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Wednesday, October 26, 2016 TENNIS Muharram 25, 1438 AH Kerber GULF TIMES crushes Halep at WTA Finals SPORT Page 5

CRICKET Yasir spins Pakistan to series-clinching win ‘It’s a good win. The pitch was not helping the spinners so it SCOREBOARD was tough to get West Indies out even on a fifth day pitch, Pakistan (1st innings) ...... 452 S Hope c Khan b Babar ...... 41 but we have match-winners like Shah who bowled very well’ West Indies (1st innings) ...... 224 J Holder lbw Shah ...... 16 Pakistan (2nd innings) ...... 227-2 decl. D Bishoo c Misbah b Babar ...... 26 West Indies (2nd innings; overnight 171-4) M Cummins b Shah ...... 0 K Brathwaite lbw Nawaz ...... 67 S Gabriel () ...... 7 L Johnson b Shah ...... 9 Extras (b-4, lb-1) ...... 5 D Bravo c Nawaz b Ali ...... 13 Total (all out, 108 overs) ...... 322 M Samuels c&b Shah ...... 23 Fall of wkts: 1-28, 2-63, 3-112, 4-124, 5-187, 6-244, 7-266, 8-311, 9-312 J Blackwood b Shah ...... 95 : S Khan 14-3-44-0; R Ali 23-2-69-1; Y Shah 39- R Chase c Ahmed b Shah ...... 20 5-124-6; Z Babar 22-5-51-2; M Nawaz 10-0-29-1

Yasir Shah took 6 for 124 to help Pakistan win the second Test against the West Indies by 133 runs in Abu Dhabi and take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. (AFP)

AFP 41. Hope and Devendra Bishoo fought Jason Holder was pleased with his Abu Dhabi for 45 runs during their eighth- team’s fi ght despite the defeat. “We’ve stand before left-arm spinner Zulfi qar showed signs of improvement,” said Babar (2-51) had Hope and Bishoo (26) Holder who has now lost eight of his eg-spinner Yasir Shah took six caught to fi nish the match. 11 Tests as captain. “Unfortunately we second-innings in Pa- In between Babar’s wickets, Shah weren’t able to start the game the way kistan’s crushing 133-run sec- had Miguel Cummins bowled for we like. They scored too many runs on ond Test win over West Indies nought to fi nish the match with fi gures the fi rst day, we didn’t bat well in the inL Abu Dhabi yesterday as they took of 10-210, having taken 4-86 in the fi rst innings. Pleased with the guys like an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three- fi rst innings. Blackwood, the way they showed ap- match series. Pakistan won the fi rst Test by 56 plication.” The wily spinner fi nished with runs in Dubai, leaving the third and fi - Blackwood defi ed Pakistan’s spin- 6-124 to secure his second 10-wicket nal Test in Sharjah starting from Sun- cum-pace attack in the fi rst session by haul in after claiming four day inconsequential. adding 63 for the fi fth wicket with Ros- wickets in the fi rst innings as West In- Captain Misbah-ul-Haq showed de- ton Chase (20) and another 57 with Hope dies were bowled out for 322 before tea light at the series win. “It’s a good win for the sixth to counter the weary pitch. on a weary fi fth and fi nal day pitch at and I am very happy,” said Misbah, who When it seemed Blackwood would Sheikh Zayed Stadium. equalled Imran Khan’s record of most complete his second Test hundred, Shah had deprived West Indian matches as Pakistan captain with 48. Shah produced a beautiful batsman Jermaine Blackwood his sec- But this is Misbah’s 23rd victory while which kept straight and hit the bats- ond Test hundred when he bowled him Imran had only 14. “The pitch was not man’s pad, dislodging the stumps. for 95 in the pre-lunch session. helping the spinners so it was tough to Blackwood hit 11 boundaries during his West Indies, set a mammoth 456- get West Indies out even on a fi fth day enterprising 127-ball stay. run target for an unlikely victory, still pitch but we have match-winners like Shah then trapped Jason Holder fought hard and batted for 108 overs Shah who bowled very well.” leg-before for 16 to complete his fi ve- with Shai Hope also scoring a fi ghting Meanwhile, West Indian captain wicket haul, the second in the series. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, October 26, 2016 CRICKET

FALL OF THE MIGHTY Misbah disappointed at West Indian downfall

AFP pieces at the moment. They will be- Pakistan are now number two in the Abu Dhabi come a good side but at the moment Test rankings behind , while West Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq (left) and they are lacking experience. Everyone Indies are eighth, ahead only of Bangla- veteran batsman Younis Khan return to the wants to see a strong West Indies side desh and Zimbabwe. pavilion after winning the second Test against kipper Misbah-ul-Haq showed like we had in the past. Right now it’s Jason Holder has now faced eight West Indies in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (AFP) disappointment over the down- really a big disappointing factor for all defeats in 11 Tests as captain but he fall of once-mighty West Indies of their fans.” feels there are signs of improvement. after Pakistan achieved a series- West Indies now face the prospect “It is a young and inexperienced clinchingS win in the second Test in Abu of a whitewash in the Tests, with the squad so it will take time to get the re- Dhabi yesterday. third and fi nal match starting in Shar- sults we have been looking for. We have Pakistan thumped West Indies by jah from Sunday. They were also routed been in the position of inconsistency 133 runs on the fi fth and fi nal day to 3-0 in both the Twenty20 and one-day for the last number of years so I don’t take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the international series which were played feel any pressure,” said Holder, who three-match series. The defeat is West before the Tests. was appointed captain last year. Indies’ 19th in their last 29 Tests since Misbah, who equalled the legen- “I am here to do a job and I am try- November 2013, having won only four dary Imran Khan’s record of most Tests ing to do as best as possible. It’s almost and drawn the remaining six. as captain with 48, is understandably a decade since we have been struggling. It is in total contrast to the West happy with his own team’s progress. We are in a situation where we are try- Indies team of the 1980s, when under “It’s a matter of happiness to equal ing to get things right. It will take some Clive Lloyd’s captaincy they were an Imran’s record but I think I am more time for these boys to get nourished indomitable force at international level, happy because we won the match,” said and developed and we have to give going undefeated in 27 Tests from Janu- Misbah, who now has 23 wins to Im- them that opportunity to do so. If you ary 1982 to December 1984. ran’s 14. have watched our cricket for the last “That’s bit disappointing and if However, he agreed the Sheikh Za- couple of months then we have shown you see their strength in international yed Stadium pitch was unresponsive signs of improvement.” cricket they were always a force but to bowlers. “It was a tough pitch to get West Indies lost the fi rst Test by 56 now they are having a downfall,” said bastmen out but at the end it is satis- runs in Dubai, but still fought hard in Misbah after Pakistan’s victory. factory. I think wins help in the devel- both the matches, batting for 109 and “They are a young side with some opment of the team and its rise in the 108 overs respectively in the fourth in- players performing well in bits and rankings.” nings of the two Tests.

FOCUS Bangladesh cricket board bans Sabbir’s ‘raunchy’ ad

angladesh cricket have board off icial said on condition pulled a raunchy advert of anonymity. “It does not fit Bstarring new Test star with the image of Bangladesh Australia Test stars Sabbir Rahman and a model cricket.” The advert has drawn following social media outrage sharp reaction online, mostly in the religiously conservative from those opposed to 34-year- country, an industry off icial old model Naila Nayem whose said yesterday. The advert has previous promotion of breast been airing on television since cancer screenings was seen by August but drew fresh attention some as sexually suggestive. this week after Sabbir’s superb “Absolute nonsense! I wonder have point to prove batting brought the nation why would Sabbir act in such a agonisingly close to its first-ever sexually tickling ad with Naila!” victory over England. The advert said Facebook user Rahat Khan. ‘Results haven’t gone our way in the last couple of months but that’s the game shows Sabbir holed up inside his Bangladeshi cricketers are house drinking a non-alcoholic feted like rockstars by millions of cricket sometimes. You have to move on and try and improve. We probably malt beverage called Oscar in the socially conservative before being discovered by Muslim-majority country and let a few opportunities slip so we’ve got to move forward and try to improve’ the model who is dressed as a are in huge demand to promote policewoman. The model seduc- everything from noodles to mo- tively handcuff s the 24-year-old bile phones. Sabbir was thrust batsman before he responds into the national spotlight after that drinking Oscar means “a lit- hitting an unbeaten 64 runs in tle privacy is indeed needed”. his first Test, which saw Bang- “Bangladesh Cricket Board ladesh almost pull off an upset (BCB) has circulated a direc- against England. There was no tive to stop broadcasting of immediate comment from Sab- the ad,” a Bangladesh cricket bir or Nayem. England captain Cook all praise for ‘X factor’ Stokes

ngland cricket captain is that X factor cricketer which Alastair Cook says all- every side would love to have. Erounder Ben Stokes gives And he balances our side and England the “X factor” and put gives us options,” Cook told his improvement down to the British media. “The one thing work he has done to play against that he has done over the last spin. Stokes was the man-of- year is to improve his method the-match for his performance against spin.” in England’s thrilling 22-run With a five-match Test series in victory in the first Test against India coming up for England next Bangladesh in Chittagong. He month, Cook said there would be took six wickets, including two in changes to the squad for the sec- three balls, to seal victory on the ond and final Test against Bangla- final day, and scored a crucial 85 desh in Dhaka, starting on Friday. runs in the second innings after “I’m pretty sure there will be England’s top order collapsed on some changes. In an ideal world day three of the match. we don’t want to get to India with “I now say it every single time people having not played much we speak about him. The guy cricket,” he added.

AFP the world Test rankings since be- Sydney Lehmann to ‘chat’ with aggrieved Khawaja ing whitewashed 3-0 away to and belted 5-0 by the Pro- ustralia coach Darren Lehmann will have a privately. We would rather have these things played teas on tour. ustralia captain Steve ‘private chat’ with Usman Khawaja after the out between selectors and players.” “I’ve let that go,” Smith said Smith admits the team Atop order batsman publicly criticised selec- Khawaja and Burns both enjoyed outstanding of Sri Lanka, where Australia has its work cut out af- tors for dropping him during the Sri Lanka tour. home summers against New Zealand and West lost their fi rst series in August. ter their 3-0 Test series Khawaja and opener Joe Burns were omitted for the Indies but struggled on the flat wickets of Sri Lanka “It wasn’t a great tour and I’ve lossA to Sri Lanka, but says it’ll be thought quite a lot about it since third and final Test in Colombo, which Australia lost in August where they averaged 13.75 and 8.50 runs a diff erent ball game on home soil to slump to a 3-0 series whitewash. respectively. coming back home, ways we can against South Africa. Although both the Queenslanders struggled for “Being on the selection panel for the Test match, it improve in those conditions.” Smith and his colleagues now runs, Khawaja told local media over the weekend he was warranted,” Lehmann said of their omission in Co- Australia sent an under-strength pull on their pads for day-night felt they were unfairly singled out. lombo. “At the end of the day, there were diff erent con- team to South Africa for the one- Sheffi eld Shield domestic games “It was disappointing that Joe Burns and I were ditions and those two guys weren’t playing well enough day series and paid the price with with several players needing sort of the scapegoats for not performing,” Khawaja — they averaged eight or seven in two Test matches. the unprecedented whitewash. to impress before the fi rst Test said. “I found it pretty fickle that the selectors We had to change something, but that doesn’t aff ect South Africa captain Faf du Ples- against the Proteas starts in Perth dropped me for the third one.” the summer at home. We have to work out what we sis said he felt the tour might leave on November 3. Khawaja’s comments came less than a week be- think the best batting line-up is for the summer.” a “mental scar” on Smith’s side Former Australia captain fore Lehmann and selectors Rod Marsh, Mark Waugh Khawaja and Burns are hoping to impress selec- ahead of the Test series. But Smith Vaughan warns of series Mark Taylor recently claimed and Trevor Hohns, pick their squad for the three-Test tors in Queensland’s day-night Sheff ield Shield was having none of it. only fi ve members of the current South Africa series starting in Perth on Nov 3. Leh- match against New South Wales this week. Western “It’s a completely diff erent for- Test side, which went down 3-0 mann said he would talk to Khawaja but denied the Australia batsman Shaun Marsh, who replaced mat of the game. We’ve got our whitewash against India in Sri Lanka in September, were batsman’s comments would count against his hopes Burns and scored a century in Colombo, is also two big guns back with (Mitchell) assured of their places. They of a recall. “He is not on the back foot,” Lehmann bidding for a top order spot as he recovers from a Starc and (Josh) Hazlewood,” he ngland will suff er a order collapsed on day three and included Smith, David Warner, said in Brisbane yesterday. “(But) I will chat to him hamstring injury. said of the pace duo. “The batters series whitewash against Vaughan said England cannot Peter Nevill, Mitchell Starc, and were a little bit disappointing... EIndia unless their batting aff ord to put themselves in a . but I’ve moved on from that now improves dramatically from the similar situation against the The skipper admitted that opportunities slip so we’ve got to We’ve played good cricket here decided on an XI for the fi rst Test. and it’s about focusing on this first Test win over Bangladesh, world’s top-ranked Test side. “It Australia’s latest performances move forward and try to improve in the past and hopefully we can “I’d say they want to see a few summer and Test cricket.” former captain Michael Vaughan doesn’t matter who goes first. had been poor, with the one-day in those conditions. There’s a lot continue to do that this summer.” guys play the fi rst couple of days Starc will be eased back into has said. England relied on their England for such a long time team whitewashed 5-0 by South of work to do there.” The squad for the three-Test in the Shield game then be set- bowling this week in New South bowling and an in-form Ben are always 30 or 40 for three. If Africa following the Sri Lanka But Smith, himself under the South Africa series is set to be an- tled,” he said. “I don’t think they Wales’ Shield match against Stokes to bail them out against they’re 30 or 40 for three against hammering. microscope after Australian great nounced on Friday with the likes are too far off .” Queensland after suff ering a bad Bangladesh and claim a 22-run India they’ll get blown away,” he “Results haven’t gone our way Steve Waugh said his captaincy of batsmen Shaun Marsh and As well as Perth, Australia gash on his leg during a freak victory on the final morning in added. “Yes, you celebrate a win, in the last couple of months but would be closely monitored in the Adam Voges, all-rounders Mitch- face South Africa in Hobart and training accident. Chittagong. “If they perform like but hopefully England, in the that’s the game of cricket some- summer Test series against South ell Marsh and Moises Henriques, Adelaide before a home Test se- Questions remain over Aus- they did against Bangladesh, it’ll background, are being honest times,” he said. “You have to move Africa and Pakistan, insisted it and spinners Nathan Lyon and Jon ries against Pakistan in Brisbane, tralia’s third seamer and who be 5-0,” Vaughan told the BBC. with themselves that they can on and try and improve. I was dis- would be diff erent on Austral- Holland keen to prove their form. Melbourne and Sydney from De- will open the batting with David Stokes steadied England’s play better.” England play India in appointed with the way we played ian soil. “I’m comfortable with Smith said he believed selec- cember 15. Formerly top-ranked Warner, as Shaun Marsh races to second innings after the top the first of five Tests from Nov 9. in Sri Lanka. We probably let a few where we’re at back in Australia. tors were close but still had not Australia have slipped to third in recover from a hamstring strain. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 26, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA SPOTLIGHT Zidane ‘not worried’ by Ronaldo strike rate Unloved Leipzig AFP day’s 2-1 victory over Athletic Madrid Bilbao. “Personally, it’s not that I am indiff erent to it, I would prefer him to score two or three eal Madrid coach Zin- goals in every match, but I am edine Zidane has dis- not worried because I know it missed concerns sur- will pass,” Zidane said ahead of rounding Cristiano today’s trip to third-tier Cultural emerge as Bayern’s Ronaldo’sR supposed troubles Leonesa in the last 32, fi rst leg of in front of goal that have led to the Copa del Rey. boos from the club’s notoriously “He is still getting lots of demanding fans. chances and soon he will put The Portugal superstar has them away. I was also booed scored four times in nine ap- when I was a player, it can hap- pearances for the Spanish league pen and it means the crowd ex- leaders since returning from the pect a lot of the player. closest challengers knee injury that forced him off in “The Bernabeu is special. But his country’s Euro 2016 fi nal win he knows it, he is used to it and over France. he is not worried.” ‘They could be very dangerous, personally I find Leipzig very convincing’ He failed to fi nd the net in Ma- Ronaldo is rested for Wednes- drid’s last two games and there day’s game along with Gareth were boos from sections of the Bale, Karim Benzema, Marcelo Santiago Bernabeu crowd after and goalkeeper Keylor Navas. the three-time world player of They should all return for Sat- the year missed a chance in Sun- urday’s trip to Alaves.

Griezmann wins Liga award

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann was named La Liga player of the season for 2015/16, ahead of the likes of star duo Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Atletico’s Diego Simeone also took the coach of the season award while Barcelona’s Uruguay striker Luis Suarez was named the top non-EU player. Curiously, though, Barca’s Argentina international Messi was recognised as the best forward at the award ceremony in Valencia. Atletico dominated the awards as Jan Oblak was best goalkeeper, Diego Godin top defender and Frenchman Griezmann also claimed the fans’ award. Real Madrid weren’t left empty-handed, though, as Luka Modric was named best midfielder.

TRANSFERS FIFA fi nes Spanish Leipzig’s Guinean midfielder Naby Keita (L) scores the first goal past Bremen’s goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald during the German first division Bundesliga match in Leipzig. (AFP) FA for breach of rules AFP tions in seven years. games unbeaten at the start of a rival fans and turn it into posi- the city — formerly part of the Berlin “They could be very danger- season for a promoted club, set tive energy for us,” said defend- communist East Germany — at Reuters ulations on the status and trans- ous, personally I fi nd Leipzig by MSV Duisburg in 1993/94. er Willi Orban. having a top-fl ight team. Madrid fers of players, which is designed very convincing,” said Bayern Austrian head coach Ralph Any RB fans dreaming of Eu- The previous dominant force to protect minors. B Leipzig’s remarkable defender Mats Hummels, whose Hasenhuettl says his side must rope next season would be well in town was Lokomotiv Leipzig, The Spanish FA have been unbeaten start to the team-mate Joshua Kimmich, “stay humble and keep being advised to remember Hoff enhe- Germany’s very fi rst champions IFA have fi ned Spain’s given a further six months to Bundesliga season has signed from RB in 2015, was in greedy” for league points. The im, who fi nished the fi rst half of in 1903 and Cup Winners’ Cup football federation regularise their “existing system seen them suddenly the Red Bull Arena to watch his club, which was founded by ener- their debut Bundesliga season in fi nalists in 1987 who have since (RFEF) for breaking rules within the country” and have emergeR at the head of the pack ex-club beat Bremen. gy drinks giants Red Bull in 2009, 2008/09 top of the table — only gone bankrupt and are now governing the interna- also been issued with a “warning chasing reigning champions and But the Bundesliga new boys have been given the cold shoulder to end up seventh. in the fourth tier — alongside tionalF transfer and registration and a reprimand.” league leaders Bayern Munich. are working hard to keep their by German football fans. But there are good reasons to RB’s second team — after being of minors by allowing Atletico The decision was made based The newly-promoted team feet on the ground, resisting the believe RB Leipzig can fi nish in reformed. “There was already and Real Madrid to sign under- on the investigations carried out have won fi ve and drawn three tags of ‘Bayern-hunters’ im- ‘Answer for everything’ the top four to earn a Champi- a huge amount of promotion age players from other countries. by FIFA concerning minor play- of their eight matches so far in posed on them by a German me- A severed bull’s head was ons League berth for next sea- euphoria amongst the fans and In January, world football’s ers who were involved with, and their debut Bundesliga season. dia eager to talk up a potential thrown onto the pitch during a son. The young team, which has that’s good,” said Rangnick of governing body banned the took part in competitions with, Guinea international Naby title race. RB Leipzig’s sporting German Cup game at Dynamo no superstars, is eager to learn RB’s run. On top of that, spon- Madrid clubs from participat- Atletico from 2007 until 2014 Keita netted twice in Sunday’s director Ralf Rangnick says any Dresden in August. Then Co- and is fl exible. sors Red Bull will be able to ing in two consecutive transfer and with Real Madrid between 3-1 win over Werder Bremen to title talk is far too premature, logne fans staged a sit-down pro- “We changed the formation splash out for a new signing in windows for breaching rules re- 2005 and 2014. leave them second, two points insisting: “We’ve made a good test in September which meant against Bremen after 45 minutes January, should Hasenhuettl garding the signing of underage Real and Atletico saw their adrift of Bayern, who they face start so far, nothing more.” the Leipzig team bus arrived late — and the boys did it superbly want to strengthen his squad. non-Spanish players, similar appeals against transfer bans re- away on December 20 in their last It certainly has been a very for an away league game. well,” said Hasenhuettl. And while most of their rivals punishment to that handed out jected last month by FIFA’s Ap- outing before the winter break. good introduction to life in Placards with anti-RB Leip- “At the moment, there is an are involved in two or even three to Barcelona in 2015. peal Committee and will not be It is no surprise, then, that Germany’s top tier. They have zig slogans from rival fans regu- answer for everything.” competitions, Leipzig can focus FIFA’s Disciplinary Commit- allowed to register new players Bayern are paying close atten- claimed the scalps of Borus- larly appear during games, but They have had sell-out just on the Bundesliga for the tee ruled yesterday the Spanish until January 2018. tion to what’s going on at RB sia Dortmund, Hamburg and the negative sentiments pull the crowds of over 40,000 for three rest of the season having been federation must pay 220,000 The Spanish Football Federa- Leipzig, who earned their Bun- Wolfsburg, and RB Leipzig are team together. of their four home games and knocked out of the German Cup Swiss francs ($221,283) for tion is led by Angel Maria Villar, desliga place with four promo- closing in on the record of 10 “We take the aggression from there is a euphoria building in in August. breaching article 19 of their reg- a FIFA vice president.

FOCUS Drogba, Gerrard near end as MLS playoff s kick off

AFP the matchday squad. Drogba’s the club in August 2015. Los Angeles Montreal teammates, mean- DIDIER DROGBA STEVEN GERRARD But Drogba’s fi rst full season whilem face an awkward trip to in the MLS this year has been face DC United in Washington marked by tension between the he Major League Soccer with the Ivorian striker strug- player and his club, with the na- careers of Didier Drog- gling with a sore back. dir coming on October 16 when ba and Steven Gerrard Failure of the Galaxy and the striker refused to be a part of could end without either Montreal to negotiatate their Montreal’s matchday squad after Tman kicking another ball as their fi rst-round opponents could in being told he would not be in the teams head into nerve-wracking all probability spell the end for starting line-up. sudden-death playoff games Gerrard and Drogba. Montreal President Joey starting today. Gerrard, 36, fueled specu- Saputo insisted the feud be- Two of the biggest names of lation about his future at the tween Drogba and the club had the English Premier League’s weekend with a social media been settled, though it did not golden era, Liverpool icon Ger- post interpreted in some quar- prevent MLS from hitting the rard joined Los Angeles Galaxy ters as a farewell message to Los player with a fi ne last week for in 2015 just a few months before Angeles fans. the no-show. Chelsea legend Drogba headed to “Living in Los Angeles and Drogba did not play in Sun- Montreal Impact. playing for the great Galaxy sup- day’s fi nal regular season game However, both Gerrard and porters has been a privilege,” — a 3-0 away defeat to the New Drogba’s seasons are hang- Gerrard wrote. England Revolution — and has ing by a thread as their respec- “You have made this place complained of a back problem tive teams face knockout games feel like home to me. This city which prevented him from train- this week which could end their and this club will always hold a ing last week. campaigns. special place in my heart. Thank about returning to Anfi eld in a Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, had a tie on the road there,” Are- acrimonious end to a career in Impact coach Mauro Biello, The Galaxy face a one-off you.” coaching role. Gerrard, who was in meanwhile, is bracing for a tough na said. Montreal that has unravelled who rested several fi rst team game against Real Salt Lake at England earlier this month to un- test against a Salt Lake side his “Always a good team. Obvi- rapidly after a successful debut players from the defeat to New the StubHub Center in Car- Liverpool return? dergo treatment on his hamstring, team took four points from in the ously, a team we’ve seen be- season. England, said Monday Drogba son today, with Gerrard, on the It came as reports in Britain trained separately from his Galaxy regular season. fore in the playoff s. We expect a The 38-year-old has scored 21 was still complaining of a sore mend from a recent hamstring said former England captain Ger- teammates on Monday after re- “I think we played them twice tough match.” goals in 32 appearances for Mon- back, describing the forward’s injury, far from certain to make rard had held talks with Liverpool turning to California. this year, beat them at home and Drogba, meanwhile, faces an treal since making his debut for status as “day to day.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, October 26, 2016 FOOTBALL

DEMISE ANNOUNCEMENT CONTRACT PROBE COMMENT Brazil 1970 skipper Carlos China’s Evergrande extend Arsenal want Wenger to Watford face inquiry over Lack of possession costing Alberto dies at 72 Scolari’s contract stay, but won’t rush to talks ‘forged’ letter Sunderland late goals: Moyes

Carlos Alberto Torres, captain of the great Brazil Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has been Arsenal hope Arsene Wenger remains their Watford are being investigated by English foot- Sunderland manager David Moyes says his team that won the 1970 World Cup, died yes- given a new deal by Guangzhou Evergrande manager beyond the end of the season, but ball authorities over allegations that the club side’s lack of possession is costing them late terday of a heart attack in Rio de Janeiro at the after guiding the Asian giants to their sixth con- the London club said there was no rush to hold falsified financial information before its current goals and wants his players to raise their fitness age of 72, Brazil’s Sportv, for whom he worked, secutive Chinese Super League title, the club fresh contract talks. The 67-year-old recently owner completed his takeover. levels to begin their climb out of the Premier announced. Carlos Alberto starred alongside announced, putting to rest doubts about his fu- celebrated his 20th anniversary as manager The Football League announced an inquiry into League basement. Sunderland are bottom on Pele, Tostao, Jairzinho and Rivelino in the Brazil ture. “Continue the fight! #Be the best forever#” of Arsenal but the Frenchman’s contract is due claims that a banking letter, allegedly forged to two points after nine games but would be in team that beat Italy 4-1 in the final in Mexico and the team wrote over a picture of Scolari on its to expire at the end of this campaign. Arsenal appear to be written by HSBC, was submitted better shape had they managed to see out the is considered as one of the greatest sides of all verified Weibo social media account yesterday. chairman Chips Keswick, questioned about when the Italian businessman Gino Pozzo took last five minutes of matches, losing late goals time. A right-back, he scored the last goal in the The Brazilian signed a “1+1” deal with Ever- Wenger’s contractual arrangements during full control of the club from his father Giam- to West Ham, Crystal Palace, Southampton and final, running onto a Pele pass and smashing in grande, the club said. It did not define the term Arsenal’s Annual General Meeting on Monday, paolo in 2014. Manchester City. “I heard someone say if it was a thunderous shot with his right foot. Born in Rio but reports described it as a one-year deal, said: “We all recognise the fantastic contribu- The letter was reportedly submitted to the 85 minutes we would have nine points by now,” in 1944, “Capita” as he is known in Brazil, also with an option for another year. Well-heeled tion Arsene has made to the club in the last 20 Football League, which oversees clubs outside Moyes said. played alongside Pele at Santos from 1966 to Evergrande owned by an eponymous property years. “We are confident about his ability to take the Premier League, when Watford were a “I wish we were if that was the case, but I think it 1974 and at the New York Cosmos from 1977 to company have a record of ruthlessly replacing us forward. We will sit down and discuss the second-tier club in the Championship. Watford is more to do with us not having the ball enough 1980 after beginning his career with Fluminense. coaches. future at the appropriate time.” also announced its own inquiry yesterday. and, by the end of the game, it wears you down.”

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Conte defends touchline ‘passion’ Pep wants Aguero AFP now. I want to stay very close London to my players, also to play with them, to help. “I always show respect for helsea boss Antonio the opponent, for the other Conte says he de- teams, for the other club, and serves the same re- my history speaks for me.” spect he gives others Conte, still hoarse from his to stay at Man City Cand described himself as “a repeated shouting at the week- passionate man”, after he ap- end, added he was looking for- peared to upset Jose Mourinho ward to managing a team at ‘When I said it depends on Sergio, I was not saying I don’t want him’ with his touchline antics. the London Stadium, where The Italian urged Chelsea the large technical area is in fans to ramp up the volume marked contrast to the rela- AFP following the fourth goal in tively small space in which he Manchester SERGIO AGUERO (LEFT) WITH PEP GUARDIOLA the 4-0 win over former Blues operates at Stamford Bridge. boss Mourinho’s Manchester “I know that these two United at Stamford Bridge on teams are big rivals, but in ep Guardiola has reas- Sunday. England it’s fantastic the at- sured Sergio Aguero that Following the full-time mosphere during the game, he has a future at Man- whistle, Mourinho spoke at during a match and I hope to chester City. length to Conte, with reports see this tomorrow,” he said. PAguero has been through a in the Italian media suggest- “If I have to compare the tricky October, with his early- ing the Portuguese said: “You technical area to Stamford season run of goalscoring form don’t celebrate like that at Bridge, I’m happy. grinding to a halt and his place 4-0, you can do it at 1-0, oth- “For me, it’s very diffi cult. in City’s starting line-up called erwise it’s humiliating for us.” I have to ask my club to try into question. But Conte, 47, speaking on to change the technical area. Guardiola dropped the for- the eve of Chelsea’s EFL Cup My area and also for the other ward to the bench for recent fourth-round tie away to Lon- coach.” games against Everton and Bar- don rivals West Ham today, Chelsea captain John Terry celona, although he did start said: “I think that everyone was an unused substitute in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League must show respect for me, for the recent wins over Leicester draw at home to Southampton — my work, for my job. and United, but he could start a result that left City top of the “In every game I show my- for the fi rst time in six weeks table on goal diff erence. self. I have a history and you today following an ankle in- The manager seemed to suggest can see my history, my past jury. last Friday that Aguero was free to and my behaviours on the “John is fi t,” Conte said. leave the club if he wanted to, say- bench. “He’s fi t to start, he’s in good ing that “when he decides to leave “I’m a passionate man, I shape, but tomorrow I decide City, it will be his decision”. show this in the past (and) the starting XI.” However, Guardiola — whose side visit Manchester United in the fourth round of the EFL Cup today — has insisted the Argen- tina international remains a sig- Neuer urges Mourinho to end nifi cant part of his plans. Schweinsteiger’s Utd exile “Sergio played really well in the last games,” Guardiola said Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has called on yesterday. “I am so happy with Manchester United to end Bastian Schweinsteiger’s first-team Sergio and hopefully he can stay exile and allow the ex-Germany captain to help improve their for a long time. flagging fortunes. “When I said it depends on United coach Jose Mourinho has frozen the 32-year-old out this Sergio, I was not saying I don’t season, but after Sunday’s 4-0 drubbing by Chelsea Neuer says want him. I want from deep in the veteran midfielder should now get a chance. my heart for him to can stay Schweinsteiger, formerly of Bayern, has been left to train with here.” United’s reserves or hit the weights on his own in the gym. “It’s diff icult when you don’t take part in team training and have ‘Special player’ to train alone,” Neuer said during a Munich press conference for Aguero has acknowledged he Bayern’s German Cup match home to Augsburg today. has been struggling for form of “I really hope that Bastian gets some consideration soon. We all late, both for club and country. on October 15. time, I always think about what I The winger is not fi t to face cause we cannot train. So I knew know he’s one of the best midfielders in the world. He belongs He suff ered a calf injury while Guardiola has refused to give can do to help them individually United at Old Traff ord today, the process would be a little bit on the field for Manchester United and not training individually.” playing for Argentina in a 2-2 any credence to reports that and collectively.” but could be ready for Saturday’s longer than I expected. Schweinsteiger made his 121st and final appearance for Ger- World Cup qualifying draw in there have been tensions be- City are in the midst of a de- league trip to West Bromwich “We cannot forget how well many in a friendly win over Finland last month and Neuer has Peru on October 6, and then de- tween him and Aguero this sea- manding run of fi xtures, which Albion. we have played, even in the last taken over as captain. clared himself fi t for their next son, instead choosing to talk up includes a Champions League City won their fi rst 10 matches few games, when we didn’t win. Schweinsteiger last pulled on a United shirt in the Premier qualifi er at home to Paraguay the striker’s qualities. Group C home match against of the season under Guardiola “We were better than our op- League in the Manchester derby in March before injury ended fi ve days later, only to have a “He is a special player,” the Barcelona, the club where Guar- but have failed to win any of the ponents and we created many his first season in England, following 17 years with Bayern. penalty saved as his side lost Spanish boss said. “He is a diola made his name as a man- following fi ve. chances, but we missed the last Neuer is not the only one calling for Schweinsteiger to be given 1-0. striker who has scored millions ager and player, on November 2. But Guardiola said: “I knew pass. We conceded few chances. a chance at Old Traff ord, as Manchester United — seventh in To compound his frustrations, of goals in his career. We cannot Guardiola is hopeful Kevin from the beginning how dif- The only problem is that when the Premier League — prepare to host neighbours City in the Aguero had another penalty forget how many goals he scores De Bruyne will be fi t to play in fi cult it would be. We play a lot we did, we gave clear chances English League Cup on Wednesday. saved after coming on as a sub- for us. that match after suff ering a calf of games and we have not too to them. But I am so optimistic Ex-Germany striker Lukas Podolski wrote “Schweinsteiger stitute as City drew 1-1 at home “I am here to help him. When injury against Southampton on many times to make a correction we are going to have a very good please” on Twitter when United were 3-0 down at Chelsea. to Everton in the Premier League a team does not win, for a short Sunday. during the training session be- season.”

OPINION United approach could favour City: Kompany

AFP “It’s just physically impossi- Premier League, has suff ered a City manager Pep Guardiola Manchester ble for me to play down a derby,” mammoth 34 injuries in his eight is looking to end an unusually said Kompany, 30. years with the Blues. barren spell by his high stand- “But the more they say this is The majority of his injury his- ards and following City’s latest anchester City cap- the fourth competition, the bet- tory relates to hamstring and, disappointment against South- tain Vincent Kom- ter it is for us. particularly, calf problems, al- ampton he kept his players pany believes bitter “Am I looking forward to though Kompany’s latest issue locked in the dressing room for rivals Manchester Wednesday? Come on, al- has concerned his groin. nearly an hour. MUnited have handed his team an ways. The bigger the game, the “It’s hard to come back, obvi- Kompany declined to discuss advantage by playing down to- better. ously, but I know what I have to specifi cally what was said dur- day’s League Cup local derby at “That’s how I’ve always ap- do to be back at my level,” said ing the inquest but accepts that Old Traff ord. proached it in my career and I will the City stalwart. the players should shoulder their The injury-plagued Belgium for the rest of my career. Those “I’m always confi dent. The share of criticism. international defender started a games are what you play for.” last thing I want to do, when “We’re adults, we’re all highly game for the fi rst time since April City hold the League Cup after you’ve lived through your career ambitious and we realise that in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League beating Liverpool on penalties in as a footballer, is give up. we have to move as a unit and draw with Southampton and a Wembley fi nal in February, but “If I give up then I know the behave as a team and I think came through unscathed as City they make the journey across outcome. But if I carry on, there’s anything in the dressing room gained a point that put them top Manchester on a run of fi ve always a chance that I’ll relive stays in the dressing room,” he of the table on goal diff erence. league and cup games without those moments. So my motiva- said. Now Kompany hopes to retain victory. tion can never be in doubt. “But I think it’s positive to have his place for the EFL Cup fourth- However, the return of a fully “God knows what would have some sort of maturity in the team, round tie, especially as United fi t Kompany is a major boost happened if I’d never had those to recognise we need to move for- manager Jose Mourinho — beat- for a City defence that appears injuries but I need to get some- ward, but to have a positive spirit en 4-0 at his old side Chelsea determined to implode at least thing that makes me stronger and, as I said, these kind of results on Sunday — has described the once a game. out of it, something diff erent sometimes give you something competition as being fourth on Kompany, regarded as one from other players, and that’s extra — and that’s what we need his club’s list of priorities. of the top centre-backs in the what I believe in.” to get out of it.” Gulf Times Wednesday, October 26, 2016 5 SPORT

TENNIS Kerber crushes Halep, Keys downs Cibulkova at WTA Finals Kerber entered the match trailing Halep, who thrashed Keys in her opener, 4-3 in their head-to-head meetings

Madison Keys of the US returns during Confi dence key for Kerber her win over Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia at the WTA Finals round robin in maintaining top spot match in Singapore yesterday. (Reuters) Singapore: Angelique Kerber matches this year. I won two enjoyed a perfect day in Singa- grand slams, so that’s why I pore, first easing past Simona believe much more in myself Halep 6-4, 6-2 to claim her right now.” second WTA Finals round robin Her win over Halep followed win of the week before she was a tough three-set triumph over presented with the year-end Dominika Cibulkova on Sunday, world number one trophy. leaving the German needing to Kerber stormed up the rank- take just one set off Madison ings in a breakout season that Keys tomorrow to advance to garnered two Grand Slam victo- the semi-finals of the elite eight- ries and the 28-year-old German woman event for a first time. admits her sky-high confidence With world number two is as much a weapon as her Serena Williams absent through whipped forehand and incred- a shoulder injury, Kerber is ible retrieving skills. assured of the number one “I have much more confi- spot she reached last month dence right now because I know until the end of 2016 and the how to win very big matches, German believes achieving that tight matches. feat at 28 has made her more I know what to do to go for appreciative. it and just take the game in my “It’s still a new challenge but hands,” Kerber told reporters. I feel I can enjoy it more now “I believe much more in my than when I was like 20 years game and in myself than I did old, because I have much more 12 months ago, especially after experience of how to behave Singapore one year ago,” she and what I have to do off court,” added. “I won so many good the left-hander added.

Reuters she sniff ed an opportunity to pull away. leticism and speed around the court kept had at Kerber in the next game in an at- Singapore The German entered the match trail- her in the rallies, the German left-hander tempt to get the set back on serve but the ing Halep, who thrashed Keys in her Red continued to dictate the early exchanges. top seed’s remarkable retrieving skills and Group opener, 4-3 in their head-to-head The Romanian, however, was showing ability to hit winners while stretched out ngelique Kerber produced a pol- meetings but the 28-year-old showed more patience and opted to keep Kerber wide neutralised the threat. ished display to claim her second fl ashes of the form that brought her two pinned on the baseline rather than go- Exerting all that eff ort for no reward straight win at the WTA Finals grand slam titles in 2016. ing for winners, the strategy paying off as seemed to knock the stuffi ng out of Halep with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Si- “I’m feeling very, very good here and she worked her angles beautifully to break and Kerber pounced again to seize another monaA Halep yesterday, the world number it’s just great to win my second match here back then hold to love for a 4-3 lead. break against a demoralised opponent to one virtually booking a spot in the semi- playing my best tennis,” Kerber said. “I’m Kerber was feeling the pressure but give her the breathing room she needed to fi nals of the elite eight-woman event. trying to enjoy all my matches here and I maintained her composure and consist- seal an ultimately comfortable victory. In the second Red Group encounter, hope the spectators can enjoy it as well.” ency to fi rst stave off her rampant oppo- In the late match, Keys (1-1) looked a Madison Keys claimed her fi rst win of the Kerber came out fl ying, pushing nent in the eighth game and then pressure completely diff erent player to the one who tournament in a battle between debutants Halep all around the court with her pin- Halep into a string of errors to cough up a surrendered meekly to Halep on Sunday when the American used her powerful point groundstrokes to manufacture an decisive break of serve in the next. when she jumped all over Cibulkova’s (0- forehand to overpower Slovakia’s Domini- immediate break, which the German con- The German held comfortably to seal 2) serve to race through the fi rst set in just ka Cibulkova 6-1, 6-4. solidated with a gutsy hold after the Ro- a high quality opening set in 43 minutes 23 minutes. The Slovak improved to make Kerber (2-0), who beat Cibulkova in manian set about attacking her opponent’s and carried the momentum into the sec- a contest of it in the second set but a single her fi rst match on Sunday, was at her re- second serve. ond when she reeled off her fi fth game in a break in the fi fth game was all Keys needed silient best against Halep (1-1), standing Halep was struggling to contain Ker- row to open a 2-0 lead before Halep fi nally to seal the contest, although the permu- Angelique Kerber of Germany with the WTA Year-end World No. 1 fi rm when her opponent threatened and ber’s main weapon, her whipped forehand, stopped the rot by holding. tations available in the fi nal pool games Trophy in Singapore yesterday. (Reuters) putting her foot on the accelerator when and while the world number four’s ath- The Romanian threw everything she means all four players can still advance.

GOLF ROUND-UP Stenson eyes Race to Dubai Ferrer advances to second round of Vienna Open Agencies Muller, 37th in the world, pulled ahead of Dimitrov glory to cap great year 3-2 in their career series as he avenged a January Vienna semi-fi nal loss in Sydney. Swiss hero Roger Federer and rival Rafael Nadal are missing from the Basel pani’s David Ferrer advanced to the second tournament after both ended their seasons early to round of Erste Bank Open after the with- fully recover from injuries. Top seed Stan Wawrinka drawal of British opponent Kyle Edmund was opening his assault later in an all-Swiss show- yesterday. The British player decided to down with Basel wildcard and Federer childhood withdrawS because of physical problems after 18 friend Marco Chiudinelli. minutes, when the score was at 3-2 to Ferrer at the RESULTS (ROUND 1) Wiener Stadthalle. Gilles Muller (Luxembourg) beat 6-Grigor Dimitrov (Bul- Fifth-seeded Ferrer will play the next round garia) 6-7(9) 6-4 6-4 Paolo Lorenzi (Italy) beat Nicolas against the winner of the game between Uruguayan Mahut (France) 6-4 7-6(4) Marcel Granollers (Spain) Pablo Cuevas and Portuguese Joao Sousa. beat Henri Laaksonen (Switzerland) 6-3 3-6 6-2 The British No 2 continued his rapid rise by breaking into the top 40 of the world rankings on Monday on the back of his fi rst ATP Tour semi-fi nal in Antwerp last week. That run included one of the best wins of his career against Ferrer but Edmund’s hopes of a repeat were swiftly dashed. He lost the opening two games and after only 18 minutes, with the score at 3-2 to Ferrer, decided he could no longer continue because of what appeared to be a hip injury. Feliciano Lopez, who won his maiden title in Vienna in 2004, defeated seventh- Dustin Johnson (from left), Rickie Fowler and Bubba Watson of the US, Henrik Stenson of Sweden and Haotong Li of China attend a photo seeded Lucas Pouille 6-4, 2-6, 7-5 to set up a match call ahead of the WGC-HSBC Champions Golf Tournament in Shanghai yesterday. (Reuters) against John Isner of the United States. Viktor Troicki of Serbia converted his only break point in AFP don’t have to go through another surgery but ago, but battled to fi nish tied for 11th along- the fi nal set to complete a 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 come- Shanghai time will tell.” side McIlroy. back win over Kevin Anderson of South Africa. The Olympic silver medallist, who won It was the Swede’s best ever fi nish in the RESULTS (ROUND 1) his fi rst major this year at Troon, was speak- tournament which is co-sanctioned by the 6-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) beat Benjamin Becker ritish Open champion Henrik Sten- ing on the sidelines of the launch event for US PGA, European and Asian Tours. Dubbed (Germany) 6-3 6-4 Gilles Simon (France) beat Guillermo son said yesterday he was fi t, re- the $9.5mn WGC-HSBC Champions at the “Asia’s Major” the WGC-HSBC Champi- Garcia-Lopez (Spain) 6-4 7-5 Feliciano Lopez (Spain) freshed and would turn a good year plush Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel in down- ons this year features eight of the world’s beat 7-Lucas Pouille (France) 6-4 2-6 7-5 Viktor Troicki into a great one if he could cap it by town Shanghai. top players and 40 of the top 50. “It’s a (Serbia) beat Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 4-6 7-6(5) winningB the Race to Dubai. Stenson lies second in the European Tour’s great course,” said Stenson of the 7,261-yard 7-5 5-David Ferrer (Spain) beat Kyle Edmund (Britain) Sweden’s Stenson has been bothered by Race to Dubai standings, 412,728 points be- Sheshan International Golf Course layout. 3-2 (Edmund retired) what he terms “a small re-tear” in the me- hind leader Danny Willett. Rory McIlroy is “I really like the golf course and the event niscus of his right knee recently. But the third, a further 643,243 points behind Sten- has gone from strength to strength. Now MULLER STUNS DIMITROV world number fi ve said it would not ham- son. Masters champion Willett has a healthy we’ve got all the best players in the world WITH BASEL ACE ASSAULT per his eff orts to win one of the season’s re- lead but there are more than a ranking points here,” he added. Gilles Muller unleashed 17 aces as he stormed back maining big prizes, starting with this week’s available to the winner in Shanghai. “It’s a very prestigious event and I would for a 6-7 (9/11), 6-4, 6-4 victory over Grigor Dim- World Golf Championships-HSBC Cham- “I need to get on a good run, I’ve got some love to throw my name in there Sunday af- itrov in the Swiss Indoors fi rst round yesterday. pions tournament in Shanghai. ground to make up but there’s some big ternoon and have a chance to get that tro- The 33-year-old veteran from Luxembourg lost “Yeah it’s pretty good. It was holding purses these last four weeks and I can be phy. I have three tour events left here, South the opening set but made the last two count as he up pretty good throughout the Ryder Cup challenging for the number one spot,” Sten- Africa and Dubai. I can make a really, really fought through in just under 2.5 hours to earn the where I played fi ve games,” Stenson told son said. good year into an even better one, a great upset win. AFP yesterday about his troublesome knee. Stenson was also suff ering on account of one, with the Race to Dubai and, hopefully, Muller produced 44 winners and broke three Feliciano Lopez of Spain beat Lucas Pouille of “I had some rest before and rehab. I hope I his knee when he arrived in Shanghai a year another title or so before the season is over.” times against the world-ranked 18 from Bulgaria. France at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, October 26, 2016 SPORT

NFL BASEBALL World Series managers No sweet homecoming downplay epic droughts

AFP Cleveland to Mile High for Osweiler orld Series manag- ers sent a clear mes- sage to their players on Monday — pay Broncos Rookie Siemian shines as he completes 14 of 25 passes for 157 yards at Mile High Stadium Wno attention to the historic title droughts that have created such Reuters a tremendous buzz around your Denver games. The Chicago Cubs, who have not won a title since 1908 in the longest championship futili- sweet homecoming was never likely for ty streak in American sports his- Brock Osweiler in Denver on Monday tory, worked out on the eve of the but the Houston Texans quarterback got opener of the 112th World Series much more than he bargained for as he against the Cleveland Indians, deliveredA a nightmare performance against the whose title drought since 1948 Broncos in a 27-9 loss. is the second-longest in Major Returning to the Sports Authority Field at Mile League Baseball annals. High where he had been understudy to NFL great “I think we all have a tremen- Peyton Manning for four years, Osweiler threw for dous amount of respect for his- only 131 yards on 41 attempts with just 22 comple- tory and what has happened be- tions. Early in the fourth quarter with the Texans fore us or not happened before trailing 21-9, Osweiler endured his most embar- us, Cubs manager Joe Maddon rassing moment of the night with an unexpected said. “But you go in that room fumble, the ball slipping out of his hands just as he right now, they are very young. was preparing to throw. Really not impacted by a lot of “They say every quarterback is going to experi- the lore.” ence it at some point where the ball just fl ies out of The Cubs feature fi ve starters your hand, and unfortunately I got to experience it who are 24 or younger, including tonight,” Osweiler told reporters after Houston fell 22-year-old shortstop Addison to 4-3 for the season. Russell. Not reaching the World “To go out there and have a performance like we Series since 1945 is ancient his- did today, it’s extremely disappointing. But I also tory to him and his teammates think you need to give credit where credit is due. even as it represents a lifetime’s The Broncos are a great football team and they wait for many of their devoted came to play in all three phases today. That sec- supporters. ondary and defensive line made it very tough for us “We are impacted by our city to move the football off ensively so you need to tip and our fans and the people your hat to them.” that attend our games and the With linebacker Von Miller, last season’s Super conversations that we have,” Bowl MVP, leading the way with his uncanny abil- Maddon said. “But I don’t think ity to make sack after sack, the Broncos are the best when there’s a groundball hit to defensive team in the league, so Osweiler was al- Addie, he’s going to be worried ways going to face a daunting challenge. about stuff like that. They’re go- On Monday, the Texans quarterback could fi nd ing to be in the moment. That’s no off ensive rhythm against players who had been what we’ve done and that’s all I his team mates until he decided to leave Denver in preach. March and sign a four-year, $72 mn contract with “Hopefully they’ll be able to the Texans. “Our job as an off ensive unit is to score get this done and at that point touchdowns and score enough touchdowns to win you can really refl ect on every- a football game, and we didn’t do that tonight as a thing, interact with folks and re- unit,” said Osweiler, who had a 5-2 record in place ally try to get down to the root of of the injured Manning last season before being all of this. But in the meantime, benched. man, I really anticipate and ex- “And it starts with me. I need to play better. pect our guys to stay right in the There’s nobody who is going to examine this game moment.” tape harder than myself. We like to push the foot- It’s much the same for Indians ball down the fi eld and we weren’t able to do that manager Terry Francona, who in tonight. I over-threw the receivers a few times. We 2004 managed the Boston Red will fi nd a way to clean this up.” Quarterback Trevor Siemian (left) of the Denver Broncos throws during the NFL game against Houston Texans in Denver, Colorado on Monday night. (AFP) Sox to their fi rst World Series Quarterback Trevor Siemian threw for a touch- crown since 1918. He can feel the down and guided four other scoring drives for the ing carries, respectively, as the Broncos bounced ing falling backwards for a 31-yard gain to set up Trailing by eight points at halftime, the Texans excitement in Cleveland fans, Broncos. Siemian, the unlikely successor to the back from consecutive losses. a fi rst-and-goal at the 2. Two plays later, Booker (4-3) drove down the fi eld before stalling and set- who had not celebrated a cham- retired Peyton Manning after Osweiler, Manning’s It was a sweet win as well for Broncos coach bulled his way into the end zone from 1 yard out, tling for a third fi eld goal by Nick Novak, this one pion in any sport since the 1964 four-year understudy in Denver, left to sign a free Gary Kubiak, who returned from an illness that extending the lead to 12 points. a 29-yarder. Houston climbed within 14-9 with NFL Browns until the Cavaliers agent deal with Houston, overcame a sluggish start forced him to miss last week’s loss to the San Diego On the ensuing Houston possession, Osweiler 9:09 remaining in the third quarter. won the NBA crown in June. He by the Broncos’ off ense to complete 14 of 25 for 157 Chargers. He guided Denver (5-2) past the Texans, lost control of the ball as he cocked his arm to pass. Denver saw three productive off ensive plays knows the Indians have not been yards. He threw 4 yards to Demaryius Thomas for a team he used to coach. The ball fl uttered forward, and the fumble was re- wiped out by holding calls, including a brilliant to the World Series since 1997. a touchdown. Running backs CJ Anderson (16 car- Late in the third quarter, with Denver ahead just covered at the Houston 25-yard line by cornerback downfi eld catch by Demaryius Thomas before fi - But Francona knows such re- ries, 107 yards) and rookie Devontae Booker (17-83) 14-9, Siemian connected downfi eld with wide re- Chris Harris Jr., leading to a 22-yard fi eld goal by nally getting untracked to take a 14-6 halftime fl ections are best done after the fi nished two other drives with a 7 and 1 yard scor- ceiver Emmanuel Sanders, who made the catch- Brandon McManus with 11:37 left. lead. task at hand is fi nished. Durant should take a back NHL ROUND-UP seat at Warriors: Payton Radulov leads Canadiens to win Los Angeles: Prized Golden State acquisition Reuters Sam Bennett and Sean Monahan scored leased an itinerary yesterday detailing the KEVIN DURANT (RIGHT) should not try to be- Montreal during regulation for Calgary. Patrick Kane visit of the group, which includes Lynn come the team leader at his new home, says Hall and Brian Campbell tallied the Blackhawks’ White, the NHL’s Group Vice President of of Famer Gary Payton. goals in regulation. Chicago earned a point International Strategy, and Senior Director Instead, Payton suggests Durant take a back lexander Radulov contributed for the 13th consecutive meeting against the of Facilities Operations Dan Craig. seat to his incumbent teammates and be a quiet if three points to lead the Montreal Flames. Sandra Monteiro and Matthieu Schneider eff ective role player for the 2015 NBA champions Canadiens to a 3-1 win over the Flames goaltender Brian Elliott turned of the NHL’s Players’ Association, as well as when the new season began yesterday. Philadelphia Flyers in Monday’s aside 31 of 33 shots during regulation and offi cials from the International Ice Hockey NationalA Hockey League game at the Bell did not allow a goal in seven shootout at- Federation, are also part of the group. The Payton, one of the all-time alpha males of the NBA who once trash-talked Michael Jordan, Centre. The Russian winger scored a goal tempts. Elliott made a kick save against offi cials will inspect the Kwandong Hockey believes in the perhaps old-fashioned idea of a and added two assists as the Canadiens won Richard Panik on a point-blank opportu- Centre and the Gangneung Hockey Centre team’s pecking order and is not convinced that their fourth straight game. nity in the fi nal seconds of the third period. today. A decision on player participation is just showing up at Golden State should lift Durant Shea Weber had a goal and an assist, and Goaltender Corey Crawford stopped 29 of 31 expected before the end of this year. to leading man status. Brendan Gallagher also scored for Montreal. shots for the Blackhawks. Discussions over player participation “That’s not his team. That’s (Stephen Curry), Jakub Voracek accounted for the Flyers’ hit a roadblock last month after nhl deputy (Klay Thompson) and Draymond Green’s team,” goal. Goalie Steve Mason stopped 30 shots NHL TO INSPECT 2018 FACILITIES, commissioner Bill Daly said the chances of Payton told Reuters recently. “He’s supposed to for the Flyers (2-3-1).Carey Price made 31 PARTICIPATION STILL IN DOUBT the league shutting down to allow players follow suit. I don’t like when players (take a step saves for the Canadiens (5-0-1). National Hockey League (NHL) offi cials are to compete at the Olympics in the middle of back for a new player). It’s your team. Let that man In another game, Kris Versteeg scored the visiting South Korea this week to inspect fa- the season were “dim”. come in there and be a part of the team.” tiebreaking goal to lift Calgary Flames to a cilities for the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics The International Olympic Committee Durant, 28, the 2014 NBA most valuable player, shootout 3-2 win over Chicago Blackhawks. amid continuing uncertainty over the par- (IOC) says it is no longer willing to cover sent shockwaves through the league in July when Versteeg’s goal in the seventh round of the ticipation of the league’s top players at the insurance and travel costs for NHL players, he left the Oklahoma City Thunder for the already- shootout followed 13 consecutive misses by Winter Games. which have been widely estimated at around powerful Warriors. More than a decade ago, players from both teams. Pyeongchang organizers (POCOG) re- $10 million. Payton formed his own super team when he joined Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Karl Malone with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2003. The star-studded group, while not short of talent, famously fell short in the NBA Finals amid with the now defunct Seattle SuperSonics. locker room dysfunction and Bryant’s legal pro- Nicknamed ‘The Glove’ for his smothering ceedings after being charged with sexual assault. defense, a moniker given to him by his cousin after Payton, 48, who was in Los Angeles to promote a a dominating performance against All Star guard first-year Dew NBA 3X basketball tournament put Kevin Johnson, Payton is the only point guard ever on by Mountain Dew and the NBA, can relate to to garner the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year the challenge of trying to mesh with large egos. Award, in 1996. That said, Payton notes diff erences between his His fearless approach was best defined that year teaming with the Lakers and Durant latching on in the NBA Finals when he squared off with Jordan to the Warriors at the peak of his career. “(Malone and gave as good as he got from the league’s and I) weren’t in our prime (when we signed),” said greatest player during a competitive series which Payton, who inked with Los Angeles just before the Sonics lost 4-2 in the best-of-seven with his 35th birthday. In my prime I never would’ve Chicago. done it. Ever. Never in my prime would I go to a “I said anything I wanted to him, and that’s why team with Jordan, (Malone), (John Stockton).None he respected me so much (because) I stayed in his of them.” face,” Payton said. Like many retired greats, the notion of joining “Everyone says ‘he’s a great player’ but I’m a forces with a rival is off ensive to Payton’s competi- great player too. I didn’t think anyone was better tive sensibilities. A nine-times NBA All Star, Payton than me when I played. I’m not going to be on the terrorized opponents with both off ense and de- court saying ‘ohhh, ahhh, that’s Michael Jordan.’ I fense while spending the bulk of his 17-year career don’t care about that. I’m Gary Payton.” Montreal Canadiens’ Alexander Radulov (left) celebrates his goal against Philadelphia Flyers with teammates. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times Wednesday, October 26, 2016 7 SPORT

MOTORSPORT ATHLETICS Diack adviser Malaysia to ‘take freed from a break’ from F1, French custody cites poor returns ‘When we first hosted the F1 it was a big deal. First in Asia outside Japan. Now so many venues. No first mover advantage. Not a novelty’

AFP pletely unjustifi ed,” his lawyers Louis- Paris Marie de Roux and Cedric Labrousse told AFP after successfully appealing his incarceration, insisting he was not French court has ordered the a fl ight risk. release from police custody of Diack headed the IAAF from 1999 to a former legal adviser to dis- 2015 but found himself at the centre of graced former world athletics a maelstrom that blew track and fi eld’s headA Lamine Diack, his lawyers said governing body apart. on Monday. French police have charged Diack Habib Cisse was placed behind bars with corruption on suspicion the Sen- earlier this month as part of a French egalese accepted bribes to cover up investigation into corruption linked doping cases in Russia. He was also to state-sponsored doping of Russian charged with money laundering and athletes. conspiracy. Cisse, a lawyer by profes- Cisse, 41, was put under investiga- sion, is suspected of playing a key role tion in November 2015 for corruption in the scandal. along with Diack and Gabriel Dolle, Eliane Houlette, head of France’s fi - former anti-doping doctor for the In- nancial prosecution department, said ternational Association of Athletics in January that all three men had ad- Federations (IAAF). mitted covering up positive Russian “His provisional detention was com- drug tests.

BOXING Mundine-Green rematch lined up in Australia

AFP “I’ve been fi ghting with a bad hip — a Sydney very bad hip — for the last seven, eight years,” Mundine said. “That’s fi xed now. I feel my feet are much-hyped rematch be- back, my movement’s back. I’m going In this September 30, 2016, picture, Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg goes around the Sepang circuit during the Malaysian Grand Prix. (AFP) tween Australian boxers An- to be as sharp as I was in 2006.” thony Mundine and Danny Green, a former WBA light-heavy- AFP also in the grip of political and eco- F1. At least for a while. Cost too high, Meanwhile state energy fi rm Pet- Green was announced yester- weight champion, said he was in good nomic problems. returns limited.” ronas, the race’s title sponsor which dayA for the Adelaide Oval in February. shape despite being 43. Kuala Lumpur Formula One races are often run at Offi cial fi gures show Formula One also backs the championship-leading It is 10 years since Mundine fa- “I feel good, really good. I’m 43 years a loss but they are attractive to many has shed 200 mn TV viewers globally Mercedes team, has been badly hit mously beat Green on points in front of old, never felt better,” said Green, who alaysia is planning to take cities because of their prestige and ex- since 2008, with common complaints by zig-zagging oil prices, which have more than 30,000 people at the Sydney defeated Kane Watts on points last a “temporary break” from posure to global audiences. including the predictability of races. crimped Malaysia’s economic growth Football Stadium and there has been August to win the vacant Australian Formula One because of Razlan said Sepang, which can ac- But the sport entered a new era last prospects. bad blood between the pair ever since. cruiserweight title. mounting losses, offi cials commodate 120,000 fans, drew just month when US fi rm Liberty Media Malaysian politics are also volatile Two-time WBA super-middleweight “I train like a demon day in, day out. Msaid yesterday, in ominous signs for 45,000 to last month’s grand prix, and announced a takeover, including a new as Prime Minister Najib Razak spars champion Mundine, 41, has not fought Ask my mates, families in gyms back one of Asia’s longest-running grands added that race-day TV ratings were chairman and plans for greater pene- with his predecessor Mahathir Moha- since he lost to American Charles Hat- home, I live to train. I’m cool, I’m re- prix. also poor. tration in the United States. mad — whose son quit as the Sepang ley in November last year. But the former laxed. I’m a hell of a fi ghter, better Offi cials are due to meet this week He noted that hosting F1 is “very The Sepang race, known for its circuit’s chairman last month — over rugby league star is confi dent of beating fi ghter than him.” to discuss the future of the Malaysian expensive.” tropical downpours and sauna-like a money-laundering scandal linked to his nemesis in the February 3 bout, which Both men suggested they would hang Grand Prix after its current contract In comments on Twitter, Sports conditions, is Asia second-oldest next state fund 1MDB. is expected to draw a huge crowd and tel- up their gloves after the fi ght, which expires in 2018. Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said com- to the Japanese Grand Prix, which Razlan declined to off er precise evision audience. has a weight limit of 83kg. “The locals are not buying the tickets petition from other events outside of dates back to 1976. fi gures on the grand prix’s losses, but to watch F1,” Razlan Razali, chief execu- Malaysia was also taking its toll. It has been overtaken by Singapore, Malaysia’s MotoGP is consistently tive of the Sepang International Circuit which hosted the fi rst F1 race under popular and this year’s race on Sunday CYCLING (SIC), told AFP. “If there is no economic ‘WE SHOULD STOP HOSTING’ fl oodlights in 2008 and quickly out- is sold out. value, why should we continue? We “When we fi rst hosted the F1 it was a stripped Sepang in terms of spectators. Last month’s Malaysian F1 race better take a temporary break.” big deal. First in Asia outside Japan. Sepang, one hour’s drive from cen- was touched by controversy when Falling ticket sales and ebbing TV Now so many venues. No fi rst mover tral Kuala Lumpur, has also failed to nine Australian fans were detained viewership have sapped enthusiasm advantage. Not a novelty.” match the lively entertainment and for celebrating countryman Daniel 100th Giro d’Italia for the race, which has been held at “F1 ticket sales declining, TV view- concerts at Singapore’s downtown Ricciardo’s win by stripping down to the Sepang circuit near Kuala Lumpur ership down. Foreign visitors down race, offi cials said. swimwear emblazoned with the Ma- since 1999. b/c (because) can choose Singapore, This year’s Singapore race saw an laysian fl ag. It has become overshadowed by the China, Middle East. Returns are not average of 73,000 spectators attend Displays of public indecency are to be another glittering night grand prix in neigh- as big.” for each of the three days of the race frowned upon in Muslim-majority bouring Singapore, while Malaysia is “I think we should stop hosting the weekend. Malaysia. mountainous aff air SETBACK Reuters km) Milan May 8 — rest day May 9 — Stage 4: Cefalu to Etna (180 km) Adidas cuts cash for Germany’s anti-doping body May 10 — Stage 5: Pedara to Messina he 100th edition of the Giro (157 km) AFP paign ‘Give everything, take nothing’, d’Italia promises to be another May 11 — Reggio Calabria to Luigiane Berlin a large part of that will be aff ected. mountainous aff air as riders Spa (207 km) “However, our prevention work and will need to climb the Stelvio May 12 — Stage 7: Castrovillari to Al- testing for drugs will not be aff ected at Tpass twice during a gruelling 16th stage berobello (220 km) ermany’s National Anti- the moment.” in the third week, according to the May 13 — Stage 8: Molfetta to Peschici Doping Agency (NADA) suf- At a time when the fi ght against course unveiled by organisers yester- (189 km) fered a blow yesterday with doping is regularly in the headlines, day. May 14 — Stage 9: Montenero di Bisac- Adidas announcing it will cut the withdrawn sponsorship of a global The 227-km stage, also featuring the cia to Blockhaus (139 km) G300,000 euros ($326,655) of funding brand like Adidas has raised eyebrows ascent of the feared Mortirolo pass, will May 15 — rest day by the end of the year. here. be held a day after the third rest day and May 16 — Stage 10: Foligno to Monte- “We have already informed the Na- “Obviously, sport and business are two days before another ‘tappone’ (de- faclo (39.2 km individual time trial) tional Anti-Doping Agency that in of the opinion that the fi nancing of manding stage) with fi ve climbs sched- May 17 — Stage 11: Florence to Bagno di the spring, we will no longer provide NADA is largely a matter for the state,” uled for the 18th leg. Romana (161 km) fi nancial support beyond our existing politician Dagmar Freitag, chairman Climbing will start earlier, though, May 18 — Stage 12: Forli to Reggio contract, which runs out at the end of the Bundestag’s sports committee, with the fi rst mountaintop fi nish Emilia (237 km) of 2016,” Adidas’ spokesman Oliver told Bild. planned for the fourth stage which will May 19 — Stage 13: Reggio Emilia to Brueggen told SID, an AFP subsidiary. “But when the question arises of end on the slopes of Mount Etna. Tortona (162 km) “We would like to remain connected NADA’s foundation model, it can now The 2017 race, which will start from May 20 — Stage 14: Castellania to Oropa to NADA and are therefore currently be safely dismissed as a failure.” Sardinia for the fi rst time, will also pay (131 km) in talks about alternative forms of co- But Sylvia Schenk, the ex-president tribute to former champions. May 21 — Stage 15: Valdengo to Ber- operation. of the German Cycling Federation and Stages will start or fi nish in the birth gamo (199 km) “Of course, Adidas will continue leader of the sports work group at places of 1958 winner Ercole Baldini and May 22 — rest day to maintain a clear stance in the fi ght Transparency International, says re- fi ve-times champion Fausto Coppi. May 23 — Stage 16: Rovetta to Bormio against doping. cent evidence of mass doping in coun- The three-week race will be decided (227 km) “In all contracts with our athletes, tries like Russia prove eff orts to catch with a 28-km fi nal time trial from the May 24 — Stage 17: Tirano to Canazei it’s made clear we will terminate the those doping are not foolproof. Monza Formula One circuit to the Mi- (219 km) contractual relationship immediately one of our main partners in all proba- earn in a few weeks or months,” said “Obviously, the business world is lan cathedral. May 25 — Stage 18: Moena to Ortisei/St. in the event of a proven doping of- bility,” NADA’s managing director Lars Mortsiefer. not convinced by the concept of anti- Ulrich (137 km) fence.” Mortsiefer told German daily Bild. “It’s very disappointing, that the doping controls. Events this summer GIRO D’ITALIA 2017 STAGES May 26 — Stage 19: San Candido/In- But the loss of sportswear giants Neither Brueggen nor Mortsiefer number of supporters of our work is have shown that the testing systems May 5 — Stage 1: Alghero to Olbia (203 nichen — Piancavalo (191 km) Adidas — NADA’s only sponsor from gave a clear reason why Adidas are dropping. do not work,” said Schenk. km) May 27 — Stage 20: Pordenone to Germany’s industry — is clearly a blow withdrawing the funding, which will “We used the 300,000 euros from “Now the sports federations them- May 6 — Stage 2: Olbia to Tortoli (208 Asiago (190 km) for the country’s anti-doping body. impact NADA’s work. Adidas for our communications and selves and politics are also being asked km) May 28 — Stage 21: Monza race track to “We are very sorry that we will lose “It’s a sum which some athletes can marketing, for example, in our cam- about this.” May 7 — Stage 3: Tortoli to Cagliari (148 Milan (28 km individual time trial)

Wednesday, October 26, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL BASKETBALL Pampanga VOB Aspire-owned quell Guardians challenge to Cultural Leonesa claim victory By Sports Reporter back to narrow the defi cit. Doha Herradura and Paul Castillo led their team with a combined 30 points while Catibog led ampanga VOB held on Guardians with 13 points. strong in the dying min- In the other games, defending hope to shock Real utes to quell a scathing champion Jireh Eagle dumped comeback by GGBAI newcomer AG Qatar 89-84 to PGuardians to claim a well-de- claim another convincing win. Segunda Division B club face Zidane’s men in Copa del Rey Round of 32 tie today served 69-65 victory in the As- Point guard Elmer Santander was pirants Division of the Nissan unstoppable with scoresheet- Cup 2016, organised by Pinoy topping 26 points, while small Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ), at guard Jasper Bay and forward Al Gharafa Training Gym over Ryan Nolasco scored 14 points the weekend. each. Even if he was already in foul Happy Journey gave 3 Stars & a trouble, Guardians top-scorer Sun another heartbreaking loss, Arman Catibog single-handedly 90-76, in the match putting the tried to stage a comeback with losing squad in the heat of the his all-around play with still elimination round. more than three minutes to go in The Nissan 21st Season Men’s the game but that wasn’t enough Championship Cup of Pinoy at the end of it all. Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ) is Pampanga’s main man Charlie presented by Ooredoo and Mc- Herradura led an early rally in the Donald’s Qatar. The tournament last quarter after he pumped in is brought by Qatar Basketball fi ve points in arrow from a per- Federation and the Philippine fect free throw and a basket from Embassy in Qatar and co-spon- the rainbow territory to swiftly sored by Alicafe, Diana Jewellery take a commanding 13-point and Watches, GO Sports, Philip- edge, 61-48, still at 8:34 minutes pine Airlines, Filipino Commu- in the game. nity Center, Fraser Suites Hotel The Guardians slowly crawled and Shuttersbug Photography.

Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa will play against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey’s round of 32 at the Estadio Reino de León (below) today.

By Sports Reporter It also suggests a bright future for a Doha team that has strong ambitions to secure promotion into the Segunda Division A as soon as possible. atar is used to playing a promi- Cultural Leonesa manager Rubén de la nent role in Spain’s El Clasico Barrera said, “We’re a club with big am- matches, with Qatar Airways bitions and we can’t wait to face a side of as the main shirt sponsor of FC Real Madrid’s quality. We’re incredibly Barcelona.Q Now a team with strong ties to excited to take our game to the Bernabéu the country will be looking to defeat Real Stadium and show the world what we’re Madrid in a Spanish Cup fi xture with a made of. This is a huge moment for our diff erence. fans and everyone associated with Cul- Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa grabbed tural y Deportiva Leonesa. Given our re- the attention of sports fans around the cent run of strong results, we’re feeling as world when it was announced that that confi dent as we could be.” the team will play against Real Madrid in cent years. Since the club was bought by ball development programmes. Aspire Academy director general Ivan the Copa del Rey’s round of 32. Aspire Zone Foundation in 2015, excite- Now, the team will face Real Madrid Bravo added, “Moments like this are The news follows a dream start to the ment about the club’s future has grown today in the fi rst leg tie at the Estadio hugely inspiring for the many talented season by the club with big ambitions enormously amongst fans and members Reino de León in the biggest game of the youngsters at Aspire Academy. They from Castile and León in Spain. The club of the local community. players’ professional careers to date. The highlight to our players the opportuni- has secured 8 wins out of 10 games al- It has led to an infl ux of international second leg will be played at the Bernabéu ties available if they work hard enough, ready this season, including defeating coaching expertise and an infl ux of players Stadium on November 30. and the chances they have to gain invalu- fi erce rivals Albacete 2-1 in their most re- from Aspire Academy, providing opportu- The opportunity to compete against able playing experience and develop their cent game on October 12. nities for them to develop their talents in one of the world’s most successful and potential. In a short space of time, Aspire Back-to-back MVP William Quinones of Pampanga VOB in action Playing in the Segunda División B in a new footballing environment. This is an celebrated clubs will provide invaluable has made a huge impact on the club and during the game against GGBAI Guardians in the Aspirants Division the Spanish league, Cultural Leonesa important part of Aspire Academy’s mis- experience and provide a major confi - we look forward to seeing where we can of the Nissan Cup 2016 at Al Gharafa Training Gym last weekend. have enjoyed considerable success in re- sion to become one of the world’s best foot- dence boost for the players. take them next.” PICTURE: Ronnie Castro

RUGBY Doha Oryx ladies come out on top of their league

By Sports Reporter Doha

oha Ladies travelled to Abu Dhabi on Friday for their sec- ond tournament of the sea- son. Both the Oryx and the TrojansD played four games each during the day, with the former emerging with a clean sweep, while the latter ended a lacklustre day with a commanding win. The Trojans started their tourna- ment against the eventual C League winners, Tigers B, losing 24-0. Their next game against the Dubai Cones saw some awesome passing, running and tackling against a team that featured players from the A League. While the team narrowly lost 15- 19, Laura Wilmot scored two tries and debutant Gemma Pace got her fi rst ever rugby try in only her second game. The third game put Becky Fairley on the score sheet, but the win eluded the helped the Trojans defeat a team that naments in a long time with a clean what was a closely fought, physical and ter with wins against Sharks B (24 – 5), Franklin all scored tries on their Oryx Trojans. beat them at the end of the previous sweep of four wins. Their fi rst game tense battle. Sharjah (31 – 0) and Saracens (33 – 0). debuts. The team made up for a frustrating tournament. was always going to be the toughest and Hollie Blenman scored both the tries, Blenman ran riot in the B League, The Oryx won the B League in con- day of results with a resounding 41-0 Pace was awarded the Player of the saw them facing Al Ain who had just linking up with new arrival Tracy Corby scoring a total of 35 points and be- vincing fashion and are hoping to build win against Al Ain B. Newcomer Becky Match award for her gutsy play on the come down from the A League. for some excellent footballing skills for ing awarded the Player of the Match on their success as they play in the A Forbes scored an incredible four tries in wing throughout the day. Determination and excellent team- the second. award. League at the next tournament on No- her fi rst ever rugby tournament which The Oryx had one of their best tour- work were rewarded with a 12-7 win in The Oryx’s day got better and bet- Lara Smith, Lou Gillard and Jen vember 4.