SPORT

Monday 2 October 2017

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 34 PAGE | 36 Messi brace helps Wozniacki Al Attiyah Barca win behind wobbles on way looks to seal closed doors to round two FIA title

Owner of Enable, which won the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1), Sheikh Khalid Abdulla receiving the QPAT Trophy from H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani (left). CENTRE: H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Thani, owner of Gazwan which won the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Arab Group 1), celebrates after receiving the winner’s trophy. RIGHT: H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Thani poses for a photograph with Gazwan and the members of the winning team at Chantilly Racecourse in yesterday. Gazwan wins Qatar Arabian World Cup as Enable steals the show in Chantilly

Chantilly the end with Yazeed (Munjiz) The Total Prix Marcel Bous- Only one filly was entered (Gr1), since Rhododendron (Gal- (Acclamation) and Profitable The Peninsula and Ebraz (Amer). Gazwan took sac – Critérium des Pouliches in this Qatar Prix Jean-Luc ileo) and Hydrangea (Galileo) (Invincible Spirit). Both horses a short head advantage on the (Gr1) opened the Qatar Prix de Lagardère (Grand Critérium) took the first two places. Both came second and third respec- E Sheikh Moham- line. l’Arc de Triomphe day and it sponsored by Al Hazm (Gr1) and fillies fought for victory until the tively. Quick in front, Battaash med bin Khalifa Al Meanwhile, the Sheikh Kha- was won by the Godolphin- she won! Happily (Galileo) made end. Rhododendron travelled controlled the race from pillar Thani’s Gazwan lid Abdullah-owned Enable owned Wild Illusion (Dubawi). her owners happy by showing on the outside of the field just to post. When his jockey asked (Amer) brought (Nathaniel) showed how amaz- Supplemented to participate in her superiority against the colts behind her training partner, him to accelerate, he showed an home the 2017 ing she is by winning this 2017 this first Gr1 on Sunday, she had in this Gr1. Winner of the Moy- Hydrangea. Both jockeys asked incredible turn of foot and left Hedition of the Qatar Arabian Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. done well lately in the Prix glare Stud Stakes (Gr1), she their fillies to accelerate 300m his rivals behind, flying towards World Cup (Gr1) and succeeded Frankie Dettori placed her in the d’Aumale (Gr3) when taking the confirmed her abilities in good from the post and did not let go the post. the great Al Mourtajez (Dahess). back of Idaho and Order of St third place. Today, she cantered to soft ground here at Chantilly. until the final post came. Only a The Canning Downs & Part- After his third attempt in this George and did not give a on the outside, right behind The Coolmore representative head separated Rhododendron ner-owned colt Aclaim claimed race, Gazwan finally imposed chance to her rivals. On a sim- Soustraction (Lope de Vega). attacked the first horses in the and Hydrangea from the gold victory in this Qatar Prix de la himself in the Qatar Arabian ple turn of foot, she left them all Entering the home straight in last 200m and after a short bat- medal in this “Arc” for fillies. Forêt (Gr1). He travelled in the World Cup. behind, imposing herself by two front, Wild Illusion did not leave tle, she managed to impose Battaash (Dark Angel), back of Al Shaqab Racing’s Second in 2015, fourth in lengths and a half in front of the her place and only pushed fur- herself in front of Olmedo, who owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum, Karar (Invincible Spirit) along 2016, the third one was the André Fabre-trained Cloth of ther away by the two French came second. imposed himself brilliantly in the rail. Brought as far as possi- good one. A tough horse, Stars (Sea The Stars). On this Polydream (Oasis Dream), sec- Coolmore and Aidan the Prix de l’Abbaye de Long- ble by Karar, Aclaim could then Gazwan cantered not far from occasion, Enable won her fifth ond, and Mission Impassible O’Brien signed a double win in champ Longines (Gr1), defeating come back strongly in the last the lead and fought well until Gr1 in a row. (Galileo), third. this Prix de l’Opéra Longines the title holder Marsha metres.

Jockey Frankie Dettori guides Enable (left) towards the victory in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1) race at Chantilly Racecourse yesterday. Verstappen ends run of bad luck in Sepang

Sepang three-way shunt with the technical problems and first lap declaring ‘RB13 - unlucky for Reuters Ferraris. collisions have forced Verstappen some’ with the ‘un’ part flickering “I’m not saying we’re going to out of seven of them. on and off. ax Verstappen (pictured) win every race but at least (we can) “As soon as we called this car Accompanied by the hashtag hoped his luck had turned score some good points. Up until RB13, I’ve been reasonably #breaksuperstition, the former Myesterday after putting a now, it was really a season to uncomfortable,” joked Horner, champions had intended to sug- run of race retirements behind him forget.” referring to the belief in some gest that the car would prove with victory in Malaysia a day after The victory was the second of countries that the number 13 is unlucky for rivals rather than one his 20th birthday. his career, after he became For- unlucky. The car is the 13th that of their own drivers. The Red Bull driver was not mula One’s youngest winner in former champions Red Bull have But yesterday, Verstappen was the only one breathing a sigh of on his Red Bull team debut built. completely in control of his own relief after a drive to victory that last year. “He’s endured so much bad fate as he made a clean start, had team-boss Christian Horner Red Bull had already won once luck this year. I’ve always said pulled off a daring move to seize crossing his fingers and nervously this season with Australian Dan- when it turns for him, it’ll turn in the lead from Mercedes pole sit- jiggling his feet on the pitwall. iel Ricciardo, who was third on a major way and that’s exactly ter Lewis Hamilton and never “Hopefully from now onwards Sunday after winning in Malaysia what’s happened today.” looked back. it will be OK,” said Verstappen, last year, in Azerbaijan. Red Bull had made light of Unlike Spain, where he cashed who had crashed out of the pre- But while Ricciardo has scored superstition at their pre-season in after the two Mercedes collided, vious race in Singapore after a eight podiums in 15 races, launch which featured a neon sign he won in Malaysia on pace. 30 SPORT MONDAY 2 OCTOBER 2017 Messi brace helps Barca win behind closed doors

Barcelona Indeed, despite the closure home the opener from Messi’s AFP of the stadium, one fan did corner. make it onto the pitch after Bar- Messi then took over him- ionel Messi scored twice ca’s second goal before being self as he calmly rounded as Barcelona beat Las Pal- quickly hauled off by Leandro Chichizola from Denis Lmas 3-0 in a match played stewards. Suarez’s excellent pass to make behind closed doors after the Huge queues of fans waited it 2-0. Spanish league refused Barca’s outside the 99,000 capacity And the five-time World plea to postpone the game on Camp Nou for hours until a final Player of the Year then smashed the day of the highly-charged decision was made less than 30 home Luis Suarez’s through ball Catalonia referendum. minutes before kick-off. for already his 14th goal of the At least 91 people were A Barca spokesperson con- season. injured as Spanish riot police firmed that all fans who bought Barca have long supported fired rubber bullets and forced tickets would be reimbursed. Catalonia’s right for a vote on their way into activist-held The match itself was an independence, without throw- polling stations over the inde- understandably low key affair ing their weight behind the yes pendence vote deemed illegal as Barca opened up a five-point or no camp. by the Spanish government lead at the top of La Liga and Last week the club released yesterday. moved 10 points clear of Real a strongly-worded statement Barcelona president Josep Madrid. condemning arrests of regional Maria Bartomeu said the club Barca’s players entered the Catalan government figures in made the decision to play field wearing a training top in “the defence of the nation, to behind closed doors as a pro- the colours of the Catalan Seny- democracy, to freedom of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (left) celebrates with team-mates Ivan Rakitic and Andres test against the violent clashes era flag over their traditional speech, and to rather than security concerns. Iniesta after scoring a goal during the Spanish League match against UD Las Palmas at the blue and red home kit. self-determination”. “FC Barcelona condemns Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, yesterday. Meanwhile, Las Palmas According to Spanish media the events which have taken wore a small Spanish flag on reports, Barca vice-president place in many parts of Catalo- In a statement, La Liga the game and play it another “It was strange, I didn’t like their shirts as a show of support Carles Vilarrubi has resigned nia today in order to prevent its insisted “there was no motive day... would mean the loss of six it at all,” Barca midfielder Ser- for a united Spain. over the club’s decision to play citizens exercising their demo- for the game to be points for the team,” said gio Busquets, a Catalan and However, all the off-field the game. cratic right to free expression,” abandoned”. Bartomeu. World Cup winner with Spain, distractions seemed to affect the Outspoken Barca defender Barcelona said in a statement. Had Barca refused to play A section of Barcelona fans’ told BeIN Sports Spain. hosts in the first-half as Gerard Pique posted a picture “We have done it behind the game they could have faced groups had threatened a peace- “We were aware of what Jonathan Calleri came closest of him casting his vote early on closed doors so that everyone a three-point deduction from ful pitch invasion to show their had happened. I think the club to opening the scoring when he Sunday. can see our opposition at what La Liga on top of forfeiting the disgust at events at the polling evaluated the possibility (of not hit the post for Las Palmas. “I have voted. Together we is happening,” added match against Las Palmas. stations if the game was not playing) but on a sporting level Busquets settled Barca early are unstoppable defending Bartomeu. “La Liga’s refusal to cancel suspended. that penalised us a lot.” in the second-half by heading democracy,” said Pique.

Hamsik closes Arsenal stroll past Brighton in on Maradona record London ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE AFP English Premier League results yesterday: Milan Arsenal 2 (Monreal 16, Iwobi 56) Brighton 0 AFP rsene Wenger celebrated Everton 0 Burnley 1 (Hendrick 21) the 21st anniversary of his Newcastle 1 (Joselu 36) Liverpool 1 (Coutinho 29) arek Hamsik moved Aarrival at Arsenal in win- Played on Saturday closer to Diego Mara- ning style as the Gunners cruised Chelsea 0 Manchester City 1 (De Bruyne 67) Mdona’s scoring record to a 2-0 victory over Brighton Huddersfield 0 Tottenham 4 (Kane 9, 23, Davies as Napoli stayed top of Serie yesterday. 16, Sissoko 90+1) A with a 3-0 win over Cagliari There are many reasons for Manchester United 4 (Mata 3, Fellaini 35, 49, Lu- yesterday as Inter Milan Arsenal fans to look back fondly kaku 86) Crystal Palace 0 pulled ahead of Juventus with on the day Wenger was hired Bournemouth 0 Leicester 0 a 2-1 win at Benevento. but, after several years of under- Stoke 2 (Diouf 40, Crouch 85) Southampton 1 The pressure will now be achievement, the Frenchman (Yoshida 75) on Juventus who travel to Ata- finds himself engaged in a fight West Brom 2 (Rondon 18, Evans 21) Watford 2 lanta with the champions

to restore his tarnished (Doucoure 37, Richarlison 90+5) Arsenal midfielder looking to match Napoli’s reputation. West Ham 1 (Sakho 90) Swansea 0 Mohamed Elneny (left) vies unblemished seven wins in as It is too early to predict with Brighton’s midfielder many games. whether Arsenal can end their Davy Propper during the Skipper Hamsik opened 13-year wait to win a fourth Pre- Fittingly, Wenger marked his English Premier League the scoring for Napoli after mier League title under Wenger, milestone date with a notable match at the Emirates just four minutes at the Sta- but there were some encourag- record of his own. Stadium in London, dio San Paolo with his first ing signs as Brighton were put to Brighton are the 45th differ- yesterday. goal of the season and 114th the sword at the Emirates ent Premier League club to be for the club, just one short of Stadium. defeated by Arsenal since Maradona’s all-time record. Nacho Monreal opened the Wenger took over in 1996, since the transfer window closed back off a post. Albion striker goal from Philippe Coutinho Dries Mertens contributed scoring in the first half before breaking the record he shared just after their humiliating 4-0 Tomer Hemed was serving the secured a 1-1 draw for Liverpool to the opener and then added Alex Iwobi, converting Alexis with Manchester United legend defeat at Liverpool. first of a three-game suspension, at Newcastle United but it was a second from the spot on 40 Sanchez’s majestic assist, Alex Ferguson. There was ample evidence so Izzy Brown started up front another hugely frustrating match minutes before Kalidou wrapped up the points after the Just 64 hours after winning to support that theory as his and the youngster went close for their manager, Jurgen Klopp. Koulibaly sealed the perfect interval. at ’s Bate Borisov in the team tore into Brighton right with a header from Pascal On a day when victory seventh victory two minutes Arsenal’s sixth win from their Europa League on Thursday, from the start. Gross’s free-kick. would have lifted them above after the break. last seven matches in all com- Arsenal were back in action and Alexandre Lacazette almost That effort aside, it was one reigning champions Chelsea “Scoring is always great, petitions moved them to within Wenger freshened up his side by gave them the perfect start after way traffic as Wenger’s men left and into the top four in the Pre- I’m near Maradona’s record, six points of leaders Manchester making nine changes. just 65 seconds when his fierce Brighton trailing in their wake mier League, Liverpool now we know it will come, City heading into the interna- Wenger this week claimed drive flashed past Albion goal- time and again. struggled yet again to turn their but what matters is the team’s tional break. Arsenal are a more unified team keeper Mat Ryan, only to cannon Meanwhile, A remarkable superiority into goals. performance. Seven wins from seven means a lot, and today we enjoyed the fans. October will be decisive,” said Post-Ancelotti Bayern surrender two-goal lead Slovak international Hamsik. Napoli coach Maurizio Berlin concentration and discipline. BUNDESLIGA when Hummels headed Munich even though star striker Pierre- Sarri conceded he was AFP “When we don’t concentrate, ahead on 10 minutes. Emerick Aubameyang relieved after coming through then we aren’t the strongest team German Bundesliga results yesterday: The game burst into life early squandered a second-half pen- the early afternoon match in ayern Munich again sur- in Germany any more,” admit- Freiburg 3 (Niederlechner 15, Soyuncu 18, Strenzel in the second-half as Lewand- alty. 0In Freiburg, the game a week when they earned rendered a two-goal lead ted the Frenchman. 87) Hoffenheim 2 (Hack 14, Schuster 90+2-og) owski fired home on 49 minutes against Hoffenheim got off to a their first Champions League in a 2-2 draw at Hertha Bayern threw away a two- Hertha Berlin 2 (Duda 51, Kalou 56) Bayern Munich after robbing Hertha defender bang with all three goals com- points with a 3-1 win over B 2 (Hummels 10, Lewandowski 49) Berlin yesterday in their first goal lead for the second league Niklas Stark. ing in four crazy minutes. Feyenoord. Cologne 1 (Osako 82) RB Leipzig 2 (Klostermann 30, match since Carlo Ancelotti’s game in a row after being held However, Berlin responded Teenager Robin Hack scored But he dismissed prema- Poulsen 80) shock sacking, slipping to five 2-2 at home to Wolfsburg ten with two goals in five minutes. just 14 minutes into his senior ture talk of challenging for the On Saturday points behind leaders Borussia days ago. Japan’s Genki Haraguchi debut, but Freiburg responded title. Borussia Moenchengladbach 2 (Ginter 67, Hazard Dortmund. Ancelotti was dismissed after 90+4-pen) Hanover96 1 (Harnik 71) beat Robben, Hummels and immediately when striker Flo- “Its been six years that With Willy Sagnol in tempo- 15 months in the wake of Bay- Eintracht Frankfurt 2 (Rebic 42, Haller 90+3) VfB Joshua Kimmich before playing rian Niederlechner equalised a I’ve heard talk that we can rary charge after Ancelotti’s ern’s 3-0 drubbing at Paris Stuttgart 1 (Terodde 61) in Duda to fire home on 51 minute later. bother Juventus but in the dismissal on Thursday, Bayern Saint-Germain in the Champi- Augsburg 1 (Caiuby 11) Borussia Dortmund 2 (Yar- minutes. The hosts took the lead on 18 end they’re the ones who went 2-0 up at Berlin’s Olympic ons League. molenko 4, Kagawa 23) With Bayern in disarray, minutes when Turkey interna- win,” said Sarri. Stadium with goals from Mats Hoffenheim’s 30-year-old VfL Wolfsburg 1 (Guilavogui 55) Mainz 1 (Muto 74) Kalou scored from eight yards tional defender Caglar Soyuncu “That means they are a Hummels and Robert boss Julian Nagelsmann and ex- Hamburg 0 Werder Bremen 0 out to equalise on 56 minutes. headed home from a corner. level above everyone else.” Lewandowski. Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel On Friday Earlier, Hoffenheim crashed The match finished with two For Cagliari it was a fifth But Berlin roared back with are amongst the favourites to Schalke 04 1 (Goretzka 34) Bayer Leverkusen 1 to their first Bundesliga defeat goals in the dying stages as loss in seven games as they

two goals inside five minutes take over permanently. (Bailey 61) of the season with a shock 3-2 Freiburg sealed their first win of stay 14th with just six points. from Ondrej Duda and Salomon Sagnol responded to Ance- loss at strugglers Freiburg. the season when Pascal Stenzel Marcelo Brozovic scored Kalou to share the spoils. lotti’s sacking by starting Hoffenheim dropped to scored on 87 minutes. a quick-fire first half brace as “That’s a bit annoying for us,” forwards Thomas Mueller, the club in recent weeks, play- third, but level with Bayern on Freiburg midfielder Julian Inter moved provisionally said Sagnol, whose team none- Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and ing a role in undermining 14 points. Schuster turned the ball into his second on 19 points after a theless moved up to second. Lewandowski. Ancelotti’s authority. Dortmund ground out a 2-1 own net two minutes into added- tight win at tailenders “We have to play with more The quartet had all criticised Bayern made a bright start win at Augsburg on Saturday, on time but the hosts held on. Benevento. MONDAY 2 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 31 Spinners raise hopes of Pakistan victory

Abu Dhabi SCOREBOARD AFP Sri Lanka (I innings): ...... 419 Bowling: Lakmal 22-5-42-2 (1nb, 1w), Pradeep 25.3- Pakistan (I innings): 1-77-2 (6nb, Perera 37-10-92-1 (1nb), Sundakan 35-7- South African bowler akistan leg-spinner Shan Masood b Herath ...... 59 98-0 (1w), Herath 40-12-93-5, Karunaratne 3-1-6-0 Morne Morkel Yasir Shah grabbed Sami Aslam lbw b Perera ...... 51 Sri Lanka (II innings): the key wicket of Azhar Ali c Mendis b Herath ...... 85 D Karunaratne c Masood b Shah ...... 10 (left) celebrates Dinesh Chandimal to Asad Shafiq c Thirimanne b Herath ...... 39 K Silva lbw b Sohail ...... 25 the dismissal of leave Sri Lanka fight- Babar Azam c Dickwella b Pradeep ...... 28 L Thirimanne c Sarfraz b Shafiq ...... 7 Bangladeshi batsman Ping to avoid defeat after the Haris Sohail c Lakmal b Pradeep ...... 76 K Mendis (batting) ...... 16 Mominul Haque (not Sarfraz Ahmed b Lakmal ...... 18 D Chandimal c Shafiq b Shah ...... 7 fourth day of the first Test in Abu Mohammad Amir lbw b Lakmal ...... 4 S Lakmal(batting) ...... 2 in picture) during Dhabi yesterday. Yasir Shah c Thirimanne b Herath ...... 8 Extras: (B1, NB1) ...... 2 the fourth day of The prolific wicket-taker Hasan Ali st Dickwella b Herath ...... 29 Total: (for 4 wkts) ...... 69 the first Test match took 2-25 as Sri Lanka struggled Mohammad Abbas (not out) ...... 1 To bat: Dickwella, Perera, Herath, Sandakan, Pradeep against Bangladesh, to 69-4, needing a rearguard Extras: (B5, LB9, NB8, W2) ...... 24 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-33, 3-51, 4-65 yesterday.

action to save the Test. Total: (all out) ...... 422 Bowling: Amir 7-2-14-0, Abbas 6-2-7-0 (1nb), Shah

Fall of wickets: 1-114, 2-116, 3-195, 4-266, 5-294, 14-2-25-2, Hasan 4.2-0-8-0, Shafiq 3.4-0-7-1, Sohail Pakistan will be expecting 6-316, 7-326, 8-340, 9-390 5-2-7-1 to push for victory in the open- ing match of a two-Test series on the fifth and final day. two, after a day of fluctuating slip, for seven. Sohail followed South Africa turn the It was tough to negotiate fortunes. his responsible knock by claim- spin on a fourth-day Sheikh Herath’s 5-93 in 40 overs ing Kaushal Silva’s wicket, Zayed Stadium pitch, but despite were well foiled by a brilliant 76 whom he trapped leg before for a 32nd Test five-wicket haul for by Test debutant Haris Sohail, 25, while part-timer Asad Shafiq veteran Sri Lankan spinner Ran- as initially it looked as though had Lahiru Thirimanne for heat on Bangladesh gana Herath, Pakistan posted Sri Lanka would take a first- seven. 422 to take a slender three-run innings lead. The 28-year-old Sohail’s Potchefstroom, South Africa lead. Pakistan then hit back in the impressive Test bow has come AFP SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka had made 419 in second innings through Shah, despite a career-threatening South Africa (I innings): ...... 496-3 decl Bowling: Mehidy Hasan 11-1-69-0, Shafiul Islam 13-1- their first innings. who first had opener Dimuth knee injury which required sur- outh African fast bowler Bangladesh (I innings): ...... 320 46-1, Mustafizur Rahman 11-2-30-2, Taskin Ahmed At the close, Kusal Mendis Karunaratne caught for 10 and gery in 2015. Morne Morkel took two South Africa (II innings): 6-0-29-0 (1nb), Sabbir Rahman 5-0-25-0, Mahmudul- was batting on 16, with night- then dismissed first-innings “The last two years were wickets for no runs in the A Markram c Liton Das b Mustafizur Rahman ..15 lah 4-0-21-0, Mominul Haque 6-0-27-3 S D Elgar lbw b Shafiul Islam ...... 18 Bangladesh (II innings): watchman Suranga Lakmal on centurion Chandimal, caught at tough for me as there was a lot first over of Bangladesh’s second H Amla c Liton Das b Mustafizur Rahman ...... 28 Tamim Iqbal b Morkel ...... 0 of talk on my injury,” he said. innings before an injury to the fast T Bavuma c Liton Das b Mominul Haque ...... 71 Imrul Kayes c De Kock b Maharaj ...... 32 “But thankfully I am here bowler and a thunderstorm hit F du Plessis lbw b Mominul Haque ...... 81 Mominul Haque lbw b Morkel ...... 0 and played a responsible knock. South Africa’s hopes of an early Q de Kock st Liton Das b Mominul Haque ...... 8 Mushfiqur Rahim (batting) ...... 16 I was under pressure because win on the fourth day of the first A Phehlukwayo (not out)...... 6 Extras (NB1) ...... 1 we needed to take the lead, so I Test yesterday. K Maharaj (not out) ...... 19 Total (3 wkts) ...... 49

had to play a responsible knock Bangladesh were reeling at Extras (NB1) ...... 1 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-0, 3-49

Total (6 wkts decl) ...... 247 Bowling: Morkel 5.2-2-19-2 (1nb), Rabada 5-1-23-0, which I did.” 49 for three after being set to Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-38, 3-70, 4-212, 5-217, 6-222 Olivier 2.4-0-5-0, Maharaj 2.3-0-2-1 Earlier in the day, Pakistan make 424 to win when a storm too were struggling at 316-6 and hit Senwes Park during the tea were in danger of conceding a break and no further play was Liton Das, who took a remarka- wicket,” said Das. healthy lead with Herath using possible. ble catch to dismiss Bavuma, Morkel’s sensational start all his experience and guile. More showers are possible on anticipating a lap sweep by the could have been even better. He The 39-year-old left-arm the final day on Monday and Mor- batsman and moving sharply to was denied a third wicket because spinner, who now has 394 wick- kel, who took two for 19, is not his left to hold the ball in his left of a no-ball. Morkel, bowling ets in 84 Tests, gave his team the expected to bowl again. hand at close range, said he around the wicket, bowled much-needed wicket of a reso- “It’s a massive blow. Morne is expected left-arm spinner Kes- Tamim Iqbal with his fourth ball, lute Azhar Ali, luring him into the leader of our attack and he hav Maharaj to be the main threat a superb delivery which straight- an uppish drive which was bril- was hot out there,” said batsman to Bangladesh’s hopes of saving ened off the pitch and hit the off liantly caught at short Temba Bavuma, whose innings the game. stump. Two balls later he won a Sri Lanka’s Kaushal plays a shot during the fourth day of mid-wicket by a diving Mendis. of 71 helped South Africa to “The South African bowlers leg before wicket decision against the first Test cricket match against Pakistan at Sheikh Zayed Azhar’s defiant knock of 85 declare on 247 for six in did a very good job but the pitch another left-hander, Mominul Stadium in Abu Dhabi, yesterday. lasted more than five hours and mid-afternoon. is slow so the challenge will be Haque, who made top score of 77 included four boundaries. Bangladesh wicketkeeper Maharaj. It’s also a fifth-day in Bangladesh’s first innings. Rohit Sharma’s ton helps India to win ODI series 4-1

Nagpur, India India’s Rohit with a double off Marcus SCOREBOARD AFP Stoinis. Sharma (left) Australia: dya 2-0-14-1, Yadav 10-1-48-0, Jadhav 10-0-48-1 Rahane also got his fourth celebrates after D Warner c Pandey b Patel ...... 53 (w2), Patel 10-0-38-3 (w1) pener Rohit Sharma hit successive 50-plus score before scoring a century A Finch c Bumrah b Pandya ...... 32 India : a dominant century as being trapped lbw by paceman S Smith lbw b Jadhav ...... 16 A Rahane lbw b Coulter-Nile ...... 61 OIndia thrashed Australia as captain Virat Nathan Coulter-Nile. P Handscomb c Rahane b Patel ...... 13 R Sharma c Coulter-Nile b Zampa ...... 125 by seven wickets in the fifth Kohli watches Sharma went on to register T Head b Patel ...... 42 V Kohli c Stoinis b Zampa ...... 39 and final one-day interna- during the his 14th ODI ton during his M Stoinis lbw b Bumrah ...... 46 K Jadhav (not out) ...... 5 tional yesterday, clinching the fifth one-day 99-run partnership with Kohli, M Wade c Rahane b Bumrah ...... 20 M Pandey (not out) ...... 11 J Faulkner run out (Pandya/Dhoni) ...... 12 Extras (lb1, w1) ...... 2 series 4-1. international who made a sedate 39. He got to P Cummins (not out) ...... 2 Total (3 wkts) ...... 243 Chasing 243 for victory, the match against his hundred with a six off N Coulter-Nile b Bumrah ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-124, 2-223, 3-227 hosts rode on Sharma’s 109-ball Australia at the Coulter-Nile. Extras (B1, LB2, W3) ...... 6 Did not bat: M.S Dhoni, H Pandya, A Patel, K Yadav, B 125 to achieve their target in 42.5 Vidarbha Cricket Leg-spinner Adam Zampa Total (9 wkts) ...... 242 Kumar, J Bumrah. overs at Nagpur and move to the Association sent Sharma and Kohli back to Fall of wickets: 1-66, 2-100, 3-112, 4-118, 5-205 Bowling: Cummins 7-1-29-0, Coulter-Nile 9-0-42-1, (Head), 6-210, 7-237, 8-242, 9-242 Stoinis 4-0-20-0, Faulkner 5.5-0-37-0 (w1), Zampa

top of the ODI world rankings Stadium pavilion. Kedar Jadhav, unbeaten

table. on five, and Manish Pandey, 11 Did not bat: A Zampa 8-0-59-2, Head 6-0-38-0, Finch 3-0-17-0 in Nagpur, Bowling: Kumar 8-0-40-1, Bumrah 10-2-51-2, Pan- Result: India beat Australia by 7 wickets The Virat Kohli-led side had yesterday. not out, then saw the team slipped behind South Africa after through. their loss in the fourth game but Earlier, opener David Warn- fifth-wicket partnership, but Left-arm spinner Patel are now number one in the Inter- er’s 62-ball 53 was not enough their departure spelt further returned impressive figures of national Cricket Council ratings set up India’s comfortable vic- teams’ dominance in the match to inspire Australian batting as trouble for the visitors. 3-38 while fast bowler Jasprit for ODIs. They were already the tory after restricting the visitors and the series. they ended on 242-9 after elect- Head, who made 42, and Bumrah claimed two top Test team. to 242-9. Sharma, who opened his ing to bat first. Stoinis, who scored 46, failed to wickets. It was a disciplined bowling In reply, Sharma and Rahane account with two successive Travis Head and Stoinis tried convert their starts into bigger The action now shifts to the effort led by spinner Axar Patel, made batting look easy on a two- boundaries after 14 deliveries, hard to counter a persistent scores as Australia totally lost three Twenty20 internationals who claimed three wickets, that paced track and extended the was the first to get to his fifty Indian bowling with their 87-run steam in the final five overs. starting Saturday in Ranchi. Abbas Zab of Pakistan wins Qatar Shooting Federation Cup squash event in Qatar

The Peninsula boys under-13 years event, Mohammad Khan of Pakistan defeated Yousef Faraj of Qatar to take bbas Zab of Pakistan claimed the first place the first place. in boys under-19 years category of the Doha The Qatari players dominated the boys under- AAsian Junior squash tournament organised 11 years event as Mohammad Awdah led the by Qatar , Squash and Badminton Feder- standings ahead of Jassim Talal Al Thani in the ation at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex second place and Khalid Al Hamadi in the third which concluded yesterday. place. In the final match, Zab defeated compatriot Saad Al Mohannadi, Executive Director of the Mansour Zaman. Alereza Champly of Iran fin- Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation ished third. said that the event will help develop the skills of Shooters taking part in the rifle events on the first day of the Qatar Shooting Federation The tournament featured the participation of our players as they competed with players from Cup which kicked off yesterday at the Losail Shooting Range. The event ends on October 7. players from Qatar, Pakistan, Iraq and Iran. In other squash schools. 32 SPORT MONDAY 2 OCTOBER 2017 MONDAY 2 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 33

Qatari swimmer Yaqoub Riders compete during a test event conducted by the Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation (QCTF) ahead of the official launch of the new season. Abdulaziz Al Khelaifi in action in this file photo.

Qatari swimmers eye glory as global stars head for Doha The Peninsula Abdullah, Abdulaziz Hassan Al Obaidli participated in the previous legs of the “Our swimmers are ready for the Le Clos and Sjostrom maintained QCTF conducts successful test event and the country’s first female swimmer event. Abdullah Abu Ghazallah took part world swimming event in Doha, they their overall series leads following the star cast of swimmers will to compete in the Olympics, Nada in the first leg in Moscow ( August 2-3). had already shown impressive perform- closing night of the event in Hong Kong. QATAR SQUAD be in action when the FINA/ Mohammad Arakji. Abdulrahman Hesham abd Abdulaziz ances in the both 9th Asian Age Group Sjostrom bagged a hat-trick on Sat- Airweave Swimming World The FINA airweave Swimming Al Obaidli participated in the second leg Championship took place in Uzbekistan urday and took the first event yesterday, Hassan Mohammad Al Ebaidan Cup (25m) Doha edition sets World Cup 2017 includes eight legs in in Berlin (August 6-7) while Abdulaziz and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts the 100m free, from Ranomi Kromow- as riders warm up for new season Mohammad Mahmoud waves at the Hamad Aquatic the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Hassan, Abdulrahman Hesham and Games held in Turkmenistan,” said Al idjojo (NED). ComplexA on Wednesday and This year, the competition kicked Feras Al Saidi competed in the third leg Rumaihi. She then finished runner-up to Yossef Hesham Mohammad Thursday. off on August 2 in Moscow and will con- in Eindhoven (August 11-12). “We have a great ambition to hon- three-time Olympic and seven-time The Qatar Swimming Association clude on November 19 in Singapore. Yaqoub Al Khelaifi and Yousef our the country in the event, we are world champion Katinka Hosszu of The Peninsula finished second. Mohammed Nab- Abdullah Mohammad Abu (QSA) yesterday announced the line-up Berlin, Hong Kong, Doha, , and Hesham took part in the fourth leg in looking for new records to prove the Hungary in the 100m IM before jump- han was third. of its swimmers for the event which will Tokyo complete the list of host cities for Hong Kong. progress of Qatari swimming move- ing back in the pool 10 minutes later to avid Nicholas secured the Jamal Al Kuwari, General Sec- Ghazallah bring together 153 swimmers. 2017. Ibraheem Al Rumaihi, Head of ment,” added Al Rumaihi. sprint home in 24.62 in the 50m fly. victory ahead of Qatar’s retary of the Qatar Cycling and Yaqoub Abdulaziz Al Khelaifi The Qatari squad includes; Hassan The swimmers, who will arrive in Swimming section at the Qatar Swim- Top favourites for the Doha leg, the Hosszu had beaten Emily Seebohm Dstar rider Ahmed Al Triathlon Federation, said: “The Mohammad Al Ebaidan, Mohammad Doha following the Hong Kong leg which ming Association (QSA), said that the most successful man in the competition’s (AUS) into second place in all three of Bourdainy in a test event held Board of Directors of QCTF have Nasser Yasser Hassan Mahmoud, Yossef Hesham Mohammad, concluded yesterday, will be targeting participation in FINA/ Airweave Swim- history with 116 gold medals under his their clashes on Saturday, and it was a at Al Thakira on Friday as Qatar discussed the agenda of sports sea- Abdullah Mohammad Abu Ghazallah, to earn maximum points as the compe- ming World Cup championship – Doha belt, Chad le Clos of South Africa as well similar story in yesterday’s 100m Cycling and Triathlon Federa- son (2017-2018). Fans will get to see Abdulraheem Abdulali Hussain Yaqoub Abdulaziz Al Khelaifi, Nasser tition will reach the mid stage, which Tour acts as a considerable opportu- as Olympic and Swedish world cham- back/100m IM. tion (QCTF) warmed up ahead a number of cycling and triathlon Feras Murad Al Saidi Yasser Hassan, Abdulraheem Abdulali promises thrilling competitions during nity for local swimmers to interact with pion Sarah Sjostrom accounted for top The five-time World Cup series of the new season. The new sea- events, including road race and Hussain, Feras Murad Al Saidi, Abdul- the two-day contest. the world champions and to gain inter- honours at the Hong Kong leg of the champion went on to land the 400m IM son will be officially launched mountain bike events, in the new Abdulrahman Hesham rahman Hesham Mohammad, Musalam The Qatari swimmers also national experience. event which concluded yesterday. to complete a clean sweep from her six on October 13. season. The federation has paid events to close the gap marginally on Nicholas finished with a much attention on Triathlon events Mohammad Sjostrom in the standings. time of 1:35:06 in his winning and is encouraged to see the rise in Musalam Abdullah Le Clos twice denied Tom Shields of attempt while Al Bourdainy the number of new participants”. the USA, in the 200m free and 100m fly, grabbed the silver ahead of “The federation also encourages Abdulaziz Hassan Al Obaidli then finished runner-up to Russian star Mohammed Farhan Al Farizi and support riders to participate in Vladimir Morozov in the 50m free. who completed the top three international triathlon events.” He Nada Mohammad Arakji Shields had got the better of Le Clos in podium finishes at the Al Thak- said. the 200m fly on Saturday. ira Youth Centre. “We would like to thank Royal The test event was con- Air Maroc for sponsoring the Cycling ducted under three categories League. This is a reflection of the for men and two for women. depth of partnership and coopera- The race started at 6.30am tion between the federation and and 115 local and foreign riders Royal Air Maroc and the successes pedalled over a distance of achieved by the two sides, which 61km in their bid to warm up were supported by the local and for- for the busy season ahead. Pocium winners of the first category, gold medallist David Nicholas (centre), eign press, and by the media people Lain Garnell from team during the ongoing coverage, which Qatari national team’s rider Ahmed Al Bourdainy (silver) and Mohammed Rasen Velostar won the gold will continue to underline the suc- Farhan Al Farizi (bronze) pose for a photograph during the medal ceremony medal in the second category in cesses of the Federation and its Qatar’s first female swimmer to compete 1:46:56 ahead of his team-mate at Al Thakira Youth Centre on Friday. official partners and sponsors in the Olympics, Nada Mohammad Arakji David Jones who bagged the sil- (Rayyan natural water)” he added. in action in this file photo. ver while Khalid Hammouda who rides for the junior team of Qatar Cycling & Triathlon The Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation Qatar national junior team won the bronze medal. Federation. have included triathlon (swimming, cycling and The third category saw the largest number of Walberto De La Cruz won the gold after clock- running), mountain and criterium races in the sea- cyclists taking part, including members of the ing 1:52:46 while Qatar Junior rider Zaid Hamza son this time.

Participants of the cycling event conducted by the Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation (QCTF) pose for a photograph along with officials at Al The Hamad Aquatic Centre which will host the FINA/Airweave Swimming World Cup (25m) Doha edition. Thakira Youth Centre on Friday. 34 SPORT MONDAY 2 OCTOBER 2017 Russia, among countries suspended over doping

Weightlifting body Countries with at least three But we will not turn our backs possibility to compete as neu- back by December. There have doping offenses from those on them; we will continue to tral or independent,” IWF been more than 50 failed tests launches crackdown Olympics were suspended. The work with them, (the World spokeswoman Lilla Rozgonyi in weightlifting from the 2008 IWF started pursuing the sus- Anti-Doping Agency), and their said in a text message. and 2012 Olympics combined, Budapest pensions before last year’s national anti-doping agencies Also suspended It’s not the first time the IWF putting it second only to athlet- AP Olympics, but the process was to support their anti-doping were Kazakhstan, has kicked countries out of ics, which had many more held up by legal challenges. activities and help make cultural major competitions for doping. competitors. ussia and China were Also suspended were Kaza- change.” Armenia, Bulgaria and Russia were both In some weightlifting events, among nine countries khstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, The suspensions could mean Azerbaijan, barred from last year’s Olym- all three original medalists were Rsuspended from weight- Belarus, Moldova, Turkey, and a drastically weakened world pics — Bulgaria after eight of its disqualified. lifting for a year on Saturday in Ukraine. championships, scheduled from Belarus, Moldova, athletes tested positive for ster- The men’s 94-kilogram cat- an attempt to combat an epi- “We have made it clear that November 28 through Decem- Turkey, and oids ahead of the European egory from the 2012 Olympics demic of doping. the incidence of doping in some ber 6 in Anaheim, California. championships, Russia after saw seven lifters fail retests, The sport has been under areas is totally unacceptable and The IWF said there wouldn’t Ukraine. WADA accused it of widespread putting the original ninth-place pressure to clean up or face that our members have a be any exceptions from the ban drug use and cover-ups. finisher in line for an upgrade being dropped from the responsibility to ensure clean to allow individual athletes from In June, the International to bronze. Olympics. sport in their countries,” IWF the suspended countries to Olympic Committee warned Those banned include some The decision by the Inter- president Tamas Ajan said in a compete, regardless of whether weightlifting to do more to fight of the sport’s biggest stars, such national Weightlifting statement. they’ve ever failed a drug test. doping or risk being cut from the as Ilya Ilyin from Kazakhstan, a Federation (IWF) followed the “If they do not fulfill their Athletics has allowed some doping. “The countries will 2024 Paris Games. IOC presi- four-time world lifter of the year retesting of anti-doping sam- responsibilities to ensure their athletes from Russia to compete receive official notification dent Thomas Bach demanded who was stripped of his 2008 ples from the 2008 and 2012 lifters are clean then they will as independents during its ban about the suspension mid-Octo- the IWF “address the massive and 2012 gold medals for tak- Olympics. lose their right to participate. from that sport for systemic ber and at the IWF there is no doping problem” and report ing anabolic steroids.

Djokovic will Istomin clinches Chengdu title benefit from

Ranking boost for Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin poses with the trophy after defeating Cyprus’ Marcos Baghdatis during long break: Uzbek their men’s singles final at the ATP Chengdu Open in Chengdu, yesterday. Istomin is projected New physio to rise to 53 in the rankings from 78 London after winning the Reuters title.

Baghdatis retired in ovak Djokovic is recovering from a agony from the final “significant” elbow to hand the Uzbek his N injury and is keen to get second ATP crown back on the tour again, the 12-time cham- pion’s new physiotherapist Chengdu Ulises Badio has said in an AFP interview. A prolonged dip in form arcos Baghdatis before the injury earlier this retired in agony year forced Djokovic to cur- from the final of tail his season after retiring the Chengdu against Czech Tomas Berdych Open yesterday in the quarter-finals at Wim- Mafter suffering severe back bledon in July. spasms, handing the title to The former number one, Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin. who retained legend Andre Istomin was leading 3-2 in Agassi as his head coach, the first set when the Cypriot added Argentine Badio and collapsed on the court and was Italian fitness coach Marco unable to continue. Panichi to his team and is Baghdatis had to be helped expected to return early next carefully back to his seat, where year ahead of Australian he buried his head in his towel. Open. “I was feeling a bit of pain in Wozniacki wobbles on way to round two “Novak had a significant my back during the week, but injury and we are bringing it late after my match last night I under control,” Badio told felt some spasms,” said the Beijing The 25-year-old Wang Argentine daily La Nacion, 32-year-old. AFP sprang a surprise in taking the adding that the Serb’s deci- “This morning I woke up a second set on the tie break to sion to take time off had bit the same. After my warm-up, aroline Wozniacki had a level the match. helped. it got worse.” fright against a local But former number one “Time was required to Baghdatis said the spasms Cfavourite in the China Wozniacki, the 2010 improve it. The decision he held off for the first few games Open first round yesterday champion, regained her poise to took allowed us to have a of the final at Chengdu in south- before she composed herself to seal the deciding set with ease. time table and not go back west China after intensive go through 6-1, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1. The 27-year-old faces Anas- and forth about treatment,” physiotherapy, before striking The Dane, ranked six in the tasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia he said. again. world, made an early exit from in round two. He has a lot of eagerness “I’ve had back issues before, the Wuhan Open last week, Also through is reigning to return,” the stars new but not like this,” he said. stunned by Maria Sakkari of China Open champion Agnieszka physio added. Despite the retirement Bagh- Greece. Radwanska, who defeated the Badio, a kinesiologist datis is set to return to the top She appeared determined to German qualifier Carina Wit- (concerning body movement) 100 in the world. put that disappointment behind thoeft 7-5, 6-3. and physiotherapist special- Istomin, for whom this was her in making a lightning-fast “When you’re defending so ising in acupuncture and a second ATP crown, is projected start in Beijing, punishing Chi- many points it’s always a little Chinese therapy, said he also to rise to 53 in the rankings from na’s Wang Qiang in the first set. more pressure,” Radwanska looked forward to working 78. But if the fifth seed thought said. with former American super- “Of course I want to win the she was going to have it easy, “There are no easy matches star Agassi. title, but not this way. I hope he she was mistaken, as the 55th- and you’re going to have to play “I read his book, which I of hits a return during her gets better and will be okay for ranked Wang harnessed the your best game from the first found emotional. Now I’ve the rest of the season,” said support of the crowd to fight round. I’m very happy with a women’s singles match against Wang Qiang of China at the met him, and he seems a cap- Istomin, 31. back. two-set win.” China Open in Beijing yesterday. tivating person.” China Open: Rising Zverev seeks sixth title

Beijing and Andy Mur- with world number one Rafael he said. Asked about the pres- and my family, but everyone AFP ray all missing in Beijing, Nadal looming in the final if the sure that comes with his else I try not to focus on too Zverev fancies his chances. Spaniard successfully navigates growing fame, he replied: “I’ve much. ising star Alexander The second seed starts his his tricky side of the draw. been dealing with expecta- “Of course it’s nice to hear Zverev said yesterday assault on the open-air hard Zverev, the world number tions from a very young age from great players what they Rthat he is blocking out courts in the Chinese capital four, said his aim for next sea- so I’ve learnt how to deal with think I might become one day, the growing hype surrounding against Britain’s Kyle Edmund son is to go further in the Grand them. but this is still in the future and his fast emergence, as he and could face seventh seed Slams -- his best showing is “But it gets more and more it’s a work in progress.” makes his tilt at China Open Tomas Berdych in the reaching the fourth round this the higher you are ranked, but Nadal, the 31-year-old glory this week. quarter-finals. year at Wimbledon. look, I try not to listen too much Spaniard who is enjoying a The 20-year-old German The Australian Nick Kyr- But he is prepared to bide to what other people expect late-career resurgence, is in is seeking his sixth title of a gios, who on his day can his time. “I’m still only 20 years from me or think of me. action this week for the first breakthrough season and with compete with the best, is a old, you can’t have it all, unfor- “I do care about the people time since winning his third US Alexander Zverev the old guard of Roger Federer, potential semi-final opponent, tunately, but it’s not going bad,” that are close to me, my team Open in September. MONDAY 2 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 35 Ruthless United States edge closer to Presidents Cup win

Jersey City PRESIDENTS CUP RESULTS Reuters Kevin Chappell of the US Team celebrates USA 14.5 International team 3.5 Springboks he International team’s as he walks off the Fourball Presidents Cup hopes 10th green during USA 3 Internationals 1 promise to were hanging by the Saturday four-ball Jordan Spieth/Patrick Reed (USA) bt Jason slimmest of threads matches of the Day/Louis Oosthuizen (AUS/RSA) 2 & 1 be ready for after the United States Presidents Cup at Justin Thomas/Daniel Berger (USA) bt Tclaimed six of eight matches in Liberty National Hideki Matsuyama/Jhonattan Vegas (JPN/ All Blacks a cut-throat display on Saturday Golf Club in Jersey VEN) 3 & 2 to sit on the brink of a seventh City, New Jersey on Anirban Lahiri/Kim Si-Woo (IND/KOR) bt successive title. Saturday. Charley Hoffman/Kevin Chappell (USA) Bloemfontein Only a one-up victory by 1-up Reuters India’s Anirban Lahiri and South Dustin Johnson/Brooks Koepka (USA) bt Korea’s Kim Si-woo over Kevin Branden Grace/Marc Leishman (RSA/AUS) 3 outh Africa have Chappell and Charley Hoffman been given little & 2 denied the United States a sweep Foursomes Schance of exacting of the afternoon four-balls to put revenge on New Zealand celebrations at a breezy Liberty USA 3.5 Internationals 0.5 in their Rugby Champi- National on hold. Jordan Spieth/Patrick Reed (USA) bt Jason onship finale by It also kept the Internation- Day/Marc Leishman (AUS) 4 & 3 Springboks coach Allister als of suffering the ultimate Dustin Johnson/Matt Kuchar (USA) bt Coetzee (pictured embarrassment of watching the Adam Scott/Adam Hadwin (AUS/CAN) 4 & above), who says anyone trophy claimed on a Saturday for 3 expecting a rousing the first time. Phil Mickelson/Kevin Kisner (USA) bt Jhon- home win is “living in a The United States have a attan Vegas/Emiliano Grillo (VEN/ARG) 2 & fool’s paradise”. commanding 14-1/2 to 3-1/2 lead 1 He did, however, and need just one point from Justin Thomas/Rickie Fowler (USA) v Louis vow that the Springboks Sunday’s 12 singles matches. Oosthuizen/Branden Grace (RSA) halved would be better prepared “We’ve just come up against wrong,” said International cap- momentum and we’ve had With the Americans cling- Friday Fourball for next weekend’s clash a juggernaut of an American tain Nick Price. nothing. ing to a one hole lead, Kim sent United States 4.5 International team 0.5 against the world cham- team that has not put a foot “They have had all the “There’s an outside shot a charge through the chilled pions after their 57-0 Jordan Spieth/Patrick Reed (USA) v Hideki tomorrow and the guys all know crowd when he drained a nervy drubbing in Auckland Daniel Berger of the US that. seven-foot birdie putt at the Matsuyama/Adam Hadwin (JPN/CAN) last month, despite the team celebrates on the “They are going to go play for 15th to leave the match halved disappointment of fail- 10th green during four- their pride, they are going to play all-square. Rickie Fowler/Justin Thomas (USA) bt Louis ing to beat Australia on ball matches on Saturday. for themselves, they are going to Lahiri rolled in a 16-foot Oosthuizen/Branden Grace (RSA) 3 & 2 Saturday. play for the team and they are birdie effort on the next hole to Phil Mickelson/Kevin Kisner (USA) bt Jason The two sides drew going to play for us. take the lead. Day/Marc Leishman (AUS) 1-up 27-27 for a second stale- “You’re not going to be able Chappell generously con- Kevin Chappell/Charley Hoffman (USA) bt mate between them in to take the spirit away out from ceded a four-foot birdie to Lahiri Charl Schwartzel/Anirban Lahiri (RSA/IND) this year’s southern our team, that’s for sure,” he at the last, handing the Interna- 6 & 5 hemisphere champion- added. tionals just their second match Dustin Johnson/Brooks Koepka (USA) bt ship to hand New Despite failing to clinch, it victory. Adam Scott/Jhonattan Vegas (AUS/VEN) 3 Zealand the title for a was another ruthless perform- US captain Steve Stricker & 2 fifth time in six years. ance from the US, who won three sent out British Open champion Thursday Foursomes South Africa and of four foursomes matches and Spieth and Reed first who over- United States 3.5 International team 1.5 New Zealand complete halved the other then followed came a rules blunder at the 12th their programme at up by prevailing in three of the that appeared to open the door Rickie Fowler/Justin Thomas (USA) bt Newlands in Cape Town four-ball contests. for the Internationals. Hideki Matsuyama/Charl Schwartzel (JPN/ on Saturday. The US had looked poised to With their match all-square RSA) 6 & 4 “We’ll be playing run the table on Saturday after Spieth was disqualified from Dustin Johnson/Matt Kuchar (USA) bt against a really good All Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed completing the hole and denied Adam Scott/Jhonattan Vegas (AUS/VEN) Blacks side, but it’s just claimed a 2&1 decision over Aus- an opportunity to match Day’s 1-up been a few months since tralian Jason Day and South birdie putt when Oosthuizen’s Jordan Spieth/Patrick Reed (USA) bt Kim this team has got African Louis Oosthuizen, before eagle attempt scooted past the Si-Woo/Emiliano Grillo (KOR/ARG) 5 & 4 together, so to think that Daniel Berger and Justin Thomas cup and he scooped up the ball Louis Oosthuizen/Branden Grace (RSA) bt we can just go and top- beat Venezuela’s Jhonattan before it had stopped. Brooks Koepka/Daniel Berger (USA) 3 & 1 ple the All Blacks easily Vegas and Japan’s Hideki Mat- The error allowed the Inter- Kevin Kisner/Phil Mickelson (USA) v Jason would be living in a fool’s

suyama 3&2. nationals to grab a one-up lead Day/Marc Leishman (AUS) halved paradise,” Coetzee told Dustin Johnson and Brooks but in the end it proved only a reporters. Koepka then secured a 3&2 vic- minor setback as Spieth and “I think we have to tory over Australian Marc Reed rallied with three birdies look at the strides we’re Leishman and South African from the 15th to steal the point. focused,” said star Spieth. taking and build on what Branden Grace before the spot- Spieth assured there will be “It’s easy to get complacent we have. light fell on Chappell and no such complacency when they with the way things are right “We are still hurting Hoffman in the last match of the arrive at Liberty National. now and it’s easy to come out obviously from the pre- day. “Our goal is still to stay tomorrow lazy.” vious result against them, but we will pre- pare as well as we can and we will be ready for them at Newlands,” he Karlsson takes control at British Masters said. He will be looking for a positive finish after Newcastle won since capturing the 2010 Elton Jantjies missed a AFP season-ending DP World Tour last-minute penalty that Championship in Dubai. would have handed the Robert Karlsson in action ormer European number “I didn’t hit the ball very Boks a morale-boosting one Robert Karlsson has a good, so I put myself in a lot of during the penultimate victory over the Fchance to end his seven- trouble but I managed to keep it round of British Masters at Wallabies. year winless drought after taking together very nicely and I’m very Close House, Newcastle on “When you draw at a one-shot lead into the final proud of the way I scored in the Saturday. home it actually feels like round of the British Masters on end,” Karlsson said. a loss, but I’m very proud Saturday. English trio Ian Poulter (68), of this team and the The 48-year old capped his Tyrrell Hatton (71) and Graeme effort. After a tough two round of a 67 with a ninth-hole Storm (67), along with Scotland’s weeks, it just shows the eagle to move to 12 under par in Richie Ramsay (65) and Ireland’s character of the side, and cold and rainy conditions in Paul Dunne (65), all share sec- that was tested,” he Newcastle. ond place at 11 under par. added. ’s Karlsson has not Poulter also ignited hopes of “It’s been an emo- his first win in nearly five years tional week and we BRITISH MASTERS SCORES as the world number 55 strives spoke of turning it to climb back inside the top 50 around. Although the 198 - Robert Karlsson (SWE) 66 65 67 after slipping outside the top 200 Wallabies got off to a fast 199 - Ian Poulter 66 65 68, Graeme Storm earlier this season. start and scored first, we 65 67 67, Tyrrell Hatton 63 65 71, Paul “I’ve come here this week to got stuck in. Dunne 66 68 65, Richie Ramsay 67 67 65 do a number of things. One is to maybe an hour, get rid of the win for a first time this season “You get yourself into con- “We created oppor- 200 - Rory McIlroy 67 69 64, Shane Lowry get back in the top 50 and two is frustration. and keep alive a run of having tention and you start to think tunities and that was the 68 66 66, Chris Hanson 64 67 69, George to win this golf tournament,” he “Come out tomorrow feeling won at least one event a season about things and it would be nice pleasing thing. The fact Coetzee (RSA) 63 72 65, David Lingmerth said. somewhat refreshed, and hope- since 2009. to get a win,” said McIlroy, who that we did not convert (SWE) 68 70 62 “I’m now in position going fully I can be aggressive to those McIlroy’s 64 for a five-way chipped in for a birdie on the all of those, was not. This 201 - Lucas Bjerregaard (DEN) 67 67 67, into Sunday. I realistically have targets out there tomorrow. share of seventh place at 10 fifth hole and carded three more was a fantastic test Chris Wood 67 68 66, Lee Westwood 66 to feel I’m in with a shout. Just “Hopefully I can hold a tro- under par leaves him only two birdies in a front nine of 31. match, with the physical- 65 70, Matthew Fitzpatrick 66 69 66 one back at the minute. phy and get back in the top 50. from the front. “The last couple of tourna- ity right up there and the 202 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 66 70 “I need to play better tomor- That would be lovely.” The effort was McIlroy’s low- ments, I’ve been off pretty early skill set on display was

66, Marc Warren 70 67 65 row than I did today, that’s for However, looming large over est European Tour round since a on the weekends and had 50 very good and we were sure. I’m going to go to the range the final day is world number six second-round 64 on day two at people following me, where part of that.” just now and work on it for Rory McIlroy, who is looking to the 2015 Dubai Desert Classic. there’s thousands out there.” 36 SPORT MONDAY 2 OCTOBER 2017 Al Attiyah looks to seal FIA title

Fez, Morocco six Toyota Hiluxes for ’s The Peninsula Aron Domzala, the Dutch duo of Peter van Merksteijn and Bern- ersonnel at Overdrive hard Ten Brinke, Frenchman Racing have their Ronan Chabot, Dane Jes Munk hands full this week and Chinese driver He Zhitao. when the Belgian car Domzala, the winner of Rus- preparations company sia’s Northern Forest round of Pruns seven Toyota Hiluxes in the the series back in February, OiLibya Rally of Morocco, the returns to action with Maciej 10th and penultimate round of Marton after running alongside the FIA World Cup for Cross- navigator Szymon Gospodarc- Country Rallies. zyk to finish fifth in last month’s The event starts in Fèz on ORLEN Baja Poland. October 5 and finishes in Erfoud He holds fourth in the points’ on October 10. standings and knows that a The team running under the strong finish to the season would management of Jean-Marc For- catapult him into the top three tin has already won seven rounds behind Al Attiyah and Przygon- of the series this season and ski in the final standings. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah Chabot returns to action with and French navigator Matthieu fellow Frenchman Gilles Pillot Baumel have won six of those and Ten Brinke continues his rallies in a memorable season working relationship with the thus far. experienced Belgian navigator Al Attiyah is currently 81 Stéphane Prevot, with whom he points clear of his nearest cham- finished on the podium in Poland pionship rival, Jakub Przygonski, in early September. and nine points from his Moroc- Van Merksteijn and French- can adventure would be man Pascal Maimon teamed up sufficient for the Qatari to retain in Poland to finish eighth and his FIA World Cup title with a they continue to work together round to spare. in Morocco, while Munk and Al Attiyah and Baumel have Poland’s Rafal Marton crew the won the last three Moroccan ral- sixth team entry with additional lies but face fierce competition support from Bewa and M-For on this occasion. While Al-Atti- Sport. yah concentrates on the job in They will be hoping for a bet- Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah in action with Overdrive Racing in this file photo. The Qatari rally star will be looking to seal hand to secure the title, Over- ter run after technical issues drive Racing will run a further sidelined the crew last time out. the title at Rally of Morocco, the 10th and penultimate round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies starting later this week. INSET: Al Attiyah (right) with French navigator Matthieu Baumel (centre). FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES – STANDINGS 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT) 240pts The all-Chinese crew of He Zhi- World Cup against strong com- The meat of the competition teams for pre-Dakar Rally tao and Zhao Kai round off the petition and all our team will use then takes place over five selec- testing. 2. Jakub Przygonski (POL) 159pts impressive seven-car line-up. the event as a useful test as well tive sections through the varied Competitive sections of 3. Khalid Al-Qassimi (ARE) 105pts Overdrive Racing’s CEO as obtaining great experience Moroccan deserts. The route 435.11km and 142.79km are 4. Aron Domzala (POL) 98pts Jean-Marc Fortin said: “It has over some very difficult terrain heads from Fèz to Erfoud on included in a gruelling agenda 5. Yasir Saeidan (SAU) 96pts already been a very long and and demanding stages.” October 6 and includes a com- for day three and two further busy season but we are getting Organised by the Neveu-Pel- petitive section of 460.39km in specials of 191.56km and 6. Mohammed Abu Issa (QAT) 84pts to the point where champion- letier Organisation (NPO), the a day’s timetable of over 820km. 263.51km are on the cards for the 7. Martin Prokop (CZE) 72pts ships are won and lost and we competitive action on this ever- The second section moves on penultimate day. 8. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE) 57pts begin to look ahead to the next popular African round of the series from Erfoud to the Erg Chebbi The rally finishes in Erfoud

9. Adel Abdulla (QAT) 45pts Dakar. We have a strong line-up gets underway on Thursday (Octo- with a stage of 354.45km through after a further two timed sections in Morocco. Nasser and Matthieu ber 5) with a super special stage at the notorious dunes that have of 179.5km and 8.65km on Octo- 10. Leeroy Poulter (ZAF) 42pts will be hoping to retain the FIA 12.30hrs in Fèz. made the area so popular with ber 10.

Josoor Institute holds high profile Felix Sanchez workshop for QFA delegates

The Peninsula

osoor Institute recently com- pleted the delivery of a Jbespoke workshop for dele- gates of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) held at the National Team’s offices at Aspire Academy. The two-day workshop titled Qatari squad for - Leading the Qatar National Teams towards Excellence - took place from 14 to 15 September friendlies named 2017 and focused on the Qatar national teams’ four core values - honour, loyalty, respect and The Peninsula Singapore (October 5) before victory. taking on Curacao on October The workshop, which was atar’s coach Felix Sanchez 10. It was also revealed that the led by Neil Doncaster, Chief has named a total of 34 U-23 squad is scheduled to host Executive of the Scottish Profes- Qplayers for the upcoming Mexico on October 8. sional Football League provided friendly matches to be played The three international Neil Doncaster, Chief Executive of the Scottish Professional Football League and Director of a number of interactive in Doha. friendly games will be held at sessions. Operations at the Qatar National Teams, Ahmed Khellil Abbassi along with QFA delegates Qatar will take on Singa- the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Delegates were given team- pose for a group photo following the conclusion of workshop at Aspire Academy recently. pore, Curacao and Mexico from The kick-off time has been set bonding exercises to spark their October 5 to 10 in the friendlies for 7:00pm for all friendlies. creative thinking and problem asked to dissect and analyse, all the field but the only way to professionals in Qatar. Although to be played under lights. Six other U-23 players will solving skills. while being filmed. achieve success is if everyone on there may be many differences The Al Anabi will first meet also join the Qatar squad. With media interactions Speaking on the QFA’s par- and off the field lives and breathes in the challenges we face every (local or international) being a ticipation, Ahmed Khellil the same vision. This workshop day, we are all working towards QATAR SQUAD core part of the roles, delegates Abbassi, Director of Operations was a great opportunity to re- having effective teams.” Squad: Hassan Al-Haydos, Salem Al-Hajri, Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Ali were also put under the spotlight at the Qatar National Teams, align ourselves towards our vision “Within this workshop, we and provided with challenging said: “We are constantly striv- and encourage us to always think exchanged global case studies Asad, Fahad Shanein, Meshaal Issa and Musab Khader (Al Sadd) Ismail Moham- scenarios, which they were then ing to motivate our players on outside the box.” where the national team’s four med, Bassam Hisham Al-Rawi, Abdullah Abdul Salam Al-Ahraq, Karim Boudiyaf, “Qatar has a number of tal- core values were brought to life. Mohamed Ahmed Bakri, Moaz Ali (Al-Duhail), Ahmad Al-Saadi and Omar Bari (Al I am confident ented and competent football I am confident that the hard Rayyan) Ahmed Alaa, Tamim Al Muhaizah, Abdul Aziz Hatem, Mahdi Ali (Al that the hard managers and administrators, work the delegates are doing all working towards establish- now will make a great impact in Gharafa) Abdul Karim Salem Al Ali (Al Sailiya) Omar Ahmed Al Emadi (Qatar SC) work the ing the fundamental pillars that 2022,” he added. Sultan Al Barik (Al Wakra) Khaled Munir and Tarek Salman (Atletico) Asim Madibo delegates are will help the QFA reach and Josoor Institute is a centre of and Akram Afif (Belgium) Ahmed Yasser Mohammadi (Spain). exceed its objectives. Workshops excellence for the sports and U-23 players to join Qatar squad doing now will such as this are a key part of that events industries, inspired and make a great journey,” said Abbassi. developed by the Supreme Com- Abdulrahman Mohammed Fahmi, Salah Alawi Al-Lahri (Al-Duhail), Abdul Commenting on his partici- mittee for Delivery & Legacy Hameed Al-Dari and Sultan Bakhit Al-Kuwari (Al Rayyan) Abdulaziz Khalid Saad

impact in 2022: pation as a speaker, Doncaster (SC). Since its inception in (Qatar SC) Jassim Ahmed Al-Jalabi (Al Wakra). Neil Doncaster said: “It is always a pleasure to December 2013, it has engaged work with football with over 2,600 delegates.