SPORT Thursday 7 December 2017

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 32-33 PAGE | 35 Real deal Ronaldo Follow-on decision NBA:NBA Westbrook bags set for fifth left Steve Smith anotheranot triple double Ballon d’Or sweating as Thunder win

This handout picture released by the press office of the Emir of Kuwait Diwan yesterday shows Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah (right) presenting FIFA president Gianni Infantino with a Kuwaiti national team kit, bearing his name at Bayan palace in Kuwait City.

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho scores the first goal from a penalty during their UEFA Champions League match against Spartak Moscow FIFA ends at Anfield, Liverpool, Britain yesterday. Kuwait’s Coutinho nets hat-trick as suspension

Kuwait City AFP

Liverpool crush Spartak orld football governing body FIFA announced yesterday it was lifting Liverpool three more than Shakhtar and nine Wits suspension of Kuwait, after the Reuters UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ahead of third-placed Napoli who Ronaldo Gulf state’s parliament adopted a law meant Yesterday’s Results dropped into the Europa League after to end government interference in the sport. razilian Philippe Coutinho GROUP E a 2-1 defeat at bottom team “The suspension of the Kuwait football struck a hat-trick as Liv- Liverpool 7 - 0 Spartak Moscow Feyenoord. association is lifted,” FIFA’s President Gianni erpool crushed Spartak NK Maribor 1 -1 Sevilla A City side missing several reg- sets new Infantino announced alongside a Kuwaiti offi- Moscow 7-0 to move into GROUP F ular starters was on the back foot in cial in a short video shared widely on the knockout stages of the Feyenoord 2 -1 Napoli the first half as Bernard rifled a Twitter. BChampions League as Group E Shakhtar Donetsk 2 - 1 Manchester City superb shot into the top corner in the record Infantino was visiting Kuwait to announce winners. GROUP G 26th minute before Ismaily added the eagerly anticipated decision. Liverpool manager Juergen FC Porto 5 -2 Monaco the second in front of a full house in Reuters World sports bodies led by FIFA and the Klopp fielded an attacking line-up RB Leipzig 1- 2 Besiktas Kharkiv. Substitute Sergio Aguero International Olympic Committee suspended and it was too much for the Russians GROUP H netted a stoppage-time penalty for eal Madrid’s Cristiano Ron- Kuwait in October 2015 for the second time to handle with a fourth- minute Real Madrid 3 - 2 Borussia Dortmund City after Gabriel Jesus was tripped aldo set a record for scoring since 2010 over alleged government med- Coutinho penalty, a tap-in from the Tottenham Hotspur 3 - 0 Apoel Nicosia but coach Pep Guardiola had little to Rin every Champions League dling in sports. Brazilian and a close-range Roberto cheer about on his milestone 100th group game as his side won an The suspensions meant Kuwait missed Firmino effort making it 3-0 inside Champions League appearance as entertaining encounter 3-2 yes- out on the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup 18 minutes. group and a spot in the Europa manager. terday at home to Borussia and the 2019 Asian Cup, and before that the Sadio Mane’s blistering volley two League. Sevilla stuttered into the last 16 of Dortmund, who clinched a spot Rio 2016 Olympic Games. minutes after the break made it 4-0 Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk the Champions League after being in the Europa League. On Sunday, the Kuwaiti parliament passed and a deflected shot from Coutinho booked a Champions League knock- held to a 1-1 draw by Group E’s bot- Real were guaranteed a place a new law in line with FIFA’s requirements completed his hat-trick. out stage berth after first-half goals tom side Maribor. in the last 16 as Group H runners and on Tuesday, Kuwaiti clubs elected the Mane scooped in a low cross from by Brazilians Bernard and Ismaily ernando Llorente scored his first up behind Tottenham Hotspur, but head of a new football federation. Georginio Wijnaldum in the 76th gave the Ukrainian side a 2-1 win over goal for Tottenham Hotspur as they coach Zinedine Zidane still fielded Analysts say the crisis in Kuwaiti sports minute and the outstanding Mohamed Manchester City in Group F rounded off their impressive group a strong side for the game, only was the result of a power struggle within the Salah made it 7-0 as the Reds con- yesterday. stage campaign by strolling to a 3-0 resting Marcelo, Karim Benzema, ruling elite. demned Spartak to third place in the City finished top with 15 points, home win over APOEL Nicosia. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. ACL 2018: QSL leaders Al Duhail drawn in Group B Chinthana Wasala Rayyan will compete in Group D AFC National Team AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2018 DRAW The Peninsula along with last year’s runner-up, Competitions Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, Iran’s Director Shin Man GROUP A: Al Jazira (UAE), Al Ahli (KSA), Tractorsazi Tabriz (IRI), Winner atar football giants and QNB Esteghlal and the winner of Al Ain Gil shows the draw Stars League leaders Al vs Bahrain’s Al Malkia match of Playoff 3 for Al Duhail SC GROUP B: QDuhail will begin their AFC which will be played on January Al Duhail SC (QAT), Al Wahda (UAE), PFC Lokomotiv (UZB), during the official Champions League (ACL) quest 30, 2018. Winner of Playoff 2 GROUP C: in Group B next year, details There could be a fourth Qatari draw in Kuala Persepolis FC (IRI), Al Sadd SC (QAT), Al Wasl (UAE), Winner showed yesterday. team at next year’s tournament Lumpur yesterday . of Playoff 4 GROUP D: At the draw ceremony held if Al Gharafa beat Uzbekistan’s Al Hilal SFC (KSA), Esteghlal FC (IRI), Al Rayyan SC (QAT), Win- at the AFC Headquarters in Kuala Pakhtakor in Doha on the same ner of Playoff 1 GROUP E: Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday, day. If Al Gharafa win, they will Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (KOR), Kitchee SC (HKG), Winner of Play-off 4, Winner of Play-off 2 coach Djamel Belmadi’s team was be clubbed in Group A, which also GROUP F: Kawasaki Frontale (JPN), Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR), Melbourne drawn along with Al Wahda comprises the UAE’s Al Jazira, Al Victory (AUS), Winner of Playoff 3 (UAE), Lokomotiv Tashkent Ahli Saudi FC and Iran’s Tractor- GROUP G: Guangzhou Evergrande FC (CHN), Japan 2nd Club, Jeju United (Uzbekistan). The winners of the sazi Tabriz. FC (KOR), Buriram United (THA) West Region play-off between Al Duhail’s first team man- GROUP H: Sydney FC (AUS), Shanghai Shenhua FC (CHN), Kashima Ant- Zob Ahan Esfahan FC (Iran) and ager Ismael Ahmed Hashim and lers (JPN), Winner of Playoff 1 Aizawl FC (India) will also be able the media coordinator Mohamed to enter group B. Bashir Al Sulaiti took part in the Meanwhile, the reigning draw ceremony yesterday. ready to make necessary arrange- Kashima Antlers and Australian Chinese Super League champions will be the winners of the previous Emir’s Cup champions, Al Sadd, “Al Duhail is ready for the task ments to make their stay in Doha A-League leaders Sydney FC. Guangzhou Evergrande will face edition, Urawa Red Diamonds of led by Barcelona legend Xavi Her- ahead and our experience will as pleasant as possible. Shenhua upset their rivals South Korea’s Jeju United, Thai- Japan who failed to qualify. nandez, will compete in Group C play a big role in the tournament,” Chinese FA Cup winners Shanghai SIPG in last month’s FA land’s Buriram United and the Group F includes Japan’s alongside Iran’s Persepolis, the Hashim said. Shanghai Shenhua will go on as Cup final, without the services winner of Japan’s Emperor’s Cup, Kawasaki Frontale, Ulsan UAE’s Al Wasl and Jordan’s Al Ismail continued by saying favourites in Group H, but are of Argentine forward Carlos following the draw held in the Hyundai FC of Korea, Melbourne Faisaly or Uzbekistan’s Nasaf. that they welcome all the clubs expected to face a tough test Tevez. Malaysian capital. Victory of Australia and the win- Coach Michael Laudrup’s Al and the fans to Doha and will be against top Japanese club Two-time winners and However, a notable absentee ner of Play-off 3. 30 SPORT THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER 2017 Real deal Ronaldo set for fifth Ballon d’Or Paris British bookmakers have Real have a staggering seven -- although he has netted eight Chelsea don’t AFP stopped taking bets on Ronaldo, players on the shortlist of 30 goals in five games in the Cham- who is a cramped 10-1 on with Karim Benzema, Marcelo, pions League -- and Real are ristiano Ronaldo (pictured) favourite to win, with Messi, tro- Isco, Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos already eight points behind Mes- fear European looks set to match his phyless last season, at 6-1. and Toni Kroos all nominated si’s Barcelona. superpowers, Cgreat rival Lionel Messi Behind this pair the bookies alongside their talisman Messi in contrast tops the today by claiming a fifth Ballon round out their own top five with Ronaldo. Liga scoring charts with 13 goals d’Or as recognition for leading Paris Saint-Germain’s gifted The only other Barca player and also secured a brilliant hat- says Conte Real Madrid to a La Liga and Brazilian forward Neymar, the other than Messi, is the Uru- trick for Argentina against Champions League double last veteran Juventus goalkeeper guayan centre-forward Luis Ecuador to clinch a last-gasp London season. Gianluigi Buffon and the prolific Suarez. On the prospect of World Cup place in October, AFP Barcelona’s 30-year-old England centre-forward Harry equalling Messi’s five wins Ron- earning wide praise. Argentinian superstar won the Kane all at 33-1. aldo quipped: “I want seven. Five “Leo is like Maradona for ntonio Conte insists coveted award from 2009 to The 2016-2017 season was is good but seven is my lucky those of our generation,” said Chelsea have nothing 2012 and in 2015. Portugal’s in a way just as glorious for Ron- number so seven would be Messi’s compatriot, Juventus Ato fear in the Champi- Ronaldo, who is 32, took the aldo, who started the season great.” striker Paulo Dybala, himself ons League last 16 even honours in 2008, 2013, 2014 and slowly before Real shaded Bar- “I want seven children and tipped as a future winner. though his side could face a last year. celona to the domestic title and seven Ballons d’Or.” “He dragged us to the World crunch clash with Barcelona The man who came to matu- then became the first side in the Despite his position as out- Cup with the hat-trick in Ecua- or Paris Saint Germain. rity under the watchful eye of modern era to defend their sider Messi can take heart from dor. He is a born leader.” Conte’s team blew their ex-Manchester United coach European crown. the award’s history of upsets Aside from Messi and Ron- chance to finish top of Group Alex Ferguson clinched his After seeing off Napoli, Bay- with Messi himself clinching the aldo the Ballon d’Or, originally C as they were held to a 1-1 fourth Ballon d’Or after an ern Munich and Atletico Madrid title against the odds in 2010. conceived to honour only Euro- draw by Atletico Madrid on unforgettable season, first spear- in the knock-out rounds Ron- That season purists pointed pean players before going fully Tuesday. That allowed Roma heading Real to the Champions aldo scored twice in a 4-1 win to the achievements of Dutch global in 2007, has three triple to clinch pole position with a League title before also leading over Juventus in the final, tak- midfielder Wesley Sneijder, win- winners -- Johan Cruyff, Michel win over Qarabag, the Ital- his homeland to Euro 2016 glory ing his tally to 12 goals in the ner of the Champions League, Platini and Marco van Basten. ians moving above Chelsea in Paris. competition that season. Serie A and Italian Cup and This year’s winner is being because of their better head- The France Football maga- “Last season was excep- indeed a World Cup finalist with announced live on the L’Equipe to-head record. zine award is decided upon by tional. We won the league and the Netherlands. television channel, the French Turkish side Besiktas or a journalists ballot (with 173 vot- the Champions League, where I Also, in the run up to the vote sports daily being owned by the Sevilla, if they win a group ing in 2016) with each naming a was again the top scorer,” Ron- Ronaldo has only scored twice same company as France currently topped by Liver- top five from a list of 30. aldo told French daily L’Equipe. in La Liga so far this season Football. pool, are other possible opponents for the English champions. But Chelsea boss Conte is adamant his players shouldn’t be scared about taking on one of the big guns because they Roma proved doubters wrong are strong enough to trouble any team. “When you play this com- Rome in London with the Spaniards -- “We are among the best 16 petition and you go through AFP finalists in 2014 and 2016 teams in Europe and we have to to the next round you must -- eliminated. think like a big team, that means be ready to face the best usebio Di Francesco Roma’s path to top spot fol- not being afraid of anyone. Of teams,” he said. hailed his Roma side lowed a solid campaign which course Real Madrid or Bayern “In this case we know we for proving the included maximum points Munich that could be a little could play Barcelona, Paris doubters wrong after against Qarabag, beating Chel- more difficult than other rivals.” Saint Germain or Besiktas. the Serie A runners- sea 3-0 in Rome, and coming In the first half Roma failed “We must be ready. At the Eup qualified for the Champions away with a 3-3 draw from Lon- to find a way through despite same time I think our oppo- League last 16 top of their group don, with their only loss 2-0 to Edin Dzeko, Stephan El nent won’t be happy to play ahead of Chelsea on Tuesday. Atletico Madrid in Spain. Shaarawy and Kostas Manola’s against us. There was double celebra- “It was a great victory, a dif- efforts with Bosnian goalkeeper “It is a fantastic competi- tions for Di Francesco’s side on ficult one, especially as I have Ibrahim Sehic doing well to keep tion. We reached the next the night after it was announced no Champions League experi- out a Radja Nainggolan strike round and we must be happy just before kick-off that the con- ence,” continued Di Francesco, and an Aleksandar Kolarov fol- with this.” Already lagging struction of their new stadium whose side will now be seeded low-up just before the break. well behind Premier League had been given the green light. for Friday’s draw, where they But Perotti’s goal on 53 min- leaders Manchester City, “It’s satisfying because could face teams including Real utes after a Dzeko rebound Chelsea can’t rely on Europe nobody believed we could qual- Madrid and Bayern Munich as turned the tide with the Romans for silverware despite Con- ify at all, they assumed we’d be they bid for a first quarter-final dominating the remainder of the te’s fighting talk. eliminated, but we worked appearance in 10 years. game although Qarabag came But while City, Tottenham hard, proved ourselves and won “We’re through and it’s with very close to an equaliser on 83 Manchester United have the group,” said Di Francesco a great sense of pride. But in minutes with Michel’s header cruised through to the last 16, who took over this season. Italy we have the tendency to sit stopped by Alisson. Conte claims Chelsea had to Roma edged out Azeris back. We have to change that At the final whistle the play- battle through a much harder Qarabag 1-0 to top Group C mentality and not to be satisfied ers waited for the end of group. And the Italian warned Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco during the with Diego Perotti’s second- with what we have. We’re first Chelsea-Atletico along with Chelsea’s English rivals that Champions League match at the Stadio Olimpico, half header ensuring they ahead of Chelsea and Atletico. their fans at the Stadio Olym- it won’t be easy to maintain Rome, Italy on Tuesday. finished ahead of Chelsea who We won by suffering, it’s a sign pico with the result greeted with that form in the latter stages were held 1-1 by Atletico Madrid of great mental strength. joy. of the competition. “Last season we won the league but it was a surprise. This season we are trying to EUROPA LEAGUE do our best in the league and Europa League fixtures today (all kick-offs GMT) the Champions League,” he Group A Final knockout places up for said. Slavia Prague (CZE) vs Astana (KAZ) (1800) “We have to show we Villarreal (ESP) vs Maccabi Tel Aviv (ISR) (1800) deserve to go through to the Group B next round and to fight until Young Boys (SUI) vs Skenderbeu (ALB)(1800) grabs at Europa League today the end for the title. Dynamo Kiev (UKR) vs Partizan Belgrade (SRB) (1800) “Our group was really tough. It was easy for a lot of Group C Paris these teams to go to the next Istanbul Basaksehir (TUR) vs Braga (POR) (1800) Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud during AFP training on the eve of their Europa round. “But this season is very Hoffenheim (GER) vs Ludogorets (BUL) (1800) tough. You have to play a lot League match against Borisov. Group D here will be some jangling nerves as of games, then you arrive at Rijeka (CRO) vs AC Milan (ITA) (1800) the Europa League group stage con- the final stage. For this rea- Austria Vienna (AUT) vs AEK Athens (GRE) (1800) Tcludes today - but not many, with son is can be problematic to Group E the likes of Arsenal, AC Milan and Lyon win it. Apollon Limassol (CYP) vs Everton (ENG) (1800) already through. “The English teams are Atalanta (ITA) vs Lyon (FRA) (1800) Of the 48 teams in the 12 groups, 16 very good, they have the pos- Group F have already ensured qualification and 15 sibility to reach the final. The FC Copenhagen (DEN) vs Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA) (1800) are eliminated. only question is what physi- Zlin (CZE) vs Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS) (1800) That leaves 17 clubs scrapping for the cal condition.” Chelsea’s Group G remaining eight spots in the round of 32 downfall against Atletico was FCSB (ROU) vs Lugano (SUI) (2005) draw on December 11. poor marking by Tiemoue For some of those qualified, first place, Bakayoko, who allowed Saul Hapoel Beer Sheva (ISR) vs Viktoria Plzen (CZE) (2005) and a seeding that ensures they avoid one Niguez to head home in the Group H of the eight teams dropping down from second half before the hosts Arsenal (ENG) vs BATE Borisov (BLR) (2005) the Champions League, are still in play but equalised through Stefan Red Star Belgrade (SRB) vs Cologne (GER) (2005) that might not be enough incentive to put Savic’s own goal. Group I out their strongest teams for a December Conte refused to blame Vitoria Guimaraes (POR) vs Konyaspor (TUR) (2005) midweek game. at the Emirates, they will be sitting and experienced team tomorrow,” Wenger Bakayoko, saying: “He is a Marseille (FRA) vs Salzburg (AUT) (2005) The stars are even less likely to come watching and safely and warmly wrapped said. young player. He is working Group J out for the big clubs who have already won up. Three groups end with a second ver- to try to improve. Hertha Berlin (GER) v Ostersund (SWE) (2005) their groups. But Arsene Wenger insisted his sus third showdown. In Group A, Slavia “In this case it’s important Zorya Luhansk (UKR) v Athletic Bilbao (ESP) (2005) For Lazio’s trip to Belgium, manager approach won’t change too much for the Prague need only draw at home against to have patience. Mistakes are Group K Simone Inzaghi could make 10, or even visit of BATE Borisov despite having Astana. The Kazakh team need to win to normal.” After finishing as Vitesse Arnhem (NED) vs Nice (FRA) (2005) 11, changes, from the line-up that won at wrapped up top spot in Group H. take second. In Group D, Austria Vienna Champions League runners- Zulte Waregem (BEL) vs Lazio (ITA) (2005) Sampdoria on Sunday. Suso and Nikola “I have many players available who must win at home against AEK Athens, up in 2014 and 2016, Atletico Group L Kalinic, who started in attack for Milan in need competition. Next week we go into otherwise the Greeks go through. In Group missed out on the last 16 for

Real Sociedad (ESP) vs Zenit (RUS) (2005) Serie A on Sunday, are not even in the a week with three games and so some J, Athletic Bilbao will advance with a draw the first time since 2010 and squad for the visit to Rijeka. Even if Arse- players need competition, some experi- away to Zorya Luhansk in Lviv where the are consigned to the Europa Vardar Skopje (MKD) vs Rosenborg (NOR) (2005) nal’s Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil appear enced players. We’ll play quite an Ukrainians must win to nab second place. League. THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 31 Qatar Shell and QFA to celebrate National Day at Darb El Saai

The Peninsula health and wellbeing of Qatar’s youth importance of a adopting a healthy life- through football. The initiative facili- style through football. Koora Time has atar Shell and Qatar Football tates access to an additional 72 hours received great positive feedback both Association (QFA) celebrate this of physical activity over its 18-week locally and regionally”. Qyear’s Qatar National Day at Darb duration and more opportunities and He added: “The activities of Koora El Saai with their award winning initi- spaces to play football. Time this National Day witnessed var- ative Koora Time, offering an open In recognition for its positive ious new activities and ideas in line football pitch and activities for all ages. impact on the health of youth, Koora with the vision and objectives of the Over the course of the 12-day cel- Time has been the recipient of numer- initiative, a football tournament was ebration, Koora Time will host a ous awards including the 2014 & 2016 organised for different schools, in addi- traditional Tembah tournament for ‘Sports Industry Award’ for Best CSR tion to a football-related activities and local youth, with 96 students partici- Initiative, the 2015 ‘CSR Award Qatar’ training opportunities for the public pating from sixteen different primary for Best CSR Impact Initiative, the which were under the supervision of schools across Qatar. There will also 2014 ‘Dar Al Sharq Corporate Social coaches. be open play football for all age groups Responsibility Award’ for the Best He also said: “Our participation in and a majlis with a virtual reality goal Sports Initiative, the ‘2014, 2016 and the major events of the country is not keeper game and other activities for 2017 AFC Dream of Asia Award’ in the limited to this participation, we have younger children. area of social responsibility and the developed a work strategy that is Former and current football play- 2017 ‘QFA Awards’ for Best CSR entirely different from the past which ers are also set to participate in the Programme. we are in the process of implementing. Tembah tournament which will be held In addition to the Temba tourna- We will be organising more activities in the morning and the evening time. ment, a variety of activities will also be in the coming period.” The involvement of the players will Children playing Tembah, a traditional-type football that was available to cater to all ages and gen- Al Kuwari expressed his sincere have great impact on the school chil- played in Qatar and the Gulf region in the past. Children will get ders including a Koora Time Majlis thanks and appreciation to all those dren as they will get a chance to learn to play in the sand, barefoot and dressed in traditional Qatari which features a virtual reality goal- involved in the organising of Darb Al the positive values of non-competitive keeper game, a coloring area, and a Saai for their efforts and stressed that clothes at the National Day celebrations at Darb El Saai. football. seating area. this event undoubtedly gives everyone The sixteen teams were divided into Khalid Al Kuwari, Director of Mar- motivation to work together and reach two categories: the first category con- and winners will be crowned on The main objective of organising keting and Communications at QFA the goals we all seek to achieve. sisting of third and fourth graders, while December 17. the Temba tournament is to spread the said: “It is a great opportunity to have Since its launch in March 2013, the the second group consisting of fifth and Tembah is the name of the original culture of football among young peo- Koora Time take part in the country’s programme has benefitted over 17,500 sixth graders. Matches are set to start and traditional-type football that was ple and to encourage them to follow national day, as it allows us to intro- children across Qatar. Last year’s pro- on December 9 and will run until played in Qatar and the Gulf region in healthy and active lifestyle through duce this great initiative to the wider gramme saw a significant reduction in December 17. the past. Children get to play in the football. local community and give them the Body Mass Index (BMI) by 80% of par- Two teams from the two catego- sand, barefoot and dress in traditional Koora Time is a ten-year sustain- chance to be part of a successful pro- ticipants. BMI is a measure of body fat ries will qualify to the knock-out stage Qatari clothes. able initiative designed to improve the gramme which focuses on the based on height and weight.

Elite Football tourney Al Duhail aim to extend unbeaten run for youth teams on

Armstrong Vas and Al Ahli. Yet, they retained their two or three solid chances and we December 29 in Doha The Peninsula fourth place in the standings with 18 missed them all,” said Trabelsi. points as fifth-placed Umm Salal could Coach Djamel Belmadi’s side’s The Peninsula l Duhail will aim to con- not keep pace with them. charge to the top has been fashioned tinue their unbeaten run “I think the most difficult phase is by league’s top scorer Youssef El Arabi lite Football, a tournament which seeks when they take on Al Sai- behind us, having suffered back-to- (15 goals). Captain Youssef Msakni, to promote healthy lifestyle among the lilya today at Alhi Stadium back defeats despite dominating those South Korean playmaker Nam Tae- Eyouth in Qatar, will be held on Decem- in the Week 11 action, the games. We made many mistakes and Hee and Ismail Mohammed have ber 29 and 30, organisers of the event lastA round of the first leg of the QNB had 50 per cent responsibility for these fueled the charge for Duhail. announced yesterday. Stars League. two losses. We paid heavy price for In the other match today, Al Sadd The tournament will be held in 13-14, The league leaders are the only individual mistakes than the missed will take on Al Kharaitiyat. 15-16 and 17-18 age group categories. unbeaten side in the 12-team compe- opportunities,” coach Sami Trabelsi Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira From the quarter-final stage, teams from tition and have 28 points against their said yesterday. appeared cautious ahead of the match. different age group categories will be drawn name from nine wins and one draw. “The main problem was psycho- “The matches against Al to play against a team from a different age “Al Sailiya, despite losing their last logical, rather than physical or tactical Kharaitiyat are often very difficult. group. All the matches will be of twenty min- two matches, are a very good side. or technical. Overall, I’m not happy We will try our best to bag full utes duration. They had been performing at a high prepare for each match specifically,” with our campaign in the first phase. points, so we will be able to keep The winners will receive a cash prize of level and getting the deserved results. said Belmadi. We could’ve fared far better and col- pace with Al Duhail and Al Rayyan. QR1000 and the runner-up QR750 and the They have a distinguished coach in Al Duhail goakeeper Khalifa Abu- lected more points. We have no option other than win- third-place finisher QR250. Sami Trabelsi,” Djamel Belmadi (pic- bakr said, “This is going to be a tough “We’re trying hard to rectify the ning to achieve that aim. My players Teams wishing to take part in the tour- tured) said on the eve of the match. game, but we have the desire to win it errors and we’ll play for victory against are game for it. nament can contact Dan Jose Jinoy on “However, we will play to win as and we will take the field with a win- Al Duhail, who’re strong opponents. “We are not as strong as we were 55394849 or Aidan Roche 50073810 through we are keen to continue our unbeaten ning mentality. I feel very stressed Some of our defeats happened because in the previous season. Injuries are our whatsapp or get in touch with the organisers run. We have never lost a game in this because I play under pressure, but this we played offensive and not defen- main concern. I hope we will be able through Elite Football League facebook page. season’s league competition. We positive pressure brings the best out sive. That has been our strategy this to field all players always together in Interested teams can download the entry respect Al Sailiya, but we have the of me. I train constantly in order to stay season and we’ve got good results too. the second phase of the league. I also form from the facebook page of the players to achieve our goal,” he added. in good shape.” “Against Al Khor, we played almost wish we put behind injuries to key orgnaisers. “We are doing continuous work Al Sailiya badly need a victory to 60 minutes with 10 men following players and take a shot at the title in Rahul Madula is the Director of Publica- with the players and we want to fin- regain their confidence, which has Majdi Siddiq’s send-off. That affected full form. Our aim is the league title tions of the tournament. ish the first phase in the lead position. been at a low ebb, after suffering back- the players’ morale. But there’s no and we will go all out for it till the last The last date to submit the entries is Respect for the rivals makes us to-back defeats, at the hands of Al Khor excuse for the loss to Al Ahli. We had round. December 20. Badminton: Sadhvi notches a double at Qatar tournament

The Peninsula

adhvi Krishna Sunil of New Vision Badminton Academy Snotched a double at the Star Sports Aeroplane Qatar Open Badminton by clinching the Under-15 and Under-17 titles at the four-day championship held at the Gems American Academy, Wakra. Sadhvi edged Joan Mary Tho- mas, also a trainee of New Vision Badminton Academy, in both the categories. In the Under-15 final, Sadhvi defeated Mary 21-14, 21-11 and in the Under-17, she got past her opponent with a scoreline of 21-19, 21-4. A host of players from New Vision Badminton academy shone in different age categories. In the Under-9, New Vision Badminton Academy trainees Sadhvi Krishna Sunil of New Vision Badminton Academy winner of the Under-15 and Under-17 girls titles at the Star Sports Aeroplane Qatar Open Badminton finished as second runners up in both boy’s and girls singles. tournament held at the Gems American Academy, Wakra. Right: The podium winners at the tournament. In the Under-11, New Vision Badminton Academy took the singles went to the academy Academy coaches Manoj The two coaches, who have co-operation of parents. “It’s New utmost attention at their coach- second runner-up spot in the cadets while in the Under-15 girls Sahibjan and Kesit Sutrisno were been into coaching for the last two Vision’s Badminton Academy ing facilities in Cambridge School boy’s singles and runners-up in final featured both the academy delighted with the performance decades, reiterated that the suc- objective to ensure that new tal- in Abu Hamour and American girl’s singles. In the Under-13, the trainees. of their players in the cess of players would not have ents are groomed to international Academy in Al Thumama,” said second runner-up in the boy’s New Vision Badminton tournament. been possible without the sincere standards ensuring quality and Manoj. 32 SPORT THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER 2017 THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 33 Captains struggle Hazlewood strikes early as with DRS Aussies take 2-0 Ashes lead Adelaide Reuters

ricket’s Decision Review System (DRS) was in the spotlight in the Adelaide tall for 36 in difficult CAshes Test between Australia Reuters SCOREBOARD circumstances but and England in Adelaide as both cap- Australia (I innings): ...... 442-8 decl. J Bairstow b Starc ...... 36 edged another Starc tains had to make quick decisions osh Hazlewood England (I innings): ...... 227 C Overton lbw b Starc ...... 7 fizzer onto his middle time and again on whether to chal- snuffed out Eng- Australia (II innings): ...... 138 S Broad c Paine b Starc ...... 8 stump and the tour- lenge the umpire’s call. land’s hopes of a England (II innings): J Anderson (not out) ...... 0 ists were all out for No less than 17 decisions were remarkable sec- A Cook lbw b Lyon ...... 16 Extras (B7, LB5) ...... 12 233. referred to the DRS technology for Jond Ashes Test “Obviously very M Stoneman c Khawaja b Starc ...... 36 Total (all out; 84.2 overs) ...... 233 the third umpire to review, of which triumph with two J Vince c Handscomb b Starc ...... 15 Fall of wickets: 1-53, 2-54, 3-91, 4-169, 5-176, disappointing,” said seven were successful in having the wickets in the first 16 J Root c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 67 6-177, 7-188, 8-206, 9-224, 10-233 Root. “I don’t think we original call overturned, while on 10 balls of the final day as D Malan b Cummins ...... 29 Bowling: Starc 19.2-3-88-5, Hazlewood 20-7- did ourselves justice other occasions the umpire’s origi-

Australia wrapped up C Woakes c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 5 49-2, Cummins 20-6-39-1, Lyon 25-6-45-2 today.

nal decision was upheld. a 120-run victory in M Ali lbw b Lyon ...... 2 Result: Australia won by 120 runs “But we’re still Captains are allowed two unsuc- brilliant sunshine at massively in the cessful reviews per innings, after Adelaide Oval series. We showed Indian cricketers pose with the trophy after winning the Test series against Sri Lanka 1-0 at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium which the on-field decision cannot yesterday. Root’s innings was always going that from the way we be challenged. England, with six wickets in to be crucial to his team’s chances played yesterday.” in New Delhi yesterday. The reviews are used mainly for hand, needed 178 runs to win the of chasing down a record 354 at Smith had been relying on his leg before wicket decisions or when maiden day-night Ashes Test and Adelaide Oval and although the bowlers to save his embarrassment the batsman has been caught after level the series at 1-1 but fell well innings limped on into a second after he failed to enforce the fol- getting a thin edge. short of their victory target and will hour, the hope raised among the low-on and England’s bowlers got De Silva’s ton helps Sri Lanka Australia captain Steve Smith head to Perth 2-0 down with three English on Tuesday was gone. them back into the game. could have rued his impetuousness matches to play. The dismissal of Woakes had an The hosts got 442-8 declared in the second innings, when he burnt Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc element of fortune in that the on the back of Man of the Match his two appeals relatively early and mopped up the tail with the new feather the nightwatchman got on Shaun Marsh’s 126 not out before force a draw as India seal series had to live with the umpire’s deci- pink ball to take five for 88, his the ball was picked up by snicko dismissing England for 227 but sions thereafter. eighth five-wicket haul in Tests, but but not the hotspot when it was Smith sent his batsmen back in only Smith acknowledged the diffi- Hazlewood shared the plaudits after referred. for James Anderson and Woakes to New Delhi SCOREBOARD culty of having to make more or less his key early intervention. Root, however, walked after he bowl them out for 138. Reuters SLC complains instant decisions whether to review The paceman delivered a hefty got late to a good length delivery Only one captain in the long his- India (I innings): ...... 536-7 dec N Dickwella (not out) ...... 44 decisions that are often decided by blow when he removed Chris from Hazlewood and the ball nicked tory of Test cricket had previously ri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Sri Lanka (I innings): ...... 373 Extras (B5, LB1, NB1) ...... 7 millimetres. Woakes with the second ball of the off his bat into the welcoming lost a Test after opting not to Silva struck a heroic hun- India (II innings): ...... 246-5 dec. Total (5 wkts) ...... 299 to ICC on air “It’s a tough one,” he told report- day and two overs later landed a gloves of Tim Paine. enforce the follow-on and Smith Sdred and Roshen Silva Sri Lanka (II innings): Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-31, 3-31, 4-35, 5-147, ers after Australia beat England in knockout punch when he had Joe Moeen Ali, who made two off was grateful to his bowlers for get- made a gallant unbeaten 74 to D Karunaratne c Saha b Jadeja ...... 13 5-205 (De Silva - ret hurt) pollution at the second Test yesterday. Root caught behind before the Eng- 20 balls, used up England’s last DRS ting him out of a hole. help secure a morale-boosting S Samarawickrama c Rahane b Shami ...... 5 Did not bat: D Perera, L Gamage, L Sandakan “I certainly think my thought land captain could add to his referral when he attempted a sweep “Over the last day or so I have draw in the final test against D de Silva retired hurt ...... 119 Bowling: I Sharma 13-2-32-0, Shami 15-6-50-1, Delhi Test process around it has changed a lit- overnight 67. off Nathan Lyon with the ball-track- had a few different thoughts about India, who won the three- S Lakmal b Jadeja ...... 0 Ashwin 35-3-126-1, Jadeja 38-13-81-3 (nb1), Vijay tle bit (whether to risk calling for a “If I’m being honest, I was a lit- ing only confirming the umpire’s it and I’ve read a lot of things, but match series 1-0 yesterday. A Mathews c Rahane b Jadeja ...... 1 1-0-3-0, Kohli 1-0-1-0 Colombo

review early in an innings). Some- tle nervous last night,” said Australia lbw decision. in the end we won the game so it’s Playing his first match in D Chandimal b Ashwin ...... 36 Result: Draw AP times it’s more hope. captain Steve Smith. Starc then got to work with the irrelevant,” he said. the series, de Silva braved a R Silva (not out) ...... 74 Series: India win the three-match series 1-0 “It’s something I can in particu- “So it was very pleasing that Josh new ball and Craig Overton (7) Although the final day’s attend- thigh injury to score 119 before ri Lanka cricket lar continue to work on and try to was able to come out and do what departed plumb lbw from the first ance could not quite push the retiring hurt. lost Angelo Mathews early in smashed a career-best 164 in board (SLC) has com- get as consistent as I can.” he did this morning, and obviously delivery with it, Stuart Broad fol- already record total for the Test Debutant Silva and Niro- the morning session but de the first innings, made 36. Splained to the sport’s England captain Joe Root, mean- to get the wicket of Root really put lowing not so long afterwards. over the 200,000 mark, there was shan Dickwella then batted out Silva and Dinesh Chandimal Ashwin had a chance to governing body about the while, said decision-making was us in a good position and I was able Jonny Bairstow, England’s last no doubt that day-night Ashes Australia’s Josh Hazlewood (centre) celebrates with team-mates after taking the wicket of England’s captain Joe the final session as the tourists resisted India for two hours as catch de Silva, then on 110, off poor air quality in which tough on both the umpires and to breathe a little more easily.” recognisable batsman, had stood cricket is here to stay. Root during the fifth day of the second Ashes cricket Test match at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia yesterday. secured their second draw of the smog-hit test finally saw a his own bowling but the off- its players have been captains. the series at the Feroz Shah mostly sunny day. spinner spilled the full-blooded compelled to play a Test “It’s easy to criticise the umpires Kotla Stadium. India tasted success in the drive. match in the Indian capi- and make excuses but it’s a very dif- The tourists, who finished sixth over of the day when By then, de Silva was strug- tal New Delhi. ficult job and just like players you on 299-5, could not chase Mathews was caught in the slip gling with his thigh injury and Sports Minister Daya- have good or bad days,” he said. down the 410-run victory tar- off Ravindra Jadeja for one. the 26-year-old eventually siri Jayasekara said Sri Root looked at the bigger pic- get but battled suprerbly to Dropped three times in his hobbled off the field, passing Lanka Cricket made the ture of the DRS technology, and salvage some pride after being first innings knock of 111, Math- on the baton to Silva, who complaint on Tuesday to whether it somehow could be Ashes not over yet: Root outplayed in the series. ews was not so lucky in the proved equal to the the International Cricket improved. Follow-on decision left Smith sweating India’s ninth straight test second, given out on a no-ball challenge. Council, saying “we can’t DRS uses technology that tracks series triumph puts the world which went undetected by De Silva’s third test century play like this as four play- thethe ppathath ooff ballball andand predictspredicts wwhathat itit AdelaideAdelaide “All we needed is one Adelaide England captain number one side into an elite umpire Joel Wilson. contained 15 boundaries and a ers had vomited” due to wouldwould havhavee dondonee for lbw ddecisions.ecisions. RReuterseuters good partnership and the Reuters Joe Root walks club with Australia and Jadeja bowled Chandimal, six off Ashwin. the pollution. It also usesuses audio and infra-redinfra-red game is dead and buried. off the ground England. then on 24, with a drifted, Silva and Niroshan Dick- He said the ICC had imagingimaging for catch decisions to detect ustralia captaincaptai Steve It’s all part of being We didn’t get that defiant Joe Root insisted the Ashes serieseriiess wwasasas bbyy noo after being “When you’re not able to sharply-turning ball but wella (44 not out) raised 94 informed them that it will temperature changeschanges as the ball SmithSmith admits he took captain of your partnership. means over despite England fallingg toto a 120-run12120-0 rurun dismissed on finish off in the second innings replays confirmed the left-arm runs, denying India a wicket in take necessary steps. strikes bat or ppad.ad. a sleeping pillpil as he “Over the last day or so defeat in the second Test at Adelaidede OvalOOvval yyester-eesteer- after having them three down spinner had marginally the final session, before the However, it is not certain A country. You have to A the final day “Is“Is thethe techtech inin dealtdealt wiwithth a bboutout of nerves I have had a few different day to go 2-0 down with three matches to pplay.lay.. of the second on day four is disappointing,” overstepped. teams shook hands. what action ICC had taken. the rightright place, make difficult on the eve of the fifinaln day thoughts and I’ve read a lot England, swept 5-0 on their last visit to AuAustralia,sts raalil a,a mmustuust Ashes cricket India captain Virat Kohli said Nimble-footed de Silva “It was a really good series, Sri Lanka and India could it be ofof the second AsAsheshe Test decisions and of things but in the end we now win at least two of the remaining matchesatccheh s in PPerth,errthh, at the presentation scored freely, especially against apart from the second one play their third and final Test match bbetter?”e tte r?” afterafter hihiss decdecisionision not to sometimes you’re won the game so it’s all Melbourne and Sydney, as well as draw the other,otheh r,r toto retainrreetaainin ceremony. the spinners, while Chandimal (test). We learnt a lot,” Chan- Test which ends yesterday in Adelaide RootRoot ssaid.aid. enforceenforce thethe follow-onfollow- had going to make the irrelevant.” the urn they won with a 3-2 triumph on homeme soilsoill ini 22015.00115.5 “But they played well, they looked content playing second dimal said. at the Feroz Shah Kotla “We“We areare yesterday. givengiven EnEnglandgland a ssniff of wrong decision: Smith Another factor had been Despite England’s extremely poor recordrd showed composure and confi- fiddle. “Dhananjaya and Roshen Stadium. wherewhere we aarere victory.victory. keeping his pace bowlers in Perth, Root thought the fight the touriststs dence,” added the batsman Ashwin ended the 112-run batted really well in tough con- Sri Lanka’s cricketers with it. If we IItt all worked ouout in the fresh and tiring out the Eng- put up on the third and fourth days in Adelaidede who was given the man-of- partnership when he lured ditions against some great wore face masks during use itit as an enendd with Australia ccanter- lish seamers. meant the series was very much alive. the-match and Chandimal out of the crease bowlers... Dickwella played a the match and the bowl- excuse it’s not going ing to a 120-run victoryvic to “We know it’s a long “I’d strongly disagree,” he said when man-of-the-series awards. and spun the ball past his bat totally different brand of ers complained of to help us.” taketake a 2-0 lleadead in tthehe series summer and I think the asked what he would say to those who Resuming the final day on to hit the stumps. cricket. (I’m) happy with the shortness of breath. on WeWednesdaydnesday bbutut Smith next day or so and think bowlers we’ve got are very believed England were heading for another a precarious 31-3, Sri Lanka The Sri Lanka captain, who way we played today.” conceded he mightmigh have what I could have perhaps valuable,” he said. whitewash. “The way we responded with ballll hadhad a ssleeplessleepless ninightgh if he done differently and could “It’s part of an Ashes and bat in the second innings was outstandingdiing had not had a bit ofo phar- have done better, and areas series, it’s long. And if we (and) proved to everyone we are still massivelyvele y maceuticalm aceut that I can continue to can tire their bowlers early in the series, it’s simple as that. New Delhi assistance.assistance. improve in my leadership.” in the summer it can make “We’ve shown throughout the two gameses inn Reuters Skipper Chandimal relieved “I hhad to Only South Africa cap- a big difference at the back periods we can outperform Australia, justt notnnoot hhaveave a sleep- tain Dudley Nourse against end.” over five days, and that’s going to be ooururur ri Lanka captain Dinesh inging pillp last Australia in 1950 had pre- Smith, whose 141 not challenge. Chandimal said dropping night.night It has viously lost a Test after out was the difference “If we can get that right, and perform too ourouur Shis deputy Lahiru Thir- as Dhananjaya move pays off beenbee a failing to enforce the fol- between the sides in the ability for longer periods of time, we’ll winwwin imanne for the third and final prettypr low-on, and Smith could first Test in Brisbane, con- games. Simple as that.” test against India was not an totoughu 24 have joined him if England tributed 40 and six runs in England’s late resurgence in Adelaide gagaveavee easy call but he was vindicated before tea, debutant Roshen and Roshen Silva grabbed their finally saw a mostly sunny day hohours if had managed 178 runs his two innings in Adelaide. them some hope of claiming a victory withitth a as Dhananjaya de Silva’s gal- Silva, who followed his first opportunities.” on Wednesday but the test is I’I’mm being yesterday. James Anderson said on ground record run chase of 354 but they ulti-uultii- lant century secured a thrilling innings duck with a fighting Despite the pain, de Silva more likely to be remembered honest,”ho Smith said he was still Tuesday that he thought mately withered in the face of Australia’s ppaceacce atattacktttackk oonn draw yesterday. unbeaten 74, partnered Niro- was decisive in his footwork for Delhi’s toxic smog which he said.s undecid Smith said he was England had got to Smith Wednesday. Number three batsman shan Dickwella and batted out against the spinners, hitting 15 had the tourists struggling. “It’s all still undecided whether it with their sledging. Smith Root’s innings was always going to be kkeyey to EEnglandngglal ndd Thirimanne managed a fifty in the final session. boundaries and a six in his free- Chandimal said the condi- partpar of was a good decision or not disagreed. hopes but he was caught behind off a deliveryerry ththathaat nnickediickkeed his four innings in India but was “The vice-captain not play- scoring third test century. tions meant his team found it beingbein cap- but that he had expected “I think the opposite. I the bottom of his bat before he could add too hhisisi oovernightvevernrnigghtht dropped for the Delhi test due ing, it was tough on both him “It was a really good difficult to perform to the best tain oof your Australia to back it up by think they switched me on tally of 67 and the last six wickets fell for justust 5577 ruruns.nss. to his tendency to play loose (Thirimanne) and the team,” innings,” Chandimal, who of their ability. country.cou batting a bit better than they to be perfectly honest,” he Root said suggestions that this tour woulduld bbee a ccacarbonarbboonn shots. Chandimal told reporters. smashed a career-best 164 in “It was a tough time for us You haveh to did by making just 138 runs said. copy of the 2013-14 visit were well wide of thethe mark,mamarkk, evenevvenen The tourists slotted de “It’s a tough call but the first innings, said of de Silva as a team. We are not used to make ddifficult in their second innings. “I think when it got me if the series score was the same after two mmatches.ata chheess. Silva in the crucial spot and Dhananjaya and Roshen Silva who also bowls off-breaks. “We that. In Sri Lanka, you don’t get decisionsdecision and “I guess my rationale in my little bubble. I have “I think we’re in a much better place thanann tthat,hah t,t tthere’sheherree’ss the 26-year-old braved a deserved their opportunities, had full trust in him at number this much pollution,” the sometimessometimes you’re was that we’re 215 runs in my little idiosyncrasies. It still a lot of confidence going into that nextxtt ggame,”amme,e ” RoRRootootot thigh injury to score 119 and especially Roshen who has three. We knew he would give 28-year-old said. going to mmakea the front of the game, if we bat got me going. They can added. “We’re playing better cricket this time,me, I doddon’ton’t ththinkhinink help his team eke out a draw scored more than 6,000 runs us some bowling option as well “After the first two days, we wrong ddecision.ecisi reasonably well then we think what they like but we’re as unevenly matched as we were lastst titimeimeme aaround.rorounnd.d at the Feroz Shah Kotla in domestic cricket.” and he has grabbed the oppor- discussed it with the team and Austraia’s “I’ll“I’ll ththinkin back should be getting up over from my point of view it got You’ve seen us in control for periods of thee ggame,aamme,e Stadium. “It’s really unfortunate for tunity with both hands.” said we need to forget that, and skipper Steve Smith. andand rereflectflect oover the 400,” he said. me going.” whereas I don’t think that was the case lastasts ttimeimme Once he retired hurt just Thirimanne but Dhananjaya The smog-hit contest we need to play the game.” round.” 34 SPORT THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER 2017 THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 35 Russia ban must be analysed before taking action, says Kremlin

Moscow manipulation” of the anti-dop- reporters on a conference call. athletes who competed at the They include Deputy Prime publicly, did not answer Reuters Reuters ing system. Peskov, who said earlier this 2014 Sochi Games were banned Minister Vitaly Mutko, the calls on Tuesday and yesterday. The door was left open, how- week that Russia had no plans for life from the Olympics for former sports ministry who was The Russian authorities ussia will have to carefully ever, for Russians to compete as to boycott the Pyeongchang having allegedly violated anti- banned from the Olympics for have vehemently denied state analyse the International an “Olympic Athlete of Russia” as Games if the IOC imposed doping rules. life as part of the IOC decision. involvement in doping and R Olympic Committee’s long as they satisfy strict condi- restrictions on its participation, The bans came as a result of Reprimands “can’t be para- pledged to work with interna- decision to ban the country from tions that show they have a added Moscow wanted to main- an IOC investigation into allega- mount,” Peskov said. tional sports bodies to curb the the 2018 Pyeongchang Games doping-free background. tain ties with the IOC. tions of widespread doping “The priority is defending the use of banned performance- before taking any measures, the “Now, of course, we need to “Once again we repeat that among Russian athletes and tam- interests our Russian athletes. enhancing drugs in the Kremlin said yesterday. cast aside emotions and quite the situation is serious and pering with samples by laboratory And to defend their interests, we country. The IOC banned Russia on seriously analyse the decisions requires deep analysis,” he said. and security officials at Sochi. need to completely focus all our Russia’s athletics federation, Tuesday from the 2018 taken by the IOC regarding our “It wouldn’t be right to give in The Kremlin declined to say efforts, and everything else Paralympic Committee and Pyeongchang Winter Games country before making any to emotions.” whether officials involved in should come in second.” anti-doping agency RUSADA after evidence emerged of an judgment on this matter,” Krem- Before Tuesday’s IOC deci- organising the Sochi Games Mutko, who has yet to remain suspended over doping “unprecedented systematic lin spokesman Peskov told sion, more than 20 Russian would be reprimanded. address the ban against him scandals.

Smith-Schuster, NBA: Westbrook bags another Iloka banned over dangerous hits triple double as Thunder win Los Angeles AFP

Los Angeles ittsburgh Steelers wide AFP Oklahoma City Thunder receiver JuJu Smith- guard Russell Westbrook PSchuster and Cincinnati (left) dribbing the ball over Bengals safety George Iloka ussell Westbrook San Antonio Spurs guard were both hit with one-game bagged a second con- bans for incidents in Mon- Patty Mills (8) during the secutive triple double day’s bruising divisional as the Oklahoma City second quarter of their showdown, the NFL said. Thunder staged a late NBA game at Chesapeake Smith-Schuster was given Rrally to sink the Utah Jazz on Energy Arena on Monday. a suspension after a brutal Tuesday. Westbrook guided Thunder block on Bengals linebacker Westbrook, who had guided to win against Utah Jazz on Vontaze Burfict, who left the the Thunder to a victory over San Tuesday. game on a stretcher follow- Antonio on Sunday with his sev- ing the hit. enth triple of the season, bagged The Steelers receiver fol- his eighth of the campaign in a lowed his hit by standing over 100-94 win at the Chesapeake Burfict and taunting him as Energy Arena. he lay stricken on the turf. The reigning NBA MVP fin- Jon Runyan, the NFL vice ished with 34 points, 13 rebounds president of football opera- and 14 assists as OKC improved tions, wrote in a letter to to 11-12 in the Western Confer- Smith-Schuster that the Steel- ence standings. ers rookie had “celebrated” Paul George had 21 points hitting a defenseless player. and New Zealand center Steven “Your conduct following Adams 20 while Carmelo the hit fell far below the high Anthony added 14 for the home standards of sportsmanship side. expected of an NFL player,” Donovan Mitchell led the Runyan wrote. scoring for Utah with 31 points Iloka meanwhile was while Joe Ingles had 16 points. sanctioned for hitting Anto- Westbrook’s virtuoso per- nio Brown in the head and formance helped dig the neck area after the Steelers Thunder out of a hole after Utah receiver scored a touchdown raced into a 28-19 lead at the end with 3:55 remaining. of the first quarter. “We’ve got to be able to play NBA RESULTS Lowry pushed Toronto back in it’s fun. ... With that, we still “On a play which began Utah led 47-39 at half-time through that, but I thought all in front by 14 with a three-pointer missed a lot of shots but it’s with 3:55 left in the game, you and jumped out to an 80-68 lead all, obviously you want to win, Washington 106 Portland 92 with just over five minutes left. something we’re still learning,” violently struck a defenseless

heading into the final quarter. but there’s a lot of good things O’ City 100 Utah 94 DeMar DeRozan was also he said. receiver in the head and neck

But with Utah seemingly that we did.” influential for Toronto, bagging Phoenix team officials mean- area,” Runyan wrote. Toronto 126 Phoenix 113 poised for victory, the Thunder Elsewhere on Tuesday, Devin 20 points, eight assists and seven while later said Booker appeared “The Competition Com- exploded in the fourth quarter, Booker’s scintillating run of recent rebounds. Serge Ibaka had 19 to have suffered an adductor mittee has clearly expressed its outscoring the Jazz 32-14 to win. form came to an unhappy end as win to improve to 15-7 as Phoe- points, while OG Anunoby (16), strain. goal of ‘eliminating flagrant hits “Russell Westbrook, the MVP the Phoenix Suns prodigy was car- nix fell to 9-17. Kyle Lowry was C.J. Miles had (15), Jakob Poeltl “I don’t know how serious, that have no place in our game’ of the league, got going,” Jazz ried off the court in his team’s the key figure for the Raptors, (13), Fred VanVleet (13) also or when we’ll be able to evalu- and has encouraged the coach Quin Snyder said. defeat to the Toronto Raptors. finishing with 20 points, 10 made double figures. ate,” Suns interim coach Jay League office to suspend “I thought in the third quar- Booker, who had scored 46 points assists and six rebounds. “I think it makes it a lot eas- Triano said. In Tuesday’s other offenders for egregious viola- ter he gave them a lot of energy on Monday and 38 points on Sat- The Raptors were in control ier, which makes it a lot more game, the Washington Wizards tions such as the one you and gave them points. urday, was helped away at the end throughout, leading by 18 points fun,” DeRozan said. (13-11) defeated the Portland Trail committed last night.” “I thought we ran out of of the fourth quarter after bagging heading into the fourth quarter. “Everybody gets a chance to Blazers 106-92 after a dazzling Pittsburgh won the game steam a little bit just 19 points. Phoenix rallied to cut the lead to touch the ball, you don’t neces- 51-point display from Bradley 23-20 after a last second field emotionally. Toronto claimed a 126-113 10 with 8min 44sec to play, but sarily have to work so hard and Beal. goal. NHL: Gaborik stars as Kings claim big victory over Wild

New York NHL RESULTS Islanders. Andrei Vasilevskiy Agencies Vancouver 3 Carolina 0 made 29 saves to earn his league-leading 18th victory. arian Gaborik scored Las Vegas 4 Anaheim 3 Rangers 4, Penguins 3 two third-period goals, Los Angeles 5 Minnesota 2 Pavel Buchnevich scored the Mthe second representing Buffalo 4 Colorado 2 tiebreaking goal with 8:48 left the 400th of his NHL career, and Nashville 5 Dallas 2 as New York halted Pittsburgh’s the Los Angeles Kings came NY Rangers 4 Pittsburgh 3 four-game winning streak. from behind to win their sixth St. Louis 4 Montreal 3 Buchnevich attempted a consecutive game, 5-2 over the pass across the slot, but the puck Minnesota Wild on Tuesday Detroit 5 Winnipeg 1 hit the stick of the Penguins’ Kris

night. Tampa Bay 6 NY Islanders 2 Letang and sailed over the glove Jake Muzzin had a goal and New Jersey 4 Columbus 1 of Tristan Jarry (25 saves) to an assist, Drew Doughty had break a 3-3 tie. Ondrej Pavelec, three assists and Jonathan Quick who was pegged to start in net Marian Gaborik of the Los made 19 saves for Los Angeles. as Tampa Bay defeated New when Henrik Lundqvist devel- Angeles Kings skates with Gaborik scored the first goal in York in a matchup of the oped a flu-like illness, stopped the puck during the second Wild history and remains the league’s top scoring teams. 41 shots for the Rangers, who period against the Minnesota franchise leader in several Brayden Point, Andrej Sustr, have won six of their past seven Wild during their NHL game categories. Vladislav Namestnikov and and 12 of 15. Lightning 6, Islanders 2 Chris Kunitz also scored for the Patrik Hornqvist scored for at Staples Center in Los Yanni Gourde scored twice Lightning, who have 100 goals the fourth consecutive game for Angeles on Tuesday. in 94 seconds to snap a 2-2 tie this season -- one more than the Pittsburgh. 36 SPORT THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER 2017 Over 350 fencers to take part at Qatar GP

Fawad Hussain would like to thank our sponsors for The Peninsula supporting us in hosting this important event,” he said before adding that event ver 350 fencers representing 45 will be telecast live on television. countries will take part in this Fencers from Tunisia, Algeria and Oyear’s edition of Qatar Fencing Kuwait will be among the countries who Grand Prix starting tomorrow at the will be participating in the event. Aspire Dome. Tunisia’s star fencer Sarra Besbes, Revealing details of the tourna- who claimed the women’s title at the ment at a press conference yesterday, 2016 edition of Qatar Grand Prix will be Tournament Director Abdullah Al Maa- returning to Doha to defend her title. deed informed that as many as 14 Youngjun Kweon of Korea hoisted the Qatari fencers including four female trophy of men’s event last year. fencers will also be seen in action in Al Maadeed said as per the instruc- the three-day event which will con- tions of International Fencing clude on Sunday. Federation, the event will be supervised The event, which is being held since by 19 officials from other countries 2004, is rated as one of the major tour- besides 10 Qatari officials. naments in the International Fencing He said for the first time, both the Federation calendar. men’s and women’s finals will be held “ We are happy to host this event at the same time. again and we look forward to deliver- “The finals will be contested ing another successful competition,” said between 5pm to 7pm on Sunday. The Al Maadeed. preliminary rounds will start on Satur- Tournament Director Abdullah Al Maadeed (centre) along with other “ Like every year, this edition will day after the opening of the event on officials reveals details of the Qatar Fencing Grand Prix at a press also feature leading fencers of the world Friday (tomorrow),” he said. conference in Doha yesterday. The event will start tomorrow at Aspire in both the men’s and women’s According to International Fenc- Dome. categories.” ing Federation website, the event is “Delegations from different coun- offering a total prize money of US$ tries have started arriving in Doha. We 30,000.

Al Ghariya Triathlon set China star Wu Lei hails to take place on Saturday

The Peninsula

ver 250 participants Qatar’s cooling system including 50 Qatari Onationals are expected to take part in the eagerly- The Peninsula He set up China’s equaliser before lash- anticipated Al Ghariya ing home the winner nine minutes from Triathlon which will be held hina’s star forward Wu Lei time to secure a 2-1 win for his at Al Ghariya Resort on has joined his equally high- country. Saturday. profile team-mate Zhang I had a great “The cooling created the perfect The Al Ghariya Triathlon Linpeng in showering praise experience at Khalifa match condition for players and fans, is being organised by the on the pioneering stadium and added to the grandeur of the rede- Qatar Olympic Committee in Ccooling technology developed by Qatar. Stadium. So too did my veloped stadium,” said Lei, who has conjunction with Qatar Tria- In September, the 26-year-old team-mates. The won 48 caps for China. thlon Federation, Tri Club winger had first-hand experience of the “The redevelopment work was on Doha, and with participation cooling system used at Khalifa Inter- cooling was really nice the verge of completion when I was in Qtri, Mad Triathlon and Fit Q. national Stadium, the first completed and it helped our Doha in January with my club for pre- Triathlon - the challenge 2022 FIFA World Cup™ tournament season training. I thought then that I of three sports rolled into one venue. physical conditioning would love to play in the completed sta- event - is one of the fast Lei, who was a nominee for this and gave us greater dium. The icing on the cake was that I growing sports in Qatar. The year’s Asian Player of the Year, exclu- scored the winner when I did.” basic format is a swimming, sively told www.sc.qa that the stamina. It is a blessing However, Lei has not had his fill of cycling and running. innovative technology was a major fac- for players: Chinese playing in the venue, which will also Dr. Mohammed Jaham Al tor in his team’s second half comeback star forward Wu Lei host the 2019 World Athletics Kuwari, President of Qatar in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier Championships. Cycling and Triathlon Feder- against Qatar. “Though we did not qualify for Rus- ation, expressed his great “I had a great experience at Khal- sia, I am confident China will feature pleasure in organising this ifa Stadium,” said Lei, who was in the 2022 World Cup and I look for- event saying: “We, as Qatar speaking at the AFC Annual Awards in ward to coming back to the stadium and Triathlon Federation mem- Bangkok. continuing my good form,” he added China’s Wu Lei at the AFC Annual bers, are proud to be in a “So too did my team-mates. The the 90 minutes. with a smile. Awards 2017 in this file photo. partnership with Qatar Olym- cooling was really nice and it helped It was the first international to be Should China qualify for Asia’s sec- Courtesy: AFC pic Committee in organising our physical conditioning and gave us played at the redeveloped facility, ond FIFA World Cup – after being part such a huge event, that raises greater stamina. It is a blessing for which was inaugurated in May this year of the continent’s first tournament in “The pitches and facilities at Aspire awareness of the need to players.” ahead of the Emir Cup final between Al 2002 – Lei will embark with no doubts Academy are of a high quality. Aspire adopt a healthy lifestyle The match was played in 24C, Sadd and Al Rayyan. Plastic nozzles whatsoever on the range and quality of has a great hotel and a shopping mall amongst members of the despite the mercury tipping 38C out- blow cold air into the Khalifa Interna- Qatar’s football infrastructure. nearby which helps players to unwind. Qatari society, in addition to side the stadium. The temperature was tional Stadium “The training ground at Aspire Zone So Qatar has a perfect atmosphere for the solicitude of Qatar Olym- maintained inside the venue for the Shanghai SIPG attacker Lei came is one of the best I have been to,” he a player to both train and relax,” the pic Committee to adopt new benefit of players and fans throughout on as a substitute in the 56th minute. said. star forward added. sports and to introduce it to Qataris and expats”. Dr. Nasser Al Mohannadi, Triathlon director at Qatar Triathlon Federation said, “We are very happy to cele- brate our first ever National Aspire Academy wows rugby sevens legend Serevi Triathlon Point Series in this lovely new location for Tria- thlon at Al Ghariya Resort.” Renowned international Fijian rugby sevens legend, The Peninsula After wishing them luck in taking place in Qatar and around Waisale Tikoisolomoni Serevi (right) during his visit to their academic and sporting the region. RACE DISTANCES enowned international careers, Serevi shared words of The Academy is conceiving, Aspire Academy yesterday. Junior Individual Distances Fijian Rugby Sevens leg- wisdom with Aspire Academy’s promoting and implementing Mini-Kids (3-7) Rend, Waisale student-athletes, advising them game-changing excellence in Free Duathlon or running event Tikoisolomoni Serevi, toured to have faith in their ability, sports training and elite athlete (100m run, 100m bike, 100m run) Aspire Academy yesterday dur- believe in themselves and work development that is enabling an Kids 1 (7-9) ing his visit to Doha. hard, adding: “Always set out to entire generation of talented, 100m swim, 3km bike, 1.25km run During the exclusive tour, the be better than the day before, let disciplined and committed indi- Kids 2 (10-11) two-time Rugby World Cup Sev- this be your attitude especially viduals, both Qataris and 100m swim, 3km bike, 1.25km run Kids 3 (12-13) ens champion was given a tour in your training and one day you internationals to pursue their 200m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run of Aspire Academy’s state-of- will reach your goal and be the sports dreams. Junior (14-15) the-art facilities and received an best in your sport.” Together with the other 200m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run in-depth briefing on its services Since opening its doors in members of the Aspire Zone Adult Individual Distances and programmes. 2004, Aspire Academy for Sports Foundation (Aspire Logistics Beginners Speaking on the sidelines of Excellence has become one of and Aspetar Qatar Orthopedic 200m swim, 5km bike, 1.25km run his visit, Serevi said: “I am really the foremost national sports and Sports Medicine Hospital), Super Sprint 200m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run amazed by what l have seen academies in the world. the Aspire Academy is devel- Sprint 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run here. I have been playing rugby Working as part of the Aspire oping sports champions, Team Relay Distances for 21 years and have been all Zone Foundation - an interna- promoting healthy lifestyles (2 or 3 members per team)

over the world, but I have never tional sport destination – Aspire and galvanizing the sports Team Relay seen an Academy like this in my Academy is at the heart of a economy of today, and the 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run life. It is really a privilege.” sporting revolution currently future. www.aspire.