LUIZ SUAREZ P 18 | VOLLEYBALL Two Hot to HANDLE! P 6

P 6 | FOOTBALL P 18 | VOLLEYBALL ALL GUNS bLAZING! TWo HoT To HANDLE! Defensive midfielder Khaled Abdulrauf’s Traditional powerhouses Al Arabi and goal opens the floodgates as El Jaish Al Rayyan again start as overwhelming drub Al Arabi in the Qatar Stars League. favourites in the Qatar League.

WEDNESDAY, NovEmbER 25, 2015 | Vol X | No.43 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on

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OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Perez’s Galacticos fail to Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos deliver when it matters A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko EForE real madrid President Florentino Perez on the contrary, rosell said he believed in giving ALL Gopakumar K addressed the media last monday, there was opportunities to youngsters rising through the ranks Joice Michael Bspeculation that it could be the end of the road of their own La masia Academy, to play along with Technical support Shaheen Mohammed for coach rafael benitez. but it didn’t happen as the the likes of Lionel messi, himself an academy product. Abdul Naser M business magnate extended his full support to the Though barca signed stars such as Neymar and Luis beleaguered manager, reeling under a humiliating Suarez, they still contributed more players to the defeat to arch-rivals barcelona in last week’s El Clasico. Spanish national team than real. With only 12 matches played in La Liga, real are The ‘Galacticos’ policy pursued by Perez failed to SPORTS, P.o. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 third and there’re instances in the past when they’ve achieve much on-field success, especially during the www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com recovered from such positions. In the Champions last seven seasons since he started his second term Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 League, they’ve already ensured their progress into the when they won just one league title against barca’s e-mail: [email protected] next phase so much so that it’s too early to write them five. There’s a perception that he even interferes in team Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 off. selection, insisting the manager to field all big names e-mail: [email protected] Yet, it’s quite natural to analyse the manner of instead of players who may be in terrific form or better ONE Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 e-mail: [email protected] their defeat and also draw a comparison with their suited to particular match situation. conquerors. Two years ago, I’ve had the opportunity All this was clearly evident the way real played, to interview both Perez as well as former barcelona making the role of club management very critical in www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus president Sandro rosell and it was pretty clear they had deciding the fortunes of a team. remember, the first www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar totally different philosophies. rule of management is delegation. Don’t try and do Perez, who signed marquee names like Zinedine everything yourself because you simply can’t! STADIUM www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar Zidane, Luis Figo, brazilian ronaldo and David beckham during his first term, continued the trend in his second spell as well, recruiting the likes of Kaka, Cristiano Publishers: ASPIrE Printing, Publishing and Distribution ronaldo, Gareth bale and others. He wanted the best Printed at ASPIrE Printing Press players in the world to play for madrid and expand the Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi club’s global commercial appeal. Editor-in-Chief

INSIDE P 10 | FOOTBALL P 16 | HANDBALL P 26 | BASKETBALL It’s Guangzhou Lending a helping hand! Big presence China’s Guangzhou Evergrande German side Fuchse berlin and well-wishers Centre player Abdulrahman edge the UAE’s pitch in to finance Australia’s Asian olympic Saad becomes a vital cog in Catch every pulse of action... Stay tuned www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Al Ahli to win Qualification Tournament trip to Qatar. Al Gharafa’s wheel. the Asian Champions League for a second time P 22 | CHESS P 24 | MOTORSPORT in three Magnus opus! Setting the Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution years. P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. The presence of world No.1 pulses racing! magnus Carlsen as well as No.4 Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 The World Touring Car e-mail: [email protected] vladimir Kramnik is sure to put Championship, making its Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 the second edition of Qatar e-mail: [email protected] masters open in the limelight. Qatar debut, can definitely set the pulses racing. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 3

OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Perez’s Galacticos fail to Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos deliver when it matters A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko EForE real madrid President Florentino Perez on the contrary, rosell said he believed in giving Gopakumar K addressed the media last monday, there was opportunities to youngsters rising through the ranks Joice Michael Bspeculation that it could be the end of the road of their own La masia Academy, to play along with Technical support Shaheen Mohammed for coach rafael benitez. but it didn’t happen as the the likes of Lionel messi, himself an academy product. Abdul Naser M business magnate extended his full support to the Though barca signed stars such as Neymar and Luis beleaguered manager, reeling under a humiliating Suarez, they still contributed more players to the defeat to arch-rivals barcelona in last week’s El Clasico. Spanish national team than real. With only 12 matches played in La Liga, real are The ‘Galacticos’ policy pursued by Perez failed to P.o. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 third and there’re instances in the past when they’ve achieve much on-field success, especially during the www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com recovered from such positions. In the Champions last seven seasons since he started his second term Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 League, they’ve already ensured their progress into the when they won just one league title against barca’s e-mail: [email protected] next phase so much so that it’s too early to write them five. There’s a perception that he even interferes in team Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 off. selection, insisting the manager to field all big names e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 Yet, it’s quite natural to analyse the manner of instead of players who may be in terrific form or better e-mail: [email protected] their defeat and also draw a comparison with their suited to particular match situation. conquerors. Two years ago, I’ve had the opportunity All this was clearly evident the way real played, to interview both Perez as well as former barcelona making the role of club management very critical in www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus president Sandro rosell and it was pretty clear they had deciding the fortunes of a team. remember, the first www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar totally different philosophies. rule of management is delegation. Don’t try and do Perez, who signed marquee names like Zinedine everything yourself because you simply can’t! www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar Zidane, Luis Figo, brazilian ronaldo and David beckham during his first term, continued the trend in his second spell as well, recruiting the likes of Kaka, Cristiano Publishers: ASPIrE Printing, Publishing and Distribution ronaldo, Gareth bale and others. He wanted the best Printed at ASPIrE Printing Press players in the world to play for madrid and expand the Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi club’s global commercial appeal. Editor-in-Chief

INSIDE P 10 | FOOTBALL P 16 | HANDBALL P 26 | BASKETBALL It’s Guangzhou Lending a helping hand! Big presence China’s Guangzhou Evergrande German side Fuchse berlin and well-wishers Centre player Abdulrahman edge the UAE’s pitch in to finance Australia’s Asian olympic Saad becomes a vital cog in Al Ahli to win Qualification Tournament trip to Qatar. Al Gharafa’s wheel. the Asian Champions League for a second time P 22 | CHESS P 24 | MOTORSPORT in three years. Magnus opus! Setting the The presence of world No.1 pulses racing! magnus Carlsen as well as No.4 vladimir Kramnik is sure to put The World Touring Car the second edition of Qatar Championship, making its masters open in the limelight. Qatar debut, can definitely set the pulses racing. 4 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 5

FIFA’s ethics watchdog wants michel Platini to be banned for life over ‘FIFA seeks a suspect payment, the European football chief’s lawyer declared on Tuesday. Platini is serving a 90-day suspension on corruption charges over life ban for a $2.1m payment he received from FIFA president Sepp blatter who is also MIXEDPICK OF ZONE THE WEEK | QATAR | FOOTBALL Platini’ suspended. Platini’s lawyer Thibaud d’Ales described FIFA’s life ban demand as a “scandal” and “excessive”. blatter’s representatives refused to comment on whether the same request has been made against the Swiss official.

campaign race. both men, if sanctioned, will have the option of appealing Reform Committee readies final report once again, but as far as I know there’s no provision by which The crisis escalated further for elected FIFA officials from the recommendations” on october 20 sanctions can be temporarily Brian Homewood in october when both FIFA president down, full disclosure which suggested an age limit of lifted while the CAS, world President Sepp blatter and UEFA of the financial compensation of 74 for all leading officials, but only sport’s supreme court, looks into chief michel Platini, who had the president, general secretary mentioned term-limits for the individual cases. IFA’s reform Committee been favourite to succeed him, and ExCom members, and more president who would be restricted For 79-year-old blatter, any avoided giving details on its were banned for 90 days by FIFA detailed integrity checks on to three mandates. long-term ban would effectively Ffinal proposals for cleaning Ethics Committee pending a full members of committees. The reform Committee has not end his 18-year presidency up football’s scandal-plagued investigation. The reform Committee provided any further details of its but, more significantly since he governing body after winding up many of those indicted by US published a five-page work since then. doesn’t have long left in charge its third and final meeting last summary of its “preliminary Carrard recently said in New anyway, it would see him exit week. York that term limits might not FIFA with his reputation in In a terse 79-word statement, MANY OF THOSE be the best course of action for shreds. FIFA only said that committee INDICTED HAD SERVED ExCom members. The future is potentially far chairman Francois Carrard would ON FIFA EXCOM OR Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al more damaging for Platini, the put its recommendations to an OTHER FIFA PANELS. Sabah, a leading member of man who would be king. It was Executive Committee meeting the reform Committee, said the UEFA chief, remember, who on December 2 and 3, and that that up to 40 per cent of Scala’s implemented Financial Fair Play they would be publicly presented authorities had served on FIFA proposals could be rejected. across Europe, who built up the afterwards. ExCom or other FIFA panels. “I think age limit will achieve FIFA CHIEF SEPP BLATTER AND HIS UEFA COUNTERPART Champions League to where it’s There was no news conference Domenico Scala, who heads the same goals — you’ll have MICHEL PLATINI LOOK CERTAIN TO GET LONG-TERM now, and who expanded the after last week’s meeting at the FIFA Audit and Compliance three or four terms maximum, European Championship finals, FIFA headquarters in Zurich. Committee, has produced an unless you’re young,” Sheikh SANCTIONS FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THE ‘DISLOYAL as well as a whole raft of other FIFA is facing unprecedented extensive package of proposed Ahmad said. PAYMENT’ ISSUE, WRITES ANDREW WARSHAW. innovations. pressure to overhaul its reforms that he has made Suddenly, in one fell swoop, governance and improve public and given to however, UEFA could soon be transparency following the may FIFA ExCom. in danger of losing its most indictment by US authorities They N A FEW weeks’ time, actually Last week, FIFA investigators visionary figure and charismatic of 14 football officials and include maybe even days, but almost officially completed their probes talisman. much has been made sports marketing executives on 12-year Icertainly before Christmas, the against the leaders of world and of the void at the top of FIFA corruption-related charges. term limits worst corruption scandal in FIFA European football governing bodies when blatter goes. Such a void history will take another dramatic of and have passed over the file to would, in my opinion, be far twist when the worlds of Sepp ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert more stark at UEFA without blatter and michel Platini come for sentencing. Platini. Federations need to crashing down over a ‘disloyal A statement from Eckert Just look at the state of payment’. confirmed the opening of formal play below him. Angel villar Despite going to the Court of adjudicatory proceedings against Llona, UEFA’s most senior vice- be more transparent! Michel Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over blatter and Platini. This is based president and currently standing Platini their initial provisional 90-day on the final reports submitted in for Platini, has himself been oST national football said the report. “Any reform of FIFA suspensions, FIFA president and by the investigatory chamber, with regard to the final reports a so-called ‘disloyal payment’ to sanctioned for non-cooperation Franz associations fail to make will’ve to make that a priority.” his UEFA counterpart look set to which recommended sanctions. of the investigatory chamber and Platini of $2.1m made in February, with an investigation into the Beckenbauer Mbasic information public, Transparency said it surveyed receive far graver career-crippling The statement said, “Adjudicatory they may request a hearing,” it 2011, for consultancy work he had World Cup bid process. The creating a potential breeding websites of the FAs to see sanctions that’ll banish them from chamber has studied the reports continued. carried out on behalf of blatter idea of the ultra-conservative ground for corruption, said anti- what they provided on four key the game altogether. carefully and decided to institute nine years earlier. Spaniard taking over long term corruption watchdog Transparency categories of “basic information formal proceedings against the both men claimed that the is a non-starter. Beckenbauer upset International in a report last week. that should be available for two officials. For reasons linked to THE DUO COULD BE FACING payment was to fulfil the terms So is Wolfgang Niersbach, Transparency said 167 of FIFA’s organisations in order to monitor privacy rights and the presumption BANS OF SIX OR SEVEN of an oral contract, but when touted by many as Platini’s with German body 209 affiliated FAs have no financial their governance and standards.” of innocence until proven guilty, YEARS, SAID THOSE CLOSE it came to light four years ago, natural successor until he too These were financial accounts, the adjudicatory chamber TO THE ETHICS PROCESS. none of their colleagues on the became embroiled in scandal rANZ beckenbauer, the former World Cup- codes of conduct, charters and won’t publish details of FIFA Executive Committee knew and had to resign as head of the winning player and coach at the heart of a ONLY 14 FAs SCORED statutes, and information on the sanctions requested about it, raising concerns over German Football Association. Fscandal surrounding the 2006 tournament, FOUR POINTS, ACCORDING activities. one point was awarded by the investigatory If the recent cases of former FIFA both accountability and conflict of one possible outcome if is unhappy with the German FA’s (DFb) response TO TRANSPARENCY for each category. chamber in its final vice-president Chung mong-Joon interest. Platini is stripped of his UEFA to his offer of a “personal” discussion with the INTERNATIONAL. only 14 FAs — Canada, reports. (South Korea) and Harold mayne- The fallout if both are given presidency, which any ban association. Denmark, England, Hungary, “In the course of Nicholls (Chile) are anything to marching orders is almost would automatically entail, is for The DFb is eager for beckenbauer to provide Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, New the proceedings, go by, blatter and Platini could be unfathomable. Not only would Gianno Infantino to step up from answers on several issues including a controversial records publicly available, 178 Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, both parties will be facing bans of six or seven years it prevent blatter presiding over general secretary. but he has ’05 payment to FIFA. published no annual reports of Portugal, the republic of Ireland invited to submit according to those close to the the election to replace him next already put his name forward as At the heart of the affair is the €6.7m payment their activities and more than one and Sweden — scored four points, positions including ethics process. February, but it would also dash a candidate for the FIFA top post from the German FA to FIFA that Der Spiegel in five did not even have a website. Transparency said. any evidence Just to recap, the case surrounds Platini’s hopes of re-entering the instead and couldn’t do both magazine claimed last month was a return on a loan Transparency said FIFA’s 209 on the other hand, 87 FAs did jobs for any length of time. from then adidas CEo robert Louis-Dreyfus to help members, who vote for both the not score any points, including the It doesn’t leave a very buy votes for Germany’s World Cup bid at the FIFA president and have the power 42 who did not have websites. Suspended FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he on his condition. palatable picture at the top of election in 2000. to change the FIFA statutes, “That means they don’t publish Blatter felt had been close to death as he lay in hospital blatter was admitted to hospital earlier this UEFA, which seems more likely beckenbauer said he had offered a “personal also needed to improve their any relevant information about he was close after a mounting scandal over his time as the month, weeks after the FIFA Ethics Committee to have to schedule an electoral discussion” with the DFb bosses who did not governance. their organisations,” said the head of world governing body. launched an investigation into his conduct and congress either next spring or in respond to his request. “FIFA doesn’t systematically report. to death In his first public comments since emerging that of his former protege, UEFA boss michel from treatment, blatter told Swiss broadcaster Platini. the summer. You can bet there’ll “When you know each other so long and then require transparency and The report pointed out that RTS, “I was really between the angels who sing blatter said Platini was “an honest man”. “If be a considerable amount of you don’t get any reaction (to my letter), and learn accountability from its members, between 2011 and ’14, FIFA and the devil who stokes the fire. It was the he comes back, then he’ll be elected... and if he head scratching between now everything from the television, then where’re we?” the national football associations distributed at least $2.05m to each angels who sang.” but he did not go into details comes back, then I’ll come back as well.” and then. he said. and the regional confederations,” of its member FAs. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 5

FIFA’s ethics watchdog wants michel Platini to be banned for life over ‘FIFA seeks a suspect payment, the European football chief’s lawyer declared on Tuesday. Platini is serving a 90-day suspension on corruption charges over life ban for a $2.1m payment he received from FIFA president Sepp blatter who is also Platini’ suspended. Platini’s lawyer Thibaud d’Ales described FIFA’s life ban demand as a “scandal” and “excessive”. blatter’s representatives refused to comment on whether the same request has been made against the Swiss official.

FOOTBALL | QATAR

QSL WEEK 9 | SHORT TAKES

UMM SALAL 1 AL AHLI 1 LEKHWIYA 3 AL KHOR 2 ALL Umm Salal came from behind to hold Ahli. Lekhwiya got back to winning ways by beating Inspirational captain meshaal Abdullah put Ahli Khor. Khaled muftah (50th), Nam Tae-Hee (73rd) ahead in the 31st minute while Ivorian striker and mohammed muntari (88th) scored for the Yannick Sagbo won a penalty and converted it champions while Julio Cesar had twice put Khor GUNS himself to draw parity in the 89th. ahead, in the 40th and 58th. BLAZING!position in Qatar. He’s always ready “It took only eight minutes for me to work for the team. He has been to realise that we would be bad,” DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER KHALED ABDULRAUF’S SUBLIME GOAL brilliant this season with us because said Arabi coach Gianfranco Zola, OPENS THE FLOODGATES AS EL JAISH HAND AL ARABI A SOLID his confidence level has gone up. who described their performance as I’m quite happy for him,” Lamouchi the “worst” since he took over this DRUBBING IN THE QATAR STARS LEAGUE, WRITES N GANESH. showered praise on his illustrious season. ward. “Jaish were the stronger side Jesualdo Arabi have been one of the and we all knew that, but what Ferreira HALED Abdulrauf has been mostly mediocre. who beat omar Ahmed before most improved teams this season, disappointed me was that we didn’t the unsung hero in El Jaish’s “Yes, it was easy, but we worked drilling a low shot home from 25 but they were a pale shadow of give 50 per cent of our potential. We Kunbeaten run this season. hard for it. The players rightly yards out. The soft-spoken player themselves against Jaish. Signs weren’t good in any department. I AL WAKRAH 4 MESAIMEER 1 Ferreira is close to Far from spectacular, he has been carried out my instructions and we stood there smiling as team-mates of their tumble surfaced within also take the blame. This isn’t the coach Sabri Lamouchi’s “key player”, scored two goals in the first half. joined in the celebration. the opening five minutes itself Wakrah drubbed mesaimeer to register their third win. Argentinian striker Sebastian Saez taking over Sadd absorbing all the pressure in the Usually, it’s difficult to sustain the “Abdulrauf is a great person and a as French defender rod Fanni netted a hat-trick (seventh, 48th and 73rd) while midfield and always breaking that motivation level in the second half real professional. blundered with a back pass to put UMM SALAL SURPASSED moroccan playmaker mouhcine moutouali (81st) ESUALDo Ferreira is close to replacing extra sweat for his team’s cause. when you’ve a two-goal cushion, In my opinion, goalkeeper masoud Zarai under ARABI TO FOURTH IN completed the rout. brazilian forward Erivelto struck mesaimeer’s lone goal in the 77th. Housseine Amouta as Al Sadd coach. And destiny may have decided but we continued to be compact,” he’s the best pressure and the latter hit a goal THE STANDINGS ON AL KHARAITIYAT 2 AL SADD 4 Ferreira, who left Egyptian giants Zamalek that the defensive midfielder would said Lamouchi. player in his kick feebly towards romarinho. GOAL DIFFERENCE. J Thirteen-time champions Sadd came from behind last week despite leading them to a league and give his team the breakthrough barring striker Abderrazaq to defeat Kharaitiyat. Ibrahim majed (17th), Khalfan cup double in the 2014-15 season, reached Doha with a sublime effort on the Hamdallah, all players were Ibrahim (46th), Abdulkarim Hassan (72nd) and in early hours of Tuesday for negotiations. half-hour mark in the big match available for Lamouchi and they Arabi we all know this season,” said Hassan Al Haidous (75th) found the back of the “We’re negotiating with Ferreira on various against Al Arabi. It opened the were the better team on paper. the Italian who, however, had no net for Sadd. Yahia Kebe (33rd and 34th) netted Kharaitiyat’s goals. matters and the picture will be clear soon,” floodgates as Jaish ran riot to hand And they enjoyed possession complains about his players’ attitude. informed Sadd Football Head mohammed Al Arabi a 4-0 defeat. and controlled the midfield Umm Salal surpassed Arabi to Ghanem Al A’Ali. romarinho (34th), Sardor as play was confined fourth in the standings on goal Portuguese Ferreira, who boasts a three-and-a- rashidov (54th) and mohammed mostly to the Arabi half. difference after they left it late to half decade coaching career, has managed 16 clubs methnani (76th) also found the They were aggressive hold Al Ahli 1-1. as well as his country’s Under-21 team. but barring from the start and Champions Lekhwiya came from Zamalek, the 69-year-old has not had a spell in romarinho had a goal behind to defeat Al Khor 3-2 while the Arab region. A teacher-turned-foe of Chelsea ARABI COULD TAKE THE disallowed for offside Al Sadd were far from impressive in AL SAILIYA 1 AL GHARAFA 3 manager Jose mourinho, Ferreira is best known for ATTACK INTO THE early on. seeing off Al Kharaitiyat 4-2. guiding native club FC Porto to a hat-trick RIVAL AREA ONLY A Though former Al Gharafa, who fired Pericles Gharafa, who fired Pericles Chamusca as coach last week, defeated Sailiya. masoud Shojaei (25th), of domestic league titles starting with the COUPLE OF TIMES. Fulham winger Chamusca as coach, beat Al Sailiya Abdulaziz Hatem (38th) and Alain Dioko (43rd) found 2006-07 season. Ashkan Dejagah 3-1 while Al Wakrah prevailed over the target for the winners while Hamad Harbi (34th) Sadd are unbeaten and currently third in the initiated some quick bottom-placed mesaimeer 4-1. netted Sailiya’s only goal. Qatar Stars League (QSL), six points adrift of target as Jaish took their tally to 23 counter moves, Arabi leaders Al rayyan. Despite having players like points from a possible 27. found the going tough. STANDINGS Xavi Hernandez and Khalfan Ibrahim in their The victory had cut rayyan’s lead They could take the Al rayyan 9 9 0 0 34 8 27 ranks, their over Jaish to one point, but the attack into the rival area El Jaish 9 7 2 0 24 6 23 Al Sadd 9 6 3 0 21 9 21 performances Lions restored it to four by thrashing only a couple of times. Umm Salal 9 4 4 1 14 9 16 have not been Qatar Sports Club 9-0. Inspiring Abdulrauf then put Jaish Al Arabi 9 5 1 3 15 15 16 fully convincing. playmaker rodrigo Tabata stood out ahead. Yasser Abubaker Al Gharafa 9 4 2 3 10 9 14 Against Al Kharaitiyat last Sunday, they twice with a four-goal effort. went up to the byline along Lekhwiya 9 4 1 4 19 13 13 QATAR SC 0 AL RAYYAN 9 Al Ahli 9 3 4 2 13 11 13 fell behind before winning 4-2, forcing the Lamouchi had insisted the ties the right flank, beat marker Al Wakrah 9 3 0 6 12 15 9 management to look beyond Amouta. against Arabi and Al rayyan (on Ali Jasemi and centred rayyan thrashed Qatar SC to keep their all-win Al Kharaitiyat 9 2 1 6 12 23 7 record intact. rodrigo Tabata netted four goals The moroccan, who had reportedly wanted Saturday) would determine their the ball. Though Arabi’s Al Sailiya 9 2 1 6 8 20 7 (12th, 27th, 77th and 86th) while Sergio Garcia to step down last may, leaves after a decent league campaign this season. musaab mohammed Al Khor 9 1 2 6 6 13 5 struck a brace (30th and 65th). victor Caceres (13th), spell. The former Sadd player became their And the first hurdle turned out headed it away, the Qatar SC 9 1 1 7 8 27 4 EL JAISH 4 AL ARABI 0 Sebastian Soria (42nd) and Abdulmajid Enad (89th) Al mesaimeer 9 1 0 8 5 23 3 were the other scorers. technical director in 2011 and replaced Jorge to be an easy one as Arabi were ball fell to Abdulrauf, Fossati as coach the following season. Under Jaish defeated Arabi to continue their unbeaten run TOP SCORERS this season. Goals from Khaled Abdulrauf (30th), the 46-year-old, Sadd regained the QSL title KICK-OFF 10 rodrigo Tabata Al rayyan romarinho (34th), Sardor rashidov (54th) and muriqui Al Sadd (2012-13), and also won the Emir’s Cup Umm Salal vs Al Wakrah 8 mohammed methnani (76th) handed Arabi their Abderrazzak Hamdallah El Jaish (2014, ’15) and Sheikh Jassim Cup (’14). Thursday, Qatar SC Stadium, 4pm. worst defeat of the season. November 26 Yannick Sagbo Umm Salal “Amouta is most likely to continue with Al Sailiya vs Qatar SC Qatar SC Stadium, 6.30pm. 7 Sardor rashidov El Jaish us in a different capacity. We thank him for Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Gharafa Youssef msakni Lekhwiya all his contributions. No one can deny that Al Khor Stadium, 4pm. Sergio Garcia Al rayyan Yahia Kebe Al Kharaitiyat we played exceptionally well under him Al Arabi vs Al Ahli DSP/Mohan in the last three seasons. We won titles Friday, Al Arabi Stadium, 4pm. 6 Paulinho Al Arabi November 27 romarinho El Jaish and Khalfan, Nadir belhadj and Hassan mesaimeer vs Al Khor Al Arabi Stadium, 6.30pm. Sebastian Saez Al Wakrah Al Haidous bagged the Qatar Football Al Sadd vs Lekhwiya Sebastian Soria Al rayyan Š Association’s best-player awards in Al Sadd Stadium, 6.30pm. ŠAl Arabi’s Ali meshaal Abdullah Al Ahli Jassemi challenges 5 Al rayyan vs El Jaish muhcine moutouali Al Wakrah the past three seasons,” said Al Housseine Saturday, El Jaish’s Khaled A’Ali. Amouta November 28 Al Sadd Stadium, 5.30pm. Abdulrauf. vladimir Weiss Lekhwiya www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 7

QSL WEEK 9 | SHORT TAKES

UMM SALAL 1 AL AHLI 1 LEKHWIYA 3 AL KHOR 2

Umm Salal came from behind to hold Ahli. Lekhwiya got back to winning ways by beating Inspirational captain meshaal Abdullah put Ahli Khor. Khaled muftah (50th), Nam Tae-Hee (73rd) ahead in the 31st minute while Ivorian striker and mohammed muntari (88th) scored for the Yannick Sagbo won a penalty and converted it champions while Julio Cesar had twice put Khor himself to draw parity in the 89th. ahead, in the 40th and 58th.

BLAZING!position in Qatar. He’s always ready “It took only eight minutes for me to work for the team. He has been to realise that we would be bad,” brilliant this season with us because said Arabi coach Gianfranco Zola, his confidence level has gone up. who described their performance as I’m quite happy for him,” Lamouchi the “worst” since he took over this showered praise on his illustrious season. ward. “Jaish were the stronger side Arabi have been one of the and we all knew that, but what most improved teams this season, disappointed me was that we didn’t but they were a pale shadow of give 50 per cent of our potential. We themselves against Jaish. Signs weren’t good in any department. I AL WAKRAH 4 MESAIMEER 1 of their tumble surfaced within also take the blame. This isn’t the the opening five minutes itself Wakrah drubbed mesaimeer to register their third win. Argentinian striker Sebastian Saez as French defender rod Fanni netted a hat-trick (seventh, 48th and 73rd) while blundered with a back pass to put UMM SALAL SURPASSED moroccan playmaker mouhcine moutouali (81st) goalkeeper masoud Zarai under ARABI TO FOURTH IN completed the rout. brazilian forward Erivelto struck mesaimeer’s lone goal in the 77th. pressure and the latter hit a goal THE STANDINGS ON AL KHARAITIYAT 2 AL SADD 4 kick feebly towards romarinho. GOAL DIFFERENCE. Thirteen-time champions Sadd came from behind to defeat Kharaitiyat. Ibrahim majed (17th), Khalfan Ibrahim (46th), Abdulkarim Hassan (72nd) and Arabi we all know this season,” said Hassan Al Haidous (75th) found the back of the the Italian who, however, had no net for Sadd. Yahia Kebe (33rd and 34th) netted Kharaitiyat’s goals. complains about his players’ attitude. Umm Salal surpassed Arabi to fourth in the standings on goal difference after they left it late to hold Al Ahli 1-1. Champions Lekhwiya came from behind to defeat Al Khor 3-2 while Al Sadd were far from impressive in AL SAILIYA 1 AL GHARAFA 3 seeing off Al Kharaitiyat 4-2. Al Gharafa, who fired Pericles Gharafa, who fired Pericles Chamusca as coach last week, defeated Sailiya. masoud Shojaei (25th), Chamusca as coach, beat Al Sailiya Abdulaziz Hatem (38th) and Alain Dioko (43rd) found 3-1 while Al Wakrah prevailed over the target for the winners while Hamad Harbi (34th) bottom-placed mesaimeer 4-1. netted Sailiya’s only goal. STANDINGS Al rayyan 9 9 0 0 34 8 27 El Jaish 9 7 2 0 24 6 23 Al Sadd 9 6 3 0 21 9 21 Umm Salal 9 4 4 1 14 9 16 Al Arabi 9 5 1 3 15 15 16 Al Gharafa 9 4 2 3 10 9 14 Lekhwiya 9 4 1 4 19 13 13 QATAR SC 0 AL RAYYAN 9 Al Ahli 9 3 4 2 13 11 13 Al Wakrah 9 3 0 6 12 15 9 rayyan thrashed Qatar SC to keep their all-win Al Kharaitiyat 9 2 1 6 12 23 7 record intact. rodrigo Tabata netted four goals Al Sailiya 9 2 1 6 8 20 7 (12th, 27th, 77th and 86th) while Sergio Garcia Al Khor 9 1 2 6 6 13 5 struck a brace (30th and 65th). victor Caceres (13th), Qatar SC 9 1 1 7 8 27 4 EL JAISH 4 AL ARABI 0 Sebastian Soria (42nd) and Abdulmajid Enad (89th) Al mesaimeer 9 1 0 8 5 23 3 were the other scorers. Jaish defeated Arabi to continue their unbeaten run TOP SCORERS this season. Goals from Khaled Abdulrauf (30th), 10 rodrigo Tabata Al rayyan romarinho (34th), Sardor rashidov (54th) and muriqui Al Sadd 8 mohammed methnani (76th) handed Arabi their Abderrazzak Hamdallah El Jaish worst defeat of the season. Yannick Sagbo Umm Salal 7 Sardor rashidov El Jaish Youssef msakni Lekhwiya Sergio Garcia Al rayyan Yahia Kebe Al Kharaitiyat DSP/Mohan 6 Paulinho Al Arabi romarinho El Jaish Sebastian Saez Al Wakrah Sebastian Soria Al rayyan meshaal Abdullah Al Ahli 5 muhcine moutouali Al Wakrah vladimir Weiss Lekhwiya 8 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR

Tabata gives credit “We had a good start with three wins on the trot, but injuries affected the to team spirit side. We’re working on getting the team back on track. It was heartening ‘I felt ashamed to even L rAYYAN’S inspiring playmaker Rodrigo to see the team winning. Tabata, who scored four goals in their 9-0 Arout of Qatar Sports Club, said team spirit Habib Sadiq, Al Gharafa’s caretaker coach. and the great job being done by their technical staff have helped them perform incredibly well so far this season. “There’re lots of factors, the most important of kiss my grandchildren’ which are the team spirit and huge role played by the Al Gharafa return and one each from former Qatar SC boat knowing what lies in front is technical staff led by coach Jorge Fossati. In addition, N Ganesh captain Sebastian Soria, towering disaster. We lost a chance to win there’s the support of the club management headed Paraguayan victor Caceres and three points and didn’t score, but the by Sheikh Saud bin Khalid Al Thani. Lastly, we to winning ways promising Qatari player Abdulmajid most pathetic sight was receiving can’t forget the role our fans play,” Tabata told ATAr Sports Club coach Enad made it a nightmare for nine goals. www.qsl.com.qa. headed home an Aden Ali cross Sebastiao Lazaroni said he Lazaroni’s wards. “When I came back, I knew Asked whether he had expected the Mohammad Amin-ul Islam past goalkeeper Gregory Gomez, Qwas so embarrassed by their The brazilian came back to Qatar it would be difficult. Against team to go nine games undefeated, the but Sailiya drew level when Gharafa crushing 0-9 defeat against leaders SC three rounds ago, replacing Iraqi mesaimeer, I noticed a slight brazilian said, “Expectations might be true defender Al mahdi Ali scored an Al rayyan that he felt ashamed to radhi Shenaishil. Though the men in improvement and against Khor, or false, you don’t really know what’s going HE change in coaching reins own goal in the 36th. even kiss his grandchildren. black and yellow defeated bottom- we committed two mistakes and to happen until you start playing. I believe our focus seemed to have helped Al Dioko had a big hand in Gharafa’s “I take full responsibility for the placed mesaimeer 2-0 in his first paid the price. In the rayyan game, during each and every game is the main contributing TGharafa as they returned to second goal as his powerful shot defeat. I chose the line-up and match, they suffered a 1-2 defeat we never showed the attitude, the factor to the victories. winning ways in the Qatar Stars ricocheted after hitting the post and I adopted the strategy. Sorry to against Al Khor. players couldn’t keep the ball or give “The team is on the right track towards fighting for League, beating Al Sailiya 3-1 at the Abdulaziz Hatem capitalised on the the Qatar Sports Club family, a simple pass. It was a total failure. the Qatar Stars League title. Everyone in the team is Al Wakrah Stadium last week. rebound. Gharafa added their third

especially our supporters. Every member of our team had been Divakaran DSP/Vinod looking to continue with positive results. We’re very Some negative results had in the 45th when Dioko found the I’ve never suffered I’M HERE TO SHARE MY so inconsistent over the last two much focused. Currently, El Jaish and Al Sadd are the cost Pericles Chamusca his job at back of the net for his second goal such a big defeat in KNOWLEDGE, BUT IT’S matches that I couldn’t measure their closest in terms of points. The league is still in its Gharafa, who replaced the brazilian of the season. my entire career. I THE PLAYERS WHO’VE TO potential while adopting our game beginning and there’ll be many surprises to come,” with reserve team coach Habib “We had a good start with MAKE SACRIFICES. plan,” said Lazaroni, who managed said the 35-year-old. Sadiq after the recent 0-1 loss to Al three wins on the trot, but injuries his country at the 1990 World Cup. Sadd. affected the side. We’re working Asked what was the way forward, THINGS LEARNT DURING THE NINTH WEEK It was Gharafa’s third defeat in Qatar SC, who finished fourth last the former Qatar national team coach five matches and a real setback. season, are now second last in the said, “Now, this moment, is the Chamusca had promised to deliver URUGUAYAN DIEGO injury, The Frenchman Cup-winning Qatar Ebrahim have been a big 14-team league. They have let in 27 time to make decisions. Every single the goods after the fortnight-long AGUIRRE HAS TAKEN turned to Wagner and team. Daniel Carreno too letdown, often spoiling goals, the most by any team in this player is responsible. They should he grabbed the chance. has kept faith in him. their team-mates’ good international break. The brazilian OVER AS THE NEW AL season’s competition. walk on to the pitch ready to give The brazilian played “I’m always ready,” said work. had told Doha Stadium Plus GHARAFA COACH. lost my face and felt so ashamed Against rayyan, they were their blood and sweat. I’m here to exceptionally well last meshaal. about his team’s weaknesses and to even kiss my grandchildren,” never in the game. They did not share my experience and knowledge, week against Arabi. His particularly star striker Alain Dioko’s Lazaroni gave vent to his frustration create a single real opportunity and but it’s the players who’ve to make performance would give STRONG AS EVER poor form, and had vouched to set on getting the team back on track. after watching his team tumble like the margin could have been much sacrifices.” Lamouchi a welcome his team’s fortunes right. It was heartening to see the team headache ahead of the At 36, Fabio Cesar is not ninepins. bigger had rayyan capitalised on all The 65-year-old’s main task will The Congolese international, their winning. Everything looked perfect, rayyan tie as Hamdallah getting younger, but he Four goals from playmaker their chances. be to help his boys regain their is expected to be fully fit proved last week prize catch, was nowhere near his but the team needs to be physically rodrigo Tabata, a brace by former “I was looking at the watch and composure ahead of Saturday’s NEAR PERFECT in time. against Al Ahli lethal form he displayed for Al Ahli stronger,” added caretaker coach Espanyol captain Sergio Garcia found myself to be a driver of a match against Al Sailiya. that when it comes to in the last two seasons. As a result, Habib, who had also guided Gharafa Al rayyan demolished technique and skills, he the team suffered terribly under after the departure of Frenchman Qatar Sports Club to once is still one of the best in Chamusca, who felt the striker Alain Perrin towards the end of ŢŢQatar Sports again display their class. the Qatar Stars League. Club’s mouhcine For many neutral fans, it The Umm Salal captain lacked heart. 2012-13 season. Iajour, left, and is a foregone conclusion completed the match Dioko returned to form but, The Tunisian, who pointed out Al rayyan’s ironically, it came too late for the brazilian’s failure to keep the Abdulhamid Enad that rayyan will win the against Ahli, working vie for the ball. league title this season. hard, creating attacks Chamusca. team in good shape, could give After their 9-0 victory and getting frequently “Now that he has scored, he’ll be Gharafa a morale-boosting win. but last Sunday, fans believe into the rival area. He has unstoppable,” said Habib. how Uruguayan Diego Aguirre, who coach Jorge Fossati, who played his part this season Gharafa opened the scoring was last week named as their new helped Al Sadd to a sweep in taking Umm Salal to of domestic titles in the fourth in the standings. As HAT-TRICK HERO in the 25th minute when Iran coach, will guide them is the most 2006-07 season, could AGE JUST NUMBER Fabio, one of their most international masoud Shojaei important question. Al Wakrah are still in the repeat the feat with the meshaal Abdullah has senior players, performs Lions this time. Asked consistently, Umm Salal lower half of the table been the livewire in Al but their performances, about their display against Ahli’s frontline, scoring youngsters like Adel Qatar SC, the Uruguayan Alsoleymani and Ismail particularly against Jaish crucial goals and leading in the seventh round, said, “It was near perfect spiritedly from the front. because I don’t think proved they deserved No wonder, he is their better than the current anyone can achieve top scorer with five goals. perfection in this world.” ninth place in standings. Against Umm Salal last They could not afford week, he headed his anything less than a GRABBING CHANCE team’s only goal from a victory against bottom- Sabri Lamouchi has been corner. “I don’t think placed mesaimeer last nicely rotating the El about my personal week and they did well Sebastiao Jaish squad, yet Wagner gains. For me, always to troop out 4-1 winners. Lazaroni ribeiro, a key player since my team comes Argentinian striker their top-flight entry in first,” meshaal told Sebastian Saez was once the 2011-12 season, did Doha Stadium Plus. again the hero as he not get enough minutes The 33-year-old’s fighting netted a hat-trick. The on the pitch in the spirit is something the victory should give Jose opening weeks. However, national team coaches mauricio’s men the much- with moroccan forward could not overlook. He needed confidence ahead was the member of Abderrazak Hamdallah of Thursday’s tie against Dabboos DSP/Mohammed sidelined with a groin Djamel belmadi’s Gulf Umm Salal. šš Al Gharafa’s Alain Dioko and masoud Shojaei celebrate a goal against Al Sailiya. 8 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR

especially our supporters. Every member of our team had been Divakaran DSP/Vinod looking to continue with positive results. We’re very Some negative results had in the 45th when Dioko found the I’ve never suffered I’M HERE TO SHARE MY so inconsistent over the last two much focused. Currently, El Jaish and Al Sadd are the cost Pericles Chamusca his job at back of the net for his second goal such a big defeat in KNOWLEDGE, BUT IT’S matches that I couldn’t measure their closest in terms of points. The league is still in its Gharafa, who replaced the brazilian of the season. my entire career. I THE PLAYERS WHO’VE TO potential while adopting our game beginning and there’ll be many surprises to come,” with reserve team coach Habib “We had a good start with MAKE SACRIFICES. plan,” said Lazaroni, who managed said the 35-year-old. Sadiq after the recent 0-1 loss to Al three wins on the trot, but injuries his country at the 1990 World Cup. Sadd. affected the side. We’re working Asked what was the way forward, THINGS LEARNT DURING THE NINTH WEEK It was Gharafa’s third defeat in Qatar SC, who finished fourth last the former Qatar national team coach five matches and a real setback. season, are now second last in the said, “Now, this moment, is the Chamusca had promised to deliver URUGUAYAN DIEGO injury, The Frenchman Cup-winning Qatar Ebrahim have been a big 14-team league. They have let in 27 time to make decisions. Every single the goods after the fortnight-long AGUIRRE HAS TAKEN turned to Wagner and team. Daniel Carreno too letdown, often spoiling goals, the most by any team in this player is responsible. They should he grabbed the chance. has kept faith in him. their team-mates’ good international break. The brazilian OVER AS THE NEW AL season’s competition. walk on to the pitch ready to give The brazilian played “I’m always ready,” said work. had told Doha Stadium Plus GHARAFA COACH. lost my face and felt so ashamed Against rayyan, they were their blood and sweat. I’m here to exceptionally well last meshaal. about his team’s weaknesses and to even kiss my grandchildren,” never in the game. They did not share my experience and knowledge, week against Arabi. His particularly star striker Alain Dioko’s Lazaroni gave vent to his frustration create a single real opportunity and but it’s the players who’ve to make performance would give STRONG AS EVER poor form, and had vouched to set on getting the team back on track. after watching his team tumble like the margin could have been much sacrifices.” Lamouchi a welcome his team’s fortunes right. It was heartening to see the team headache ahead of the At 36, Fabio Cesar is not ninepins. bigger had rayyan capitalised on all The 65-year-old’s main task will The Congolese international, their winning. Everything looked perfect, rayyan tie as Hamdallah getting younger, but he Four goals from playmaker their chances. be to help his boys regain their is expected to be fully fit proved last week prize catch, was nowhere near his but the team needs to be physically rodrigo Tabata, a brace by former “I was looking at the watch and composure ahead of Saturday’s NEAR PERFECT in time. against Al Ahli lethal form he displayed for Al Ahli stronger,” added caretaker coach Espanyol captain Sergio Garcia found myself to be a driver of a match against Al Sailiya. that when it comes to in the last two seasons. As a result, Habib, who had also guided Gharafa Al rayyan demolished technique and skills, he the team suffered terribly under after the departure of Frenchman Qatar Sports Club to once is still one of the best in Chamusca, who felt the striker Alain Perrin towards the end of ŢŢQatar Sports again display their class. the Qatar Stars League. Club’s mouhcine For many neutral fans, it The Umm Salal captain lacked heart. 2012-13 season. Iajour, left, and is a foregone conclusion completed the match Dioko returned to form but, The Tunisian, who pointed out Al rayyan’s ironically, it came too late for the brazilian’s failure to keep the Abdulhamid Enad that rayyan will win the against Ahli, working vie for the ball. league title this season. hard, creating attacks Chamusca. team in good shape, could give After their 9-0 victory and getting frequently “Now that he has scored, he’ll be Gharafa a morale-boosting win. but last Sunday, fans believe into the rival area. He has unstoppable,” said Habib. how Uruguayan Diego Aguirre, who coach Jorge Fossati, who played his part this season Gharafa opened the scoring was last week named as their new helped Al Sadd to a sweep in taking Umm Salal to of domestic titles in the fourth in the standings. As HAT-TRICK HERO in the 25th minute when Iran coach, will guide them is the most 2006-07 season, could AGE JUST NUMBER Fabio, one of their most international masoud Shojaei important question. Al Wakrah are still in the repeat the feat with the meshaal Abdullah has senior players, performs Lions this time. Asked consistently, Umm Salal lower half of the table been the livewire in Al but their performances, about their display against Ahli’s frontline, scoring youngsters like Adel Qatar SC, the Uruguayan Alsoleymani and Ismail particularly against Jaish crucial goals and leading in the seventh round, said, “It was near perfect spiritedly from the front. because I don’t think proved they deserved No wonder, he is their better than the current anyone can achieve top scorer with five goals. perfection in this world.” ninth place in standings. Against Umm Salal last They could not afford week, he headed his anything less than a GRABBING CHANCE team’s only goal from a victory against bottom- Sabri Lamouchi has been corner. “I don’t think placed mesaimeer last nicely rotating the El about my personal week and they did well Sebastiao Jaish squad, yet Wagner gains. For me, always to troop out 4-1 winners. Lazaroni ribeiro, a key player since my team comes Argentinian striker their top-flight entry in first,” meshaal told Sebastian Saez was once the 2011-12 season, did Doha Stadium Plus. again the hero as he not get enough minutes The 33-year-old’s fighting netted a hat-trick. The on the pitch in the spirit is something the victory should give Jose opening weeks. However, national team coaches mauricio’s men the much- with moroccan forward could not overlook. He needed confidence ahead was the member of Abderrazak Hamdallah of Thursday’s tie against Dabboos DSP/Mohammed sidelined with a groin Djamel belmadi’s Gulf Umm Salal. šš Al Gharafa’s Alain Dioko and masoud Shojaei celebrate a goal against Al Sailiya. 10 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbER 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 11 FOOTBALL | QATAR/ASIA ‘Qatar ’22 not an easy challenge’

oP Italian coach roberto and Sampdoria player, expressed between his Inter side and Qatar- mancini, who was in Doha satisfaction with the progress Qatar owned Paris Saint-Germain. Trecently, said Qatar had a has made towards hosting the “The game against PSG isn’t tough task on hand in successfully event. a mere friendly. It’ll be a delivering the first World Cup of the “I’m pleased that Qatar is hosting competitive affair between middle East, but added the country the tournament. It’s a country with two top European clubs ‘Overall level will could achieve it by putting in a lot a different culture and I’m happy on preparing for the second be high at Qatar of hard work. behalf of the people of Italy. Qatar half of the season. I’m The Inter milan coach, who are also in the process of building happy that my side World Cup’ helped manchester City win the some incredible stadiums, which’ll will be training in the Former real madrid president English Premier League title by be completed over the next few magnificent facilities in Ramon Calderon said he dethroning neighbours United in years. That’s very important,” he Doha,” he said. expected a higher overall level the 2011-12 season, said, “United said. mancini also spoke at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. were a top club for many years mancini, a semifinalist at the highly about PSG “The tournament is usually and to achieve equal status with 1990 World Cup at home, also had striker Zlatan held in June-July and most them was very tough for City. We some advice for Qatar’s future team. Ibrahimovic, players reach the event tired. Since Qatar will host the bought a lot of good players, who “Playing in front of home fans can who was an tournament in November- worked very hard and gave the club have its positives and negatives as important December, the players will be their first title in a long time. I like well. In ’90, there was tremendous player under much fresher and energetic as to take up difficult challenges and pressure on us to win and we lost to him at Inter, they wouldn’t have played more work hard towards achieving my Argentina in the semifinal in Naples helping them than 10-12 matches,” Calderon goals. Similarly, Qatar’s challenge on penalties despite dominating win the 2007-08 Serie A title. said in Doha last week. “I was a bit doubtful about ššvictorious Guangzhou Evergrande players with AFC chief Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, left, and vice-President Saud Abdulaziz Al mohannadi on the podium. of hosting the first World Cup in the tournament until then. We “Zlatan is one of the best players the fans’ reaction before the region isn’t an easy one. but deserved to triumph, but the in the world. He has scored a lot the tournament timing was the country can stage a successful pressure didn’t help,” he said. of goals and some very important Roberto changed to November. but they tournament by working hard.” mancini said he was looking ones for us. He deserves to win the Mancini too seem to find it comfortable,” The 50-year-old, a former Lazio forward to the friendly in Doha ballon D’or,” said mancini. he said.

şşGuangzhou Evergrande’s Guangzhou all the way Elkeson, left, vies with Al Ahli’s Kwon Kyung-Won. Grooming leaders, Josoor style RAZILIAN forward Elkeson a man-of-the-match display. tackle from behind. ROLL OF HONOUR scored a stunning goal in The 26-year-old, who scored The central defender was dragged Last 10 champions ErSoNAL development, skills During the second phase in name a few. Bfront of home fans as China’s in both legs of the ’13 final, off the field by three members of for managing teams and London, the participants attended the “We’re pleased to work once Guangzhou Evergrande edged bamboozled his marker Salmin the coaching staff in embarrassing 2015 2009 Pdeveloping talent, and strategies Leaders Sport Performance Summit, again with our partner Leaders, and the UAE’s Al Ahli 1-0 to win their Khamis with a clever turn inside scenes. Guangzhou Pohang Steelers for creating and sustaining high- one of the pre-eminent conferences their world-class speakers to deliver second Asian Champions League the penalty area before curling the Ahli bravely fought on with 10 Evergrande (CHN) (KoR) performance organisations were in the industry. They also got a chance the Sports Performance Leadership title in three years. ball with the outside of his foot past men in search of the goal that some of the key points discussed to tour the Emirates Stadium and programme. our delegates had the Guangzhou, who won a fifth goalkeeper Ahmed Ashoor in the would have landed them the during the Sports Performance Stamford bridge, home of Arsenal and chance to network with some of the consecutive Chinese title recently, 54th minute. title on the away goals rule, but 2014 2008 Leadership Executive Development Chelsea football club respectively, and most influential people in sports,” said Western Sydney Gamba will now represent Asia at the they struggled to test substitute Programme, organised recently Josoor Institute’s Executive Director Wanderers (AUS) osaka (JPN) FIFA Club World Cup in Japan next goalkeeper Li Shuai, who replaced by the Josoor Institute, a centre of (Acting) mushtaq Al Waeli. month after coach Luiz Felipe SALMIN’S MATCH ENDED injured first-choice Zeng Cheng in excellence inspired and developed by OUR DELEGATES HAD THE “Josoor Institute’s executive Scolari extended his unbeaten run 12 MINUTES LATER WHEN the first half. 2013 2007 the Supreme Committee for Delivery CHANCE TO NETWORK development programmes are to 23 matches since taking charge HE WAS SENT OFF FOR The visitors’ best chance came Guangzhou Urawa Red and Legacy (SCDL). WITH SOME INFLUENTIAL designed for delegates to gain in June. STANDING ON ZHENG. when the impressive Everton Evergrande (CHN) Diamonds (JPN) The eight-day programme, which PEOPLE IN SPORTS. comprehensive, innovative and The 2002 brazilian World Ribeiro sent his brazilian compatriot took place in Doha and London, was applicable knowledge and skills that’ll Cup-winning coach owed last Lima clear on goal in the 77th, but 2012 2006 co-hosted by Leaders, a global event, facilitate the translation of vision into week’s triumph to his compatriot It was a stunning piece of skill Kim Young-Gwon chased down the Ulsan Hyundai Jeonbuk Hyundai Three named publishing and consultancy business gain a first-hand knowledge about action in their work. It’s in line with Elkeson, a player whose position in that finally brought an end to striker and produced a fantastic (KoR) motors (KoR) group. venue operations. our mission to develop a generation the squad came under threat when the deadlock between the two last-gasp tackle to block the for Player of Delegates from the SCDL, Qatar The delegates also had the of professionals in Qatar and across Scolari signed former Real madrid expensively-assembled teams, who forward. the Year Award Football Association, Qatar Stars opportunity to attend sessions and the region,” he said. forward Robinho in July. were again guilty of being overly With Ahli piling forward, Elkeson 2011 League, Qatar Foundation, Aspire interact with experts such as sports Leaders Founder and CEo James Al Sadd (QAT) China’s Zheng Zhi, and the Scolari, though, opted for cautious as in the goalless first leg had a chance to relieve the stress, Zone and Lekhwiya Sports Club psychologist Tom Cross, NFL & NbA Worrall added, “Since 2008, we UAE duo of Ahmed Khalil Elkeson, who had suffered injury in Dubai a fortnight ago. but he blazed a shot over the bar and omar Abdulrahman are attended the programme. teams’ High Performance Consultant have championed excellence in problems this year, over Robinho Salmin’s match ended 12 minutes in the 94th. It mattered little as 2010 the three nominees for the Speakers from the world of sports, Steve Gera, Salford University’s international sport, delivering the best as one of his four foreigners in the later when he was sent off for Guangzhou held on to the delight of Seongnam Ilhwa coveted AFC Player of the Year business and academia shared their Centre for Sports business Director insights and content to professionals Champions League squad and he standing on Zheng Long having the more than 50,000 crowd at the Chunma (KoR) Award this year. insights into how to become effective Chris brady and bayern munich in sports business and sports rewarded the coach’s decision with brought him to the ground with a Tianhe Stadium. Australian ace Elise Kellond- leaders and managers. Technical Director michael reschke to performance.” Knight, and Japan’s Aya miyama and rumi Utsugi are “I wish to extend “We’ve now won SPECIAL in contention for the Women’s my heartiest the Champions AWARDS Player of the Year Award. congratulations League twice MOST VALUABLE The Annual Awards gala PLAYER to Guangzhou in three will be held in New Delhi on Ricardo Goulart November 29. Evergrande years. We’re (Guangzhou on winning growing day Evergrande) TOP SCORER NOMINEES the Champions by day, so we can MEN League. It was a momentous dream of improving further. We Ricardo Goulart Ahmed Khalil (UAE) tournament, with new records set still have a long way to go, but I’ve 8 goals omar Abdulrahman (UAE) in attendance. a great team at a fantastic club FAIR PLAY Zheng Zhi (China) and exceptional players. Guangzhou WOMEN Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Evergrande Aya miyama (JPN) Asian Football Confederation President. Luiz Felipe Scolari, Elise Kellond-Knight (AUS) Guangzhou Evergrande coach. šşQatar Football Association Competitions Head Hamad Saleh Al mannai, fourth left, and mushtaq Al Waeli, centre, with other delegates at rumi Utsugi (JPN) Stamford bridge. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 11

‘Qatar ’22 not an easy challenge’

oP Italian coach roberto and Sampdoria player, expressed between his Inter side and Qatar- mancini, who was in Doha satisfaction with the progress Qatar owned Paris Saint-Germain. Trecently, said Qatar had a has made towards hosting the “The game against PSG isn’t tough task on hand in successfully event. a mere friendly. It’ll be a delivering the first World Cup of the “I’m pleased that Qatar is hosting competitive affair between middle East, but added the country the tournament. It’s a country with two top European clubs ‘Overall level will could achieve it by putting in a lot a different culture and I’m happy on preparing for the second be high at Qatar of hard work. behalf of the people of Italy. Qatar half of the season. I’m The Inter milan coach, who are also in the process of building happy that my side World Cup’ helped manchester City win the some incredible stadiums, which’ll will be training in the Former real madrid president English Premier League title by be completed over the next few magnificent facilities in Ramon Calderon said he dethroning neighbours United in years. That’s very important,” he Doha,” he said. expected a higher overall level the 2011-12 season, said, “United said. mancini also spoke at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. were a top club for many years mancini, a semifinalist at the highly about PSG “The tournament is usually and to achieve equal status with 1990 World Cup at home, also had striker Zlatan held in June-July and most them was very tough for City. We some advice for Qatar’s future team. Ibrahimovic, players reach the event tired. Since Qatar will host the bought a lot of good players, who “Playing in front of home fans can who was an tournament in November- worked very hard and gave the club have its positives and negatives as important December, the players will be their first title in a long time. I like well. In ’90, there was tremendous player under much fresher and energetic as to take up difficult challenges and pressure on us to win and we lost to him at Inter, they wouldn’t have played more work hard towards achieving my Argentina in the semifinal in Naples helping them than 10-12 matches,” Calderon goals. Similarly, Qatar’s challenge on penalties despite dominating win the 2007-08 Serie A title. said in Doha last week. of hosting the first World Cup in the tournament until then. We “Zlatan is one of the best players “I was a bit doubtful about the fans’ reaction before the region isn’t an easy one. but deserved to triumph, but the in the world. He has scored a lot the tournament timing was the country can stage a successful pressure didn’t help,” he said. of goals and some very important Roberto changed to November. but they tournament by working hard.” mancini said he was looking ones for us. He deserves to win the Mancini too seem to find it comfortable,” The 50-year-old, a former Lazio forward to the friendly in Doha ballon D’or,” said mancini. he said.

şşGuangzhou Evergrande’s Elkeson, left, vies with Al Ahli’s Kwon Kyung-Won. Grooming leaders, Josoor style ErSoNAL development, skills During the second phase in name a few. for managing teams and London, the participants attended the “We’re pleased to work once Pdeveloping talent, and strategies Leaders Sport Performance Summit, again with our partner Leaders, and for creating and sustaining high- one of the pre-eminent conferences their world-class speakers to deliver performance organisations were in the industry. They also got a chance the Sports Performance Leadership some of the key points discussed to tour the Emirates Stadium and programme. our delegates had the during the Sports Performance Stamford bridge, home of Arsenal and chance to network with some of the Leadership Executive Development Chelsea football club respectively, and most influential people in sports,” said Programme, organised recently Josoor Institute’s Executive Director by the Josoor Institute, a centre of (Acting) mushtaq Al Waeli. excellence inspired and developed by OUR DELEGATES HAD THE “Josoor Institute’s executive the Supreme Committee for Delivery CHANCE TO NETWORK development programmes are and Legacy (SCDL). WITH SOME INFLUENTIAL designed for delegates to gain The eight-day programme, which PEOPLE IN SPORTS. comprehensive, innovative and took place in Doha and London, was applicable knowledge and skills that’ll co-hosted by Leaders, a global event, facilitate the translation of vision into Three named publishing and consultancy business gain a first-hand knowledge about action in their work. It’s in line with group. venue operations. our mission to develop a generation for Player of Delegates from the SCDL, Qatar The delegates also had the of professionals in Qatar and across the Year Award Football Association, Qatar Stars opportunity to attend sessions and the region,” he said. League, Qatar Foundation, Aspire interact with experts such as sports Leaders Founder and CEo James China’s Zheng Zhi, and the Zone and Lekhwiya Sports Club psychologist Tom Cross, NFL & NbA Worrall added, “Since 2008, we UAE duo of Ahmed Khalil and omar Abdulrahman are attended the programme. teams’ High Performance Consultant have championed excellence in the three nominees for the Speakers from the world of sports, Steve Gera, Salford University’s international sport, delivering the best coveted AFC Player of the Year business and academia shared their Centre for Sports business Director insights and content to professionals Award this year. insights into how to become effective Chris brady and bayern munich in sports business and sports Australian ace Elise Kellond- leaders and managers. Technical Director michael reschke to performance.” Knight, and Japan’s Aya miyama and rumi Utsugi are in contention for the Women’s Player of the Year Award. The Annual Awards gala will be held in New Delhi on November 29.

NOMINEES MEN Ahmed Khalil (UAE) omar Abdulrahman (UAE) Zheng Zhi (China) WOMEN Aya miyama (JPN) Elise Kellond-Knight (AUS) šşQatar Football Association Competitions Head Hamad Saleh Al mannai, fourth left, and mushtaq Al Waeli, centre, with other delegates at rumi Utsugi (JPN) Stamford bridge. 12 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 13 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

WHO NEEDS BENITEZ ON MAGISTERIAL BALE GOES LA MASIA’S LIONEL MESSI? THE BRINK? DISPLAY MISSING AGAIN NEW STAR? Arguably the most Despite having lost just Neymar and Suarez had In his 100th game in a Whilst madrid started with remarkable part of an utterly twice in 16 games in charge, scored barca’s previous 19 madrid shirt, this was a 10 foreigners for the first time dominant display from a defeat of this magnitude La Liga goals before Andres glorious chance for Gareth in a Clasico, barca remained barca was the fact most of could spell the end for Iniesta rifled his side’s third bale to dispel the mounting true to their tradition with the damage was inflicted benitez. into the top corner to end critics of his impotent five graduates from their La without Lionel messi on the The madrid fans called any hopes of a madrid displays in a real shirt for masia academy in the starting field. for President Florentino revival in the second half. the past 18 months. line-up. The four-time World Player Perez’s resignation as their Another magisterial Yet, despite playing in his one of those five, Sergi of the Year made his return humiliation unfolded, but display from the Spanish favoured role behind the roberto, was rewarded for from a two-month injury that is only more likely to international reaped the striker, bale had no impact his fine form this season with layoff with the visitors see the top man at the club applause it deserved when on the game whatsoever a start in the position on the already 3-0 up. once turn on benitez. he was replaced late on, and the time may be coming right side of the attack usually again, it was Luis Suarez moreover, with a club even from the frustrated when madrid decide to occupied by messi. FIVE CONCLUSIONS and Neymar who shone in legend like Zinedine Zidane madrid fans in scenes similar cut their losses on the And he was messi-like in messi’s absence as Suarez coaching madrid’s reserve to the famous reception Welshman with a series of setting up the opening goal opened and rounded off the team, Perez would not have given to ronaldinho after his Premier League clubs said to as he drove at the madrid scoring while Neymar added to look far for a popular two incredible goals in a 3-0 be interested. defence before timing a barca’s second and set up replacement. barca win at the bernabeu perfect pass into the path of two more in the second half. 10 years ago. Suarez.

ššbarcelona players applaud fans after their History repeats as game against real madrid. Iniesta gets salute LmoST exactly 10 years after fans stood to applaud. it first occurred, the previously It may have helped that Iniesta FOURGONE! Aunthinkable happened again is a hero in Spain for the goal last week — real madrid fans got that won the ’10 World Cup, but

LUIS SUAREZ, NEYMAR AND ANDRES INIESTA GET ON THE SCORESHEET AS CHAMPIONS BARCELONA to their feet to applaud a barcelona it nonetheless underlined the DSP/Mohan HUMILIATE REAL MADRID IN THE SPANISH LEAGUE’S EL CLASICO, WRITES IAIN ROGERS. player during the ‘Clasico’ even brilliance of the 31-year-old’s though their team was losing. performance that real fans again Instead of the usual vitriol barca cast aside their hatred for their rivals Barca taught Real players have had hurled at them at for a moment. ArCELoNA remarkable considering coach Luis A giant French flag was unfurled Neymar and as the players the bernabeu stadium, when Iniesta made his Clasico debut a lesson, says Xavi dealt a stinging Enrique had started with a fit-again in the stands and the marseillaise trooped off, a cacophony of captain Andres Iniesta a year before ronaldinho’s double Bblow to real Lionel messi on the bench. played during a minute’s silence whistles rang out around the was substituted near madrid’s title hopes The Argentina captain, who has before kick-off to honour the victims stadium mixed with chants for the end of their N Ganesh when Luis Suarez and been out for nearly two months of the Paris attacks and security was Perez to go. La Liga victory, INIESTA HAS WON 14, Neymar continued their with a knee injury, came on for Ivan tight for the clash. real came out fighting after the many of the real DRAWN EIGHT AND LOST scintillating form to fire the rakitic just before the hour and In an ominous sign for the home break and marcelo and rodriguez faithful stood 10 MATCHES AGAINST ormEr barcelona captain Xavi Hernandez, champions to a stunning promptly sent Suarez clear to score side, barca had the first clear chance each went close before Neymar sent and clapped REAL MADRID. who helped them to a treble last season before 4-0 victory in the La Liga the European champions’ fourth. of the game when Suarez laid the a backheel into Iniesta’s path in the him off. Fmoving to Qatar’s Al Sadd in the summer, said ‘Clasico’ last week. An utterly dominant barca could ball off to Neymar in the seventh 53rd and he hammered the ball past Iniesta had the Catalans taught real madrid a lesson in the El Suarez struck twice either side of easily have added to their tally in the minute, but the brazil forward fired Keylor Navas into the top corner. offered up a masterclass of and has featured in 32 real-barca Clasico. goals from Neymar and captain Isco came on for rodriguez shortly creative midfield play, capped games, the most of any active player A twin strike from Luis Suarez and a goal each Andres Iniesta as barca after and initially gave real some with a stunning strike into from either side. from Neymar and Andres Iniesta gave barca a 4-0 humiliated their BARCA’S DOMINANCE PROMPTED THE ANGRY REAL much-needed zip in attack, with the top corner to make it 3-0 He has won 14, drawn eight and away win. No team had beaten real by an identical arch-rivals with an FANS TO ROUNDLY WHISTLE THEIR OWN PLAYERS. Cristiano ronaldo, Gareth bale and shortly after half-time. lost 10, and last week’s goal was his scoreline at the Santiago bernabeu, since osasuna did imperious performance at Karim benzema largely anonymous. ronaldinho was given a third against the madrid side. it in December, 1990. the bernabeu. Suarez’s second effort in the 74th similar reception in a La Liga “He’s part of our world heritage,” “I enjoyed the game a lot because barcelona were They surged six points closing stages and real’s humiliation wildly over. was the 20th he and Neymar have game at real’s giant arena on barca coach Luis Enrique said. superior in attack and defence. The pressure they put clear at the top with 30 from 12 was complete when substitute Isco Suarez opened the scoring in the scored between them out of barca’s November 19, 2005, when “We’ve the good fortune to have a on real and the intensity with which they operated matches and ratcheted up the was shown a straight red card for a 11th minute with a clinical finish last 21 goals in La Liga. the brazilian forward netted unique player, who has eyes in the made it an incredible game in my opinion,” Xavi told pressure on under-fire real coach wild lunge at Neymar six minutes after Sergi roberto burst through After the whistle, thousands of two superb goals in barca’s back of his head, at the service of Doha Stadium Plus last Sunday. rafa benitez who had the luxury from time. the middle and played him in on the real fans waved anything white 3-0 success and the home the team.” “It was a historic win for barca at the bernabeu. The of fielding the trio of ronaldo, “We played what was quite right of the penalty area. they could get their hands on in the way they played, I thought barca taught real madrid a Gareth bale and Karim honestly a complete match in every James rodriguez had real’s only traditional sign of discontent with lesson,” he said. Sniffer dogs, mounted police, helicopters, benzema but to little effect. sense,” Iniesta, who was given an dangerous shot of the first half in the the board of directors while the Xavi picked out captain Iniesta’s goal as the best of Supporters security forces in their hundreds and countless barca’s dominance in the 231st ovation by the home fans when he 28th before Iniesta slipped a pass music came on full blast to drown identity checks greeted fans for the El Clasico at the four. meeting between the two teams, was substituted late on, said. through for Neymar, who made it out any more embarrassing chants. brave tight the Santiago bernabeu stadium. “I thought Andres’s effort was spectacular. All Neymar which prompted the angry real fans “There’s a long way to go, it’s not 2-0 five minutes before the break. Chasing a sixth La Liga title in eight security Supporters flocking to see the showpiece four goals were amazing, but Andres’s was fantastic to roundly whistle their own players decisive at all, but we’re going away marcelo had to clear a Suarez years, barca have 30 points, with clash between real madrid and barcelona in because of the manner in which he placed the ball and chant for president Florentino very, very satisfied,” added the Spain effort off the line moments before real, who lost 2-3 at Sevilla in their the Spanish capital were confronted with an into the net. Andres, (Sergio) busquets, (Luis) Suarez, Perez to step down, was all the more playmaker. half-time after brilliant work from previous outing, on 24. unprecedented security display for what was Neymar all showed a great level. The only bad note widely regarded as the biggest game in world was the injury to Javier (macherano),” said Xavi, who football, just over a week after the deadly Paris had spent 25 years at barcelona and became arguably COACHES SPEAK attacks. Some 1,000 policemen were deployed to the world’s greatest midfielder ever during his stellar “It’s a memorable game against the eternal rival. We “Logically we’re hurting. It hurts to lose and particularly protect the stadium and another 1,400 security career. guards kept a watchful eye on a game that has both have the same objectives and it tastes all the to lose in that manner. What worries me is the team Asked whether the result could have been a manita an estimated global television audience of 500 (five goals), Xavi said it could’ve been more than that. better having been so superior. It was a complete recovering mentally before the next game. I insist million. “barcelona could’ve scored more goals. They created that we haven’t played well and the only thing that Spanish authorities labelled the game a “high game from us. I’m very happy because although at least 20 clear chances whereas madrid had only risk” one after the Stade de France was one there’s still a long way to go in the league, it’s always we can do now is recover as quickly as possible to two opportunities. That proved barca’s superiority. I important to win here and to give our fans this joy. face the next game. There’s still a long way to go. of a number of targets struck during the Paris Andres attacks last week that left 130 people dead and congratulated the players as their former captain,” said Luis Enrique, barcelona. Rafael Benitez, real madrid. Iniesta more than 350 injured. the 35-year-old. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 13

to their feet to applaud a barcelona it nonetheless underlined the DSP/Mohan player during the ‘Clasico’ even brilliance of the 31-year-old’s though their team was losing. performance that real fans again Instead of the usual vitriol barca cast aside their hatred for their rivals Barca taught Real players have had hurled at them at for a moment. the bernabeu stadium, when Iniesta made his Clasico debut a lesson, says Xavi captain Andres Iniesta a year before ronaldinho’s double was substituted near the end of their N Ganesh La Liga victory, INIESTA HAS WON 14, many of the real DRAWN EIGHT AND LOST faithful stood 10 MATCHES AGAINST ormEr barcelona captain Xavi Hernandez, and clapped REAL MADRID. who helped them to a treble last season before him off. Fmoving to Qatar’s Al Sadd in the summer, said Iniesta had the Catalans taught real madrid a lesson in the El offered up a masterclass of and has featured in 32 real-barca Clasico. creative midfield play, capped games, the most of any active player A twin strike from Luis Suarez and a goal each with a stunning strike into from either side. from Neymar and Andres Iniesta gave barca a 4-0 the top corner to make it 3-0 He has won 14, drawn eight and away win. No team had beaten real by an identical shortly after half-time. lost 10, and last week’s goal was his scoreline at the Santiago bernabeu, since osasuna did ronaldinho was given a third against the madrid side. it in December, 1990. similar reception in a La Liga “He’s part of our world heritage,” “I enjoyed the game a lot because barcelona were game at real’s giant arena on barca coach Luis Enrique said. superior in attack and defence. The pressure they put November 19, 2005, when “We’ve the good fortune to have a on real and the intensity with which they operated the brazilian forward netted unique player, who has eyes in the made it an incredible game in my opinion,” Xavi told two superb goals in barca’s back of his head, at the service of Doha Stadium Plus last Sunday. 3-0 success and the home the team.” “It was a historic win for barca at the bernabeu. The way they played, I thought barca taught real madrid a lesson,” he said. Sniffer dogs, mounted police, helicopters, Xavi picked out captain Iniesta’s goal as the best of Supporters security forces in their hundreds and countless identity checks greeted fans for the El Clasico at the four. brave tight the Santiago bernabeu stadium. “I thought Andres’s effort was spectacular. All security Supporters flocking to see the showpiece four goals were amazing, but Andres’s was fantastic clash between real madrid and barcelona in because of the manner in which he placed the ball the Spanish capital were confronted with an into the net. Andres, (Sergio) busquets, (Luis) Suarez, unprecedented security display for what was Neymar all showed a great level. The only bad note widely regarded as the biggest game in world was the injury to Javier (macherano),” said Xavi, who football, just over a week after the deadly Paris attacks. had spent 25 years at barcelona and became arguably Some 1,000 policemen were deployed to the world’s greatest midfielder ever during his stellar protect the stadium and another 1,400 security career. guards kept a watchful eye on a game that has Asked whether the result could have been a manita an estimated global television audience of 500 (five goals), Xavi said it could’ve been more than that. million. “barcelona could’ve scored more goals. They created Spanish authorities labelled the game a “high at least 20 clear chances whereas madrid had only risk” one after the Stade de France was one of a number of targets struck during the Paris two opportunities. That proved barca’s superiority. I Andres attacks last week that left 130 people dead and congratulated the players as their former captain,” said Iniesta more than 350 injured. the 35-year-old. 14 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 15 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

Kilmarnock 15 4 4 7 15 24 16 EPL HIGHLIGHTS RESULTS Partick Thistle 15 3 5 7 12 21 14 EPL motherwell 15 4 2 9 11 21 14 Corinthians lift Tottenham bt West Ham 4-1 Dundee United 15 2 2 11 11 30 8 HEADLINES Chelsea bt Norwich City 1-0 Everton bt Aston villa 4-0 LA LIGA • vardy scores again as barcelona 12 10 0 2 29 12 30 man City lost to Liverpool 1-4 Leicester sink Newcastle title in Brazil Atletico madrid 12 8 2 2 17 6 26 Newcastle lost to Leicester City 0-3 real madrid 12 7 3 2 26 11 24 to go top Southampton lost to Stoke City 0-1 villarreal 12 6 3 3 16 12 21 Swansea City drew bournemouth 2-2 • man City knocked off orINTHIANS were awarded the brazil Celta vigo 12 6 3 3 22 20 21 Watford lost to man United 1-2 summit after 1-4 home league trophy after hammering city rivals Sao Eibar 12 5 5 2 17 12 20 West brom bt Arsenal 2-1 defeat by Liverpool Paulo 6-1, but there were no celebrations at valencia 12 5 4 3 17 9 19 C SPFL Deportivo Coruna 12 4 6 2 18 13 18 • Cazorla misses penalty Joinville, who lost 1-2 at home to vasco and were Hamilton drew Aberdeen 1-1 Athletic Club 12 5 2 5 18 16 17 as Arsenal lose at West relegated to Serie b. Celtic drew Kilmarnock 0-0 Espanyol 12 5 1 6 14 23 16 brom Dundee United lost to St Johnstone 1-2 Sevilla 12 4 3 5 17 18 15 “I confess I never imagined we would reach this Hearts drew Dundee 1-1 real betis 12 4 3 5 11 17 15 level,” said Corinthians coach Tite. “I was telling the Partick Thistle bt Inverness 2-1 rayo vallecano 11 4 1 6 13 19 13 players we haven’t yet reached our peak.” ross County bt motherwell 3-0 real Sociedad 12 3 3 6 14 14 12 QUOTE Sporting Gijon 12 3 3 6 11 18 12 With the league already decided, the tension LA LIGA “I said already that the Granada bt Athletic Club 2-0 Granada 12 2 4 6 13 20 10 fourth position for me isn’t was at the bottom of the table where six teams are real betis lost to Atletico madrid 0-1 Getafe 11 3 1 7 11 18 10 Las Palmas 12 2 4 6 10 17 10 an impossible mission. If Sporting Gijon lost to Levante 0-3 fighting to avoid the four relegation spots and only Levante 12 2 4 6 10 23 10 villarreal drew Eibar 1-1 you ask me about the title, two more games remaining. malaga 12 2 3 7 5 11 9 I would say impossible Deportivo Coruna bt Celta vigo 2-0 relegation-threatened vasco gave themselves Espanyol bt malaga 2-0 SERIE A mission. maybe Tom Cruise some leverage when goals from former Paris real madrid lost to barcelona 0-4 Inter milan 13 9 3 1 16 7 30 can do it. real Sociedad bt Sevilla 2-0 Napoli 13 8 4 1 24 8 28 Saint-Germain striker Nene and Colombian Duvier Chelsea manager Jose valencia drew Las Palmas 1-1 Fiorentina 13 9 1 3 26 11 28 riascos sank Joinville. AS roma 13 8 3 2 29 15 27 mourinho could afford ššCorinthians captain ralf holds aloft the trophy. SERIE A Sassuolo 13 6 4 3 15 12 22 Atalanta bergamo lost to Torino 0-1 a joke after his side beat Juventus 13 6 3 4 17 11 21 Carpi lost to Chievo verona 1-2 AC milan 13 6 2 5 15 17 20 Norwich City 1-0 to end Fiorentina drew Empoli 2-2 Lazio 13 6 1 6 17 21 19 a run of three straight Genoa bt Sassuolo 2-1 WEEKLY ROUND-UP Torino 13 5 3 5 18 18 18 Inter milan bt Frosinone 4- 0 ššLeicester City’s Jamie vardy scores the first goal against Newcastle United. defeats. Atalanta 13 5 3 5 13 15 18 Lazio drew Palermo 1-1 Chievo 13 4 4 5 16 13 16 Udinese bt Sampdoria 1-0 Sampdoria 13 4 4 5 19 18 16 verona lost to Napoli 0-2 Genoa 13 4 4 5 14 17 16 TWEET Bayern show Bavarian might bologna drew AS roma 2-2 Palermo 13 4 3 6 13 17 15 “I think mangala may’ve put Juventus bt AC milan 1-0 HAmPIoNS bayern munich game when he hit the post with points clear at the top of Serie A, Udinese 13 4 3 6 11 15 15 his boots on the wrong feet. BUNDESLIGA Empoli 13 4 3 6 15 20 15 Former England striker Gary battled past gusty Schalke a low shot but Thomas mueller beating newcomers Frosinone 4-0, FC Ingolstadt bt Sv Darmstadt 3-1 bologna 13 4 1 8 13 17 13 A tale of two cities! 04 to win 3-1 last week and slotted in with a clever effort from with Jonathan biabiany, mauro Hertha berlin bt Hoffenheim 1-0 Frosinone 13 3 2 8 11 22 11 Lineker (@GaryLineker) C Cologne drew mainz 0-0 verona 13 0 6 7 8 21 6 of the season at St James’ Park. but and down to third. reacts to Eliaquim mangala’s open up an eight-point lead at the a tight angle in stoppage time for Icardi, Jeison murillo and marcelo Mike Collett EPL TOP SCORERS borussia m’bach bt Hanover 2-1 Carpi 13 1 3 9 11 26 6 manager Claudio ranieri was quick 13 Jamie vardy Leicester City “before the game, the manager seventh-minute own goal top of the bundesliga. bayern’s third. brozovic sharing the goals. E Frankfurt lost to bayer Leverkusen 1-3 Schalke lost to bayern munich 1-3 BUNDESLIGA to point out that the job is far from laid out a plan for us and it worked in manchester City’s heavy A day after rivals borussia bayern’s 12th win from 13 roberto mancini’s team have 30 bayern munich 13 12 1 0 40 5 37 9 romelu Lukaku Everton vfb Stuttgart lost to FC Augsburg 0-4 loss to Liverpool. borussia Dortmund 13 9 2 2 36 18 29 done. 8 Harry Kane Tottenham out perfectly,” he said. Dortmund lost to Hamburg, the league games since the season points from 12 games, two ahead vfL Wolfsburg bt Werder bremen 6-0 vfL Wolfsburg 13 7 3 3 23 15 24 Hamburg bt borussia Dortmund 3-1 EICESTEr City moved to the top “It’s important we try to win every olivier Giroud Arsenal meanwhile, a double from bavarians went ahead on nine started was a league record. It of Fiorentina, who were held 2-2 at Hertha berlin 13 7 2 4 18 15 23 riyad mahrez Leicester City borussia m’dbach 13 7 1 5 25 19 22 of the English Premier League match,” said ranieri. “It isn’t easy. 7 Harry Kane, who scored in his fifth STAT minutes with a deflected David home by Empoli, and Napoli, who LIGUE 1 with a 3-0 win at Newcastle We pushed a lot in the first half and, Sergio Aguero man City consecutive club match, inspired Alaba effort, but then found it won 2-0 at verona. Caen drew Angers 0-0 bayer Leverkusen 13 6 2 5 17 17 20 by scoring against Stade rennes drew G bordeaux 2-2 Schalke 04 13 6 2 5 17 19 20 L odion Ighalo Watford United while manchester City were in the end, we scored. We’re on top Tottenham Hotspur to a 4-1 win Newcastle United, hard against a disciplined Schalke PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN PSG continue domination St Etienne lost to oly marseille 0-2 Ingolstadt 04 13 5 4 4 10 10 19 crushed 4-1 by Liverpool last week. of the league, but it’s not important over London rivals West Ham United. Leicester City striker Jamie defence. TOOK ANOTHER STEP bastia lost to GFC Ajaccio 1-2 Cologne 13 5 4 4 15 18 19 monaco bt Nantes 1-0 Hamburg 13 5 3 5 14 17 18 Champions Chelsea ended their now. I want to see the horses at the goals by Philippe Coutinho and Tottenham, unbeaten in the league vardy equalled ruud van The hosts levelled with their TOWARDS A FOURTH In France, Paris Saint-Germain Nistelrooy’s record of Guingamp bt Toulouse 2-0 mainz 13 5 2 6 18 19 17 slump with a 1-0 win over Norwich end of the race. What’s important roberto Firmino in just over half an since a 1-0 defeat at manchester first chance of the game as max CONSECUTIVE TITLE. took another step towards a fourth Troyes AC drew Lille 1-1 E Frankfurt 13 3 5 5 17 20 14 netting in 10 consecutive City, but Arsenal blew an opportunity for us is we’ve 28 fewer points to hour set Liverpool on the road to an United on the opening day, moved meyer rounded off a superb break consecutive Ligue 1 title when FC Lorient lost to PSG 1-2 Darmstadt 98 13 3 5 5 14 19 14 Premier League games. montpellier bt Stade de reims 3-1 Werder bremen 13 4 1 8 13 25 13 to go top, losing 1-2 at West achieve our goal (of 40 points). Now impressive victory. to within four points of Leicester. launched by teenager Leroy Sane. they beat Lorient 2-1 away thanks Nice bt oly Lyon 3-0 Hanover 96 13 3 2 8 13 24 11 bromwich Albion. we’re very focused on our goal.” Sergio Aguero, returning from an United are second on 27 points after Schalke, however, were caught helped them move to 37 points, to first-half goals from Hervin vfb Stuttgart 13 3 1 9 17 31 10 BRAZILIAN C’SHIP Augsburg 13 2 3 8 17 25 9 GOAL Atletico mineiro drew Goias 2-2 Jamie vardy, Leonardo Ulloa and At the Etihad Stadium, an own injury, pulled one back brilliantly just their 2-1 victory against Watford. napping in the 69th minute when with Dortmund on 29, following ongenda and blaise matuidi. Hoffenheim 13 1 5 7 12 20 8 Kyle Walker for Tottenham Corinthians bt Sao Paulo 6-1 Shinji okazaki scored as Leicester goal from manchester City’s Eliaquim before half-time, but martin Skrtel It was a poignant start to the Javi martinez was left unmarked in their surprise The capital side have 38 points Coritiba bt Santos 1-0 LIGUE 1 produced one of their finest displays mangala and two beautifully worked sealed Liverpool’s emphatic triumph week-end fixtures when ‘La Hotspur against West Ham the box and rose high to head in 1-3 loss. from 14 games and lead second- Figueirense drew Chapecoense 0-0 PSG 14 12 2 0 33 7 38 United marseillaise’, the French national an Arjen robben cross. placed olympique Lyon, who Flamengo drew Ponte Preta 1-1 oly Lyon 14 7 4 3 19 10 25 Easy win for Inter Fluminense bt Avai 3-1 Caen 14 8 1 5 14 14 25 anthem, was played at grounds England right-back Walker robert Lewandowski went close slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Nice, by exchanged passes with Son Internacional bt Gremio 1-0 Nice 14 7 3 4 30 17 24 IT ISN’T EASY. WE PUSHED throughout England as a mark of to adding another goal late in the In Italy, Inter milan went two a massive 13 points. Joinville lost to vasco da Gama 1-2 Angers 14 6 5 3 12 9 23 A LOT IN THE FIRST HALF Heung-min before bending Sport drew Atletico Paranaense 0-0 monaco 14 6 5 3 18 18 23 solidarity with France following the a fine shot around West Palmeiras drew Cruzeiro 1-1 St Etienne 14 7 1 6 17 19 22 AND, IN THE END, Stade rennes 14 5 6 3 19 16 21 recent Paris attacks. Ham goalkeeper Adrian with STANDINGS WE SCORED. Chelsea’s French defender Kurt outside of his right foot. FC Lorient 14 5 5 4 23 20 20 As of Sunday Guingamp 14 5 4 5 15 17 19 Zouma led a rendition of the anthem EPL Nantes 14 6 1 7 12 15 19 at Stamford bridge where a huge Leicester City 13 8 4 1 28 20 28 oly marseille 14 5 3 6 20 14 18 MOMENT G bordeaux 14 4 6 4 19 21 18 with a thunderous 81st-minute French flag was displayed before man United 13 8 3 2 19 9 27 Skrtel condemns City (in man City 13 8 2 3 27 13 26 montpellier 14 4 3 7 14 17 15 strike. the champions ended a run of three Arsenal 13 8 2 3 23 11 26 Stade de reims 14 4 3 7 13 17 15 manchester City’s 1-4 loss to Ajaccio 14 4 3 7 13 18 15 Liverpool’s players were quick successive league defeats with Liverpool) Tottenham 13 6 6 1 24 11 24 West Ham 13 6 3 4 24 20 21 Lille 14 2 8 4 8 9 14 to credit manager Juergen Klopp’s victory over Norwich City, thanks to a bastia 14 4 2 8 15 21 14 Centre-back martin Skrtel Everton 13 5 5 3 24 16 20 Toulouse 14 1 6 7 12 28 9 tactics. second-half goal from Diego Costa. Southampton 13 5 5 3 19 14 20 slammed home from a ES Troyes 14 0 5 9 7 26 5 “It was the perfect tactical plan Elsewhere, Everton crushed late corner to seal City’s Liverpool 13 5 5 3 17 15 20 from the manager,” said centre-back Aston villa 4-0 with ross barkley heaviest home defeat since Crystal Palace 12 6 1 5 14 12 19 BRAZILIAN C’SHIP Stoke City 13 5 4 4 11 12 19 Corinthians 36 24 8 4 70 28 80 Dejan Lovren. and romelu Lukaku each scoring they moved to the Etihad West brom 13 5 2 6 12 17 17 Atletico mineiro 36 20 6 10 61 45 66 Goalkeeper Simon mignolet twice to leave villa rock bottom with Stadium 12 years ago. Watford 13 4 4 5 12 14 16 Gremio 36 18 8 10 48 31 62 Swansea City 13 3 5 5 14 18 14 Sao Paulo 36 16 8 12 49 45 56 concurred with Lovren’s five points from 13 games while Chelsea 13 4 2 7 17 23 14 Internacional 36 16 8 12 36 37 56 assessment of a match that saw Swansea City and bournemouth PLAYER ššbayern munich players celebrate a goal against Schalke 04. Norwich City 13 3 3 7 16 24 12 Santos 36 15 10 11 54 39 55 Liverpool rise to ninth in the table drew 2-2 in an exciting match at the Newcastle 13 2 4 7 13 25 10 Sport 36 13 14 9 50 38 53 romelu Lukaku (Everton) bournemouth 13 2 3 8 14 27 9 Cruzeiro 36 14 10 12 41 33 52 while knocking City off their perch Liberty Stadium. belgian striker netted Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho said season, mourinho made reference Sunderland 12 1 3 8 13 26 6 Ponte Preta 36 13 12 11 41 38 51 Impossible retaining the barclays Premier League to the ‘mission Impossible’ film Aston villa 13 1 2 10 10 24 5 Palmeiras 36 14 8 14 58 48 50 twice in their 4-0 win over Flamengo 36 15 4 17 44 48 49 title was an “impossible mission” for franchisee. It’s important we try to win every Aston villa to become only mission, says SPFL A Paranaense 36 13 9 14 39 43 48 the fifth player to score his side, suggesting Hollywood “We’ve to go game after Celtic 15 11 3 1 38 11 36 Chapecoense 36 12 11 13 33 38 47 match. We’re on top of the 50 Premier League goals Mourinho star Tom Cruise might have a game,” said mourinho. “The Hearts 15 9 3 3 27 15 30 Fluminense 36 14 4 18 39 47 46 better chance of guiding the fourth position for me is not Aberdeen 15 9 2 4 22 17 29 Coritiba 36 10 10 16 29 42 40 league, but it’s not important before the age of 23, after St Johnstone 15 8 2 5 31 23 26 team to success. an impossible mission. If you Figueirense 36 10 10 16 33 47 40 š now. I want to see the horses robbie Fowler, michael ross County 15 6 3 6 22 19 21 Avai 36 10 8 18 36 59 38 šLiverpool’s Philippe Asked whether Chelsea ask me about the title, I would Coutinho gets past at the end of the race. owen, Wayne rooney and Hamilton 15 5 4 6 19 21 19 vasco da Gama 36 9 10 17 27 54 37 manchester City’s Cristiano ronaldo. could recover enough to say it’s an impossible mission. Dundee 15 4 7 4 21 24 19 Goias 36 9 8 19 36 47 35 martin Demichelis. Claudio Ranieri, Leicester manager. challenge for the title again this maybe, Tom Cruise can do it.” Inverness 15 4 5 6 16 19 17 Joinville 36 7 10 19 26 43 31 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 15

Kilmarnock 15 4 4 7 15 24 16 RESULTS Partick Thistle 15 3 5 7 12 21 14 EPL motherwell 15 4 2 9 11 21 14 Corinthians lift Tottenham bt West Ham 4-1 Dundee United 15 2 2 11 11 30 8 Chelsea bt Norwich City 1-0 Everton bt Aston villa 4-0 LA LIGA barcelona 12 10 0 2 29 12 30 man City lost to Liverpool 1-4 title in Brazil Atletico madrid 12 8 2 2 17 6 26 Newcastle lost to Leicester City 0-3 real madrid 12 7 3 2 26 11 24 Southampton lost to Stoke City 0-1 villarreal 12 6 3 3 16 12 21 Swansea City drew bournemouth 2-2 orINTHIANS were awarded the brazil Celta vigo 12 6 3 3 22 20 21 Watford lost to man United 1-2 league trophy after hammering city rivals Sao Eibar 12 5 5 2 17 12 20 West brom bt Arsenal 2-1 Paulo 6-1, but there were no celebrations at valencia 12 5 4 3 17 9 19 C SPFL Deportivo Coruna 12 4 6 2 18 13 18 Joinville, who lost 1-2 at home to vasco and were Hamilton drew Aberdeen 1-1 Athletic Club 12 5 2 5 18 16 17 relegated to Serie b. Celtic drew Kilmarnock 0-0 Espanyol 12 5 1 6 14 23 16 Dundee United lost to St Johnstone 1-2 Sevilla 12 4 3 5 17 18 15 “I confess I never imagined we would reach this Hearts drew Dundee 1-1 real betis 12 4 3 5 11 17 15 level,” said Corinthians coach Tite. “I was telling the Partick Thistle bt Inverness 2-1 rayo vallecano 11 4 1 6 13 19 13 players we haven’t yet reached our peak.” ross County bt motherwell 3-0 real Sociedad 12 3 3 6 14 14 12 Sporting Gijon 12 3 3 6 11 18 12 With the league already decided, the tension LA LIGA Granada bt Athletic Club 2-0 Granada 12 2 4 6 13 20 10 was at the bottom of the table where six teams are real betis lost to Atletico madrid 0-1 Getafe 11 3 1 7 11 18 10 Las Palmas 12 2 4 6 10 17 10 Sporting Gijon lost to Levante 0-3 fighting to avoid the four relegation spots and only Levante 12 2 4 6 10 23 10 villarreal drew Eibar 1-1 two more games remaining. malaga 12 2 3 7 5 11 9 Deportivo Coruna bt Celta vigo 2-0 relegation-threatened vasco gave themselves Espanyol bt malaga 2-0 SERIE A some leverage when goals from former Paris real madrid lost to barcelona 0-4 Inter milan 13 9 3 1 16 7 30 real Sociedad bt Sevilla 2-0 Napoli 13 8 4 1 24 8 28 Saint-Germain striker Nene and Colombian Duvier valencia drew Las Palmas 1-1 Fiorentina 13 9 1 3 26 11 28 riascos sank Joinville. AS roma 13 8 3 2 29 15 27 ššCorinthians captain ralf holds aloft the trophy. SERIE A Sassuolo 13 6 4 3 15 12 22 Atalanta bergamo lost to Torino 0-1 Juventus 13 6 3 4 17 11 21 Carpi lost to Chievo verona 1-2 AC milan 13 6 2 5 15 17 20 Fiorentina drew Empoli 2-2 Lazio 13 6 1 6 17 21 19 Genoa bt Sassuolo 2-1 WEEKLY ROUND-UP Torino 13 5 3 5 18 18 18 Inter milan bt Frosinone 4- 0 Atalanta 13 5 3 5 13 15 18 Lazio drew Palermo 1-1 Chievo 13 4 4 5 16 13 16 Udinese bt Sampdoria 1-0 Sampdoria 13 4 4 5 19 18 16 verona lost to Napoli 0-2 Genoa 13 4 4 5 14 17 16 Bayern show Bavarian might bologna drew AS roma 2-2 Palermo 13 4 3 6 13 17 15 Juventus bt AC milan 1-0 HAmPIoNS bayern munich game when he hit the post with points clear at the top of Serie A, Udinese 13 4 3 6 11 15 15 BUNDESLIGA Empoli 13 4 3 6 15 20 15 battled past gusty Schalke a low shot but Thomas mueller beating newcomers Frosinone 4-0, FC Ingolstadt bt Sv Darmstadt 3-1 bologna 13 4 1 8 13 17 13 04 to win 3-1 last week and slotted in with a clever effort from with Jonathan biabiany, mauro Hertha berlin bt Hoffenheim 1-0 Frosinone 13 3 2 8 11 22 11 C Cologne drew mainz 0-0 verona 13 0 6 7 8 21 6 open up an eight-point lead at the a tight angle in stoppage time for Icardi, Jeison murillo and marcelo borussia m’bach bt Hanover 2-1 Carpi 13 1 3 9 11 26 6 top of the bundesliga. bayern’s third. brozovic sharing the goals. E Frankfurt lost to bayer Leverkusen 1-3 Schalke lost to bayern munich 1-3 BUNDESLIGA A day after rivals borussia bayern’s 12th win from 13 roberto mancini’s team have 30 bayern munich 13 12 1 0 40 5 37 vfb Stuttgart lost to FC Augsburg 0-4 borussia Dortmund 13 9 2 2 36 18 29 Dortmund lost to Hamburg, the league games since the season points from 12 games, two ahead vfL Wolfsburg bt Werder bremen 6-0 vfL Wolfsburg 13 7 3 3 23 15 24 Hamburg bt borussia Dortmund 3-1 bavarians went ahead on nine started was a league record. It of Fiorentina, who were held 2-2 at Hertha berlin 13 7 2 4 18 15 23 minutes with a deflected David home by Empoli, and Napoli, who LIGUE 1 borussia m’dbach 13 7 1 5 25 19 22 Alaba effort, but then found it won 2-0 at verona. Caen drew Angers 0-0 bayer Leverkusen 13 6 2 5 17 17 20 Stade rennes drew G bordeaux 2-2 Schalke 04 13 6 2 5 17 19 20 hard against a disciplined Schalke PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN PSG continue domination St Etienne lost to oly marseille 0-2 Ingolstadt 04 13 5 4 4 10 10 19 defence. TOOK ANOTHER STEP bastia lost to GFC Ajaccio 1-2 Cologne 13 5 4 4 15 18 19 monaco bt Nantes 1-0 Hamburg 13 5 3 5 14 17 18 The hosts levelled with their TOWARDS A FOURTH In France, Paris Saint-Germain Guingamp bt Toulouse 2-0 mainz 13 5 2 6 18 19 17 first chance of the game as max CONSECUTIVE TITLE. took another step towards a fourth Troyes AC drew Lille 1-1 E Frankfurt 13 3 5 5 17 20 14 meyer rounded off a superb break consecutive Ligue 1 title when FC Lorient lost to PSG 1-2 Darmstadt 98 13 3 5 5 14 19 14 montpellier bt Stade de reims 3-1 Werder bremen 13 4 1 8 13 25 13 launched by teenager Leroy Sane. they beat Lorient 2-1 away thanks Nice bt oly Lyon 3-0 Hanover 96 13 3 2 8 13 24 11 Schalke, however, were caught helped them move to 37 points, to first-half goals from Hervin vfb Stuttgart 13 3 1 9 17 31 10 BRAZILIAN C’SHIP Augsburg 13 2 3 8 17 25 9 Atletico mineiro drew Goias 2-2 napping in the 69th minute when with Dortmund on 29, following ongenda and blaise matuidi. Hoffenheim 13 1 5 7 12 20 8 Corinthians bt Sao Paulo 6-1 Javi martinez was left unmarked in their surprise The capital side have 38 points Coritiba bt Santos 1-0 LIGUE 1 the box and rose high to head in 1-3 loss. from 14 games and lead second- Figueirense drew Chapecoense 0-0 PSG 14 12 2 0 33 7 38 an Arjen robben cross. placed olympique Lyon, who Flamengo drew Ponte Preta 1-1 oly Lyon 14 7 4 3 19 10 25 Easy win for Inter Fluminense bt Avai 3-1 Caen 14 8 1 5 14 14 25 robert Lewandowski went close slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Nice, by Internacional bt Gremio 1-0 Nice 14 7 3 4 30 17 24 to adding another goal late in the In Italy, Inter milan went two a massive 13 points. Joinville lost to vasco da Gama 1-2 Angers 14 6 5 3 12 9 23 Sport drew Atletico Paranaense 0-0 monaco 14 6 5 3 18 18 23 Palmeiras drew Cruzeiro 1-1 St Etienne 14 7 1 6 17 19 22 Stade rennes 14 5 6 3 19 16 21 STANDINGS FC Lorient 14 5 5 4 23 20 20 As of Sunday Guingamp 14 5 4 5 15 17 19 EPL Nantes 14 6 1 7 12 15 19 Leicester City 13 8 4 1 28 20 28 oly marseille 14 5 3 6 20 14 18 man United 13 8 3 2 19 9 27 G bordeaux 14 4 6 4 19 21 18 man City 13 8 2 3 27 13 26 montpellier 14 4 3 7 14 17 15 Arsenal 13 8 2 3 23 11 26 Stade de reims 14 4 3 7 13 17 15 Tottenham 13 6 6 1 24 11 24 Ajaccio 14 4 3 7 13 18 15 West Ham 13 6 3 4 24 20 21 Lille 14 2 8 4 8 9 14 bastia 14 4 2 8 15 21 14 Everton 13 5 5 3 24 16 20 Toulouse 14 1 6 7 12 28 9 Southampton 13 5 5 3 19 14 20 ES Troyes 14 0 5 9 7 26 5 Liverpool 13 5 5 3 17 15 20 Crystal Palace 12 6 1 5 14 12 19 BRAZILIAN C’SHIP Stoke City 13 5 4 4 11 12 19 Corinthians 36 24 8 4 70 28 80 West brom 13 5 2 6 12 17 17 Atletico mineiro 36 20 6 10 61 45 66 Watford 13 4 4 5 12 14 16 Gremio 36 18 8 10 48 31 62 Swansea City 13 3 5 5 14 18 14 Sao Paulo 36 16 8 12 49 45 56 Chelsea 13 4 2 7 17 23 14 Internacional 36 16 8 12 36 37 56 ššbayern munich players celebrate a goal against Schalke 04. Norwich City 13 3 3 7 16 24 12 Santos 36 15 10 11 54 39 55 Newcastle 13 2 4 7 13 25 10 Sport 36 13 14 9 50 38 53 bournemouth 13 2 3 8 14 27 9 Cruzeiro 36 14 10 12 41 33 52 Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho said season, mourinho made reference Sunderland 12 1 3 8 13 26 6 Ponte Preta 36 13 12 11 41 38 51 Impossible retaining the barclays Premier League to the ‘mission Impossible’ film Aston villa 13 1 2 10 10 24 5 Palmeiras 36 14 8 14 58 48 50 Flamengo 36 15 4 17 44 48 49 mission, says title was an “impossible mission” for franchisee. SPFL A Paranaense 36 13 9 14 39 43 48 his side, suggesting Hollywood “We’ve to go game after Celtic 15 11 3 1 38 11 36 Chapecoense 36 12 11 13 33 38 47 Mourinho star Tom Cruise might have a game,” said mourinho. “The Hearts 15 9 3 3 27 15 30 Fluminense 36 14 4 18 39 47 46 better chance of guiding the fourth position for me is not Aberdeen 15 9 2 4 22 17 29 Coritiba 36 10 10 16 29 42 40 St Johnstone 15 8 2 5 31 23 26 Figueirense 36 10 10 16 33 47 40 team to success. an impossible mission. If you ross County 15 6 3 6 22 19 21 Avai 36 10 8 18 36 59 38 Asked whether Chelsea ask me about the title, I would Hamilton 15 5 4 6 19 21 19 vasco da Gama 36 9 10 17 27 54 37 could recover enough to say it’s an impossible mission. Dundee 15 4 7 4 21 24 19 Goias 36 9 8 19 36 47 35 challenge for the title again this maybe, Tom Cruise can do it.” Inverness 15 4 5 6 16 19 17 Joinville 36 7 10 19 26 43 31 16 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 17

“I’m really happy that our team has entered the competition’s knockout phase. The presence of home fans is certainly going to help them in the semifinal. I hope we can win the title and make HANDBALL it to the rio olympic Games next year. Ahmed Mohammed Abdulrab Al Shaabi, Qatar Handball Association President.

Qatar take on South Helping Korea in semifinal ATAr will take on South team’s performances. Korea while Iran will “Everything is going according Qplay bahrain in the to our plan and I’m happy with semifinals of the Asian olympic our progress so far. We won’t Qualification Tournament at be taking our eyes off the final the Qatar Handball Association target, which is to play in the Complex on Wednesday. olympics for the first time. The Qatar topped the six-team crowd which came to cheer the hand! team has also been wonderful. I’m confident my boys can make GERMAN SIDE FUCHSE BERLIN AND QATAR TOPPED THE history,” said the 64-year-old. SEVERAL WELL-WISHERS PITCH IN TO SIX-TEAM GROUP B The national team’s WITH AN ALL-WIN preparations, which included FINANCE AUSTRALIA’S ASIAN OLYMPIC RECORD. camps in Turkey and Spain, QUALIFICATION TOURNAMENT TRIP TO and a four-nation friendly tournament at home, have paid QATAR, WRITES AJU GEORGE CHRIS. Group b with an all-win record, rich dividends.

DSP/Mohan beating Uzbekistan (49-9), Japan While the winners of the (36-19), Saudi Arabia (29-23), Iran Asian event will directly qualify ššAustralian players vErYoNE loves an underdog government. Consequently, the RESULTS to help them, I took it,” he added. listen to coach Jan (32-17) and oman (31-20). for the 2016 rio olympics, ottosen during their Australia expecting story. And when it includes players and officials had taken to PRELIMINARY ROUND However, the side’s progress in bahrain and South Korea were the runners-up will feature game against bahrain. some interesting twists the Internet and started a public Japan bt Saudi Arabia 27-19 Doha has not been all that great. the top two sides in Group A, with in another qualification E Fuchse berlin’s logo in the plot, it becomes even ‘Go Fund me’ campaign to raise Iran bt oman 39-31 The Aussies began with a 24-29 can be seen on the permanent solution eight and six points respectively. tournament. Hosts brazil and more appealing. The saga of the money for their trip. The initiative Qatar bt Uzbekistan 49-9 reversal against China and also lost back of their jerseys. Qatar’s Spanish coach valero world champions France have South Korea bt Iraq 26-20 Australian team, currently playing by Australian club players Sebastien China bt Australia 29-24 to Iraq (19-32), South Korea (16-35) USTrALIA may be a big name in sports such as rivera was happy with the already made the cut. šš Qatar’s Abdulrazzaq murad jumps to score against Iran. in the Asian olympic Qualification Traverso and Thomas Gerstch saw Saudi Arabia bt oman 29-23 and bahrain (11-33) in the group cricket, football, rugby, swimming and tennis, Tournament at the Qatar Handball 73 people loosen their purse strings Iran bt Uzbekistan 33-18 stage. but they are yet to make an impression in Qatar bt Japan 36-19 A Association Complex in Duhail, is a to collect $14,140 out of a $30,000 but for coach Jan ottosen, each handball. Although unrivalled in the oceania region, bahrain bt China 43-24 case in point. target. of their games feels like a huge their influence do not go beyond those boundaries. Iraq bt Australia 32-19 El Jaish sustain momentum It was not even a year since the Iran bt Japan 31-27 success. He was pleased that the And their presence at the Asian olympic oceania champions were kicked out Qatar bt Saudi Arabia 29-23 team, instead of imploding as had Qualification Tournament in Doha was a sort of ESPITE missing several key half-time. momentum until our seven players of the men’s World Championship I READ ABOUT THE oman bt Uzbekistan 39-33 been widely expected, was slowly compromise on the part of the International Handball players due to national team “I’m really happy with the way return from Asian qualification bahrain bt Iraq 35-16 in Doha on the grounds that the FUND-RAISING DRIVE improving. Federation (IHF), after the team had been kicked out duty, El Jaish continued their our players stepped up to the event,” he said. South Korea bt Australia 35-16 D region did not have a recognised IN A MAGAZINE AND Japan bt oman 35-27 “Getting kicked out of the IHF of the ’15 Worlds in Doha earlier this year. winning start in the Qatar League challenge. Quiyada had a strong meanwhile, defending confederation. And powerhouses WANTED TO REACH OUT. Saudi Arabia bt Uzbekistan 31-26 Worlds was a really hard blow to us. “Each IHF-registered team should get a genuine with a 34-24 win over El Quiyada. line-up, but we never stopped champions Al Gharafa toiled for Germany replaced them as wild Qatar bt Iran 32-17 We lost whatever little support we chance to qualify for the quadrennial olympic Games. The Armymen, trained by believing in ourselves. I’m hoping a second straight week, edging South Korea bt China 33-23 cards. bahrain bt Australia 33-11 had. The team was torn into pieces If such conditions couldn’t be provided, handball Spaniard Toni Gerona, led 16-9 at we can keep up the winning last season’s 11th-placed side Al Ironically enough, a German club For Fuchse berlin, the ’15 IHF Qatar bt oman 31-20 and we had to pick them up from faced the risk of getting removed from the olympics Khor 21-18. The two sides were side and a former German player Super Globe champions and ’15 Japan bt Uzbekistan 42-15 the ground and put them together altogether. The Australian olympic Committee too locked 10-10 at half time. Gharafa were among those who helped the European Cup winners, it was Iran bt Saudi Arabia 30-24 again. Luckily, things have gone got involved and things became a little heated,” said are yet to decide on their second Iraq bt China 35-25 team from Down Under make their simply a matter of helping a side in bahrain bt South Korea 31-30 well since then. Almost half the an official, who did not wish to be named, on how trip to Qatar now. need. The club’s managing director national team is back,” ottosen told Australia got to feature in the tournament. ŢšAustralia’s Australia’s national team bob Hanning explained. towards the team’s expenses. Doha Stadium Plus. “The IHF had to find a way to let Australia play in an DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Stephane Tabardin AL GHARAFA HAD TO attempts to prevent comprises amateur players and they “We first heard about the Urs Akeret, a former German “For some of them, the olympic qualification tournament. It was decided to bahrain’s Jasim get very little assistance from their campaign while in Doha for the player who now owns a design unceremonious exit proved to be put them into the Asian competition as a short-term TOIL HARD FOR A SECOND Al Salatna from ’15 IHF Super Globe. We spoke to company based in Zurich, a motivation to be back stronger. solution. Hopefully, a more permanent solution will STRAIGHT WEEK. scoring. players from oceania champions Switzerland, too was happy to help. They wanted us to rise from the soon be found,” added the official. Sydney University and got to “being a former player, I’m a big ashes. but it was a tough road back In future, the oceania champions will play understand the situation well. supporter of the sport. I read about because we lost key sponsors. The alongside fourth-placed teams from Asia, Africa professional player and that has We know firsthand how the fund-raising campaign in a players had to pay for most of and Pan America in a four-nation tournament to affected their rhythm. hard it’s to find partners to magazine and immediately wanted their trip to Qatar. but the crowd- determine who take the 24th spot at the IHF Worlds. Al Arabi were impressive in advertise on a handball to reach out,” Akeret told Handball funding initiative definitely The game in Australia is still in its infancy. The their 29-27 win against Al rayyan. uniform. So we didn’t Australia’s official website. helped. Now, we’ve national team’s Danish coach Jan ottosen explained. Lekhwiya, who made their intent have to think twice “I read about Australia’s started dreaming of a “There’re only around 1,500 registered players clear this season by signing before extending disqualification and how they had new beginning,” the altogether in both versions — indoor and beach. 34-year-old belarusian professional our support to trained hard for it. I felt sorry for Dane added. Australia is a huge country and we don’t run a single Siarhei rutenka, defeated Al Ahli Australia,” said them. moreover, they’re an amateur league. Separate events are held in different regions 33-30. Hanning, who side, with passion being the only — New South Wales (Sydney), Queensland (brisbane), In other games, Qatar SC beat Al donated $2,000 driving force. When I got a chance victoria (melbourne), Southern Australia (Adelaide) Shamal 36-27 and Al Wakrah got and Western Australia (Perth),” he said. the better of Al Sadd 29-24. “In some regions, there’s just one club, often with RESULTS “Getting kicked out of the IHF Worlds was a really hard 30 to 35 members. They get together and play internal games each week. but Sydney and brisbane, which El Jaish bt El Quiyada 34-24 blow to us. We lost whatever little support we had. The Al Arabi bt Al rayyan 29-27 has five to six clubs each, play a league. At the end of Lekhwiya bt Al Ahli 33-30 team was torn into pieces and we had to pick them up ŠEl Jaish did each season, each region sends teams for a national š Al Gharafa bt Al Khor 21-18 from the ground and put them together again. not have to sweat championship. We select our national team players before putting it Qatar SC bt Al Shamal 36-27 Jan Ottosen, Australia coach. from among them,” he added. past El Quiyada. Al Wakrah bt Al Sadd 29-24 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 17

“I’m really happy that our team has entered the competition’s knockout phase. The presence of home fans is certainly going to help them in the semifinal. I hope we can win the title and make it to the rio olympic Games next year. Ahmed Mohammed Abdulrab Al Shaabi, Qatar Handball Association President.

Qatar take on South Korea in semifinal ATAr will take on South team’s performances. Korea while Iran will “Everything is going according Qplay bahrain in the to our plan and I’m happy with semifinals of the Asian olympic our progress so far. We won’t Qualification Tournament at be taking our eyes off the final the Qatar Handball Association target, which is to play in the Complex on Wednesday. olympics for the first time. The Qatar topped the six-team crowd which came to cheer the team has also been wonderful. I’m confident my boys can make QATAR TOPPED THE history,” said the 64-year-old. SIX-TEAM GROUP B The national team’s WITH AN ALL-WIN preparations, which included RECORD. camps in Turkey and Spain, and a four-nation friendly tournament at home, have paid Group b with an all-win record, rich dividends. beating Uzbekistan (49-9), Japan While the winners of the (36-19), Saudi Arabia (29-23), Iran Asian event will directly qualify (32-17) and oman (31-20). for the 2016 rio olympics, Australia expecting bahrain and South Korea were the runners-up will feature the top two sides in Group A, with in another qualification permanent solution eight and six points respectively. tournament. Hosts brazil and Qatar’s Spanish coach valero world champions France have USTrALIA may be a big name in sports such as rivera was happy with the already made the cut. šš Qatar’s Abdulrazzaq murad jumps to score against Iran. cricket, football, rugby, swimming and tennis, Abut they are yet to make an impression in handball. Although unrivalled in the oceania region, their influence do not go beyond those boundaries. El Jaish sustain momentum And their presence at the Asian olympic Qualification Tournament in Doha was a sort of ESPITE missing several key half-time. momentum until our seven players compromise on the part of the International Handball players due to national team “I’m really happy with the way return from Asian qualification Federation (IHF), after the team had been kicked out Dduty, El Jaish continued their our players stepped up to the event,” he said. of the ’15 Worlds in Doha earlier this year. winning start in the Qatar League challenge. Quiyada had a strong meanwhile, defending “Each IHF-registered team should get a genuine with a 34-24 win over El Quiyada. line-up, but we never stopped champions Al Gharafa toiled for chance to qualify for the quadrennial olympic Games. The Armymen, trained by believing in ourselves. I’m hoping a second straight week, edging If such conditions couldn’t be provided, handball Spaniard Toni Gerona, led 16-9 at we can keep up the winning last season’s 11th-placed side Al faced the risk of getting removed from the olympics Khor 21-18. The two sides were altogether. The Australian olympic Committee too locked 10-10 at half time. Gharafa got involved and things became a little heated,” said are yet to decide on their second an official, who did not wish to be named, on how Australia got to feature in the tournament. “The IHF had to find a way to let Australia play in an DEFENDING CHAMPIONS olympic qualification tournament. It was decided to AL GHARAFA HAD TO put them into the Asian competition as a short-term TOIL HARD FOR A SECOND solution. Hopefully, a more permanent solution will STRAIGHT WEEK. soon be found,” added the official. In future, the oceania champions will play alongside fourth-placed teams from Asia, Africa professional player and that has and Pan America in a four-nation tournament to affected their rhythm. determine who take the 24th spot at the IHF Worlds. Al Arabi were impressive in The game in Australia is still in its infancy. The their 29-27 win against Al rayyan. national team’s Danish coach Jan ottosen explained. Lekhwiya, who made their intent “There’re only around 1,500 registered players clear this season by signing altogether in both versions — indoor and beach. 34-year-old belarusian professional Australia is a huge country and we don’t run a single Siarhei rutenka, defeated Al Ahli league. Separate events are held in different regions 33-30. — New South Wales (Sydney), Queensland (brisbane), In other games, Qatar SC beat Al victoria (melbourne), Southern Australia (Adelaide) Shamal 36-27 and Al Wakrah got and Western Australia (Perth),” he said. the better of Al Sadd 29-24. “In some regions, there’s just one club, often with 30 to 35 members. They get together and play internal RESULTS games each week. but Sydney and brisbane, which El Jaish bt El Quiyada 34-24 Al Arabi bt Al rayyan 29-27 has five to six clubs each, play a league. At the end of Lekhwiya bt Al Ahli 33-30 ŠEl Jaish did each season, each region sends teams for a national š Al Gharafa bt Al Khor 21-18 not have to sweat championship. We select our national team players before putting it Qatar SC bt Al Shamal 36-27 from among them,” he added. past El Quiyada. Al Wakrah bt Al Sadd 29-24 18 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 19

VOLLEYBALL

Two hot to TEAM-BY-TEAM PROSPECTS Teams are listed according to their final standings last season.

handle! AL RAYYAN AL ARABI EL JAISH POLICE AL AHLI The three-time defending champions are leaving The most successful club in the Qatar League The Armymen have always remained in the top outstanding one day, pretty ordinary the next They enjoyed their best run in the 2013 season TRADITIONAL POWERHOUSES AL ARABI AND AL RAYYAN AGAIN no stone unturned in their attempts to win a history with 24 titles is looking to regain lost three, but somehow lack the killer instinct to day. That sums up the cops’ plight. They have when a unified format was introduced for START AS OVERWHELMING FAVOURITES IN THE QATAR LEAGUE, fourth straight crown. The squad, a blend of youth ground. They won four titles last year — win the title. The three-time Association Cup it in them to quell the challenge of big teams, the first time. That year, they were in the title and experience, has been boosted by the addition Association Cup, Super Cup, Qatar Cup and champions need to raise the bar, especially in but finishing out close matches is an area where reckoning till the penultimate round and also WHICH STARTS ON WEDNESDAY, WRITES SAJITH B WARRIER. of former Al Arabi star Philip maiyo. The fact that Emir’s Cup — but missed the most-important crunch matches, to be counted as serious title the team needs to work on seriously. The return reached the final of the Emir’s Cup. Ahli made most Qatar internationals are from rayyan is an one, the league. regaining the league after a contenders. over dependence on Christian of Yousef Faredoon as the coach has surely a good start to the season by reaching the indicator of their strength. three-yearthree-year gapgap isis onon toptop ofof theirtheir agenda.agenda. Pampel has often let them down. invigorated the ranks. Association Cup semifinal.

S THE Qatar League starts on but how much inspiration they can skipper and outside hitter osmel Wednesday, it is difficult to draw from a tournament which Camejo. rayyan spared no time in Aenvision a champion beyond most of the national players skipped signing Kenyan Philip maiyo, who Al Arabi emerge as traditional powerhouses Al Arabi remains to be seen. incidentally was the architect of and Al rayyan, who have together That rayyan and Arabi contribute Arabi’s four cup triumphs last year. won 33 of the 36 editions so far. the lion’s share to the national team The battle between Camejo and Super Cup champs Arabi have won the Qatar League puts things into perspective. maiyo will largely decide as to a record 24 times while rayyan are Unlike the cup tournaments who wins the 37th edition of the L ArAbI grabbed the bragging “We’ve taken the first step by nine-time champions, with the last competition. rights over Al rayyan by winning the Super Cup. Now the three coming in a row. The other sub-plot pits local Aretaining the Super Cup last Qatar League is our priority. We’ve Ever since Qatar SC triumphed in ARABI HAVE WON THE players, Arabi’s Ibrahim Saeed week with a 23-25, 25-23, not won it for three years and this AL SHAMAL 2005, the league title has always QATAR LEAGUE 24 TIMES against rayyan’s mubarak Dahi 25-23, 25-21 victory. is the time to really step up. We’ve From the whipping boys of the Qatar League to stayed with either of the two WHILE RAYYAN ARE Waleed. The one-off tie, which draws last more bench strength than before the most-improved side, Shamal have come a arch-rivals. NINE-TIME CHAMPIONS. “We’ve not won the league for ‘League going to be season’s Emir’s Cup winners against and we look forward to the league,” long way in the last two seasons. They bagged Al Ahli and El Jaish moved close three years and this time, we’ll go all Qatar League champions, was said Arabi coach mawia Alajnaf. the Qatar volleyball Association’s best team of to usurping their dominance, but out to seal it,” said Arabi skipper Ali tough and exciting’ virtually a repeat of the 2014 edition, rayyan coach Daniele bagnoli said the season award last year and it was a good recognition of their efforts. came a cropper when it mattered where each team is allowed to field omar. where Arabi staged a comeback win the most. two professionals, the league will Arabi take on Qatar SC in the Qatar volleyball Association (QvA) after losing the first set. President Khalid Ali Al mawlawi said ŢŢAl Arabi’s osmel Jaish have sounded an early have only one on the court. lung opener on Wednesday and In what could be considered the THE ONE-OFF TIE WAS Camejo smashes last-minute signings could have a big say VIRTUALLY A REPEAT OF against Al rayyan in warning to rivals by winning the Arabi have boosted their their marquee clash against rayyan in the fortunes of most of the teams as the curtain-raiser for the Qatar League, the Super Cup. season-opening Association Cup. arsenal by roping in former Cuban is slated for January 29 which will 37th edition of the Qatar League starts on the teams set the perfect tone for the THE 2014 EDITION, WHICH bring curtains to the first phase. Wednesday. season with a gripping tie that lasted ARABI WON. rayyan, who won 18 of their A total of 55 matches featuring 11 teams a little under three hours. 20 games last year, begin their will be played over the next three months rayyan won a tight opening set title defence against Qatar SC, on at Al Arabi Sports Club in the first phase of while Arabi drew level in the second. it was time to forget the defeat and the League which concludes on January 29. December 2. rayyan had only themselves to think about the league. “most of the teams are busy with “The level of the teams is much last-minute signings which is very blame in the third as they frittered “Surely, we can raise our level as higher than last year. It’ll really be crucial for them. The national players away a 22-17 lead. Arabi’s new the league starts. In volleyball, there’s AL KHOR difficult to predict anything about got a well-deserved break after the GCC recruit osmel Camejo proved his always room for improvement with the outcome so early. However, we’re Championship in riyadh. Though Al worth in the decisive stages as they coach’s tactics, small adjustments Khor are a team that improve every year, but still not enough to warrant a top-five finish. determined to defend the title,” said rayyan and Al Arabi are the front-runners, won eight of the last nine points here and there during practice Tenth in 2013, they jumped two places up in rayyan skipper osman Ajab. there’re at least five or six teams who have to go up 2-1 before finishing the sessions and so. I feel we’re ready for strong line-ups and this is surely going to ’14 and one more last year. Failure to make it to Jaish, who finished third last year contest in the fourth. the new season,” said bagnoli. šAl Arabi players celebrate with the spoils. make the League both tough and exciting,” š the semifinal of the Association Cup should hurt and beat Arabi in the Association said Al mawlawi. them badly. Cup final, will be the most likely team to challenge the favourites. They will be banking on veteran “I’ve seen the Christian Pampel while Stevanovic preparations brothers — setter milos and libero of most of the marcos — will also hold key to their teams. I feel their fortunes. level will be much barring the odd surprises, higher this time. nothing much can be expected from Everybody is ready the other sides. to try and give it their Unlike the top three, the others best shot. We can expect some are still racing against time to close matches. finalise the team composition. QATAR SC AL GHARAFA AL SADD AL WAKRAH Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, So it’s advantage rayyan and The only team other than Al rayyan and Al Yet another minnows struggling to grapple with Sadd, another under-achieving team, need to An eighth-place finish last season was a big Qatar volleyball Association President. Arabi to have won the Qatar League, Qatar SC the demands of top tier. Playing 20 matches in thank the unified format for their adventures. improvement for the team which ended up 11th

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod Arabi. have fallen from the pedestal. A side, which a stretch has always proved to be a challenge When the league was played in a two-tier in the previous two seasons. Ahmed raouf- used to end up in the top six reached its nadir for the squad coached by mohammed Saleh format earlier, they struggled to stay afloat coached side played well at the Association Cup, ROLL OF lastlast yearyear whenwhen theythey finishedfinished withwith aa woodenwooden and they have often struggled in getting top in the top flight and their struggle continues. where they beat Police. but inconsistency has HONOUR 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 spoon. but they showed signs of improvement professionals. They would be looking to improve barring the Association Cup final appearance in been the bane of Wakrah, who are quite often Last 10 champions Al rayyan Al rayyan Al rayyan Al Arabi Al Arabi Al Arabi Al Arabi Al Arabi Al rayyan Al Arabi at the Association Cup. on the previous year’s last-but-one finish. 2013, there is nothing much to boast for them. known to lose from winning positions. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 19

TEAM-BY-TEAM PROSPECTS Teams are listed according to their final standings last season.

AL ARABI EL JAISH POLICE AL AHLI The most successful club in the Qatar League The Armymen have always remained in the top outstanding one day, pretty ordinary the next They enjoyed their best run in the 2013 season history with 24 titles is looking to regain lost three, but somehow lack the killer instinct to day. That sums up the cops’ plight. They have when a unified format was introduced for ground. They won four titles last year — win the title. The three-time Association Cup it in them to quell the challenge of big teams, the first time. That year, they were in the title Association Cup, Super Cup, Qatar Cup and champions need to raise the bar, especially in but finishing out close matches is an area where reckoning till the penultimate round and also Emir’s Cup — but missed the most-important crunch matches, to be counted as serious title the team needs to work on seriously. The return reached the final of the Emir’s Cup. Ahli made one, the league. regaining the league after a contenders. over dependence on Christian of Yousef Faredoon as the coach has surely a good start to the season by reaching the three-year gap is on top of their agenda. Pampel has often let them down. invigorated the ranks. Association Cup semifinal. Al Arabi emerge as Super Cup champs

L ArAbI grabbed the bragging “We’ve taken the first step by rights over Al rayyan by winning the Super Cup. Now the Aretaining the Super Cup last Qatar League is our priority. We’ve week with a 23-25, 25-23, not won it for three years and this AL SHAMAL 25-23, 25-21 victory. is the time to really step up. We’ve From the whipping boys of the Qatar League to The one-off tie, which draws last more bench strength than before the most-improved side, Shamal have come a season’s Emir’s Cup winners against and we look forward to the league,” long way in the last two seasons. They bagged Qatar League champions, was said Arabi coach mawia Alajnaf. the Qatar volleyball Association’s best team of virtually a repeat of the 2014 edition, rayyan coach Daniele bagnoli said the season award last year and it was a good recognition of their efforts. where Arabi staged a comeback win after losing the first set. In what could be considered the THE ONE-OFF TIE WAS curtain-raiser for the Qatar League, VIRTUALLY A REPEAT OF the teams set the perfect tone for the THE 2014 EDITION, WHICH season with a gripping tie that lasted ARABI WON. a little under three hours. rayyan won a tight opening set while Arabi drew level in the second. it was time to forget the defeat and rayyan had only themselves to think about the league. blame in the third as they frittered “Surely, we can raise our level as away a 22-17 lead. Arabi’s new the league starts. In volleyball, there’s AL KHOR recruit osmel Camejo proved his always room for improvement with worth in the decisive stages as they coach’s tactics, small adjustments Khor are a team that improve every year, but still not enough to warrant a top-five finish. won eight of the last nine points here and there during practice Tenth in 2013, they jumped two places up in to go up 2-1 before finishing the sessions and so. I feel we’re ready for ’14 and one more last year. Failure to make it to contest in the fourth. the new season,” said bagnoli. ššAl Arabi players celebrate with the spoils. the semifinal of the Association Cup should hurt them badly.

QATAR SC AL GHARAFA AL SADD AL WAKRAH The only team other than Al rayyan and Al Yet another minnows struggling to grapple with Sadd, another under-achieving team, need to An eighth-place finish last season was a big Arabi to have won the Qatar League, Qatar SC the demands of top tier. Playing 20 matches in thank the unified format for their adventures. improvement for the team which ended up 11th have fallen from the pedestal. A side, which a stretch has always proved to be a challenge When the league was played in a two-tier in the previous two seasons. Ahmed raouf- used to end up in the top six reached its nadir for the squad coached by mohammed Saleh format earlier, they struggled to stay afloat coached side played well at the Association Cup, last year when they finished with a wooden and they have often struggled in getting top in the top flight and their struggle continues. where they beat Police. but inconsistency has spoon. but they showed signs of improvement professionals. They would be looking to improve barring the Association Cup final appearance in been the bane of Wakrah, who are quite often at the Association Cup. on the previous year’s last-but-one finish. 2013, there is nothing much to boast for them. known to lose from winning positions. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

LUIS SUAREZ

22 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 23

CHESS

magnus Carlsen will Carlsen defend his world title in the United States next year. Zhu all for women’s to defend The international chess world title federation (FIDE) has not yet announced the name of the host city game in Africa in the US of the Worlds. meanwhile, Carlsen’s opponent will ormEr women’s world Lewis Ncube. “Another idea behind be determined at the FIDE Candidates tournament in moscow, russia, from champion Zhu Chen of Qatar such an event was to promote Africa march 10-30. Fwas last week chosen as a as a tourist attraction with focus on Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan brand ambassador of the African sport’s development.” Anand, who came second at the 2014 Chess Confederation (ACC) with an Qatari Grandmaster Zhu, 39, Worlds, russians Sergey Karjakin and aim to encourage girls to pursue the has already toured Seychelles, Peter Svidler (top two at this year’s World sport at a profession level on that mozambique and malawi. Cup), Americans Hikaru Nakamura and continent. Zhu, who became a world Fabiano Caruana (top two at FIDE Grand MAGNUS Zhu is currently on a tour to champion in 2001, conducted THE PRESENCE OF WORLD NO.1 MAGNUS CARLSEN Prix), bulgarian veselin Topalov and Dutchman Anish Giri (highest-rated Lusaka and Livingstone in Zambia, a lecture and a workshop at AS WELL AS NO.4 VLADIMIR KRAMNIK IS SURE TO players at the World Cup) and Qatar confident where she will help the ACC promote the Hillcrest National Technical PUT THE SECOND QATAR MASTERS OPEN IN THE Armenia’s Levon Aronian (wild their programmes designed to Secondary School in Livingstone, card entry) will compete of hosting increase women’s participation. where she taught chess and shared LIMELIGHT, WRITES MOHAMMAD AMIN-UL ISLAM. to decide Carlsen’s The ACC invited Zhu and some her experiences with young girls. challenger. bigger events other players who are considered The current Asian rapid With the popularity of Qatar role models in an effort to promote Championship winner is also masters open always on the women’s chess. Last year, the African expected to meet officials at the OPUS! rise, Qatar Chess Association federation had invited Ukraine’s ministry of Youth, Sport and Child (QCA) Secretary Mohammed Anastasia Karlovych to botswana as Development, National Sports HE presence of world The most remarkable thing “We’re delighted to have every year. There’re a lot of Al Medaikhi exuded part of the promotional tour. Council of Zambia and National confidence the country champion and top-ranked about this largely self-taught Carlsen in the event. It a big prospects as we’ve found out “Zhu visited Zambia as part organisation for Women in Sport would host a top FIDE-rated Tplayer magnus Carlsen, who player is his unorthodox approach boost to our profile,” Qatar Chess from the number of participants,” tournament in the future. of her tour of four southern Physical Activity and recreation. is competing in Doha for the first to the game. He hardly bothers Association (QCA) Secretary said Al medaikhi. “The chess Asked if the QCA will be African countries to encourage Zhu, the wife of Qatar Chess time, is sure to make the Second about any fixed opening as much and Tournament Director world has turned its attention keen to organise Candidates local federations to implement Association Secretary and Qatar masters open stronger and as others and sidesteps almost mohammed Al medaikhi told to Qatar because of this Tournament, Al medaihki programmes designed to Grandmaster mohammed Al more glamorous. all of the computer wizardry that Doha Stadium Plus. tournament which has become said, “It won’t be easy increase women and young girls’ medaihki, will be visiting west and russian vladimir Kramnik’s others consider essential. Fans will be happy to watch one of the best. This is a big to host that event. but participation,” said ACC President east Africa next year. I think we can organise appearance had generated In what could be marked as the Carlsen in Doha. The presence positive development for QCA.” a World rapid and blitz a lot of interest among local dawn of a new era, the 24-year- of second seed Kramnik, third Al medaikhi, who is also a Championship in the near fans in the inaugural edition old dethroned five-time champion seed Anish Giri and defending Grandmaster, said the QCA was future.” last year. viswanathan Anand to win the champion Yu Yangyi will add to interested in making tie-ups If that happens, the sport The Doha event, to be the event’s appeal. with various schools in order will get a huge boost as held from December 19 to 30, Qatar has hosted several to make the sport part of the several local age-group will only be the second open WE’RE DELIGHTED TO top events in the last decade, curriculum. tournaments, like Qatargas Championship and Toyota tournament for Norwegian HAVE CARLSEN IN THE drawing a lot of praise from “We can look into involving open, already see an Grandmaster Carlsen, after EVENT. IT’S A BIG BOOST international sports fraternity. the schools and see if we can overwhelming response the Arctic Challenge in Tromso, TO OUR PROFILE. Chess is a relatively new entrant, include chess in the curriculum. both from Qataris and Norway, in 2007. but within a year’s time it seems We’ve been promoting the sport expatriates. Asked in a recent interview the masters has grown bigger. Al through various age-group “The main idea behind whether he would compete in world title in ’13 at Chennai, the medaikhi had hinted last year at tournaments and we can always hosting such competitions an open event again, Carlsen Indian Grandmaster’s hometown. making it one of the blue riband give it a try,” said Al medaikhi. is to spread the game and have a strong base. We said, “The tournament has to be It was the only time Anand failed events in West Asia and the QCA This year’s competition will want to make Qatar a chess something special and only then to win a single game at a World has lived up to the promise. be held at the Ladies Club in destination and have more I can consider playing in it. It Championship match as Carlsen “The tournament will further Aspire Zone. Its huge playing Qatari Grandmasters,” he should’ve a very impressive field.” made it the most one-sided boost the game in the area plus many meeting rooms added. Carlsen’s positional mastery and tournament in modern history. country as well as West and offices should help endgame prowess have drawn Carlsen again proved his mastery Asia. The QCA has the QCA provide the comparisons to legends such when he successfully defended the been organising competitors with Strong field for Qatar Masters as Jose raul Capablanca, vasily crown against Anand last year in many age- a comfortable Smyslov and Anatoly Karpov. Sochi, russia, winning 6.5-4.5. group events environment. HE Second Qatar masters challengers will be 2014 Candidates Poland’s radoslaw Wojtaszek (2,748), open will have a very strong runner-up and fourth-seeded India’s Pendyala Harikrishna (2,743), Tfield, with 17 players above Sergey Karjakin of russia (2,766), the Azerbaijan duo of Teimour is the highest Elo rating in 2,700 Elo ratings already confirming USA’s Wesley So (2,767) and China’s radjabov (2,739) and Shakhriyar history, which was achieved by their participation. Wei Yi (2,737). mamedyarov (2,743), and russia’s 2,882 magnus Carlsen in may, 2014. only players above 2,300 ratings russia’s Evgeny recently-crowned world junior can compete in the event, which Tomashevsky champion mikhail Antipov (2,569) makes it one of the toughest open (2,743), China’s will also be seen in action. competitions in the world. Li Chao (2,750), Georgia’s bela Khotenashvili magnus Carlsen (2,850), vladimir (2,518), the highest-placed woman Kramnik (2,796) and Yu Yangyi in last year’s competition, will (2,734) are the top stars, but they will try to better her show. China’s have to battle it out against several former women’s world champion Magnus other highly-rated players. Hou Yifan (2,676), India’s Koneru Carlsen World No.9 Anish Giri (2,778), Humpy (2,589), the world’s second who nearly missed the title highest rated player, and russia’s Vladimir last year after leading till the former world champion Alexandra Kramnik penultimate round, will be a Kosteniuk (2,520) are also capable of hard nut to crack. other main big upsets. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 23

magnus Carlsen will Carlsen defend his world title in the United States next year. Zhu all for women’s to defend The international chess world title federation (FIDE) has not yet announced the name of the host city game in Africa in the US of the Worlds. meanwhile, Carlsen’s opponent will ormEr women’s world Lewis Ncube. “Another idea behind be determined at the FIDE Candidates tournament in moscow, russia, from champion Zhu Chen of Qatar such an event was to promote Africa march 10-30. Fwas last week chosen as a as a tourist attraction with focus on Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan brand ambassador of the African sport’s development.” Anand, who came second at the 2014 Chess Confederation (ACC) with an Qatari Grandmaster Zhu, 39, Worlds, russians Sergey Karjakin and aim to encourage girls to pursue the has already toured Seychelles, Peter Svidler (top two at this year’s World sport at a profession level on that mozambique and malawi. Cup), Americans Hikaru Nakamura and continent. Zhu, who became a world Fabiano Caruana (top two at FIDE Grand Prix), bulgarian veselin Topalov and Zhu is currently on a tour to champion in 2001, conducted Dutchman Anish Giri (highest-rated Lusaka and Livingstone in Zambia, a lecture and a workshop at players at the World Cup) and where she will help the ACC promote the Hillcrest National Technical Armenia’s Levon Aronian (wild Qatar confident their programmes designed to Secondary School in Livingstone, card entry) will compete of hosting increase women’s participation. where she taught chess and shared to decide Carlsen’s The ACC invited Zhu and some her experiences with young girls. challenger. bigger events other players who are considered The current Asian rapid With the popularity of Qatar role models in an effort to promote Championship winner is also masters open always on the women’s chess. Last year, the African expected to meet officials at the rise, Qatar Chess Association federation had invited Ukraine’s ministry of Youth, Sport and Child (QCA) Secretary Mohammed Anastasia Karlovych to botswana as Development, National Sports “We’re delighted to have every year. There’re a lot of Al Medaikhi exuded part of the promotional tour. Council of Zambia and National confidence the country Carlsen in the event. It a big prospects as we’ve found out “Zhu visited Zambia as part organisation for Women in Sport would host a top FIDE-rated boost to our profile,” Qatar Chess from the number of participants,” tournament in the future. of her tour of four southern Physical Activity and recreation. Association (QCA) Secretary said Al medaikhi. “The chess Asked if the QCA will be African countries to encourage Zhu, the wife of Qatar Chess and Tournament Director world has turned its attention keen to organise Candidates local federations to implement Association Secretary and mohammed Al medaikhi told to Qatar because of this Tournament, Al medaihki programmes designed to Grandmaster mohammed Al Doha Stadium Plus. tournament which has become said, “It won’t be easy increase women and young girls’ medaihki, will be visiting west and Fans will be happy to watch one of the best. This is a big to host that event. but participation,” said ACC President east Africa next year. I think we can organise Carlsen in Doha. The presence positive development for QCA.” a World rapid and blitz of second seed Kramnik, third Al medaikhi, who is also a Championship in the near seed Anish Giri and defending Grandmaster, said the QCA was future.” champion Yu Yangyi will add to interested in making tie-ups If that happens, the sport the event’s appeal. with various schools in order will get a huge boost as Qatar has hosted several to make the sport part of the several local age-group top events in the last decade, curriculum. tournaments, like Qatargas Championship and Toyota drawing a lot of praise from “We can look into involving open, already see an international sports fraternity. the schools and see if we can overwhelming response Chess is a relatively new entrant, include chess in the curriculum. both from Qataris and but within a year’s time it seems We’ve been promoting the sport expatriates. the masters has grown bigger. Al through various age-group “The main idea behind medaikhi had hinted last year at tournaments and we can always hosting such competitions making it one of the blue riband give it a try,” said Al medaikhi. is to spread the game and have a strong base. We events in West Asia and the QCA This year’s competition will want to make Qatar a chess has lived up to the promise. be held at the Ladies Club in destination and have more “The tournament will further Aspire Zone. Its huge playing Qatari Grandmasters,” he boost the game in the area plus many meeting rooms added. country as well as West and offices should help Asia. The QCA has the QCA provide the been organising competitors with Strong field for Qatar Masters many age- a comfortable group events environment. HE Second Qatar masters challengers will be 2014 Candidates Poland’s radoslaw Wojtaszek (2,748), open will have a very strong runner-up and fourth-seeded India’s Pendyala Harikrishna (2,743), Tfield, with 17 players above Sergey Karjakin of russia (2,766), the Azerbaijan duo of Teimour 2,700 Elo ratings already confirming USA’s Wesley So (2,767) and China’s radjabov (2,739) and Shakhriyar their participation. Wei Yi (2,737). mamedyarov (2,743), and russia’s only players above 2,300 ratings russia’s Evgeny recently-crowned world junior can compete in the event, which Tomashevsky champion mikhail Antipov (2,569) makes it one of the toughest open (2,743), China’s will also be seen in action. competitions in the world. Li Chao (2,750), Georgia’s bela Khotenashvili magnus Carlsen (2,850), vladimir (2,518), the highest-placed woman Kramnik (2,796) and Yu Yangyi in last year’s competition, will (2,734) are the top stars, but they will try to better her show. China’s have to battle it out against several former women’s world champion other highly-rated players. Hou Yifan (2,676), India’s Koneru World No.9 Anish Giri (2,778), Humpy (2,589), the world’s second who nearly missed the title highest rated player, and russia’s Vladimir last year after leading till the former world champion Alexandra Kramnik penultimate round, will be a Kosteniuk (2,520) are also capable of hard nut to crack. other main big upsets. 24 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 25

“We’re delighted to host the World Touring Car Championship for the first time in Qatar. I’m sure the night race will provide the MOTORSPORT drivers with a unique experience. Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, Qatar motor and motorcycle Federation President.

SCHEDULE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 7-7.30pm Free practice 1 Abdulaziz ends 9.30-10pm Free practice 2 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 up second 3-3.20pm Qualifying practice 1 3.25-3.35pm Qualifying practice 2 at MERC 3.40 Qualifying practice 3 THE WORLD TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP, WHICH WILL MAKE ITS QATAR DEBUT AT 9.45pm race 1 (12 laps) Qatar’s Abdulaziz Al Kuwari 10.55pm race 2 (12 laps) finished as overall LOSAIL ON FRIDAY, IS SURE TO SET THE PULSES RACING, WRITES SAJITH B WARRIER. runner-up at the middle East rally Championship (mErC) after coming second in the final ESPITE lacking the glamour Ever since event promoter CHAMPIONSHIP championship. Friday is the first round in Dubai, won by local of a Formula one race, Eurosport entered into a three-year STANDINGS day of the middle East weekend hero Shaikh Khalid Al Qassimi. the FIA World Touring Car deal in may with the QmmF to host and the pleasant late evening The 36-year-old finished D 1. Jose maria Lopez (ESP) 441 A different challenge Championship (WTCC), set to make WTCC’s first-ever night race, there 2. Sebastien Loeb (FrA) 329 temperatures should provide the season with 102 points, 48 its Qatar debut on Friday, promises has been a sense of anticipation 3. Yvan muller (FrA) 324 ideal racing conditions,” said WTCC behind champion Nasser Saleh plenty of thrills and nail-biting among motor sports buffs in the 4. ma Qing Hua (CHN) 213 General manager Francois ribeiro. altogether for Nasser Al Attiyah, who skipped the action. country. 5. Gabriele Tarquini (ITA) 191 Free practice will take place on event. As the floodlit Losail International Qatar has been yearning for an F1 Thursday, with qualifying and both ATAr’S hopes at the World title defence. Shaikh Khalid was third with Circuit hosts the season-ending race for a long time and the WTCC Hence, we’re delighted to host it for 12-lap races being scheduled for Touring Car Championship’s Nasser has done plenty of 91. leg of the 12-round championship could be another step towards the first time in Qatar. I’m sure the Friday. Q(WTCC) season finale will off-road rallying throughout his Qatar’s Khalid Al Suwaidi which began in Argentina in march, realising its long-standing dream. night race will provide the drivers A night event in perfect weather rest on Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah. career and is not much used to finished third at the 37th Dubai it will be another feather on the with a unique experience. We hope would be the ideal way to cap a fine The 44-year-old will be seen circuit driving. rally as curtains came down cap of Qatar motor and motorcycle all fans will enjoy this new event in season for the championship. behind the wheel of a Chevrolet At the WTCC, he will be up on yet another mErC season Federation (QmmF). THERE HAS BEEN A SENSE Qatar,” said QmmF President Nasser rmL Cruze TC1 for Campos racing against a quality field which dominated by Nasser, who won Though Spaniard Jose maria OF ANTICIPATION AMONG bin Khalifa Al Attiyah. Team in the event, which has 18 includes the likes of former Citroen his 11th regional crown. Lopez defended the title with MOTOR SPORTS BUFFS IN Losail is one of the five new drivers in the fray. team-mate and rally legend However, Abdulaziz can take victory in the previous round in THE COUNTRY. circuits on the 2015 WTCC calendar, “I was happy when I learned Sebastien Loeb of France. a lot of positives from a season buriram, Thailand, there is no the others being vila real (Portugal), that the WTCC would be coming to “I’ll have plenty to learn and get during which he was forced to dearth of enthusiasm for the Nurburgring (Germany), motegi Qatar. I’m even more proud to say used to because I haven’t done take a three-month break due race of Qatar, which is to The WTCC, which fields (Japan) and buriram (Thailand). that I’ll be part of the action. It’s a much circuit racing and have never to sponsorship woes. feature the likes of Super 2000 cars, currently but what distinguishes Losail true honour for me to represent my been in a front-wheel-drive car. “I finished third overall at the nine-time world rally has six manufacturers from other rounds is its floodlights. country when it hosts the WTCC While I want to be competitive, World rally Championship’s champion Sebastien Loeb competing — bmW, SEAT, When American lighting giant for the first time,” said Nasser, who my objectives at the WTCC will be support category and second of France and home hero Honda, Chevrolet, Lada and musco installed floodlights on the has been in the form of his life this different to that of my rivals. at mErC despite not being Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, who volvo. They all vrooming circuit in 2007, three years after its season, winning four world titles, “I’m an ambassador for middle able to compete in all rounds. I has been given a around the 5.3km- inception, it was then the largest including a second Dakar crown. East motorsport and I’ll be doing thank Qatar’s ministry of Youth wild-card entry. long Losail circuit permanent sports lighting project in The WTCC round in Qatar comes all I can to further highlight Qatar’s and Sport, and all those who would be a sight the world. Nasser Saleh at a time when Nasser is about to position on the motor sports map,” supported me during testing to behold. In addition to hosting motoGP Al Attiyah begin his preparations for the Dakar he added. times,” said Abdulaziz. “Quite often every year, the circuit also organises Jose Maria in motor a round of World Superbike Lopez sports, the Championship as well as motocross WTCC is Worlds. In ’09, it had conducted a FIRST & considered round of GP2 Asia series. Rally legend Loeb has point to prove in Qatar FOREMOST as the next “running the WTCC finale in big thing Qatar on a Friday night is a T WILL be an emotional drive for Citroen also announced their season, Loeb has a point to prove Loeb told www.autosport.com “I’m disappointed that the It is the first night race in the after F1 great opportunity nine-time world rally champion decision not to take part in the ’16 in Qatar. about his association with Citroen adventure stopped after two years history of the championship. and WrC. for the ISebastien Loeb at the World WrC season as they prepare a new for whom he won 78 rounds of the because I had the desire to get this WTCC is coming to the middle Touring Car Championship’s (WTCC) car for ’17. WrC. title,” he added. East for the first time. final round in Qatar. Loeb, 41, will move to Puegot SINCE 2000, CITROEN WERE Loeb has notched six wins for Loeb also had a world of caution In a break from tradition, the The race of Qatar will be Loeb’s next year with whom he is also set A PART OF MY HEART. Citroen in WTCC since he joined for WTCC rookie and double Dakar race, usually held on a Saturday, Sebastien last outing with Citroen as the to make his Dakar debut in January. I’VE HAD INCREDIBLE them in ’14 and could not hide his champion Nasser, who is making a will have a Friday start for the Loeb French manufacturers announced Though Spaniard Jose maria MOMENTS WITH THEM. disappointment of ending the one-off appearance at Losail. first time as it coincides with the that they would not be extending Lopez defended his WTCC title, the 15-year partnership. “Compared to Dakar or rallying, weekend’s first day in Qatar. his contract for the next season. battle for the second spot is still “I was surprised when I learned WTCC will be very different. To Qatari ace Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah The Frenchman, who had won very much on, with Loeb just five “Since the beginning of the 2000, that I won’t move forward with be on the limit everywhere and will make his first start in the the World rally Championship points ahead of nearest rival and Citroen were a part of my heart. I’ve Citroen in ’16. We built this optimise everything will be a hard WTCC as he is set to drive a (WrC) for Citroen a record nine compatriot Yvan muller. had incredible moments with them. challenge together, with the job. For the front-wheel drive, Chevrolet rmL Cruze TC1 for times in a row from 2004, And with Citroen retaining both A beautiful story comes to an end, personal goal to get the drivers’ title you’ve to avoid the wheel spin all the Campos racing Team. switched to WTCC in ’14. Lopez and muller for the next but I cherish the great memories,” in less than three years,” he said. the time. It’ll not be easy.” www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 25

“We’re delighted to host the World Touring Car Championship for the first time in Qatar. I’m sure the night race will provide the drivers with a unique experience. Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, Qatar motor and motorcycle Federation President.

SCHEDULE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 7-7.30pm Free practice 1 Abdulaziz ends 9.30-10pm Free practice 2 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 up second 3-3.20pm Qualifying practice 1 3.25-3.35pm Qualifying practice 2 at MERC 3.40 Qualifying practice 3 9.45pm race 1 (12 laps) Qatar’s Abdulaziz Al Kuwari 10.55pm race 2 (12 laps) finished as overall runner-up at the middle East rally Championship (mErC) after coming second in the final round in Dubai, won by local hero Shaikh Khalid Al Qassimi. The 36-year-old finished A different challenge the season with 102 points, 48 behind champion Nasser Saleh altogether for Nasser Al Attiyah, who skipped the event. ATAr’S hopes at the World title defence. Shaikh Khalid was third with Touring Car Championship’s Nasser has done plenty of 91. Q(WTCC) season finale will off-road rallying throughout his Qatar’s Khalid Al Suwaidi rest on Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah. career and is not much used to finished third at the 37th Dubai The 44-year-old will be seen circuit driving. rally as curtains came down behind the wheel of a Chevrolet At the WTCC, he will be up on yet another mErC season rmL Cruze TC1 for Campos racing against a quality field which dominated by Nasser, who won Team in the event, which has 18 includes the likes of former Citroen his 11th regional crown. drivers in the fray. team-mate and rally legend However, Abdulaziz can take “I was happy when I learned Sebastien Loeb of France. a lot of positives from a season that the WTCC would be coming to “I’ll have plenty to learn and get during which he was forced to Qatar. I’m even more proud to say used to because I haven’t done take a three-month break due that I’ll be part of the action. It’s a much circuit racing and have never to sponsorship woes. true honour for me to represent my been in a front-wheel-drive car. “I finished third overall at the country when it hosts the WTCC While I want to be competitive, World rally Championship’s for the first time,” said Nasser, who my objectives at the WTCC will be support category and second has been in the form of his life this different to that of my rivals. at mErC despite not being season, winning four world titles, “I’m an ambassador for middle able to compete in all rounds. I including a second Dakar crown. East motorsport and I’ll be doing thank Qatar’s ministry of Youth The WTCC round in Qatar comes all I can to further highlight Qatar’s and Sport, and all those who Nasser Saleh at a time when Nasser is about to position on the motor sports map,” supported me during testing Al Attiyah begin his preparations for the Dakar he added. times,” said Abdulaziz. Rally legend Loeb has point to prove in Qatar T WILL be an emotional drive for Citroen also announced their season, Loeb has a point to prove Loeb told www.autosport.com “I’m disappointed that the nine-time world rally champion decision not to take part in the ’16 in Qatar. about his association with Citroen adventure stopped after two years ISebastien Loeb at the World WrC season as they prepare a new for whom he won 78 rounds of the because I had the desire to get this Touring Car Championship’s (WTCC) car for ’17. WrC. title,” he added. final round in Qatar. Loeb, 41, will move to Puegot SINCE 2000, CITROEN WERE Loeb has notched six wins for Loeb also had a world of caution The race of Qatar will be Loeb’s next year with whom he is also set A PART OF MY HEART. Citroen in WTCC since he joined for WTCC rookie and double Dakar last outing with Citroen as the to make his Dakar debut in January. I’VE HAD INCREDIBLE them in ’14 and could not hide his champion Nasser, who is making a French manufacturers announced Though Spaniard Jose maria MOMENTS WITH THEM. disappointment of ending the one-off appearance at Losail. that they would not be extending Lopez defended his WTCC title, the 15-year partnership. “Compared to Dakar or rallying, his contract for the next season. battle for the second spot is still “I was surprised when I learned WTCC will be very different. To The Frenchman, who had won very much on, with Loeb just five “Since the beginning of the 2000, that I won’t move forward with be on the limit everywhere and the World rally Championship points ahead of nearest rival and Citroen were a part of my heart. I’ve Citroen in ’16. We built this optimise everything will be a hard (WrC) for Citroen a record nine compatriot Yvan muller. had incredible moments with them. challenge together, with the job. For the front-wheel drive, times in a row from 2004, And with Citroen retaining both A beautiful story comes to an end, personal goal to get the drivers’ title you’ve to avoid the wheel spin all switched to WTCC in ’14. Lopez and muller for the next but I cherish the great memories,” in less than three years,” he said. the time. It’ll not be easy.” 26 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 27

The Al Shaqab equine centre will host the 2015 Shaqab to host Champion of Champions modern pentathlon competition on Friday and Saturday. Eighteen men Champion of and as many women are expected to compete in MIXED ZONE | QATAR Champions five disciplines — epee fencing, 200m freestyle swimming, show jumping (12 obstacles), 10m pistol shooting and 3km cross-country race.

CRICKET ֫ ֫ ֫ GCC women’s T20 BASKETBALL MOTORSPORT from Monday QMMF Team preparing for 2016 Big presence ATAr motor and motorcycle conditions on both tracks to adjust straight away. I also did good lap HE Second GCC Women’s Twenty20 Federation (QmmF) racing to the Speed Up bike. times almost immediately, which is Championship, featuring defending QTeam, who compete Simeon, who replaced always better than starting slowly Tchampions the UAE, oman and hosts Qatar, in moto2 category of the Finland’s mika Kallio and and having to work your way up. I will begin at the Asian Town Stadium on monday. FIm World Championship, has struck a two-year deal want to take advantage of the The round-robin tournament will go on till had two productive with QmmF, impressed two-month winter break without December 4. in defence testing sessions at Jerez with his lap time while any tests and train a lot in order It is the first major women’s event to be hosted and valencia as they eye the seasoned Simon got to start the next season in the by the Qatar Cricket Association (QCA), Aju George Chris a good start to the 2016 straight into the technical best possible shape. When testing since the inaugural tri-series featuring season. preparations for the next resumes, I want to get into serious Pakistan, South Africa and Ireland in Spaniard Julian Simon and new season. set-up work,” said Simeon. January, 2014. L GHArAFA’S Abdulrahman recruit Xavier Simeon from belgium “Though I’m used to riding Kalex, moto2 testing will resume in “The Qatar squad was finalised Saad may still not be out of took full advantage of ideal autumn I’ve felt good on the Speed Up February. after a training camp last month. Ahis teens, but he displays a Women’s cricket is an area which rare maturity while on the court. ֫ ššXavier Simeon ֫ needs a lot of focus. There’s no The 19-year-old, who has become HORSERACING negotiates a turn BODYBUILDING dearth of women players in a vital cog in Gharafa’s wheels, at valencia. the country and it’s a matter scored a game-high 26 points in the age-group players at the time. It Nasser shows his of tapping the best talent team’s 106-59 dismantling of Qatar took me three years, but I finally Jumaira Towers over the rest! available,” said QCA General SC at the Al Gharafa Indoor Hall last made it to Gharafa’s Under-12 team. Secretary manzoor Ahmed. week. I got into the first team as a 16-year- for the third place. the winner. power in Liverpool The players, coached by Adept at launching fast old and there has been no looking Turflight Hassan Al malki Al Jehani’s Go For mohammed Kazim Al Ansari & Shivani mishra and Nazia Nazir, counter-attacks, Abdulrahman is also back,” Abdulrahman added. broke was an impressive winner in Sons-owned Crescent was piloted ATAr’S amateur bodybuilder Nasser Al have been going through their paces “Two seasons ago, we the Class 4 Thoroughbred Handicap by Seb Sanders to victory in the maslamani won the men’s 95kg title at the at the Asian Town Stadium, which will won our first league title UmAIrA Tower, owned and for horses rated 65 to 85. Urban Thoroughbred Guineas. The blue QJoe Weider’s mr olympia 2015 competition host all matches. oman had hosted I GOT INTO THE FIRST and this time, we’ve a solid trained by Ibrahim Saeed Al Dreamer was second, while Sunley Eye was a close second ahead of in Liverpool, England, recently. the inaugural edition last year and TEAM AS A 16-YEAR-OLD chance to repeat it. We’ve Jmalki, and ridden by jockey Pride and rebelde completed Lieutenant Kaffee. The gold medallists from various weight they finished third. Qatar brought up AND THERE HAS BEEN NO great players and better co- Adrie De vries, proved too strong for the frame. Zakhir Stud’s Namaah clinched a categories then competed for the overall title and an

the rear and will be looking for an LOOKING BACK. ordination. but rayyan, Divakaran DSP/Vinod the opposition while winning the Al thrilling victory over Ain Jalout in the IFbb professional card, but Nasser finished second. improved performance this time. with a good mix of local Wakra Cup, a Class 2 Thoroughbred Pure Arabian Guineas. mohammed “I’m delighted to have become the first Qatari and international players, Conditions at the Qatar racing and NAMAAH CLINCHED A Salama trained-Namaah was to win the coveted Joe Weider mr olympia CYCLING a strong presence in defence. will give us a tough fight,” Equestrian Club last week. Lesha THRILLING VICTORY OVER piloted by jockey Gerald Avranche. Al amateur title. my goal is to become a professional ֫ Abdulrahman, who is confident he said. was half length behindin second. AIN JALOUT IN THE PURE murabitoon finished third ahead of bodybuilder and win many titles for my country. I that Gharafa can challenge for Abdulrahman was HH Sheikh mohammed bin ARABIAN GUINEAS. AJS Anfowan. just missed out on the overall title. Had I won it, it Al Bourdainy rides the Qatar League title this season, all praise for Iraqi coach Khalifa Al Thani’s Al Atique put up Umm Qarn’s Ibn Ibn Djel bon would’ve given me the IFbb pro card to compete told Doha Stadium Plus about his Kosai Hatem, who is at a dazzling display while keeping at (Gaeton Faucon up) put up an at the highest level,” said Nasser, who trains at Abdulrahman to glory in Dukhan initiation into the game. Gharafa’s helm for the Saad bay the challenge of Jelmud to win Earlier, Hassan Ali Abdulmalik- excellent display to win the Pure Anytime Fitness in Doha. “As a kid, I used to play table ninth season in a row. the Al britha Cup, a Pure Arabian owned Ponfeigh was ridden Arabian Guineas. The Alban De It has been an amazing journey for the ATAr international Ahmed Al Bourdainy tennis. but when my elder brother “He’s like a father to Handicap for horses rated 90 and brilliantly by Darren Williams to mieulle-schooled three-year-old 33-year-old, who transformed himself from an emerged as triumphant in the ‘A’ category Abdullah Saad, a basketball player all of us. Kosai is the RESULTS above. Al Atique, trained by Julian an exciting win over Crafted in grey colt was taken to the front obese teen into a disciplined, motivated and local race, organised by the Qatar Cycling with Al Sadd, once took me to his glue that holds Smart, was ridden to victory by the barzan Cup, a Thoroughbred and he made every post a winning hardworking athlete. He now trains six days a week Q Al Shamal bt Al Wakrah 75-71 Federation (QCF), in Dukhan last week. A total of training session, I was instantly us together. He Al Gharafa bt Qatar SC 103-62 jockey richard mullen. Al bashtoon Handicap for horses rated 85 and one while romping home to a and is consistent with his diet. 140 riders competed. ŢŢQatar’s hooked to the sport,” he said. knows us Al Sadd bt Al Arabi 78-67 and Tm raegan bret were dead heat above. Debbie mountain saddled comfortable victory. “I initially joined gym to combat weight issues. Al bourdainy finished ahead of mohammed Al “I wanted to play for Sadd, well,” he El Jaish bt Al Ahli 95-63 more than just getting fitter, I found that I changed Kuwari is keen Al rayyan bt Al Khor 109-104 Qatar team-mates Abdullah Afif to put up a good but they had an abundance of added. RESULTS as a person, adapting myself in a healthy lifestyle. and Said moosa Shannen in the show. TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY I also gained insight into the world of health and 97.6km race. Intishar (Stephan Ladjadj) 1, rawaa 2, Al Taima (Jean baptiste Hamel) 1, Sharqraa Al Katara Iv (marvin Suerland) 1, Al Saba fitness. mundher 3, Fal Alkhair 4. Won by: ¾, ¾, 3½. Jazeera 2, babe 3, Saif brooq 4. Won by: Nk, 2, Tiryaq 3, Sky metro 4. Won by: 3, 1, 8. Race 1 ֫ Giant rbS’s raymond Semple SHOOTING Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. owned by: 1¾, 4. Trained by: Alban De mieulle. owned Trained by: Abdullah Al Jaber. owned by: I learned more about food and how to have a won the men’s ‘b’ race, held over Injaaz Stud. by: Umm Qarn. Abdullah Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. balanced diet that would complement my training a 73.2km-long circuit, while Kevin Crescent (Seb Sanders) 1, The blue Eye 2, Absher (marco monteriso) 1, Dark Light (Adrie De vries) 1, Digital and life in general,” said Nasser, who works as the Lieutenant Kaffee 3, Skate 4. Won by: ¾, ½, Footprintinthesand 2, moaddie 3, Al Hareth rebellion 2, Crisscrossed 3, blazers rock Hall and Tom Whateley (both velostar) Association Cup shot Race 2 1 ¼. Trained by: Ahmed Kobeissi. owned by: 4. Won by: ½, 1¾, 6. owned and trained by: 4. Won by: Shd, 1½, ½. Trained by: Zuhair Director of Human resources at the Qatar Stars finished second and third respectively. mohammed Kazim Al Ansari & Sons. Dhafi Al Ardhi Al marri. mohsen. owned by: Abdulaziz Jassim Al League. Filipino riders dominated the 48.8km ‘C’ race, with boenain. Nasser is now ready to give something back to the revie Pasion (SmCC), ronald balorio (Pinoy roadies) Naamah (Gerald Avranche) 1, Ain Jalout 2, Shmoos (Xavier Ziani) 1, ras Al Qimmah 2, Carab (Alberto Sanna) 1, Chanson Du Soleil sport and help aspiring bodybuilders in Qatar. gun from Saturday Al murabitoon 3, AJS Anfowan 4. Won by: Fiteen 3, Shizam CS 4. Won by: 2, 2½, 1¾. 2, Saab 3, Showgue 4. Won by: ½, 2, Nk. Race 3 and Kofi Atuah (Qatar Chain reaction) taking the top Nk, ½, ½. Trained by: mohammed Salama. owned and trained by: osama omar Al Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. owned by: three spots. HE Association Cup for shot traditional season opener were owned by: Zakhir Stud. Dhafea. Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari. Abrar (Adrie De vries) 1, Waeed 2, rahibah Cappuccino Delight (Guilliambert) 1, Protect bayriq (Pier Convertino) 1, AJS Admiral 2, The women’s ‘A’ category title was won by Carbon gun events will commence at held in September. Since shot gun 3, Sharara 4. Won by: ¾, 1½, ½. Trained by: 2, Cueca 3, Qatar Sky 4. Won by: 1¾, Nk, 1. Dheram Al Naif 3, mujidd 4. Won by: Nk, Nk, Race 4 Wheels racing’s marie marvillet. the Losail Shooting range on shooters were busy with the World Zuhair mohsen. owned by: Hussain Ali Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. owned by: Al 1½. Trained by: majed Seifeddine. owned by: T bukanan. majd Stud. mubarak Saeed Aljafai Al Naimi. QCF Technical Secretary Andrej Filip said the event Saturday. Championship in Lonata, Italy, at Ponfeigh (Darren Williams) 1, Crafted 2, Dartford (Gerald Avranche) 1, Galaxy 2, French Encore (Darren Williams) 1, binzart 2, was a great opportunity for Qatari riders ahead of Competitions will be held in the time, it was decided to organise Amico mio 3, City Zen 4. Won by: ½, ½, ½. resolute 3, Hall of mirrors 4. Won by: 1, Secret Tale 3, Dhyab 4. Won by: Nk, 1, Shd. Race 5 next month’s GCC Tour as well as Tour of Al Zubarah. skeet, trap (50 and 75 targets) and those events later. Trained by: Debbie mountain. owned by: 2½, ¾. Trained by: mohammed Al ramzani. Trained by: Debbie mountain. owned by: “The local racing scene has taken off in recent double trap (150 targets) for both “We hope local shooters would Hassan Ali Abdulmalik. owned by: Al Zekreet racing. Hassan Ali Abdulmalik. Ibn Ibn Djel bon (Gaeton Faucon) 1, Go For broke (Yanis Aouabed) 1, Urban muhjah (Gaeton Faucon) 1, Nomaas 2, years. We’re now seeing more competitions as men and women in the Qatar perform at high levels as they’ve Almuheet 2, Djelamer 3, Civaldi De Dreamer 2, Sunley Pride 3, rebelde 4. Won masnoon 3, Tameh 4. Won by: 1¾, 3½, 2. Race 6 well as participation. It has given our riders great Shooting and Archery Association trained hard for this event,” said montegut 4. Won by: 2, ½, 1¾. Trained by: by: 1½, Nk, Hd. owned and trained by: Trained by: Alban De mieulle. owned by: experience ahead of next month’s GCC Tour and (QSAA)-sanctioned event. QSAA’s Tournament Director Ibrahim Alban De mieulle. owned by: Umm Qarn. Ibrahim Hassan Al malki Al Jehani. Umm Qarn. Zameer (Gerald Avranche) 1, Kimfalah 2, AJS Al Atique (richard mullen) 1, Jelmud 2, Al Jumaira Tower (Adrie De vries) 1, Lesha 2, Tour of Al Zubarah. The pre-event practice will be Al mohannadi. Intifadah 3, mindza 4. Won by: ¾, Shd, 1. bashtoon 3, Tm reagan bret 4. Won by: Shd, Uleavemebreathless 3, Qatar Falcon 4. Won Nasser Al Race 7 We hope they can make the best use of the held on Thursday and Friday. The event will conclude on Trained by: mohammed Salama. owned by: Nk, Dh. Trained by: Julian Smart. owned by: by: ½, Hd, Hd. owned and trained: Ibrahim Maslamani Zakhir Stud. HH Sheikh mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani. Saee AL malki.

experience,” said Filip. DSP/Mohan The rifle and pistol events of the December 5. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 27

The Al Shaqab equine centre will host the 2015 Shaqab to host Champion of Champions modern pentathlon competition on Friday and Saturday. Eighteen men Champion of and as many women are expected to compete in Champions five disciplines — epee fencing, 200m freestyle swimming, show jumping (12 obstacles), 10m pistol shooting and 3km cross-country race.

MOTORSPORT ֫ QMMF Team preparing for 2016

ATAr motor and motorcycle conditions on both tracks to adjust straight away. I also did good lap Federation (QmmF) racing to the Speed Up bike. times almost immediately, which is QTeam, who compete Simeon, who replaced always better than starting slowly in moto2 category of the Finland’s mika Kallio and and having to work your way up. I FIm World Championship, has struck a two-year deal want to take advantage of the had two productive with QmmF, impressed two-month winter break without testing sessions at Jerez with his lap time while any tests and train a lot in order and valencia as they eye the seasoned Simon got to start the next season in the a good start to the 2016 straight into the technical best possible shape. When testing season. preparations for the next resumes, I want to get into serious Spaniard Julian Simon and new season. set-up work,” said Simeon. recruit Xavier Simeon from belgium “Though I’m used to riding Kalex, moto2 testing will resume in took full advantage of ideal autumn I’ve felt good on the Speed Up February.

֫ ššXavier Simeon ֫ HORSERACING negotiates a turn BODYBUILDING at valencia. Jumaira Towers over the rest! Nasser shows his for the third place. the winner. power in Liverpool Turflight Hassan Al malki Al Jehani’s Go For mohammed Kazim Al Ansari & broke was an impressive winner in Sons-owned Crescent was piloted ATAr’S amateur bodybuilder Nasser Al the Class 4 Thoroughbred Handicap by Seb Sanders to victory in the maslamani won the men’s 95kg title at the UmAIrA Tower, owned and for horses rated 65 to 85. Urban Thoroughbred Guineas. The blue QJoe Weider’s mr olympia 2015 competition trained by Ibrahim Saeed Al Dreamer was second, while Sunley Eye was a close second ahead of in Liverpool, England, recently. Jmalki, and ridden by jockey Pride and rebelde completed Lieutenant Kaffee. The gold medallists from various weight Adrie De vries, proved too strong for the frame. Zakhir Stud’s Namaah clinched a categories then competed for the overall title and an the opposition while winning the Al thrilling victory over Ain Jalout in the IFbb professional card, but Nasser finished second. Wakra Cup, a Class 2 Thoroughbred Pure Arabian Guineas. mohammed “I’m delighted to have become the first Qatari Conditions at the Qatar racing and NAMAAH CLINCHED A Salama trained-Namaah was to win the coveted Joe Weider mr olympia Equestrian Club last week. Lesha THRILLING VICTORY OVER piloted by jockey Gerald Avranche. Al amateur title. my goal is to become a professional was half length behindin second. AIN JALOUT IN THE PURE murabitoon finished third ahead of bodybuilder and win many titles for my country. I HH Sheikh mohammed bin ARABIAN GUINEAS. AJS Anfowan. just missed out on the overall title. Had I won it, it Khalifa Al Thani’s Al Atique put up Umm Qarn’s Ibn Ibn Djel bon would’ve given me the IFbb pro card to compete a dazzling display while keeping at (Gaeton Faucon up) put up an at the highest level,” said Nasser, who trains at bay the challenge of Jelmud to win Earlier, Hassan Ali Abdulmalik- excellent display to win the Pure Anytime Fitness in Doha. the Al britha Cup, a Pure Arabian owned Ponfeigh was ridden Arabian Guineas. The Alban De It has been an amazing journey for the Handicap for horses rated 90 and brilliantly by Darren Williams to mieulle-schooled three-year-old 33-year-old, who transformed himself from an above. Al Atique, trained by Julian an exciting win over Crafted in grey colt was taken to the front obese teen into a disciplined, motivated and Smart, was ridden to victory by the barzan Cup, a Thoroughbred and he made every post a winning hardworking athlete. He now trains six days a week jockey richard mullen. Al bashtoon Handicap for horses rated 85 and one while romping home to a and is consistent with his diet. and Tm raegan bret were dead heat above. Debbie mountain saddled comfortable victory. “I initially joined gym to combat weight issues. more than just getting fitter, I found that I changed RESULTS as a person, adapting myself in a healthy lifestyle. TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY I also gained insight into the world of health and Intishar (Stephan Ladjadj) 1, rawaa 2, Al Taima (Jean baptiste Hamel) 1, Sharqraa Al Katara Iv (marvin Suerland) 1, Al Saba fitness. mundher 3, Fal Alkhair 4. Won by: ¾, ¾, 3½. Jazeera 2, babe 3, Saif brooq 4. Won by: Nk, 2, Tiryaq 3, Sky metro 4. Won by: 3, 1, 8. Race 1 Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. owned by: 1¾, 4. Trained by: Alban De mieulle. owned Trained by: Abdullah Al Jaber. owned by: I learned more about food and how to have a Injaaz Stud. by: Umm Qarn. Abdullah Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. balanced diet that would complement my training Crescent (Seb Sanders) 1, The blue Eye 2, Absher (marco monteriso) 1, Dark Light (Adrie De vries) 1, Digital and life in general,” said Nasser, who works as the Lieutenant Kaffee 3, Skate 4. Won by: ¾, ½, Footprintinthesand 2, moaddie 3, Al Hareth rebellion 2, Crisscrossed 3, blazers rock Race 2 1 ¼. Trained by: Ahmed Kobeissi. owned by: 4. Won by: ½, 1¾, 6. owned and trained by: 4. Won by: Shd, 1½, ½. Trained by: Zuhair Director of Human resources at the Qatar Stars mohammed Kazim Al Ansari & Sons. Dhafi Al Ardhi Al marri. mohsen. owned by: Abdulaziz Jassim Al League. boenain. Nasser is now ready to give something back to the Naamah (Gerald Avranche) 1, Ain Jalout 2, Shmoos (Xavier Ziani) 1, ras Al Qimmah 2, Carab (Alberto Sanna) 1, Chanson Du Soleil Al murabitoon 3, AJS Anfowan 4. Won by: Fiteen 3, Shizam CS 4. Won by: 2, 2½, 1¾. 2, Saab 3, Showgue 4. Won by: ½, 2, Nk. sport and help aspiring bodybuilders in Qatar. Race 3 Nk, ½, ½. Trained by: mohammed Salama. owned and trained by: osama omar Al Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. owned by: owned by: Zakhir Stud. Dhafea. Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari. Abrar (Adrie De vries) 1, Waeed 2, rahibah Cappuccino Delight (Guilliambert) 1, Protect bayriq (Pier Convertino) 1, AJS Admiral 2, 3, Sharara 4. Won by: ¾, 1½, ½. Trained by: 2, Cueca 3, Qatar Sky 4. Won by: 1¾, Nk, 1. Dheram Al Naif 3, mujidd 4. Won by: Nk, Nk, Race 4 Zuhair mohsen. owned by: Hussain Ali Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. owned by: Al 1½. Trained by: majed Seifeddine. owned by: bukanan. majd Stud. mubarak Saeed Aljafai Al Naimi. Ponfeigh (Darren Williams) 1, Crafted 2, Dartford (Gerald Avranche) 1, Galaxy 2, French Encore (Darren Williams) 1, binzart 2, Amico mio 3, City Zen 4. Won by: ½, ½, ½. resolute 3, Hall of mirrors 4. Won by: 1, Secret Tale 3, Dhyab 4. Won by: Nk, 1, Shd. Race 5 Trained by: Debbie mountain. owned by: 2½, ¾. Trained by: mohammed Al ramzani. Trained by: Debbie mountain. owned by: Hassan Ali Abdulmalik. owned by: Al Zekreet racing. Hassan Ali Abdulmalik. Ibn Ibn Djel bon (Gaeton Faucon) 1, Go For broke (Yanis Aouabed) 1, Urban muhjah (Gaeton Faucon) 1, Nomaas 2, Almuheet 2, Djelamer 3, Civaldi De Dreamer 2, Sunley Pride 3, rebelde 4. Won masnoon 3, Tameh 4. Won by: 1¾, 3½, 2. Race 6 montegut 4. Won by: 2, ½, 1¾. Trained by: by: 1½, Nk, Hd. owned and trained by: Trained by: Alban De mieulle. owned by: Alban De mieulle. owned by: Umm Qarn. Ibrahim Hassan Al malki Al Jehani. Umm Qarn. Zameer (Gerald Avranche) 1, Kimfalah 2, AJS Al Atique (richard mullen) 1, Jelmud 2, Al Jumaira Tower (Adrie De vries) 1, Lesha 2, Intifadah 3, mindza 4. Won by: ¾, Shd, 1. bashtoon 3, Tm reagan bret 4. Won by: Shd, Uleavemebreathless 3, Qatar Falcon 4. Won Nasser Al Race 7 Trained by: mohammed Salama. owned by: Nk, Dh. Trained by: Julian Smart. owned by: by: ½, Hd, Hd. owned and trained: Ibrahim Maslamani Zakhir Stud. HH Sheikh mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani. Saee AL malki. 28 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 29

Grands Slam (Australian titles the Serb win/loss record he achieved open, Wimbledon and won overall (first player to win 80 TENNIS 3 US open) Novak Djokovic 11 this year 82-6 matches in a season, since won in 2015 rafael Nadal (82-11) in 2008

TOP 10 RANKINGS COVER STORY ATP Roland Garros and Rio 1. Novak Djokovic (Srb) 16,585 2. Andy murray (Gbr) 8,670 3. roger Federer (SUI) 8,265 Olympics next targets 4. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 6,865 5. rafa Nadal (ESP) 5,230 bronze in beijing in 2008. 6. Tomas berdych (CZE) 4,620 Steven Griffiths “roland Garros is always one of 7. David Ferrer (ESP) 4,305 the biggest challenges I’ve every year, 8. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,235 but it’s not the only one. There’re the 9. richard Gasquet (FrA) 2,850 ovAK Djokovic has set his olympic Games that are happening Ultimate 10. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FrA) 2,635 Andy sights on surpassing his every four years,” Djokovic said. Murray WTA almost perfect year by “obviously we’ve to be honest that 1. Serena Williams (USA) 9,945 N winning the only two major titles to there’s more importance to Grand 2. Simona Halep (roU) 6,060 have eluded him — the French open Slams and the olympic Games. 3. Garbine muguruza (ESP) 5,200 Murray keen on 4. maria Sharapova (rUS) 5,011 and olympics. “Next year I’ll try to do as well as 5. Agnieszka radwanska (PoL) 4,500 Djokovic enjoyed a fitting finale I’ve done in the last couple of years, 6. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4,220 to the best season of his life as he Davis Cup glory 7. venus Williams (USA) 3,790 crushed roger Federer to win the ATP 8. Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 3,621 Tour Finals last Sunday. ROLAND GARROS IS NDY murray has done a diligent job 9. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 3,590 but the 28-year-old Serb is far too ALWAYS ONE OF THE updating the dusty british tennis history 10. Angelique Kerber (GEr) 3,590 competitive to rest on his laurels and BIGGEST CHALLENGES Abooks and if all goes to plan another he is already setting goals to keep I’VE EVERY YEAR. chapter will be written in the belgium city of him motivated in 2016. Ghent this week. FIRST IN myself the most,” he said. His primary aim is to finally end his The 28-year-old Scot has almost single- THE LINE Federer’s chances were fleeting. wait to win the French open, which always peak at the right moments handedly taken britain to the Davis Cup final for SERB NOVAK DJOKOVIC ASSERTS HIS SUPREMACY reached all four Grand Slam He had the first break point in remains the one Grand Slam crown and always try to perform my best at the first time since 1978 and providing he does finals in a season since the second game, but fluffed a to elude him. And his secondary the biggest events,” he added. not suffer any mishaps they should win the team aceIN THE GAME WITH A STRAIGHT-SET VICTORY OVER Federer in ’09. forehand into the net. mission comes in rio when he Djokovic’s masterclass in London’s event for the first time since ’36 against belgium, Topped the rankings every In the next game a near- will go in search of a first olympics o2 Arena brought him an 11th title who have never won the competition. SWITZERLAND’S ROGER FEDERER IN THE WORLD week of the year since TOUR FINALS, WRITES MARTYN HERMAN. Federer in ’07. identical forehand found the net singles gold medal after winning at the conclusion of arguably the That year, together with the name Fred Perry, Won the season-ender four to give Djokovic the break and greatest run by any male player. have been entwined with murray’s career since it years in a row. from there the world No.1 never He won 82 of his 88 matches, became clear he was the real deal, not just another looked back. reached a record 15 consecutive british also-ran. ovAK Djokovic put the before the finale. The clinical Djokovic teased finals, lifted the Wimbledon and the murray became the first british man to win finishing touch to a He won three of the year’s four With the stakes raised, though, Federer into a volley error on set Australian and US open trophies, a Grand Slam since Perry in ’36 when he beat Nmagnificent season by Grands Slam, beating the evergreen the 34-year-old Federer made far point in the ninth game to move as well as earning six masters 1000 Novak Djokovic at the 2012 US open. A year later beating roger Federer 6-3, 6-4 to Federer in the Wimbledon and US too many errors last Sunday while ahead. titles, and collected over $17m in he ended his country’s 77-year wait for a men’s win the ATP World Tour Finals in open finals to take his career haul to Djokovic’s defences proved largely Federer, bidding for a record- prize money. singles champion at Wimbledon, again beating London last Sunday for the fifth 10, and would have celebrated the impenetrable, but for the odd flash extending seventh title at the Djokovic. time in his career. rarest of ‘calendar year slams’ had year-ender, was staring at the He is also the reigning olympic champion — a The Serb underlined his complete it not been for an inspired Stanislas abyss when he trailed 3-4, 0-40 gold medal he won by beating roger Federer in dominance of men’s tennis with Wawrinka in the French open final. I COULDN’T ASK FOR A in the second set, but escaped London, a few weeks after a tearful defeat by the another immaculate display to Not only that, but he won a BETTER FINISH OF THE with five straight points. Swiss in the Wimbledon final. become the first player in the year- record six masters Series crowns and SEASON. I CAN’T SAY I Djokovic was unrelenting but a Davis Cup winners’ medal would complete ending tournament’s 46-year history reached 15 consecutive finals after EXPECTED IT ALL. though and wore his opponent the transformation from moody teenager with to triumph four times in a row. losing to Ivo Karlovic in the Doha down with one brutal rally two scruffy hair who once caused a furore for his Federer brought the tournament quarterfinal at the start of the year. games later, sealing victory when supposed lack of support for the England football to a close in anti-climactic fashion He ended the year of Swiss magic that had his large red a Federer second serve sailed team, to a national sporting hero. with a double-fault, although not as with an 82-6 win and white fan club chanting their long. much as a year ago when he pulled loss record — approval. He has now levelled his head- out of the final with back injury. half of those “I returned more balls back than to-head record (22-22) with After a modest celebration, defeats coming I did five days ago,” Djokovic said. Federer for the first time in his You can’t win always: Federer Djokovic walked back to his chair against Federer, “obviously sitting here with this career, a day after pulling level and wrote “And now for vacation” in including the 7-5, trophy alongside me, I couldn’t ask with rafael Nadal (23-23). oGEr Federer warned Novak “It’s going to be hard for him Djokovic, Federer said, “Not really, Serbian on a camera lens. How he 6-2 group stage for a better finish of the season. Djokovic is seven short of Djokovic he would find it (Djokovic) to have a bad year, but because I feel I need to work on my deserves one. defeat by the Swiss “This season definitely stands Federer’s record 17 Grand Slam Rhard to repeat his incredible you can’t just repeat a year like overall game that’s going to have The 28-year-old has stomped that snapped his out. I can’t say I expected titles and, if he avoid injuries, it 2015 campaign. this. an impact against most players. through the season to leave his rivals 23-match winning it, not at all. but I always is far from inconceivable that he Federer, the 17-time Grand Slam “For me rafa is the unique player trailing in his wake — securing the streak and three-year Novak gave my best, and I’m could threaten that mark in the champion, knows just how difficult in the field. I used to work more year-end world No.1 ranking weeks unbeaten run indoors. Djokovic always asking from next few years. it will be for Djokovic to emulate WINNING ANOTHER precisely against him. his triumphs in ’16. WIMBLEDON TITLE IS “With Novak it’s more “It’s hard to play at this pace HIGH ON HIS LIST OF straightforward. If you don’t play all the time. You’re talking about PRIORITIES. very well you’re going to have a narrow margins, a break point here hard time. If you play better I know Rojer, Tecau win doubles title and there can change the whole I’ve my chances with my game,” he Dutch-romanian duo Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau won the ATP outcome,” Federer said. “You can’t “It takes a lot of effort. You’ve added. World Tour Finals doubles title with a 6-4, 6-3 win over India’s rohan always be on the winning side. got to be in shape physically with Federer will now head off to bopanna and romania’s Florin mergea in the final last Sunday. margins are very small at the top. no injuries whatsoever. mentally recharge his batteries and plan a The Wimbledon champions underlined their year-end No.1 ranking “That’s why this year of Novak’s you’ve to be at your peak at all fresh assault on Djokovic in ’16. with an authoritative display at the o2 Arena. is amazing. I’ve been there, rafa times. It’s not as easy as it seems As ever, winning another They are the first doubles team to win the season finale without losing a set since round-robin play began in 1986. (Nadal) has been there. We both sometimes,” said Federer. Wimbledon title is high on his list Their victory over American twins bob and mike bryan in the Roger know how hard it’s to back it up Asked if he needed to alter his of priorities and he’ll also target a semifinal had helped them seal the world No.1 spot. Federer year after year. style of play in a bid to subdue gold medal at the rio olympics. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 29

Grands Slam (Australian titles the Serb win/loss record he achieved open, Wimbledon and won overall (first player to win 80 3 US open) Novak Djokovic 11 this year 82-6 matches in a season, since won in 2015 rafael Nadal (82-11) in 2008

TOP 10 RANKINGS ATP Roland Garros and Rio 1. Novak Djokovic (Srb) 16,585 2. Andy murray (Gbr) 8,670 3. roger Federer (SUI) 8,265 Olympics next targets 4. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 6,865 5. rafa Nadal (ESP) 5,230 bronze in beijing in 2008. 6. Tomas berdych (CZE) 4,620 Steven Griffiths “roland Garros is always one of 7. David Ferrer (ESP) 4,305 the biggest challenges I’ve every year, 8. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,235 but it’s not the only one. There’re the 9. richard Gasquet (FrA) 2,850 ovAK Djokovic has set his olympic Games that are happening 10. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FrA) 2,635 Andy sights on surpassing his every four years,” Djokovic said. Murray WTA almost perfect year by “obviously we’ve to be honest that 1. Serena Williams (USA) 9,945 N winning the only two major titles to there’s more importance to Grand 2. Simona Halep (roU) 6,060 have eluded him — the French open Slams and the olympic Games. 3. Garbine muguruza (ESP) 5,200 Murray keen on 4. maria Sharapova (rUS) 5,011 and olympics. “Next year I’ll try to do as well as 5. Agnieszka radwanska (PoL) 4,500 Djokovic enjoyed a fitting finale I’ve done in the last couple of years, 6. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4,220 to the best season of his life as he Davis Cup glory 7. venus Williams (USA) 3,790 crushed roger Federer to win the ATP 8. Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 3,621 Tour Finals last Sunday. ROLAND GARROS IS NDY murray has done a diligent job 9. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 3,590 but the 28-year-old Serb is far too ALWAYS ONE OF THE updating the dusty british tennis history 10. Angelique Kerber (GEr) 3,590 competitive to rest on his laurels and BIGGEST CHALLENGES Abooks and if all goes to plan another he is already setting goals to keep I’VE EVERY YEAR. chapter will be written in the belgium city of him motivated in 2016. Ghent this week. myself the most,” he said. His primary aim is to finally end his The 28-year-old Scot has almost single- Federer’s chances were fleeting. wait to win the French open, which always peak at the right moments handedly taken britain to the Davis Cup final for He had the first break point in remains the one Grand Slam crown and always try to perform my best at the first time since 1978 and providing he does the second game, but fluffed a to elude him. And his secondary the biggest events,” he added. not suffer any mishaps they should win the team forehand into the net. mission comes in rio when he Djokovic’s masterclass in London’s event for the first time since ’36 against belgium, In the next game a near- will go in search of a first olympics o2 Arena brought him an 11th title who have never won the competition. identical forehand found the net singles gold medal after winning at the conclusion of arguably the That year, together with the name Fred Perry, to give Djokovic the break and greatest run by any male player. have been entwined with murray’s career since it from there the world No.1 never He won 82 of his 88 matches, became clear he was the real deal, not just another looked back. reached a record 15 consecutive british also-ran. The clinical Djokovic teased finals, lifted the Wimbledon and the murray became the first british man to win Federer into a volley error on set Australian and US open trophies, a Grand Slam since Perry in ’36 when he beat point in the ninth game to move as well as earning six masters 1000 Novak Djokovic at the 2012 US open. A year later ahead. titles, and collected over $17m in he ended his country’s 77-year wait for a men’s Federer, bidding for a record- prize money. singles champion at Wimbledon, again beating extending seventh title at the Djokovic. year-ender, was staring at the He is also the reigning olympic champion — a abyss when he trailed 3-4, 0-40 gold medal he won by beating roger Federer in in the second set, but escaped London, a few weeks after a tearful defeat by the with five straight points. Swiss in the Wimbledon final. Djokovic was unrelenting but a Davis Cup winners’ medal would complete though and wore his opponent the transformation from moody teenager with down with one brutal rally two scruffy hair who once caused a furore for his games later, sealing victory when supposed lack of support for the England football a Federer second serve sailed team, to a national sporting hero. long. He has now levelled his head- to-head record (22-22) with Federer for the first time in his You can’t win always: Federer career, a day after pulling level with rafael Nadal (23-23). oGEr Federer warned Novak “It’s going to be hard for him Djokovic, Federer said, “Not really, Djokovic is seven short of Djokovic he would find it (Djokovic) to have a bad year, but because I feel I need to work on my Federer’s record 17 Grand Slam Rhard to repeat his incredible you can’t just repeat a year like overall game that’s going to have titles and, if he avoid injuries, it 2015 campaign. this. an impact against most players. is far from inconceivable that he Federer, the 17-time Grand Slam “For me rafa is the unique player could threaten that mark in the champion, knows just how difficult in the field. I used to work more next few years. it will be for Djokovic to emulate WINNING ANOTHER precisely against him. his triumphs in ’16. WIMBLEDON TITLE IS “With Novak it’s more “It’s hard to play at this pace HIGH ON HIS LIST OF straightforward. If you don’t play all the time. You’re talking about PRIORITIES. very well you’re going to have a narrow margins, a break point here hard time. If you play better I know and there can change the whole I’ve my chances with my game,” he outcome,” Federer said. “You can’t “It takes a lot of effort. You’ve added. always be on the winning side. got to be in shape physically with Federer will now head off to margins are very small at the top. no injuries whatsoever. mentally recharge his batteries and plan a “That’s why this year of Novak’s you’ve to be at your peak at all fresh assault on Djokovic in ’16. is amazing. I’ve been there, rafa times. It’s not as easy as it seems As ever, winning another (Nadal) has been there. We both sometimes,” said Federer. Wimbledon title is high on his list Roger know how hard it’s to back it up Asked if he needed to alter his of priorities and he’ll also target a Federer year after year. style of play in a bid to subdue gold medal at the rio olympics. 30 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NOvEmBEr 25, 2015 31

Four-time runner-up Gregory Gaultier of France Gaultier captured his first World Squash Championship title by defeating Egypt’s Omar mosaad 11-6, crowned 11-7, 12-10 in the final at Bellevue, Washington. MIXED ZONE | INTERNATIONAL champion The 32-year-old became only the second Frenchman to have his name engraved on the champion’s trophy after Thierry Lincou in 2004.

RUGBY GOLF ֫ ֫ Jones says no to overseas players

mONTH after praising the the rugby Football Union’s (rFU) Cup in England praising Toulon’s Rory strikes it abilities of Steffon Armitage, much-criticised ban on overseas Armitage, a former European Anew England coach Eddie players was one of the first player of the year, and saying Jones has slammed the door on questions he faced. fellow open-side flanker and the flanker’s prospects by backing “I want players who want to play England captain Chris robshaw his new employer’s ban on for England and to do that you’ve was not outstanding in any area overseas-based players to play in the Premiership. That’s Jones was happy to justify his representing the country. the rule and it’s going to stay that U-turn. rich in Dubai! Hours after his appointment way. So I’m happy with what I’ve “I wasn’t head coach of England ormEr world No.1 rory on the 17th after finding the water, Europe’s top money earner. He was as England’s first foreign coach, got,” said Jones. then, I was writing a column. I was Eddie mcIlroy won Dubai’s DP eventually recovering to make a also victorious in 2012 and ’14. Australian Jones held court at When he was reminded of his probably being a bit naughty,” he Jones FWorld Tour Championship 40-foot bogey before sealing victory South Africa’s branden Grace (67) Twickenham where his view on column during the rugby World said. last Sunday, overhauling overnight with a 12-inch par putt on the final was third on 273, while compatriot leader Andy Sullivan with four green. Charl Schwartzel (69) was one of six birdies on the back nine to also “It’s probably the longest putt I’ve players tied on 275. Hafeez spurns be crowned Europe’s top money ever made for a bogey; I don’t think Ahead of play, mcIlroy practised Taylor advocates earner for the third year in a row. there’s been one that’s come at a his putting until almost the last offer to play The Northern Irishman carded better time, so definitely the best moment while Sullivan casually with Amir four-day Tests a final-round 66 to end with a waited on the opening tee. Pakistan batsman 21-under aggregate score of 267, mcIlroy took a lead he was not INK-BALL day-night Test match, which Mohammad Hafeez became having begun the day on 15 under, THE NORTHERN IRISHMAN to relinquish on 14, tapping in the first cricketer to refuse to makes its debut on Friday in Adelaide, should one shot adrift of England’s Sullivan CARDED A FINAL-ROUND from two feet for a third birdie in play with mohammad Amir. Ponly be the beginning of a cricket revolution, at the European Tour’s season 66 TO END WITH A four holes, although a bogey on The tainted but cleared former Australian captain Mark Taylor said. finale, and pocket $1.33m out of a SCORE OF 267. 17 narrowed his advantage to one paceman is featuring for Australia face New Zealand Rory total prize money of $8m. stroke and gave Sullivan a final Chittagong vikings in the in the first-ever day- McIlroy Playing partner Sullivan’s 68 chance. Bangladesh Premier League, night Test and Cricket a team Hafeez said also left him on 268, one stroke short bogey of my career,” said mcIlroy, The Englishman’s 20-foot birdie Australia (CA) has already asked him to join. despite stretching his advantage after notching up his fourth victory attempt on the 18th, which would “I was approached by my contacted their Pakistani early on as mcIlroy seized control of the year. have forced at least a play-off, rolled agent to play for Chittagong, counterparts about Jos Buttler mid-round with seven birdies mcIlroy’s 12th Tour title means inches wide and mcIlroy then took but when I knew that Amir securing a similar game in 11 holes. the 26-year-old also retained the two putts to seal victory by a stroke. was also in that team, I for next summer. The four-time major winner race to Dubai, formerly known as “If I hadn’t won, I wouldn’t have refused,” said Hafeez. Taylor, a CA Board member, is CRICKET “I’ve no personal issues advocating the introduction of four-day, 100-over could even afford to take a drop the order of merit and given to been too happy,” added mcIlroy. ֫ with Amir, it’s my personal Test matches and a Test championship. He wants opinion that I can’t share the dressing room with all Tests to begin on Thursdays, allowing them to Buttler wants to go someone who hurt my build to a Sunday evening climax. Seniority to the fore! country’s integrity,” he said. “As someone said to me years ago, why’re we surprised when people go to One-Day and T20 ETEr Senior outclassed a host The 31-year-old began the final the De Villiers way Internationals more than they do a Test match, of challengers half his age round with a three-shot lead and when we put all the ODIs and T20s on in school MOTORSPORT Pto clinch his third Australian had five birdies on the front side to WASHBUCKLING England balls he smashed against the West holidays and at night. And we put Test matches on ֫ masters title by two strokes, and at make the turn in 30. wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Indies at Johannesburg in January during the week outside of school holidays,” said 56 became the oldest winner in the Elsewhere, Cristie Kerr eagled the SButtler admitted he follows this year. Taylor. Webber proves his tournament’s 36-year history. par-five 17th for a South African master blaster A B Buttler said the invention of Taylor said he had discussed his ideas at an moTorSPorT The stocky veteran overcame a one-shot win at the de villiers, which led him to smash Twenty20 and De villiers are International Cricket Council level and they were bout of nerves and withstood a season-ending CME Group the fastest One-Day International reasons for his big hitting. now gathering some momentum. Webberworth signs off on a highin endurance late charge by Sydney professional Tour Championship in hundred for his country. “De villiers is someone who has “You’ve got to look at the game as a whole. Andrew Evans at melbourne’s Florida. Buttler’s 46-ball knock and a changed the game completely, and Where’s cricket going? The younger generation ormEr Formula one driver since 1986. Huntingdale Golf Club before sealing more routine one from Jason roy everyone else is wanting to follow generally want more instant gratification and I Mark Webber won the World The bahrain season ender was the win on the 18th hole with a (102) fired England to an 84-run his lead,” said Buttler. think over five days to keep them interested in the FEndurance Championship won by the No.18 Porsche of clutch putt for par. win over Pakistan in a high-scoring game isn’t so easy,” he said. in bahrain with Porsche team- Switzerland’s Neel Jani, Germany’s Senior’s final round three-under final ODI in Dubai last week and a mates brendon Hartley of marc Lieb and Frenchman 68 gave him an eight-under total 3-1 victory in the series. A B DE VILLIERS IS New Zealand and Timo romain Dumas — a of 276, sealing his third ‘gold England piled up 355 for five SOMEONE WHO HAS ICC to explore Olympic inclusion bernhard of Germany. victory that ensured the jacket’ 20 years after his second thanks to roy’s maiden ODI CHANGED THE GAME Australian Webber, title for the sister car by at Huntingdale in 1995. He hundred and Buttler’s COMPLETELY. HE International Cricket Asian Games in Guangzhou (2010) “We met the IOC president who left F1 at the end denying rivals Audi. won his first in ’91. record-breaking 116 not out. Council (ICC) said it will and Incheon (’14), but efforts to and have really explored the of 2013 after red bull “We had a lot of The hugely popular Pakistan scored quickly in reply, Texplore ways to remove be included in the Olympic possibilities. At least we’re talking team-mate Sebastian problems and it was Queenslander is now the but lost wickets steadily and were Buttler said he likes to emulate hurdles for the sport’s programme are far from and open to the opportunity, if it’s vettel had won a fourth very stressful. We got the oldest winner at all three of his all out for 271 in the 41st over. De villiers and other big hitters. inclusion at the Summer being finalised. worthwhile to include the sport in successive championship, car home and had enough nation’s marquee events, having Buttler’s extraordinary knock “The consistency De villiers Games after a positive ICC CEO Dave Olympics,” said richardson. took the title after his No. 17 points and wins to be world won the Australian open in ’12 came after being promoted to shows is mind-blowing, to score at meeting with officials Richardson and General richardson said it was not easy to Porsche finished fifth in the six- champions,” said Webber. and the PGA Championship in ’10. bat at No.4 at the end of a year in that rate. Everyone is watching the of the International manager Geoff Allardice get the nod. hour bahrain race. While the Australian was meanwhile, Kevin Kisner secured which he often struggled for runs. game evolve, and every player is a Olympic Committee recently met IOC chief “If the ICC is committed then Peter The trio had to make two savouring the moment, vettel his first PGA Tour win, firing his It was the joint seventh fastest cricket fan, so they watch a lot. To (IOC). Thomas Bach in Lausanne, we’ve to overcome the hurdle of Senior unscheduled pit stops, but prevailed was also triumphant in London — second successive 64 for a six-shot ODI hundred. see guys like him and all the others The sport’s shortest format Switzerland, to discuss the IOC accepting it because there’re by five points to become Porsche’s winning the race of Champions victory in the RSM Classic in Georgia. De villiers holds the record for who do that sort of thing, you — Twenty20 — has already been about the sport’s inclusion at the a lot of other sports that want first world sportscar champions individual title. the fastest ODI hundred off 31 want to emulate that,” he said. a part of the last two editions of Olympics. inclusion,” he added. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NOvEmBEr 25, 2015 31

Four-time runner-up Gregory Gaultier of France Gaultier captured his first World Squash Championship title by defeating Egypt’s Omar mosaad 11-6, crowned 11-7, 12-10 in the final at Bellevue, Washington. champion The 32-year-old became only the second Frenchman to have his name engraved on the champion’s trophy after Thierry Lincou in 2004.

RUGBY ֫ Jones says no to overseas players

mONTH after praising the the rugby Football Union’s (rFU) Cup in England praising Toulon’s abilities of Steffon Armitage, much-criticised ban on overseas Armitage, a former European Anew England coach Eddie players was one of the first player of the year, and saying Jones has slammed the door on questions he faced. fellow open-side flanker and the flanker’s prospects by backing “I want players who want to play England captain Chris robshaw his new employer’s ban on for England and to do that you’ve was not outstanding in any area overseas-based players to play in the Premiership. That’s Jones was happy to justify his representing the country. the rule and it’s going to stay that U-turn. Hours after his appointment way. So I’m happy with what I’ve “I wasn’t head coach of England as England’s first foreign coach, got,” said Jones. then, I was writing a column. I was Eddie Australian Jones held court at When he was reminded of his probably being a bit naughty,” he Jones Twickenham where his view on column during the rugby World said. Hafeez spurns Taylor advocates offer to play with Amir four-day Tests Pakistan batsman INK-BALL day-night Test match, which Mohammad Hafeez became the first cricketer to refuse to makes its debut on Friday in Adelaide, should play with mohammad Amir. Ponly be the beginning of a cricket revolution, The tainted but cleared former Australian captain Mark Taylor said. paceman is featuring for Australia face New Zealand Chittagong vikings in the in the first-ever day- Bangladesh Premier League, night Test and Cricket a team Hafeez said also Australia (CA) has already asked him to join. “I was approached by my contacted their Pakistani agent to play for Chittagong, counterparts about Jos Buttler but when I knew that Amir securing a similar game was also in that team, I for next summer. refused,” said Hafeez. Taylor, a CA Board member, is CRICKET “I’ve no personal issues advocating the introduction of four-day, 100-over ֫ with Amir, it’s my personal Test matches and a Test championship. He wants opinion that I can’t share the dressing room with all Tests to begin on Thursdays, allowing them to Buttler wants to go someone who hurt my build to a Sunday evening climax. country’s integrity,” he said. “As someone said to me years ago, why’re we surprised when people go to One-Day and T20 the De Villiers way Internationals more than they do a Test match, when we put all the ODIs and T20s on in school WASHBUCKLING England balls he smashed against the West holidays and at night. And we put Test matches on wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Indies at Johannesburg in January during the week outside of school holidays,” said SButtler admitted he follows this year. Taylor. South African master blaster A B Buttler said the invention of Taylor said he had discussed his ideas at an de villiers, which led him to smash Twenty20 and De villiers are International Cricket Council level and they were the fastest One-Day International reasons for his big hitting. now gathering some momentum. hundred for his country. “De villiers is someone who has “You’ve got to look at the game as a whole. Buttler’s 46-ball knock and a changed the game completely, and Where’s cricket going? The younger generation more routine one from Jason roy everyone else is wanting to follow generally want more instant gratification and I (102) fired England to an 84-run his lead,” said Buttler. think over five days to keep them interested in the win over Pakistan in a high-scoring game isn’t so easy,” he said. final ODI in Dubai last week and a 3-1 victory in the series. A B DE VILLIERS IS England piled up 355 for five SOMEONE WHO HAS ICC to explore Olympic inclusion thanks to roy’s maiden ODI CHANGED THE GAME hundred and Buttler’s COMPLETELY. HE International Cricket Asian Games in Guangzhou (2010) “We met the IOC president record-breaking 116 not out. Council (ICC) said it will and Incheon (’14), but efforts to and have really explored the Pakistan scored quickly in reply, Texplore ways to remove be included in the Olympic possibilities. At least we’re talking but lost wickets steadily and were Buttler said he likes to emulate hurdles for the sport’s programme are far from and open to the opportunity, if it’s all out for 271 in the 41st over. De villiers and other big hitters. inclusion at the Summer being finalised. worthwhile to include the sport in Buttler’s extraordinary knock “The consistency De villiers Games after a positive ICC CEO Dave Olympics,” said richardson. came after being promoted to shows is mind-blowing, to score at meeting with officials Richardson and General richardson said it was not easy to bat at No.4 at the end of a year in that rate. Everyone is watching the of the International manager Geoff Allardice get the nod. which he often struggled for runs. game evolve, and every player is a Olympic Committee recently met IOC chief “If the ICC is committed then Peter It was the joint seventh fastest cricket fan, so they watch a lot. To (IOC). Thomas Bach in Lausanne, we’ve to overcome the hurdle of Senior ODI hundred. see guys like him and all the others The sport’s shortest format Switzerland, to discuss the IOC accepting it because there’re De villiers holds the record for who do that sort of thing, you — Twenty20 — has already been about the sport’s inclusion at the a lot of other sports that want the fastest ODI hundred off 31 want to emulate that,” he said. a part of the last two editions of Olympics. inclusion,” he added. 32 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NOvEMbER 25, 2015 33

PEOPLE SPORT THIS WEEK

mexico’s Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez beat Former world No.1 Lee Chong Less than two years after returning from a Mexico’s undefeated Francisco Vargas rose miguel Cotto on a unanimous Wei cemented his strong doping suspension, russian speed skater from his first career knockdown to capture the QATAR points decision to win the comeback to the badminton Pavel Kulizhnikov continued his sizzling World boxing Council super featherweight WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 World boxing Council circuit, taking his third form when he became the title, dethroning Japanese champion Takashi BASKETBALL BASKETBALL middleweight title in Las consecutive Super Series first man to break the Miura with a ninth-round stoppage. In his vegas. Alvarez lived up to title at the Hong Kong open Qatar League, Al Arabi vs El Jaish, 5pm Qatar League, Al Khor vs Al Shamal, 34sec barrier in the 500m. first world title bout, the 30-year-old endured and Al Khor vs Qatar SC, 7pm at Al his billing with a powerful last Sunday. The malaysian 5pm and Al Wakrah vs El Jaish, 7pm Competing at a World a fourth-round knockdown and a right eye Gharafa Indoor Hall. at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. display as the 25-year- beat Chinese world No.10 Cup in Salt Lake City, nearly swollen shut to seize the crown. vargas HANDBALL HANDBALL old improved his career Tian Houwei 21-16, the 21-year-old improved to 23-0 with one draw with Asian Olympic Qualification Qatar League, El Quiyada vs Al Khor, record to 46-1-1 (32 21-15 to take the crown Tournament, placement matches, closed strongly to his 20th victory in a row and 17th 4pm, Qatar SC vs Al Arabi, 5.30pm and 10am, 12noon and 2pm, semifinals, Kos). His only loss was to after a marathon final rally. clock 33.98sec. triumph inside the distance. Al Gharafa vs Al Wakrah, 7pm at Qatar 4pm and 6pm at Qatar Handball Floyd mayweather in 2013. Handball Association Indoor Hall. Association Complex. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30 ATHLETICS Dinamo Zagreb’s Arijan Ademi has The International Weightlifting Great britain’s Martin Murray Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez Federation said bulgarians failed for the fourth time to win is facing another lengthy spell Cross-Country Relay for Mini Cadet and been banned for four years after Youth, 4pm onwards at Aspire Park. he failed a drug test following a would not be eligible to a world crown when he lost to on the sidelines after manager FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 participate in the upcoming Germany’s Arthur Abraham in Ronald Koeman said he might Champions League match with FOOTBALL Arsenal in September. The olympic Games following a the World boxing organisation require surgery on an injured high number of doping cases. super-middleweight title fight ankle. Rodriguez came back into Qatar Stars League, Al Kharaitiyat vs 24-year-old central midfielder, Al Gharafa, 4pm at Al Khor Stadium, who has made three international European champion of 2014 in Hanover, Germany, on a the side at the start of the season Al Arabi vs Al Ahli, 4pm at Al Arabi appearances for macedonia, failed Ivan Markov and Ivaylo Filev, split decision last week. The after spending more than a year Stadium, Mesaimeer vs Al Khor, the test after Dinamo’s 2-1 home former European champion 35-year-old won 115-112, recovering from a ruptured 6.30pm at Al Arabi Stadium, Al Sadd Demir Demirev and female 112-115, 116-111 to register anterior cruciate ligament he vs Lekhwiya, 6.30pm at Al Sadd win over Arsenal in their Group F Stadium. opener on September 16. weightlifter milka maneva are sixth successful defence of suffered in April, 2014. among those who are banned. his title. HANDBALL Asian Olympic Qualification HANDBALL VOLLEYBALL Tournament, bronze-medal match, Qatar League, Al Ahli vs Al Shamal, 4pm and final, 6pm at Qatar Handball 4pm, El Jaish vs Al Rayyan, 5.30pm Qatar League, Al Arabi vs Qatar SC, Association Complex. and Lekhwiya vs Al Sadd, 7pm at 5pm, and Police vs Al Sadd, 6.30pm at Qatar Handball Association Indoor Al Arabi Sports Club. MOTORSPORT Hall. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 World Touring Car Championship, 3pm onwards at Losail International VOLLEYBALL STAR OF THE WEEK JAMIE VARDY MOVERS&SHAKERS FOOTBALL Circuit. Qatar League, El Jaish vs Al Gharafa, Qatar Stars League, Umm Salal vs Al 5pm, and Al Ahli vs Al Wakrah, Wakrah, 4pm at Qatar SC Stadium, Al SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 6.30pm at Al Arabi Sports Club. Sailiya vs Qatar SC, 6.30pm at Qatar BASKETBALL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 Clarke lashes out at SC Stadium. Qatar League, Al Ahli vs Al Rayyan, ATHLETICS HANDBALL 5pm and Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd, 7pm at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. Cross-Country Relay for Cadets and Asian Olympic Qualification AmIE vardy’s rise from the United’s moussa Sissoko and fired in Girls, 4pm onwards at Aspire Park. wilderness of non-league a low shot that beat goalkeeper rob Tournament, placement matches, FOOTBALL Buchanan, Symonds 2pm, 4pm and 6pm at Qatar Handball Qatar Stars League, Al Rayyan vs El Jfootball to playing for England, Elliot to set Leicester on their way to Association Complex. Jaish, 5.30pm at Al Sadd Stadium. scoring in 10 consecutive English a 3-0 win. X-AUSTRALIAN cricket captain leadership,” said Clarke. “This is a guy HORSERACING SHOOTING Premier League matches and leading His scoring run began against Michael Clarke hit out at who turned up drunk to play. It’s rich Weekly races, 5pm onwards at Qatar Association Cup, 9am onwards at Leicester City to the top of the bournemouth on August 29 and if Eformer coach John buchanan for him to be throwing rocks.” Racing and Equestrian Club. Losail Shooting Range. Premier League table, reads like a he finds the net against manchester for criticism levelled at him when he Symonds was sent home from story from an outdated comic book. United on Saturday, he will equal retired this year, saying his dog the Twenty20 World Cup These days, potential top-class mortensen’s top-flight record of could have led Australia to in England in 2009 for players are spotted at the age of eight netting in 11 successive matches, world domination in the going to a bar without BASKETBALL or nine by highly-trained academy which he set while playing for 2000s. permission. Qatar League, Al Rayyan vs Qatar SC, scouts and nurtured through their blackpool in 1950-51. Clarke, who stepped Australia won a world 5pm and Al Ahli vs Al Arabi, 7pm at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. formative years by nutritionists, Leicester manager Claudio ranieri down after the Ashes record 16 consecutive SHOOTING sport scientists, and finely tuned by was naturally effusive in his praise. series in England, also Tests, won a series in Association Cup, 12noon onwards at development trainers and coaches. “It’s fantastic for vardy. It’s good took a shot at his erstwhile India, three 50-over World Losail Shooting Range. They do not normally reach the for him and for everybody. When team-mate Andrew Symonds Cups and three Ashes series top after being convicted of assault, a team has a striker, who’s scoring, for questioning his credentials. when buchanan was in charge from placed under police curfew with it gives you a lot of confidence. “Symonds went on Tv to criticise ’99 to ’07. He provoked Clarke’s ire by an electronic tag to monitor their You always believe something can my leadership. I’m sorry, but he saying the “baggy green” culture had INTERNATIONAL movements and by playing for minor happen when he has the ball. He’s isn’t a person to judge anyone on diminished under his captaincy. WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25 SKI JUMPING league clubs like Stocksbridge Park like a great champion,” he said. CRICKET World Cup at Ruska. Steels, Halifax and Fleetwood Town. ranieri, who has managed India vs South Africa, 3rd Test at TENNIS That has been vardy’s unlikely some outstanding players in Nagpur (till Sunday). Davis Cup final, belgium vs Great Crolla wins title on return britain in Ghent (till Sunday). climb to the top and he is now just his long career, said, “I also had FOOTBALL Champions League group games. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 one match away from equalling a Gabriel batistuta at Fiorentina REAT britain’s Anthony Crolla but, in front of his home town scoring record set in the 1950s. and I remember he scored in 11 became the World boxing crowd at the Manchester Arena, TENNIS FIGURE SKATING WTA at Carlsbad (till Sunday). NHK Trophy, Nagano (till Sunday). That was an era when these kind consecutive matches and I hope Association lightweight Crolla’s powerful body shot saw the G THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 of rags-to-riches stories fuelled the Jamie can achieve this too.” champion less than a year after 29-year-old stop his Colombian rival CRICKET imagination of schoolboys whose vardy only played after passing a suffering a fractured skull from with 30 seconds of the fifth England vs Pakistan, 1st T20I at Dubai. heroes were players like Stanley late fitness test on an injured hip. being hit on the head with round left in their rematch. matthews, Nat Lofthouse, Tom “The physios have been brilliant a concrete slab in a brutal Perez fell to the canvas FOOTBALL Finney and Stan mortensen. and got me through it,” he said, street assault. and failed to beat the Europa League group games. vardy, 28, equalled ruud van adding Leicester’s never-say-die Crolla was attacked count, to the joy of GOLF Nistelrooy’s league record of scoring attitude was the key to their recent while chasing a Crolla’s supporters. EPGA at Leopard Creek, South Africa (till Sunday). in 10 successive games. success. burglar away from “It has been an SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 He latched on to a pass from It was obviously key to his own his neighbour’s home absolute roller-coaster FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 MOTORSPORT CRICKET Leonardo Ulloa, cut inside Newcastle personal rise as well. in Greater Manchester in the last 12 months and this Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix. December, 2014. Having regained is the perfect finish,” said Crolla. Australia vs New Zealand, 3rd Test at Adelaide (till Tuesday); England vs MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30 fitness, he was denied a world title “It’s a dream come true. I thought it Pakistan, 2nd T20I at Dubai. CRICKET in July when his first fight with would be a head shot, but I’ll take FIGURE SKATING England vs Pakistan, 3rd T20I at Darleys Perez was declared a draw. that body shot any day of the week.” NHK Trophy, Nagano (till Sunday). Sharjah. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NOvEMbER 25, 2015 33

SPORT THIS WEEK

Mexico’s undefeated Francisco Vargas rose from his first career knockdown to capture the QATAR World boxing Council super featherweight WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 title, dethroning Japanese champion Takashi BASKETBALL BASKETBALL Miura with a ninth-round stoppage. In his Qatar League, Al Arabi vs El Jaish, 5pm first world title bout, the 30-year-old endured Qatar League, Al Khor vs Al Shamal, and Al Khor vs Qatar SC, 7pm at Al 5pm and Al Wakrah vs El Jaish, 7pm a fourth-round knockdown and a right eye Gharafa Indoor Hall. at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. nearly swollen shut to seize the crown. vargas HANDBALL HANDBALL improved to 23-0 with one draw with Asian Olympic Qualification Qatar League, El Quiyada vs Al Khor, Tournament, placement matches, his 20th victory in a row and 17th 4pm, Qatar SC vs Al Arabi, 5.30pm and 10am, 12noon and 2pm, semifinals, triumph inside the distance. Al Gharafa vs Al Wakrah, 7pm at Qatar 4pm and 6pm at Qatar Handball Handball Association Indoor Hall. Association Complex. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez ATHLETICS is facing another lengthy spell Cross-Country Relay for Mini Cadet and Youth, 4pm onwards at Aspire Park. on the sidelines after manager FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Ronald Koeman said he might require surgery on an injured FOOTBALL ankle. Rodriguez came back into Qatar Stars League, Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Gharafa, 4pm at Al Khor Stadium, the side at the start of the season Al Arabi vs Al Ahli, 4pm at Al Arabi after spending more than a year Stadium, Mesaimeer vs Al Khor, recovering from a ruptured 6.30pm at Al Arabi Stadium, Al Sadd anterior cruciate ligament he vs Lekhwiya, 6.30pm at Al Sadd suffered in April, 2014. Stadium. HANDBALL Asian Olympic Qualification HANDBALL VOLLEYBALL Tournament, bronze-medal match, Qatar League, Al Ahli vs Al Shamal, 4pm and final, 6pm at Qatar Handball 4pm, El Jaish vs Al Rayyan, 5.30pm Qatar League, Al Arabi vs Qatar SC, Association Complex. and Lekhwiya vs Al Sadd, 7pm at 5pm, and Police vs Al Sadd, 6.30pm at Qatar Handball Association Indoor Al Arabi Sports Club. MOTORSPORT Hall. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 World Touring Car Championship, 3pm onwards at Losail International VOLLEYBALL MOVERS&SHAKERS FOOTBALL Circuit. Qatar League, El Jaish vs Al Gharafa, Qatar Stars League, Umm Salal vs Al 5pm, and Al Ahli vs Al Wakrah, Wakrah, 4pm at Qatar SC Stadium, Al SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 6.30pm at Al Arabi Sports Club. Sailiya vs Qatar SC, 6.30pm at Qatar BASKETBALL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 Clarke lashes out at SC Stadium. Qatar League, Al Ahli vs Al Rayyan, ATHLETICS HANDBALL 5pm and Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd, 7pm at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. Cross-Country Relay for Cadets and Asian Olympic Qualification Girls, 4pm onwards at Aspire Park. Tournament, placement matches, FOOTBALL Buchanan, Symonds 2pm, 4pm and 6pm at Qatar Handball Qatar Stars League, Al Rayyan vs El Association Complex. Jaish, 5.30pm at Al Sadd Stadium. X-AUSTRALIAN cricket captain leadership,” said Clarke. “This is a guy HORSERACING SHOOTING Michael Clarke hit out at who turned up drunk to play. It’s rich Weekly races, 5pm onwards at Qatar Association Cup, 9am onwards at Eformer coach John buchanan for him to be throwing rocks.” Racing and Equestrian Club. Losail Shooting Range. for criticism levelled at him when he Symonds was sent home from retired this year, saying his dog the Twenty20 World Cup could have led Australia to in England in 2009 for world domination in the going to a bar without BASKETBALL 2000s. permission. Qatar League, Al Rayyan vs Qatar SC, Clarke, who stepped Australia won a world 5pm and Al Ahli vs Al Arabi, 7pm at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. down after the Ashes record 16 consecutive SHOOTING series in England, also Tests, won a series in Association Cup, 12noon onwards at took a shot at his erstwhile India, three 50-over World Losail Shooting Range. team-mate Andrew Symonds Cups and three Ashes series for questioning his credentials. when buchanan was in charge from “Symonds went on Tv to criticise ’99 to ’07. He provoked Clarke’s ire by my leadership. I’m sorry, but he saying the “baggy green” culture had INTERNATIONAL isn’t a person to judge anyone on diminished under his captaincy. WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25 SKI JUMPING CRICKET World Cup at Ruska. India vs South Africa, 3rd Test at TENNIS Crolla wins title on return Nagpur (till Sunday). Davis Cup final, belgium vs Great FOOTBALL britain in Ghent (till Sunday). Champions League group games. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 REAT britain’s Anthony Crolla but, in front of his home town became the World boxing crowd at the Manchester Arena, TENNIS FIGURE SKATING WTA at Carlsbad (till Sunday). NHK Trophy, Nagano (till Sunday). Association lightweight Crolla’s powerful body shot saw the G THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 champion less than a year after 29-year-old stop his Colombian rival CRICKET suffering a fractured skull from with 30 seconds of the fifth England vs Pakistan, 1st T20I at Dubai. being hit on the head with round left in their rematch. a concrete slab in a brutal Perez fell to the canvas FOOTBALL street assault. and failed to beat the Europa League group games. Crolla was attacked count, to the joy of GOLF while chasing a Crolla’s supporters. EPGA at Leopard Creek, South Africa (till Sunday). burglar away from “It has been an SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 his neighbour’s home absolute roller-coaster FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 MOTORSPORT CRICKET in Greater Manchester in the last 12 months and this Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix. December, 2014. Having regained is the perfect finish,” said Crolla. Australia vs New Zealand, 3rd Test at Adelaide (till Tuesday); England vs MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30 fitness, he was denied a world title “It’s a dream come true. I thought it Pakistan, 2nd T20I at Dubai. CRICKET in July when his first fight with would be a head shot, but I’ll take FIGURE SKATING England vs Pakistan, 3rd T20I at Darleys Perez was declared a draw. that body shot any day of the week.” NHK Trophy, Nagano (till Sunday). Sharjah. 34 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 35

MOSAIC

HEALTH CAMEO Asian Cup drives with Continental International tyre brand Continental was unveiled as Mindfulness a major sponsor of the 2019 Asian Cup in the UAE. Under the agreement with the Asian Football Confederation Continental will have a significant presence at the tournament in the UAE, and also the qualifying matches of 12 leading teams. The package also includes sponsorship rights to the ’18 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, final round of Asian qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in russia and ’18 AFC Under-22 meditation Championship. improves One more cup of LIFESTYLE The discount La Poste supports supermarket coffee, please! Euro 2016 will be an memory Our future lies in our Health! official Sponsor France’s postal service La Poste of the football EoPLE who drink coffee daily, even up to four ATAr’S Supreme Council Experts will be present to and receive a detailed analysis has become a national sponsor of associations of cups, are less likely to die from heart disease, DoLESCENTS assigned to with changes in neural pathways of Health (SCH) recently inform the public about good and health advice from an expert. the Euro 2016. La Poste is the fifth England, Scotland neurological disease, type 2 diabetes or a mindfulness meditation and may be particularly effective in set up several awareness habits, their repercussions on Those interested can visit national sponsor and Wales until at least 2018. P Q of the football suicide than others, according to a new study. programme appeared to promoting executive functioning,” stands around various malls in their wellbeing and how to lead a the booth at the villaggio and A tournament, researchers did not test how upping coffee have improvements in memory in said mano. Doha as part of its campaign ‘our healthier lifestyle. Landmark malls in the coming joining Credit Tag Heuer moves to consumption would change health outlooks, a recent US study. “The practice of meditation, future lies in our Health’. Some of the activities that weekend. Agricole, FDJ, so they cannot conclude that coffee “causes” a “These results are consistent which requires sustained attention The mall activation will will take place to spread Through its awareness PromAN and Red Bull pit-lane SNCF in a deal decreased risk of death. rather, they looked at with a growing body of research while simultaneously redirecting continue for the next six months health awareness include messages, the campaign focuses International watch brand Tag that is reported death trends in groups with varying amounts in adults that has found attention back to the current and will conduct essential check- questionnaires, tests, and one- on three main aspects — the Heuer signed a sponsorship deal to be worth more than €7m. of coffee consumption. mindfulness meditation to be experience, is closely related to the ups, such as body mass Index, on-one sessions. importance of healthy eating, with Formula “The main takeaway is that regular a helpful tool for enhancing function of working memory,” she blood pressure and blood sugar People can sign up for the free physical activity and prevention of one team red consumption of coffee can be working memory capacity,” added. tests, free of charge. tests at SCH awareness stands smoking. bull, bringing incorporated into a healthy diet,” said said Kristen E Jastrowski mano Some of the benefit of the to end more Blackmores backs than 30 years senior author Dr Frank Hu of the of the psychology department meditation sessions may come Australian Open of support for their Harvard School of Public Health in at the University of Cincinnati. from the relationships the SPONSORSHIP rivals mcLaren. “red bull is a go- boston, the US. mano co-authored the teens build with instructors, Australian open tennis signed getting team that fits perfectly with “There’s no evidence of harm of study, conducted on 198 said Gina biegel, a private blackmores, a domestic natural our strategy,” said Tag Heuer Chief regular consumption in terms of public middle school practice psychotherapist health brand, as an official Executive Jean-Claude biver. Helping tennis soar! partner. richard Heaselgrave, the chronic disease risk or mortality, students aged 12 to 15. in San Francisco, who Commercial Director of Tennis and consistent evidence that “Theoretical and was not part of the new ATAr Airways announced a Qatar Airways CEo Akbar Al Australia said, “We look forward Tissot keeps time consumption of coffee experimental study. three-year sponsorship as baker said, “It gives us immense to working with the blackmores reduces the risk of diabetes research “These youth are QPresenting Partner of the pleasure to announce our three- team to deliver engaging wellbeing in China and cardiovascular disease,” suggests that not getting a lot prestigious International Premier year partnership with the IPTL. experiences for fans both on site in Swiss watch brand Tissot will be he said. mindfulness of attention from Tennis League (IPTL). The overwhelming response melbourne and around the world.” the new official Timekeeper of meditation is chaotic home Founded in 2014, the IPTL the league received last the Chinese basketball League. associated environments,” brings together current season reinforces our The five-year deal will see Tissot biegel said. champions, legends and commitment to be enjoy the introduction of a shot upcoming talents in a associated with large- clock during Chinese basketball different format. The first scale events and sports Association games as well as an city-based professional legends.” exclusive range of special-edition Lidl endorses watches for the league and its tennis league in the world, IPTL founder mahesh teams. played with teams in four Asian bhupathi said, “Qatar Airways UK football metros — Dubai, manila, New has an enviable portfolio of global Germany-based supermarket — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment Delhi and Singapore — will see the sports events. We’re delighted to chain Lidl recently announced a www.csm.com addition of the charming Japanese have them back on board as our major sponsorship in UK football. @FastTrack_ME city of Kobe. presenting sponsor for three years.” Barmy Army salutes OFFBEAT top enemy Johnson

England’s barmy Army supporters group hailed Federer and towel tale Australia’s mitchell Johnson as a ‘proper Test match cricketer’ after one of their favourite oGEr Federer slapped down but the Swiss great’s choice targets announced his international retirement. suggestions of playing mind of chair meant Djokovic was left There were times when the 34-year-old left- Rgames at the World Tour Finals sitting on a bench with a blue towel arm fast bowler was mocked mercilessly by when his choice of chair left Novak reading ‘roger Federer’ laid out on England’s most vocal travelling fans, notably Djokovic sitting with a Federer- the armrest. when England won the 2010-11 Ashes on monogrammed towel. Djokovic did a double-take when Australian soil. It was during that series that the chant of Third seed Federer walked out on he saw it and covered it up with a “He bowls to the left, he bowls to the right, court first for last week’s plain white towel, before raising his that mitchell Johnson, his bowling is shite,” set group-stage clash with the world eyebrows and getting on with the to the tune of the beach boys’ Sloop John b, No.1 at London’s o2 Arena. match. was first heard. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 35

CAMEO Asian Cup drives with Continental International tyre brand Continental was unveiled as a major sponsor of the 2019 Asian Cup in the UAE. Under the agreement with the Asian Football Confederation Continental will have a significant presence at the tournament in the UAE, and also the qualifying matches of 12 leading teams. The package also includes sponsorship rights to the ’18 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, final round of Asian qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in russia and ’18 AFC Under-22 Championship.

LIFESTYLE The discount La Poste supports supermarket Euro 2016 will be an Our future lies in our Health! official Sponsor France’s postal service La Poste of the football ATAr’S Supreme Council Experts will be present to and receive a detailed analysis has become a national sponsor of associations of of Health (SCH) recently inform the public about good and health advice from an expert. the Euro 2016. La Poste is the fifth England, Scotland set up several awareness habits, their repercussions on Those interested can visit national sponsor and Wales until at least 2018. Q of the football stands around various malls in their wellbeing and how to lead a the booth at the villaggio and tournament, Doha as part of its campaign ‘our healthier lifestyle. Landmark malls in the coming joining Credit Tag Heuer moves to future lies in our Health’. Some of the activities that weekend. Agricole, FDJ, The mall activation will will take place to spread Through its awareness PromAN and Red Bull pit-lane SNCF in a deal continue for the next six months health awareness include messages, the campaign focuses International watch brand Tag that is reported and will conduct essential check- questionnaires, tests, and one- on three main aspects — the Heuer signed a sponsorship deal to be worth more than €7m. ups, such as body mass Index, on-one sessions. importance of healthy eating, with Formula blood pressure and blood sugar People can sign up for the free physical activity and prevention of one team red tests, free of charge. tests at SCH awareness stands smoking. bull, bringing to end more Blackmores backs than 30 years Australian Open of support for their SPONSORSHIP rivals mcLaren. “red bull is a go- Australian open tennis signed getting team that fits perfectly with blackmores, a domestic natural our strategy,” said Tag Heuer Chief health brand, as an official Executive Jean-Claude biver. Helping tennis soar! partner. richard Heaselgrave, the Commercial Director of Tennis ATAr Airways announced a Qatar Airways CEo Akbar Al Australia said, “We look forward Tissot keeps time three-year sponsorship as baker said, “It gives us immense to working with the blackmores QPresenting Partner of the pleasure to announce our three- team to deliver engaging wellbeing in China prestigious International Premier year partnership with the IPTL. experiences for fans both on site in Swiss watch brand Tissot will be Tennis League (IPTL). The overwhelming response melbourne and around the world.” the new official Timekeeper of Founded in 2014, the IPTL the league received last the Chinese basketball League. brings together current season reinforces our The five-year deal will see Tissot champions, legends and commitment to be enjoy the introduction of a shot upcoming talents in a associated with large- clock during Chinese basketball different format. The first scale events and sports Association games as well as an city-based professional legends.” exclusive range of special-edition Lidl endorses watches for the league and its tennis league in the world, IPTL founder mahesh teams. played with teams in four Asian bhupathi said, “Qatar Airways UK football metros — Dubai, manila, New has an enviable portfolio of global Germany-based supermarket — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment Delhi and Singapore — will see the sports events. We’re delighted to chain Lidl recently announced a www.csm.com addition of the charming Japanese have them back on board as our major sponsorship in UK football. @FastTrack_ME city of Kobe. presenting sponsor for three years.” Barmy Army salutes OFFBEAT top enemy Johnson

England’s barmy Army supporters group hailed Federer and towel tale Australia’s mitchell Johnson as a ‘proper Test match cricketer’ after one of their favourite oGEr Federer slapped down but the Swiss great’s choice targets announced his international retirement. suggestions of playing mind of chair meant Djokovic was left There were times when the 34-year-old left- Rgames at the World Tour Finals sitting on a bench with a blue towel arm fast bowler was mocked mercilessly by when his choice of chair left Novak reading ‘roger Federer’ laid out on England’s most vocal travelling fans, notably Djokovic sitting with a Federer- the armrest. when England won the 2010-11 Ashes on monogrammed towel. Djokovic did a double-take when Australian soil. It was during that series that the chant of Third seed Federer walked out on he saw it and covered it up with a “He bowls to the left, he bowls to the right, court first for last week’s plain white towel, before raising his that mitchell Johnson, his bowling is shite,” set group-stage clash with the world eyebrows and getting on with the to the tune of the beach boys’ Sloop John b, No.1 at London’s o2 Arena. match. was first heard. 36 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 37

CLOSE-UP | ASIAN OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS DSP/Mohan www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 37 DSP/Mohan 38 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 39

9 6 8 4 It is your turn now. Tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSP. 3 MIND1 5 SQUARE our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE 3 9 8 1 2 4 1 8 5 4 9 2 1 6

P 8 | FOOTBALL P 14 | BASKETBALL 4 9 2 SoLID FoUNDATIoN GUARDED oPTImISm Construction of Al Bayt Stadium-Al Khor City, Traditional powerhouse Al Rayyan start as a proposed venue of the 2022 World Cup favourites to retain the Qatar League title, SUDOKU-500 2 1 semifinal, progresses at a steady pace. but their task is easier said than done. QMMF chief attends FIM gala Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation well as the inaugural Women’s Sustainability udoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9 6 6 7 President Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah Conference. MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo WEDNESDAY, NovEmbER 18, 2015 | Vol X | No.42 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on 9x9 grid with several given numbers. attended the FIM General Assembly and and the winners in support categories — S The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in 8 4 Annual Gala at the historic Teatro Villamarta Johann Zarco (Moto2) and Danny Kent the empty squares so that each row, each column and in Jerez, Spain, last week. (Moto3) — were among those honoured. each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Al Attiyah, who is also an FIM vice-president, Neus Ramos sent the details and 3 1 5 spoke at the Board of Directors’ meeting as photograph. Solution-499

Qatar become the first team to reach the final round of World Cup Asian Zone qualification as an easy 3 9 8 1 2 4 victory over Bhutan ensures Daniel Carreno’s confident wards top 9 3 1 8 7 5 4 2 6 spot in Group C. PAGES 6-7 8 4 5 2 6 3 7 9 1 1 8 DSP/Fadi Al Assaad DSP/Fadi

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 10 | FOOTBALL Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals P 20 | POSTER Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Euro 2016 must 2 7 6 9 4 1 5 8 3 Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 SPECIAL Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 IKER CASILLAS Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 COLUMN go on as planned 4 1 2 6 8 7 3 5 9 5 4 9 2 1 6 6 5 3 1 9 4 2 7 8 4 9 2 Qatar coach Carreno 7 9 8 3 5 2 1 6 4 deserves praise 3 2 9 7 1 6 8 4 5 2 1 Things are looking bright for Qatar who marched into 1 8 4 5 2 9 6 3 7 the final round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Zone Aspire joins hands with 5 6 7 4 3 8 9 1 2 6 7 qualification(Doha Stadium Plus, November 18). I feel Qatar are better off under Daniel Carreno than they were under some other coaches in recent years. Qatar Leadership Academy He has been able to feel the team’s pulse in little time The ASPIRE Academy signed a Memorandum of Both institutions will collaborate on best and, no wonder, Qatar are unbeaten in the second Understanding with Qatar Leadership Academy practices in different areas including teaching round after six qualifiers. (QLA) to share expertise in raising a future strategies and student mentoring. The If Carreno guides Qatar to their first-ever World Cup generation of leaders in academics and sports. co-operation will result in an integrated finals in russia, he’ll be hailed as a hero. There’s still a ASPIRE Academy Director General Ivan Bravo and holistic approach towards the overall TOP TWEETS long way to go, but the Uruguayan and his boys have and QLA Director Brigadier General Ali Ahmed Al development of children. every right to believe in their abilities. Kuwari formalised the agreement. Karim Jabsheh sent the details and photograph. Sultan Bakhit, Doha.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid has always been the ultimate Really disappointing Qatar’s Strongest Man match-up as far as club football is concerned. With both What’s really happening around the FIFA presidential 9boasting 3 the best1 in the 8business, 7 it was 5no different4 this 2 6 election is anybody’s guess (Doha Stadium Plus, competition on Friday time too. Lionel Messi, arguably the best player in the world November 18). The Aspire Zone Foundation will organise the third now, was not fully fit and a big doubt for Barcelona while edition of Qatar’s Strongest Man competition at the 8Real had4 no injury5 worries.2 But once6 on 3the pitch,7 the famed9 1 As a football fan, I’m really disappointed to see corruption even tarnishing the image of former French Aspire Park on Friday. Real stars were chasing shadows as the likes of Neymar, Eight competitors — Talal Al Kuwari, Hadi Al Braidy, great and UEFA chief michel Platini. Never before Andres Iniesta and Luis Suarez ran riot. Barca were so Fahad Al Haddad, Abdullah Issa Al Ban’ali, Rashed Al 2dominant 7 that 6at the end9 of the4 match, 1it was actually5 their8 3 had we heard such allegations against top football Fehaida, Fahad Al Me’adeed, Khamees Al Khulaifi and players who looked disappointed despite the 4-0 thrashing, officials. FIFA did the right thing in not approving Thamer Al Kuwari — are set to take part in the event. for they wanted more. Fans took to Twitter to express their Platini’s candidature. They will be put through five challenges — truck 4delight 1and disappointment2 6 depending8 7on which3 side they5 9 We need clean people at the top and not those pulling, sand bag lifting, giant wheel tyre pushing, supported. who’ve been mired in controversies. weightlifting (180kg) and car lifting. 6 5 3 1 9 4 2 7 8 Corey Brown, Doha. The event, which will be held from 3 to 7pm, is open to the public. Gary Lineker Piers Morgan TOXIC GAMING must be trending in Spain Karim Jabsheh sent the details and photographs. @GaryLineker @piersmorgan 7 @TG_FIFA 9 8 3 5now. 2 1 6 4 Laudable effort Who needs messi? bye bye benitez. I never understood why @ #ElClasico realmadrid fired anceolotti adil Qatar’s ability to organise top sports events is well Leo Messi 3only to2 replace 9 him with7 1@ barca19stats6 8 4 5 known and the recent international gymnastics @messi10stats Neymar Jr. a far worse manager For the first time in the federation (FIG) Academy was another example of All barcelona outfield @Neymarvellous #ElClasico 2015 calendar year: the country’s hosting ability (Doha Stadium Plus, players touched the ball in Yesterday we didn’t watch 1 8 4 5 2b arcelona9 kept6 a clean3 7 November 18). barcelona’s first goal in this El Clasico, we actually Metropolitan Preye sheet in 4 away games in The Doha edition of the worldwide coaches’ Qatar Airways felicitates 36 pass sequence. watched a 90 minute @victorIkoli a row INCrEDIbLE.. training session. 5Iniesta 6 is world7 heritage 4 3 8 9 1 2 education programme was indeed a great effort says Enrique, means he’s of ESPN by the Qatar Gymnastics Federation. Hosting such El Shorbagy, Massaro Sam Tighe Troll Football universal value. #ElClasico @espn courses will only help the sport develop in the Qatar Airways, which was squash, which witnessed a @stighefootball @Troll__Football 5h5 All barcelona at #ElClasico! country. the official airline of the series of thrilling matches and roberto, Neymar, Iniesta all hours ago Francisco Guzmán barca’s 4-0 win was its Khamis Al Kuwari, Doha. deserving of the fire emoji brEAKING NEWS - @brandinguzman largest shutout victory at recent Qatar Classic Squash entertained the fans.” valbuena arrested for Perspective... estimated madrid in La Liga play since Championships, felicitated Qatar Airways is the sponsor of Sid Lowe recording El Clasico and worldwide viewership of 1974. Big boost for El Jaish men’s and women’s winners a number of key sports events @sidlowe blackmailing benzema. #ElClasico: 600 million. Mohamed El Shorbagy and in Qatar. It also partners reaction from madrid’s Yes, almost twice the U.S. Deon Britto The triumph at the season-opening Association Cup Laura Massaro. the famed Al Ahli football fans. Wow. White hankies. FC Barcelona Fl population. @FCbarcelona @deon989 volleyball (Doha Stadium Plus, November 18) might’ve Qatar Airways Senior club in Saudi Arabia as well Vice-President (Commercial) as European and Spanish @FCbarcelonaFl #branding Still can’t comprehend given a big boost to El Jaish spikers, but they know Richard Martin busquets: “We won on a what happened tonight. Ehab Amin said, “We were champions FC Barcelona. that, in Al Arabi and Al rayyan, they have two mighty proud to have sponsored QR Media sent the details @rich9908 very difficult pitch against Sujan Rao This will be remembered as opponents in the Qatar League. Hell hath no fury like real a team we are sure to @sujanrao fondly as the 5-0 and 2-6. and supported Qatar Classic and photograph. Arabi and rayyan fielded depleted teams in the madrid fans getting out fight for the League title.” After this #ElClasico, I’m Total annihilation. #FCb their handkerchiefs. #ElClasico quite sure #PrayFormadrid #ElClasico tournament and that won’t be the case in the league. Ibrahim Juma, Doha. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 25, 2015 39

It is your turn now. Tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSP. our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE

QMMF chief attends FIM gala Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation well as the inaugural Women’s Sustainability President Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah Conference. MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo attended the FIM General Assembly and and the winners in support categories — Annual Gala at the historic Teatro Villamarta Johann Zarco (Moto2) and Danny Kent in Jerez, Spain, last week. (Moto3) — were among those honoured. Al Attiyah, who is also an FIM vice-president, Neus Ramos sent the details and spoke at the Board of Directors’ meeting as photograph.

Aspire joins hands with Qatar Leadership Academy The ASPIRE Academy signed a Memorandum of Both institutions will collaborate on best Understanding with Qatar Leadership Academy practices in different areas including teaching (QLA) to share expertise in raising a future strategies and student mentoring. The generation of leaders in academics and sports. co-operation will result in an integrated ASPIRE Academy Director General Ivan Bravo and holistic approach towards the overall and QLA Director Brigadier General Ali Ahmed Al development of children. Kuwari formalised the agreement. Karim Jabsheh sent the details and photograph.

Qatar’s Strongest Man competition on Friday The Aspire Zone Foundation will organise the third edition of Qatar’s Strongest Man competition at the Aspire Park on Friday. Eight competitors — Talal Al Kuwari, Hadi Al Braidy, Fahad Al Haddad, Abdullah Issa Al Ban’ali, Rashed Al Fehaida, Fahad Al Me’adeed, Khamees Al Khulaifi and Thamer Al Kuwari — are set to take part in the event. They will be put through five challenges — truck pulling, sand bag lifting, giant wheel tyre pushing, weightlifting (180kg) and car lifting. The event, which will be held from 3 to 7pm, is open to the public. Karim Jabsheh sent the details and photographs.

Qatar Airways felicitates El Shorbagy, Massaro Qatar Airways, which was squash, which witnessed a the official airline of the series of thrilling matches and recent Qatar Classic Squash entertained the fans.” Championships, felicitated Qatar Airways is the sponsor of men’s and women’s winners a number of key sports events Mohamed El Shorbagy and in Qatar. It also partners Laura Massaro. the famed Al Ahli football Qatar Airways Senior club in Saudi Arabia as well Vice-President (Commercial) as European and Spanish Ehab Amin said, “We were champions FC Barcelona. proud to have sponsored QR Media sent the details and supported Qatar Classic and photograph. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

EXCITEMENT NOW JUST A TOUCH AWAY

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