SPORT

Sunday 29 October 2017

PAGE | 23 PAGE | 24-25 PAGE | 27 captain Root Top rider Mashel gets Hingis bids farewell says Warner talk of set for WorldSBK race with doubles defeat Ashes war ‘extreme’ on home turf in Singapore Classic: Home hope Tamimi to begin campaign against Fares

Armstrong Vas The Peninsula Qatar’s Qualifying results (yesterday) Abdulla (1) Alan Clyne (Sco) bt Eain Yow Ng (Mas) 3-1 (11- bdulla Mohammed Mohd Al 4, 11-2, 13-11) Al Tamimi will be Tamimi [5] Tsz Fung Yip (Hkg) bt (Eng) looking for a flying (right) 3-2 (11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8) start to his Qatar will take Karim Ali Fathi (Egy) bt [10] Classic 2017 on rising (Nzl) 3-1 (11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 11-5) ChampionshipA campaign when [11] (Eng) bt [3] Omar Abdel Meg- he takes on ’s Fares Des- star Fares uid (Egy) 3-1 (11-2, 7-11, 12-10, 11-9) souky in first round of second Dessouky PSA World Series event of the of Egypt in [15] (Ger) bt [4] Nicolas Meuller season at the Khalifa Interna- first round (Sui) 3-2 (13-11, 7-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7) tional Tennis and Squash of Qatar [7] Leo Au (Hkg) bt Richie Fallows (Eng) 3-1 (9-11, Complex here today. Classic at 11-4, 11-7, 11-1) The World No.37, repre- the Khalifa [8] Chris Simpson (Eng) bt [9] sents the only local hope in the International (Eng) 13-11, 11-9, 11-6 main draw after none of the Tennis and [2] Saurav Ghosal (Ind) bt Ammar Altamimi (Kuw) eight Qatari players who fea- Squash 3-0 (11-6, 11-3, 11-6) tured in the qualifying rounds Complex Schedule (Today) made it past the first round and today. [1] Gregory Gaultier (Fra) vs Cesar Salazar (Mex), thus missed out a chance of 7.30pm joining Al Tamimi in the $165k Zahed Mohamed (Egy) vs Gregoire Marche (Fra), main draw. 8.30 pm Tournament wildcard (Eng) vs [Q] Saurav Ghosal (Ind), 2.00 Tamimi, who has come with pm some noteworthy perform- ances on the PSA Tour, has a [7] (Eng) vs (Per), tough task against Dessouky, 12.00 who is ranked 16 places higher [5] (Egy) vs [Q] Karim Ali Fathi (Egy), than him in the rankings. Rankings in recent years and 2016-17 season when he fell to No.1 has had a strong start to at the NetSuite 3.00 pm Dessouky has enjoyed a missed out on claiming a third England’s Nick Matthew in the the season, which has seen him Open and Ryan Cuskelly (Egy) vs[Q] Leo Au (Hkg),1.00 pm meteoric rise in the PSA World PSA World Tour title during the final of the Canary Wharf claim titles at the NetSuite at the US Open. (Egy) vs [wc] Abdulla Al Tamimi Classic. Open and Channel VAS at St In the other first round (Qat) , 6.30pm Action from In the other first round George’s Hill and a runner-up matches today, Ryan Cuskelly [3] Mohamed Elshorbagy (Egy) vs [Q] Chris yesterday’s qualifying matches today, tournament top finish at the US Open. El Shor- of and Daryl Selby of Simpson (Eng), 5.30pm match seed and World No.1 Gregory bagy will open against a England, both take on qualifi- Tomorrow Gaultier will begin his tourna- qualifier in round one. ers, while Zahed Mohamed of [Q] Raphael Kandra (Ger) vs [4] Nick Matthew ment against Mexico’s Cesar US Open champion and Egypt and Gregoire Marche of (Eng), 3.00pm Salazar – who recently won the current leader on the World France will clash in the last [Q] Alan Clyne (Sco) Vs (Fra), Open. Series Standings, Ali Farag, will match of the day. 2.00pm This will be the Frenchman’s look to continue his purple Meanwhile, as many as eight [Q] Adrian Waller (Eng) vs (Aus), first appearance of the 2017/18 patch as he also opens against places in the main draw were season after suffering with an a qualifier in round one. decided yesterday in the quali- 12 noon ankle injury that saw him forced Other strong contenders in fying rounds. Alan Clyne of (Egy) vs [8] to withdraw from both the Net- the men’s draw include Eng- Scotland, Tsz Fung Yip of Hong (Egy), Suite Open and US Open. land’s former World No.1 James Kong, Karim Ali Fathi of Egypt, (Nzl) vs [6] Marwan Elshorbagy (Egy), Gaultier could face two- Willstrop, who last won the Adrian Waller of England, Rap- 1.00pm time Qatar Classic champion tournament in 2005. The York- hael Kandra of Germany, Leo Miguel Rodriguez (Col) vs (Egy), in the shireman faces a tough ask in Au of , Chris Simp- 5.30pm semi-finals of the tournament round one as he takes on Peru’s son of England and Saurav [Q] Tsz Fung Yip (Hkg) vs Simon Rosner (Ger)

should both prevail through Diego Elias, who has been one Ghosal of won their 19.30 Borja Golan (Esp) vs (Egy), their respective fixtures. to watch on the Men’s Tour this respective matches to claim a 7.30pm The Egyptian former World season – defeating England’s spot in the main draw. Al Gharafa hold Al Duhail; Al Sailiya punish Qatar SC

The Peninsula the goalpost. In 25th minute, the El penalty), Wagner Renan Ribeiro (23) and Arabi-Burhan combination - that was Valentin Marius Lazar (45 and 62) as the oints leaders Al Duhail yesterday involved in action a brief while earlier visitors posted their fourth win of the were held to a gutsy 1-1 draw by - exchanged blows once more but this Al Duhail’s Ismail season. Pformer champions Al Gharafa in time the former was not to be denied. M (left) takes an Michael Baba Tunde (90, penalty) an intriguing QNB Stars League (QSL) Korean striker Nam Tae-hee, reduced the margin of defeat for Qatar attempt against clash at Abdullah Bin Khalifa sweeping in from the right flank, found SC. After a series of attacks in the first Al Gharafa Stadium. El Arabi with a slick low volley. El Arabi, few minutes, Al Sailiya’s Brazilian mid- Youssef El Arabi (25) opened the just a few meters away from Burhan, during their fielder Renan Ribeiro broke free of his scoring for Al Duhail but Al Gharafa hit found the net from close range with a QSL match at marker and slipped a near-perfect ball back through Amro Abdullfattah Seraj quick tap into Al Gharafa goal in the 25th Abdullah Bin to team mate Abdullah Al Marri who had (56). minute. It was the Moroccan striker’s 11 Khalifa Stadium charged into the Qatar SC box. Following a cagey start, star striker goal of the season. yesterday. Al Marri - the U-23 star - despite El Arabi produced a near-perfect header Both teams walked off the Abdullah showing speed, failed to tap the ball into inside the Al Gharafa box but his deflec- Bin Khalifa Stadium pitch with the the net from close range with only Qatar tion from close range rebounded off the scoreboard showing 1-0 in favour of the SC goalkeeper Rajab Hamza at his mercy goalpost much to the dismay in the Al home team who also enjoyed 53 per- in the 8th minute. Duhail camp. cent of the ball possession in the first Five minutes later, Al Sailiya opened Al Gharafa’s veteran goalkeeper half. Al Gharafa, on the other hand, man- the scoring through Uzbek forward Qassim Burhan was quick to pounce on aged 4 corners compared just 2 by Al Two minutes later, Tae-hee pro- complete a commanding 5-1 win over Abdukholiqov who fired a bullet from the rebound in the 22nd minute. Duhail coached by Djamel Belmadi. duced a bullet from the edge of the box bottom-placed Qatar SC under lights at close range that went through the hands A minute later, Qatar national team Al Gharafa produced the equaliser but his shot sailed past the goalpost with Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. of goalkeeper Hamza. midfielder Luiz Martin Junior charged in the 56th minute through Seraj who Burhan well beaten. In the round 6 clash, Al Sailiya were Al Sailiya scored their fifth goal into the Al Gharafa box but his shot from picked a rebound off the crossbar fol- Meanwhile, Al Sailiya yesterday powered home by Temurkhuja through Lazar (62) who headed home close range narrowly missed lowing a powerful shot by Martin. struck goals at will to Abdukholiqov (14 and 49, from close range. 22 SPORT SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER 2017

Dortmund crash to shock defeat at Hanover

Berlin AFP

undesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund Bcrashed to a 4-2 defeat at Hanover yesterday, col- lapsing at the back after the sending-off of teenage defender Dan-Axel Zagadou. Togo striker Ihlas Bebou scored twice for the hosts as Dortmund were picked off on the counter-attack, slumping to a loss that is the last thing coach Peter Bosz needed before Wednesday’s Cham- pions League home match against APOEL. Dortmund are winless in their last three Bundesliga games and will be knocked off the top later with their two nearest rivals, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, meeting each other at the Allianz Arena. Bayern go into that game behind Dortmund on goal dif- England’s players celebrate after winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup final against Spain at the Vivekananda ference, with Leipzig a point Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata, yesterday. back in third. Former Ajax coach Bosz has been criticised for using a 4-1-4-1 system that leaves his side vulnerable against counter-attacks, but he found explanations elsewhere. “It’s got nothing to do with the system, it was England rally to beat Spain 5-2, because Hanover defended high up the field, not Dort- mund,” he told Sky. “There is always space in football, but we lost because Hanover were more aggres- lift Under-17 World Cup trophy sive than us and we didn’t manage to create goal Kolkata stadium in Kolkata. Gibbs chances.” AFP White’s low shot in the first Dortmund’s star striker minute of a fierce-paced final in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang anchester City front of 66,600 fans produced a had another quiet game as starlet Phil Foden lightning reflex save from Alvaro Hanover became the latest scored twice as Fernandez in the Spanish goal. team to expose a frail defence England came But Spain captain Abel Ruiz that has now conceded nine from behind to masterminded the first goal in times in three league games. Mcrush Spain 5-2 in the Under 17 the 10th minute, heading the ball Hanover took the lead on World Cup final yesterday. down in the goal area for Barce- 20 minutes when Brazilian Victory added to England’s lona teammate Sergio Gomez to striker Jonathas converted a growing list of youth honours - push the ball in the net. penalty. Replays showed they have won the Under 20 On 31 minutes Ruiz again Dortmund goalkeeper Roman World Cup and European Under opened the England defence and Burki stood his ground and 19 championship this year - and laid the ball on for Cesar Gelab- Felix Klaus charged into him, was revenge for losing the Under ert who found Gomez on the but the penalty stood despite Abel Ruiz (left) of Spain 17 European Championship final other side of the area waiting to a review from the video to Spain in May. rocket a shot past goalkeeper fights for the ball with Joel assistant referee. On top of Foden’s second Curtis Anderson. Latibeaudiere of England Dortmund equalised half brace, Liverpool’s Rhian England fought hard to get during their FIFA U-17 World seven minutes later when an Brewster scored his seventh goal back into the game. Callum Hud- Cup final at the Vivekananda awful clearance by Hanover’s of the tournament and Morgan son-Odoi fired a right foot shot Yuba Bharati Krirangan Marvin Bakalorz carried only Gibbs-White and Marc Guehi onto the post with Fernandez Stadium in Kolkata yesterday. as far as Zagadou, who also pierced the normally solid beaten. smashed home. Spanish defence at the Salt Lake The pressure paid off in the However, they were 44th minute when Steven Ses- pushing hard for an equaliser. beating two Spanish defenders Alan scored in the 55th caught on the break as Hano- Foden stars in win segnon crossed from the right The breakthrough came in the and Foden shot in unmarked. minute when Mali goalkeeper ver regained the lead five and an unmarked Brewster 58th minute when Foden took Guehi chested the ball in Youssouf Koita fumbled the Pal- minutes before the break. Man City starlet Foden headed past Fernandez. the ball into the Spain penalty amid a goalmouth scramble to meiras striker’s shot which went Klaus released Jonathas, scores twice, while With the final action of the area and laid it on to Sessegnon seal victory and set up a niggly past him into the net. whose final pass found Bebou Liverpool’s Brewster, half, Brewster sent a 22-metre who found Gibbs-White with finale in which Brewster was Substitute Yuri Alberto to fire home. Dortmund lev- Guehi and free kick at the goal which plenty of space to fire the ball booked. scored the second in the 88th elled for a second time when Gibbs-White score Fernandez just tipped over the past Fernandez. Earlier beat Mali 2-0 minute. With the Mali defence Senegal defender Salif Sane’s once to pierce the bar. Hudson-Odoi set up the cru- in the third-place playoff to earn tiring, Brenner crossed from the headed clearance this time Spanish defence. The second resumed at a cial third goal in the 69th minute, a consolation after they lost to right and Yuri was unmarked to found Andrey Yarmolenko, furious pace with England crossing from the left after England in the semi-final. fire in from close range. who finished. Aguero kept waiting as Man City maintain lead

London ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Brom’s Jay Rodriguez to equal- This was Spurs’ second AFP English Premier League results yesterday: ise soon afterwards. defeat of the week after their Manchester United 1 (Martial 81) Tottenham But come the 15th minute, League Cup loss to rivals ergio Aguero was left wait- Hotspur 0 City were 2-1 up after Fernand- West Ham. Tottenham’s north ing to become Manchester Arsenal 2 (Kolasinac 51, Ramsey 58) Swansea 1 inho let fly with a speculative London rivals Arsenal had to SCity’s outright all-time (Clucas 22) shot that deflected off Gareth come from behind to see off leading goal-scorer as his side Liverpool 3 (Sturridge 50, Firmino 58, Wijnal- Barry and went in off the post. struggling Swansea 2-1. remained five points clear at the dum 75) Huddersfield 0 City substitute Raheem Ster- The Gunners fell behind top of the Premier League table West Brom 2 (Rodriguez 13, Phillips 90+2) ling gave the visitors a two-goal when Sam Clucas put the visi- yesterday. Manchester City 3 (Sane 10, Fernandinho 15, lead with a close-range finish in tors 1-0 up in the 22nd minute. Aguero was named on the Sterling 64) the 64th minute only for the But Arsene Wenger’s men bench as City saw off West Bro- Crystal Palace 2 (Milivojevic 50-pen, Zaha Baggies’ to pull a goal back late were back on level terms early mwich Albion 3-2, having failed 90+7) West Ham 2 (Hernandez 31, Ayew 43) on through Matt Phillips after a in the second half at the Emir- to surpass the club record of 177 Watford 0 Stoke 1 (Fletcher 16) defensive blunder. ates when Sead Kolasinac rifled goals he shares with Eric Brook Bournemouth 0 Chelsea 1 (Hazard 51) Second-placed Manchester a shot past former Arsenal goal- during a midweek League Cup Playing today United and Tottenham Hotspur keeper Lukasz Fabianski from penalty shoot-out win over Brighton vs Southampton (1330), Leicester vs started the day level on points 15 yards out. Kolasinac then Championship side Wolves. Everton (1600) but Jose Mourinho’s men edged turned provider for Aaron Ram-

There were three goals in a On Monday ahead after substitute Anthony sey as the Wales midfielder frantic five-minute spell at The Burnley vs Newcastle United (2000) Martial’s goal nine minutes from made it 2-1 in the 58th minute. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans in action with Manchester Hawthorns. time gave them a 1-0 win over Liverpool, fresh from an Leroy Sane produced a stun- a Spurs side missing injured Eng- embarrassing 4-1 loss to Totten- City’s David Silva during the English Premier League match at ning strike to give City a 10th-minute lead only for West land striker Harry Kane. ham, beat Huddersfield 3-0. the Hawthorns, West Bromwich, Britain, yesterday. SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 23

Root says Warner talk Tokyo marks 1,000 days to go before of Ashes war ‘extreme’ start of Olympics

London suggested some of the tourists’ AFP batsmen had “scared eyes” dur- ing the first Test in Brisbane. ngland captain Joe “You know what you get Root said that it was It’s a competitive sport, everyone goes with David,” said Root. What you The Tokyo “extreme” of Australia out there desperate to do well, see is what you get. He’s pas- Tower is lit with adversary David sionate, he wants to do well for desperate to win, I would never refer to the Olympic Warner to compare his country and it’s going to be ring colours in Ethe upcoming Ashes series to it as war, I think that’s a bit extreme, a very entertaining series.” Tokyo to mark “war”. Warner has since appeared 1000 days till Opening batsman Warner says England captain Joe Root to row back from his comments the Tokyo 2020 received widespread criticism and England great Geoffrey Boy- in England when, asked in an cott was among those who Olympic Games. interview with the Australian believe he had over-stepped the Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) mark. earlier this month what the “I thought it was an unfor- Ashes meant to him, he replied: in yourself to really take it to the desperate to do well, desperate tunate remark. Cricket is hard “The history, the pride that is at opposition. You have to delve to win, I would never refer to it and competitive and played with stake. As soon as you step on that and dig deep into yourself to get as war, I think that’s a bit emotion, but I hope it’s not war,” line it’s war.” some sort of hatred about them.” extreme.” Boycott told reporters on He added: “You try and get Root, asked what he made Warner was banned by Aus- Friday. into a battle as quick as you can. of Warner’s remarks, told tralia for part of their 2013 tour “Unfortunately, he is among I try and look in the opposition’s reporters at Lord’s on Friday: “I of England after punching Root some Australians who can’t or eye and work out how can I dis- wouldn’t say that’s exactly how in a Birmingham bar and during won’t see it like that,” the BT like this player, how can I get on I go about it. the return 2013/14 campaign in Sport pundit added. top of him. “It’s a competitive sport, Australia -- which saw England “They see beating England “You’ve got to find that spark everyone goes out there lose the Ashes 5-0 -- he as the most important thing in their sporting calendar.” England captain Joe Boycott, a veteran of several Root displays the Ashes Ashes campaigns in a Test career urn ahead of the England spanning three decades, warned cricket team’s departure an England side captained by to Australia for the Ashes fellow Yorkshireman Joe Root to expect plenty more verbal tour, at Lord’s Cricket abuse before the series was Ground in London on done. Friday. “Some of the Australian players, some of the Australian public and many of the Austral- ian media will give our side a rough time,” he said. “Our players will have to stand up to it,” added Boycott, a veteran of several Ashes cam- paigns spanning three decades. “Every team who has been there has had to, me included. “You don’t have to like it, or Tokyo from the International accept it but it will be like that.” AP Olympic Committee. Ashes-holders England flew “Of course there are out to Australia oyesterday, with okyo marked 1,000 still a lot of things that need the first of a five-Test series days until the 2020 to be done over the next starting in Brisbane on Novem- T Olympics yesterday three years and we must ber 23. with a ceremony that achieve them successfully,” included a demonstration said Toshiro Muto, CEO of of new sports that will the Tokyo 2020 organizing debut at the Summer committee. Stoneman ASHES QUESTIONS FACING ENGLAND India aim to Games. While Tokyo organiz- Tokyo governor Yuriko ers are eager to showcase England flew out to Australia yesterday with many pundits having already written off their chances extends seal series Koike and kabuki actor their progress, the prepa- of retaining their Ashes before a ball is bowled in the first Test at Brisbane starting on November 23. Ebizo Ichikawa were rations have not been Below The Peninsula looks at the key questions confronting England captain Joe Root in his quest for among the dignitaries without difficulties. contract Ashes glory. win over attending the festivities in In a bid to reduce costs, Top-order batting the Nihonbashi district in some sports venues origi- with Surrey Former captain Alastair Cook and Root are the only mainstays of a frail top order set to be completed Kiwis today downtown Tokyo. nally included in Tokyo’s by the likes of Mark Stoneman, James Vince and Gary Ballance. “The Olympic Games compact bid, have been London Vince did not feature this home season for England after notching 212 runs at an average of 19 in his Kanpur has the power to bring moved to existing facilities AFP seven Tests last year while Ballance would surely have been dropped during the home season had IANS dreams to children and cul- in neighboring prefectures, he not been injured. It will be a welcome bonus if either can make useful scores but their recent in- tivate a peaceful society,” some as far as two hours ark Stoneman who is ternational records mean opener Cook and Root can expect to shoulder a heavy burden with the bat. oming from a six- said Tsunekazu Takeda, away by train. likely to open the Fast bowling wicket victory, India president of the Japanese The IOC is calling for Mbatting with Alastair A fear voiced by former England captain Michael Atherton is that this series could prove “one tour Cwill look to defeat New Olympic Committee. further cuts of $1bn from a Cook in the upcoming Ashes of Australia too many” for James Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker. The swing- Zealand in the third and final “The success of the $12 billion budget. series with Australia signed One-Day International (ODI) Olympic Games Tokyo Meanwhile, the build- friendly conditions that best suit the Lancashire paceman tend to be less common in Australia, al- an extension to his contract to clinch the series at the 2020 is necessary so that ing of the new national with English county Surrey though he did enjoy a successful tour during England’s 2010/11 triumph ‘Down Under’. Green Park here today. sport can contribute to fos- stadium, which will host yesterday. Anderson and Stuart Broad are a proven new-ball duo who, while lacking the raw speed of of their The series is currently ter a better society and the opening and closing The 30-year-old -- who Australia counterparts, are more likely to last a series. The worry for England is that endurance alone level at 1-1, with the New Zea- world peace.” ceremonies and track and scored over 1,000 runs in his could count for little if they fall too far behind too soon. land taking lead in the initial Four floats numbered field, has been plagued by first season with the club after Ben Stokes match and the hosts levelling 1-0-0-0 were carried a series of problems and joining from Durham -- Former Australia captain Ian Chappell is among those who are adamant England cannot win the things in the second. through the streets to a delays. played in England’s last three Ashes without Stokes, who would likely have missed the series opener with a broken finger in any India will heavily rely on main stage where a count- The initial design by the Tests partnering former skip- event and who will still be at home when Root’s men depart as he waits to discover if he’ll face skipper Virat Kohli to lead the down display was unveiled. late Iraqi-British architect per Cook in what has become criminal charges as a result of his part in an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September. side from the front in the bat- Organizers said 15,000 Zaha Hadid had risen to a problematic spot for the England great Geoffrey Boycott said the absence of the Durham star would persuade him to go with ting department along side people attended Saturday’s $2.65bn, more than twice side. “Australia on paper”. Boycott, not given to extravagant praise, summed up Stokes’s importance by opener Shikhar Dhawan, mid- event. the original forecast. The Stoneman, whose top saying: “He gives England great balance, he’s probably the third best bat in the team, an extra bowl- dle-order batsmen Dinesh In an effort to give the Japanese government score in the three Test series ing option as fourth seamer and a brilliant fielder.” Without him, England lose the ‘engine room’ of Karthik and Hardik Panya who games a more youthful and decided to scrap that plan with the West Indies was 52, have looked in good nick urban appeal, the IOC has and approved a new a middle order featuring Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali. said he hoped to enjoy many throughout the series. added several new sports project totalling nearly It all adds to England’s hope that pace-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes can impose himself with more fruitful campaigns with New Zealand who started to the program. $1.5bn. Officials say con- Surrey. both bat and ball in a series that regular third seamer Toby Roland-Jones will miss entirely after the series on a positive note Yesterday’s event struction will be completed “I am delighted to have suffering a stress fracture of the back. Stokes’s current absence has led to a recall for Steven Finn and will look to bounce back and included demonstrations of by November 2019. extended my contract,” it would be something of a fairytale if the Middlesex quick starred in Australia now, having being clinch the series under the three of those sports: 3x3 More recently, a water Stoneman told the county’s deemed “unselectable” when a loss of form saw him sent home early from the 2013/14 tour. likes of experienced batsmen basketball, skateboarding quality survey during the website. Captaincy Martin Guptill, Kane William- and BMX freestyle cycling. summer at the triathlon “It is a fantastic place to As the late Australia skipper Richie Benaud observed, “captaincy is 90 percent luck and 10 percent son and Ross Taylor. Sports climbing, surf- venue in Tokyo Bay found play cricket and I have thor- skill. But don’t try it without that 10 percent.” Root showed a willingness to attack in the field during Middle-order batsman ing, baseball and softball, E.coli at concentrations up oughly enjoyed my first the English summer and how he deploys off-spinner Ali in his first overseas tour as captain will be Tom Latham who has proved and karate are the other to 21 times the levels per- season with the club. interesting to see. his mettle in the series will be new sports added to the mitted by the sport’s “I believe over the next But much of Benaud’s “90 percent” concerns the good form of other players, without which even one of the key in the visitors program. Karate and the governing body, a surprise few years I can be part of a the greatest tactical genius can be left floundering. batting. In bowling, the Black- combined sports of base- for a country known for successful period in Surrey Root might do well to follow the example of Yorkshire and England predecessor Len Hutton, an all- caps will hope experienced ball and softball were cleanliness. CCC’s history,” added Stone- time great batsman and a far shrewder captain than he let on. When it was suggested to Hutton pacers Tim Southee and Trent added because of their This raised concerns man who was unlucky to Boult to provide their side popularity in . among athletes but organ- following England’s arrival in 1954 that he was in charge of the worst England team to visit Aus- score an unbeaten 144 in the with early breakthroughs. Tokyo’s preparations izers insist the water will be tralia, he replied: “Yes, it’s a young side; we’ve just come here to learn from you blokes and do our

One-Day Cup final last term Mitchell Santner will be the so far have won high praise clean and safe.

level best.” England won the 1954/55 Ashes 3-1. and end up on the losing key to halt the flow of runs for side. India in the middle overs. 24 SPORT SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER 2017 SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 25

MASHEL AL NAIMI: CAREER

MIDDLE EAST ACHIEVEMENT 2005 Yamaha 600 cup Chamionship Winner 2006 Qatar Superstock 1000cc & 600 Chamionship Winner 2007 Qatar Superstock Chamionship Winner 2008 Qatar Superstock Chamionship Winner Home hero Mashel gears up for 2009 Qatar Superstock Chamionship Winner 2015-2016 Baharain Superbike Championship Winner

WORLD ACHIEVEMENT 2008 -2009 ENDURANCE WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIP ( WINNER ) 2007 Endurance world championship Qatar 8 Hours ( Third Place ) 2008 Endurance World Cup Le mans 24 hours ( second place ) France WorldSBK battle at Losail Circuit 2008 Endurance World Cup Albacete 8 hours ( Winner ) Spain 2008 Endurance World Cup Suzuka 8 hours ( second place ) Japan Rizwan Rehmat 2008 Endurance World Cup bol d’or 24 hours ( Second place ) France Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail The Peninsula Circuit Sports Club for their support to 2008 Endurance World Cup oschersleben 8 hours ( Winner ) Germany back my candidacy. Saeed and I will be Making history 2008 Endurance World Cup Losail 8 hours ( Winner ) Qatar atar's top rider Mashel Al Naimi riding as Qatari riders at such a high pro- 2009 Endurance World Cup Le mans 24 hours ( second place ) France is pumped up for his maiden file event," the 34-year-old rider added. 2009 Endurance World Cup oschersleben 8 hours ( Winner ) Germany run in the final round of this "I hope that we will be in good shape 2009 Endurance World Cup Albacete 8 hours ( Winner ) Spain year's hotly-contested FIM for what will be a tough ride. I will try Mashel Al Naimi made history 2009 Endurance World Cup bol d’or 24 hours ( Third place ) France QSuperbike World my best to have a solid outing and a as the first Qatari to ride in 2009 Endurance World Cup Losail 8 hours ( Winner ) Qatar Championship. memorable footprint in the final round the motorcycling World 2010 Endurance World Cup Losail 8 hours ( Winner ) Qatar The former Moto2 rider with the of the World Superbike Championship," Championships. 2010 Endurance World Cup Bahrain 6 hours ( Winner ) Bahrain QMMF Racing Team, Al Naimi has been he said. 2014 Endurance World Cup oschersleben 8 hours ( second Place ) extended a wildcard entry along with "We knew about our wildcard in Germany compatriot Saeed Al Sulaiti for the SBK August and since then I have been in Al Naimi started riding 2014 Endurance World Cup Le mans 24 hours ( Winner ) France round to be held under lights at Losail training mode," Al Naimi said. motocross in the desert and International Circuit later this week. "Ever since the QMMF told me about was inspired to roadrace by FIM CEV REPSOL "I am very happy to get a chance to my chance to feature in the final round, the arrival of MotoGP in Qatar 2015 Superbike European Championship – Albacete won both races participate in the final round of the Super- I have been preparing to get on the start- in 2004. bike World Championship. I will be riding ing ramp. I have been preparing for a on privet superbike and third place in Superbike in the SuperSport category," Al Naimi said month at training camp in Spain with a in an exclusive chat with The Peninsula. focus on physical fitness. Al Naimi – who counts "I tthankhaankn thethe QatarQatar Motor and "I have been cycling a lotlot toto boostboost my motocross riding in the dunes overalloverall phphysicalysical fitness. I am phphysicallyysically and karting as his hobbies – andana d psychologicallypsychologically readreadyy to go. started racing in the Losail OoOoredooredoo is mmyy main supsup-- National Cup in 2005 and Daniel Ricciardo of Australia driving the Red Bull Racing RB13 TAG Heuer on track pporterorter aatt all the racesraces I won the Championship. At competecompete e in. I am during practice for the Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos veryvery gratefulgrateful to the same time he made his Rodriguez in Mexico City, Mexico on Friday. themt hem forforo debut in the Spanish Supersport Championship. Qatari rider Mashel Al Naimi poses for a photograph with Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President In 2006, he moved up to Abdulrahman Al Mannai at the Losail Circuit in yesterday. Ricciardo outpaces world level, taking part in several World Superstock continuingcontinuing theirtheir support.support. YouYou knknowoww veryvery in MotoGP, Moto2 and now I am getting among the riding bunch then. The inter- rounds, scoring his first world well that motor sportsport is anan expensiveexpeensive ready for a race in the World Superbike national and local media were treating points with a 13th-place sportsporo t andand theirtheir support is a majormajor helphelp Championship," he added. us like heroes and telling our stories to Hamilton in Mexico finish at Valencia. to mme,"e,," AlA NNaimiaia mi ssaid.aid. Al Naimi said he was expecting a good the world. It was a such a rich experi- Mexico City Al NNaimi,aimi, a huhugelygely ppopularopular rriderider in set-up ahead of the race on Saturday ence," he added. The following year Al Naimi Mexican Grand was briefly red-flagged to thethe region,reegion, sassaidid hhisiss mmaidenaiden apappearancepearance night. "I have to say that I was about to AFP Prix practice times clear the debris from his willwill be anotheranotther 'big'big aachievement'chhievemem ntn ' in hhisis "I am not overwhelmed while com- retire in 2011 from the sport because of moved up to the Spanish delaminated tyres. longlong career. peting against the world's best rider. My high costs to run a racing campaign. But Championship Extreme series aniel Ricciardo out- 1. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Once the action "This"This will be the first titimemee tthathaat I wiwillll class will be 600cc. Hopefully there won't Ooredoo came up with their help at the and made his World paced Red Bull 1:17.801 resumed, Hamilton spun at feature in a World SuperbikeSuperbike Champi-Chhaammpi- be any technical issues and that I can right time. They put a smile on my face. Superbike debut at Losail, Dchampionship-chas- 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) the exit of Turn 11 and flat- onshiponship roundround.. I hahaveve featurfeatureded ini a have a smooth ride. I urge the Qatari rac- The revived my enthusiasm and encour- finishing 17th in the first race. ing Lewis Hamilton to top Mercedes-AMG 1:17.932 spotted a set of tyres. He MotoGPMotoGP roundround in 20102010 atat LosailLossail ing fans to come on and enjoy the races aged me to participate in local and the times in Friday’s second drove gingerly back to the 3. Max Verstappen (NED) InternationalInternr ational Circuit withwith ssup-uupp- and offer their support," Al Naimi said. regional competitions," Al Naimi said. free practice ahead of this pits. Red Bull 1:17.964 portportt fromfrom QMMF,"QMMFF,", AlAl NaimiNaimmi Al Naimi said winning the Superstock "We ran many promos and managed In 2007, he also finished weekend’s Mexican Grand Verstappen topped the said.sas idd. Endurance World Championship a dec- to get robust feedback from the racing third in the Doha Eight Hours Prix. 4. Sebastian Vettel (GER) times after 20 minutes ahead "I"I willwill bee llook-ookk- ade ago was the highlight moment of his fans. I thank Ooredoo for their supper endurance race in 2008- The Australian, showing Ferrari 1:18.051 of a resurgent Alonso before iingng to produceprodud ce career. and encouragement. I consider myself 2009 he won the Superstock his Red Bull car was compet- 5. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Vettel reported “something my bestbesest lalapp "When I first started out, it felt great a sports ambassador for Ooredoo," he EnduranceEndurance World itive in the rarified, thin air Ferrari 1:18.142 burst” in his cockpit. 6. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Mer- titime.me. I hahavevee as we were just riders. Then our goal was added. Championship.Championship. conditions, clocked a best lap The circuit continued to tattastedsteed ttheheh to gain experience. If we compete with "I do not want to forget the great in one minute and 17.801 cedes-AMG 1:18.299 catch many drivers out and flavourflavavoouur ofo world champions and have a solid foot- support of the Minister of Culture and HeHe had a lot seconds to outpace the 7. Fernando Alonso (ESP) Carlos Sainz of Renault, racingraaccinng print, we knew we could challenge the Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali, who toto learn in his three-time champion’s Mer- McLaren-Honda 1:18.508 Canadian teenager Lance best. With absolute determination, we has been following my performances debut Moto2Moto2 cedes by one-tenth of a 8. Sergio Perez (MEX) Force Stroll of Williams and new won the world championship in endur- and offering kind words of apprecia- WorldWorld second. India 1:18.728 boy Brendon Hartley of Toro MASHEL AL NAIMI ance racing. Listening to the national tion. He wants us to give our best. The championship Hamilton, who needs a 9. Nico Hülkenberg (GER) Rosso all experienced spins Team: Ooredoo Racing Team anthem at the Le Mans was an unbeliev- Ministry's support to sports profession- 2010-2011.2010-2011. top five finish on Sunday to Renault 1:18.775 and recovered. able moment of pride for me and my als like myself is so crucial and clinch his fourth drivers’ Hamilton then roared Racing number: 95 10. Estéban Ocon (FRA) team," Al Naimi said. encouraging at the same time. We will world title, was outpaced back into contention, clock- Sponsor: Ooredoo Force India 1:18.822 Date of birth: 8th September, 1983 "The support offered to us by (then continue to do our best for Qatar," the earlier in the morning’s ing the first lap inside 1:18 to QMMF President) Nasser bin Khalifa Al Qatari star said. opening free practice session 11. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) go top in 1:17.932 shortly Birthplace: Qatar Renault 1:19.060 Height: 173cm Attiyah was paramount in us winning the by his Mercedes team-mate before Ricciardo trimmed world title. He kept our morale high and Valtteri Bottas. 12. Felipe Massa (BRA) Wil- that time by one-tenth to end Weight: 64kg boosted our confidence whenever he “It’s always nice to top a liams 1:19.206 the opening day on top. could. There was great camaraderie session,” said Ricciardo. “It 13. Brendon Hartley (NZL) Meanwhile, Alonso and feels good. We’ve been chip- Toro Rosso 1:19.423 his McLaren Honda team- ping away and made some 14. Lance Stroll (CAN) Wil- mate Stoffel Vandoorne will progress and we can find liams 1:19.524 start Sunday’s race from the more time on the long runs 15. Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL) back of the grid after once Repsol Honda’s and low fuel. McLaren-Honda 1:19.844 again being penalised for Spanish rider Dani “But Mercedes are 16. Pascal Wehrlein (GER) taking new power units. Pedrosa powers always strong on Saturdays Sauber 1:20.306 The two-time champion his bike during the so we have to see what hap- 17. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) Alonso, who was seventh pens. We can improve a few fastest in Friday’s second qualifying session of Haas 1:20.318 things. I think it will be very session, was given a penalty the Malaysia MotoGP 18. Marcus Ericsson (SWE) close.” of 20 grid positions and the at the Sepang Ricciardo’s Red Bull Sauber 1:20.362 Belgian a 35-place penalty. Pedrosa grabs pole in Malaysia; Marquez crashes International circuit 19. Pierre Gasly (FRA) Toro team-mate Max Verstappen Vandoorne, who took a yesterday. was third, before he was Rosso 1:21.745 completely new power unit, Sepang top seven riders covered by less than It is Pedrosa’s third pole position of Marquez clinching a second straight “We are here to win the champion- during the qualifying to record a strong halted by an engine failure, 20. Romain Grosjean (FRA) was 15th in practice. AFP half a second. the season and he is fifth in the cham- world title were buoyed when the Honda ship. We are focussed to get the 25 lap time. ahead of Hamilton’s only Haas 1:25.526 “The circuit is not the Pedrosa’s time of 1min 59.212sec pionship standing. rider, who crashed at the end of one fly- points tomorrow. But we know it will be “I am ready to fight (for a podium remaining title rival four- perfect for our package any- ani Pedrosa snatched pole posi- was 17-thousandths quicker than Yama- Pedrosa will aim for his second win ing lap, finished outside the top six. difficult,” he said. finish). I am quite positive. I feel good,” time champion Sebastian Raikkonen was fifth ahead way, so we don’t expect to tion in the dying seconds of a ha’s Johann Zarco, with Andrea Dovizioso of the season and first since Jerez in Dovizioso, riding a Ducati, said he The Italian declined to reveal his he said. Vettel. of Bottas, who was sixth, be super-competitive here,” Dthrilling qualifying session for the of Ducati another seven-thousandths May. was glad to start the race from the front strategy for the race, saying he didn’t It will a big task for Marquez to over- The Ferrari driver two-time champion Fern- said Alono. Malaysian MotoGP yesterday as world behind to complete the front row. “I made a couple of mistakes... but ahead of Marquez who sits in the third know in advance as weather conditions take from the 3rd back row for a podium endured a painful episode ando Alonso of McLaren “Maybe it is the best title hopeful Marc Marquez recovered Pedrosa at the trackside later said I am happy because it is my third pole row. in Sepang was unpredictable. finish. If Marquez comes first or second, during the session when he Honda and local hero Sergio place for the penalty and from a crash to finish seventh. he was happy with his machine, adding of the season,” he said. “I set a fast lap and it seems the bike “But we are happy to race. The bike regardless of the result that Dovizioso had to abort a lap and drive Perez of Force India. hopefully we can be better Marquez looked on course to set that starting in the front was important But the Spaniard admitted that the is competitive in both wet and dry track,” has allowed me to push it. I riding in a achieves in Malaysia, he will win his back to the pits after feeling Nico Hulkenberg was in Brazil and Abu Dhabi with the fastest pace of the weekend in a to get a podium finish. sweltering heat would be the biggest he said. good way. We are ready to fight,” he fourth MotoGP title. a stinging fluid in the seat of ninth for Renault and Este- the new engine.” real fast lap when he fell off his Honda. “We hope Sunday’s race will be dry. challenge on Sunday. Dovizioso later told reporters that said. Spain’s Marquez leads Dovizioso by his car. ban Ocon 10th in the second Frenchman Pierre Gasly Pedrosa, the Spanish Honda rider, We hope to focus on the race and hope- “You will have to drink a lot. The sun while he will be happy to win the sec- Last year, Dovizioso won the race 33 points going into the year’s penulti- “The car is fine except it Force India. was given a five-place grid came out on top after a furious finale fully we will do our best,” he said. is heating the helmet and the bike,” he ond position in the world championship, at Sepang on a wet track. mate race, meaning he will be crowned was not so good with the On a bright, dry and hot penalty for a similar which saw five successive pole laps set “Starting from the front is very told reporters. he was determined to snatch the world Meanwhile, Zarco of France on a world champion if he finishes first or extinguisher bursting,” said afternoon at the Autodromo infringement in taking a new in the last two minutes -- leaving the important,” he added. Dovizioso’s hopes of stopping title crown. Yamaha said he used medium tyres second today. Vettel. Hermando Rodriguez, there electronics unit for his Toro “A screw worked loose were incidents throughout Rosso car. and then the pressure forced the session. Gasly was brought back it all out -- it was not that Frenchman Romain into the team as replacement pleasant for me, but I got a Grosjean spun at the final for Russian Daniil Kvyat, bit of a cool down.” corner in his Haas after only who has been released by His team-mate Kimi six minutes and the session the Red Bull organisation. 26 SPORT SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER 2017 Astros secure World Series lead

Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel (right) Astros tame Darwish slides into second for 2-1 lead base with a double ahead of the tag Astros chased Los by Los Angeles Angeles Dodgers Dodgers second starter Yu Darvish in baseman Chase the second inning Utley in the 7th and rolled to a 5-3 inning in game victory three of the 2017 World Series at The win stretched Minute Maid Park in Houston’s unbeaten Houston on Friday. home record in the postseason to seven games

Houston The Astros’ vaunted offense inning and did not allow a hit Gonzalez before Jose Altuve he managed to escape the inning boost a region still recovering Reuters made short work of Darvish, the entire way as he earned his ripped a double to left that having only allowed one run. from Hurricane Harvey. who allowed four runs on six first save when he got the marked the end of Darvish’s The Dodgers then allowed “I can really appreciate he Houston Astros hits and a walk through 1-2/3 game’s final batter to fly out to night with Houston in total the Astros to restore their four- what this city has gone through, chased Los Angeles innings in a World Series debut right field. control. run cushion when Josh Reddick what our team has gone Dodgers starter Yu that fell apart for the Japanese Yuli Gurriel opened the “The fastball command scored from first on an infield hit through, but we’re going to be Darvish in the second right-hander in the second scoring when he led off the sec- wasn’t there, and the slider was and throwing error in the fifth. able to keep it in proper per- inning and rolled to inning. ond with a scorching drive over backing up,” Dodgers manager Los Angeles took a bigger spective,” said Hinch. Ta 5-3 victory on Friday that “Four runs in any game is the left field wall. Josh Reddick Dave Roberts said of Darvish’s chunk out of the Astros’ lead in “We represent the city ... gave them a 2-1 lead in the big. Four runs in the World followed that up with a double outing. the fifth inning when a ground We’re proud to be Houstoni- World Series. Series is huge,” said Astros before Darvish walked Evan But the Dodgers, who had out and wild pitch pulled them ans; some of us live here The win stretched Hou- manager AJ Hinch. Gattis. the best record in all of Major to within 5-3 but that was as year-round. To see the city ston’s unbeaten home record “To get that kind of Marwin Gonzalez and Brian League Baseball during the reg- close as they would get. respond to the team and us in the postseason to seven momentum started, get the McCann then hit consecutive ular season, were not ready to The Astros, who are only respond to this city’s needs is games and put them two vic- crowd into it, have a lead puts run-scoring singles before roll over. four years removed from their something that I’m most proud tories away from their first a ton of pressure on the other Darvish finally registered his There were in position to third straight 100-loss season of. To see the city respond to World Series title since the dugout.” first out of the inning. storm back when Astros pitcher in 2013, have never before led the team and us respond to this inception of the team 55 years Houston’s Brad Peacock From there Alex Bregman Lance McCullers walked the a Fall Classic and their deep city’s needs is something that ago. entered the game in the sixth hit a sacrifice fly that scored bases loaded to start the third but postseason run is helping to I’m most proud of.” NBA: Green and Beal ejected in Warriors’ comeback victory

Oakland, California That enraged Green, who NBA RESULTS beat the Lakers for the fifth AP threw his right arm in frus- straight time. Serge Ibaka had tration and wrapped arms Golden State 120 Washington 117 18 points and eight rebounds, evin Durant had 31 with Beal as if hugging, then Toronto 101 LA Lakers 92 and Pascal Siakam added 18 points, 11 rebounds and other players joined the Minnesota 119 Oklahoma City 116 points for Toronto. Ksix assists to help rally scrum. Denver 105 Atlanta 100 The lead changed hands the Golden State Warriors Green had to be pulled NY Knicks 107 Brooklyn 86 15 times in the second half from 18 points down and beat away from the skirmish by Houston 109 Charlotte 93 before Toronto took charge Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne watches the puck during the the Washington Wizards 120- Andre Iguodala and Warriors Orlando 114 San Antonio 87 midway through the fourth first period of NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks at United 117 on Friday night, a game security personnel. Green was quarter on a six-point flurry Center on Friday. The Predators won 2-1. marred by a fight between tossed after getting his sec- by DeRozan, the Compton Golden State’s Draymond ond technical foul. The back Toronto rallied late for the native playing in his 600th Green and Washington’s Bra- of his uniform was torn from first victory on its six-game game for the Raptors. Rinne makes 43 saves as dley Beal shortly before near his right shoulder down trip. Lonzo Ball had five points, halftime that led to both being to his waist. Kyle Lowry added 11 six assists and seven rebounds ejected. Meanwhile, DeMar DeRo- points, 12 assists and 10 on his 20th birthday for the Predators clinch 2-1 win Stephen Curry added 20 zan scored 17 of his 24 points rebounds in his eighth triple- Lakers, who haven’t beaten points and eight assists, hit- in the second half and double for the Raptors, who Toronto since 2014. ting two 3s and two free Chicago NHL RESULTS throws in the final minute of AP the third quarter to get Dallas 2 Calgary 1 Golden State within 97-87 he Nashville Predators got off Nashville 2 Chicago 1 heading into the final 12 to a slow start, picked up steam St. Louis 2 Carolina 1 minutes. T in the second period and held New Jersey 5 Ottawa 4 Then Klay Thompson and on at the very end. Durant made 3s early in the

Pekka Rinne was good all night Columbus 2 Winnipeg 1 fourth for a four-point game. long. Rinne made 43 saves and Nash- Las Vegas 7 Colorado 0 Thompson scored 18 points. ville killed off six power plays, Durant’s jumper with 1:20 helping the Predators edge the Chi- to go put Golden State up by cago Blackhawks 2-1 on Friday. Crawford on the goaltender’s stick five, but the defending cham- Smith followed Calle Jarnkrok’s side for his second of the season. pions still needed his two free first of the season with career goal Chicago got two of its best scor- throws with 9.4 seconds left. No. 100, helping the Predators ing opportunities with Nashville on John Wall missed an off-bal- rebound from consecutive losses to the power play. ance 3 then Washington Calgary and the New York Rangers. Brandon Saad was denied on a couldn’t capitalise on one Nashville also lost 2-1 to Chicago in short-handed breakaway about final chance. overtime during their first meeting eight minutes into the game. Rinne With 19.5 seconds left in on October 14. turned away Nick Schmaltz on the second quarter, Beal held The Predators grabbed the lead another breakaway late in the first, the front of Green’s jersey on Smith’s power-play goal at 11:02. but Anisimov followed the play and with his left hand while grab- Golden State Warriors Draymond Green (left) and Washington Wizards Bradley Beal With Jan Rutta in the box for tripping, knocked it in for his second of the bing Green around the jaw Smith sent a wrist shot past season. with his right. (3) fight during the second quarter of their NBA game at Oracle Arena on Friday. SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 27

Wozniacki, Hingis bids farewell Williams set season’s after doubles defeat last final Singapore AP

enus Williams rallied at the WTA Finals to beat VCaroline Garcia of France 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-3 yes- terday and become the oldest women’s finalist at the year- end tournament. In the other semifinal, Caroline Wozniacki of Den- mark beat Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic 7-6 (9), 6-3 to set up a championship match against the American. The 37-year-old Williams said “it’s hard to produce your best tennis at the end of the year because you’ve given so much.” Williams holds a 7-0 win- ning career record over Martina Hingis of , wearing traditional Arab dress, holds the gold trophy as 27-year-old Wozniacki and she rides an Arabian horse after winning the Qatar Open final in Doha in this February has only lost one of 15 sets 18, 2001 file photo. Hingis yesterday ended her career on a losing note when the retiring they’ve played. Swiss great and her partner Chan Yung-jan of Taiwan were beaten 6-4, 7-6(5) by Timea Williams, who appeared Babos and Andrea Hlavackova in a WTA Finals doubles semi-final in Singapore yesterday. in the and Wimbledon finals this season, won the WTA Finals in 2008, and was also a finalist in 2009. Singapore Hingis announced on Hungary's Babos and Czech contest into a tiebreak and the has achieved and to play Wozniacki was a year-end Reuters Thursday that she was hang- Hlavackova proved too strong top seeds were beaten when against her s just amazing to finalist in 2010. ing up her racket for a third at the Singapore Indoor Hingis sent a backhand long be part of her history. Hope- Williams started the sem- artina Hingis and final time following this Stadium. on the first match point to end fully, just once in my life, I ifinal flat but kept improving ended her week's event, bringing an end The Hungarian-Czech duo both her and Chan's interest can achieve the kind of things against Garcia. career on a los- to an illustrious career that edged a high-quality opening in the competition and her she did." “One more match and I’m ing note when has garnered 25 grand slam set but were given an almighty own career. Despite the defeat, Hingis going to be playing against one the retiring wins -- five in singles, 20 in scare when Babos tumbled to "For me to play on a court will go out on at least one high of the best players in the tour- MSwiss great and her partner doubles. the ground at 5-5 in the sec- like this and against an oppo- after the WTA confirmed on nament, another Caroline, and Chan Yung-jan of Taiwan The top seeds had hoped ond set while trailing 30-0, nent like this makes me Friday that the Swiss had it’s going to be like deja vu,” were beaten 6-4, 7-6 (5) by to send Hingis off with a twisting her left ankle and emotional... for me and her," secured the year-end number Williams told the crowd. Timea Babos and Andrea Hla- fourth WTA Finals doubles requiring a lengthy medical Babos said in a courtside one ranking in women's dou- “This tournament is one of vackova in a WTA Finals crown after two triumphs with break for treatment. interview. bles alongside Chan after the the best, the top eight players doubles semi-final Anna Kournikova and one Both pairs remained "It's an incredible pair won nine titles in 2017, in the world. Nothing is easy yesterday. with Sania Mirza, but strong on serve to send the moment for her after all she including the US Open. and to be standing in the win- ner’s circle, almost, is so amazing.” Williams became more aggressive and Garcia, mak- ing her WTA Finals debut, started to make too many Tsonga in errors. In the end, Williams saved 12 of 13 break points in the match, and took advan- all-French tage of four of nine break-point opportunities. Vienna final “I think in the second and third (sets) I was able to figure it out a little more,” Williams Reuters said. Garcia called it a “very dif- o-Wilfried Tsonga over- ficult” match. came Philipp Kohlschreiber “She’s hitting the ball very Jin the Vienna Open semi- hard, very aggressive, huge finals yesterday to set up an serve, sometimes no rallies,” all-French title clash with Garcia said. Lucas Pouille and keep his Sixth-ranked Wozniacki hopes of making the season- leads the tour with most ending ATP Finals alive. match wins on the season at Tsonga, who won 7-6(4) 59-21 so far. 7-5 in one hour and 45 min- The third-ranked Plisko- utes, served 19 aces and va’s loss is good news for converted two out of four Switzerland’s Roger Federer returns the ball to Belgium’s David Goffin Simona Halep, who will retain break point opportunities to during their semi-final match at the Swiss Indoors ATP 500 tennis the No. 1 ranking through to advance to his fifth final of the tournament in Basel yesterday. next year. season and third in Vienna. Pliskova, playing in the If the world number 15 year-end semifinals for the claims the title on Sunday, he first time, needed to win the will move to within 105 points WTA Finals title to return to of Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta Federer sets Del Potro final in Basel the No. 1 ranking for a second who holds the final qualifying time this year. spot in for the year-ending Basel, Switzerland be ready for a difficult match need to play better against Roger all the time. Sometimes, even Wozniacki improved her tournament in London next AFP against an almost fully-fit Del than I did today. that is not enough to beat him.” career record over Pliskova to month. The two remaining Potro,” said Federer. “I’m having a good end of The Argentine claimed his 6-3, and is 3-2 in meetings this places for London are likely oger Federer and Juan Federer said he overcome year, it’s giving me motivation 10th win in 12 meetings with year. to be decided in the early Martin Del Potro crushed the rigours of Friday’s three-set looking forward to next year. Croatian Cilic, the reigning Both players had six set rounds of the Paris Masters, Ropponents in quick-fire quarter-final win over Adrian Roger is the favourite to win -- champion who had spent just points in the first set, but it was the last tournament of the reg- wins yesterday to set up their Mannarino. but I will see what I can do.” over three hours on court on Fri- Wozniacki who capitalised on ular season. third final in six years at the “I’m happy I was able to turn Federer has been powering day in putting out Hungarian the sixth offering when Plisk- Coming into the event Swiss Indoors. it around today. Yesterday’s through the week as he tries to qualifier Marton Fucsovics. ova netted a backhand. after sealing the Antwerp title, Top seed Federer, bidding match was complicated in terms overhaul rival Rafael Nadal to Del Potro has now won his All six of Wozniacki’s set Tsonga hardly put a foot for a record eighth title at his of match-ups. I went through finish the year as world number last seven meetings with Cilic, points were in the tiebreaker wrong as he ground out his hometown event, was merciless some difficult moments,” said one. who was the losing finalist to where she initially led 6-1. German opponent to take the with third seed David Goffin, dis- the 19-time Grand Slam title The battle is provisionally Federer at Wimbledon in July. Pliskova held her first three set first set in a tie-breaker. missing the Belgian 6-1, 6-2 in winner. scheduled to continue next week The Argentine took 45 min- points on Wozniacki’s serve The second set went with one hour as he reached his 13th “Everything changed com- at the Paris Masters, but the utes to win the opening set in the 10th game and three in serve up to 5-5 before Tsonga Basel final and eighth of the pletely in this match. I had a 36-year-old Swiss will make a against Cilic, the second seed. the tiebreaker. switched gears to secure the season. better mindset, I wanted to take late decision on whether or not A break in the penultimate “All of a sudden it’s 6-2, crucial break with a strong The victory was his third it to the opponent.” to take up his second-seeded game of the opener followed by 6-3, 6-4, and I said this isn’t forehand winner. He sealed straight-set rout from four Del Potro won his previous position at Paris Bercy after the a hold from 0-30 down gave Del fun anymore,” Wozniacki said. the match with an ace for his matches this week at the St titles in 2012 and 2013 at the Basel final. Potro the lead. “I started thinking I should 10th straight win over Jakobshalle and propels him to expense of world number two Del Potro, who played a In the second, the South have lost this set already, so Kohlschreiber. 6-0 over Goffin. Federer. Shanghai semi-final a fortnight American broke early but lost actually this is just a bonus. So Earlier, Pouille fought Del Potro fought off fatigue “I’m surprised to be in the ago and won the Stockholm title his serve in the sixth game, as I had a lot of talks with myself back to beat Briton Kyle to win a battle of former cham- final, it’s my fourth week in a last weekend, admits that he is Cilic levelled at 3-3. at that point.” Edmund 6-7(7) 6-4 6-3 to stay pions 6-4, 6-4 over Marin Cilic. row after many years,” Del Potro tiring, but intends to carry on. But Del Potro gathered his From 3-3 in the second on course for his third title of “He may be tired and have said. “My body is still there. “I’m tired and that is a little resources to break straight back, set, Wozniacki won 12 of the the season after wins in Stutt- some (minor) issues but that will “I’m doing well, but in the bit of a factor, but the only way finishing off victory with his sev- last 15 points to take her place gart and Budapest. not keep him out of the final. I’ll final, anything can happen. I to play Roger is to be aggressive enth ace of the afternoon. in the final. 28 SPORT SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER 2017

Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, astride St Lucia during the two-phased 130- 140cm class in Big Tour competition of Hathab Series at Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. Pictures: Lotfi Garsi

Hamad guides S I E C Lonnie to Hathab glory

Rizwan Rehmat “I am thrilled with my The Peninsula results today. I got first and As an equestrian second positions yesterday sport defined by atar’s Hamad Nasser also,” Al Qadi said following his Al Qadi produced a victory yesterday. the International spectacularly slick “I also got second and third Equestrian routine with S I E C this week which puts me on the Federation, QLonnie to win the top of the table as I achieved the feature event on day two of the highest points till now. I have dressage is ‘the second round of the QR 1m to say all riders today were highest expression Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, Hathab Series. strong competitors but I was of horse training’ gestures after winning S I E C Lonnie, a 12-year- prepared. I am really honoured where ‘horse and the 130-140cm class in old gelding, clocked a time of to compete with such riders,” Big Tour competition 44.67 seconds in the two- the young Qatari rider said. rider are expected of Hathab Series at Al phased 130-140cm class to “All the riders were really to perform from Shaqab Arena yesterday. clinch the top prize in Big Tour strong - such as Faleh Al Ajmi memory a series of competition at Al Shaqab Arena. who has great experience in The second-best time was such championships. I admire predetermined also produced by Al Qadi who him and this competition was movements.’ was astride St Lucia (45.21 sec- a great opportunity to onds). Al Qadi’s brother Saeed, exchange experience with the astride Daydreamer EC, well-established national Earlier in the Medium Tour grabbed the third spot in a time riders. (120/130cm) yesterday, Saeed of 45.41 seconds. “I am looking forward for Al Qadi (Jessico, 64.36 seconds) The first prize was worth the next round of competitions emerged as the best rider fol- QR8,400, picked up by Al Qadi in the Hathab Series,” Al Qadi lowed by Mohammed Sultan who bagged an additional said after receiving his trophy Al Suwaidi (Numero Uno T, amount of QR6,900 as the from Abdul Salam Abu-Issa, 67.27 seconds) and Bandar Qatari rider secured the two the Deputy COO of Al Salam Mansoor Al Hoban (Tagfart, top positions in the main event International Investment. 68.18 seconds). A rider in action during the of the second round. Omar Al Mannai, Commer- In the dressage level 1 com- Medium Tour competition of Mohammed Said Haidan cial Manager of Al Shaqab and petition yesterday, young rider Hathab Series yesterday. (Casanova, 48.99 seconds) and Ali Al Rumaihi, the Event Amana Al Saffar regaled fans Faleh Al Ajami (Ulano, 49.30 Director, were also present at with a neat performance to top seconds) completed the top the prize distribution the event. Riders Iris Nijboer yesterday grabbed the first spot five in the competition. ceremony. and Jesscia Waldon finished followed by Mennatallah second and third Mourad and Aisha Al Ahmadi. respectively. “We are thrilled to see the Al Saffar was astride Drum outcome of the second round Mousse who managed a score during which we staged dres- of 69.79. sage competitions,” Event Nijboer guided Wait And Director Al Rumaihi said See ZE (68.95) for the second- yesterday. best finish. Waldon and “The kids are getting the Jacquard combined well to fin- kind of competition they never ish in third place (68.75). faced before,” he added. “We Al Saffar said: “I’m very expect the number of riders to happy with my results today increase in the coming rounds,” as you know I managed a good he said. routine in the dressage level 1 The third leg of the Hathab competition. I would like to Series will be held from thank the organising commit- November 9 to 11, organisers tee for giving me this great confirmed yesterday. A total of opportunity as this is the first QR140,000 will be up for grabs Amana Al national dressage event for in eight competitions in round Saffar astride Abdul Salam Abu-Issa, the Deputy COO of Al Salam young riders in Qatar.” three. Drum Mousse International Investment (left) receiving a memento Saoud Ahmed Al Boinin The fourth round of the during the from Omar Al Mannai, Commercial Manager of Al (Velvet, 63.75) and Munira Hathab Series will be staged dressage level Shaqab during the second day of Round 2 of Hathab Mohammed Al Tamemi (Silvan, from November 14 to 16. A total 1 competition 62.70) completed the top five. of QR95,000 will be shared Series at Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. Ali Al Rumaihi, at the Al In the dressage level 2 among winners in seven Hathab Series Event Director is also seen. Shaqab Arena competition, Saad Al Saad competitions. yesterday.