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Saturday, October 22, 2016 MOTORSPORT Muharram 21, 1438 AH F1 leader Rosberg GULF TIMES shuts out negative thoughts SPORT Page 4 QATAR STARS LEAGUE Sadd too strong for Muaither, Ahli down Arabi 2-1 in derby Wolves defeat newbies Muaither 4-2 while Meshal Abdullah and Mebele help Ahli claim bragging rights over Arabi

Al Sailiya substitute Abdulrauf Hus- sein Omer, who scuff ed a great chance in the 91st minute.

ALHI DEFEAT ARABI IN DERBY Al Arabi lost their second game of the season and dented their early title hopes as they succumbed to a 2-1 home defeat to fi erce local rivals, Al Ahli, in yesterday’s late QSL kick-off at the Hamad Stadium. Al Arabi were hoping their new star summer singing, former Chilean inter- national and midfi elder, Luis Jiménez, would fi nd his feet for his QSL debut and the club’s fi rst derby with Al Alhi in the 2016/17 season but the mid- fi elder had little impact on the game. As expected with any local Qatari derby, the game maintained a frenetic pace throughout. With possession balanced and both teams stretch- ing themselves from box to box in the opening half, the fi rst clear chance fell to Al Ahli’s Congolese danger man, Firmin Mubele, who produced an amazing piece of skill to put the Briga- Ahli striker Firmin Mubele celebrates after scoring. PIC: Othman Iraqi diers a goal ahead after 24 minutes. Against the run of play, Al Ahli were right to make it 3-2. nearly paid dividends on the 68th minute gifted a penalty after Ahmed Moham- Seconds later Sadd defender Ab- after Hilal Mohammed made a dart- ed al-Sayed, attempted to clear the delkarim Hassan made up for giving ing run into Al Sailiya’s half and struck ball from the edge of his own 18-yard away the penalty by scoring a goal of a sweet ball to Umm Salal’s number 9, box but instead the ball hit teammate his own to make it 4-2. The Qatari Tha’er Bawab, who despite fi nding him- Ahmed Fathi on the arm, leaving the international smashed the ball with self in acres of space was unable to con- referee with little other choice than to the outside of his left foot to give the trol the ball. point to the spot. Al Ahli’s talismanic Wolves all three points. Umm Salal created just a handful of captain, Meshal Abdulla, stepped up Al Sadd’s Abdelkarim Hassan (right) celebrates after scoring against Muaither yesterday. PIC: Shemeer Rasheed chances but on the 83rd minute, their to convert the penalty and made it 2-0 STALEMATE BETWEEN UMM SALAL big number 13, Yannick Sagbo, went with a composed Panenka. By Sports Reporter bled their advantage in the 11th minute In the 62nd minute Muaither’s cap- AND AL SAILIYA shoulder-to-shoulder with Mubark Al Arabi continued to press in front Doha thanks to an own goal from Muaither tain, Alain Dioko pulled one back for In the other early kick-off Umm Salal Eid al-Saadi in Al Sailiya’s box, which of their home crown and on the 91st defender Saeed al-Hadj. his team with a fantastic solo goal. The faced league strugglers Al Sailiya at the led the far smaller defender wearing minute was awarded a consolation Al Sadd’s young defender Hossam Congolese forward dribbled the ball Qatar Sports Club Stadium where the blue to fall to the ground and handle goal as Imoh Ezekiel’s fi ne fun into the l Sadd took on Muaither in Kamal sent in a cross into the box from into the box, lined the shot up with his Orange Fortress were aiming to take the ball within his own 18 yard box 18 yard box and low, fast paced cross round four action of the QSL the right hand side. Hamroun Jugurtha left foot, cut back to his right and then their unbeaten streak to four games. which drew loud penalty appeals from caused Al Ahli’s Dabenke to stab it into at the Al Sadd stadium yes- headed the ball towards the goal and it put the ball into the net, to give the But it ended up a 0-0 stalemate. the Orange Fortress but the referee the back of his own net. terday. The thrilling match came off the keeper into the path of al- Stallions a lifeline. The second half was where all the waved on play. The three points will now see Al Ahli Aended 4-2 in favour of the Wolves who Hadj, who mishit the ball and sent it in Muaither grabbed another goal in action was. Al Sailiya’s number 14, Just two minutes later Sagbo found climb above Al Arabi in the league. were given a scare by the newly-pro- for an own goal. the 78th minute of the game from Paul Efoulou, looked like one of the himself in space within the 18 yard box moted side. In the 43rd minute Al Sadd furthered the penalty spot. Al Sadd defender Peregrine’s most dangerous men and and controlled a long loping pass beau- Results Mohammed Kasola opened the scor- their lead through Baghdad Bounedjah Abdelkarim Hassan brought down from the whistle began picking up the tifully on his chest before bringing the ing in the ninth minute with a towering the Algerian international confi dentially Muaither’s forward, Ayoub Ouadrassi ball in Umm Salal’s half and running at ball down and turning to shoot. But Al Al Sadd 4-2 Muaither header from an accurate Xavi free kick dispatched a right footed volley which in the penalty box with the referee the Orange Fortresses’ defence. Sailiya’s goalkeeper, Gregory Gomis, Umm-Salal 0-0 Al Sailiya to give the Wolves an early lead. Min- found the back of the net after a cross pointed to the spot. Ayoub stepped Umm Salal looked content to sit back was alert enough and saved the shot Al Arabi 1-2 Al Ahli utes after the fi rst goal, Al Sadd dou- from Ali Assad from the left hand side. up for the penalty and slotted it to the and play on the counter, a tactic that The best chance of the game fell to

PREVIEW El Jaish qualifi es for semi-fi nal of Arab Table Rayyan face Jaish in high-profi le clash Tennis Tournament

By Sports Reporter sides 1-1 draw last time out. from the Champions League run. It Doha This will be Laudrup’s second was a great experience and great ad- game in charge of the Lions and is venture I am so proud of my players. confi dent that his side are success- I trusted my players immensely and SL Champions Al Rayyan fully adapting to his training methods. we showed our quality and identity in takes on top of the table El “I have made some changes to the sys- these games.” Jaish today evening in the tem of play. Time is important and day “For me this match is not a test, I QSL match of the week. by day we are working with the players know the team and the players very HeadQ coach gave his to get well. We have good players who well. They just need to repeat their thoughts on the game at the pre match train hard and are willing to earn so I performance that we have shown in press conference. am optimistic.” the league so far against Al Rayyan” Opening up the press conference After falling at the fi nal hurdle claimed the Frenchman at the Thurs- Laudrup revealed his excitement for against Al Ain in the AFC Champions day morning press conference. the match against El Jaish; “For us it’s League El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi Lamouchi ended the press confer- El Jaish’s table tennis team qualified an interesting game. We are playing is expecting a response from his side ence stressing that he is focusing on for the semi-finals of the Arab club the top of a table side. It will be good to when they take on the QSL champions the work of his side going into the championship in Morocco’s city of see the level of Al Rayyan this season. I on Saturday evening. match of the week clash. “I respect Al Agadir after beating Egyptian side am looking forward to the game, there “We need to come back in the league Rayyan they are a big club and have a Maadi 3-2 in the quarter-finals. are lots of good players in each side. El and try and lift the league title. We will big manager now. I am not worried The Qatari side will take on Bahraini Jaish did very well in the AFC Cham- face a good team with a new coach and about Al Rayyan going into the match. side Bahrain in the semifinals of the pions League and where unlucky to a new philosophy; the game will be I am only focusing on El Jaish going tournament, which concludes today. miss out. This will be a tough test for hard for us. El Jaish are in good form at into this match. El Jaish is participating in the Al Rayyan.” the moment, and we will be looking to “My team will not be lacking moti- championship for the first time and “I was pleased with the play against Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup (left) and El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi dur- continue this form against the cham- vation after the defeat against Al Ain, the team comprises Ahmed Khalil al- Al Sailiya, we did so many good things. ing the pre-match press conference. PICS: Nasar TK pions Al Rayyan.” we are playing a good side in Al Rayan Mohannadi, Li Ping, Khalifa Nasser But we were not eff ective in front of Refl ecting on his sides Champi- and my players will be focused and and Tunisian player Adam Hamam. goal, if we were a little more eff ective goals. But that is football, we created create challenges will be the day that I ons League campaign, Lamouchi was wanting to get a win after the game.” (QNA) we could have won by two or three chances and the day Al Rayyan doesn’t am worried” refl ected Laudrup on his proud of his side. “We learned lots Over to the pitch then. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, October 22, 2016 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE DESIRE Coach Wenger wants Arsenal to Two-goal Pogba rule the EPL ‘jungle’

AFP London

rsenal manager Arsene still needs time, Wenger compared the to “a jungle” yesterday saying everyA day was a fi ght for survival. The 66-year-old Frenchman – whose side are on a hot streak of form with seven successive wins in all competitions – will says Mourinho hope his players heed such words when they host struggling Mid- dlesbrough on Saturday. ‘First of all, in some of your mouths, he goes from the worst player in the Premier Victory over ‘Boro would move them top of the table three points Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. League to a great player in 48 hours. We know he is a very good player’ clear of Manchester City, who play tomorrow. contract is up at the end of the AFP “I believe that humility is to present campaign. Manchester understand that you start again Both Chile star Sanchez and from zero and that you are in a German great Ozil’s contracts jungle,” said Wenger. run till 2018 – the latter is the anchester United manager “We live in a jungle where eve- best paid player at the club – and Jose Mourinho said Paul Pog- rybody wants to eat you and you there has been speculation talks ba needs time to fulfi l his full have to survive by keeping your were being held up because the potential in England after the vigilance. duo wanted huge pay rises in MFrench midfi elder scored twice in a 4-1 “That’s what competition is their new contracts because of win over Fenerbahce. about. Every day you have to fi ght the fall in the pound. Pogba, a world-record 89 million again to survive. The love to win “We are always in touch,” said pounds ($109.1 million, 100 million and the competitiveness of the Wenger. “Mesut Ozil is 28-years- euros) signing from Juventus, scored Premier League is very exciting.” old and in the prime of his career a penalty and a long-range effort in Wenger, who recently cel- so of course we want him to con- Thursday’s Europa League group game ebrated 20 years in charge at the tribute to the success of this club at Old Trafford. Gunners, says there is no truth in in the future. The 23-year-old is yet to hit the the rumours Alexis Sanchez and “They are happy at the club heights since returning to United after Mesut Ozil are delaying signing and I want them to commit to the four years in Turin, but Mourinho be- new contracts because they want club because they believe they lieves such performances will help expe- to know what he will do as his are in the right place.” dite the bedding-in process. “First of all, in some of your mouths, he goes from the worst player in the Pre- mier League to a great player in 48 hours,” Mourinho says he’s lost Stamford Mourinho told reporters. “I am not specifi cally saying it is you. Bridge luck I say media, especially the Einsteins. We Former Chelsea manager Jose matches at the Bridge. Last know he is a very good player. Mourinho has admitted he season I lost two or three “We know he needs some time to show will no longer feel a sense of matches, so I cannot use the his potential. I know Italian football very invincibility when he returns same words because now I well. I know teams play completely dif- to Stamford Bridge with Man- lost there.” ferent from the Premier League. chester United tomorrow. Now under , “I am not saying we are better, but we Mourinho avoided a home Chelsea go into tomorrow’s are diff erent: diff erent in the intensity, league defeat in his first three- game two points above United the number of touches on the ball, eve- year stint at Chelsea and prior in the Premier League table. rything is diff erent and he needs time to to a 1-0 Champions League “I don’t have to analyse their adapt. victory there with Inter Milan start to the season,” Mourinho “He is a self-confi dent boy. He was not in March 2010 he said the told reporters after United’s depressed because some people said he stadium was “lucky” for him. 4-1 Europa League win over was a bad player. He was calm. But he presided over four de- Fenerbahce on Thursday. “It is always nice for a player to score, feats at the Bridge last season “But you look to the table and to score at home and especially to score as Chelsea’s title defence de- you see where they are, and such a beautiful goal.” scended into turmoil and was they are in a good position. So Pogba opened the scoring in the 31st Manchester United’s Anthony Martial (L) embraces Paul Pogba (R) as he celebrates after scoring their second goal. sacked last December before the start of the season can’t be minute, netting a penalty after Juan Mata resurfacing at United. bad if they are where they are. had been bundled over by Fenerbahce played since September 10 due to a thigh Key results to third place in Group A, two points be- “When I play there with Inter, “I knew that working in Eng- centre-back Simon Kjaer. problem and while he is now fi t, Mour- low United and Feyenoord ahead of next before that I never lost a match land, staying in the Premier Pogba’s France teammate Anthony inho says he will need to knuckle down Group A month’s return fi xture against Mour- at Stamford Bridge because I League, sooner or later I had Martial added another penalty three in training if he is to earn a place in the Manchester United (ENG) 4 (Pogba 31- inho’s men. had that home record that is to play against Chelsea and I minutes later before Jesse Lingard teed team. pen, 45+1, Martial 34-pen, Lingard 48) Having fi nished second to Besiktas in still in the Guinness (Book of had to go to Stamford Bridge. up Pogba to whip a fi rst-time shot into “The situation is that we played with Fenerbahce (TUR) 1 (Van Persie 83) the Turkish Super Lig last season, Fen- Records),” Mourinho said. “The computers decided that the top-left corner from outside the box. Lingard, with Mata and Martial,” said erbahce are currently eight points off the “Now I lost already a few was now and here we go.” Lingard got on the score-sheet with Mourinho, who takes United to his Group E pace in ninth place and coach Dick Advo- another long-range eff ort early in the former club Chelsea tomorrow. Roma (ITA) 3 (El Shaarawy 19, 34, caat is desperate for answers. second half before United old boy Robin “I am not an Einstein. I don’t know a Florenzi 69) Austria Vienna (AUT) 3 “We have to talk tomorrow about eve- van Persie reduced the arrears late on, for tactical system that can play with four (Holzhauser 16, Prokop 82, Kayode rything with the team,” said the 69-year- AGAINST which he received a rousing ovation. wingers at the same time. 84) old Dutchman. “He has to work more to get the inten- “Maybe it’s good tomorrow that they ADVOCAAT WANTS ANSWERS sity and fi tness to play at a high level. Group K start speaking instead of me. Normally While Pogba further endeared himself to “To have him on the bench and give Inter Milan (ITA) 1 (Candreva 67) it’s me, so maybe it’s good when they European leagues the Old Traff ord faithful, another close- him 15 or 20 minutes like I did to Mem- Southampton (ENG) 0 starting speaking about everything. season signing, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, phis (Depay), I think it is much better for “Some players last season did really looked on forlornly from the back row of him to work yesterday much harder – and well, but what I see this season is not open hostilities over the directors’ box. he did today in a specifi c session – and soon.” good enough. I’d really like to know the The Armenian has not wait for his chance. But he is ready very Defeat saw Fenerbahce slip from fi rst reason.” C’League changes BOTTOMLINE AFP No league has yet announced Zurich that it will hold matches on Champions League days, but EPFL offi cials said each country uropean football leagues was free to decide its own action. yesterday suspended Many European leagues com- an accord with UEFA in plain that the Champions League Aguero staying put: Guardiola protest at reforms to the has been turned into a “closed ChampionsE League which gives party” and that the prize chang- AFP injury – was once again not fi t Fixtures (GMT) greater power to major clubs. es will increase the wealth gap Manchester enough. By freezing their UEFA deal, between the continent’s major Today the 25 European Professional clubs and the rest. ‘FUTURES’ AT CITY Bournemouth v Tottenham Football Leagues (EPFL) mem- “It is about preserving the ba- anchester City man- “Vincent was not perfectly fi t. Hotspur (1130) Arsenal v Mid- bers could organise their own sic values that football fans love,” ager Pep Guardiola That is why we took a decision to dlesbrough (1400) Burnley games at the same time as said Claus Thomsen, chief exec- yesterday rejected pick Pablo Maff eo,” said Guar- v Everton (1400) Hull City v Champions League matches. utive of ’s league. speculation star Ar- diola. Stoke City (1400) Leicester Smaller European leagues are “Some clubs are making so Mgentinian striker Sergio Aguero “We appreciate him a lot. furious at UEFA’s reforms agreed much money that you don’t have City v Crystal Palace (1400) and injury-plagued club captain Normally Vincent Kompany Swansea City v Watford (1400) in August which guaranteed four a competitive balance anymore Vincent Kompany are not part of would be on the bench. But he West Ham United v Sunder- Champions League places to in your own championship,” said his long-term plans. was not fi t. land (1400) Liverpool v West England, Spain, Italy and Ger- Claudius Schafer, chief executive Neither player started in “With respect to Sergio Ague- Bromwich Albion (1630) many from 2018. of the Swiss Football League. City’s 4-0 defeat to Barcelona ro, I said after the game it was a It also changed the prize mon- Swiss side Basel, who earn in the Champions League on tactical decision. Tomorrow ey shareout. major income from the Champi- Wednesday which has cast an “I wanted one midfi eld player Manchester City v Southamp- The leagues insist they should ons League, are already on course element of doubt over both more in the middle with Kevin ton (1230) Chelsea v Manches- have been consulted on the to win the national title for the their futures. de Bruyne, he has the qualities to ter United (1500) changes. eighth straight season. Belgian international defend- hold behind the line, behind the “There is no other option but Olsson said there should be er Kompany has struggled with back four and make the move- to terminate the current memo- a system of promotion and rel- injuries in recent seasons while ments behind the full-backs. Guardiola claimed he remains a randum of understanding,” EPFL egation to allow smaller coun- Aguero has often been linked “I think I took a decision and big admirer of the City captain. president Lars-Christer Olsson tries and clubs to get Champions with a return to Spain’s . my plans (are) they have fu- “I saw him when he is fi t, he told a press conference after a League places. Guardiola dismissed out of tures.” is a real central defender. I like meeting of the body. The EPFL president also said hand the link between their ab- Kompany would appear the him,” said Guardiola. Twenty-two leagues present at that UEFA’s new fi nancial dis- sence from the starting line-up more vulnerable of the two play- “We try to take care of him. the meeting voted for the suspen- tribution proposals were unac- and being considered surplus to Manchester City’s Argentinian forward Sergio Aguero warms up ers given the amount of time he “It was him, he went to the sion which will last until March 15 ceptable. requirements. before the Champions League match against Barcelona. has spent on the treatment table. doctors and said ‘I am not avail- next year, Olsson, head of Swe- “Its worse than before,” he told “I am sorry, when Sergio de- The 30-year-old has started able to play’. I am going to ex- den’s professional league, said. the press conference. cides to leave Manchester City, me! thought Sergio could help us a just one match – a 2-1 win over plain always what is the truth Italy’s voted against Ceferin and Olsson have al- it will be his decision,” said “I spoke with Sergio, we lot.” Swansea City in the EFL Cup – with players. and Romania abstained. ready held some talks and UEFA Guardiola. “I appreciate him like talked about that, he was so un- Guardiola, who proved ruth- this season and made just 14 ap- “We lost 4-0 to Barcelona. “This will give us and UEFA and the EPFL have set up work- a football player and appreciate derstanding and helped us a lot less on his arrival in sending pearances in the Premier League You want a guilty? I am guilty. suffi cient time to negotiate,” ing groups on possible deals. like a man what he did here. from the bench and in the last unwanted players such as Samir in the previous campaign. We win? I am a genius. We win Olsson added. Ceferin acknowledged after he “The next time before you minutes if the game was close, Nasri and Wilfried Bony off But ahead of tomorrow’s Pre- 10 games? You say we are go- Olsson said he is to meet the was elected UEFA president in give your opinion and you decide the last 30/35 minutes and their on loan, said Kompany – who mier League clash with South- ing to win four titles,” added the new UEFA president Aleksander September that the changes had he is not in my plans you can call central defenders were tired, I missed Euro 2016 because of ampton at the Etihad Stadium, 45-year-old Spaniard. Ceferin in November. been badly handled. Gulf Times Saturday, October 22, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Neymar signs new Barca deal Barca, Real and Atletico until 2021

Barcelona: Brazilian superstar Neymar signed a new five-year contract with Barcelona yesterday that will keep him at the Spanish face testing weekend champions until 2021, say- ing he felt “at home” at the Camp Nou. The deal, which Should Atletico falter, Real Madrid could retake top spot when they host Athletic Bilbao tomorrow was agreed in June, includes a buy-out clause of up to AFP 250mn euros ($272mn) as Madrid Barca seek to ward off inter- est from potential suitors across Europe. ix of the top seven face off , while Manchester United were Barcelona face a treacherous Yannick Carrasco (centre) reportedly chief among a trip to Valencia in a blockbust- has been in fine form for number of clubs wishing to er weekend of La Liga action. Atletico Madrid. (AFP) prise the 24-year-old attack- WithS the top six separated by just three er from Barcelona, where he points, league leaders Atletico Madrid forms part of an acclaimed travel to third-placed Sevilla looking to triumvirate along with Lionel maintain their 11-game unbeaten run Messi and Luis Suarez. this season. “I’m very happy to renew However, should Atletico falter, Real with the club, I feel at home,” Madrid could retake top spot when they Neymar told Barcelona’s host Athletic Bilbao tomorrow. Bar- off icial television station. “I celona head to Valencia in high spirits thought, with my family, that after ’s second Champions it was best for me to stay League hat-trick of the season ensured here,” he added. a nightmare return for former Barca The Brazilian has hit 91 coach Pep Guardiola to the Camp Nou goals in 150 matches in all in a 4-0 rout over Manchester City on competitions for Barcelona Wednesday. Messi was making his fi rst since arriving from the Bra- start in a month after a groin injury, but zilian club Santos in 2013 in a looked anything but ring rusty in taking controversial deal. Barcelona his tally for the season to 12 in 10 games. did not give details of how “We have seen the calm that Messi much they would be paying has to fi nish inside the area as if he was Neymar. In July a Spanish in the school yard,” said Barca coach judge ruled that there were Luis Enrique. irregularities in Neymar’s Barca have now scored 17 goals in the 2013 transfer to Barcelona only four matches this season Messi, from Santos, but said it was Luis Suarez and Neymar have started an issue for a civil court, not together up front. The all-star trio will a criminal court to settle. be handed the task of blowing away a Last month authorities reo- Valencia on the up under new coach pened the case following a with Barca facing an morrow when Atletico make the daunt- point behind Atletico. And two on-loan to the rest,” insisted Real coach Zined- two points behind Atletico and Real. successful appeal by Spanish uncertain few weeks ahead at the back. ing trip to Sevilla hoping to maintain Atletico players could come back to ine Zidane. “He didn’t score today, but The Yellow Submarine host early sea- prosecutors. Defensive lynchpin Gerard Pique will their place at the top of the table. Diego haunt them as Luciano Vietto and Ma- we have a game in four days and I am son pacesetters Las Palmas, who have be sidelined for three weeks and left- Simeone’s men have won eight of their tias Kranevitter are free to play against sure he will have chances to score.” slipped down to seventh with no wins in CARRASCO PENS back Jordi Alba the next fortnight after last nine, only drawing away at Barce- their parent club. Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and their last four games. ATLETICO EXTENSION picking up ankle and hamstring injuries lona. The on-fi re Yannick Carrasco has Real Madrid have roared back into Casemiro remain sidelined for Real FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) Belgium international Yan- respectively against City. also eased the burden on Antoine Griez- form with 11 goals in back-to-back through injury, but Dani Carvajal, Isco Today: Espanyol v Eibar (1100), Valencia v nick Carrasco has extended Valencia took four points from a pos- mann for goals as the Belgian winger thrashings of Real Betis and Legia War- and Mateo Kovacic should return af- Barcelona (1415), Real Sociedad v Alaves his contract with Atletico Ma- sible six against Barca despite endur- followed up his fi rst ever hat-trick in a saw after a run of four consecutive ter being rested in midweek. Athletic (1630), Granada v Sporting Gijon (1845) drid until 2022, the Spanish ing a horrible campaign last season and 7-1 thrashing of Granada last weekend draws. Cristiano Ronaldo set up two of Bilbao are only three points off the top Tomorrow: Celta Vigo v Deportivo la club confirmed yesterday. have won three of their last four games, with the winner in a 1-0 Champions Madrid’s fi ve against the Polish cham- themselves, but haven’t won at the Coruna (1000), Sevilla v Atletico Madrid The 23-year-old winger including on Prandelli’s debut at Sport- League win at Rostov in midweek. pions on Wednesday, but endured a Bernabeu since 2005. (1415), Malaga v Leganes, Villarreal v Las moved to the Spanish capital ing Gijon last weekend. Sevilla have won all four La Liga frustrating night in front of goal. Villarreal are also unbeaten in La Liga Palmas (1630), Real Madrid v Athletic from Monaco in July 2015. The game of the weekend comes to- games at home this season to sit just a “He was phenomenal in giving passes this season to lie alongside Barca just Bilbao (1845)

SERIE A Resurgent Milan face Juventus Stumbling Bayern hunt AFP legri was sacked following a 4-3 defeat to Milan Sassuolo in 2014, and Bonaventura says the ex-Fiorentina handler has brought “joy” rare win over Gladbach back to the club. Montella is expected to idfi elder Giacomo Bonaventura deploy his preferred 4-3-3 formation with said AC Milan are primed and M’Baye Niang and fl anking Colombian ready to fi nally taste victory over striker up front. Bacca has been Juventus when the sides meet in in solid form, even coming off the bench in Man enticing San Siro clash today. the 88th minute at Chievo to force a last- Eight games into the season Juventus look gasp own goal. to be on their way to a record sixth consecu- With six goals to his name and stats which tive Serie A crown after opening up sig- show Bacca scores with every second shot, nifi cant gaps on key title rivals Napoli and Juventus ‘keeper Gianluigi Buff on expects Roma. Roma, at home to Palermo tomorrow, a tough workout. If Juventus drop points, are second at fi ve points adrift while Napoli none of their rivals are likely to grumble. travel to rock-bottom Crotone looking to Roma host Palermo a week after stunning end a two-game run of defeats in the league Napoli 3-1 win at the San Paolo where Edin that has left them seven points off the pace. Dzeko hit a brace to take his league-leading Milan’s surprising purple patch of late tally to seven. saw the Rossoneri hand Chievo their fi rst Notwithstanding Milan staying on track, home reverse of the season on Monday in a Luciano Spalletti’s men are now considered 3-1 win that moved them up joint second. the most likely team to trouble Juventus this Bonaventura credits new coach Vincenzo season, and warmed up for hosting the Sicil- Montella with helping to “end the chaos” ians with a 3-3 draw at home to Austria Vi- that has reigned over the seven-time Euro- Gianluigi Buff on’s Juventus look set for a enna on Thursday in the Europa League. pean champions in recent seasons. record 6th consecutive Serie A crown. (AFP) FIXTURES And the Italy international believes the Today: Sampdoria vs Genoa (1600 GMT), AC time is right to throw a spanner into Juve’s came in the 2012-2013 season, when current Milan vs Juventus (1845 GMT) tite plans. “We can win it because it’s a Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri was Tomorrow: Udinese vs Pescara (1030 GMT), stand-alone match, we’re at home and they still at the helm after leading them to the Atalanta vs Inter Milan (1300 GMT), Cagliari vs will have to be fully at 100% against us,” 2011 title. Juventus have won all seven league Fiorentina (1300 GMT), Crotone vs Napoli (1300 German giants Bayern Munich are two points clear at the top of the table. (AFP) Bonaventura said. “And, our game is on a par meetings since, as Milan bounced from one GMT), Empoli vs Chievo (1300 GMT), Torino vs with the top teams in the league.” mini-crisis to another. Lazio (1300 GMT), Bologna vs Sassuolo (1600 AFP them. But the Foals still present a challenge having Milan’s last win over the Turin giants Montella is the club’s fi fth coach since Al- GMT), Roma vs Palermo (1845 GMT) Berlin only lost once at the Allianz Arena in the last fi ve years. A battle royale beckons in the capital today when fourth-placed Hertha Berlin host unbeaten LIGUE 1 arlo Ancelotti’s Bayern Munich bid to claim Cologne. Pal Dardai’s Hertha are enjoying their best a rare win over Borussia Moenchenglad- start to a campaign for 46 years and have lost only to bach today as the Bundesliga leaders look Bayern this season, while second-placed Cologne to get back to winning ways in Germany’s are unbeaten in nine away games and are one of only topC fl ight. Having won their fi rst eight games un- four teams still undefeated in the Bundesliga. Tough task awaits Garcia on debut der Ancelotti in all competitions, Bayern then went The goals could well fl ow as Cologne’s Anthony three matches without a win but got back on track Modeste is the league’s top scorer so far with seven, AFP McCourt completed his purchase of the club strain. The Italian has scored fi ve goals in with a 4-1 thumping of PSV Eindhoven on Wednes- while Hertha’s Vedad Ibisevic is just behind with Paris from Margarita Louis-Dreyfus. “When I met four league appearances and Favre is hope- day in the Champions League. fi ve. Injury-hit Borussia Dortmund are eager to pick Rudi, he told me straight away he wanted to ful a few days’ rest will be enough to help his The Bavarians now return to domestic business, up a fi rst Bundesliga win in four weeks at bottom win the Champions League,” said McCourt, leading scorer recover. where they have slipped up in recent weeks with club Ingolstadt today — Thomas Tuchel’s men had udi Garcia faces a daunting fi rst as- the Boston-born former owner of the Los Alexandre Lacazette missed a penalty draws against Cologne and Eintracht Frankfurt. nine players out for Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Sporting signment as Marseille coach with Angeles Dodgers. “I immediately knew he as Lyon lost 1-0 at home to Juventus mid- Bayern are two points clear at the top of the table Lisbon in the Champions League. the struggling French giants trav- would be the man for the job,” he added. week and coach Bruno Genesio knows to- but need to build on their emphatic win over PSV Ex-Bayern defender Valerien Ismael makes his elling to bitter rivals and reigning PSG trail surprise leaders Nice by four day’s game against Guingamp is crucial as when Arjen Robben was outstanding with two as- debut as a Bundesliga coach today when he takes championsR Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 points and rode their luck in a 3-0 victory they try to shake off a run of four defeats in sists and a goal. Wolfsburg to Darmstadt with both teams just above this weekend. over Basel in the Champions League on fi ve matches. Nabil Fekir is suspended after “I think we absolutely took a step forward, and the relegation places. Wolfsburg sacked Dieter The former Lille and Roma boss has Wednesday as Edinson Cavani scored his his red card against Nice, but Lacazette is we have to build on that,” skipper Philipp Lahm said Hecking as coach on Monday after six games with- penned a three-year contract at the Stade 17th goal for club and country this season. poised to make his fi rst start in the league after Wednesday’s match. Bayern have failed to beat out a win and Frenchman Ismael has been promoted Velodrome where his task is to resurrect a Coach Unai Emery admitted his team since returning from a fi ve-week injury lay- Borussia in their last four meetings and Gladbach as coach from the Under-23 team. Results in the side that slumped to its worst league fi n- “need to work to improve” and will look for off . Fourth-placed Toulouse will go in search claimed home and away league wins over the Ba- coming weeks will dictate whether he gets the job ish in 15 years last season. Two wins in their Angel di Maria to rediscover his best form of a fi fth win in six outings away to Angers. varian giants in 2015. Gladbach are buoyed by their permanently. last three outings lifted OM but Garcia, who after the Argentine netted his fi rst goal since FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) 2-0 Champions League win at Celtic which Andre FIXTURES (ALL TIMES 1330 GMT UNLESS STATED) succeeds Franck Passi, must end a run of 10 April against Basel. Lucien Favre’s Nice Today: Lyon vs Guingamp (1500), Angers vs Schubert’s side needed after their 4-0 thrashing by Today: Bayer Leverkusen vs Hoff enheim, Hertha Berlin successive defeats against PSG to avoid a – 1-0 winners at Salzburg in the Europa Toulouse, Bordeaux vs Nancy, Dijon vs Lorient, Schalke and frustrating goalless draw with Ham- vs Cologne, Ingolstadt vs Borussia Dortmund, Darm- losing start to his Marseille tenure. League on Thursday – will bid to extend Lille vs Bastia, Nantes vs Rennes (all 1800) burg, when they missed two penalties. stadt vs VfL Wolfsburg, Freiburg vs Augsburg, Bayern His appointment, Marseille’s fourth dif- their impressive unbeaten run when they Tomorrow: Caen vs Saint-Etienne (1300), Metz Moenchengladbach no longer enjoy the same ri- Munich vs Borussia Moenchengladbach (1630) ferent coach since the start of last season, visit Metz tomorrow, but they may be with- vs Nice (1500), Paris Saint-Germain vs Marseille valry with Bayern as they did in the 1970s, when the Tomorrow: RB Leipzig vs Werder Bremen, Schalke vs comes just three days after US tycoon Frank out Mario Balotelli who is nursing a thigh (1845) clubs shared nine straight Bundesliga titles between Mainz (1530) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, October 22, 2016 MOTOR SPORT

FORMULA ONE FOCUS Hamilton fastest in Leader Rosberg shuts fi rst US GP practice

Reuters out negative thoughts Austin, Texas ewis Hamilton made a quick start to his US The German needs only to finish second in every remaining race to secure the title Grand Prix preparations with the fastest time in Lfi rst practice yesterday for a key Reuters Austin, Texas race in the title battle with Mer- cedes teammate and champion- ship leader Nico Rosberg. ico Rosberg closed his ears to negative The triple world champion thoughts and title talk on Thursday, even lapped the Circuit of the Ameri- after Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamil- cas, in gusty conditions, putting ton said he would ‘take it like a man’ if he in a best time of one minute Nlost his Formula One championship to the German. 37.428 seconds late in the ses- The overall leader refused to rise to the bait sion to knock the German off the when asked whether he would see it the same way top. Rosberg, the title favourite if triple champion Hamilton, now 33 points behind who leads the Briton by 33 points with four races remaining, turned things around with four races remaining, was and beat him. second on the timesheets and “I haven’t thought of that because I am planning 0.315 slower. to go for more race wins at the moment and that’s Hamilton has won three of the it,” the German told reporters at the US Grand Prix. last four races in Austin, taking “And defi nitely such negative thoughts I will his third title at the Texan track fully avoid. There’s no point, that’s not going to last year, but he desperately make me faster this weekend to think how am I go- needs another victory tomorrow ing to feel if I lose. That doesn’t work.” to revive his fl agging hopes of a Rosberg has won nine races so far, to Hamilton’s fourth crown. Even that will not six, and has been repeating a mantra of taking each be enough if Rosberg fi nishes the race as it comes without thinking of any bigger remaining races in the runner- picture. He needs no reminding of how close he is up position, and the German has to becoming only the second off spring of a cham- said he is not about to settle for pion to take the title, after Britain’s 1996 winner second best as he chases a 10th Damon Hill, but he is also determined to take one win of the year. step at a time. Red Bull’s Dutch teenager Max “It’s business as usual this weekend,” he said Verstappen was third fastest on his return to the track where last year he made with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen a mistake while leading and handed victory and fourth and Force India’s Nico the title to Hamilton, who has a great record in Hulkenberg fi fth. Verstappen’s American races. “Why lose energy and think about best time was still 1.6 seconds something that’s still miles away and can or can- slower than Rosberg, albeit on not happen? Better just stay in the moment and medium tyres, with Mercedes — make the best of it. You can choose what you think who clinched their third succes- about, can’t you,” he continued. “I choose to think sive constructors’ title in Japan about Austin and the weekend that I have here. I two weeks ago — on softs and don’t suppress it, I just go for something else.” again in a battle of their own. Rosberg, who won the last three grands prix of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, like 2015 and fi rst four of 2016, needs only to fi nish sec- Hamilton a past winner in Aus- ond in every remaining race to secure the title but tin, was only eighth fastest. The he banished that thought from his mind as well. “I German hit a kerb, smashing defi nitely don’t put any thought into that at all,” he bodywork, and drove back to the said. “I’m going for the win here this weekend, I’m pits one-handed while holding not trying to bring home any second places. I will Nico Rosberg (inset) of Mercedes on track during the remnants of his right side try to push for the win, 100% all the way until the practice for the United States GP at Circuit of The mirror in the other. chequered fl ag. Of course, I’m aware of the sce- Americas in Austin, United States, yesterday. (AFP) Britain’s Jordan King made his nario about fi nishing second, but I’m defi nitely not Formula One practice debut with thinking that way at all.” Manor Racing, setting the 20th He added that he was also not at all concerned fastest time out of 22, while Ger- by Hamilton’s record on the Circuit of the Ameri- ing to be at his best. It’ll be exciting and that’s it.” teams and take his chance to race for a ‘works’ He added that he believed he had the talent to many’s Pascal Wehrlein sitting cas where he has won three times and last year team. “I believe it is the right step in my career at help the French outfi t to improve. “They have ex- out the session before returning clinched his third title. “As we’ve seen so often this GERMAN HULKENBURG TARGETS this point,” he said. “I think and feel I have come a pectations to be at the front and compete for wins in the afternoon. year, it has no importance. With the car that I have, RENAULT WINS IN 2017 long way with Force India. It’s my fi fth year and we and that is what I am looking for,” he added. Three drivers — Hulkenberg, I can win on any track against Lewis. This week- Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg expects to compete had good success together, but it’s time for a new “When they bought Lotus, it was not the easiest Manor’s Esteban Ocon and Wil- end, for me, we’re just starting from scratch. for victories next season when he joins Renault af- challenge. Since I was in F1, I wanted to race for a situation, so it will take time to rebuild, but what liams’ Valtteri Bottas — tried out “It’s going to be a good battle, fi ghting it out. It’s ter fi ve years with Force India. The German driver manufacturer team and this is a really good oppor- I see is a good future and a massive challenge, but the new ‘halo’ head protection going to be diffi cult against him, always. He’s going told a news conference ahead of this weekend’s tunity, the timing was good too. A good decision I am very up for that and want to build a success device on their cars early in the to be fully motivated as always, of course. He’s go- United States Grand Prix that he wanted to change from my side.” story with them.” session.

MOTOGP SMOOTH OPERATOR HAMILTON ON TEXAS CHARM OFFENSIVE Crutchlow fastest in rain

Austin: Lewis Hamilton smiled, talked and one (saying something bad) they just block. points available. Anything is possible. I will even organised a photograph on Thursday It was a blocking spree. I don’t even have then move on once it is decided — all I can as he began his preparations for the United the app on my phone.” do is shape the future, which is next year. States Grand Prix with a charm off ensive at Hamilton was asked about the picture Life moves on and next season I will come a mandatory pre-race news conference. taken on his phone during the news confer- back stronger.” The 31-year-old defending three-time ence. “I took a picture,” he said. “I waited Hamilton also confirmed with a smile world champion, who is 33 points adrift of for everyone to finish their questions and that he had enjoyed the chance to be the Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg with answer. It was a good picture and you’re all first F1 racing driver to appear on The Ellen four races remaining, was on his near-best in it.” Wearing glasses and smiling, Hamil- DeGeneres Show, the American chat show. behaviour two weeks after his infamous ton was clearly at home and happy to be “I was very fortunate,” he said. “I love be- Snapchat episode in Japan. back on American soil ahead of tomorrow’s ing in the States, it is a good opportunity for Gone was the abrupt and sulky Suzuka race at the Circuit of the Americas where me to reach a new audience who perhaps version of Hamilton to be replaced by a he clinched his third title last year. In Japan, hadn’t heard of F1, but they were all glued man keen to give full answers and deliver the Englishman had said he would prefer to their seats to learn of something knew. some smiles as he requested that French- to answer questions that were compiled by I do not think any driver has been on the Yakhnich Team’s Scott Redding (from right) leads Honda’s Marc Marquez, Avintia Racing’s Mike Jones and man Romain Grosjean take a photograph, fans. His wish was realised when a reporter Ellen show, so I’m proud of that.” and CWM LCR Honda’s Cal Crutchlow during practice at Phillip Island, Australia. (AFP) using his mobile phone, that had Hamilton asked a question on behalf of a fan. Would Hamilton also explained that he had snapped in front of a room full of journal- Hamilton take a sabbatical? “I don’t plan on missed a tyre test session last week due to AFP championship runner-up, was we decided not to go out because ists. Asked about blocking some reporters taking a sabbatical unless it is to stop,” he a sore foot caused by running in training. Phillip Island, Australia initially second, 0.041secs be- it was an unnecessary risk.” from accessing his Twitter account, the answered. The second question, also on be- “It’s an injury I’ve had all year and I’ve just hind Crutchlow. Lorenzo, who was pipped by Briton said: “I don’t manage every single half of a fan, was about how he would feel if coped with it,” he said. But the nine-time world Marquez by just 0.249 seconds in part of my social media. I have a couple of Rosberg wins the drivers’ championship. “I “It was just induced by running. Unfortu- eavy rain ruined yes- champion ran into strife for ex- last year’s Phillip Island race, had people doing it for me. I don’t have a lot of will take it like a man, I can’t win them all,” nately, my physio said that it just takes time terday’s opening prac- ceeding the 10-lap limit on one of a troubled opening practice and time to do that. Generally, if you see some- he said. “But I am still in a position with the and a lot of stretching.” tice sessions for this the Michelin wet tyres, and race recorded only the 19th best time weekend’s Australian stewards deleted his lap times set of 1:45.651 in a disastrous day MotoGPH with Cal Crutchlow on that rubber compound. for the Movistar Yamaha team. squeezing in the fastest lap time That relegated the Italian leg- “I exited the pit lane quite late at Phillip Island. end to the 20th-fastest time, this morning and I didn’t make The morning session was com- just one slot behind team-mate so many laps on the fi rst run,” pleted but following a 40-minute Lorenzo.“The conditions were Lorenzo said. delay, afternoon practice was very diffi cult. This morning we “I was progressing slowly, but red-fl agged after just 14 minutes were able to ride for 20 minutes I stopped too early and when I as incessant rain made condi- in acceptable conditions and I tried the second bike there was tions too dangerous to continue. was quite strong,” Rossi said. “In already more water on the track, British Honda rider Crutchlow, the afternoon the temperature so I did just one more lap.” seventh behind newly crowned went down and the amount of Marquez holds an unassailable world champion Marc Marquez water was too much, so unfortu- 77-point lead in the standings on the championship standings, nately we couldn’t ride.” with three races to go, starting posted a best lap of one minute Marquez, who at 23 became this weekend at Phillip Island. 40.957 seconds in the morning. the youngest rider to win three The Moto3 riders got in the two He put in only eight laps to premier-class world champion- scheduled practice sessions but record his best time as rid- ship titles with victory last week the Moto2 teams lost the after- ers were severely hampered by in Japan, was fourth fastest with noon session entirely to rain. the slippery conditions around a best lap of 1:41.511. “Although Riders will have further prac- the island circuit. Italian Danilo it rained all day, in the morning tice sessions today ahead of Petrucci on a Ducati was second we put in a few laps, but at the qualifying for Sunday’s third- fastest ahead of Australian hope end of the session we had to stop last MotoGP of the season. The Jack Miller, riding a Honda. because there was too much wa- forecast is for continuing show- Lewis Hamilton (centre) requested Frenchman Romain Grosjean take a photograph, using his mobile phone, that had Englishman Valentino Rossi, vying with ter on the track,” Marquez said. ers but at this stage Sunday’s snapped in front of a room full of journalists. (AFP) Movistar Yamaha teammate “This afternoon it was also rain- race has only a medium chance of Jorge Lorenzo to be this season’s ing, making it dangerous to ride, showers. Gulf Times Saturday, October 22, 2016 5 SPORT

NFL SKIING ‘Unmotivated’ Maze decides to quit aft er No bitterness as season-long absence Bradford returns to Philadelphia ‘I have seen a lot in my seven years (in the NFL). I have learned to expect the unexpected. But this was not something I expected. I was ready and excited to be in Philly this year. Getting traded wasn’t even on my radar’ Reuters fi rst and Maze came third, allowing Soelden, Austria the Austrian to edge her rival by 22 points in the overall standings. It will be an emotional farewell ouble Olympic Alpine for Maze at the venue where she skiing champion Tina made her professional debut in Maze announced her 1999 as a 15-year-old. retirement yesterday She enjoyed great success in Dbut said she would return for a the latter stages of her career, two-race farewell on home snow winning her fi rst major honour in Maribor in January. when she clinched the 2011 world The trophy-laden Slovenian, championship giant slalom title 33, has not raced since March in Austria. 2015 when she announced she She followed up with super- was taking a season-long break. G and downhill gold medals at “I’ve realised that I no longer the 2013 event in Schladming have the energy or the motiva- and went on to win the season’s tion to keep competing at the top overall World Cup title, putting level,” Maze told a news confer- the icing on the cake of the most ence in Soelden, where the new successful year of her career. season starts with the women’s All rounder Maze also won the giant slalom today. Combined and downhill titles at “I don’t want my last race to last year’s world championships be the one where I lost the Crys- in Beaver Creek. tal Globe so I will race in Maribor The Slovenian confi rmed she (in the slalom on January 7 and would continue to work as a pun- giant slalom on January 8) to say dit for the Eurosport television good-bye to everyone on tour.” channel, a role she assumed last Maze, who won downhill and year after the World Cup title giant slalom golds at the 2014 slipped from her grasp. Sochi Olympics and has also won “Nothing will replace the four world championship gold adrenaline rush of competing medals, missed out on the overall at the Olympic Games or World World Cup title in 2015 to Aus- Cup events,” she said. trian Anna Fenninger in the last “But this is a new chapter in event of the season, a giant slalom my life, one I am excited about, in the French resort of Meribel. and I hope to give fans a diff erent Fenninger, who also won last perspective of the action during season’s Crystal Globe, fi nished competition time.” IN BRIEF Sparks topple Lynx to Sixers forward Brand claim elusive WNBA title retires aft er 17 seasons Candace Parker scored 28 Philadelphia 76ers forward points and Nneka Ogwumke Elton Brand retired on Thursday, drained the game-winning calling it quits at age 37 after basket with 3.1 seconds remain- 17 NBA seasons since being the AFP knee injury to the Vikings Teddy Bridge- “That part was tough,” said Bradford, facing the New York Giants at English ing as the Los Angeles Sparks first overall selection in the 1999 downed the Minnesota Lynx NBA Draft. Brand played in 1,058 Los Angeles water — remains one of the blockbuster who has averaged nearly 250 passing rugby’s citadel Twickenham. deals of the year. yards a game in his four starts for the Vi- The Rams have prepared for the game 77-76 to win the Women’s NBA career games, 868 of them as Since then, the Vikings and Bradford kings this season. “When you spend so at Pennyhill Park, the luxury hotel out- title yesterday. The victory in a starter, for the Chicago Bulls, am Bradford returns to Philadel- have gone from strength to strength, shrug- much time with coaches and players, you side London which has long been used Minneapolis gave the Sparks a Los Angeles Clippers, Dal- phia tomorrow aiming to extend ging off the loss of Bridgewater and injury to build relationships and friendships on as the England rugby team’s training 3-2 triumph in the best-of-five las Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks Minnesota’s unbeaten start to the running back Adrian Peterson to remain the and off the field. When something hap- base. “We’re very grateful that we’ve championship series and their and 76ers. The two-time NBA season in the latest twist to what only unbeaten side in the National Football pens so sudden like that, there’s always a been given the opportunity to share the first WNBA crown since 2002. All-Star averaged 15.9 points, hasS been a surreal year for the former Ea- League heading into week seven. part of you that’s a little down after that.” facility, with a top-two team in rugby in They denied the Lynx a fourth 8.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 gles quarterback. No-one is more surprised at the way Eagles coach Doug Pederson admits the world to see what their world’s like,” championship in six years. blocked shots a game for his Seven months ago, the 28-year-old put the year has unfolded than Bradford. even he was wrong-footed by the speed Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “It’s been a Ogwumike, who earned Most NBA career after being rated the pen to paper on a two-year $36 mn con- “I’ve seen a lot in my seven years (in with which Bradford was traded to the good experience. We want the players to Valuable Player honours this nation’s top college player while tract with Philadelphia which encouraged the NFL),” Bradford said. “I’ve learned to Vikings, saying he fully expected him to go out and get a little feel for it.” season, scored from short range at Duke university. Brand spent him to believe he would head into the sea- expect the unexpected. But this was not start for Philadelphia this season. “I was With the 5-1 Dallas Cowboys on a bye, to put the Sparks back in front four seasons with Philadelphia son as the Eagles signal-caller. something I expected. I was ready and a little shocked,” Pederson said. “All along Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the back-and-forth battle. A from 2008-2012 and after retir- Within weeks, however, Bradford’s excited to be in Philly this year. Getting my plan was to have Sam start, with Chase will look to move to 6-1 when they travel desperation shot by Lynx guard ing last year decided to sign future in Philadelphia was cast into ques- traded wasn’t even on my radar.” (Daniel) No.2 and Carson (Wentz) No.3.” to Pittsburgh to face a Steelers side miss- Lindsay Whalen fell short at with the 76ers last January, play- tion when the Eagles brokered a deal with The whirlwind nature of his depar- Thus far the move has been win-win ing the injured Ben Roethlisberger, who the buzzer. Ogwumike finished ing 17 games and averaging 4.1 the Cleveland Browns for second pick ture from the Eagles — he was at home in for both the Vikings and the Eagles. underwent knee surgery this week. with 12 points and 12 rebounds. points and 3.7 rebounds as the in the draft — and promptly snapped up Oklahoma on September 3 when he got Wentz has enjoyed a 3-2 start, throwing The Seattle Seahawks (4-1) meanwhile Parker added 12 rebounds as club struggled to a 10-72 finish, highly rated rookie Carson Wentz. the call informing he had been traded to for 1,186 yards in fi ve games and building face a crucial divisional battle with the she won her first WNBA champi- the worst record in the NBA last While Wentz’s arrival eff ectively set the Vikings and needed to fl y to Minne- a passer rating of 99.9%. Arizona Cardinals (3-3), looking to put onship. She outdueled Lynx star season. Brand had inked a new the clock ticking on Bradford’s long-term sota ASAP — meant he never got an op- Elsewhere this weekend, the NFL’s even more daylight between last year’s Maya Moore, who had 23 points one-year contract with the 76ers future, Bradford’s shock move to Minne- portunity to say a proper farewell to his international series in London will break National Football Conference champion- to lead the Minnesota attack. last month. sota in September — following a serious Eagles teammates. new ground with the Los Angeles Rams ship runners-up in the NFC West. Belarusian capital Minsk to DEVELOPMENT host 2019 European Games British cycling chief Drake to step down AFP decades and I know that it will go espionage group Fancy Bears in AFP Several candidates were mooted to replace London on to even greater heights. Now is September and leaked to the press. Minsk the Netherlands but eventually Minsk emerged the right moment for both myself They revealed he was permitted as the only candidate to host the Games. “All and British Cycling to move on.” to take the drug just days before the reviews we have received were not only an Drake is to step down as The announcement of his de- the 2012 Tour de France, which he insk will host the 2019 European positive but full of enthusiasm,” Belarusian chief executive of British Cy- parture comes ahead of an inde- won, as well as the 2011 Tour and Games, Belarusian President Alex- state news agency Belta quoted acting EOC cling after seven years at the pendent review into allegations the 2013 Giro d’Italia. Mander Lukashenko announced yes- president Janez Kocijancic as saying. “This is helm in April next year, he an- of bullying and discrimination Wiggins said he needed the terday at a meeting of the European Olympic Inounced yesterday. at British Cycling sparked by the drug to help control his asthma. why we highly commend your readiness to Committees (EOC). host the second European Games.” Drake’s decision comes in the conduct of former technical di- He came under fresh scrutiny fol- “We are not a superpower, but we pay Lukashenko has led ex-Soviet Belarus with wake of a tumultuous year which rector Shane Sutton. lowing a report in September in great attention to sports,” Lukashenko said at an iron grip since 1994 and has been accused saw success on the track — the The Australian sensationally Britain’s Daily Mail that United the EOC general assembly, his press service of stifling human rights and cracking down British team dominating at the quit his post 100 days before the Kingdom Anti-Doping wanted to reported. “We have made a historical decision on the opposition. Olympics — but also allegations of Rio Games after the allegations question him and his Team Sky and in 2019, European athletes will gather In recent years Minsk has showcased itself bullying and recently controversy about his behaviour were made. bosses over a medical package de- over legend Bradley Wiggins’ use Among the claims were he had livered to the British outfi t ahead here for our ‘Olympics’.” as a sports capital, hosting the 2013 Track The European Games in ex-Soviet Belarus, of therapeutic use exemption told British sprinter Jess Varnish to of the 2011 Tour de France. Cycling World Championships and the World (TUE) permitted by cycling au- “go and have a baby” after she was Both Wiggins and Sky boss which borders the European Union and Rus- Ice Hockey Championships a year later. thorities for the powerful corti- dropped from the team, and called Dave Brailsford, the British Cy- sia, will be the second edition of the event. Yesterday’s meeting in Minsk was held with- costeroid triamcinolone prior to Paralympic cyclists “gimps”. cling performance director un- The inaugural Games were held last year out suspended EOC chief Patrick Hickey, who three major races. A key fi gure behind the scenes til April 2014, have insisted they in Baku, the capital of energy-rich ex-Soviet cannot leave Brazil after having been arrested Drake didn’t mention either af- in the success of British cyclists have done nothing wrong. The Azerbaijan, and cost several bn dollars. during the Rio Olympics in August over a fair and said he believed the time “I have been involved with at both the Beijing and London TUEs were also approved by the The Games, held every four years, are ticket scam. Lukashenko threw his support was right to hand over to a fresh British Cycling in some form for Olympics, Sutton emphatically UCI, cycling’s world governing for athletes from all over Europe. They are behind the disgraced sports off icial, saying face. almost 20 years, the last eight as denied the allegations against him body. organised by the EOC, which represents 50 there was no evidence he had committed any “I believe that the end of this CEO, and it is an organisation that and promised to co-operate with Ukad offi cials also visited Brit- countries. The Netherlands last year pulled wrongdoing. “Unfortunately he (Hickey) is not Olympic cycle is the natural mo- I will always love. the review. ish Cycling headquarters earlier out of hosting the 2019 Games, saying it did here with us today,” Lukashenko said. “But I ment for a new CEO to take the “I have been privileged to be a The Wiggins furore was in October, saying the meeting not want to pay the cost of holding the event. am sure he will join us.” organisation forward into Tokyo part of the amazing success we sparked by his medical records was arranged with the governing 2020,” he said. have experienced over those two being hacked by Russian cyber- body’s “full co-operation”. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, October 22, 2016 SPORT

NBA LeBron chases Jordan legacy aft er title for Cleveland

AFP nals in each category in an unprece- He was the regular season MVP fi ve and the rest from the Los Angeles Lakers. Washington dented feat that earned him unanimous times, an NBA All-Star 14 times and the In his fi ve seasons after age 31, Jordan NBA Finals MVP honours. NBA scoring champion 10 times. He’s won three titles with Chicago and made James sought the fairytale ending also the all-time NBA playoff scoring a two-year comeback from retirement eBron James, who achieved when he returned to Cleveland in 2014, leader and ranks fourth on the all-time with the Washington Wizards from a life dream by bringing home having won two titles in four seasons NBA regular-season scoring list. 2001-2003, retiring for good at age 40. Cleveland’s fi rst sports title in with the Miami Heat after playing his And that was with Jordan, now the By that scale, James has nine more L52 years, now draws motivation fi rst seven NBA seasons for the Cavaliers. wealthy owner of the NBA Charlotte years to make his case as the Greatest of from wanting to eclipse Michael Jordan Now he admits his drive and inspi- Hornets, retiring for almost two full All Time. as the greatest player in NBA history. ration come from trying to overtake seasons in the 1990s for a failed bid at a “That’s my personal inspiration. James, a native of nearby Akron, will former Chicago Bulls star Jordan and be baseball career. That’s what drives me,” James told begin his 14th NBA campaign on Tues- seen as the greatest player in NBA his- James has three titles at the same age ESPN. “I’m chasing that greatness. day as the Cavaliers raise a champion- tory, a Herculean challenge that should Jordan had won three titles but has al- That’s how great that ghost was. If I can ship banner at their 2016-17 season see James to the end of his career. ready been to seven career NBA Finals, be in a situation where I’m even talked opener against New York. “My motivation is this ghost I’m including the past six in a row. He owns about as the best basketball player ever, “I’m looking forward to seeing the chasing. The ghost played in Chicago,” three NBA Finals MVP awards from his that will be great.” banner go up: 2015-16 champions. It James was quoted by Sports Illustrated championship runs in 2012, 2013 and But fi rst things fi rst. For James, that means a lot,” James said. as telling a high school basketball player. this year. He’s a 12-time NBA All-Star means Tuesday starts an eight-month The 31-year-old playmaker, a four- “What I’ve gone through is totally but won his only scoring crown in 2008. quest to return to the NBA Finals and time NBA Most Valuable Player, un- diff erent than what he went through. Both were known for high-leaping defend the title, something no Cleve- leashed one of the NBA’s greatest one- What he did was unbelievable and I slam dunks and acrobatic style in jam- land team has managed since the 1955 man eff orts last June as Cleveland made watched it unfold. I looked up to him ming the ball through the cylinder in NFL Browns. the biggest comeback in NBA Finals so much. If I can ever put myself in younger days and adapting to age by “It will not be easy, and it shouldn’t history from 3-1 down to beat Golden position to be the greatest player, that utilising teammates more. be easy,” James said. “In my two years State in the best-of-seven series. would be something extraordinary.” James is still writing his story. Only here, it’s never been easy, and in my James averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 re- Jordan, now 53, won six titles in six 12 players have more NBA Finals appear- 13-year career, so far nothing has been bounds, 8.9 assists, 2.3 blocked shots trips to the fi nals in the 1990s with Chi- ances, most of them from the Boston easy. So I look forward to the journey and 2.6 steals a game – leading the fi - cago, each time the NBA Finals MVP. Celtics dynasty in the 1950s and 1960s and the work that lies ahead.”

RUGBY Czech star Jagr scores 750th goal in Panthers loss

AFP pull Florida level before Miami the visiting Capitals scored twice to grab a 4-2 victory. Jagr has also played for the All Blacks eye history aromir Jagr, a 44-year- Pittsburgh Penguins, New old Czech right York Rangers, Philadelphia Jwing for the Florida Flyers, Dallas Stars, Boston Panthers, scored his 750th Bruins and New Jersey National Hockey League Devils. goal on Thursday, becom- At third on the NHL’s ing only the third player to all-time points list for goals achieve the milestone. and assists combined, Jagr against the Wallabies Jagr moved into third is only 17 behind Mark place on the NHL’s all-time Messier’s second-best total goals list last February with of 1,887 and figures to sur- ‘The boys are excited. We’re up for this challenge. It’s going to be a massive game. his 742nd goal, trailing only pass that mark this season, Canadian legend Wayne although he would remain Obviously, it hasn’t been done in the history of tier-one nations. As a game against Gretzky’s record 894 and well shy of Gretzky’s record the late Gordie Howe’s 801. 2,857. Australia, we’ve got to prepare like all the other games where we’ve been successful’ Jagr might have been Results (Home team in CAPS) second on the list by now but he played three BOSTON 2 ...... New Jersey 1 seasons in the Russia-based Anaheim 3 ...... PHILADELPHIA 2 Kontinental Hockey League PITTSBURGH 3 .. San Jose 2 from 2008-2011 and had MONTREAL 5 ...... Arizona 2 three of his 23 NHL seasons Colorado 4 ...... TAMPA BAY 0 shortened due to money Washington 4 ...... FLORIDA 2 disputes between club own- MINNESOTA 3 ..... Toronto 2 ers and players. Los Angeles 4 ..... DALLAS 3 Jagr scored against one Carolina 4 ...... CALGARY 2 of his former clubs, the EDMONTON 3 .... St. Louis 1 Washington Capitals, to VANCOUVER 2 .. Buff alo 1

BASEBALL ‘Cursed’ Cubs on the brink of return to World Series

Reuters thing. It’s within our reach Los Angeles now. But I do want us to go after it... just go play our next game,” he added. he ‘cursed’ Chi- One of the most success- cago Cubs, who ful teams in Major League have gone 108 years Baseball’s early years, the without a World Cubs were the fi rst team TSeries title, gave their long- to win back-to-back titles suff ering fans a massive jolt (1907-08), and between of optimism as their bat- 1910 and 1945 they reached ters erupted for a second seven World Series but straight game on the road. failed to claim the crown. Twenty-four hours after In 1945, the Cubs led the they had pounded the Los Detroit Tigers 2-1 in the Australia coach Michael Cheika (centre) speaks to his players during a training session yesterday, as the Wallabies look to halt the New Zealand All Blacks’ world-record bid in Auckland. (AFP) Angeles Dodgers 10-2 at a best-of-seven World Se- stunned Dodger Stadium, ries when Billy Goat Tavern AFP run of 15 All Blacks victories. They raise their game and we’ve got to partnership with Samu Kerevi, al- they crushed their oppo- owner Billy Sianis was asked Auckland halted a 16-match winning streak certainly raise ours,” he said. lowing Fiji-born winger Henry nents 8-4 at the same venue to leave Wrigley Field be- in 2012 and two years later, a 12-12 “We know there’s that little Speight a fi rst start for the Walla- to take a 3-2 lead in the best- cause his pet goat, who had draw in Sydney left the All Blacks bit extra, and that’s extra for both bies since last year’s World Cup. of-seven National League a paid ticket, smelled bad. he All Blacks said they stranded on 17. teams. It’s not just our record, it’s Cheika said Cooper’s benching Championship Series. Escorted out, Sianis de- were primed to make his- But while the All Blacks named the Australians’ record to try and was less about the player and more Game Six will take place clared a curse on the Cubs. tory and Australia did their strongest possible line-up, stop us from making it and that will about trying a new midfi eld com- tonight in Chicago where Chicago lost that game and Ttheir best to shut down the Wallabies opted for an ex- put a bit of extra spice on it.” bination, with Hodge getting his another win by the Cubs the series in seven games the hype yesterday as the world perimental team. Coach Michael fi rst start in his preferred number would earn them a coveted and have not been back to champions seek a record-breaking Cheika made four changes to their Australia drop Cooper, 12 shirt after an impressive fi rst fi ve place in the Fall Classic the Fall Classic since then. 18th consecutive Test win. side that beat Argentina 33-21 two Foley moves to fl yhalf Tests as an outside back. against the Cleveland Indi- Facing elimination, the Despite a pressure-laden build- weeks ago, saying he wanted a “Testing new ideas on the bigger ans, and the chance to end a Dodgers will be putting their up, captain Kieran Read was in a “diff erent feel” for the game as he Australia have dropped fl yhalf stage, some people might not think lengthy dry spell marked by faith in just two pitchers as relaxed and jovial mood ahead of looked to the future. Quade Cooper for the game at Eden is the right time but I think that’s ‘The Curse of the Billy Goat’. they fi ght for playoff survival. today’s game at Auckland’s Eden The Wallabies this year have Park, where the All Blacks will be the place you see if it’s really some- For Cubs manager Joe Ace starter Clayton Kershaw Park, which has been a fortress for been way below the form that going for a record 18th successive thing that can work in the future,” Maddon, tonight’s game in will make a timely appear- the All Blacks. took them to the World Cup fi nal Test victory. Standout loose for- he said. front of a sellout crowd at ance on the mound for Game “The boys are excited. We’re up 11 months ago and for Cheika, it ward David Pocock returns from All Blacks coach Steve Hansen Wrigley Field will be “a formi- Six in Chicago tonight with for this challenge. It’s going to be meant going back to the drawing injury to take a place on the bench had predicted the dropping of dable event” but, despite the the hope that he can take the a massive game, I’m really looking board. “We understand that in- with the pack unchanged from that Cooper and the move of Hodge to heavy weight of expectation, team into the late innings be- forward to it,” said Read. “Obvi- stead of moaning and complaining which started the match against the centres in his pre-match media he predicts that his team will fore allowing reliever Kenley ously, it hasn’t been done in the about not having depth we’ve got the Pumas at Twickenham. conference on Thursday. focus on business as usual. Jansen to seal the deal. history of tier-one nations. As a to go out there and create,” he said, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen New Zealand-born Cooper, who But Cheika denied there were “That’s been our goal all The two pitchers have game against Australia, we’ve got adding that playing the All Blacks has struggled at Eden Park in the mind games behind the squad’s year (reaching the World created October magic for to prepare like all the other games “will be excellent in giving us ex- “You’d be blind not to see that we past, drops to the bench and will late release, saying it was necessary Series), and now we’re very Los Angeles during the where we’ve been successful.” perience”. haven’t done well here for a fair be replaced in the number 10 shirt to assess injuries, and joked about close to it,” Maddon told re- post-season and are now Victory would break a 47-year- Most of Australia’s current while but if you don’t have the by Bernard Foley, who played at in- Hansen’s foresight. “He must porters after the Cubs had their last symbol of hope. old record which was set by New players weren’t even born when dream or conception inside that side centre for most of the Rugby have known somehow. I’m not exploded with a fi ve-run The Dodgers have been Zealand in 1965-1969 and has been the Wallabies last won in Auck- you can go out there and do it then Championship. quite sure (how) because the bug is eighth inning to hush the crushed by a combined 18-6 equalled twice, by South Africa in land, but Cheika was not interested it’s never going to happen.” Foley will be reunited in a gone,” he said, referring to the lis- Dodger Stadium crowd and in their last two defeats 1997-1998 and the All Blacks in in revisiting history. Although the All Blacks are halfback partnership with his tening device that was found in the break a tight game wide open. and each Cubs hit seems 2013-2014. “Every Test match is a big oc- overwhelming favourites, Read New South Wales Waratahs All Blacks’ Sydney hotel before the “I want us to go out and to wither confi dence in the The hosts have won their last 35 casion. If we start thinking about said the All Blacks knew from past teammate Nick Phipps, who teams played in August. play the same game. I an- team’s pitching staff . Now it Tests at Eden Park, where Australia those things and thinking what’s experience that they couldn’t take comes into the starting line-up for New Zealand will retain the Bl- ticipate our guys going to is up to Kershaw, and possi- haven’t tasted success for 30 years not possible you’ll come up with the Wallabies lightly. Will Genia, who has returned to edisloe Cup for a 13th straight year pitch well, I anticipate their bly Jansen, who has rewrit- – but the Wallabies do have a habit a negative answer,” he said af- “We’ve learned that it isn’t just club duties in France. regardless of the result of today’s guy (Dodgers ace Clayton ten his playoff reputation of snapping All Blacks winning ter putting his side through their another game. When you’ve got Reece Hodge moves inside from match after back-to-back victories Kershaw) is, too. We’re not with his last two dynamite streaks. In 2010 they stopped a one training run in New Zealand. something on the line oppositions the wing to strike up a midfi eld over Australia in August. going to run away from any- appearances. Gulf Times Saturday, October 22, 2016 7 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Kuznetsova one Top-ranked win away from Kerber looks to WTA Finals end year on a high ‘I have worked extremely hard... this is a reflection of that eff ort’

AFP Singapore

he absence of Serena Williams may have robbed the season- ending WTA Finals of a block- buster showdown with Angel- Tique Kerber, but the great American’s withdrawal only means more acco- lades for the world number one from Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova needs to win the Kremlin Cup today to take the Germany after her breakout year. eighth and final place at the season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore. (AFP) Regardless of how she performs in Singapore, Kerber will be presented AFP her record with Svitolina, who was with the year-end number one trophy Moscow seeded fourth, at 1-1. after Williams, the only woman with If defending Kremlin Cup champion any chance of overtaking her at the Kuznetsova, 31, retains her title today top of the rankings, pulled out of the op-seed Svetlana Kuznetsova she will take the eighth and fi nal place elite eight-player tournament with a advanced into the fi nal of the at the season-ending WTA Finals in shoulder injury. Kremlin Cup yesterday with a Singapore next week. Kerber will become just the 12th hard-fought win over Ukrain- Should she lose, Johanna Konta of woman to fi nish the year ranked Tian Elina Svitolina to give her hopes of Great Britain will take the last spot. number one since computer rankings making the WTA Finals a further boost. In today’s fi nal in Moscow, Kuznet- were introduced in 1975, and no one Russia’s two-time Grand Slam title sova will face either Germany’s Julia would begrudge the 28-year-old’s winner won 6-1, 6-7 (2), 6-4 to level Goerges or Daria Gavrilova of Australia. claim to the title after a career-best season in which she lifted the Austral- ian and US Open trophies and fi nished PLAN runner-up at Wimbledon and the Rio Olympics. “This is one of the things I have been dreaming of,” Kerber said. “I have worked extremely hard to become the Woods says he’s best player I can be and this is a refl ec- tion of that eff ort and the wonderful year I have had.” With the ranking trophy safely in Angelique Kerber of Germany takes a selfie with fans during the off icial draw ceremony prior to the WTA Finals at Marina practising well, the bag, Kerber now has her sights on Bay Sands in Singapore yesterday. (AFP) picking up another major piece of sil- verware, the Billie Jean King Trophy statement on the indoor court of Sin- for the winner of the prestigious end- gapore. back in December of-season tournament. “I think the important tournaments are the ones you’ve got to play well, AFP DEEP FIELD the ones that really count, the ones New York Restricted to the world’s top eight that really take you to the top level,” players, the WTA Finals is regarded she said. as the most important annual event in “I just have a very aggressive game. iger Woods, the 14-time ma- women’s tennis outside the four ma- I go for my shots with no regrets, even jor champion sidelined by back jors, boasting a star-studded honour if I have to play to the fence.” injury for the past 14 months, roll. Romania’s Simona Halep, runner- says he is practising well and While Williams has won the tour- up two years ago, has also qualifi ed for Twill return to competitive golf in De- nament fi ve times, Kerber has only Singapore, along with Czech Karolina cember. qualifi ed twice before, in 2012 and Pliskova, who ended Williams’ reign Woods, appearing Thursday night 2013, bowing out in the round-robin as world number one in the semi-fi - on “Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” phase each time, giving her added in- nals of the US Open, as well as Ameri- said he will launch his latest comeback centive to cap her year by winning the can Madison Keys and Dominika Cil- at the Hero World Challenge in the Ba- October 30 fi nal. bulkova of Slovakia. hamas on December 1-4. She will go into the event as the fa- Even though the tournament starts “I’ll be there,” Woods said. “I’m vourite this time but facing a tough on Sunday, the last qualifying spot playing.” challenge from a strong and deceptively remains undecided with Britain’s Jo- The 18-player event hosted by deep fi eld, which includes last year’s hanna Konta tentatively booked to Woods is owned by his charity founda- winner, Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska, compete but at risk of being overtaken tion. Woods made a similar return from and reigning French Open champion (From left) Romania’s Simona Halep, Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova, Spain’s in the rankings by Svetlana Kuznetso- injury at the event in 2014 when it was quite feel as quite ready to shoot those Garbine Muguruza of Spain. Garbine Muguruza, Kerber, Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova, Madison Keys of the va, if the Russian wins this weekend’s played in Orlando, Florida. type scores under tournament condi- Muguruza had her own breakout US and Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanksa pose after the draw ceremony. (AFP) Kremlin Cup in Moscow. Woods had said last month he would tions.” year in 2015, reaching the Wimbledon “If I win the tournament, it would make his return at last week’s US PGA Woods, who turns 41 in December, fi nal then the semis in her fi rst appear- This year, the 23-year-old went one she upset Williams in the French Open be amazing and that’s what I’m ex- Safeway Open in Napa, California, but underwent back surgery twice last year. ance at the WTA Finals. better, claiming her fi rst major when fi nal. She now wants to make another pecting,” Kuznetsova said. later withdrew from the event and the Woods has won 79 US PGA titles, Turkish Airlines Open next month, three shy of Sam Snead’s all-time saying his game was not yet ready for record, and is four shy of the record 18 GOLF competition. majors won by Jack Nicklaus. Woods Woods, a former world number one said on the Charlie Rose show ear- who has plunged to 802nd in the rank- lier this week that he intended to pass ings while idled, told Colbert is game is Nicklaus’ total. improving well. Earlier this month, Woods was a vice Thomas surges clear at CIMB Classic “I’m not quite there, where I feel captain for the triumphant US Ryder like I can shoot 63s and 64s in tourna- Cup team at Hazeltine. He has been Reuters ments,” Woods said. “I’m shooting the named an assistant captain to Steve Kuala Lumpur low rounds at home. But I just don’t Stricker for next year’s Presidents Cup.

efending champion Justin Thomas fi red a bogey-free six-under-par 66 at the Scotland’s Warren leads in Portugal as TPC Kuala Lumpur course to talk of 59 fades surgeD two shots clear of the fi eld after the second round of the CIMB Classic in Malaysia yesterday. Marc Warren took a one-shot lead at the Portugal Masters on Thursday but Thomas won his fi rst and only PGA speculation that the European Tour could witness a round of 59 at the rough- Tour title at the $7mn co-sanctioned free Victoria Clube de Golfe proved premature. Scotland’s Warren began with event a year ago and the American six straight birdies but a bogey on the seventh stalled his momentum before backed up his opening round 64 with he went on to make three further gains in an eight under par 63. “I think I’ve some fl awless golf to lead the way had six or seven birdies in a row but never at the start of the round,” said War- heading into the weekend on 14-under ren. “It’s an absolutely perfect start. Everything was going right for me, just for the tournament. the right numbers and landing it close and a couple of tap-ins. It was a great “I didn’t play as well as I did yester- start.” Callum Shinkwin, David Lipsky, Eddie Pepperell, Matthew Baldwin and day. I drove it better, which was good, Mikko Korhonen are all a shot back. Defending champion Andy Sullivan was but I defi nitely had a couple iron shots at four under alongside in-form Alex Noren. and a couple wedges that I felt like I Justin Thomas of should have hit closer, but bogey-free the US grabs an is always good,” Thomas told reporters. iron before playing Lee opens lead at Blue Bay LPGA Anirban Lahiri is alone in second a shot during the place after fi ring a second straight 66 second round of 2016 Australia’s Minjee Lee opened up a six-stroke lead at the top of the $2,100,000 but the Indian repeated the late lapse CIMB Classic golf Blue Bay LPGA leaderboard as the second round ended yesterday. The he suff ered on Thursday to fall out of a tournament in Kuala 20-year-old, who is in her second year on the LPGA Tour, followed up her first tie for the lead when he stumbled over Lumpur yesterday. round 65 with a bogey-free 67 despite windy conditions, giving her a com- the line with a double-bogey seven at (AFP) manding lead at 12 under par. “I think I had a pretty solid round today,” she the last. said. “I don’t think it’s easy out there. It’s still windy and the greens are really Russell Knox recorded the best Fathaeur dropped into a tie for sixth holes and while he only managed to because I’ll have short-scoring clubs,” undulated so you have to be in the right places.” Germany’s Caroline Masson round of the day to move into a tie place after a two-under 70, while fel- pick up two more shots coming in, the Thomas added. “Out here, you have to birdied four of the last five holes at the Jian Lake Blue Bay course — where for third place on 11-under alongside low American Keegan Bradley (72) fell 23-year-old has only recorded one bo- make a lot of birdies to get closer to the she finished runner-up in 2014 — to go second, one shot ahead of Spaniard James Hahn and Hideki Matsuyama, two shots further back in the second gey in 36 holes and looks a good bet to lead or build a lead, so I’m just going Carlota Ciganda and American Jessica Korda. Korda was tied for second place the America-based Scot signing for a event of the wraparound 2017 PGA defend his title. to try to keep doing the same thing and overnight but endured a nightmare start, dropping four shots in her first fl awless nine-under-par 63 to surge 23 Tour season. “I’m just going to try to do the same make a lot of birdies.” seven holes, including a double bogey at the second. But she recovered by places up the leaderboard. Thomas set the tone for his round thing. Just going to try to hit fairways The event is co-sanctioned by the the time she walked off the 16th green and finished level par for the day. Joint overnight leader Derek with four birdies on his opening seven and from there, I’ll be able to attack Asian Tour.

Saturday, October 22, 2016 GULF TIMES CRICKET

PAK VS WI, DAY 1, 2ND TEST SPOTLIGHT India agrees Fit-again Younis to trial DRS for England Tests

AFP and Ultra Edge which will help in Khan leads New Delhi determining the frame of impact. India, which accounts for the lion’s share of global cricket rev- ndia ended its long-stand- enues, has been suspicious of ing opposition yesterday to the DRS since making a number cricket’s Decision Review of unsuccessful referrals dur- System (DRS), announcing ing the 2008 Test series with Sri Iit would be included on a trial Lanka, when the technology was Pakistan charge basis in next month’s Test series on trial. against England. The DRS uses ball-tracking, The Indian cricket board’s high-audio technology known as His 33rd Test hundred and 11th in the UAE helps Pakistan to 304-4 at stumps president Anurag Thakur said snicko and ‘hotspot’ thermal to that its major concerns had been verify umpires’ decisions. addressed by upgrades to the It was made optional, rather system which has been used by than compulsory, at India’s in- other Test-playing countries for sistence but most other cricket- the best part of a decade. ing nations including England The Board of Control for and Australia have supported the Cricket in India (BCCI) will de- system. ploy the DRS “in toto in the While the review system ap- forthcoming series between In- plies during ICC tournaments dia and England... on a trial ba- such as the one-day World Cup, sis to evaluate the improvements for bilateral series it is a matter made to the system over a period of agreement between the two of time,” Thakur said in a state- teams. ment. It is no secret that Indian bat- “We recognise the enhanced ting legend Sachin Tendulkar had role of technology in sport and his reservations against the DRS BCCI will lead such initiatives while current limited-over skip- in coming days, and enrich the per Mahendra Singh Dhoni has viewer experience.” also opposed it, saying technol- According to the BCCI, the ogy should be used only if it was signifi cant changes to the sys- 100 percent accurate. tem include the introduction of The fi rst Test between India high-speed ultramotion cameras and England will be played in Ra- for predicting the path of the ball jkot from November 9-13.

Himalayan setting for Australia-India Test series fi nale

The picturesque Himalayan hillstation of Dharamsala will make its debut as a Test venue by hosting the finale of a much-anticipated series between India and Australia in the new year. Dharamsala, which is home to the Dalai Lama, is the latest beneficiary of a new drive by the Indian board to take five-day cricket to smaller Pakistan’s Younis Khan plays a shot on Day One of venues, along with the city of Ranchi which will also host its first the second Test against West Indies at the Sheikh Test in March. The series opener will be played from February 23- Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (AFP) 27 in the western city of Pune followed by matches in Bangalore, Ranchi and Dharamsala, India’s board said in a statement yester- AFP Younis, who hit ten boundaries and a national fi xtures because of security fears Wahab Riaz, Mohamed Amir (both day. In June the board announced India would play as many as 13 Abu Dhabi six, added 175 for the fourth wicket with back home. rested) and Babar Azam were the trio to Tests in an exhaustive home season with back-to-back contests Misbah and 87 for the third with Asad He drove spinner Roston Chase for his make way. against New Zealand, England and Australia. Bangladesh will also Shafi q who made 68. eighth boundary to complete his hundred West Indies were forced to leave out play a one-off Test during the season, their first such outing in ounis Khan showed no signs of It was again the two veteran batsmen – – his 31st score of over 100 without being unfi t wicket-keeper batsman Shane India since they gained Test status in 2000. weakness after recovering from Younis and Misbah – who put Pakistan on dismissed in nineties – the most in Test Dowrich, bringing in Shai Hope. dengue fever to score a bril- track for another big total with their 15th cricket. The third and fi nal Test starts in Shar- liant century as Pakistan domi- hundred partnership in 49 innings. Younis and Shafi q led the eraly recov- jah from October 30. Sri Lanka omits Chandimal for natedY the opening day of the second Test Misbah, who has now equalled Imran ery after Pakistan lost openers Azhar Ali Zimbabwe tour against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi yes- Khan’s record of most Test matches as (nought) and Sami Aslam (six) in the fi rst SCORECARD terday. Pakistan captain with 48, hit two sixes hour. PAKISTAN (first innings) Sri Lanka omitted vice captain Dinesh Chandimal from a 15-mem- The 38-year-old, who missed Paki- and four boundaries as he worked in tan- Shafi q batted well in the extended S. Aslam b Bishoo 6 ber squad and brought in three uncapped players for a two-Test stan’s 56-run victory in the fi rst Test in dem with Younis to build an imposing two-and-a-half hour fi rst session due to A. Ali b Gabriel 0 tour of Zimbabwe next week. Sri Lanka Cricket said Chandimal Dubai with illness, smashed 127 to carry total. Friday prayers, hitting seven boundaries A. Shafiq b Gabriel 68 was yet to recover from a thumb injury he sustained during a Pakistan, who won the toss, to 304-4 at West Indies were guilty of sloppy fi eld- before playing on to Gabriel. Y. Khan c Chase b Brathwaite 127 domestic match last month. The three new faces in the squad stumps at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. ing with Younis dropped on 83 when Ali, who scored a career best 302 not Misbah not out 90 are fast bowlers Kasun Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara and the Younis fi nally holed out to deep mid- Brathwaite failed to hold a return catch out in Dubai, played on to Gabriel in the Y. Shah not out 0 allrounder Asela Gunaratne. The first Test begins on October 29 wicket off part-timer Kraigg Brathwaite off his own bowling and wicket-keeper fi fth over before Aslam was bowled by Extras (lb6, nb7) 13 in Harare while the second is scheduled from November 6 at the after fi ve hours at the crease, with fading Shai Hope handing Misbah a lifeline on leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo attempting Total (for four wkts; 84 overs) 304 same venue. light prompting the umpires to halt the 54 off paceman Shannon Gabriel. an ambitious drive. Fall of wickets: 1-6 (A. Ali), 2-42 (Aslam), Test squad: Angelo Mathews (capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaush- day six overs before the scheduled close. Gabriel was the best of the bowlers Pakistan, who lead the three-match 3-129 (Shafiq), 4-304 (Younis) al Silva, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya Silva, Rangana Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq was unbeaten with 2-43. series 1-0 after winning the fi rst Test Bowling: Gabriel 14-1-43-2 (7nb), Cum- Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, on 90 – just ten runs short of his 11th It was Younis’s 33rd Test hundred and in Dubai by 56 runs, brought in Younis, mins 15-1-43-0, Holder 14-4-31-0, Bishoo Niroshan Dikwella, Kasun Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Lahiru hundred as Pakistan’s batsmen dominat- 11th in the United Arab Emirates – where Zulfi qar Babar and Rahat Ali as they made 20-0-92-1, Chase 12-0-53-0, Brathwaite Gamage and Asela Gunaratne. ed on a batting-friendly pitch. Pakistan have been forced to host inter- three changes to their line-up. 9-0-36-1

BAN VS ENG, DAY 2, 1ST TEST UPDATE Lodha panel Honours even as Iqbal leads fi ghtback to appoint AFP spinner Mehedi Hasan claimed the A. Cook b Shakib 4 Chittagong, Bangladesh fi nal wicket of Stuart Broad to fi nish B. Duckett b Mehedi 14 auditor for with 6-80 as England added just 35 J. Root c Sabbir b Mehedi 40 runs to their overnight 258-7 before G. Ballance lbw b Mehedi 1 amim Iqbal scored a half- they were all out. M. Ali c Rahim b Mehedi 68 BCCI fi nances century as Bangladesh made Left-arm Taijul Islam took the B. Stokes b Shakib 18 a solid start yesterday in re- other two wickets that fell in the J. Bairstow b Mehedi 52 IANS sponse to England’s fi rst in- morning in England’s innings to re- C. Woakes c Mominul b Taijul 36 New Delhi ningsT in an evenly-poised opening turn with the fi gures of 2-47. A. Rashid c Sabbir b Taijul 26 Test before skipper Mushfi qur Rahim Taijul dismissed overnight bats- S. Broad c Rahim be Mehedi 13 was bowled just before the close. man Chris Woakes (36) off the fi rst G. Batty not out 1 he Supreme Court yesterday said England paceman Ben Stokes dis- ball of the day as Mominul took the Extras (b14, lb4, w2) 20 the Justice Lodha Committee will missed Rahim for 48, three overs be- catch at forward short leg. Total (all out, 105.5 overs) 293 appoint an independent auditor to fore stumps in Chittagong. The hosts Adil Rashid was given out leg-be- Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Duckett), 2-18 study the fi nances of the Board of fi nished the day on 221-5, trailing fore off Mehedi in the next over but TControl for Cricket in India (BCCI), including (Cook), 3-21 (Ballance), 4-83 (Root), England’s fi rst innings total of 293 the decision was overturned after a 5-106 (Stokes), 6-194 (Moeen), 7-237 contracts involving media rights and other runs by 72. review as replays indicated the ball (Bairstow), 8-258 (Woakes), 9-289 tenders above a certain threshold value. Shakib Al Hasan, who shared a 58- had been missing leg stump. (Rashid), 10-293 (Broad) The auditor would scrutinise and audit the run partnership with Rahim for the Rashid made good use of his for- Bowling: Shafiul 9-1-33-0, Mehedi income and expenditure of the BCCI, oversee fi fth wicket, remained unbeaten on tune to score a brisk 26 before a fi ne 39.5-7-80-6, Kamrul 8-0-41-0 (w2), the tendering process above a threshold value 31 overnight along with nightwatch- diving catch at cover by Sabbir Rah- Shakib 19-6-46-2, Taijul 24-11-47-2, to be fi xed by the committee and the award of man Shafi ul Islam, who has yet to get man off Taijul ended his innings. Sabbir 3-0-11-0, Mahmudullah 2-0-17- the contract subject to the approval of Lodha off the mark. Broad also profi ted from the Deci- 0, Mominul 1-1-0-0 panel. The Lodha panel would be at liberty to Iqbal earlier top-scored with 78 for Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal plays a shot on Day Two of the first Test against sion Review System as he was given obtain the advice of the auditors on the fair- the home side, his 19th half-century England in Chittagong yesterday. (AFP) out by umpire Kumar Dharmasena BANGLADESH (1st innings) ness of the tendering process. and fi fth against England, before he off Taijul before it was overturned. T. Iqbal C Bairstow b Batty 78 The committee would be at liberty to for- got a top edge when he attempted to the third day. a television review after being given In a nightmare Test for the um- I. Kayes b Ali 21 mulate the terms of engagement of the audi- cut off -spinner Gareth Batty. “If we can restrict them early, then out just before the tea break. pires, with eight of their decisions M. Haque c Stokes b Ali 0 tors having regard to the above directions and “I think we have slight bit of ad- hopefully we will be in the box seat,” Adil Rashid, who earlier dropped a overturned in fi ve sessions, Bangla- Mahmudullah c Root b Rashid 38 the BCCI “shall defray the costs, charges and vantage,” Iqbal said after the day’s said the 39-year-old after taking his tough catch of Iqbal at 28 off Moeen, desh also benefi ted from the review M. Rahim c Bairstow b Stokes 48 expenses of the auditors”. play. fi rst wicket after more than a decade broke the left-handers’ partnership system at the end of the England in- Shakib Al Hasan not out 31 A bench comprising Chief Justice T.S “If Mushfi q had remained unbeat- out of the side. when he had Mahmudullah caught at nings. S. Islam not out 0 Thakur, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice en we could have said we are in a bet- slip by Joe Root. Umpire Chris Gaff aney initially Extras (lb 4 w1) 5 D.Y. Chandrachud said the BCCI will not dis- ter position. MOEEN STRIKES TWICE The hosts had been 29-2 at lunch declared Broad not out off Mehedi, Total (five wickets, 74 overs) 221 burse any funds to its state affi liates until they “Still we have got fi ve wickets in Iqbal, who hit seven fours, added 90 after Moeen – who scored a half- but wicketkeeper Rahim immediate- Fall of wicket: 1-29 (Kayes), 2-29 undertake to abide with the directions of the hand and if we can take a lead of 100 runs with Mahmudullah (38) for the century in England’s innings – ly demanded a review which showed (Haque), 3-119 (Mahmudullah), 4-163 court and the recommendations of the Lodha runs it would be great.” third wicket to steady Bangladesh’s bowled opener Imrul Kayes for 21 off the ball took a sharp edge before go- (Iqbal), 5-221 (Rahim) Committee. Batty said “the match is evenly innings after Moeen Ali took two his very fi rst ball and then had Mo- ing into the hands of the captain. Bowling: Broad 8-2-12-0, Batty 17- The Court also granted the BCCI time till poised” and England would fancy wickets in one over before the lunch minul Haque caught by Stokes at slip 1-51-1, Woakes 7-2-15-0 (w1), Rashid December 3 to comply with its orders and their chances if they could polish off break to rattle them. for a duck. SCORECARD 13-1-51-1, Ali 19-2-66-2, Stokes 8-3-17-1, asked it to file compliance report by De- the Bangladeshi lower order early on Iqbal got a reprieve at 55 through Earlier, 18-year-old debutant off - ENGLAND (first innings-o/n 258-7) Root 2-0-5-0 cember 5.