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Saints Ground Falcons, Redskins Fall to Cowboys

Saints Ground Falcons, Redskins Fall to Cowboys

NFL | Page 5 FORMULA 1 | Page 7 Saints ground Bottas puts Falcons, Mercedes on Redskins fall top in Friday to Cowboys practice

Saturday, November 24, 2018 FOOTBALL Rabia I 16, 1440 AH Klopp’s improved GULF TIMES Reds face severe test of credentials SPORT Page 3 SPOTLIGHT Bairstow shines Windies hit back at No 3 but Sri aft er Lanka fi ght back teen sets record Nayeem Hasan becomes youngest player to take five on debut

AFP , Bangladesh

eenage Bangladesh off -spin- ner Nayeem Hasan became the youngest ever player to take fi ve wickets on debut but WestT Indies’ spinners matched him to restore parity in the fi rst Test in Chit- tagong yesterday. Nayeem, who was 17 years 355 days old at the start of the game, fi nished with 5-61, as Bangladesh bowled out the West Indies for 246 to take a 78- run fi rst innings lead. But the hosts were unable to cash in on the advantage, slumping to 55 for fi ve in their second innings at stumps on the second day for a lead of just 133 runs. England’s celebrates after scoring a (100 runs) on the first Jomel Warrican and day of the third Test against in Colombo yesterday. (AFP) each took two wickets to help the West Indies claw their way back into AFP with the bat — in contrast to with ball in the contest. Colombo hand — then survived an lbw review. He Mushfi qur Rahim remained un- ended on 23 and on beaten on 11 alongside , 13. on what looked like a mine- onny Bairstow laid down a marker Sri Lanka also dropped two straight- fi eld at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury to be England’s permanent Test forward chances off Ali, who edged to Stadium. number three yesterday but Sri wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella on Nayeem, who surpassed Austral- Lanka clawed their way back into two and to slip on ian Pat Cummins’ fi ve- haul on theirJ fi nal match with late wickets. 17. debut at 18 years and 193 days, took At stumps on day one England, care of the West Indies lower middle- hunting a 3-0 whitewash, were 312-7, NOT GIVEN UP KEEPING order after senior spinners provided Bairstow having made 110 after partner- The ginger-haired Bairstow was in- the initial breakthroughs. ships of 100 with and 99 with stalled at the key number three spot Skipper , who fi n- . after Ali got a and three in the ished with 3-43, dismissed “I was obviously pleased with it. fi rst Test and after an experiment with and Kraigg Brathwaite at the start of There’s only a few times you get to score Stokes in Kandy failed to pay off . his spell after Taijul Islam removed a hundred for England, so it’s a spe- But Bairstow yesterday stopped short Kieran Powell for 14 to help the hosts cial time to be out there in the middle,” of saying he has now made the position reduce West Indies to 31-3. Bairstow, 29, said afterwards. his own with his century, his sixth. Roston Chase and “The emotion and hard work that has “Long term who knows what’s going tried to rebuild the innings but Nay- gone into getting back out on the fi eld is to happen. In the last year I think I’ve eem soon struck, removing both bats- massive.” batted at 7, 6, 5, 4 and three. Who knows men in successive overs for 31 and 19 Left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan what’s going to happen long term but runs respectively. Sandakan was Sri Lanka’s most pene- I’m happy with my performance today,” then launched a trative — and expensive — bowler of the he said. counter-attack to score 63 off 47 balls day, taking 4 for 91 off his 21 overs. Injuring himself playing football be- with fi ve fours and four sixes for a Finger spinners Malinda Pushpaku- fore the Galle Test, he was then left out brief respite from the spin onslaught. mara and Dilruwan Perera shared the in Kandy after his replacement at wick- Hetmyer shared 92 runs with Shane other three wickets between them. etkeeper, Foakes, hit a blistering century Dowrich to lift West Indies from a Batting after Root won his eighth — and on his Test debut. precarious 88-5 but the side collapsed straight toss, England lost both openers Bairstow made clear Friday though again once Mehidy broke the stand. cheaply in the morning. that he hasn’t hung up his gloves just Nayeem then dismissed Devendra Rory Burns disappointed again, yet. Bishoo, and Warrican bowled by Perera for 14 as he tried to cut. “I’ve not given up my keeping, I want to complete his fi ve-for before Sakib Bangladesh’s Nayeem Hasan celebrates the dismissal of West Indies’ Kemar Roach on second day of the first Test at the Keaton Jennings fell three overs later, to make that very, very clear. I’m still removed to wrap up Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong, Bangladesh, yesterday. (AFP) caught at leg slip off Pushpakumara for working hard on my keeping because it’s the West Indies innings. 13. something I still want to do,” he said. Dowrich held one end fi rm to stay Earlier in the day, Bangladesh were Left-arm spinner Warrican took nings score to , who But Root and Bairstow, England’s unbeaten on 63, his third Test fi fty bowled out quickly for 324 in their the remaining two Bangladeshi wick- struck 120 off 167 balls while Imrul fourth diff erent number three in the which came off 101 balls with the help fi rst innings after resuming on their ets as the hosts added just nine runs. Kayes and Shakib made 44 and 34 re- series, steadied the ship, surviving one Scorecard of two fours and three sixes. overnight score of 315-8. Bangladesh owed their fi rst-in- spectively. review each to steer the visitors to 102-2 ENGLAND 1st innings at lunch. Bairstow and Root put on a 100-run R. Burns b Perera 14 Scorecard stand before the fell to Sandakan K. Jennings c Silva b Pushpakumara 13 after lunch, top-edging an attempted J. Bairstow b Sandakan 110 BANGLADESH 1st inn (o/n 315-8) (Kayes), 3-153 (Mithun), 4-222 S. Dowrich not out 63 BANGLADESH 2nd inn slog sweep on 46. J. Root c Gunathilaka b Sandakan 46 I. Kayes c Ambris b Warrican 44 (Haque), 5-226 (Rahim), 6-230 D. Bishoo lbw b N. Hasan 7 I. Kayes b Warrican 2 Sri Lanka should have had Stokes as (), 7-235 (Shakib), 8-259 well, with umpire Chris Gaff aney incor- B. Stokes c de Silva b Sandakan 57 S. Sarkar c Dowrich b Roach 0(M. Hasan), 9-324 (N Hasan), 10-324 K. Roach lbw b N. Hasan 2S. Sarkar c Brathwaite b Chase 11 rectly turning down Perera’s lbw appeal J. Buttler c & b Sandakan 16 M. Haque c Dowrich b Gabriel 120 (Rahman) J. Warrican b N. Hasan 12 M. Haque lbw b Chase 12 when the Durham allrounder was yet to M. Ali not out 23 M. Mithun c Dowrich b Bishoo 20 : Roach 17-2-63-1, Gabriel 20- S. Gabriel c Mahmudullah b Shakib 6M. Mithun b Bishoo 17 get off the mark. B. Foakes c Dickwella b Pushpakumara 13 Shakib Al Hasan b Gabriel 34 3-70-4, Chase 11-0-42-0, Warrican 21.4- Extras (b6, lb2, nb2, p5) 15 Shakib Al Hasan c Gabriel b Warrican 1 Stokes and Bairstow then made hay, 6-62-4, Bishoo 15-0-60-1, Brathwaite Stokes hitting fi ve fours and two sixes A. Rashid not out 13 M. Rahim lbw b Gabriel 4 Total (all out; 64 overs) 246 M. Rahim not out 11 8-1-19-0 before Sandakan got the Durham all- Extras (b3, lb3, nb1) 7 Mahmudullah b Gabriel 3 Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Powell), M. Hasan not out 0rounder to edge to slip, his 57 scored off Total (7 wickets, 88.1 overs) 312 M. Hasan b Warrican 22 WEST INDIES 1st inn 2-30 (Hope), 3-31 (Brathwaite), Extras (lb 1) 1 88 balls. 4-77 (Chase), 5-88 (Ambris), 6-180 Bairstow then passed his century, re- Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Burns), 2-36 (Jen- N. Hasan c Hope b Warrican 26 K. Brathwaite c Sarkar b Shakib 13 Total (five wickets, 17 overs) 55 (Hetmyer), 7-199 (), moving his helmet and celebrating with nings), 3-136 (Root), 4-235 (Stokes), T. Islam not out 39 K. Powell lbw b Islam 14 8-205 ( Roach), 9-225 ( Warrican), Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Kayes), 2-13 gusto. 5-254 (Bairstow), 6-265 (Buttler), 7-294 M. Rahman lbw b Warrican 0 S. Hope b Shakib 1 10-246 (Gabriel) (Sarkar), 3-32 (Haque), 4-35 (Shakib), But he fell for 110, another Sandakan (Foakes) 5-53 (Mithun) scalp, and was soon followed by Buttler Extras (b3, lb5, nb4) 12 S. Ambris lbw b N. Hasan 19 Bowling: Rahman 2-1-4-0 (nb2), M. Bowling: Lakmal 10-2-23-0, Perera Hasan 15-0-67-1, Islam 20-3-51-1, Shakib Bowling: Roach 1-0-11-0, Warrican for 16, caught and bowled by the same 30.1-1-107-1, Pushpakumara 20-3-64-2, Total (all out; 92.4 overs) 324 R. Chase c Kayes b N. Hasan 31 11-1-43-3, N. Hasan 14-2-61-5, Mah- 8-0-22-2, Chase 5-1-16-2, Bishoo man, and by Ben Foakes who nicked Sandakan 21-0-91-4, de Silva 5-0-16-0, Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Sarkar), 2-105 S. Hetmyer c Rahim b M. Hasan 63 mudullah 2-0-7-0 3-0-5-1 Pushpakumara on 13. Gunathilaka 2-0-5-0 Moeen Ali, who has had a woeful tour Gulf Times 2 Saturday, November 24, 2018 CRICKET

ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP England punch ticket to fi nal against Australia

AFP crushing 71-run win in the fi rst England captain Heather Sharp work by Healy behind North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda match of the semi-fi nal double- Knight fi nished with three for the stumps ran out Hayley Mat- header. nine with her off -spinners on a thews and when the excellent Alyssa Healy was again the helpful pitch while Kirstie Gor- Ellyse Perry accounted for the ngland marched into outstanding performer with the don was another of the slow dangerous Deandra Dottin and the fi nal of the Women’s bat for the three-time champi- bowlers to capitalise on the middle-order player Shemaine World T20 with a com- ons, her topscore of 46 helping conditions. Her spell of two for Campbell for just two runs off manding eight-wicket to lift the Aussies to a competi- 20 included the all-important two overs, the West Indies swift- victoryE in the second tive 142 for fi ve batting fi rst. It wicket of captain and star batter ly disintegrated with only captain semi-fi nal at the Sir Vivian Ri- was enough to earn her a fourth Harmanpreet Kaur. Stafanie Taylor (16) getting into chards Stadium in Antigua on “Player of the Match” award in That dismissal was the trig- double-fi gures. Thursday. fi ve matches at this tournament ger for the long collapse which After limiting the previously after the 2016 champions were frittered away the benefi ts of the BRIEF SCORES unbeaten Indians to 112 all out off routed for just 71 off 17.3 overs. earlier work by opener Smriti India 112 all out in 19.3 overs 19.3 overs, the English made light That result was a massive dis- Mandhana, who topscored with (Smriti Mandhana 34, Jemimah work of a potentially tricky target appointment for a huge home 34, and Jemimah Rodriges, who Rodrigues 26; Heather Knight 3-9, with an unbroken third-wick- crowd but reinforced the consist- contributed a run-a-ball 26. Kirstie Gordon 2-20) lost to Eng- et partnership of 94 between ent excellence of the top-ranked In a surprise decision, the pre- land 116 for 2 in 17.1 overs (Amy “Player of the Match” Amy Jones team in the women’s T20 game viously unbeaten Indians did not Jones 53 not out, Natalie Sciver (53 not out) and all-rounder Na- who by that result went some recall experienced batter Mithali 52 not out; Radha Yadav 1-20) by talie Sciver (52 not out) seeing way towards making amends for Raj into the fi nal eleven, choosing eight wickets. them home with almost three losing the fi nal to the Caribbean to retain the same team which de- Australia 142 for 5 in 20 overs overs to spare. side in Kolkata two-and-a-half feated Australia in their fi nal group (Alyssa Healy 46, Meg Lanning That second result formalised years ago. game in fi ve days earlier. 31; Stafanie Taylor 1-20, Deandra another meeting of the tradi- Any hopes for a thrilling sec- West Indies, who were also Dottin 1-23) beat West Indies 71 tional Ashes rivals in today’s fi nal ond semi-fi nal also disappeared unchanged for the fourth straight all out in 17.3 overs (Stafanie Tay- at the same venue after Australia after the Indians lost their last match, were again let down by lor 16; Ellyse Perry 2-2, Ashleigh dashed the hopes of title-hold- eight wickets for just 23 runs af- their top-order batting in pursuit Gardner 2-15, Delissa Kimmince Amy Jones (right) of England hits the winning runs as India’s Tanya Bhatia looks on during the ICC Women’s ers and hosts West Indies with a ter choosing to bat fi rst. of a target of 143 to get the fi nal. 2-17) by 71 runs. World T20 semi-final in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda, on Thursday. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Harmanpreet has ‘no regrets’ leaving Captain Sarfraz calls Mithali out of semis

IANS North Sound, Antigua on batsmen to dig in efending the team management’s deci- sion to bench veteran Mithali Raj even after yesterday’sD heartbreaking eight- wicket semi-fi nal loss to Eng- land, India skipper Harmanpreet against New Zealand Kaur maintained that she had “no regrets”. “Whatever we decided, we de- ‘If you analyse our last eight Tests, our batsmen get out without playing long innings’ cided for the team. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, AFP New Zealand batsman Henry no regrets,” Harmanpreet said at Dubai Nicholls said his team are more the post-match presentation at confi dent after the win. the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium “Obviously, it was an ideal here. according to the wicket. Eng- akistan captain Sarfraz start for us to win the fi rst Test “I’m proud of the way my girls land bowled really well, read the Ahmed urged his fal- and we have the belief heading played through the tournament. wicket really well. tering batsmen to play into the second Test,” said Ni- This is a learning for us because “It was not an easy total to long innings to help cholls who made a fi ghting 55 in we are a young team.” chase, and our bowlers bowled Ptheir team bounce back in the New Zealand’s second innings in On a pitch that wasn’t the really well. We stretched the second Test against New Zea- Abu Dhabi. easiest to bat on, the English duo match till the 18th over.” land starting in Dubai today. “We bounced back after not of Natalie Sciver (54 not out) and Harmanpreet further main- Since the retirement of two an ideal start and found ways in Amy Ellen Jones (51 not out) dis- tained that this World T20 was senior established batsmen conditions that are foreign to played great technique to deny another learning curve for her Younis Khan and Misbah-ul- us, so it was nice and has given India any chances of a comeback young side and pointed out the Haq last year, Pakistan have us confi dence heading into the after the spinners removed the need to focus on mental strength. been struggling to post big to- second Test.” openers within the fi rst fi ve overs “I think we are a young team tals, especially in the run chase. “Pakistan will defi nitely look of the England chase. and we still need to work on our In the fi rst test, they made to bounce back so it’s for us to Hailing World No.2 England’s mental strength. If we can work heavy weather of a modest 176- improve and to assess quickly approach in the semi-fi nal, the on how to play under pressure, run target, collapsing from 130- and adjust at a diff erent ground India skipper said: “Sometimes that will change how we play 3 to 171 all out as New Zealand and diff erent wicket,” said Ni- you have to change your game these games,” she said. pulled off a sensational four-run cholls. win in Abu Dhabi. Sarfraz says that Pakistan TEAMS (FROM) have left that defeat behind but Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed Melbourne rain washes out recognise the shortcomings of (captain), Mohamed Hafeez, their batting. Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Haris India-Australia T20 “What mistakes we commit- Sohail, Asad Shafiq, , ted we have left them in Abu Saad Ali, Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif, The second International between India and Australia Dhabi,” said Sarfraz yesterday. year), Mohamed Hafeez and Sarfraz said Pakistan badly ets against England Lions in the Mohamed Abbas, , was called off yesterday following persistent rain in Melbourne. “If you analyse our last eight Haris Sohail (against Australia need a win in the second Test. four-day game in Abu Dhabi this Shaheen Shah Afridi, Faheem Put into bat, Australia overcame a poor start to reach 132 for Tests or so, our batsmen get out in Dubai last month). “This is an important Test for week -- but his chance of mak- Ashraf, Mir Hamza seven in 19 overs when rain forced the players off the field at the without playing long innings so In that period Pakistan’s us so we should play good crick- ing a debut in Dubai are slim. New Zealand: Melbourne Cricket Ground. Ben McDermott made 32 not out off we have spoken to them about Azhar Ali and Shafi q, who are et and we realise how important New Zealand are mulling the (captain), Tom Blundell, Trent 30 balls before scurrying off the ground with batting partner that.” now the senior batsmen, have it is to bounce back and then go option of including a third spin- Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Andrew Tye. The umpires first considered a 19-overs-a-side game Since the Younis-Misbah era been well below their best. on to win the series,” said Sar- ner in uncapped off -spinner Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry before setting India a revised target of 90 from 11 overs to level Pakistan batsmen have scored Azhar has managed just 422 runs fraz. Will Somerville. The last time Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Jeet Raval, the series. However, with the rain returning, the match was even- only three hundreds in eight with no hundreds and Shafi q Pakistan have called up lanky they played three spinners in a Ish Sodhi, Will Somerville, tually called off . Australia, who clinched the rain-hit series opener Tests, one each by Asad Shafi q 590 with one hundred — a far teenage paceman Shaheen Shah Test was against India in Kanpur Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil in Brisbane, will carry a 1-0 lead into tomorrow’s final match in (versus Sri Lanka in Dubai last cry from what Pakistan needed. Afridi -- who took seven wick- two years ago. Wagner Sydney. South African bowler Ngidi to miss BOTTOMLINE Pakistan series through injury South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi will miss all South Africa’s It is tougher to handle success than failure: Laxman matches against Pakistan this season after suff ering a knee injury. In a statement yesterday, Cricket South Africa said Ngidi, IANS you get carried away very eas- the Indian players who per- national sports people face; in 22, had sustained a right knee ligament injury while fielding in a Mumbai ily. If you are going through a formed at his best against the fact, I think everyone in all walks against Australia last week. Dr Mohamed bad patch, you get support and top international cricket team of of life is facing problems in on Moosajee, the team manager and doctor, said investigations and you work hard to bounce back. his time, Australia, he also went a daily basis. It is important to assessments on his return to South Africa had revealed a “signifi- elebrated former Indian That’s why having a support through a rough time because of address this and talk about it,” cant” injury which will require a minimum of 12 weeks rest and cricketer VVS Lax- system is crucial in such a situ- a bad patch and injuries. Laxman said. rehabilitation. Ngidi will miss three Tests, five one-day interna- man, whose biography ation.” Recalling his early days The book has been co-writ- tionals and three Twenty20 internationals during Pakistan’s tour is titled 281 and Beyond, “We are not taught how to in international cricket, the ten by a veteran cricket writer between December 24 and February 6. saysC that dealing with success is handle success. I have seen a lot 44-years-old sportsman said: R Kaushik and captures the much tougher than failure and of talented players, who unfor- “In the fi rst four years of my journey of the Hyderabad boy that is why it is important to tunately do not have the support professional career I struggled from his childhood, through his West Indies’ Gabriel banned for have a strong support system in system, soon drift away. That very hard. I had expectations sports career and life after re- second Bangladesh Test the form of coaches, friends and not only happens because of from myself, as did my par- tirement from cricket in 2012. family to sustain a long sports how they are dealing with failure ents, but things were not falling “Our cricket is a very glam- West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel was suspended for next career. but also the success,” said the in place. I did not know how to orous game, we are fortunate week’s second Test against Bangladesh after he accumulated During an interactive session cricketer, who created history cope up. I was so desperate to to get all the limelight, support five demerit points within a 24-month period for disciplinary on Thursday night with noted by scoring 281 runs against Aus- establish myself in international and admiration from fans. I am breaches, the International Cricket Council said yesterday. sports commentator Harsha tralia in Eden Gardens in 2001 cricket.” not denying any of it. But deep Gabriel was handed two demerit points after he was found guilty Bhogle, the former right-hand after India trailed by 274 runs in The evening was graced by down, we too have a hard time. of shoulder barging Bangladesh’s Imrul Kayes during the open- batsman opened up on his emo- the fi rst innings. , who also Though we think that sports- ing day of the first Test between the two teams in Chittagong on tional roller-coaster rider dur- It’s was rated as the great- er said: “A sportsman cannot shared some of the amus- men are preparing themselves Thursday. The incident took place in the eighth over of the Test ing his cricketing career. est Test performance of the sustain a long career without ing dressing room stories and to face all the obstacles in life when, after bowling a , Gabriel was judged to have made About what made him openly last 50 years by fellow players, a strong support system. I am praised Laxman on how he because we are fi ghters, we too deliberate physical contact with batsman Imrul on his follow talk about depression in one of commentators and journalists therefore really fortunate to fought his diffi cult times on a feel emotionally low at times,” through. Gabriel had received three demerit points during the Ja- the chapters titled ‘Of Laugh- in a poll conducted by ESPN’s have my father and family, my tour of South Africa. he shared. maica Test against Pakistan in April 2017, when he was also fined ter and Loneliness’ in the book, Cricket Monthly digital maga- coach, later in life; I have got a “I think from the beginning Cricketers Ashish Nehra, Di- 50 per cent of his match fee. His suspension came as a blow for Laxman said, “It is tougher to zine. support system in the form of I wanted to share my journey nesh Kartik, Sandeep Patil, Saba West Indies as Gabriel was the pick of their bowlers with 4-70 in handle success than failure. Thanking his family and my wife Shailaja.” (in the book) as it is. There are Karim among several others the first innings of the ongoing Test. In India, if you are successful, friends, the ‘non-regular’ open- Though Laxman was one of very many challenges we inter- were present at the event. Gulf Times Saturday, November 24, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Klopp’s improved N’Golo Kante signs Reds face severe new 5-year test of credentials Blues deal Liverpool have eight more points than at this stage of the campaign last year

AFP Defeat in Paris on Wednesday would London leave Liverpool — Champions League fi - nalists in May — in grave danger of going out, although a victory would see them urgen Klopp is convinced that through to the knockout stages with a Liverpool are a stronger team now game to spare. than they were a year ago but the Liverpool’s squad looks stronger than next week promises to test that it did last season, and they have eight AFP him at Chelsea until 2023, signed a Jtheory to the limit. more Premier League points than at this fi ve-year contract when he joined London Klopp’s side, second in the Premier stage of the campaign 12 months ago. the club in 2016 for a fee reported League, face a trip to seventh-placed But few would claim they are playing as to be around £30mn ($38.5mn). Watford today, followed by a critical fl uently as they did in their best periods helsea midfi elder N’Golo He had arrived in England Champions League visit to Paris Saint- in 2017-18. Kante has signed a new the previous summer when was Germain and a Merseyside derby at Roberto Firmino is not performing as fi ve-year contract at signed from French side Caen by home to neighbours Everton. well as he did last season and the mid- Stamford Bridge, the Leicester, whom he helped win By the end of that run of fi xtures, it fi eld has so far been inconsistent, not CPremier League club announced the Premier League title. will be a little clearer as to whether Liv- helped by the summer loss of Emre Can yesterday. Kante fi nished the 2016-17 erpool have what it takes to maintain a to Juventus and the delays in adjusting he France international, signed campaign as a Premier League challenge for domestic and European ti- to English football experienced by new from Leicester in the summer of champion again with Chelsea and tles this season. signings Fabinho and Naby Keita. 2016, has been an ever-present was named Professional Foot- “There’s absolutely no reason for Liverpool are also missing the creativ- in the league for Maurizio Sarri’s ballers’ Association and Football criticising the boys, they do a really good ity of Philippe Coutinho, sold to Barce- side this season. Chelsea are third Writers’ Association player of the job,” said Liverpool manager Klopp. lona in January, as well as Alex Oxlade- in the table, four points behind year. “So many things are better than last Chamberlain, who is recovering from a leaders Manchester City. Club director Marina year — defending is better, set-pieces long-term knee injury. “N’Golo Kante has today ex- Granovskaia said: “We are de- are better; we are much more mature in Bedding down a consistent midfi eld tended his stay at Stamford Bridge lighted N’Golo has signed a new games, game management is better. So is will be crucial to Liverpool maintain a by signing a new fi ve-year con- contract and sees his long-term many things are better.” European challenge — the trio of James tract,” Chelsea said on their offi - future with Chelsea. When he ar- Back in September, former Manches- Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam cial website. rived, we knew we had signed a ter United and England defender Gary Lallana were found wanting in the de- Kante, 27, who won the World special player but he has astound- Neville, now a television pundit, sug- feat to Red Star so the return of Jordan Cup with France in Russia in July, ed everybody with his tireless and gested Klopp’s team would not be able to Henderson from a hamstring injury has said: “I’m happy to extend my unselfi sh displays. juggle European and domestic demands, come at a good time for Klopp. time with Chelsea. It has been two “Off the pitch, he remains and should therefore treat the Champi- At the back meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk beautiful years and I wish for more a dedicated professional and a ons League lightly. and Joe Gomez have formed a fi ne un- to come. humble human being despite the Liverpool’s manager responded derstanding in front of goalkeeper Alis- “Since I came, I completely im- fact he is a world champion and a waspishly, suggesting that managing son Becker. proved as a player, challenged my- two-time Premier League winner. a club was signifi cantly diff erent from “We can improve — we have to and we self and got some awards I never We now look forward to fi ve more “sitting in an offi ce and talking about will,” said Klopp. “We have to win foot- thought about.” years with N’Golo at the heart of football”. ball games. That’s how it is and that’s Kante, whose new deal will keep the Chelsea midfi eld.” However proving Neville wrong is what we’ve done already. something of a struggle for Klopp at “It’s all good, I like the season. There present, with the club’s Champions has been a lot of improvement so far and League progress plunged into doubt by there is still space for further improve- Hoddle recovering aft er heart surgery away defeats against Napoli and Red ment. But a very intense period is com- Star Belgrade in the group stage. ing up now.”

Klopp says new Mane deal shows Liverpool progress London: Jurgen Klopp believes Sadio long-term thinking for both midfielders. Mane’s new contract is a “statement” Brazil international Fabinho started four on Liverpool’s progress and dismissed of the last five Liverpool games before reports that summer signing Fabinho the international break and the Reds could leave the club as “crazy”. boss emphatically rejected speculation Senegal forward Mane signed a long- the midfielder could leave at his pre- term extension on Thursday and his Watford press conference. commitment to the Reds has delighted “Of course he will not leave. I don’t talk his manager, whose side are second about transfers but if you want to ask, in the Premier League, just two points nobody leaves here,” said Klopp. London: Former England dure,” the spokesman said. behind Manchester City. That would be completely crazy — he manager Glenn Hoddle is out “The care that Glenn received “It’s a big sign. To extend a contract is doesn’t want to, it’s only the crazy world of hospital and recuperating at from St Bartholomew’s Hospital more than a signing, it is a statement,” out there that people, if they don’t play home following heart surgery was exemplary. His family Klopp said ahead of Liverpool’s visit to in the last five games, immediately late last month, the 61-year-old’s would like to thank the hospital Watford today. open kind of a transfer market. We are spokesman said yesterday. staff and the many people who “It shows a bit of change the club did not involved in that.” Keita returned to Hoddle, who spent the major- have sent supportive messages. in the last few years. A few years ago Liverpool action after a hamstring injury ity of his playing career with “Doctors have outlined that rest players felt they had to leave the club to as a late substitute in the 2-0 home win Tottenham Hotspur and also is paramount for Glenn now. make the next step.” against Fulham. “We have this wonderful played for Chelsea and Monaco, With that in mind, his family Klopp also reiterated his satisfaction with player in our squad and we will use him, was working for BT Sport as ask politely that their privacy the starts made by Fabinho and Naby now, short-term, long-term, future, we a pundit on his 61st birthday is respected and that Glenn is Keita at Liverpool as he outlined the will use him,” said Klopp. when he collapsed on Oct 27. given time to recover fully.” Upbeat: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp “To aid his recovery from a car- Hoddle was one of English diac arrest, Glenn underwent football’s top players during the surgery. He responded well to 1980s, winning 53 England caps BOTTOMLINE treatment and is now at home before managing his country recuperating from the proce- from 1996 to 1999.

Leicester boss Puel says it’s CONCERN Pochettino says time now to focus on football players being

AFP focus on the football. London “It’s important to have the good ‘pushed to the limit’ concentration on football to continue to improve,” he said. “Our tributes AFP volved in Russia until the fi nal eicester City manager Claude for the chairman are in our minds but London weekend and did not return to Puel says the team must now now it is important to speak about Tottenham until the eve of the look to the future following football. Premier League season. last month’s helicopter crash “During the last two weeks, the auricio Pochettino Pochettino, whose Tottenham Lthat cost the life of owner Vichai Sri- players can forget a little and have accepts he is push- side play Chelsea this weekend, vaddhanaprabha. their minds on other thoughts. ing his Tottenham would prefer his young squad to Vichai died with four others when “The international players came squad to the limit as be relaxing in the summer rath- his helicopter came down following back with a smile and are happy to Mhe counts the cost of their World er than playing football for 12 a 1-1 home draw with West Ham on come back and see their teammates. Cup exploits. months. “Today, we’re in a peri- October 27. Heartfelt tributes were The others worked a lot with quality Out of the 12 Spurs players od where the technology and the paid at the club’s away match against and focus and it was a good thing.” that went to Russia in the sum- knowledge of sports science and Cardiff a week after the tragedy be- Forward Jamie Vardy is a major mer, only Harry Kane, Toby Al- the medical staff are fantastic — fore Puel and many of the squad and doubt for Leicester’s trip to the south derweireld and Son Heung-min they can provide the best help,” senior staff fl ew to Bangkok to attend coast, battling a groin injury he sus- have not spent time out this sea- he said. Vichai’s funeral. tained in the draw against Burnley. son with muscle injuries. “But we’re pushing players to They returned for the goalless draw “I hope he can be available for the Davinson Sanchez and Kieran the limit. The line between get- against Burnley at the King Power weekend, we will see tomorrow,” said Trippier were the latest stars ting injured or not is so thin. Stadium on November 10. Puel. “He had a groin injury. We have to head for the treatment room “We don’t realise that we’re The players are now back at the to manage step-by-step (for him) to before the recent international playing with the health of the club after the international break come back in training.” break and neither is expected players. They’re human. It’s so ahead of today’s trip to Brighton and, The former Premier League cham- back until next month. tough. They are young. They however hard it will be, Puel wants to pions are currently 10th in the table. Nine Spurs players were in- need to enjoy life, too.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, November 24, 2018 SPORT

QNB STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Atletico look to leapfrog Barca in Borges saves wide open La Liga

AFP mund. Before the international Madrid break, they needed two goals in the last 10 minutes to beat Ath- letic Bilbao. Rayyan’s blushes tletico Madrid have a The last time Atleti pre- chance to take advan- vailed over Barca in the league tage of a topsy-turvy was 2010, when they had Spain La Liga campaign when keeper David de Gea in goal and theyA host champions Barcelona Argentina striker Sergio Aguero today with the chance to take top up front. spot this weekend despite their Lionel Messi proved the dif- own patchy form. ference in March with a bend- with late equaliser Diego Simeone’s side are just ing free-kick, and in the sum- a point behind leaders Barca de- mer too for Antoine Griezmann, Al Ahli extend their unbeaten run to six matches as they beat Qatar SC 1-0 spite having drawn fi ve times who decided he would be better and lost once, together as many off in the lead role he holds with matches as they have won. They Atletico rather than playing sec- are battling to overtake Barca ond fi ddle at Barca. alongside Sevilla and surprise Griezmann has not shied package Alaves, who are both away from his craving to clinch level on 23 points with Atleti. the Ballon d´Or this year but de- Al Rayyan’s Lucca Borges celebrates his Alaves, promoted in 2016, fi n- spite winning the World Cup and equaliser against Umm Salal in the QNB Stars ished 14th last term but will go Europa League, the sense is he League yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rashid top if they win away at Leganes will come up short, as he is not on Friday night, while Sevilla consistently dominating these could potentially be leaders on kind of fi xtures in the way play- Sunday night despite languish- ers like Messi do. ing in 13th place in September. There will be a battle of old Even Real Madrid are in touch, against new in midfi eld, where just four points back despite Sergio Busquets, 30, goes up having gone more than eight against Rodri Hernandez, eight hours without a goal at one point years his junior. and having been without a per- Rodri is still rough around the manent coach for two weeks edges but has poise, judgement before Santiago Solari was up- and the ability to set the tempo. graded from interim to full-time Busquets has done that job at the boss. highest level over the past dec- This season every time a chal- ade but he has been among those lenger has clicked into gear they most at fault in Barca’s worst seem to click out again, in turn performances this season. off ering fresh impetus to their Any result at the Wanda Met- stumbling rivals around them. ropolitano will benefi t sixth- Barca were verging on crisis in placed Real Madrid, whose fi rst September before reeling off six game with Santiago Solari as wins and a draw away at Valen- their permanent coach comes at cia. Then they were blown away Eibar early today afternoon. by Real Betis, fl attered even by Four wins, 15 goals scored and the 4-3 scoreline. only two conceded point to noth- “We have managed to play ing less than a transformation, the way we want against the big which gave Madrid president teams, but against other teams Florentino Perez an easy solution with less potential we have not,” to fi ll the vacancy left open by the defender Gerard Pique said. sacking of Julen Lopetegui. “If we want to win titles we have to be strong against every- Fixtures (all times GMT) Today: Eibar v Real Madrid (1200), one, the diffi cult ones and every- Valencia v Rayo Vallecano (1515), Huesca one else.” v Levante (1730), Atletico Madrid v Atletico may have put a mis- Barcelona (1945) Tomorrow: Athletic Bilbao v Getafe erable start behind them but last (1100), Sevilla v Real Valladolid (1515), By Sports Reporter by Adil Rhaili. corner. Tabata fl oated in a cor- registered four victories on the out. month, they suff ered their heav- Espanyol v Girona (1730), Villarreal v Real Betis (1945) Doha They really should have ner from the left which found trot. Al Ahli created more chances iest defeat under Diego Sime- its way through the defence and Qatar SC remained on 11 and, towards the end of first one, a 4-0 loss to Borussia Dort- Monday : Real Sociedad v Celta Vigo scored later on in the half, but (2000) were denied in surprising cir- Luca was able to put the ball into points. half, Qatar SC goalkeeper Jas- ucca Borges saved Al cumstances. Rodrigo Tabata had the back of the net to ensure the Meshaal Abdulla and Mun- sim al-Hail denied Muntari Rayyan’s blushes by hit a beautiful free-kick over points were shared. tari led Al Ahli’s attacks, while and Meshaal. Qatar SC showed FOCUS clinching a late equaliser the wall and against the post, Meanwhile, Al Ahli extended Dutch star De Jong played the more alacrity in the second against Umm Salal in the but somehow Daniel Goumou their unbeaten run to six match- captain’s role well even as he half, but a goal eluded them. LQNB Stars League yesterday. dragged the follow-up shot wide es as they beat Qatar SC 1-0 in controlled the midfield. Soon after Al Ahli scored, Mahmoud al-Mawas had with the goal at his mercy. a thrilling match. Nigel de Jong Qatar SC made Samuel Eto’o The Kings had a chance to Xavi plans to retire given Umm Salal the lead in the The fi rst goal of the game converted from the spot to their spearhead, with Syrian equalise. However, Omari sent 66th minute before Borges re- came midway through the sec- net the all-important goal in striker Osama Omari playing his free-kick from outside stored parity in the 79th. ond half and largely summed the 60th minute at the Qatar slightly behind him. the ‘D’ over the bar. In another but insists Barca The draw moved Al Rayyan up what had been a tight game. SC Stadium. The penalty was Al Ahli had a goal disallowed match, Al Shahania recorded to third in the standings with 23 Umm Salal’s Mohammad El awarded when Qatar SC’s San- in the eighth minute when only their fourth victory when points behind Al Duhail and Al Sayed put in a cross which was dro Ferreira tripped Mohamed Omid Ibrahimi, who headed in they pipped relegation-threat- coaching not close Sadd, while Al Sailiya are fourth fl icked on to the post by Rhaili Muntari inside the box. a Mohsine Moutaouli free-kick ened Kharaitiyat 1-0, with Clau- with 22. and Al Mawas was on hand to Al Ahli took their points to from the left, was ruled offside. dio Vasquez scoring the only AFP In a game of few chances, Al scramble the ball across the line. 22, where they are fifth in the Eto’o then missed an easy goal of the match in the 29th Barcelona Rayyan thought they had taken While it appeared that goal standings behind Al Sailiya. chance as he failed to tap in minute. an early lead as Mohamed Juma would be enough, Al Rayyan The Brigadiers had held Al the ball after being put through Al Shahania have 15 points saw his shot from a tight angle had other ideas when Ahmad Al Rayyan to a 1-1 draw in the last and even as Al Ahli goalkeeper from 13 matches, while Al ormer Spain and Bar- miraculously cleared off the line Sayyid’s shot was parried for a round. Prior to that, they had Ivanildo Rodrigues had charged Kharaitiyat have only three. celona midfi elder Xavi Hernandez has indicated he will retire from play- ingF at the end of the season. Xavi has played for Qatari club Shahania pip bottom club Kharaitiyat 1-0 Al Sadd since 2015 but is best known for his glittering career Al Shahania secured all three 29th minute. In a fairly-even make the breakthrough as they header. The home side had free-kick from Faez Ali required at Barca, where he won eight points with a 1-0 away victory opening period, the sides were broke away on the counter. A threatened to get themselves an equally-magnificent save La Liga and four Champions against bottom of the league reduced to minimal chances, tidy exchange of play between back into the game as they from al-Dossari in goal. League titles. Al Kharaitiyat in Week 13 of the with Al Kharaitiyat’s Valentin Kesse Amangoua and Se- became stronger in the second Al Shahania turned it up a gear “It’s going to be my last year, QNB Stars League at the Al Khor Lazar coming the closest as he meskandi resulted in a perfectly- half. Jugurtha Hamroun came towards the end with al-Raeesi in January I’ll turn 39 and I think Stadium yesterday. tested Khalifa al-Dossari with a weighted cross to the back close to an equaliser when he seeing a good eff ort go over, but it’s time to say goodbye,” Xavi The only goal of the night came long-range strike. post and Luciano was on hand saw his free-kick go marginally it was already enough as they said in an interview with Span- to lead his former club in the from Luciano Vazquez in the Al Shahania were the first to to plant home a close-range wide, before a fantastic 40-yard held on for victory. ish radio station Cadena Ser on future. He insists, however, he Thursday night. fi rst wants to gain experience in Xavi was also instrumental in Qatar. Spain’s unprecedented period of “The idea is to start here in BOTTOMLINE success between 2008 and 2012, Qatar to get experience, to prove when La Roja won the World myself, it’s a new stage where I Cup and the European Champi- start from scratch,” Xavi added. onships twice. “Coaching Barca is a big deal, Regularly linked with a return you have to be very prepared and to Barcelona as coach, Xavi has honestly, I still do not feel I am PSG sweat on Neymar, Mbappe made no secret of his ambition ready.”

AFP a muscle in his groin and France them Neymar and Mbappe have miles off the pace, PSG are turn- bia. Neymar and Mbappe could TENNIS/DAVIS CUP Paris international Mbappe suff ered scored 21 of PSG’s 45 goals, with ing their attentions to Europe, also be rested amid rumours of a shoulder contusion in their striker Edinson Cavani adding where they have fl attered to a row between the Brazilian and countries’ respective friendly another eight. deceive since being taking over Cavani, after the Uruguayan aris Saint-Germain wins over Cameroon and Uru- But Toulouse haven’t won by Qatari Sports Investments in sliced down his strike partner Coric gives Croatia return to Ligue 1 to de- guay. since the start of September and 2011 and where the club’s true during their countries’ friendly fend their 100 % record The French champions are are just three points ahead of ambitions lie. last week. against struggling Tou- running away with Ligue 1, a full third-bottom Dijon, and Casa- They head into Wednesday’s Talk of a rift between the pair opening win louseP on Saturday but all eyes in 13 points ahead of their nearest nova seemed in little doubt as clash with Liverpool third in the has persisted ever since Neymar the French capital are on wheth- rivals Lille after as many games, to the destination of both the tightest group in the Champions arrived in France, and those ru- AFP match 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 in two hours er star attackers Neymar and and with Toulouse languish- three points this weekend and League, just a point behind both mours intensifi ed after Cavani Lille 19 minutes. Kylian Mbappe will be ready for ing in 15th place coach Thomas the league title. leaders Liverpool and Napoli chucked the ball at and appeared His win puts Croatia 1-0 up on Liverpool on Wednesday. Tuchel looks likely to rest both “PSG would win the league and the same amount ahead of to insult the Brazil number 10 in the clay courts of Stade Pierre- The pair were both injured Neymar and Mbappe ahead of easily even without Mbappe and bottom club Red Star Belgrade. the aftermath of the foul. orna Coric got Croatia Mauroy with four matches still during friendlies in the inter- the visit of the Group C rivals. Neymar,” said Casanova. With two games to go quali- However both Cavani and off to the best possible to play across the weekend. national break, and are now in a Toulouse coach Alain Casa- “They already beat Saint- fi cation is on a knife edge, with Mbappe denied their was a start in the Davis Cup Croatian number one Marin race against time to recover for nova was candid about his Etienne 4-0 without either of all four teams gunning for the problem between the two fol- Bfi nal in Lille yesterday Cilic was playing Jo-Wilfried the Parisians’ huge Champions team’s chances in Paris, despite them. We need to be realistic: last 16, and a win over Jurgen lowing France’s 1-0 win over with a straight sets thrashing of Tsonga in the second singles yes- League clash with the Reds at the potential absence of PSG’s it’s a very diffi cult task that Klopp’s team would give PSG a Uruguay on Tuesday. France’s Jeremy Chardy in the terday. the Parc des Princes. two star attackers. awaits us and I’m not going to huge advantage over Wednes- “I sent Neymar a video of his opening singles. France captain Yannick Noah PSG said on Wednesday that The capital club are averaging pull the wool over my players’ day’s opponents going into the clash with Edinson via What- The world number 12 gal- stirred controversy when he both players would be put un- nearly 3.5 goals a league game eyes.” fi nal matchday, when Liverpool sApp and he just laughed in re- loped through the opening set picked Chardy for the open- der observation for 48 hours and have conceded just seven in With traditional domestic ri- and Napoli face off at Anfi eld sponse, so that says it all. It was as Chardy’s service temporarily ing singles ahead of the higher- after Brazilian Neymar strained their 13 straight wins. Between vals Monaco, Lyon and Marseille and PSG take on Red Star in Ser- nothing,” said Mbappe. collapsed and went on to win the ranked Lucas Pouille. Gulf Times Saturday, November 24, 2018 5 SPORT

NFL NHL Penguins place goalie Murray on Saints ground injured reserve

Reuters Jarry, who has a 4-5-2 New York record, 2.89 GAA and .909 save percentage this season in the AHL, became the fi rst goalie he Pittsburgh Pen- in the minor league’s history to Falcons, Redskins guins placed goal- score an empty-net goal from tender Matt Murray his own end in a game against on injured reserve be- Springfi eld last week. The causeT of a lower-body injury, Penguins next play in Boston the team announced Thursday. against the Bruins on Friday. The two-time Stanley Cup- winning goalie Murray, 24, has SENATORS DEAL WIDEMAN struggled through the worst TO OILERS fall to Cowboys season of his four-year NHL The Edmonton Oilers acquired career, sporting a 4-5-1 record, defenseman Chris Wideman ‘We love coming to work every day. We love having a good time but we also know when .877 save percentage and 4.08 from the Ottawa Senators on goals-against average. In his Thursday for a 2020 condi- it is time to get down to business. The bottom line is we love being around each other’ fi rst three seasons, Murray was tional sixth-round pick. 68-28-8 and had never sported Wideman, 28, has fi ve points AFP a save percentage below.907 or (two goals, three assists) in 19 Los Angeles GAA higher than 3.00. games this season. “This is something that he’s Overall, Wideman had 16 been dealing with for a cou- goals and 27 assists in 175 ca- rew Brees threw four touchdown ple of weeks,” Penguins coach reer NHL games in four sea- passes as the New Orleans Saints Mike Sullivan said via the sons with Ottawa. fortifi ed their grip on the NFC team’s Twitter account. “The “The emergence of some South with a 31-17 victory over decision was made this morn- of our younger defensemen theD Atlanta Falcons on Thursday. ing to rest and see if that gives this season aff orded us with The Saints extended their winning him an opportunity to heal.” an ability to consider mov- streak to 10 straight games with the con- The Penguins plan to call ing a veteran player,” Senators vincing win that eliminated the Falcons up goaltender Tristan Jarry on general manager Pierre Dorion from contention in the NFC South Divi- an emergency basis from their said in a statement. “While we sion. AHL affi liate in Wilkes-Barre/ didn’t necessarily want to lose “It is about managing the game in the Scranton later on Saturday, ac- Chris, we remain committed best way I can,” Brees said. “If we get op- cording to executive vice pres- to the importance of putting portunities for big plays we make them. ident and general manager Jim players who will make up our We have got to possess the ball so we can Rutherford. long-term core in areas where put together good drives and go score The 23-year-old Jarry they will learn by way of gain- points.” played 26 games last season in ing on-the-job NHL experi- Brees’s four touchdown passes were all Pittsburgh as well as one game ence. to inexperienced receivers as Austin Carr the previous season, owning a “Receiving a pick in return and Tommylee Lewis snagged their sec- 14-7-2 career mark with a 2.78 for a player on an expiring con- ond career touchdown passes and Dan GAA and.907 save percent- tract also enables us to con- Arnold and Keith Kirkwood caught their age in 27 games (24 starts). tinue on the path of rebuilding fi rst. His 14 victories last season for with an eye both on the present “We love coming to work every day,” the Penguins were tops in the and most importantly, the said Brees. “We love having a good time league among rookies. future.” but we also know when it is time to get down to business. The bottom line is we love being around each other.” BOXING The mistake-prone Falcons dropped to 4-7 on the season after losing three fum- bles inside New Orleans’ 20-yard line. The Saints rock solid defence made the Bellew confi rms Falcons pay for their errors as they fi n- ished with a season-high six sacks. “Our off ence is a juggernaut but our retirement defence has to match that intensity,” said Saints Cameron Jordan, who delivered AFP doing from here on in is trying two sacks. London to act sensible and behave my- Brees completed 15 of 22 passes for 171 self.” yards and had one interception. Bellew, who won 30 of his 34 Elsewhere, Amari Cooper had a 90- ormer world cruiser- fi ghts, including two at heavy- yard touchdown catch as the Dallas weight champion Tony weight against David Haye, Cowboys clawed their way back into the Bellew has confi rmed said his greatest achievement playoff hunt with a 31-23 win over the his retirement from was beating Ilunga Makabu in Washington Redskins. boxing,F two weeks after his de- 2016 to win the WBC cruiser- Cooper fi nished with 180 receiving feat by Oleksandr Usyk meant weight title. yards, boosting the Cowboys to their New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees celebrates following a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the second he failed in his bid to unify the When asked what might third-straight win. They moved into a tie quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports division. Britain’s Bellew, 35, tempt him out of retirement, with Washington for fi rst place in the NFC posted a video on social media Bellew joked: “Eddie (Hearn) East Division. of course, at 3-5,” quarterback Dak Pres- ever pro game by setting career highs career. “You just have to make the most of to offi cially announce that he gets £100 million ($128 mil- The Cowboys-Redskins have a long cott said. “You expect that. I can tell you for passing and touchdowns in the them.” was hanging up his gloves. lion) together for me and off ers history of clashing on Thanksgiving Day who didn’t doubt ourselves. As long as we Chicago Bears 23-16 win over the Detroit The Bears won their fi fth straight to “It is time for me to fi nally me one more fi ght, what do I and the latest version was one of three locked arms, we stayed tight, we knew we Lions. improve to 8-3 and are now in the driver’s leave the ring, the bell has rung say? Wow, wow - that is prob- NFL contests on the holiday. could do this and we can do more.” Making his fi rst NFL start in nearly four seat in the NFC North Division. for the fi nal time and I want ably what I would say. Dallas beat Washington for the eighth The Redskins dropped to 6-5, losing years, backup Daniel fi nished with 230 Lions quarterback Matthew Staff ord to thank you all for the sup- “Wow, wow and then walk time in nine Thanksgiving games. for the third time in four games as quar- passing yards and two touchdowns while completed 28 of 38 passes for 236 yards port you have given me over into the missus and say ‘Ed- Ezekiel Elliott ran for 121 yards with a terback Colt McCoy made his fi rst start in fi lling in for the injured Mitchell Trubisky. and teammate LeGarrette Blount rushed the years,” Bellew said on die has come on board with touchdown as the Cowboys improved to four years. McCoy got the call after starter Daniel’s air attack included throws to for 88 yards on 19 carries. Twitter. £100 million’ and she would 6-5 on the season. Alex Smith suff ered a season-ending leg eight diff erent receivers. Week 12 continues Sunday with 11 “Today I am announcing probably hand me divorce pa- injury last Sunday. “You don’t know when these opportu- games, including several that have huge that I am offi cially retired, pers. Money is good but money ‘OFF THE BANDWAGON’ In the other game, journeyman quar- nities will come,” the 32-year-old Dan- playoff implications including Seattle at there will be no more fi ghting. comes and goes, that is the best “Everyone jumped off the bandwagon, terback Chase Daniel engineered his best- iel said after making the third start of his Carolina and Miami at Indianapolis. The only thing you will see me way of saying it.”

NBA Nowitzki aims to make season debut in December Reuters Nowitzki ranks seventh on the all-time ignoring abuses perpetrated over the cen- New York NBA scoring list with 31,187 points after turies against their people. being passed by LeBron James earlier this season. He was the MVP for the 2006-07 ‘76ERS FULTZ DIDN’T allas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowit- season. REQUEST TRADE’ zki hopes to make his season de- Nowitzki was the NBA Finals MVP in The agent for Philadelphia 76ers guard but in December. 2011 when he guided the Mavericks to Markelle Fultz said he has not requested a Nowitzki has been recover- their lone NBA title. He averaged just 12.0 trade. “I have given no indication to [gen- ingD from surgery in April to remove bone points last season. eral manager] Elton Brand or anyone else spurs from his left ankle. He had expected that Markelle would prefer to be traded,” to be ready for the start of the season but IRVING EXPRESSES REGRET OVER agent Raymond Brothers told ESPN on experienced a setback prior to training CRUDE THANKSGIVING COMMENT Wednesday. “My focus is to get Markelle camp. American NBA player Kyrie Irving said healthy. End of story.” But now the German can feel himself Thursday he “meant no disrespect” after Fultz, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 getting closer to being ready to go. he criticised the US Thanksgiving holiday. NBA Draft, is expected to have his right “It’s just hard when I haven’t done much Irving told a reporter who wished him a shoulder examined by specialists in New for eight weeks and there’s a 40-year-old happy Thanksgiving that he doesn’t cel- York next week. basically starting from scratch to try to ebrate the American holiday. Fultz played in all of Philadelphia’s fi rst get back in shape to play NBA minutes,” “F*** Thanksgiving,” he added. 19 games this season, including 15 starts, Nowitzki told reporters. “I spoke in frustration after last night’s before sitting out Wednesday’s 121-120 “Hopefully soon. Hopefully, some- game and spoke words that shouldn’t be win against the New Orleans Pelicans. where in December I’ll be ready and the in a professional setting no matter what,” After the game, 76ers coach Brett body will respond the right way.” Irving wrote in a Twitter message on Brown was asked if Fultz would prefer a Nowitzki is in his 21st season with the Thursday, the day after he made the com- fresh start elsewhere. club and will come off the bench once he ments following a 117-109 loss by his Bos- “It would be irresponsible and reck- returns. ton Celtics’ to the New York Knicks. less for me to even comment on it,” Brown The Mavericks are proceeding cau- “Meant no disrespect to the Holiday said. “I won’t until I learn more.” tiously with Nowitzki, who began running and those who celebrate it respectfully. I Fultz has seen his playing time reduced on a treadmill two weeks ago but hasn’t am grateful for the time We all can share since the Sixers acquired All-Star guard progressed enough to participate in prac- with our families. We are always ONE.” Jimmy Butler in a trade with the Minne- tice sessions with his teammates. Irving told US media that he is opposed sota Timberwolves earlier this month. “The reason why we’re taking it so slow to celebrating Thanksgiving because of his He is averaging 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds now is once I get out there, I want to fi nish late mother’s Native American heritage. and 3.1 assists this season and ranks eighth the rest of the season healthy,” Nowitzki Thanksgiving is one of the most impor- on the team with 22.5 minutes per game. said. “I don’t want to come back too soon tant American holidays. Injuries limited Fultz to only 14 games now and then have setbacks again like I Its origins are often cited in a 1621 har- as a 2017-18 rookie, while the 76ers’ win- did with the Achilles a few years ago. Next vest feast shared by colonists and Native now approach in 2018-19 is curtailing the Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (right) is presented with the key to the city of Dallas by Dallas mayor Mike thing you know, I missed another few Americans. 20-year-old’s opportunities for develop- Rawlings (left) during halftime of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Brooklyn Nets at the American weeks.” But Native Americans see the holiday as ment. Airlines Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Saturday, November 24, 2018 RUGBY

COMMENT Kolisi hails Erasmus for restoring Bok self-belief AFP captain, fl anker Kolisi guided “He’s (Erasmus) defi nitely until we play again – it is a long Cardiff , United Kingdom the Boks to a 2-1 home series made us realise what’s impor- period, so the guys are keen to do win over England in June. But tant: it’s being a Springbok, well.” that was arguably surpassed by rather than you as an individual. Kolisi controversially escaped outh Africa captain Siya a stunning 36-34 Rugby Cham- “Everything you do, you do for a ban after TV footage appeared Kolisi yesterday hailed pionship triumph against the All the Springboks. Everything we to show him butting Scotland’s coach Rassie Erasmus Blacks in Wellington in Septem- do it’s always we can see what Peter Horne last weekend. for having restored self- ber. we’re working towards. We see A statement from global gov- beliefS in the Springbok camp On the road this November, a what his plans are and under- erning body World Rugby said after a couple of disappointing one-point loss to England was stand them,” Kolisi said of Eras- Kolisi had received a warning seasons for one of rugby’s tradi- followed by an injury-time 29- mus, who was capped 36 times from citing commissioner David tional powerhouses. 26 victory over France and a 26- for South Africa as a player. Pelton for striking with the head Kolisi was appointed skipper 20 win in Scotland. during the match at Murray- by Erasmus, himself named as “The way we do things is dif- EYE ON WORLD CUP fi eld but that the off ence did not head coach in March 2018, after ferent, how hard we work for Kolisi stressed that there was no merit a red card. The Bok skipper a run of poor results for the two- each other,” Kolisi insisted ahead diffi culty in motivating the team said he had been “chilled”. time world champions. of their season-ending Test for the game against the Welsh. “It wasn’t in my hands. I al- It was no small move, with against Wales at Cardiff ’s Prin- “Not at all,” the 27-year-old ways respect what World Rugby Kolisi becoming the fi rst black cipality Stadium on Saturday. said. “We are pretty excited. We says. I waited and when they told Test captain of the Springboks, “We have a diff erent coaching won’t be able to see each other me (I wasn’t banned) I was obvi- who occupy an important place staff , they’ve changed quite a lot for a while (after this). ously very happy for the guys. in both the sporting and so- of things. We work a lot harder “It is also our fi fth game be- “I would never do something cial fabric of South Africa given than we did and we believe a lot fore the World Cup so for a lot on purpose to hurt someone else. rugby union’s links to the old more than we did.” of guys we want to make sure the If I had done something stupid apartheid regime and its contin- Kolisi added: “We’re defi nitely coaches have a good memory of like that I would have been taken ued importance to the minority happy about where we are but us from the last game we played. off the fi eld. I was really happy. white, Afrikaner community. we know there’s a lot more to be “This is the one game they will My record shows I was clean and In his fi rst campaign as Test done. remember for the rest of the year I have never done anything.” South Africa captain Siya Kolisi (right) with coach Rassie Erasmus.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Italy braced for wrath I am my harshest of beaten All Blacks AFP Rome

taly coach Conor O’Shea concedes his side are braced for a ‘David against Goliath’ challenge against world critic, says Cheika Ichampions New Zealand in their fi nal November Test today at the ‘I am not worried about having terrible moments. That is part of life’ Stadio Olimpico. The All Blacks arrive in Rome AFP having lost 16-9 to Ireland in Italy coach Conor O’Shea Teddington, United Kingdom Dublin last weekend, a further wake-up call for the world’s in Chicago. Benetton Treviso top team after a defeat by the wing Luca Sperandio comes in ichael Cheika can Springboks back in September. for Mattia Bellini who scored Ita- take any amount of But even if New Zealand’s aura ly’s only try against the Wallabies criticism no matter of invincibility has started to before going off with a shoul- how blunt because wane less than a year out from der injury. But the Italians have Mthe Australia rugby coach is his the World Cup, O’Shea is ex- two New Zealand-born play- own “harshest judge”, he has pecting another rough ride from ers – Jayden Hayward and Dean told AFP. a side the Italians have never Budd – in their ranks. Fullback The 51-year-old was world beaten in 14 previous meetings. Hayward, 31, was New Zealand’s coach of the year in 2015 after The last clash between the two promising player of the year in revitalising a demoralised squad teams was in 2016 in Rome, with his debut season with Taranaki and guiding them to the World the All Blacks winning 68-10. in 2008, but has been playing in Cup fi nal within a year of taking “It will be important not to Italy for Treviso since 2014, mak- over. But he concedes that life is think too much about their po- ing his Test debut last year. not, as many would like to be- tential, above all a team of this Lock Budd, 32,joined Treviso lieve, always “positive and got level,” said Irishman O’Shea. in 2012 and has played 14 Tests to be great”. They are like Brazil in football, since qualifying for Italy in 2017. On Saturday at Twicken- it’s a game that everyone wants to New Zealand coach Steve ham, Cheika sends his players play. We want to end the Novem- Hansen has rung the changes into their 13th and fi nal Test of ber Tests with a good perform- after last week’s loss to Ireland. the year – bidding for only their ance, playing our best rugby.” Hansen retained fl y-half Beau- fi fth win – against an England O’Shea made just one enforced den Barrett and fullback Damian side coached by his old Rand- change to the side that lost 26-7 McKenzie in a starting line-up wick team-mate Eddie Jones. to Australia in Padua last week- featuring 11 changes from the “I am not worried about hav- end. Earlier in the month they side that ran out in Dublin, re- ing terrible moments. That is beat Georgia 28-17 but lost 54-7 sisting calls to start the in-form part of life,” he said in an inter- to Six Nations champions Ireland Richie Mo’unga. view Thursday. “Your family members pass away, you get married, you have a child, they break a leg. Pumas put tragedy to one “We have gone into a world side ahead of Scotland clash where we think everything has to be positive and got to be great. Argentina have insisted they legs of their European tour they But melancholy and sadness are Australia head coach Michael Cheika during the press conference in London yesterday. (Reuters) will be fully focused on the lost to Ireland in Dublin (28-17) part of human emotion.” task at hand when they face and to France in Lille (28-13). Cheika, the only coach to including winning the rights to ‘SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA’ thing and you are not great or Cheika, whose side’s win in Scotland at Murrayfield today Ledesma has made three have won both the north- sell Victoria Beckham jeans in “My father left Lebanon in 1950, not perfect at it and people give June over Six Nations champi- despite the death of forward changes to his run-on XV to ern hemisphere and southern Australia, says the self-criti- he had no money and came on a you grief, well it’s ‘c’est la vie’ as ons Ireland is the latter’s only Marcos Kremer’s partner this face the Scots, Matias Moroni hemisphere continental club cism serves a purpose. work visa the Australian gov- far as I am concerned.” defeat in their last 18 Tests, says week. The Pumas will be with- coming in at outside centre, Ro- trophies, with Leinster in 2009 “I want to give it to myself so ernment hocked over there,” Cheika’s father went from he tries to shield the team from out lock-cum-flanker Kremer, drigo Bruni starting at openside (European Cup) and the Wara- to push myself to be better,” he said Cheika, whose mother working for a sewing machine external criticism. whose 23-year-old partner, flanker and Guido Petti shifting tahs in 2014 (Super Rugby), says said. “As long as I am giving my Therese arrived from Lebanon company to running his own “You have got to stay opti- Sofia Pozzi, died of leukaemia from the back row to lock. people must just battle through. absolute best I don’t fear failing. with a letter from Joseph’s fam- business and receiving an award mistic, not fake positive – that on Monday. He had flown home Scotland have won the last “When it happens you have “When everyone is doing ily recommending he marry her. from Queen Elizabeth II. is what leads to resilience,” he from the Irish leg of Argentina’s four encounters between the to live it and be optimistic about their best you can’t do anything “He turned up in Sydney, got His son says results are not said. European tour when her condi- countries and coach Gregor coming back,” he said. “The else and I believe results will a cab but he didn’t know where always as important as the “They are not easy lessons to tion suddenly deteriorated a Townsend has made eight thing for me and why I have al- follow from that.” to go and got dropped at Red- team’s attitude. teach because we live in times of fortnight ago. “We are a very changes of personnel and two ways been able to keep it level is Cheika still has strong ties fern, I guess it’s where the ‘Le- “I want the Australian rugby ‘oh we broke that phone, let’s go close group so it was a diff icult positional alterations to the I am the hardest judge of my- to countries he has played or bos’ (Lebanese) hung out. supporters to see us play in a and get a new one’. moment for the whole team,” team beaten 26-20 by South self. There is nothing you can coached in – for instance, three “He never saw his parents way that is courageous and rep- “However, the experiences said Argentina wing Sebastian Africa last week. say that I haven’t said worse to of his four children hold Irish again,” Cheika recalls. resents the spirit of Australia,” we are having this year will Cancelliere, who will be on myself.” passports. He says his Lebanese “I just follow what he taught he said. make us better. bench duty in Edinburgh. DUAL PLAYMAKERS Cheika, who took time out parents – especially his father, me. If you don’t give everything “When we do not play like “The team and the staff will “When we go back we’re going Most intriguing of all is Finn of rugby to forge a successful Joseph – are an example of what then you are letting yourself that is when I am most disap- want to use those next year to to be very close to Marcos, but Russell’s shift to inside centre career in the fashion industry, he wants to see from his players. down. If you commit every- pointed.” make it even sweeter.” we are not going to use that as for the first time, with Adam an excuse or extra motivation Hastings coming into the side for this match,” he added. at outside half. Hastings, the PREVIEW Argentina have all the incentive son of former Scotland captain they need in wanting to end a Gavin Hastings, was outstand- four-match losing streak– and ing in the pivotal No 10 role to make amends for the 44-15 in Resistencia and Townsend Fiji hoping to pull off historic win over France hammering they suff ered knows from personal experi- against a below-strength Scot- ence about maverick fly-halves AFP have talked about it. It’s an op- jians, who have four members known to the French players, it positions,” Brunel said. land side in Resistencia in June. playing in the centres, having Paris portunity to create history for the of the 2016 seven-a-side Olym- means the French team will be Prop Rabah Slimani is the only That dispiriting defeat led to won 26 of his 82 Scotland caps boys,” he said. “They (the play- pic Games gold medal-winning wary of some of our players,” unforced change for Brunel after the departure of coach Daniel there. “I see the roles of No 10 ers) know Fiji have never beaten squad in the 23 to face Les Bleus. said McKee, who played for St- France claimed their fi rst victory Hourcade and the appointment and No 12 being more to facili- iji face France in Paris to- France. They feel like they have a “Our objective will be to allow Jean-De-Luz near the French- in fi ve games with last Satur- of former Pumas hooker Mario tate,” said Townsend. day looking to make his- good opportunity this time.” them the least amount of space Spanish border during his own day’s 28-13 win over Argentina. Ledesma, who proceeded to “For me, their first role from an tory by beating the hosts For any hope of a memorable possible because they know how career. “He’s just one player. We New Zealander McKee recog- guide Argentina to notable attacking point of view is to make for the fi rst time in their evening at the Stade de France to use it,” Brunel said. have a lot of dangerous players in nises the front-rower’s ability, wins against South Africa at sure they are putting others history.F this weekend McKee sees one “We’ll try to organise the play, our team,” McKee added. ahead of his 50th international home and Australia away in the in space. To have two players The teams have faced each part of the game as essential. to keep possession and keep the Brunel praised the individuals today. “He’s a very strong tight- Rugby Championship. do that in the first-receiver or other on nine occasions in more “If we can stop their maul ball in their half as much as pos- at McKee’s disposal who include head prop. We’ve had a good look It seems, though, that Ledes- second-receiver position has a than half a century, most re- then they’ll have to play. I guess sible” the 64-year-old added. the reigning European player of at his scrummaging and it will be ma’s charges have yet to fully lot of potential.” Stuart Hogg has cently four years ago which saw it’s a challenge for us to counter More than half of the visitors’ the year in Racing92 second-row interesting,” he said. recover from their dramatic been passed fit to continue in the a convincing French victory of them in that area,” he said. starting lineup ply their trade Leone Nakarawa. The chance to put the defeats second-half collapse against Scotland No 15 shirt after recover- 40-15 over John McKee’s outfi t “We will be looking to negate in the French league, including “Our players know that all of the past right is a motivating Australia in Salta on October 6. ing from an ankle knock that in Marseille. McKee, who spent their maul, if that happens, then back-three speedster Josua Tu- their players who play in Europe factor, but McKee admits setting Leading the Wallabies 31-7 at forced him out of action midway two years coaching Clermont it’s then game on for us.” isova who has scored 40 tries in start for the clubs. In certain in- his squad up for the World Cup half-time, they slumped to a 45- through the second half of last from 2000, said it would be a Home coach Jacques Brunel six seasons for Toulon. stances they’re considered the next September is just as impor- 34 defeat and on the first two Saturday’s loss to the Springboks. signifi cant feat to achieve. “We plans to contain the Flying Fi- “Although they’re well- best players in the world in their tant. Gulf Times Saturday, November 24, 2018 7 SPORT

MOTORSPORT SPOTLIGHT Belgium and South Korea tame wild Bottas puts Mercedes weather to take lead

AFP “It was unbelievable walk- Melbourne ing on the fairways out there,” Detry said. “It rained all day and all night and the course is elgium and South Ko- in perfect condition. To be per- on top in practice rea held their nerve in fectly honest I didn’t think we wild weather to take would fi nish today and we did.” ‘Lewis has requested and been given permission to run the number one on the a two shot lead in the Joint overnight leaders and Bsecond round of the golf World pre-tournament favourites nose at this final race of the season because he’s world champion’ Cup yesterday as the wintery Australia (Cameron Smith conditions wreaked havoc. and Mark Leishman) are four Reuters They have the edge over a off the pace while Danish de- Abu Dhabhi chasing group of four – Italy, fending champions Thorbjorn India, Malaysia and England. Olesen and Soren Kjeldsen) It was tough going with icy are six adrift. “It was pretty altteri Bottas kept up winds and relentless rain caus- brutal,” said world number 21 his hopes of ending ing big problems for the 28 Leishman. “It wasn’t the start the year on a high after teams vying for US$7 million we would have liked but we setting the fastest lap in prize money at Melbourne’s fought back at the end. It was Vin practice for Formula One’s Metropolitan Golf Club. probably not a terrible round.” season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand The top three pairings all The American challenge Prix yesterday. shot 10-under-par on Thurs- is eff ectively over with Kyle The Mercedes driver, still day in the fourballs, or better Stanley and Matt Kuchar – winless in 2018 while team mate ball, where both players have both multiple winners on the Lewis Hamilton has taken 10 a ball but only the better score PGA Tour – slumping to a 79 victories and clinched a fi fth title counts for each hole. with six bogies on the back nine with two races to spare, lapped But no-one could go better ruining their card, leaving them the fl oodlit Yas Marina circuit than two under in the chal- 11 behind the leaders. Two- with a best time of one minute lenging conditions during the time major winner and former 37.236 seconds. foursomes, or alternate shot, world number one Martin Bottas won last year’s fi nale play where teammates take it Kaymer and his German team- from pole position and also set in turns to play the same ball. mate Maximilian Kieff er fared the fastest lap. Belgium’s Thomas Pieters even worse with an 81. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, and Thomas Detry fi red a 71 fastest in the fi rst session with – one of only four teams to go SCORES AFTER 4-SOMES a lap of 1:38.491, was second sub-par – to be 10 under for SECOND ROUND fastest in the evening and 0.044 the tournament alongside Ko- 134-Belgium (Thomas Pieters/ slower than the Finn. rea’s Byeong-hun and Kim Si- Thomas Detry) 63-71, South The 21-year-old Dutch driver woo, who hit 72. Korea (An Byeong-Hun/Kim damaged his car on a kerb, re- “It was really tough out Si-woo) 62-72 quiring repairs. Australian Dan- there, but we kept it in play 136-Italy (Andrea Pavan/Re- iel Ricciardo, in his last race with most of the time. A big miss nato Paratore) 65-71, India (Ani- Red Bull before leaving for Re- off the tee around here and it’s rban Lahiri/Gaganjeet Bhullar) nault, was second and third re- bogey or double bogey all the 64-72, Malaysia (Gavin Green/ spectively in the sessions. time,” said Pieters. Ben Leong) 63-73, England With both titles already won “Thomas (Detry) holed out (Tyrrell Hatton/Ian Poulter) by Mercedes for the fi fth year in great from six or seven feet all 62-74 a row, Sunday’s race should be a day. And we made some re- 137-Mexico (Abraham Ancer/ no-holds barred battle for victo- ally good recovery shots out of Roberto Diaz) 67-70 ry without team orders or other bunkers to save par.” 138-Scotland (Russell Knox/ considerations. The South Koreans were Martin Laird) 67-71, Australia Verstappen, at the centre of delighted with their level par (Mark Leishman/Cameron attention in Brazil two weeks ago Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas steers his car during the second practice session at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, ahead of the round. “It’s such a tough for- Smith) 62-76 after a collision with Force India Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix. (AFP) mat in this wind and rain, so 139-France (Alexander Levy/ back-marker Esteban Ocon led I think we did well,” said An, Michael Lorenzo-Vera) 66-73, to a post-race confrontation, can afternoon, in what looks likely who plays on the PGA Tour. Sweden (Alexander Bjork/ on Saturday become the sport’s to be his last race for a while with The rain was non-stop all Joakim Lagergren) 65-74 youngest driver to take pole po- Canadian Lance Stroll set to take F1 audience levels out, some races show strong growth day and it was testimony to the 140-Ireland (Shane Lowry/Paul sition. his place. draining power of the courses Dunne) 64-76, Denmark (Thor- Hamilton was fourth in both Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, pre- Formula One’s global television increase for Belgium and four Brazil saw a 21 percent rise in in Melbourne’s famous sand- bjorn Olesen/Soren Kjeldsen) sessions. The Briton replaced his paring for his last race with the viewing figures have levelled percent for Canada. domestic Formula One televi- belt that golf was played at all. 63-77 usual number 44 with a one on team before joining Sauber, and out but some races saw strong Nielsen said the return of the sion viewers thanks to schedul- Apart from surface water in 141-Canada (Adam Hadwin/ his car for the fi rst stint. season’s runner-up Sebastian audience growth this year with French Grand Prix after a 10- ing changes and increased bunkers testing the patience of Nick Taylor) 68-73, Finland “Lewis has requested and Vettel were seventh and eighth the showcase Monaco Grand year absence had been a boost, non-live coverage that fitted in players and offi cials, the Met- (Mikko Korhonen/Mikko Ilo- been given permission to run the in session one and then fi fth and Prix leading the way, according with the races in Monaco and at better with the time diff erences. ropolitan stood up exception- nen) 66-75, New Zealand (Ryan number one on the nose at this sixth. McLaren’s double world to Nielsen Sports. Le Castellet’s Paul Ricard circuit Formula One, controlled by ally well. Fox/Mark Brown) 65-76 fi nal race of the season because champion Fernando Alonso had A review by the sports analytics broadcast free-to-air in France US-based Liberty Media has he’s world champion,” explained a special livery on his car, match- company ahead of Sunday’s on the TF1 channel. faced declining global viewing a team spokesman. ing his helmet colours, for his season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand “In total across the first half of figures, with the sport increas- “And it’s even a nice shade of last race before leaving Formula Prix put the cumulative global the year, TV viewing figures ingly on pay television. metallic red to match his hel- One. audience after 15 of 21 races at jumped 52 percent across “Free to air is critically impor- met.” Poland’s Robert Kubica, an- an unchanged 1.3 billion com- the country (France),” said tant to us,” the sport’s com- The Briton won in Brazil de- nounced on Thursday as a 2019 pared to 2017. Nielsen’s Nigel Geach, who mercial managing director spite concerns his car’s engine Williams driver, was also on Monaco, however, showed a 10 said Canal+ had also seen a 43 Sean Bratches said last year. was about to fail. track testing car developments percent rise to 110 million view- percent rise due to increased “My vision as it relates to media Mercedes said they were us- and without chasing a quick time ers. Nielsen said that was the coverage. rights is a hybrid of free-to-air ing the same engine for prac- in fi rst practice. sport’s biggest overall television China, with the sport back on and pay.” tice, after fi nding a failure in the He was last on the timesheets, audience for a race since 112.2 state network CCTV after a new Liberty launched a television variable inlet system that caused more than four seconds slower million tuned in to the 2016 deal, was the best performing subscription streaming service unstable combustion, with some than Verstappen. Mexican GP. market after 15 rounds even if this year targeting an estimated permitted hardware changes and Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson, Britain (92.2 million) and Austria the overall numbers (16.2 mil- 500 million fans worldwide as would review the data at the end also moving on after Sunday’s (90.6 million) both showed eight lion) were tiny for the world’s part of the sport’s digital trans- of the day. race, spun at turn one and hit the percent rises, with a five percent most populous nation. formation. Thomas Pieters of Belgium tees off on the second day of the World Cup Ocon was fi fth fastest in the barriers in the afternoon. of Golf at the Metropolitan Golf Club in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP)

GOLF Rai shreds course record to lead in Hong Kong AFP from the crowd after sinking the Rookie of the year, and major in his Hong Kong eighteenth to card 65. Nine points off the lead and with 36 holes to go, Reed said he was not done yet. sights? It’s no drama for Sharma here was high drama at the “You can make birdies here in After a spectacular ascent over the last 12 The steep learning curve of life on the Eu- Hong Kong Open Friday as bunches,” he said. “I never feel like months, European Tour rookie of the year ropean Tour has taught him that progress upstart Aaron Rai smashed I’m ever out of a golf tournament.” Shubhankar Sharma is in no doubt he will is about “just grinding every day that the course record with a blis- Sergio Garcia, the Ryder Cup’s all- become the first Indian to win a major - you go out there,” and given him lessons Ttering nine-under-par 61, and Mas- time top points-scorer, carded 67 to but he’s not going to rush it. The 22-year- in taking the rough with the smooth. “I ters champion Patrick Reed birdied lie 11 off the pace after a round sullied old burst onto the scene with wins at the think golf is a great leveller,” he says. “It six of the fi nal seven to avoid elimi- by bogeys on his fi nal two holes. Joburg Open and Maybank Championship never really lets you get too high.” Even nation. “We’ll need a really good week- on the European Tour last season, and at the Asian Order of Merit title, which is well England’s Matt Fitzpatrick and end,” the Spaniard said. “I don’t Carnoustie in July he became the young- within his grasp, is not taken for granted. Tommy Fleetwood and Spaniard Al- know if I’m building (into the tour- est Indian to make the cut at any major. He “I still have to play well for that. There’s varo Quiros all found their form in nament) or not. I’m tired, I’m look- also looks set to win this year’s Asian Tour still three, four events left.” And for now, calmer weather conditions to keep ing forward to resting.” Order of Merit, holding a sizeable lead Sharma is focusing on Hong Kong, hoping Rai within sight as they head into the over his nearest rival, Korea’s Park Sang- that a tight, often high-scoring course and weekend. Beginning his round at the LEADING SCORES AFTER 2ND Hyun, with just a handful of tournaments “lots of players in the mix” might throw up 11th hole, Rai, the world number 201, Aaron Rai of England hitting a shot during round two of the Hong Kong Open ROUND remaining. “It has been a crazy year,” he a chance to improve on his tied-10th finish made four consecutive birdies from golf tournament at the Hong Kong Golf Club. (AFP) 126-Aaron Rai (ENG) 65-61 said Thursday, after battling through the last year. Three shots ahead after round 12 to 15, and another fi ve in total as 130-Park Hyo-won (KOR) 68-62 cold morning wind to go one under par one was Sharma’s countryman Arjun he stayed bogey-free for the tourna- Rai. “It’s great golf that... very, very like you’re playing a round at home, 132-Matt Fitzpatrick (ENG) 70-62 at the first round of the Hong Kong Open Atwal, whom he grew up watching on TV. ment. impressive stuff . That’s all I’ve got to which was nice.” 133-Micah Lauren Shin (USA) 66-67 - where he began his astonishing ascent Sharma knows growing numbers of young The overnight co-leader opened say,” said Fleetwood, who narrowly Fitzpatrick carded 62 to keep up 134-Alvaro Quiros (ESP) 68-66, with a top-10 finish in 2017. But at the same Indians are now following his exploits – up a four-stroke advantage at the top missed out winning his second Race the pressure on the unheralded lead- Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 69-65, time, the mild-mannered Sharma is “not but he is determined not to get ahead of of the board over South Korea’s Park to Dubai this month. “I wish I could ers, although was disappointed to Adilson da Silva (BRA) 70-64, Jason very surprised” at what he has achieved himself. “Just keep working hard, believe in Hyo-won, who also broke the previ- have watched it.” come up short with a fi nal putt that Scrivener (AUS) 65-69, Scott Hend since he was last at Fanling. yourself,” he says, softly but firmly. “That’s ous course record with his 62. Rai, Rai thanked his local caddie, call- would have seen him equal Rai’s new (AUS) 68-66, Jake Higginbottom “Maybe a little bit, just a little bit,” he said. what I did.” who like Park is seeking his fi rst win ing him a “great character” and say- course record. (AUS) 69-65 “I always believed in myself, that I could on the European Tour, improved on ing he helped keep him calm. The USA’s Micah Laurn Shin card- 135-David Lipsky (USA) 69-66, get to this stage. I always had the belief the record of 63 at the par-70 Fan- Going into the weekend, a com- ed 67 to end seven off the lead. Mas- Jeunghun Wang (KOR) 68-67, Ashley that I could do it.” ling fi rst shot by Chris Wood in 2012 posed Rai said his tactics would be ters champion Reed had ended day Chesters (ENG) 68-67 Asked whether he could be India’s first and equalled by Lucas Bjerregaard to stick “as close to the original game one at fi ve over par and looked likely 136-Liu Yanwei (CHI) 68-68, Jack major winner, his answer is much less in 2015, David Howell in 2016 and plan as possible”. to not make the cut on the second, Singh Brar (ENG) 66-70, Victor hesitant. “Yes. That’s why you play golf. Miguel Angel Jimenez in 2017. “We were lucky today with the after bogeying the eighth and tenth. Perez (FRA) 71-65, Danthai Boonma You have to dream big.” Fleetwood, the world number nine, conditions,” added Rai. “We didn’t But coming back in, the Ameri- (THA) 67-69, Kim Koivu (FIN) 69-67, “Now definitely I feel I can compete with made a charge with his 65 to lie eight have much wind and starting out can pulled out a gutsy performance, Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 68-68, Nico- the best out there... I definitely see myself shots off the pace, but afterwards he pretty early, it was quiet for the shooting six birdies over the fi nal las Colsaerts (BEL) 68-68, Marcus playing well in majors in the future.” was full of praise for the 23-year-old fi rst nine holes so it kind of feels seven holes, drawing a huge cheer Kinhult (SWE) 72-64.

Saturday, November 24, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING QATAR STARS LEAGUE Duhail not taking My way or Anyway Al Khor lightly for Rashid al-Marri 24-year-old tops FEI World Cup qualifying 145cm class astride Anyway II

Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira. Duhail coach Nabil Maaloul.

By Sports Reporter need nothing less than a miracle Doha to overcome that situation. “This match against Al Arabi is a derby we seek to win. We still l Duhail are in a class all have a chance to win the league,” their own. In 11 match- Ferreira insisted.. es – exactly half of the “What happened in the Al Ahli 22 each team are meant match (Al Sadd lost 4-1) will not toA play in the QNB Stars League be repeated. We have to fi ght – they are the only team yet to against Al Arabi and we have register a loss. It is therefore un- to work hard to win. We have a fathomable that their campaign tough team and this is a good would be blotted by a defeat to thing so that everyone is mo- relegation-threatened Al Khor tivated and ready, and we hope when they clash today. we will succeed in our mission,” Yet, coach Nabil Maaloul was added. not taking anything for granted. He also congratulated the Qa- “There is no easy game in the tar national team for their victory league. Much will depend on over Switzerland and draw with the focus of players who en- Iceland in two recent friendlies. ter the fi eld. We must maintain “I am very happy that seven our composure on the pitch and players from Al Sadd were in the work hard to achieve the goals,” line-up. It’s a matter of pride for Maaloul said. us in the club.” The Tunisian added that the Al Arabi coach Hatem al- injury to their Korean star Nam Moaddeb said Al Sadd will be Tae-hee has come at a wrong under pressure as they are com- time. peting for the title. “The injury to Nam Tae-Hee “Our victory against Al Khor is a big blow to the team. We will in the last round, which came deal with this injury as we dealt after fi ve successive defeats, has with all the injuries that have oc- boosted our players’ confi dence. curred previously to our distin- So they’ll play more freely. On guished players. the other hand, Al Sadd will be “We return to the league after under pressure as they’re com- the break and now we will play peting for the title. the second game in the second “The big defeat that we suf- leg. We know that we will face a fered at the hands of Al Sadd in team with a competitive spirit the fi rst leg of QNB Stars League and the game will be diffi cult.” is history. We’ve put it behind us. Al Khor, who have only eight We’re now focusing on putting points from 11 matches will be up a strong performance. We’ve looking for only their third win, prepared well. Results will fol- Qatar’s Rashid al-Marri in action astride Anyway II during the QNB Qatar International Showjumping Championship at Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena yesterday. with coach Bernard Casoni say- low.” ing they can pull off a surprise. In another match today, Al By Sports Reporter faults to pick up eight penalty while Mohamed Saeed Haidan the FEI World Cup competi- Jump-Off FEI Art. 238.2.2 | Max. “We know that we will face Gharafa will clash with Al Sailiya. Doha points. fi nished third with Apple Bee. tion number.9 | Table A, 130cm | Prize-Money €6,000 a big team that is on top of the “We’re having a very impor- While Mubarak, riding Vival- The 115cm Against the clock Against the clock FEI Art. 1. Jaber Rashid al-Amri (Cana- QNB Stars League, so we must tant game against Al Sailiya, di K, returned a quick time of 9 (with Jump-Off ) event was 238.2.1 | Max. 145cm | Prize- varo DE Muze (E.T.); 0; 78.19secs; be careful not to make any mis- who’re direct competitors for atar’s Rashid Towaim 74.31secs, his errors saw him end claimed by Hamad Nasser al- Money €8,000 Jump-off : 0; 42.30secs; €1,500 takes,” said Casoni. us to fi nish in the top four. The al-Marri produced a up as 7th overall. Qadi on Hugo Z, who clocked 1. Rashid Towaim al-Marri (Any- 2. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Day- “During the break, we focused points from this game will help skillful performance Hamad Ali al-Attiyah astride 62.02secs and 28.38secs in the way II); Faults: 0; Time: 81.07secs; dreamer EC); 0; 81.50secs; 0; on the physical aspects of players us a lot,” said Al Gharafa coach to claim top honours Clinton followed al-Marri fi n- jump-off to beat Mohammed al Prize: €2,200 42.35secs; €1,200 because we will be playing three Christian Gourcuff . inQ FEI World Cup qualifying ishing as the second best in Baker, riding Arselina (67.36secs games in eight days. On the other “Al Sailiya are a well-knit 2. Hamad Ali al-Attiyah (Clinton); 3. Mohamed Saed Haidan (Apple 145cm class at the QNB Qatar 81.95secs. & 32.71secs). 0; 81.95secs; €1,600 Bee); 0; 79.31secs; 0; 44.68secs; hand, each game has its own unit under an effi cient coach, International Showjumping Faleh Suwead al-Ajami on Mirdef Ali al-Qashouti on 3. Faleh Suwead al-Ajami (Car- €900 technical preparations. Against so we’ve to be better than them Championship. Carport took 83.30secs and was Mausi was third with times of port); 0; 83.30secs; €1,200 Al Duhail, we will fi ght and will in all departments of the game. The 24-year-old was at his placed third. 62.85secs and 32.69secs. 4. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (SIEC Table A, Against the clock with not give up. We will play for a They have some outstanding best at the Qatar Equestrian Earlier, Jaber Rashid a-Amri The fi nal day of the champi- Lonnie); 4; 79.88secs; €800 Jump-Off FEI Art. 238.2.2 | Max. positive outcome. players such as Nadir Belhadj. Federation’s outdoor arena as topped the Against the clock onship today will also see the 5. Khalid Mohamed al-Emadi 115cm | Prize-Money €5,000 The other key clash today in- The key to victory will be a bril- he rode Anyway II for a fl awless (with Jump-Off ) 130cm class best international riders com- (Fiji); 4; 85.49secs; €560 1. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (Hugo volves second-placed Al Sadd liant overall display. ride in 81.07secs. with his horse Canavaro DE peting in the Grand Prix World 6. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (An- Z) 0; 62.02secs; Jump-Off ; 0; and eighth-placed Al Arabi, with “We didn’t benefi t much from Al-Marri, who also competes Muze (E.T.) clocking 78.19secs Cup qualifying event (1.45m- dreas SPB Z); 4; 86.66secs; €440 28.38secs; €1,250 Jesualdo Ferreira’s men aiming to two-week international break in E=Europe, in the process also in the fi rst phase and 42.30secs 1.60m). 7. Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi 2. Mohamed al-Baker (Arselina) close the gap with Al Duhail. as a number of our players were kept at bay the superbly in-form in the jump-off . (Vivaldi K); 8; 74.31secs; €320 0; 67.36secs; 0; 32.61secs; €1,000 Although Al Sadd are second on national-team duty. Besides, Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi, Saeed Nasser al-Qadi on Day- RESULTS 3. Mirdef Ali al-Qashouti (Mausi) in the standings, they are eight they don’t get time to recover,” who yesterday committed two dreamer was the runners-up, Qualifying competition for Table A, Against the clock with 0; 62.85secs; 0; 32.69secs; €750. points behind Al Duhail and will said Gourcuff .

ARAB SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIPS Al-Shammari, Khan lock top two spots in 25m pistol event

By Sports Reporter Doha

atar shooters contin- ued their impressive run at the 14th Arab Shooting Champion- shipsQ as Ahmed Zayed al-Sham- mari and Riaz Khan fi nished fi rst and second in the 25m standard pistol men’s event yesterday. At the Losail Shooting Range, al-Shammari with a total of 565- 11x fi nished fi rst. Khan scored 559-14x to fi nish ahead of the third-placed Omani Muad al- Balushi, who shot 558-14x. “I am satisfi ed with my per- (From left) Second-placed Hadil Ahmed al-Harbi of Oman, winner Al-Maha Mishal al-Ali of Qatar and formance in the championships. third-placed Arwa Samir al-Touqi of Oman pose with their 10m air rifle junior women medals yesterday. It was a very tough event as I was pitted against strong shooters from Kuwait and Oman. I give credit of my success to Qatar shooting federation’s technical staff ,” al-Shammari said. In the mixed trap event, Qatari pair of Rashid Hamad al-Athba and Amna al-Abdulla shot 31 to fi nish third. Lebanon’s Moussa and Ray Bassil scored 43 to win the event, while Kuwait’s Abdulrahman al- (From left) Second-placed Riaz Khan of Qatar, winner Ahmed Zayed al-Shammari of Qatar and third-placed Faihan and Sarah al-Hawal came Muad al-Balushi of Oman pose with their 25m standard pistol medals yesterday. PICTURES: Ram Chand second with 39. Qatar youth shooters also per- Second-placed Hadil Ahmed al- Khalid Nasser al-Naemi came team gold. formed admirably as Al-Maha Harbi of Oman scored 227.5 and third. Qatar’s Shahd al-Darwish won Mishal al-Ali with her dazzling her compatriot Arwa Samir al- Qatar’s Al-Dana al-Mubarak 10m air rifl e youth women silver. performance won the 10m air Touqi came third with 203,2. and Osama Nasser al-Shaiba The 10-day long champion- Qatar’s Rashid Hamad al-Athba (second from right) and Amna al-Abdulla (right) won bronze medal in the rifl e junior title. She fi red 231.7. In the 10m air rifl e men youth, also won the 10m air pistol mixed ships will end today. mixed trap event.

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