders, Ian Foster and Scott it may not be, it may be in four years.” family reasons. Japan head coach Jamie Joseph at the World Rugby Awards 2019 ceremony in Tokyo on November 3, 2019. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, November 7, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Chargers facing LeBron sparks Lakers tough test at Oakland

Agencies past Bulls with third Los Angeles he Los Angeles Charg- ers, coming off their best performance of 2019, will attempt to add an- otherT victory today when they visit the surprising Oakland straight triple double Raiders. The Chargers’ 26-11 home rout of Green Bay on Sunday wasn’t THE LAKERS IMPROVED TO AN NBA-BEST 6-1 WITH A THIRD STRAIGHT ROAD WIN close. The Packers’ only touch- down came with just over six AFP minutes left, after Los Angeles Washington RESULTS led 26-3. The question now becomes Boston ...... 119 Cleveland ...... 113 whether this is the start of an- eBron James scored 30 points, Charlotte ...... 122 Indiana120 (over-time) other second-half surge by a grabbed 10 rebounds and passed Atlanta ...... 108 San Antonio ...100 franchise known for them, or off 11 assists on Tuesday, leading Oklahoma City .102 Orlando ...... 94 simply a blip in another undera- the Los Angeles Lakers to a 118- LA Lakers ...... 118 Chicago ...... 112 chieving season this franchise L112 comeback NBA victory at Chicago Denver ...... 109 Miami ...... 89 produces like few others. The with his third consecutive triple double. trip to Oakland for an AFC West Anthony Davis produced a season- clash with the Raiders could pro- low 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting with vide a large clue. seven rebounds in a return to his home- At 4-5, Los Angeles is two town, but James surged in the fi nal games behind division-leading minutes as the Lakers unleashed a 29-4 Kansas City with seven contests fourth-quarter run. left, including two against the It was only the third time in James’s Chiefs. But fi rst the Chargers will career that he has produced three con- oppose Oakland (4-4), which has secutive triple doubles after 2009 and surpassed very low expectations 2017. behind the play of rookie running The Lakers improved to an NBA-best back Josh Jacobs and a strong of- 6-1 with a third straight road win, hav- fensive line. ing won six in a row since losing their If Sunday is any indication, opener to the Los Angeles Clippers. the Raiders’ line might want to “For us to come on a three-game road buckle up. The Chargers hand- trip and take care of business means a cuff ed Green Bay with dominant lot,” James said. “For us to come out play from the front seven, un- 3-0, it’s a good test for us.” leashing pass rushers Joey Bosa The Lakers return home for a Friday and Melvin Ingram on Packers game against Miami, which fell to 5-2 quarterback Aaron Rodgers all with a 109-89 loss at Denver. day. “We’ll have a good rest and we’re go- Los Angeles occasionally lined ing to need it before we play Miami,” Bosa and Ingram side by side, James said. and the Packers’ line looked way The Lakers, the NBA’s top defen- Los Angeles Lakers forward out over their skis trying to block sive club, captured their sixth straight LeBron James (23) shoots a them. The duo combined for meeting with Chicago, matching the layup in the first half against three sacks and six hurries, help- club’s longest active run against any Chicago Bulls forward Luke ing limit Rodgers to just 161 pass- rival. Kornet (2) on Tuesday. ing yards on 23-of-35 accuracy. The Bulls, paced by Zach LaVine’s PICTURE: Quinn Harris– “We expect to play like that,” 26 points, led 65-48 at half-time and USA TODAY Sports Ingram said. “It’s not a surprise were up by as much as 19 in the first — it’s what we expect to do. We half and 18 in the third quarter before work day in and day out and the fightback began. know what type of players we Los Angeles trimmed the deficit to have on this team, so we expect 93-80 after three quarters, then began to play like that.” the fourth with a 16-0 run sparked by A repeat performance on reserves, with Quinn Cook’s three- short rest and a short trip to the pointer for a 94-93 lead putting the Bay Area might be a tough ask, Lakers back on top for the first time particularly against one of the since the middle of the first quarter. league’s most improved teams. “Our bench is going to be key for us. Little was expected from Oak- Our depth has been a good ingredient land after it went 4-12 last year for us,” James said. “They were great. and entered the season with one Without them we don’t get this win.” of the NFL’s least-heralded ros- The Lakers outscored Chicago 38-19 ters. But with Jacobs pounding in the fourth quarter and looked like Miami with 16 points. the host Hawks over San Antonio 108- Pacers, who forced over-time at 113-113 be re-evaluated around early March. away for 740 rushing yards in the dominant team James hopes can Gordon Hayward scored 39 points, 100. on Brogdon’s layup with 16.8 seconds Collins, 21, dislocated his left shoul- his fi rst eight games (tops among reach the NBA Finals. his most in a Boston uniform, and “I was super anxious to get going,” remaining in regulation time. der at the 2:01 mark of the third quarter NFL rookies) and quarterback “We can’t think about the finals added seven rebounds and eight as- Young said. “My teammates set me up. Indiana led 117-115 but Graham in Portland’s 121-119 victory at Dallas Derek Carr enjoying a bounce- even though that’s our aspiration,” sists for the Celtics in a 119-113 victory They knew I was going to catch fire and scored Charlotte’s fi nal seven points on on October 27. back from a moribund 2018, the James said. “We have small goals in at Cleveland. I did.” a three-point play and four free throws. Collins averaged 9.0 points, 4.0 re- Raiders have equalled last year’s mind and that’s to be the best defen- Hayward shot 17-of-20 from the Charlotte’s Devonte Graham scored Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 bounds and 2.0 assists in the fi rst three win total at this season’s mid- sive team in the league every night. floor including 16-of-16 from two- a game-high 35 points off the bench, points and Chris Paul added 20 to lead games of the campaign for the Trail point. And with their young play- “We took a step backwards in the point range — becoming the first play- including two game-winning free Oklahoma City over visiting Orlando Blazers. ers gaining confi dence by the day, first half but we made up for it in er since Wilt Chamberlain in 1967 to throws with 1.7 seconds to play in 102-94. The 7-footer, selected 10th overall in they are a tough out for anyone on the second half by just locking them sink so many two-pointers in a game overtime, as the Hornets edged vis- Portland Trail Blazers forward Zach the 2017 NBA Draft by Sacramento but the schedule. down. We have to be able to win in ad- without a miss. iting Indiana 122-120. Terry Rozier Collins underwent successful surgery then traded to Portland, has averaged “There’s a great belief because verse situations.” Kemba Walker contributed 25 points added 22 points and reserve Bismack on Tuesday to repair his left labrum but 5.7 points and 3.8 rebounds over 146 when you think about this team, They will face another test Friday and eight rebounds for the Celtics, Biyombo scored 13 of his 15 points in will miss the next four months of the career NBA games. we only won four games last against a Miami team that was blown who improved to 5-1. the fouth quarter to power a Hornets NBA season, the team announced. The Trail Blazers are off to a 3-4 start year,” defensive back Lamarcus out at Denver. Jamal Murray scored Atlanta’s Trae Young returned from victory fightback. Trail Blazers president of basketball to the 2019-20 campaign, having lost Joyner said after Oakland’s 31- 21 points to lead six Nuggets in dou- an ankle injury and produced game T.J. Warren scored 33 points and operations Neil Olshey said Collins will their second game in a row on Monday 24 win over the Detroit Lions on ble figures while Jimmy Butler led highs of 29 points and 13 assists to lead Malcolm Brogdon added 31 to lead the start rehabilitation and treatment and night at Golden State. Sunday.

NHL Chiarot, Canadiens snap Bruins’ win streak

including playoff games, between the Agencies RESULTS Montreal Original Six clubs. Mete fi red in the fi rst marker after Petry’s centering pass caromed back (Home team in CAPS) ontreal’s Ben Chiarot scored into the slot, but Mete committed a Las Vegas ...... 2 COLUMBUS ...... 1 the tiebreaking goal in the hooking penalty at 14:49, putting Bos- NY ISLANDERS ...... 4 Ottawa ...... 1 third period as the host ton’s power-play unit — the top one in PHILADELPHIA ...... 4 Carolina ...... 1 Canadiens snapped red- the NHL — onto the ice. MONTREAL ...... 5 Boston...... 4 hotM Boston’s six-game winning streak, On Boston’s faceoff win, Krug TORONTO ...... 3 Los Angeles ...... 1 beating the Bruins 5-4 on Tuesday. slipped the puck to Pastrnak at the left New Jersey ...... 2 WINNIPEG ...... 1 (SO) Chiarot zipped a shot that goalie Tu- circle, where the right wing buried a DALLAS ...... 4 Colorado ...... 1 ukka Rask stopped briefl y, but the puck one-timer six seconds into the man ad- CALGARY ...... 4 Arizona ...... 3 (OT) rolled in for the defenseman’s second vantage. Minnesota ...... 4 ANAHEIM ...... 2 goal at 9:06. However, Tatar completed a two- St. Louis ...... 2 VANCOUVER .....1 (OT) Victor Mete scored twice, Tomas on-one with a wrister that clipped SAN JOSE ...... 4 Chicago ...... 2 Tatar posted a goal and an assist, and Rask’s glove and went in for his fi fth Paul Byron also tallied for the Cana- goal at 16:45. diens, who won for the fourth time in Byron made it 3-1 just 31 seconds lat- a strong shift following a Bruins power fi ve games. er when he moved in on Rask and zipped play. Boston’s Charlie Coyle appeared to Jeff Petry recorded two assists, Chi- a shot between the Finnish backstop’s net the go-ahead goal at 5:16, but Mon- arot added an assist for a two-point pads for an unassisted marker. Clifton treal challenged for off side, and the call night, and goalie Carey Price made 21 zoomed through the slot, dipped into was reversed. saves. Montreal’s Claude Julien coached the right circle and ripped his fi rst regu- Meanwhile, Patrick Marleau scored a his 1,200th career NHL game. lar-season NHL goal in his 32nd game at goal while becoming the sixth player in Boston’s David Pastrnak extended Ben Chiarot of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates his goal with teammates on the bench against the Boston Bruins at the 7:17 to trim Montreal’s lead to 3-2. NHL history to play in 800 consecutive his career-best point streak to 13 games Bell Centre in Montreal on Tuesday. The Bruins evened it when Bjork games and Timo Meier and Tomas Hertl with his NHL-leading 15th goal. Torey found a rebound and scored his second both had a goal and an assist to lead the Krug notched an assist on the goal for Sean Kuraly scored, and Rask (26 saves) by an NHL defenseman. He became the Marleau. Montreal started out hot right at 18:13, but Mete scored 42 seconds San Jose Sharks to a 4-2 victory over the his 300th career point. fell to 7-1-1. Zdeno Chara played in his third active player to reach the mile- away by scoring 73 seconds after the later for a 4-3 lead. visiting Chicago Blackhawks on Tues- Connor Clifton, Anders Bjork and 1,500th NHL game — the sixth-most stone, joining Joe Thornton and Patrick puck dropped on the 923rd meeting, Kuraly tied it 3:03 in the third after day night. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, November 7, 2019 SPORT

BADMINTON SPOTLIGHTMOTORSPORT Mercedes explains why Hamilton Dan vows to go on struggled in US qualifying

Reuters had been accidentally knocked London off and as he went through the in pursuit of fading lap and every time he turned the steering wheel, he accidentally ercedes has ex- changed the engine braking and plained that Lewis that caused him to lose perform- Hamilton’s unusu- ance towards the end of the lap. ally poor US Grand “The mechanics spotted it im- MPrix qualifying last weekend was mediately the second the car had due to a protective device on the come back in but obviously the Olympic dream steering wheel being accidental- fi rst run was compromised as the ly knocked off , aff ecting the car’s result.” The times in the second ‘I won’t give up trying to qualify for the 2020 Olympics until the last minute’ performance. runs were slower for everyone The Briton qualifi ed only fi fth due to a slight change in the wind fastest in Austin, while Finnish and a lower track temperature, team mate Valtteri Bottas took Vowles added. pole position, before fi nishing the Hamilton had blamed himself race in second place to secure his after the qualifying session, say- sixth world championship. ing the car was not at fault. Hamilton had qualifi ed on pole “It was nothing to do with the in Austin for the previous three car, just me. I just didn’t pull all years and had started on the front the laps out together today,” the row there in every race since 2014. 34-year-old said at the time. “During the course of the “Clearly the car had the capabil- lap, underneath his right hand, ity to be on the front row and I there’s a little rotary and that ro- just didn’t do it today.” His sixth tary adjusts the engine braking,” championship, sealed with two said Mercedes’ strategy head races to spare, left Hamilton one James Vowles in a race debrief. behind the all-time record seven “Normally it has a guard on it, of former Ferrari great Michael and what happened is the guard Schumacher.

File photo of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action. (Reuters)

Qatar’s Sheikh Fahad seeks to win 14th consecutive match

Lin Dan of China reacts during his first round match against compatriot Chen Long at the Fuzhou China Open in Fuzhou, China, yesterday. (AFP)

AFP Open to his fellow Chinese Chen for the 2020 Olympics until the has fallen to 18th. Lin, who earned the nick- Shanghai Long. last minute.” Chen and Shi Yuqi are third name “Super Dan” during his It was another blow to his Lin, a fi ve-time world cham- and fourth respectively and in pomp, has always said that he fading chances of reaching next pion and the 2008 and 2012 Ol- pole position to represent China wanted to end his career with in Dan yesterday summer’s Tokyo Olympics, but ympic champion, won the fi rst next summer in Tokyo, as long another tilt at Games gold. With scotched reports that he Lin vowed afterwards to carry game against Chen, 21-19. as they remain ahead of Lin at that prospect looking increas- is set to retire and said on despite Chinese media say- But Chen, the 2016 Rio Ol- the April 2020 cut-off . ingly remote, Chinese media atari professional confrontation, and then he will he will not give up on his ing Fuzhou could be his farewell ympics gold medallist, came Shi is coming back from an had speculated that he could boxer Sheikh Fa- plan for the next confrontation unlikelyL bid for a third Olympic tournament. “I didn’t know back to win the next two 21-12, ankle problem and more injuries announce his retirement im- had bin Khalid bin to be held on November 23, gold. about the rumours, I think it’s 21-12 and send a wilting Lin for him could be Lin’s best hope minently. On Tuesday, defend- Jassim al-Thani especially as his Romanian The 36-year-old, arguably too early to talk about retire- home early. Lin has now lost for making the China team for ing Fuzhou champion Kento Qseeks to win his 14th consecu- rival Dumitru Nicu is a veteran the greatest badminton player ment,” Lin was quoted as saying eight times in the fi rst round of Tokyo. Shi, the third seed, de- Momota, the world number one tive match as well as continue boxer and has good experience of all time, went out in the fi rst by the Xinhua news agency. “I tournaments this year. Once the feated South Korea’s Son Wan- from Japan, defeated Daren Liew his successful career under the and participated in many round of the Fuzhou China won’t give up trying to qualify world number one, his ranking Ho 21-17, 21-17. when the Malaysian retired. supervision of the Professional confrontations. Boxers Association in Spain, He added that he was keen to when he meets Romanian box- hold more than one meeting er Dumitru Nicu tomorrow in with his French coach Frank the city of Oviedo in Asturias Bohic in order to study his France out to spoil Aussies’ Fed Cup dream province in Spain. Fahad has previous matches with France might be on Australian She is backed by Caroline Garcia But returning to the Australian great vibes,” Mladenovic, who she added. made great eff orts during the Romanian rival via video. soil as they attempt to win a third (45), Alize Cornet (60), Fiona Ferro west coast city has brought back partnered Richard Gasquet to Cornet won the Hopman Cup past period in order to prepare Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid bin Fed Cup tennis crown in Perth (63) and Pauline Parmentier (122) fond memories for Mladenovic win the Hopman Cup in 2017, told with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2014. physically and mentally for the Jassim al-Thani is scheduled this weekend, but they feel right as they target a first title since and Cornet, who separately led reporters yesterday. Garcia also represented France next confrontation. He finished to leave Doha today for at home and brimming with 2003. France to Hopman Cup titles “It’s definitely an advantage when at the tournament, in 2016 when his preparations, which included Spain for his 14th match. confidence. As well as an Australian team before the mixed team event was you know the court and where Australia won. an intensive program and a spe- Last October, Sheikh Fahad Team captain Julien Benneteau spearheaded by world number axed this year for the new ATP you’ve won in the past. Seven-time Fed Cup champions cial two games as he is expected achieved the 13th consecutive has kept faith with the five women one Ashleigh Barty and veteran Cup. “When you’ve won a tough Australia hold a 5-1 record to play a second match after less victory during his professional who sealed their semi-final win Sam Stosur, they will have to Mladenovic hopes that bodes well. competition somewhere it’s over two-time winners France, than 15 days. career in professional boxing, over Romania, led by Kristina deal with a crowd at Perth Arena “From the first time I stepped always a great place for you although the French triumphed in Sheikh Fahad said in a press after he won the knockout Mladenovic, ranked 40 in the willing their home country on the court yesterday, I had where you feel confident and you the most recent tie between the statement that he is currently victory against his Romanian world. towards a first title since 1974. such great memories and feel like you can repeat the story,” two nations in 2000. (AFP) focusing on his tomorrow’s counterpart Marius Petri. (QNA)

SPOTLIGHT New world anti-doping Russian anti-doping chief attacks code agreed from 2021 ‘destructive’ data doctoring AFP Among delegates listening He urged WADA to apply “wis- Katowice, Poland to Ganus’s speech was Russian dom” when imposing any Sports Minister Pavel Kolob- sanctions in order to protect kov, who earlier had assured the the independence of anti-dop- ussia’s anti-doping conference that RUSADA and ing agencies. tzar Yuri Ganus yes- Russian authorities had met all To applause Ganus conclud- terday blasted the “ir- of WADA’s demands. ed a rousing address by telling responsible and de- The data transfer was a key the conference: “No one should structiveR actions” of Moscow condition for Russia’s rein- use us (RUSADA) for their per- he debate over the founding committee when authorities he accuses of doc- statement by WADA in 2018 sonal interests. We will protect new world anti- the three-day conference in toring key data handed over to after the country was banned our independence.” doping code was set- Poland concludes today. the World Anti-Doping Agency. from competing in several in- In an interview with AFP last tled yesterday at the New rules will come into force Ganus told delegates at ternational competitions over month Ganus said he expected TWorld Anti-Doping Agency from January 1, 2021, giving WADA’s world conference in state-sponsored doping be- Russia to be banned from next (WADA) conference in Kato- national anti-doping agencies Katowice that the anti-doping tween 2011 and 2015. year’s Tokyo Olympics and the wice and is expected to come time to harmonise with the agency RUSADA he heads had WADA’s compliance arm is 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, into force from 2021. code. become “a hostage to the crisis” set to conclude its review of this blaming unnamed Russian of- “It is the strongest and most In existence since 2003, the triggered by the falsifi ed infor- latest twist in the Russian dop- fi cials for doctoring the data robust WADA code we have WADA code was reworked in mation. ing scandal by the end of the handed over to WADA. yet had,” said Lars Mortsiefer 2009 and 2015. The central In September, WADA ordered month. The best-case scenario, in an executive board member aspect remains an attempt Russia to explain “inconsisten- Ganus stressed that RU- his view, was very limited par- of the German anti-doping to protect the basic value of cies” in some of the thousands SADA “had nothing to do with ticipation “by certain athletes, agency NADA. sport and ensure the right of of fi les and samples handed the database and its transfer” by invitation”, as happened at Yuri Ganus, the director general of the Russian anti-doping agency, The code must still be the athletes to participate in over from its Moscow anti- and that it had been a victim the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter attends a conference of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in approved by the WADA doping-free competition. doping laboratory in January. of “forces outside RUSADA”. Olympics. Katowice, Poland, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, November 7, 2019 7 SPORT

HORSE RACING Festive time for Ghazali, Bentley in Qatar Cup Ghazali-trained Faadi and Ashour-schooled Kahila Texas were among the Arabians to register their maiden victories

By Sports Reporter Doha

or the fourth race meeting out of fi ve so far this season, cham- pion trainer Jassim Mohamed Ghazali saddled a winner in theF feature race of the evening, with champion jockey Harry Bentley riding Festive to a fi ne win in the Qatar Cup at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Al Rayyan Park yesterday. In the 1700m Thoroughbred Condi- tions event for fi llies and mares, Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Festive, third in the second feature of the season, did well with the Englishman in the saddle to lead a frame sweep for the Ghazalis. Pier Convertino rode Hillside Dream to second and Soufi ane Saadi helmed Re- gality to fourth, even as Anas al-Seyabi guided Mualah, trained by Ghazali’s son, Mohamed, to third place. A year after shedding his maiden sta- tus, Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah’s Aneeq was back in the winner’s circle when the fi ve-year-old ward of Ahmed Kobeissi topped the Arabian handicap race for horses rated 70 and below yesterday. The bay son of Majd Al Arab had Trainer Jassim Mohamed Ghazali (sixth from right) poses with Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Festive, with Harry Bentley (third from left) astride, and Shaheen bin Khalid Shaheen al-Ghanim’s Hillside Dream, with Ryan Curatolo astride for the second Pier Convertino (fourth from right) in the saddle, after they finished first and second in the Qatar Cup at Al Rayyan Park respectively. PICTURES: Juhaim straight time, and the latter gave a fan- Race 5: 1. Vedevani (JP Guillambert), 2. tastic ride as the mount too responded Qatari apprentice rider Rashid Ali al- RESULTS Almakfee (Luca Maniezzi), 3. Suprema- well coming on to the home straight Marri was astride Volage as they held Race 1: 1. Sarat Abha (Carlos Henrique), tism (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Reem Seattle for a blitzy run, winning by a dominant off a duo saddled by champion trainer 2. Al Khor Surprise (Eduardo Pedroza), (Rashid Ali al-Marri). Won by: 1, 7¾, 3¾. eight lengths. Jassim Mohamed Ghazali at the post for 3. That Al Sawary (Saleh Salem al-Marri), Time: 2:05.15. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail Another horse that took a year to reg- a scintillating victory. 4. Al Qamar (Harry Bentley). Won by: 5¾, al-Kuwari. Trainer: Mohamed Jassim ister his second victory was Ibrahim al- Mohamed Jassim Ghazali-trained 5¾, 1¼. Time: 1:14.97. Owner: Al Jeryan Ghazali. Malki-trained Admiral, who raced to a Faadi and Hossin Mohamed Ashour- Stud. Trainer: Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. schooled Kahila Texas were among the Race 6: 1. Aneeq (Ryan Curatolo), 2. Full breezy victory under Eduardo Pedroza Race 2: 1. Volage (Rashid Ali al-Marri), 2. in the colours of Sheikh Khalid bin Jas- Arabians to register their maiden vic- Risk De Lassos (Marco Casamento), 3. Don Logan (JP Guillambert), 3. Hard For- sim bin Thani al-Thani yesterday. tories yesterday. While JP Guillambert Saa’d (Soufiane Saadi), 4. Seddik (JP est (Harry Bentley), 4. Dark Endeavour The colt won by a comfortable four- helmed Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Guillambert). Won by: 8, Hd, 2¼. Time: (Ryan Curatolo). Won by: ½, 3, No. Time: and-a-half lengths over stablemate Faadi to a fantastic eight-length victo- 2:02.49. Owner: Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah. 1:15.44. Owner: Salem Fadgam al-Hajri & Mister Mahjoob, who fi nished runner ry in a six-furlong sprint, Gary Sanchez Trainer: Ahmed Kobeissi. Sons. Trainer: Salem Fadgham al-Hajri up under Ivan Rossi, ahead of Anas was the second apprentice rider on the Race 7: 1. Admiral (Eduardo Pedroza), 2. al-Seyabi-ridden Hashtag Al Galayel, day to guide a winner when he rode Race 3: 1. Faadi (JP Guillambert), 2. Al Mister Mahjoob (Ivan Rossi), 3. Hashtag completing a top three sweep for al- Hossin Mohamed Ashour-trained Ka- Mahyoub (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Ahzaab Al Galayel (Anas al-Seyabi), 4. Al Hu- Malki. hila Texas to a close win in a 1,700m (Marco Casamento), 4. Maladh (Soufiane wailah (JP Guillambert). Won by: 4½, 2, Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani-trained maiden race for fi llies. Saadi). Won by: 8¼, 1¼, 1¾. Time: 1:22.80. 1¾. Time: 1:53.35. Owner: Sheikh Khalid Sarat Abha and Salem Fadgam al- The owner-trainer-jockey trio of Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. bin Jassim bin Thani al-Thani. Trainer: Hajri’s Volage were among the Thor- al-Kuwari, younger Ghazali and Guil- Trainer: Mohamed Jassim Ghazali. Ibrahim al-Malki. oughbreds who registered their fi rst lambert also topped the Thoroughbred Race 4: 1. Kahila Texas (Gary Sanchez), 2. Race 8: 1. Festive (Harry Bentley), 2. Hill- career victories earlier in the evening Graduation Plate. Dubawi colt Vedevani Diyala (Harry Bentley), 3. Firdous (Marco side Dream (Pier Convertino), 3. Mualah yesterday. was well held on his last outing a week Casamento), 4. Froufrou Al Maury (JP (Anas al-Seyabi), 4. Regality (Soufiane While Sarat Abha, helmed by Carlos ago, but bounced back with a victory on Guillambert). Won by: ½, 5¾, 7¾. Time: Henrique in the colours of Al Jeryan dirt over 1,900m, conditions he seems Saadi). Won by: 1¾, 3½, 4¾. Time: 1:51.42. 2:06.83. Owner: Rashid Fahad Omair Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Stud, was dominant in his almost six- Connections receive the owner’s trophy after Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Festive to favour having won over the course al-Jaber al-Nuaimi. Trainer: Hossin Mo- Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. length victory, young and talented won the Qatar Cup yesterday. and distance in March this year too. hamed Ashour.

CRICKET QNB STARS LEAGUE Hope, Chase power Windies Rayyan aim to extend unbeaten run By Sports Reporter cautioned his players against any Doha complacency, saying Shahania to ODI win over Afghanistan are no easy opponents. “The match will not be easy he high-fl ying Al Rayy- despite the diff erence between an will look to continue the two teams in the table. It is their good run when they wrong to think that the game take on Al Shahania in will be easy for our team. We Tthe QNB Stars League at the Al do not look at the diff erence in Duhail Stadium today. Rayyan points. We will play very seri- are second in the table with 21 ously and we want to get a win,” points, two less than table top- said Aguirre, who confi rmed Ro- pers Al Duhail with both the side drigo Tabata will not play due to unbeaten in the league. an injury. Uruguayan Diego Aguirre- In another match today, Al coached Al Rayyan were held to Arabi host Al Sailiya. Al Arabi draws in their fi rst three games. have had a good run this season However, they made a strong with a spate of positive results. comeback with six consecutive However, their fortunes have victories, including last week’s taken a beating of late, starting 2-0 win over Al Sailiya, and have with their 0-1 loss to Al Gharafa. emerged as hot contenders for The Dream Team then lost 1-2 to the title. Rayyan’s scalps also in- Al Rayyan before being held to a cluded Al Sadd in the Qatar Cla- 2-2 draw by Al Wakrah last week West Indies’ Roston Chase plays a shot during the first ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow. (AFP) sico and Al Arabi. and are fi fth in the points table. With Shahania at the bot- But Al Arabi have the advan- AFP overs. Afghanistan lost openers Hazratullah Zazai tom of the table with just three tage of having played one match Lucknow, India and Javed Ahmadi with just 15 runs on the board points, Rayyan should be able less as their Week 5 fi xture before Shah (61) and Alikhil (58) steadied the in- to sail through the contest. Jose Against defending champions nings. Murcia-coached side are also Al Sadd was deferred due to the hai Hope and Roston Chase struck half- Alikhil was run out in a freak manner after he the only side yet to record a vic- latter’s AFC Champions League centuries to power West Indies to a sev- left his crease to congratulate his partner who tory this season. But Aguirre commitment. Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre speaks during a press conference. en-wicket win over Afghanistan in the had completed his fi fty with a single, but the ball fi rst one-day international in smog-hit was in wicketkeeper Hope’s gloves and still in LucknowS yesterday. Chase and Hope put on a key play. Hope clipped off the bails and appealed and 163-run stand for the third wicket as West Indies umpire Paul Reiff el referred it to the third umpire reached their target of 195 in 46.3 overs to take a who gave it out much to the shock of the batsman W DOHA HOTEL TAKES A SWING WITH NEW PARTNERSHIP 1-0 lead in the three-match series. as he believed the ball was dead. Doha: In an ongoing eff ort to coveted prizes. game. Wassim Daaje, General W Doha World Cup for Golf Chase, who was promoted to bat at number Three balls later, Chase got Najibullah Zadran support Qatar’s commitment to The remarkable golfing facil- Manager of W Doha said: “W will bring together the competi- four, made 94 before he was bowled by teenage for nought. Mohamed Nabi and Gulbadin Naib sports, W Doha Hotel and Resi- ity in Education City has already Doha is the ultimate insider’s tive and sporty ones together spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman while opener Hope also fell cheaply and Afghanistan’s last four wick- dences has teamed up with Edu- cemented itself for its impec- destination and our partnership for a day filled with excitement. compiled an unbeaten 77. Chase also took two ets went for just four runs. cation City Golf Club to launch cable service and as a seasonal with Education City Golf hits The winners will also be an- wickets with his off -spin to help dismiss Afghan- Asghar Afghan made 35 before being run out Qatar’s first ‘W Doha World Cup host for not only golf tourna- close to home as we are commit- nounced on the same day later istan for 194 in their newly adopted home in Luc- by a direct hit from Jason Holder. Chase returned of Golf’. This partnership and ments but creating events for ted to residents’ and guests per- in the evening at the infamous know. India has been the home of the war-torn fi gures of 2-31 while debutant Romario Shepherd one of a kind event promises to the community that they want to sonal fitness and lifestyle – while WET Deck at the hotel where a nation’s cricket team since 2015. and fellow quick Holder also claimed two wickets bring together sport lovers, golf be part of. still incorporating our signature colorful prize giving ceremony Hope and Chase anchored the chase after Evin each. The second ODI is on Saturday. fanatics and competitive players The collaboration between wow moments into everything will take place and top teams will Lewis was trapped lbw for seven and Shimron to unite as a team of four for a Education City and W Doha will we do. W Doha continues to take home varying prizes. Hetmyer removed for three. The right-handed BRIEF SCORES memorable day. support the growing love for be in line with Qatar National Teams need to visit Chase missed out on what would have been his Afghanistan 194 all out in 45.2 overs (R. Shah 61, Taking place on November golf in Qatar through encour- Vision 2030 by supporting the https://www.golfgenius.com maiden ODI century. Nicholas Pooran hit the 30th, 2019, seasoned golfers or aging new golfers and the nation’s mission to be a hub for and form their teams. Price per I. AliKhil 58, A. Afghan 35; Holder 2-21, Shepherd winning boundary. avid beginners are welcome to community to get active and some of the world’s top sporting team is QR2500 which comes 2-32, Chase 2-31) lost to West Indies 195 for 3 in Afghanistan batsmen Rahmat Shah and Ikram set up their teams and compete start swinging into wellness and events and promoting a healthy with the ultimate golfer starter 46.3 overs (S. Hope not out 77, R. Chase 94; Rah- Alikhil hit half-centuries in a 111-run partnership for some of W Doha’s most attract new energy to a beloved lifestyle.” package. before the rest of the batting crumbled in 45.2 man 2-33) by seven wickets

Thursday, November 7, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS Qatar swimmer al-Obaidly eyes Tokyo Olympics

By Sports Reporter In the recently-held GCC gold medals which I think is im- Doha Aquatics Championships in Ku- possible feat to achieve now for wait, al-Obaidly clinched two all swimmers. I started loving gold and a bronze medal, but he this sport after watching him win bdulaziz al-Obaidly has a bigger target in mind this those medals. It takes lots of sac- held his own as he time as he targets a place in the rifi ces,” he said. shared the stage with Tokyo Olympics next year. The Qatari swimmer took Vladimir Morozov and Today, al-Obaidly will com- baby steps into swimming when MichelleA Coleman yesterday. pete in the 100 breaststroke, he was just three years old but The Qatari teenage swimmer, followed by his best events it did not take him long to make who has been making waves in tomorrow and Saturday: the Qatar’s junior ranks at age 7. “It regional competitions, was not 200m individual medley and wasn’t my choice,” al-Obaid- overawed to be in the presence of the 200 breaststroke, respec- ly said with a wide grin. “My world class swimmers. tively. mother chose swimming to be The 18-year-old is one of the “Everyone’s goal is to reach the my sport. And I started loving 17 Qatari swimmers who will Olympics. For this competition, it. I learnt swimming at the age look to impress the home crowd I hope to get my best times and of three and made it to the na- at the seventh and final leg of qualify to the fi nals,” the young- tional team at age 7. the Swimming World Cup se- ster said yesterday. “I have been training hard for ries, which will begin from to- “It’s a great honour for all of us the last 11 years. Now especially day at the Hamad Aquatic Cen- to compete at a home event. We with the Olympics in mind I am tre. Al-Obaidly is undoubtedly trained hard for this meet and all putting in my best eff orts. For the standout talent to emerge of us are very excited to do well this competition I hope to pro- from Qatar. in this top class competition,” he duce my best times and qualify In last year’s edition, al- added. to the fi nals,” he said. Obaidly reached the fi nals of Al-Obaidly is a huge fan of The teenager has been train- 100m backstroke and 200m American legend Michael Phelps. ing under Yuriy Vlaslov, a 1996 individual medley events, and “Growing up, I idolised Michel Olympian who represented wants to build on from that per- Phelps. When I saw the 2008 Ukraine, and is a breaststroke formance this year. Beijing Olympics, he won eight specialist.

Abdulaziz al-Obaidly is one of the 17 Qatari swimmers who will look to impress at the seventh and final leg of the Swimming World Cup series at the Hamad Aquatic Centre. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

SWIMMING AFC U-19 QUALIFIERS Qatar cruise past Sri Lanka in opener Doha all set to host osts Qatar powered interval gave Amin al-Sunaini’s past Sri Lanka to win side a challenge in a highly com- 5-1, with striker Mekki petitive second half. Tombari starring with Both Yemen and Turkmeni- anH impressive brace in the AFC stan showed a desire to hunt U-19 Championship Uzbekistan for an early goal, but it was the 2020 Qualifi er at the Aspire former who were the fi rst to Pitches yesterday. get on the scoresheet thanks to fi nal meet of FINA Playing on home soil, Qatar al-Thulaia’s penalty kick at the came into the match as warm quarter-hour mark. favourites and that assessment The striker found the back appeared accurate when Tombari of the net despite a touch from cut inside and scored within fi ve unfortunate Turkmenistan goal- minutes. A brace header from keeper Amanmuhammet Orayev, Mostafa Kadira made it 2-0 with although the goal owed much 19 minutes gone, and it looked to the work of Yemen captain World Cup 2019 like Sri Lanka would be in for a Muneef Jassar, whose ball into long night when Tombari scored the penalty area was handled by his second in the 44th minute, Erik Sakayev to win the spot- The hunt for the women’s title is much closer with Campbell leading Hosszu by 24 points tapping into an empty net after kick in the fi rst place. Sri Lankan goalkeeper Mohamed Shamammet Hydyrow sent Mursith spilled Jassim al-Zarra’s a free-kick narrowly over the initial eff ort. crossbar as Turkmenistan But just as Qatar looked to looked to strike back, but Yemen be in total control, Sri Lanka promptly extended their lead struck back with a quite superb through Maher, who outpaced long-range strike from substi- two defenders before scoring tute Mohamed Shabeer, who left with a clever toe-poke on the Qatar goalkeeper Yousef Balideh outside of the boot, which snuck stunned, and the small knot of in at Orayev’s near post to make it Sri Lankan fans delighted, in the 2-0 after 26 minutes. 45th minute. Facing a two-goal defi cit and That goal gave Sri Lanka hope, having enjoyed only 30 percent but there was no stopping Qa- of fi rst half-possession, Turk- tar, who went further ahead menistan had a mountain to when Avishka Deshan turned the climb going into the second peri- ball into his own net in the 59th od, but they made some headway minute, before al-Jarra fi nished through substitute Igor Sekov in off a lovely move with a sweet the 48th minute. strike into the bottom corner fi ve Sekov, who had been intro- minutes later. duced only three minutes ear- Qatar continued to chase lier, justifi ed Aziz Kambaraov’s goals, and they would have found tactical switch when he scored further joy had it not been for with a long-range eff ort which a succession of shots denied by bounced awkwardly in front of the woodwork, but the margin Yemen shot-stopper Abdullah stayed at 5-1 as the hosts began Abdulhakim al-Sadi, who suc- their AFC U-19 Championship ceeded only in fumbling the ball Qualifi ers campaign in style. into the net. Earlier, Yemen withstood a The stage was set for Turk- second-half recovery from Turk- menistan to storm back into con- menistan to claim a 2-1 win. First tention, but Yemen stood fi rm goals from Mohamed Abdulwa- – with their cause aided when hab al-Thulaia and Ahmed Ma- Turkmenistan’s Ruslan Priyev’s her gave Yemen a commanding was sent off in injury time – to 2-0 lead at half-time, but a goal claim three valuable points on from Igor Sekov shortly after the the road to Uzbekistan.

Qatar Swimming Association president and FINA Bureau Member Khaleel al-Jabir (second left), FINA Vice President Dale Neuburger (centre), swimmers Vladimir Morozov (second right), Michelle Coleman (left) and Abdulaziz al-Obaidly at a press conference at the Hamad Aquatic Centre yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

ore than 200 swimmers from this cluster, but I can try to get second crown since 2008. 3. The QSA is delighted that the number 44 nations have descended place. Other than that, I’m trying to win Sweden’s Coleman is in third place of participants has increased than the last into Doha for the seventh all three events as usual: 50 free, 100 free, with 153 points and said she was excited year. This is what we were looking for.” and fi nal leg of the Swim- and 50 back,” the 27-year-old said. for what is in the store this weekend. FINA Vice President Dale Neuburger Mming World Cup series. Among them is If Morozov succeeds, he would end the Coleman said: “It’s great to be in Doha. hailed FINA’s partnership with Qatar and Vladimir Morozov of Russia who leads World Cup season with 20 victories in 21 It’s my third time and I am very pleased to praised the QSA for successfully host- the point standings by an insurmountable races. (His only loss came at the previous be back to this amazing complex. We are ing major swimming events. “It’s a great margin and is destined to win the overall stop, in Kazan, where he fi nished second really excited for some fast racing in the pleasure to be here. We have always been title for the second year in a row, along to his countryman Vladislav Grinev in the last meet of FINA World Cup. It’s going to treated here with great dignity, great re- with a check for $150,000. 100m freestyle.) be neck and neck in a lot of events, and I spect, great care and attention by Khaleel But comfort is relative. Despite Mo- The hunt for the women’s title is much look forward to really going this time.” al-Jabir) and his colleagues, QSA, Qatar rozov’s cushy lead in points, he was a bit closer. Cate Campbell of Australia cur- Doha, which staged the 2014 World Olympic Committee and all the authori- edgy at yesterday’s press conference at rently leads Katinka Hosszu of Hungary Swimming Championships, and will host ties,” Neuburger said. the Hamad Aquatic Centre. “This is my by 24 points. If both women win three the 2023 FINA World Aquatics Cham- “I came here for the fi rst time in 2005 sixth or seventh time in Qatar,” Morozov races in Doha and earn the maximum 24 pionships, is organising the World Cup and since then Doha events have been said. “I’m happy to fi nish the World Cup points, the overall title will come down meet for the eighth year in a row. blessed with great organisation and fan- here. I hope I’ll fi nish it up on a high note.” to bonus points which require a separate This year, the event is witnessing a sig- tastic facilities. It’s been 15 years of great Since the overall title is a given, Moro- calculation based on times. Their three nifi cant rise in the number of participat- swimming competitions in Doha. In zov said his priority over the next three best times here would earn “perform- ing athletes and countries, as 210 swim- 2023, FINA World Championships will days will be to try to move up from sixth ance points” based on where they fall on a mers – 134 male and 76 female swimmers be held in Doha again, representing great place in the “cluster” points stand- FINA table. The swimmer with the most – from 44 countries are competing. Last partnership between FINA and QSA. It’s ings. (The 2019 World Cup is divided “performance points” in Doha would year, 130 swimmers from 23 countries been a pleasure to watch the evolution in into three clusters in which additional earn an additional 24 “bonus points,” came for the Doha stop. development of aquatics sports in Qatar,” prize money is awarded to the winners of second-most would earn 18 points, and The Qatar Swimming Association he added. The three-day meet will have those subdivisions.) “I think it’s going to the third-most would receive 12. president and FINA Bureau Member 34 sets of medal, with the opening day be very diffi cult to beat Anton Chupkov, If Hosszu prevails, she would earn her Khaleel al-Jabir said: “I would like to featuring 10 fi nals. A total of 12 title races my teammate, because of his outstand- sixth World Cup title – her fi rst since welcome all the swimmers and wish them each will be held in the next two days. The ing performance in the 200 breaststroke 2016. If Campbell wins, she would be success. We are happy to host the fi nal heats will take place from 10:00am while Qatar players celebrate during their win over Sri Lanka in the AFC in Kazan, Russia. I feel that he will win the fi rst Australian woman to claim the meet of the FINA World Cup and cluster the fi nals will start from 6:00pm. U-19 Championship Qualifier at the Aspire Pitches yesterday.