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Friday, December 2, 2016 LEAGUE CUP Rabia I 3, 1438 AH United through GULF TIMES to semis, Arsenal crash out SPORT Page 3

QATAR STARS LEAGUE Classy Lekhwiya crush Sailiya 3-0, Umm Salal win Yousef El Arabi twice on target for former champions; Al-Yahri, Sagbo score in Umm Salal’s 2-0 victory over Muaither

Lekhwiya’s Yousef El Arabi gestures to fans as teammates congratulate him after he scored against Al Sailiya in the Qatar Stars League yesterday.

By Sports Reporter Boudiaf hoodwinked his marker and tacker Nam-Tae Hee but Al Sailiya’s before Rajab could get close to taking a threatening moves – Umm Salal picked Muaither box but his defl ection from Doha then fi red a shot that was blocked by Cameroonian import Raoul Loe put in a shot with Lekhwiya goalkeeper Claude up a bit of pace in the 21st minute when close range was wayward with only the Sailiya defender Dragos Grigore result- timely dive to thwart the danger. Amine embarrassingly out of position. al-Yahri fi red a bullet from close range goalkeeper to beat. ing in a corner kick for the former QSL After a lacklustre start to the fi rst In the 68th minute, Lekhwiya skip- but his shot was blocked by a Muaith- Three minutes later, al-Yahri scored our-time champions Lekhwiya champions. half, Lekhwiya sprung into life and per Boudiaf went for a long-range shot er defender though goalkeeper Basel his team’s fi rst and his second goal of swept past Al Sailiya, register- From the resulting corner kick, doubled their lead on the 56th minute. towards the Al Sailiyah goal but ‘keeper Zaidan was thrown off balance on the the season to put Umm Salal ahead. ing an impressive 3-0 win in the Lekhwiya’s Spanish defender Chico Lekhwiya striker El Arabi surprised a Gomis produced an acrobatic save, tip- goal-line. Lurking inside the Muaither box, al- Qatar Stars League yesterday. Flores produced a snap-header which pack of three Sailiya defenders by fi ring ping the ball over the crossbar with an With momentum on their side, Yahri made the most of a loose ball and FA double from striker Yousef El Arabi sailed above the goalkeeper’s head be- a curling shot into the back of the net. airborne right-handed fl ick. Umm Salal once again created a bit of fi red a bullet between the legs of de- and a goal from captain Karim Boudiaf fore hitting the crossbar in the 18th Marked by Paul Efoulou, Mubark Eid In the 79th minute, El Arabi doubled breathing space inside the Muaither fender Abdul, aiming for the right of confi rmed all three points for Djamel minute. and Dragos Grigore near the Al Sailiya his tally for the game and assured Le- box – this time al-Yahri chipping a lob goalkeeper Zaidan to score his team’s Belmadi’s side who registered their On the 36th minute Boudiaf pro- box, El Arabi paused for a fraction of khwiya all three points, pouncing on an ball over three defenders but his shot opening goal in the 69th minute. sixth win of the campaign. duced a neat lob shot from the edge of a second before producing a swing- Ali Afi f shot that hit the post and fell to was quickly picked up by goalkeeper In the 80th minute, Umm Salal After a slow start, the match kicked the box for his side’s fi rst goal. The ball ing shot to score a memorable goal for him. Zaidan in the 26th minute. doubled their lead. Halal Mohammed into top gear when Lekhwiya’s El Arabi sailed above goalkeeper Gomis’ head his side. Eight minutes later, Al Sailiya Meanwhile, Umm Salal dominat- Three minutes from the fi rst-half – after dribbling past one Muaither unleashed a powerful shot from the and crashed into the right hand side nearly scored but for Khalid Muftah’s ed proceedings to beat newcomers whistle, Umm Salal’s man of the match defender – chose to slip the ball to an edge of the box in the 5th minute only of the net as the Lekhwiya players cel- quick clearance near the goal-line. Muaither 2-0, with Abdulaziz al-Yahri al-Yahri slipped past his marker Omar unmarked Yannick Sagob who rifl ed a for Al Sailiya goalkeeper Gregory Go- ebrated the goal in emphatic fashion. Efoulou chipped in a ball for Rajab sta- and Yannick Sagbo scoring second half Abdul but his defl ection from close shot past goalkeeper Zaidan with con- mis to pouch the ball. In the last minute before the fi rst- tioned near the Lekhwiya’s goal-line. goals. range was swiftly nipped by goalkeeper summate ease. Lekhwiya slowly found their stride half whistle, the ever lively El Arabi Thankfully for Lekhiwiya, Muftah After a predictably slow start – Zaidan. In the 66th minute, Alef San- In another match, Wakrah and Al in the tie and Red Knights skipper slipped in a neat ball for Korean at- quickly moved in and cleared the ball where both sides struggled to stitch tos produced a snap-header inside the Arabi played out a 2-2 draw

CRICKET England and Australia discuss day/night Test

Reuters next summer.” CA have hosted two day- one day-night Test. Sydney night Tests under lights over the last “The scheduling of day-night Tests two seasons, both of which have been has been driven by a desire to make test a commercial success with large num- cricket more accessible, so it is wonder- iscussions over whether Aus- bers attending the matches against New ful to see the format resonate with so tralia will host England in a Zealand and South Africa. many of our fans,” Sutherland said after fi rst day-night Ashes crick- While both games were at the Ad- the South Africa game ended on Sun- et Test next year are taking elaide Oval, making it favourite to host day. Smith also told local media he felt placeD but nothing has been decided yet, a day-night Ashes Test, Brisbane’s The pink ball cricket was here to stay, par- Cricket Australia (CA) said yesterday. Gabba will host its fi rst pink ball Test ticularly given the way lessons learned England head Down Under next No- later this month when Australia play from last year’s match against New Zea- vember for the 2017-18 series and local Pakistan. land had been applied. media reported yesterday that the Eng- England are to host their fi rst day- The inaugural day-night Test lasted land and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had night Test next August at Edgbaston just three days with the twilight dras- agreed in principle to play one of the against West Indies. tically aff ecting the movement of the matches under lights. Alastair Cook, the England captain, pink ball, while batsmen also said they A CA spokesman, however, said there said earlier this year he was against found it hard to see under lights. had not been an agreement yet and the playing an Ashes Test under lights in The match against South Africa last- tour itinerary was still being fi nalised, comments echoed by Australian coun- ed four days and an improved ball did though a day-night Test was part of terpart Steve Smith. not move around as much in the evening the discussions. “Ongoing scheduling Both felt the traditional rivalry, session, nor get scuff ed up by the pitch. of day-night Tests in the Australian the oldest in world cricket, generated “I’ve always said we need to get the summer is a natural progression,” the enough interest.However, CA chief product as right as we can and the ball spokesman said. “The Ashes is a great executive James Sutherland, a major in as good a shape as we can and I think contest and attracts huge audiences proponent of pink-ball cricket, said they’ve made some good improvements both at the ground and on television, the success of the two Adelaide Oval with that,” Smith told Australian Asso- but nothing has yet been confi rmed for games indicated the desire for at least ciated Press. Gulf Times 2 Friday, December 2, 2016 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 Nice in pole as ton-up Cavani keeps PSG in hunt PSG trail Nice by a solitary point after the Cote d’Azur table-toppers handed Guingamp a first home defeat

AFP did that. Everyone must pull together. There is a Paris fi ne margin between success and failure.” Nice will meet PSG just before the Christ- mas break and Favre said that encounter would aris Saint-Germain hotshot Edin- be crucial – albeit they are not looking that far son Cavani bagged his 100th goal for ahead. “If we take the three points in that one the club in a 2-0 win over Angers on then all well and good. (But) beforehand we have Wednesday to keep the reigning Ligue 1 Toulouse, who are a tough opponent. May I re- Pchampions on the heels of leaders Nice. mind you they are the only side to have beaten Cavani scored from the spot, adding to Thi- both Paris SG and Monaco, so that will be a big ago Silva’s opener to round off a win for the Pa- match.” risians, who trail Nice by a solitary point after Monaco, through at the expense of Totten- the Cote d’Azur table-toppers handed Guin- ham to the last 16 of the Champions League, are gamp a fi rst home defeat. Uruguayan Cavani’s third, three points off the pace, following their big moment came after Hatem Ben Arfa strode 1-1 draw Tuesday at Dijon. Lyon stormed into forward on a mazy run only to be brought down fourth place albeit eight points behind Mona- by Romain Thomas. The goal machine, having co, with a crushing 6-0 win at hapless Nantes, made it 19 goals in 18 matches so far this season, the eight-times champions, who suff ered their promptly earned a booking for taking off his worst top fl ight home reverse. shirt to reveal a T-shirt slogan paying homage to Nantes are second bottom and staring the Brazilian side Chapecoense, the club decimated droip in the face after an eighth league defeat in by an aircrash in Colombia. 15 games left only Lorient below them. Nantes Cavani joined PSG from Napoli in 2013 for a coach Rene Girard is hanging onto his job after French record fee of 64mn euros ($67.8mn) and the Canaries were outclassed with Lyon scoring now is the club’s fourth top goalscorer – now at will through Corentin Tolisso, an Alex Laca- just one adrift of Dominique Rocheteau. Out in zette penalty, Maxime Gonalons, Mathieu Val- front with 156 is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who left for buena, Mouctar Diakhaby and Nabil Fekir. Manchester United last summer. Marseille stay in midtable after a goalless “It was a very important match, for the three draw at Saint Etienne in a battle of fallen giants points, for the table because we were at home while Bordeaux drew 1-1 at Bastaia, enough to and it was important to be strong for the fans,” stay in fi fth spot ahead of Rennes on goal diff er- said PSG coach Unai Emery. “Against a very de- ence. fensively compact team, we put in a solid per- FRENCH LEAGUE RESULTS formance.” Paris SG 2 (Silva 31, Cavani 62-pen) bt Angers 0; Moroccan Younes Belhanda bagged the only Saint-Etienne 0 drew with Marseille 0; Nancy 4 goal for Nice, this season’s surprise package, in (Pedretti 38), Cuff aut 78, I. Dia 80), Ait Bennasser the fi fth minute with a sumptuous strike from 90+3) bt Metz 0; Guingamp 0 lost to Nice 1 (Bel- the edge of the box. Nice won in the absence of Paris Saint-Germain’s Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Angers during the French L1 handa 5); Bastia 1 (Bifouma 49) drew with Bordeaux the injured Mario Balotelli, who has a calf prob- football match at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Wednesday night. (AFP) 1 (Laborde 78); Toulouse 1 (Sylla 19) bt Montpellier lem. The southerners badly missed Balotelli 0; Nantes 0 lost to Lyon 6 (Tolisso 16, Lacazette in their weekend draw with Bastia but on loan to drag them over the line, to the relief of coach “We knew it would be tough to take the points didn’t manage to get to 2-0. If you don’t then 39-pen, Gonalons 41, Valbuena 60, Diakhaby 75, Dynamo Kiev star Belhanda’s eff ort was enough Lucien Favre. here,” said Favre. “Having got the fi rst goal we you have to hold on to what you have – and we Fekir 81)

BUNDESLIGA FOCUS Bayern wary of another slip-up Zidane’s son scores on

AFP Berlin debut in Real Cup rout

ayern Munich travel to Mainz to- day looking to avoid another costly slip-up which could thwart the champions’ bid to reclaim top spot inB the Bundesliga. Mainz stunned Bayern with a late 2-1 vic- tory in Munich in March and another up- set is unthinkable, especially after recent defeats to Borussia Dortmund and in the Champions League to Russia’s Rostov. With the winter break looming, victory would propel Bayern provisionally top on goal diff erence ahead of RB Leipzig, who face a test of their unbeaten record at home against Schalke tomorrow. The clash in Mainz – the only fi xture to- day – will be preceded by a minute’s silence, Bayern got back to winning ways by beating Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 last weekend to end a which will be observed before all Bundes- three-game winless streak and close to within three points of surprise-package Leipzig. liga games at the weekend, in tribute to the victims of the Colombia plane crash. Many to within three points of surprise-package en games unbeaten with consecutive wins of the 71 victims were members of Brazilian Leipzig. German international defender over Bremen, Wolfsburg and Darmstadt. top-fl ight team Chapecoense. Jerome Boateng will be back for Bayern af- Hertha Berlin, in third, six points adrift Mainz’s record against Bayern is poor ter a muscle problem ruled him out of the of Leipzig, travel to Wolfsburg. Cologne having won only four of the last 20 Bun- Leverkusen game. Coach Carlo Ancelotti and Hoff enheim, fi fth and sixth both on 22 desliga clashes against the Bavarian giants, can also rely on striker Robert Lewand- points after 12 games, go head to head, while the last at home in November 2011. Mainz owski, who missed training this week with bottom side Hamburg travel to fellow strug- president Harald Strutz insisted his mid- a knee problem, but French forward Kings- glers Darmstadt still looking for their fi rst table side would not be intimidated.“I’m ley Coman and US winger Julian Green are win of the season. convinced that our team is capable of a spe- both out. Leipzig, the only unbeaten side in Fixtures (all times GMT) cial performance,” said Strutz despite com- the Bundesliga along with Hoff enheim, host Today: Mainz 05 v Bayern Munich (1930) ing off a defeat at Hertha Berlin which leaves Schalke at Red Bull Arena on Saturday. Tomorrow: (all 1430): Hoff enheim v Cologne; them fi ve points off the top six. “But you Ralph Hasenhuettl’s newcomers beat Borussia Dortmund v Bor. Moenchengladbach; Real Madrid’s son Enzo (centre) celebrates with teammates. cannot talk of a crisis in Bavaria.They will be Freiburg 4-1 last week to stay three points Bayer Leverkusen v SC Freiburg; Wolfsburg especially hungry and motivated on Friday.” clear of Bayern and have averaged three v Hertha Berlin; Werder Bremen v Ingolstadt; AFP ther (too),” said Zidane. two minutes from time before a Bayern got back to winning ways by beat- goals per game in their last fi ve outings. Leipzig v Schalke 04 (1730) Madrid “But, in saying that, I watch Cesar Morgado own goal. ing Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 last weekend to Schalke however have been gaining momen- Sunday: Darmstadt 98 v Hamburg (1430) Augs- what he does on the fi eld as a Barcelona also fi elded a side end a three-game winless streak and close tum after a stuttering start and are now sev- burg v Eintracht Frankfurt (1630) coach and I am happy with how with 11 changes ahead of the eal Madrid coach Zined- they all played.” Clasico, but were made to pay by ine Zidane’s son, Enzo, With the tie over as a contest third tier Hercules. David Mainz scored on his senior following Real’s 7-1 fi rst leg win bundled home at the back post debut as the European and El Clasico away to Barcelona seven minutes into the second- Ronaldo, Griezmann make World 11 list, not Rooney championsR brushed aside third to come tomorrow, Zidane made half to give the side form Alicante Paris: Cristiano Ronaldo and Antoine Defenders (20): David Alaba (Austria/Bayern Leicester/Chelsea) Toni Kroos (Germany/Real tier Cultural Leonesa 6-1 to nine changes from the side that a shock lead. Griezmann both appeared among the 55 Munich), Jordi Alba (Spain/Barcelona), Serge Madrid), Luka Modric (Croatia/Real Madrid), progress into the last 16 of the started the 2-1 win over Sporting However, Manchester United nominees for the FIFPro 2016 World 11 re- Aurier (Ivory Coast/Paris St Germain), Hector Mesut Ozil (Germany/Arsenal), Dimitri Payet Copa del Rey 13-2 on aggregate Gijon last weekend. target Carles Alena capped his leased yesterday but Wayne Rooney failed Bellerin (Spain/Arsenal), Jerome Boateng (France/West Ham), Paul Pogba (France/Juven- on Wednesday night. Norwegian starlet Martin debut with a wonderful strike to make the shortlist for the first time. (Germany/Bayern Munich), Leonardo Bonucci tus/Manchester United), Ivan Rakitic (Croatia/ By contrast, Barcelona still Odegaard, 17, was also handed his from 25 yards to spare Barca’s Portugal captain Ronaldo, led his country (Italy/Juventus), Dani Carvajal (Spain/Real Barcelona), David Silva (Spain/Manchester have work to do to reach the next full debut, but it was Dominican blushes. Yannick Carrasco scored to victory at Euro 2016, while France Madrid), Giorgio Chiellini (Italy/Juventus), Dani City), Marco Verratti (Italy/Paris St Germain) round after being held 1-1 at Her- international Mariano Diaz who twice as Atletico Madrid also hit forward Griezmann was the top player Alves (Brazil/Barcelona/Juventus), David Luiz and Arturo Vidal (Chile/Bayern Munich). cules in the fi rst leg of their last got Real off to a fl ying start as he Guijelo for six in the fi rst leg of at the tournament. It is the first time that (Brazil/Paris St Germain/Chelsea), Diego Godin Strikers (15): Sergio Aguero (Argentina/ 32 tie. Enzo, the oldest of Zi- slotted home the fi rst of his hat- their last 32 tie. 25-year-old Griezmann has made the cut, (Uruguay/Atletico Madrid), Mats Hummels Manchester City), Gareth Bale (Wales/Real dane’s four sons, all of whom play trick after just 23 seconds. A Saul Niguez penalty and but England captain Rooney is absent for (Germany/Borussia Dortmund/Bayern Mu- Madrid), Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid), at diff erent levels in Real’s youth James Rodriguez headed home Sime Vrsaljko’s fi rst Atletico goal the first time in the competition’s 12-year nich), Philipp Lahm (Germany/Bayern Munich), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Real Madrid), teams, was introduced by his fa- the hosts’ second before Mariano gave the visitors a 2-0 half-time history, after England crashed out of Euro Marcelo (Brazil/Real Madrid), Javier Mascher- Paulo Dybala (Argentina/Juventus), Antoine ther, a legendary former player smashed in a third, but Leonesa lead before the Belgian struck 2016 to lowly Iceland. The list compiled by ano (Argentina/Barcelona), Pepe (Portugal/ Griezmann (France/Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo for Real and France, at half-time. did have a moment to savour twice in fi ve second-half min- the FIFPro players’ union is based upon Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Spain/Barcelona), Higuain (Argentina/Napoli/Juventus), Zlatan The 21-year-old, who was pre- when Yeray Gonzalez fi red into utes. Angel Correa and Roberto votes from 25,000 professional footballers Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid), Thiago Ibrahimovic (Sweden/Paris St Germain/Man- viously coached by Zinedine at the top corner from long range in Nunez rounded off the scoring. with the World XI announced on January 9. Silva (Brazil/Paris St Germain) and Raphael chester United), Robert Lewandowski Real’s youth side Castilla before fi rst-half stoppage time. Sevilla and Villarreal took huge The 55-player short list: Varane (France/Real Madrid). (Poland/Bayern Munich), Lionel Messi he took the top job at the Santia- Enzo was then handed his strides towards the last 16 with Goalkeepers (5): Claudio Bravo (Chile/Barce- Midfielders (15): Xabi Alonso (Spain/Bayern (Argentina/Barcelona), Thomas Muller go Bernabeu in January, showed a long-awaited bow by his father, comprehensive fi rst leg wins over lona/Manchester City), Gianluigi Buff on (Italy/ Munich), Sergio Busquets (Spain/Barcelona), (Germany/Bayern Munich), Neymar (Brazil/ glimpse of his father’s talent with but ensured there was to be no Formentera (5-1) and Toledo (3- Juventus), David de Gea (Spain/Manchester Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium/Manchester City), Barcelona), Alexis Sanchez (Chile/Arsenal), a fi ne low fi nish from the edge of claims of nepotism when he fi n- 0) respectively. Second division United), Keylor Navas (Costa Rica/Real Madrid) Eden Hazard (Belgium/Chelsea), Andres Ini- Luis Suarez (Uruguay/Barcelona) and Jamie the area just after the hour mark. ished off a fl owing team move Cordoba were the only victorious and Manuel Neuer (Germany/Bayern Munich). esta (Spain/Barcelona), N’Golo Kante (France/ Vardy (England/Leicester). “If I take off my hat as a coach with a classy right-footed fi nish. lower league side of the evening then I am happy for him as a fa- Mariano completed his hat-trick with a 2-0 win over Malaga. Gulf Times Friday, December 2, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

LEAGUE CUP 350 VICTIMS REPORT UK FOOTBALL CHILD Man United through, SEX ABUSE: POLICE London: Around 350 people a cover-up? I doubt it,” said have come forward to say Glenn, whose organisation has they were sexually abused established an internal review as children by youth football of the allegations. coaches in Britain, the National The scale of the abuse Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) began to emerge after ex- Arsenal crash out said yesterday. footballers Andy Woodward, The scale of the abuse Steve Walters and Paul Stewart began to emerge last week revealed last week the abuse United play Hull City in the two-legged semis, while Southampton meet Liverpool after a string of ex-footballers, they suff ered at the hands including England internation- of youth football coaches. AFP als, told of the ordeals inflicted Convicted child molester Barry Manchester, United Kingdom upon them by coaches. Bennell has been accused by “We are working closely several footballers of abusing with the Football Association them when he worked for latan Ibrahimovic and Anthony to ensure that the response to Crewe Alexandra, Manchester Martial scored twice as Manches- this significant and growing City and Stoke City across ter United crushed West Ham number of victims, at all levels three decades beginning in United 4-1 in the League Cup of football, is co-ordinated ef- the 1970s. Zquarter-fi nals on Wednesday, while Ar- fectively,” said Chief Constable He is the target of five sepa- senal were humbled by Southampton. Simon Bailey, the NPCC’s lead rate police investigations and United manager Jose Mourinho served for child protection. on Tuesday was charged with a one-game touchline ban after his dis- The NPCC said a “sig- eight counts of child abuse, missal for kicking a water bottle during nificant” amount of calls had prosecutors said. Former 1-1 Premier League draw against West been made to police after the Newcastle United player David Ham, but his absence had no ill-eff ects. former players came forward Eatock is the latest player to Ibrahimovic put United ahead in the sec- to speak out about the abuse speak out about his suff ering. ond minute and although Ashley Fletcher they suff ered as children. Now 40, he said he had equalised, Martial’s second-half brace The BBC said the NPCC’s been a victim of former youth restored the hosts’ control before the figures were based on existing coach George Ormond, who Swede added a fourth goal in added time. investigations as well as a new was sentenced to six years in “After the West Ham goal we had 10 helpline set up by British char- jail in 2002 for off ences com- minutes where we felt it deeply. West ity the National Society for the mitted over almost 25 years. Ham’s fi rst shot, they equalise,” said Prevention of Cruelty to Chil- “One of the more diff icult parts Mourinho, who has overseen United’s dren (NSPCC). The NSPCC said for me is that I wasn’t as young worst start to a top-fl ight season since the helpline had received 860 as some of the others,” Eatock 1989. “But in the second half we got the calls in its first week, enabling told the Guardian newspaper. confi dence to play and play beautiful, at- it to refer 60 cases to police “I was 18 when I got to know tacking football. Goals plus performance or social services within three George Ormond. I can still means the real happiness.” days of the hotline launching. remember the look on his face, United will play Hull City in the two- That was more than triple how terrifying it was, and how legged semi-fi nals, while Southampton’s the number of referrals made his eyes were possessed.” reward for winning 2-0 at the Emirates in the first three days of the He added: “I’m just glad Stadium was a last-four encounter with helpline set up for victims of Andy Woodward, by speaking Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. The game at Jimmy Savile, a serial paedo- out, has given me the strength Old Traff ord notably saw Bastian Sch- phile and late BBC television to do this because I never weinsteiger make his fi rst appearance of presenter. The hotline is sup- would have otherwise. It has the season for United as a late substitute. ported by England’s Football been like a knot in my brain The former Germany captain has only Association and backed and I’m now trying to pick recently returned to the fi rst-team squad by England captain Wayne apart that knot.” after being frozen out by Mourinho and Rooney, who is an NSPCC Premier League leaders received a huge ovation as he came on. ambassador. Chelsea have opened an West Ham had needed less than two Bailey encouraged anyone investigation after newspaper minutes to take the lead in Sunday’s with information about child claims they bought the silence game, but on this occasion United were abuse in football to come for- of a former player who said he the early birds. ward. “We continue to encour- was abused by a scout at the Wayne Rooney’s clever reverse pass age those who have been the club during the 1970s. Glenn picked out the advancing Henrikh Mkhi- victim of child sexual abuse said the FA would come down taryan and the Armenian’s alert back- Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) clashes with West Ham United’s goalkeeper Adrian after scoring a goal during the to report it, regardless of how hard on any club found to have heel freed Ibrahimovic to lift the ball League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday. (AFP) long ago the abuse may have hushed up reports of abuse. past West Ham goalkeeper Adrian. West taken place,” he said. “FA chairman Greg Clarke Ham levelled in the 35th minute with a Ibrahimovic made a fi ne pass down the make 10 changes backfi red as Southamp- round is very important. We now get to Fifteen police forces across is committed to a full review, bolt from the blue as David de Gea spilled inside-right channel for Antonio Valen- ton ended his side’s 19-game unbeaten play in a semi-fi nal and that’s great for Britain are investigating cases shining a torch on what has Dimitri Payet’s shot and former United cia, whose cross was tapped in by Martial. run. Dutch midfi elder Jordy Clasie’s blis- the players.” that have made daily headlines happened in the past in foot- youngster Fletcher tucked in his fi rst sen- Ibrahimovic doubled his tally in the tering drive put Southampton ahead in Mohamed Elneny was the only player in the country over the past ball,” he told a press confer- ior goal in front of the Stretford End. 93rd minute, slotting in Ander Herrera’s the 13th minute. England left-back Ryan to have kept his place from Arsenal’s 3-1 two weeks. FA chief executive ence at Wembley to unveil Fortunately for United, they started low cross from the left. The only source of Bertrand added a second seven minutes win over Bournemouth on Sunday, but Martin Glenn said yesterday he new England manager Gareth the second half as sharply as they had regret for United was a booking for Roon- before half-time, gathering Sofi ane Bou- he succumbed to illness before half-time does not believe child abuse Southgate. attacked the fi rst, a move down the right ey that rules him out of Sunday’s trip to fal’s pass and rifl ing a shot into the bot- and was replaced by Granit Xhaka. It was within British football has been “If there has been evidence culminating in Mkhitaryan squaring Everton, nixing his hopes of scoring a tom corner. “I enjoy this win for all of the Arsenal’s fi rst defeat since a 4-3 loss at covered up. of hushing up, when it’s our for Martial to sweep home. West Ham’s club record-equalling 249th goal against squad and for the fans, because it’s a good home to Liverpool on the opening week- “It will help uncover some turn to apply the rules we cause was not helped by the fact they lost his old side. answer to keep all of our possibilities in end of the Premier League season. issues that can’t happen again, absolutely will, regardless of both wing-backs, Aaron Cresswell and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had every competition,” said Southampton “We didn’t have enough urgency in the but do I think there has been the size of club.” Michail Antonio to injury, and in the 62nd been hoping to win the competition for manager Claude Puel. “We played a very fi rst half,” said Wenger. “We were weak in minute they found themselves 3-1 down. the fi rst time, but instead his decision to good game and to qualify for the next some departments and we paid for that.”

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP England’s Southgate talks of great Striker Kane signs new expectations amid the gloom Tottenham deal until 2022 AFP CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TRIBUTE TO BRAZIL Reuters London PLANE-CRASH PLAYERS London A minute’s silence for the Chapecoense football players killed in a plane disaster in Colombia will ngland striker HARRY KANE has become be held before every Champions League and Europa he Dickensian fog obscuring Wem- the latest star to commit his future to Tot- League game next week, UEFA said yesterday. bley’s arch hardly looked a portent tenham Hotspur, signing a new contract Most of the Brazilian club’s players and coaching of a golden era for England’s na- at the Premier League club until 2022. The staff were among 71 people killed when a plane car- tional team as new manager Gareth dealE replaces the fi ve-year contract he signed in rying them to the Copa Sudamericana fi nal against TSouthgate spent his fi rst day in the job trying February 2015 and will reportedly earn the 23-year- Atletico Nacional crashed near Medellin in Colom- to provide some cheer yesterday. old captain £80,000 ($101,000) a week. bia earlier this week. Reports have indicated the On the fi eld English football remains at a “It’s amazing. Everyone knows how much I love plane ran out of fuel. low ebb in the wake of their Euro 2016 deba- this team and what I feel for this club,” Kane, who cle while off it depressing allegations of child fi nished top scorer in the Premier League last season FRANCE TO HOST SPAIN IN FRIENDLY abuse have rocked the sport. It was hardly with 25 goals and has hit the net fi ve times already France will host Spain in Paris in a heavyweight an uplifting backdrop for the 46-year-old this term, told Tottenham’s website yesterday. friendly on March 28 at the Stade de France, the to begin life as permanent manager, having After coming through Tottenham’s academy, French Football Federation said yesterday. The game signed a four-year deal on Wednesday, yet Kane made his debut in 2011 but it was towards the takes place three days after France travel to Luxem- Southgate did his best to lift the mood, talk- end of the 2013-14 campaign that he fi rst made an bourg in World Cup qualifying Group A, which the ing of his great expectations for a job dubbed impact. The following season he scored 21 goals in French lead by three points from the Netherlands. a poisoned chalice. the league and he now has 70 for Spurs in 137 ap- Spain, who are also on course for Russia 2018, “There are great expectations that come pearances. welcome Israel on March 24 in qualifying. France with this job and I’m looking forward to Kane has only recently returned from a seven- have not met Spain since a friendly in Paris in Sep- embracing that,” said Southgate, who im- week absence with an ankle injury but has scored tember 2014, with a Loic Remy strike giving the pressed the FA’s hierarchy during a four- four goals in his last four matches. Kyle Walker, hosts a 1-0 win. match ‘audition’ as interim manager in the Christian Eriksen, Eric Dier, Danny Rose and Dele wake of Sam Allardyce’s 67-day tenure. England’s new manager Gareth Southgate poses for photographers during a media session Alli have all extended their deals at Spurs. HIGUAIN DENIES GETTING DEATH THREATS “I’ve had a great insight over the last few at Wembley stadium in London yesterday. (AFP) Gonzalo Higuain has angrily denied being given an weeks into what the job entails. I don’t think armed escort or receiving death threats following any job is impossible. Some are more dif- was photographed after a late-night drink- of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. The his mega-money move to Serie A champions Juven- fi cult than others, some are more complex, ing session at the team’s hotel. hard part will be trying to end England’s tus from rivals Napoli. and this is certainly one of those. Now is a “Wayne Rooney is the England captain, chronic failure to make an impact at major The Argentine scored a Serie A record 36 goals great moment to step forward and help our I’ve said that since the beginning of the in- tournaments. for Napoli last season as they fi nished runners-up country in what should be a very exciting terim period,” Southgate said. “I think what He said his role was partly that of “psy- to Juventus to secure their return to the Champi- period.” is also clear is that I only selected him to chologist” trying to allow players to perform ons League. But the former Real Madrid star caused Southgate enjoyed a relatively successful start in two of the four games that we’ve for England as they do for their clubs. “One shock and dismay in Naples when he moved to Tu- period in charge of England’s under 21s – had. I don’t think laying down the law is of the keys is to create a culture like we had rin for an Italian transfer record 90mn euros this fast-tracking several players into the senior necessary for this group of players. There with the under 21s where playing for Eng- summer. squad. The level of scrutiny he will be under has to be trust between coach and players land is something to look forward to and Higuain, who has hit a barren patch in the past is about to go off the scale though and he was but there need to be guidelines and players they feel relaxed enough to perform at their month, has also faced harsh criticism from Ar- already facing some tough questions from need to take leadership in that. very best,” Southgate said. gentina fans following a couple of underwhelm- the media yesterday. “We need an environment and culture Southgate’s next match will be a friendly ing performances in World Cup qualifi ers. Reports High on the agenda was captain Wayne around the team that will enable us to per- in Germany, followed by a World Cup quali- surfaced last month claiming Higuain had enlisted Rooney’s now infamous “night off ” after form at our very best. If we think we are good fi er against Lithuania. “We mustn’t take the help of an Italian special operations unit after England’s World Cup qualifying victory enough to play the best teams in the world qualifi cation for granted, we have to keep receiving death threats. But yesterday he said: “To over Scotland last month. Southgate, who and give ourselves a slight handicap along our eye on the ball, we have not always qual- come out and make unfounded allegations shows insisted there was no “break clause” in his the way, then good luck with that.” ifi ed,” Southgate said. “Our aim is to go be- a total lack of respect. I’ve never had an (armed) contract following the 2018 World Cup, of- Southgate’s fi rst task, and the most yond what we have done in the last couple of escort in my life and I never will. And it’s the same fered measured support for Rooney, who straightforward, will be to complete the job tournaments.” about the threats – I never received any.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, December 2, 2016 CRICKET

EAGER SPOTLIGHT Big Show back on Azam like a young the big stage to Kohli, says push credentials Pak coach Although the prodigiously gifted Maxwell is better known for his all-out attack in shorter formats, he thought his recent performances had shown the sort of application that might have earned him another chance at Test level

Pakistan’s Babar Azam in action against New Zealand in Hamilton on November 29.

AFP Pakistan have resisted the Sydney temptation to change and re- tained the same 16-man squad for Australia that lost the recent akistan coach Mick- series against New Zealand 2-0. ey Arthur compared For South African Arthur, it “young gun” Babar will be his fi rst time facing Aus- PAzam to Virat Kohli yes- tralia since he coached them over terday, saying the 22-year-old a two-year tenure that ended in reminded him of the India skip- June 2013. per at the same age. He said Pakistan were ready Batsman Azam has played only to fi re against an Australia Test three Tests, narrowly missing out team coming off a demoralising on a century in Pakistan’s loss to 2-1 series loss to South Africa and New Zealand in Hamilton this had learned a lot in New Zealand. Glenn Maxwell week when he was left unbeaten “Had that series gone another of Australia. on 90 as the side was bowled out. Test match, we would have been In his 18 one-dayers, he has better for the conditions,” he said scored three centuries, all of of the New Zealand tour. which came in consecutive “Hopefully, this has put us in matches against the West Indies good stead for what we can expe- earlier this year. rience in Australia.” “He (Azam) is a young gun Pakistan play a three-day who will be an exceptional play- pink-ball clash next week against er,” Arthur told Perth’s 6PR radio a Cricket Australia XI in Cairns ahead of Pakistan’s sole warm- before the fi rst Test – a day- up match for their three-Test se- night aff air in Brisbane – from ries against Australia. December 15. “I’ll go so far as to say, at the The remaining two Tests are same age, I reckon he’s as good in Melbourne (December 26-30) as Virat Kohli, which I know and Sydney (January 3-7). Reuters Although the prodigiously gifted Max- for the home summer.” away too early.” that’s high praise but he’s right They will also play fi ve one- Sydney well is better known for his all-out attack The 28-year-old, who played the last Being back in the one-day squad was up there.” day internationals in Australia. in shorter formats, he thought his recent of his three tests in 2014, was dumped his fi rst opportunity to show the selectors performances had shown the sort of ap- from the one-day squad for their tour of those changes to his game, he added, but ll-rounder Glenn Maxwell was plication that might have earned him an- Sri Lanka having struggled to score any he would be doing his best to make it as disappointed not to get an Aus- other chance at test level. meaningful runs and said the time away hard as possible to continue to leave him tralia Test recall during the re- “I thought I might have been a chance,” from the national set-up had helped him out of the Test side. Akram says Lanka has cent overhaul of the squad but Maxwell told reporters yesterday. “The refocus. “Whether that comes from white ball wantsA to use the one-day series against way I batted in my fi rst game back at the “I changed a few things slightly techni- cricket or any sort of cricket I’m playing New Zealand to press his claims for next MCG against the reverse-swinging ball cally and slightly mentally as well, more whether they come down and watch me pace, needs swing February’s tour of India. against Queensland, I thought that was a so the way I look at the game and the way at Fitzroy-Doncaster and see how I’m go- Australia awarded debuts to three really good sign of the improvements I’ve I start my innings,” Maxwell, nicknamed ing in club cricket it doesn’t matter,” he AFP, Colombo “The idea is to teach them how batsmen for the third Test against South made in my defence, technique and the “Big Show”, said. said. to believe in themselves and Africa at Adelaide Oval last month after way I leave the ball. “I think that’s going to be a big change “I’m going to be trying to make as how to fox out the batsmen,” he losing the fi rst two matches in the series “But the way the selections have gone heading into this one-day series about many runs and taking as many wickets egendary Pakistani said after a coaching session at on the back of a string of batting col- I’m probably looking at the Indian series starting my innings and making sure I and show them the improvements I have paceman Wasim Akram the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) lapses. now. I think I’ve probably missed the boat get into the game, and not sort of throw it made.” said that Sri Lanka had grounds in Colombo. La promising crop of fast Akram was joined at the SCC by bowlers despite their traditional Sri Lankan legends Aravinda de BOTTOMLINE reliance on spin after holding Silva and Chaminda Vaas, both a coaching session with the is- of whom had played against the landers yesterday. Pakistan swing king. After spending several hours Vaas, a former seamer, was with the national team’s main recently tasked with identifying established strike bowlers and fast bowling talent across the promising youngsters, Akram cricket-mad island. Starc and Hazlewood can be said there was no lack of raw Regarded as one of the best pace but they needed to develop left-arm pacemen ever to grace their ability to swing the ball. the game, Akram took 414 Test “Most of the bowlers had a pace wickets and 502 in 356 one-day of 130 to 140 kmph (kilometres internationals – both still a Paki- Australia’s best ever – Gillespie per hour),” said Akram who stan record. AFP “Starc and Hazlewood, without doubt, For his prediction to come true, they himself bowled at a similar pace Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Thilanga Sydney will be the best fast bowling combination will have to surpass some of the greats of in his prime in the 1990s when Sumathipala said they invited Australia has ever produced,” Gillespie, the game, including Gillespie who teamed he was one of the world’s leading Akram to mentor local players also seen a possible replacement for Rod up with Glenn McGrath to take 484 wick- players in all formats. in the next two years and visit ormer Test star Jason Gillespie Marsh as chairman of selectors, told ets between them in 58 Tests across a 10- Akram, who is now 50, said the island at least twice a year. believes pace spearheads Mitch- cricket.com.au yesterday. year period. slower wickets were a fact of life “We have invited him to be with ell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will “They’ll stay fi t, they’ll stay healthy, Other great partnerships included in South Asia, particularly in Sri us in the next two years as our become the greatest fast bowling they’re learning their trade all the time, Merv Hughes and Craig McDermott and Lanka whose most successful consultant in pace bowling,” said combinationF Australia has ever produced. they complement each other very well. Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson. bowlers have been spinners, Sumathipala. Gillespie, touted as a potential suc- “Starc (is a) really fast, aggressive, nose- “In many years’ time when we’re re- including the record-breaking Sri Lanka, who have just complet- cessor to current Test coach Darren Le- grabbing 17 at an average of 22 and Starc and-toes attacking option who can swing fl ecting on great Australian cricketers, Muttiah Muralitharan. ed a clean sweep of Zimbabwe, hmann, said their performance in the 14 wickets at 30. the ball late at pace. those two (Starc and Hazlewood) will be But he said there was no reason are to embark on a tour of South recent series defeat to South Africa was a The duo have now played 17 Tests to- “And then you’ve got Hazlewood who right up there,” said Gillespie, now back why fast bowlers could not thrive Africa later this month where rare bright spot. gether since Hazlewood’s debut two years is an aggressive bowler but in a diff erent in Australia after a hugely successful fi ve- on slower tracks as long as they they will play three Tests, three They fi nished as the fi rst and third- ago and have taken 161 wickets alongside way. He’s aggressive with his relentless year spell coaching English county York- had the right tricks up the sleeve. T20 matches and five ODIs. highest wicket takers with Hazlewood each other. line and length, he’s very disciplined.” shire. Gulf Times Friday, December 2, 2016 5 SPORT

NBA BADMINTON Saina and Praneeth in Macau Open quarters; Westbrook stars as Kashyap bows out

IANS the Singapore pair proved supe- Macau rior and clinched the issue. Among other Indians in the fray, B. Sai Praneeth was to play tar Indian shuttler Saina his second round match against Thunder down Nehwal defeated Dinar fi fth-seed Wong Wing Ki Vin- Dyah Ayustine of Indone- cent of Hong Kong. sia to enter the quarter-fi - nalsS round of the $120,000 Macau Sindhu rises to No. 7 Open Grand Prix Gold badminton in BWF rankings tournament here yesterday. Rio Olympics silver medal- In a match which lasted list PV Sindhu’s maiden China around one hour, Saina edged Open title and her subsequent Wizards 126-115 past her Indonesian opponent runners-up fi nish at the Hong 17-21, 21-18, 21-12 in the wom- Kong Open, helped her gain two en’s singles event. spots to the No. 7 spot in the lat- ‘He’s hard to stop. He’s a terrific basketball player playing at a high level’ After going down in the fi rst est Badminton World Federation game, the top seed Hyderabadi (BWF) women’s singles rankings. regained her calm and clinched Sindhu, who skipped the on- AFP the next two games to advance in going Macau Open, has now as- Los Angeles the tournament. sured herself a spot in the year- In men’s singles, B. Sai Pra- ending BWF Superseries Final in neeth defeated fi fth seed Wong Dubai from December 14 to 18. ussell Westbrook’s Wing Ki Vincent 21-15 21-17 to Only the top-8 shuttlers are al- fourth straight triple- advance into the quarter-fi nals lowed to take part in the Super- double spelled a fourth of the tournament. Both games series Final. straight NBA victory saw the Indian shuttler over- There was also good news for forR the Oklahoma City Thunder powering his opponent with London Olympics bronze med- on Wednesday, a 126-115 over- some swift court movements allist Saina Nehwal, who clawed time triumph over the visiting and powerful strokes to clinch back to the top-10 of women’s Washington Wizards. the issue in 43 minutes. singles. The Hyderabadi rose Westbrook produced 35 In other match, Parupalli one spot to the No.10 position in points, 14 rebounds and 11 as- Kashyap, making a comeback af- the rankings. The women’s sin- sists to notch his ninth triple- ter a long layoff , bowed out of the gles rankings saw considerable double of the season and the tournament losing his second changes in the top three, with 46th of his career. round match to Chinese Taipei’s Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying Victor Oladipo added 25 Lin Yu Hsien 13-21, 20-22. clinching the top spot after her points and Enes Kanter came In a match which lasted 45 Hong Kong Open title. off the bench to score 14 for the minutes, Kashyap gave away the Rio gold medallist Carolina Thunder, who improved to 12-8. fi rst game easily but in the second Marin of Spain lost a spot to the Bradley Beal scored 31 points game he displayed some quality No.2 position while Thailand’s for the Wizards, whose coach strokes - he, however, failed to Ratchanok Intanon also fell one Scott Brooks returned to Okla- overpower his opponent. rung to No.3. homa City for the fi rst time In men’s doubles category, it In men’s singles, Indian shut- since he was sacked by the was end of road for Indian pair tler Sameer Verma’s runner-up Thunder in April after seven Manu Attri and B. Sumeeth Red- show at the Hong Kong Open seasons at the helm. dy who were beaten by Danny was rewarded with a leap of 13 Brooks, who received a warm Bawa Chrisnanta and Hendra spots to No.30 while Kidambi welcome from Thunder fans, Wijaya of Singapore 22-20, 21- Srikanth fell one spot to No.13 in looked like nabbing a victory 19. The Indian duo started the the list led by Malaysian veteran against his former team when proceedings on a good note but Lee Chong Wei. Beal’s three-pointer with 5:25 after a hard fought battle they Among others, Hong Kong left in regulation put the Wiz- lost the fi rst game. Open winner Ng Ka Long Angus ards up 97-90. The second game saw both vaulted fi ve places to enter the But the Thunder rallied to sides battling for each point but top-10 and is now at No.9 spot. force overtime, Westbrook’s three-pointer with 8.5 seconds left in regulation knotting the score at 105-105. Westbrook scored 14 points in the extra pe- riod as the Thunder pulled away. “I thought we did a good job until overtime on Westbrook,” Brooks said. “He’s hard to stop. He’s a ter- rifi c basketball player playing at a high level.” Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook dunks the ball in front of Washington Wizards centre Marcin Gortat (R) during the second Westbrook’s four rebounds in quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports the fi rst quarter ensured that he will go into December averaging Spurs bounce back “I thought that was the moral by the Timberwolves. “That’s a great win against a a triple-double. The San Antonio Spurs found of that victory, not giving in no In Phoenix, Leandro Barbosa very good team... held them to I “He’s doing an amazing job,” a trip to Dallas to be just what matter what,” Mills said. scored all eight of his points think 35 % from the fi eld shoot- Kanter said. they needed to put a shock Spurs starter Kawhi Leonard in the fourth quarter to lift the ing,” Lakers coach Luke Walton “He’s fi nding the open man, home loss to the Orlando Magic also came on strong late, scor- Suns over the reeling Atlanta said. “If you’re committed to making his teammates better. on Tuesday behind them. ing 18 of his 21 points in the Hawks 109-107. the defensive end in basket- Leading this team really well.” Australian guard Patty Mills second half to help San Antonio Brandon Knight scored 23 ball, you always give yourself a Despite his shooting woes, came off the bench to score a sea- subdue a Mavs team whose 3-14 points for Phoenix, who won chance.” Westbrook stayed aggressive. son-high 23 points as the Spurs record is the worst in the NBA. for just the second time in their “Regardless of what is going remained perfect on the road The New York Knicks with- past six games as the Hawks lost RESULTS on in the game you can always this season with a 94-87 triumph stood a career-best 47 points for the seventh time in eight Spurs 94 Mavericks 87 impact the game in diff erent over the lowly Mavericks. With from Minnesota’s Karl-Antho- games after a 9-2 start to the Knicks 106 Timberwolves 104 ways,” he said. “That’s the type star trio Pau Gasol, Manu Gino- ny Towns in a 106-104 victory season. Thunder 126 Wizards 115 (over- of player I am.” bili and Tony Parker all sidelined, over the Timberwolves in Min- The Los Angeles Lakers time) And he found his touch when the Spurs rallied from a 13-point neapolis. shrugged off the injury absence of Raptors 120 Grizzlies 105 it mattered most, scoring the third-quarter defi cit to take their Carmelo Anthony hit the Nick Young and D’Angelo Russell Trail Blazers 131 Pacers 109 fi rst fi ve points in overtime. away record to 11-0. game-winning jump shot with to surprise the Bulls in Chicago Suns 109 Hawks 107 “Honestly, it’s never stop Mills scored 15 points in the 2.3 seconds remaining as the 96-90. Forward Julius Randle Heat 106 Nuggets 98 believing into yourself,” West- fourth quarter, including eight Knicks fought off a furious scored 13 points and pulled down Lakers 96 Bulls 90 brook said. points in a row. fourth-quarter comeback bid 20 of the Lakers’ 60 rebounds. Pistons 121 Celtics 114 Saina Nehwal.

NHL Couture leads Sharks over Los Angeles Kings

By Curtis Pashelka on the second line, took a pass between the two teams. 6-1 record this season, as the The Mercury News from Couture on 2 on 1 and one- Jones made 18 saves for the Kings came into Wednesday timed it past Kings goalie Peter in Tuesday’s 2-1 overtime win with a 9-2 record at home. Budaj for the game’ opening goal over the Arizona Coyotes. He During the win streak, Drew ookies Ryan Carpenter at the 3:32 mark. It was the sec- entered Wednesday with an 11- Doughty, Alec Martinez and Jeff and Kevin Labanc are ond career goal for Labanc, 20, 8-1 record this season. Despite Carter had combined for nine new to their team’s feud and his third point in four games. Jones playing Tuesday, it made goals and nine assists. Carter has with the Los Angeles The Sharks managed only two sense that he would get the call four game-winning goals in that Kings.R Martin Jones and Logan more shots over the next 12-plus to face Los Angeles. He had a span, and has six game-winning Couture, though, have no short- minutes, killing one minor pen- 8-2-1 career record, including goals for the season. age of history with the San Jose alty to Paul Martin. But they playoff s, against the Kings, and Not bad for a team that lost Sharks’ Southern California rival. came alive in the fi nal minute. made 21 saves for the Sharks in goalie Jonathan Quick after the All four made their presence Joonas Donskoi put a shot their 2-1 win over Los Angeles fi rst game against the Sharks, felt Wednesday night at Staples on goal that Budaj stopped, but in the season-opener Oct. 12 at and has a total of 85 man games Center. Carpenter and Labanc Couture was right there for the SAP Center. lost this season. both scored, Couture had two rebound for his seventh of the Jones was asked to start back- “They’re playing very good goals and an assist and Jones was season and his fourth in the last to-back games fi ve times last hockey right now,” DeBoer said. steady in net as the Sharks con- six games. Just 30 seconds lat- season and had a 2-1-2 record “They’re not giving up much, tinued their recent domination er, Carpenter took a pass from in the second game. “I think re- Budaj’s come in and done a re- over the Kings with a 4-1 win. Mikkel Boedker at the Kings blue gardless he was playing tonight,” ally good job for them. The big Carpenter’s goal, the fi rst of line and moved in on a 2 on 1 with Sharks coach Pete DeBoer said guys have been scoring. They’re his career, gave the Sharks a 3-0 Melker Karlsson. Carpenter gave Wednesday morning of Jones. “It’s what they thought they were lead late in the fi rst period. Jones, a brief look over, but had a mo- a big game, four-point game and and they’re playing at a real high making a start on back-to-back ment to take a peek at the net we’re going with our best lineup.” level.” The Sharks did not make nights for the fi rst time this sea- and beat Budaj with a shot be- Logan Couture (No 39) of the San Jose Sharks deflects the puck on Peter Budaj (R) of the Los Angeles Jones and Budaj were each any lineup changes as forward son, had 26 saves to improve to tween the legs. Kings as Drew Doughty looks for a rebound during the third period of a 4-1 Sharks victory at Staples making their 21st start of the Matt Nieto and defensemen Dy- 6-0 against his former team in The Kings came right back Center in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images/AFP) season Wednesday, one game lan DeMelo remained healthy games in Los Angeles as a member early in the second period to behind league leader Cam Talbot scratches. of the Sharks. Couture assisted cut the Sharks lead to two. With goalie and in for his fourth of followed that up with another out of harms way. of Edmonton. Budaj had started on Labanc’ fi rst period goal, Labanc in the box for hook- the season. No whistle went and chance, as Trevor Lewis carried This was the Sharks’ fi rst every game for the Kings dur- RESULTS then gave the Sharks a 2-0 lead ing, Dustin Brown collected a play went on briefl y before of- the puck around Jones and near- game in Los Angeles since April ing their fi ve-game win streak, Islanders 5, Penguins 3 with 55 seconds to go in the fi rst. loose puck right next to Jones fi cials gave Brown the goal after ly tucked it in. But Brent Burns 22 when they won Game 5 to in which they’ve outscored their Flames 3, Maple Leafs 0 Labanc, who started the game and chipped it off the Sharks’ the next stoppage. The Kings slid to stop the puck and clear it clinch the opening round series opponents 17-9. Budaj has a 12- Sharks 4, Kings 1 Gulf Times 6 Friday, December 2, 2016 SPORT

RUGBY PANASONIC OPEN INDIA India’s Randhawa shares lead aft er Hughes to make opening round

AFP New Delhi

ocal favourite Jyoti fi rst England start Randhawa fi red three closing birdies to grab a share of the clubhouse Llead at the weather-aff ected Panasonic Open India golf tour- nament in New Delhi yesterday. Randhawa fi nished with a fi ve-under-par 67 along with against Australia compatriot Mukesh Kumar Jyoti Randhawa plays a shot after the opening round of the during round one of the Pana- $400,000 Asian Tour event sonic Open in New Delhi. (AFP) ‘The great thing about our team is that no-one is irreplaceable’ which was delayed by thick fog for four hours in the morning career, took advantage of his before fading light brought an knowledge of the course to en- AFP early end to the day’s proceed- sure a fi ne start. London ings. Thailand’s Sutijet Koora- tanapisan shot a 70 to sit in Leading completed scores third place alongside a host of after first round (par 72): iji-born back-row Nath- players who will return on Fri- 67—Jyoti Randhawa (IND), an Hughes is set to make day morning to complete their Mukesh Kumar (IND) his fi rst England start opening rounds. 70—Sutijet Kooratanapisan after being named in the Defending champion (THA) XVF to face Australia at Twicken- Chiragh Kumar of India re- 71—Sanjeev Kumar (IND), ham tomorrow. turned with a 71 to stay four Chiragh Kumar (IND), Brett Hughes, capped twice off the shots off the pace at the Delhi Munson (USA), Chikkarangap- bench in last month’s wins over Golf Club. Randhawa, the pa S. (IND), M Dharma (IND), South Africa and Fiji, replaces former Asian number one, Shankar Das (IND), Vikrant Billy Vunipola after the No 8 suf- continued his recent run of Chopra (IND), Manav Jaini fered a severe knee injury during fi ne form for a solid start at a (IND), Gaurav Pratap Singh England’s 27-14 victory over Ar- venue where he has won four (IND). gentina last week. Asian Tour titles previously. 72—Abhishek Jha (IND), Chan The other change to the After turning in 35, Rand- Yih-shin (TPE), Abhinav Lohan matchday 23 sees Marland Yarde hawa sank two birdies against (IND), Zamal Hossain Mollah come in on the wing after Elliot a bogey before blasting three (BAN), Simon Yates (SCO), Arie Daly was suspended following straight birdies from 16 for a Irawan (MAS), Mardan Mamat his fi fth-minute red card for a back-nine 32. Kumar, a lo- (SIN), Om Prakash Chouhan dangerous tackle against Argen- cal veteran who has won over (IND), Rahul Bajaj (IND), Sung tina. 120 professional titles in his Lee (KOR). “Nathan is a strong runner and will provide go-forward,” said England coach Eddie Jones Back nine birdie blitz spurs after naming his side yesterday. Schwartzel charge at Leopard Creek “I like one winger with pace, which is Jonny May, and one Five birdies on the back nine from home favourite Charl with work rate, so Marland will Schwartzel catapulted the South African into a share of the work hard for us.” lead after the first round of the European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill He added: “The great thing Championship yesterday. Defending champion Schwartzel, aim- about our team is that no-one ing for a fifth Dunhill title, is tied with Irishman Paul Dunne at six is irreplaceable. We’ve had under-par at the Leopard Creek Country Club, with six players a seven infl uential players miss- further shot back. That group includes Scotland’s Scott Jamie- ing throughout the autumn but son, who carded an eagle, seven birdies and four bogeys in a we’ve been able to fi ll that gap rollercoaster opening round. If Schwartzel, 32, can keep going and that’s the sort of team we are and win on Sunday he will become only the fourth player to developing.” win the same European Tour event five times, joining Bernard England will be bidding for a Langer, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods in an exclusive club. He national record-equalling 14th failed to fire on his front nine and turned at one under-par, but straight victory – a mark set by found his touch on the greens heading back towards the club- Clive Woodward’s World Cup house and added five birdies in a faultless round. Dunne, 24, is winners in 2002-03 – and 13th seeking a first European Tour win and his card included eight in a row under Australian boss birdies, but was spoiled by a double-bogey on the par-four Jones against the Wallabies. ninth. European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke started his Their current winning streak 2017 tour season with a disappointing 78 that included a woeful includes a 3-0 series victory in nine at the par-five 18th hole. Australia in June. Jones, however, said: “Aus- England head coach Eddie Jones watches players take part in a team training session head of their test match against Australia in Bagshot tralia have improved signifi cant- yesterday. (AFP) ly since we last played them. The enduring feature of Australian Jones guide Japan to a shock win rugby is their cleverness. They over South Africa. Since taking Australia change four for England Dodt leads storm-hit look like they are doing one thing the England job, the 2019 World Australia coach Michael Cheika has made four skipper George Gregan. Dean Mumm and Henry Australian PGA and they do the other. Cup in Japan has been in Jones’s changes to his side for tomorrow’s clash against Speight drop down to the bench for a match “They have got some quite sights. England at Twickenham. Last week’s 27-24 defeat where centre Tevita Kuridrani will try to become Gold Coast, Australia: Australia’s Andrew Dodt carded eight clever two-phase variation plays by Ireland stopped Australia’s bid for a Grand just the second Australian after Wallaby great birdies to be the clubhouse leader at a storm-hit Australian and we are going to need to be on ‘Dress rehearsal’ Slam. Now they face an England side who won 3-0 Mark Ella in 1984 to score a try in every Test on PGA Championship, with former winner Adam Scott three off our guard. They played very deep “We’ve played three Test in Australia in June. tour against the four Home Unions. the lead at Royal Pines yesterday. and a long way from the gain line matches on the trot which is im- Yetserday saw Cheika recall lock Kane Douglas to Australia (15-1): Israel Folau; Dane Haylett-Petty, Two-time European Tour winner Dodt came home in 31 to be against us in June, now they are portant because it replicates a the starting XV after he impressed off the bench Tevita Kuridrani, Reece Hodge, Sefa Naivalu; seven-under for the tournament after a 65 and hold a two-shot really fl attening up. World Cup pool,” Jones said yes- against Ireland. Meanwhile back-row Lopeti Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Lopeti Timani, Michael lead over New Zealander Ryan Fox and American Julian Suri. “They’ve really got their at- terday. Timani, wing Sefanaia Naivalu and scrum-half Nick Hooper, David Pocock; Rob Simmons, Kane Doug- American Harold Varner III made a late charge to five-under tack together and it’s clear (as- “We’ve won three from three Phipps are all back in the side. Saturday’s match las; Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore (capt), Scott Sio. after four consecutive birdies and then another on the 13th sistant coach) Stephen Larkham so it’s a great dress rehearsal for will see Australia captain Stephen Moore make Replacements: Tolu Latu, James Slipper, Tom before having to scurry for cover as a thunderstorm deluged is doing a good job with them. the World Cup. We need to win his 117th Test appearance to become the second Robertson, Dean Mumm, Sean McMahon, Nick the course and forced play to be abandoned for the day. “We want to make the game this game to progress to the next most-capped Wallaby of all time behind former Frisby, Quade Cooper, Henry Speight. Almost half the field are still to complete their first round at into a physical contest but we stage. will return at 5:00 am Friday, with the second round teeing off also need to be fl exible and “You can’t just win three at 7:00 am. World number seven Adam Scott, who has finished adaptable like we were against games to go through, Japan the weekend. cally pushes themselves is the Wood, Chris Robshaw; George first and second in his last two appearances at Royal Pines, Argentina and if do that we’ll put showed that, so we’ve got to get “If you look back historically team that is going to win the Kruis, Courtney Lawes; Dan was in a group of players three shots off the lead. ourselves in a good position.” in that practice of winning four at big Test matches between game.” Cole, Dylan Hartley (capt), Mako Dodt started on the 10th and turned in 34 with three birdies Jones took over as Red Rose games on the trot against quality England and Australia at Twick- Vunipola and a bogey but came to life on the front nine. coach following the hosts fi rst- opposition.” enham the last 20 minutes has England (15-1) Leading scores: 65-Andrew Dodt (AUS), 67-Julian Suri (USA), round exit at last year’s World Jones, Australia’s coach when always been a time where either Mike Brown; Marland Yarde, Replacements: Jamie George, Ryan Fox (NZL), 68-Natipong Srithong (THA), Nick Cullen Cup – with England beaten in they lost the 2003 World Cup fi - team can win the game and the Jonathan Joseph, Owen Farrell, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Charlie (AUS), Geoff Drakeford (AUS), Todd Sinnott (AUS), Paul Waring the pool phase by Australia. nal to England, urged his current team that is the most composed, Jonny May; George Ford, Ben Ewels, Teimana Harrison, Danny (ENG), Adam Scott (AUS). The tournament also saw side to keep their composure at makes good decisions and physi- Youngs; Nathan Hughes, Tom Care, Ben Te’o, Henry Slade.

FOCUS Rivals expect Tiger will need patience in comeback

AFP honour, it’s going to be awe- him time. I hope he has the time see if you can pull off a shot where tiveness for quite some time so it Nassau, Bahamas some. I’m looking forward to it. to fall into a rhythm and just get you can take him down.” might be a little while before you It should be fun,” Reed said. enough tournaments where he Reigning British Open cham- fi nd your bearings again,” Sten- “I still want to beat him. Tiger can build up that.” pion Henrik Stenson, the world son said. “But he has done some orld top-10 rivals still wants to beat me. I want him Just the hope of seeing Woods number four from Sweden, remarkable things throughout to Tiger Woods to play well not only for the game on form again has created a buzz said Woods, who turns 41 in a his career and if there’s someone said Wednesday of golf, I want him to play well in the wealthy Caribbean en- month, might never match the that can jump right back up and they expect the 14- for him. But at the same time clave. “He’s still just turning eve- glory days of his 2000-2001 play some great golf again, that Wtime major winner needs time you’re out there trying to win a ry head,” Spieth said. “He’s very Tiger Slam. “I think it would be would be him.” and patience before there’s any golf tournament.” excited, seems very confi dent. hard, where golf is at right now, Third-ranked Dustin Johnson, chance he regains the form that The 72-hole showdown at We all hope for many reasons to be as dominant as Tiger was the reigning US Open champion, made him a legend. 7,303-yard Albany Golf Club in that he comes back fully healthy even if Tiger were now to play as won’t rule out anything where Woods ends the longest lay- the Bahamas is the fi rst com- and his game’s fully back.” good as he did in 2000,” Stenson Woods is concerned. off of his career after nearly 16 petitive event for Woods in 466 Tiger Woods stands on the 17th green during the pro-am ahead of One of those reasons is to do said. “The main thing is that his “When he was at his peak, he months in Thursday’s opening days, since fi nishing 10th at the Hero World Challenge in Nassau, Bahamas. (Getty Images/AFP) what South Korean Yang Yong- back is in good shape and he’s was very impressive. Wouldn’t round of the Hero World Chal- Greensboro in August 2015 and Eun did at the 2009 PGA Cham- healthy.” surprise me if he got back to, I lenge, an 18-player invitational undergoing back surgery twice watching. He can play quickly. think he has accepted the fact he pionship, outplaying Woods over If anybody can it’s Tiger don’t know about quite that cal- featuring six top-10 players. in the weeks that followed. He’s playing around a lot of peo- will be patient,” Spieth said. the last 18 holes for a major crown. Stenson, however, isn’t ready ibre, but who knows,” Johnson Number eight Patrick Reed will “This is a perfect week for ple he knows on a place he’s fa- “Like anybody that takes off “It was a dream for all of us young to write off more magic from said. “He has been working very tee off alongside US compatriot him to come back being fully miliar with.” a year and a half, you don’t just guys to one day grow up and bat- 898th-ranked Woods, whose 79 hard at it, so I expect him to play Woods at noon (1700 GMT). healthy,” two-time major win- But fi fth-ranked Spieth come back and expect anything. tle Tiger on a Sunday when he career PGA titles are three shy of pretty well. Whether he’ll win or “I’m really excited for golf to ner Jordan Spieth said. warned that Woods will not chal- It’s going to take a little time. was playing his best,” Spieth said. Sam Snead’s all-time record. not, that’s a whole diff erent feat. have Tiger back and to have that “Less people are out there lenge for major titles instantly. “I “I just hope everyone gives “And see if you can Y.E. Yang it, “He has been out of competi- I predict he’ll do pretty well.” Gulf Times Friday, December 2, 2016 7 SPORT

HORSE RACING Golam guides Sraab to commanding Dibal Cup win ‘A smaller field helps her because she needs a long and an interrupted run. So the smaller the field, there is less messing about’

By Mikhil Bhat terday from three races this Doha season. Hamad al-Marri’s colt had shed his maiden status in his campaign opener a month raab took the phrase ‘la- ago, before fi nishing runner-up dies fi rst’ quite literally, a week ago. when the mare demol- In the Purebred Arabian Sprint ished her all-male op- Cup, TM Majid Texas narrowly positionS to win the Al Dibal Cup edged out another in-form horse (Local Thoroughbreds) on sand Suhail Al Uraiq, ridden by Edu- at the Qatar Racing and Eques- ardo Pedroza for trainer al-Mal- trian Club yesterday. ki, while JP Guillambert guided Trained by Ahmed Kobeissi, Kasser to a third-place fi nish. this was the seven-year-old’s Last week, Drillmaster had second straight victory this sea- found the run under Xavier Ziani son, while she fi nished second in that gave the colt his fi rst win in her campaign opener two weeks Qatar. ago. The Deborah Mountain- Yesterday, ridden by Sal- trained three-year-old had eem Golam, for the sixth time beaten Perigee on his Qatar de- in a victory, Sraab fi nished six but by a little under two lengths. lengths ahead of Hamad al-Je- Yesterday, in the Thorough- hani-schooled Moaddie, while bred Handicap event for horses half-brother Footprintinthe- rated 85 and below, that changed. sand completed the podium. While Stephan Ladjadj did have “She is a nice fi lly. Last year, Drillmaster take the lead early she did nothing wrong but peo- on, the duo could do little when ple didn’t really notice her. But Jassim Ghazali-trained Perigee, she did well on her return this ridden by Harry Bentley, surged season. We have taken good forward along with Mutadha- care of her and she performed men, also saddled by the Cham- very good, thanks to God. I am pion Trainer. happy,” Kobeissi told Gulf Times At the post, it was Perigee, after the win. who made the switch from the Asked if there has been any UK to Qatar earlier this year, who change in the mare’s training edged out Mishal bin Ali al-At- Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) vice-chief steward Abdullah Rashid al-Kubaisi (second from right), head of Media Saad Mubarak al-Hajri (right) pose with the winners of regime, he said, “Nothing has tiyah-owned rival for a thrilling the Al Dibal Cup after Sraab won the 1900m race at the QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim really changed, but we did plan victory. for these three races that came in Hamad al-Jehani-saddled quick succession. So she might Tarrafal fi nished third. have a little bit of a break now Generalship may have and then resume a bit later. She changed hands with Jassim has always performed very well Ghazali taking the colt’s train- against such a formidable oppo- ing reins from John Gosden af- sition, like Moaddie.” ter Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari Jockey Golam has won six bought the three-year-old for times with the mare. He said, 120,000 guineas earlier this year, “She has been running in Qatar but the colt has not lost his form, for quite a long time. Ahmed has winning on his Qatar debut yes- done very well with her. She has terday. won 12 races till now. In the lo- Ridden by Harry Bentley in cal Thoroughbred division, she the Thoroughbred Plate event is very good.” for horses rated 71-85, he fol- Talking about the victory, lowed the early leaders, includ- Golam said, “Ahmed also had the ing Al Shaqab Racing’s Bnedel, other horse Footprintinthesand, in the 1800m race. As the pace who is a good horse in his own quickened coming on to the fi - right, but I think Sraab is just a lit- nal straight, Marvin Suerland tle better. A smaller fi eld helps her couldn’t get Bnedel going even because she needs a long and an as Generalship attacked, even- interrupted run. So the smaller the tually registering his second fi eld, there is less messing about.” straight victory on sand. The victory was Golam’s sec- Sunley Pride, trained by De- Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) vice-chief steward Abdullah Rashid al-Kubaisi (second from Jockey Saleem Golam rides Sraab to victory in the Al Dibal Cup at the ond on the day, having guided borah Mountain, completed the right) with the winners of the Purebred Arabian Sprint Cup after TM Majid Texas won the race. QREC yesterday. Sylvia Pankhurst to victory in top three. the Thoroughbred Handicap Trainer Alban de Mieulle and Hamel), 2. Saab Al Manal (Harry by: 2 1/2, 4, 9. Time: 2:08.21. Own- Race 4: 1. Sylvia Pankhurst (Yanis Aouabed), 4. Drillmaster Hamad Ateeq Mohamed al- event for horses rated 56-70. jockey Jean Baptiste Hamel got Bentley), 3. Al Yem (JP Guillam- er: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de (Saleem Golam), 2. Cueca (Faleh (Stephan Ladjadj). Won by: ½, 3, Marri. Trainer: Hamad al-Marri. The Ibrahim al-Malki-trained together to have two Umm Qarn bert), 4. Aws (Alberto Sanna). Mieulle. Bughanaim), 3. Lantern’s First ½. Time: 1:53.40. Owner: Khalifa mare fi nished two and a half horses shed their maiden status, Won by: 5, 1 ½, ¾. Time: 1:19.23. Race 3: 1. Generalship (Harry (Adnan Hawa), 4. Arriana (Marco bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Race 7: 1 Sraab (Saleem Golam), lengths ahead of Cueca, ridden with Amal winning the Local Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Bentley), 2. Bnedel (Marvin Su- Monteriso). Won by: 2 ½, 1 ¾, Jassim Ghazali. 2. Moaddie (Yanis Aouabed), by Faleh Bughanaim, while Lan- Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate Alban de Mieulle. erland), 3. Sunley Pride (Stephan Nk. Time: 1:11.41. Owner: Saeed Race 6: 1. TM Majid Texas 3. Footprintinthesand (Pier tern’s First fi nished third under and Magie D’Eau picking up the Race 2: 1. Magie D’Eau (Jean Ladjadj), 4. Makinson Lane Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki. Trainer: (Stephan Ladjadj), 2. Suhail Al Convertino), 4. Absher (Marco Adnan Hawa’s ride. Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate. Baptiste Hamel), 2. Aziznefs (Yanis Aouabed). Won by: 2 1/2, 1 Ibrahim al-Malki. Uraiq (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Monteriso). Won by: 6, 5, 11. TM Majid Texas continued (Harry Bentley), 3. Secret Angel 1/2, 1. Time: 1:54.50. Owner: Kha- Race 5: 1. Perigee (Harry Kasser (JP Guillambert), 4. Muja- Time: 2:02.31. Owner: Mohamed with his brilliant momentum, RESULTS (Pier Convertino), 4. Jefool Al lifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Bentley), 2. Mutadhamen hidah (Pier Convertino). Won by: Kazim al-Ansari & Sons. Trainer: landing his second victory yes- Race 1: 1. Amal (Jean Baptiste Jazeera (Alberto Sanna). Won Jassim Ghazali. (JP Guillambert), 3. Tarrafal Hd, 1 ¾, ¾. Time: 1:19.54. Owner: Ahmed Kobeissi.

SPOTLIGHT Carlsen wins third World Chess Championship

AFP But he has occasionally shown fl ashes of los- New York ing his cool, as when he slammed the door of the press room after defeat in the eighth round, earning a fi ne of fi ve % of his prize money. orwegian Magnus Carlsen extended his dominance over the chess world ‘Capable of upset’ on Wednesday by winning the World Carlsen won the championship – organised Chess Championship for the third by the International Chess Federation, FIDE – Nconsecutive time on Wednesday, beating his in 2013 and 2014, beating Indian Viswanathan Russian challenger Sergei Karyakin in a tie- Anand. Karyakin, a child prodigy who became breaker. the youngest ever chess grandmaster at the age The win puts Carlsen closer to the status of 12, has known Carlsen for years and had lit- of chess legends such as Garry Kasparov, who tle to lose, with no one even having expected dominated the game for 15 years. him to reach the fi nal. Although Karyakin foiled predictions by ty- “Sergei has impressed everyone with his te- ing Carlsen in 12 regular rounds, the Norwegian nacity these last few weeks so he is perfectly champion beat him in the fi nal phase of four capable of pulling an upset,” said Wesley So, quick-fi re extra games. who travelled to New York from Minnesota to The battle for the world chess crown ended watch the clash. up in the dramatic tiebreaker on Wednesday af- Much has been made of the clash as a re- ter a win apiece and nine draws. prise of the great Cold War chess battles of the So the young stars – both aged just 26 – 1970s, but Karyakin, who is from Crimea and headed into the chess equivalent of extra time supported Russia’s 2014 annexation of the pe- in soccer. Unlike the earlier rounds, which last- ninsula, has played down political overtones. ed an average of six hours, the rapid-play rules The last Russian to claim the title was meant the players had just 25 minutes each, so Vladimir Kramnik in 2007. each game was over in an hour. In a sign of the fi nal’s signifi cance to Mos- The accelerated games left plenty of oppor- cow, President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman tunity for harried mistakes, and while predic- Dimitry Peskov was in New York to see the tions were diffi cult, Carlsen – a king of the blitz start of the head-to-head. format and world number-one since 2010 – The competition initially off ered prize mon- had remained favourite. The Norwegian, who ey of 600,000 euros ($637,000) for the winner, turned 26 on Wednesday, has played several and 400,000 euros for the losers, but that was blitz tournaments this year, beating US grand- changed to 550,000 and 450,000 euros respec- Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen pose with the trophy after defeating Russian grandmaster Sergey Karjakin at the World Chess Championship master Hikaru Nakamura in one in October. tively because the battle went into extra time. in New York. (AFP) Friday, December 2, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Heads down, eyes forward, six years to go: Al-Thawadi SC Secretary General explains why 2017 will be a year of major progress across stadium sites

By Matthias Krug from Yemen, who were part of the fi rst class that graduated Doha this year. They went through signifi cant hardships to grasp that opportunity and they are role models and inspiring indi- viduals who are just one example of what the Middle East and ix years after Qatar was awarded the rights to host Arab world has to off er. the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Secretary General Hassan Q. Asian football has been hugely supportive of Qatar Sal-Thawadi is dynamically leading preparations for 2022. How important will countries like China and India a country in full swing towards hosting the greatest football be leading up to 2022? event in the world. A. It goes without saying that China is the next big market, The SC Secretary General sat down for an exclusive in- whether it relates to club football or international football. terview to look back at the most memorable moments along Signifi cant sponsors are coming from China, broadcasting the way, explained why 2017 will be a year of major progress rights are owned by Chinese companies, so China is defi nitely across stadium sites, and highlighted his fi rm belief that Qatar making a signifi cant foray into the world of football. will set a new benchmark for hosting major sporting events in They are the next destination. India is the same, there is sig- the future. nifi cant investment in the Indian league, there is huge interest and following from the Indian fans in relation to football. It Q. We have reached the half-way point in Qatar’s is also the next big market. In 2002 Eastern Asia hosted the preparations for 2022. How important is this moment? fi rst Asian World Cup. The resounding success on the pitch A. This mark is a very important time. It is six years since and off the pitch is an example of the resounding success 2022 we won the rights to host the World Cup, and six years to go. can and will be, not only in the Middle East and Arab world, We’ve reached the midway point. but also for Western Asia and Asia as a whole. There is a story The fi rst six years were challenging; whenever you’re try- for Asia to be told in relation to the second Asian World Cup. ing to launch something off the ground you’re always going to fi nd growing pains, getting things up and running, assigning Q. You’ve made a personal step towards many of Qatar’s main contractors for stadiums, as well as some of the other fi ercest critics. Why is that so important to you? challenges. That was a chapter, now we can say we’re look- A. We’ve always said this World Cup is a bridge, to create ing at the second half of the game. The fi rst half is over, we’re a platform to bring people together. To do that, it’s very im- looking at the coming six years. portant to meet your critics, to be able to look at a person eye The preparations are in full swing, momentum has picked to eye and respond and address the concerns they may have. up and we’re moving at a very good pace in terms of delivery of A lot of them are based on misinformation, once you’re able projects, stadiums, infrastructure and initiatives surrounding to approach them with facts and show them where they are the World Cup. For me it is a moment of refl ection, signifi cant misinformed, it creates a bridge, but at the same time it is im- lessons learnt, and a very slight pat on the back because eve- portant for us to listen to their criticism. ryone in the Supreme Committee deserves a pat on the back. Constructive criticism might actually change our percep- And then its heads down, eyes forward, six years to go. tions internally. That is how you create platforms; listening to your critics, putting our case forward, listening to their Q. Over the past six years, what have been the most ex- case, understanding where the commonality is, and accepting citing moments for you personally? there might be diff erences as well. That’s the ultimate aim for A. There were many exciting moments over the past years, meeting our critics. We always welcome anybody who wants such as the cooled fan zones during the 2014 FIFA World Cup to provide constructive criticism, and we want to sit on the which were held in Katara and at Aspire, the Workers Cup, es- same table and listen to what’s being said. It’s no good closing pecially the last fi nal where we had over 11,000 people in at- the doors on people, that is not what 2022 stands for. tendance. I can talk about the Accessibility Forum that we just had, which was also a very exciting but emotional moment, Q. Finally, while some people criticise others see because it showed how important it is to touch base with eve- the potential for one of the best World Cup tournaments ryone within the community. ever. How do you see these diff erent views? Not only to fulfi l their needs as fans, but also to ensure we A. It is natural for a mega event to have a lot of critics and a bring them on board as organisers and participants in deliv- lot of supporters. Maybe we have some fi ercer critics out there ering the World Cup. The graduating fi rst cohort in Josoor, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Secretary General Hassan al-Thawadi. over a prolonged period of time, that may be the case. But in Challenge 22 and the fi rst edition, going to Generation Amaz- the end the way we look at it is we have a self-belief, a belief in ing in Jordan with Xavi. I can go on and on, but honestly every the initial construction to start as well. The eight stadiums you will fi nd more and more people showcasing their entre- what this World Cup stands for, and in our capabilities, in our moment has a special place in my heart because it is the result will be in diff erent stages of construction, and we’re also aim- preneurial skills, and that will open the door to more invest- ability, in the team that we have. of a lot of eff ort, from a lot of good people to fulfi l an initiative ing for the fi rst stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, to be ment to come in. When you talk to people in the Supreme Committee, you that touches people’s hearts. A goal that a lot of people think delivered within 2017 to host the Emir Cup fi nal. So you’ll fi nd If you’re looking at Josoor Institute, the idea is to develop know they have the same belief that this World Cup will be a is a dream is being achieved by initiatives such as these. signifi cant construction going on next year. the capabilities of the people within the region, in terms of game changer, not only in terms of how World Cups are host- the sporting industry. Our long term aim is to gradually start ed, through the compact World Cup, through being located in Q. With eight stadiums now under construction, and Q. In terms of the tangible benefi ts, what will the 2022 improving capabilities of individuals within the sporting in- a very central part of the globe, through the many diff erent the Main Contractor for Lusail Stadium coming on FIFA World Cup bring to the region? dustry so that they can contribute to developing their own innovative areas we will be providing, but also the fact that it’s board this week, are we set to see a new dimension in A. We’ve always aimed for the Middle East and the local and sporting economy within their countries. There are benefi ts the fi rst Middle Eastern and Arab World Cup, and the signifi - construction progress in 2017? regional population to benefi t out of this World Cup. Through that come out of this in the short and long term. I’d like to say cance that holds in this day and age. There is no doubt in my A. Momentum has picked up, with the Main Contractor of initiatives like Challenge 22, which looks to invest in the inno- to everyone that there are opportunities, and we’d like to ask mind that everybody is working day in and day out to ensure Lusail coming on board. We’re also aiming for the main con- vative and entrepreneurial spirit of the people of the Middle everybody to try and take them and make the most out of it. this will be a World Cup, a major sporting event, that will go tractor of Ras Abu Aboud to start main construction work East and the Arab world, there will be a long term benefi t from I’ve been very inspired by two individuals who have shown down in history as a benchmark and one to behold. We will during 2017, and for Al Thumama Stadium we’re aiming for that. As every edition of Challenge 22 comes out until 2022, this initiative, two gentlemen, one from Palestine and one continue to work towards that.

QSL PREVIEW Jaish face Ahli, look to continue their rich vein of form

By Sports Reporter Doha

eaders El Jaish head into their away tie at Al Ahli today on the back of a fantastic run of form in the Qatar Stars League. Jaish are currently four points clear at Lthe top of the standings and coach Sabri Lam- ouchi said that he wants his side to continue their rich vein of form. “To be fi rst now is good, but we must be fi rst at the end. After eight games we are on top, but now the real work starts to maintain that. We need to focus in each game and apply what we are working on in the training pitch,” the Frenchman said yesterday. Lamouchi stressed December will be a big month for his club, starting with today’s match against Al Ahli. “It’s always easy when you are top of the league. Now you have to work hard, December will be a hard month for us. We are ready for this big challenge. It is a diffi cult game against Al Ahli, who are strong in attack and in maximum concentration,” Lamouchi added. He praised striker Romarinho, who is cur- rently the joint top goal scorer in the QSL. “We are working together for two years now. He has El Jaish's coach Sabri Lamouchi (right) speaks at a press conference yesterday. changed the team this year, and he has lad the Ahli’s coach Yusef Adam line in a number of positions. He is always happy league, who are battling for the QSL title. We are Oryxes are currently ninth in the table with nine Saad al-Shammari deputy head of football at and working for the team. He has scored many packed December schedule. “We are playing expecting a tough game, but we are ready and points. Coach Jose Fernando said it will be a tight Gharafa played under Caio Junior when the Bra- goals for Jaish and I am happy how he helps the seven games in less than one month, that’s why prepared to give our all in the game,” Fernandez aff air against. Kharaitiyat. “This is an important zilian took charge of the Cheetahs, leading them club.” I need a full squad going into this run. It’s a real said. game, I know Kharaitiyat need points and have to the QSL title during the 2009-2010 season in Seventh-placed Ahli’s coach Yusef Adam challenge for our team but if we want to battle In the last match of the day, Al Kharaitiyat , changed their head coach. They will be target- what was the fi rst of three stints in the Gulf. praised the current leaders and said it will be a for the titles we need to go through this period,” who are currently marooned in the relegation ing a big result against my side,” Fernando said. “It’s a sad moment for the players at Al diffi cult game for his side. “This is a serious test the Portuguese tactician said. zone meet Al Shahania, who have been impres- Gharafa club, Caio Junior was a fantastic coach against the league leaders. We are motivated, Ferriera also had some words for his opponent sive since the start of the season. QSL OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO for the club and more importantly a good man. and I trust my team to put in a performance heading into afternoon game. “Al Khor are a well Kharaitiyat coach Ahmad al-Ajlani said: CHAPECOENSE He was always such a positive person in the against Jaish team who have been in good form organised team. They are not always scoring “Shahania are a tough opponent and this is a Meanwhile, Qatar Stars League off ered it’s con- club, and without his guidance we would have for over a year now,” Adam said. goals but they are tight in defence. I am expect- crucial game for us. I hope that my players will dolences to Brazilian side Chapecoense, who not won the league title that season. Everyone at In another match today, Al Sadd wil take on ing a tough challenge. We must focus and aim to be ready and give their all going into the game.” tragically lost members of their playing and Al Gharafa club off ers their thoughts and prayers Al Khor, with their confi dence high having won get all three points in this game,” Ferriera said. Al Kharaitiyat’s squad has been under criti- coaching staff in an plane disaster that took the to everyone connected with Chapecoense at this the last week’s Doha derby against bitter rivals As for Al Khor, they head into the game against cism in recent weeks but al-Ajlani was eager lives of 77 people on board. Two members of the time,”Al Gharafa said in a statement. Al Arabi. The Wolves will be targeting a win to Al Sadd on the back of a narrow 2-1 defeat to an to focus on the improvements of his side in his Chapecoense team had close links with Qatar, in Al Arabi took to their offi cial website on Tues- keep the pressure on league leaders Jaish. in-form Al Gharafa. Coach Jean Fernandez ex- brief time in charge. the form of head coach Caio Junior who enjoyed day evening to off er condolences on the passing Head coach Jesaldo Ferriera stressed that his pected a tough game against Sadd. Shahania head into the match after behind a stint in charge of Al Gharafa and striker Bruno of former player Bruno Rangel, who represented squad must be in peak condition heading to a “We are facing one of the best teams in the held to a 2-2 draw by Al Wakrah last week. The Rangel who played for Al Arabi. The Dream Team during the 2013/2014 season.