sign in sign up
<<
Home , Dean Elgar, Federico Valverde, Kashif Bhatti, Khushdil Shah, Owen Farrell, Zubin Bharucha

TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 07 At the WTA Final, you play for each game, set, match. You HANDBALL can’t predict anything, that’s Wimbledon champion AHF Men’s Asian qualification South Africa vs India what I like about it. I only hope Petra Kvitova event for Tokyo Olympics ICC World Test Championship

some fans will show up. ACTION Day 6 at Al Duhail Indoor Arena 3rd Test, Day 4 in Ranchi TODAY’S Cheika quits New Zealand are ‘beatable’, as Wallabies insists coach Jones look to move on REUTERS AFP OITA

Eddie Jones believes England have With the meek quarter-final exit from the the weapons to upset New Zealand Rugby World Cup marking the definitive in this weekend’s World Cup semi- derailment of Michael Cheika’s roller-coaster final -- as long as his players are tenure as coach, the Wallabies are not dazzled by the All Blacks’ moving quickly to secure a replacement. stardust. Rugby Australia (RA) has drawn up a list England are daring to dream of targets and hopes to name Cheika’s suc- in Japan after smashing Australia cessor by Christmas, CEO Raelene Castle told 40-16 in Oita, but Jones knows his reporters in Japan. side have a mountain to climb in Referee Jaco Peyper posing for a picture The proactive stance comes as the gov- the shape of treble-chasing New with Welsh supporters with a raised elbow, erning body is mindful of the competition to Zealand when the heavyweights mimicking an incident that led to Vahaamahina’s secure the world’s top rugby brains over the clash in Yokohama. send-off.PICTURE: TWITTER / FABIEN HEUZÉ next four-year cycle before the 2023 World “You always want to play the Cup in France. best and they are the best -- no one New Zealand have yet to name a successor can dispute that,” said the Picture with Welsh for Steve Hansen, who will step down after Australian. Japan, while England may also be looking for “You want to be the best in the fans puts referee a replacement for Eddie Jones, who has said world, you have to beat the best,” he may not see out the two years left on his added Jones. in hot water contract. “New Zealand are a great team Australian media have installed as with a great coach and a great REUTERS favourite Glasgow Warriors coach Dave , but like any team they are Rennie, a New Zealander who took the beatable. South African referee Jaco Peyper has landed Waikato Chiefs to back-to-back titles in Super “But I think what happens is himself in hot water with French rugby fans Rugby and was once seen as a candidate to you become part of the show,” he by appearing to pose for a picture with a group take on the coveted All Blacks job. warned, pointing to the aura of of Welsh supporters with a raised elbow, Yet Jones, who coached the Wallabies to invincibility built up by the All mimicking a key incident in the close-fought the 2003 World Cup final before being fired Blacks, who destroyed Ireland match. after a dreadful 2005 season, also has his 46-14 in the quarter-finals and are Wales beat France 20-19 in a dramatic backers among local pundits. unbeaten in a World Cup match rugby World Cup quarter-final on Sunday and “I understand (Jones) is contracted through since 2007. Peyper, who officiated the game, sent off to 2021 with England,” said Castle, when asked “You watch -- I thought that France lock Sebastien Vahaamahina for if the Australian was a potential target. happened (with) Ireland. They elbowing Aaron Wainwright in the face when “As I said, we’ve done the work on dif- really only got stuck in when the France were leading 19-10. ferent names, different understandings. We’ve game was lost. Against any of the A picture being circulated on social media got a list of people and we know who we will best teams, you have to go hard England’s head coach Eddie appears to show Peyper in the middle of a be talking to.” from the start. That’s going to be Jones kicks the ball next to group of Welsh fans, raising his elbow to seem- RA has promised a thorough review of important for us.” captain England’s centre ingly mimic the incident that led to Vahaama- what pundits branded Australia’s worst-ever England were edged 16-15 by Owen Farrell during the hina’s sending off. World Cup campaign culminating in a com- New Zealand at a rain-soaked captain’s run session at the Vahaamahina is scheduled to attend an prehensive defeat by England, and the gov- Twickenham last November in Oita Stadium. independent judicial committee hearing into erning body has plenty to ponder as it sifts their only meeting since Jones took his sending off on Thursday. through the rubble of Japan. charge following the 2015 World Although taking the Wallabies to a sur- Cup debacle under his predecessor, yards on the training pitch, and not prise final at the 2015 World Cup in England, Stuart Lancaster. pure talent, that has England’s All Blacks must be ‘on their Cheika’s stormy premiership produced only But after reaching the semi- current crop standing on the a 50% win rate. finals for the first time in 12 years, shoulders of giants. RA reviewed Cheika’s position last England’s players are on the cusp “You’ve got to have talent to get game’ for England: Retallick December after Australia’s worst season in of greatness, according to Jones. in the front door -- but then you’ve decades but opted to retain him and instead “The reason I took this job is got to have work ethic, you’ve got AFP “The forwards are very mobile, they fire forwards coach Stephen Larkham. because I saw a team that could be to be relentless,” he said. “Work’s TOKYO carry the ball well and have good skill- RA Director of Rugby Scott Johnson will great,” he said. hard, most people don’t want to do sets, and also the backs play an lead the review, though he was on the Wal- “That was the challenge and it.” New Zealand lock Brodie Retallick said expansive game. labies’ selectors panel which drew criticism they are starting to believe it. We Jones, the Australia coach when the All Blacks would have to be “on their “They’re a very good side at the from fans throughout the World Cup. have a challenge this week because England beat the Wallabies in the game” in the World Cup semi-final moment, they’ve got great attacking assets Johnson has said Australia’s next coach we are playing the greatest team 2003 World Cup final, also doubled against England, a side he described as across the park and a mobile tight five will be decided on merit rather than that there has ever been in sport,” down on his remarks about having both physical and skilful. that are scoring tries from 25 metres out. nationality. added the former Japan coach, who little sympathy for opposite Retallick played an hour of the All “There’s lots of variation so we’ll Having seen the running rugby of Cheika’s expects to have wing number Michael Cheika, who Blacks’ 46-14 quarter-final demolition have to be on our game come the Wallabies dismantled in Japan by more tacti- available this week after a tweaked stepped down after his team’s of Ireland, a result that set up a last-four weekend.” cally astute Wales and England coaches, some hamstring. World Cup exit. clash in Yokohama on Saturday with the While Retallick has racked up six Australian fans will hope Johnson means to “We’ve got to look at it as “If we had lost on Saturday, you English, who saw off Australia 40-16. wins from the seven Tests he has played secure a foreign appointment unburdened by almost a one-off game rather than guys would have been coming at “There’s a big rivalry between against England, the towering lock said any sense of obligation to the country’s tra- try to link it to past me hard,” he shrugged. England and New Zealand,” admitted it was the loss, 38-21 in December 2012, dition of pursuing success with performances.” “Let’s not get too emotional Retallick, who was World Player of the he remembered most. ball-in-hand. Jones, whose starting wingers and silly about this -- I’m not an Year in 2014 and a stalwart of the suc- “Who turns up, up front, and wins Most, however, would not miss running and Anthony Watson Australian, I’m an England coach. cessful New Zealand side. that physical battle generally comes out rugby nor condemn the coach that ditches it, combined for three scores against Maybe you have to work that “We know they’re always physical,” on top. I’m guessing it’ll happen again if it meant a deeper run at the next World Cup. Australia, insisted it was the hard out.” he said of Eddie Jones’ team. this weekend.” Lomu’s legacy looms over NZ-England semi

AP then barreled straight over the top of deploying Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Zealand. The All Blacks have won 15 of TOKYO England fullback , is part of Barrett in a dual playmaker system that the last 16 tests against England, rugby folklore. proved to be a vastly better option than including the last six, up to a 16-15 win One trampling run launched Jonah Catt helped the coaching staff with the strategy devised for the previous at Twickenham last November. Lomu to global stardom, ensuring his the team at the World Cup, where three meetings between those two “They’re a very good rugby side. name will be indelibly linked to a Rugby a group game between the Italians and countries. Ireland had won two of those They’ve come to this tournament after World Cup semi-final between New New Zealand was cancelled because of three tests, including one last November, being hurt at the last one and through Zealand and England. Typhoon Hagibis. and was ranked No. 1 heading into the that adversity, I think they’re stronger The All Blacks winger’s rampaging He recalled that ‘95 showdown for tournament. because of it,” All Blacks coach Steve runs during that era-defining World Cup , saying his first World Cup England equaled its record winning Hansen said of England. in South Africa in 1995 were highlighted was going well until that moment. margin against Australia with a 40-16 “They’re desperate and they’re well by his four-try haul against England in “We’d beaten Australia the week win in Oita only hours earlier. Australia coached. It’s going to be a mighty clash. the semifinals. before, won with a drop goal by Rob had contributed to England’s group- They’ve got a harder edge about them.” Before the teams meet in another Andrew,” Catt said. “Then along came stage exit in 2015, when it was hosting Jones has been busy trying to focus semi-final this Saturday in Yokohama, the big man and he ran over me. The the tournament. But under Australian the attention on the All Blacks this week, there’ll be no avoiding remembrances three times after that, he just ran around coach Eddie Jones, England has continuing a theme of praise for oppo- of Lomu’s legacy. He died in 2015 at the me.” rebounded to win seven in a row against sition players and coaches while age of 40 after complications from a The All Blacks don’t have a winger the Wallabies. devising ways to bring them down. kidney disease. of Lomu’s caliber in the 2019 squad, but England won a world record- “You have to admire them, but then One of those tries against England, they’ve built a fearsome reputation with equaling 18 straights tests from October the challenge is to beat them and the when he gathered a loose pass, fended an unbeaten record dating to a shock 2015 to March 2017, matching the New reason I took this job is because I saw off opposite winger Tony Underwood, quarter-final loss to France in 2007. Zealand mark from August 2015 to a team that could be great. That was the All Blacks legend, late Jonah Lomu kept driving forward despite a des- New Zealand thumped Ireland October 2016. Although England hasn’t challenge and they are starting to perate ankle tap from and 46-14 in the quarterfinals this year, had that kind of success against New believe it. 08 SPORT TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2019 Lakers, Clippers set to star in NBA season AFP LOS ANGELES Kostas Antetokounmpo (37) of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a shot against Stephen Curry (30) and Marquese Chriss (32) and D’Angelo Russell of the It’s a whole new ballgame in the The league is wide NBA, where a seismic shift in star Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco, California on Thursday. talent has flung the door wide open on both sides, open to an array of 2020 title East and West, contenders. so we want to The NBA, whose sudden row with China promises to linger, take advantage of will be hoping on-court our opportunity: excitement in the wake of unex- Brooklyn’s Jordan pected off-season moves will pull attention from simmering off-season shoulder surgery. tensions when the 2019-20 cam- George wasn’t the only paign tips off. superstar to depart Oklahoma With Kevin Durant gone and City, who traded 2017 MVP Klay Thompson ruled out for the Russell Westbrook to the first half of the season after knee Houston Rockets for point guard surgery, the Golden State War- Paul George. In Houston, West- riors’ march to the finals that has brook will be teaming up with defined the past five seasons 2018 MVP James Harden -- his looks to be a thing of the past. former Thunder teammate who Stephen Curry says a cham- was traded to Houston in 2012. pionship is “still the goal” for “When you’re that great of a him, Draymond Green and the basketball player, you just go out rest of the Warriors’ new-look there and hoop,” Harden said team after Golden State fell to the when asked about how the two Toronto Raptors in last year’s star talents will mesh. title series. “It’s going to happen. It’s But just as the Warriors open going to be easy.” their glitzy new $1.4bn Chase Antetokounmpo figures to Arena in San Francisco, the again play solo lead in Mil- center of gravity in the still pow- waukee, where he’ll be fueled by erful Western Conference has the Bucks’ inability to get the job shifted south. done against the Raptors in the The Los Angeles Clippers are Eastern Conference finals last the top pick to contend in a 2005, says the team is ready to in the season between the Tin- international players received a Brooklyn Nets this season as he season. survey of NBA general managers, contend with former New seltown rivals, who also feature jolting reminder of the pitfalls of continues his recovery from a The “Greek Freak,” still just thanks to the arrival of Kawhi Orleans Pelicans star Anthony in the star-studded Christmas global growth on the eve of the ruptured Achilles tendon. 24, heads into his seventh NBA Leonard from the reigning Davis lining up alongside Dwight slate. In December, the league season. But with Kyrie Irving, who season a bona fide superstar -- champion Toronto Raptors and Howard, Kyle Kuzma and newly ventures south of the border with Commissioner Adam Silver fled the Boston Celtics, and leading a team that many con- Paul George from Oklahoma arrived Danny Green. two games in Mexico, and league admits he doesn’t know “where DeAndre Jordan, the Nets expect sider the top pick in the East. City. “I’m not in talk-about-it icon Michael Jordan’s Charlotte we go from here” after lucrative to contend. That’s a status 19-year-old The revamped Clippers are mode,” James said. Hornets take on reigning Most Chinese sponsorship and telecast “The league is wide open on Zion Williamson is expected to out to usurp the Lakers as Los The Clippers and Lakers kick Valuable Player Giannis Antetok- deals were left limbo after both sides, East and West, so we attain almost immediately. Angeles’ top team, although the off the season, when the Raptors ounmpo of Greece and the Mil- Houston Rockets executive Daryl want to take advantage of our Williamson, the high school LeBron James-led Lakers won’t will launch their title defense -- waukee Bucks at Paris in Morey tweeted support for pro- opportunity,” Brooklyn’s Jordan standout who became a colle- go quietly. and raise their championship January. democracy protesters in Hong said as training camp opened. giate star before he was drafted A “very motivated” James, banner -- in a game against the However, the league that has Kong.And not all of the marquee The Clippers will also be number one overall by the Pel- whose first campaign in LA Pelicans. painstakingly cultivated overseas off-season moves will yield without one of their heralded icans, burned through the pre- ended with him missing the The Clippers-Lakers markets and welcomed a steadily immediate dividends. new arrivals as the season starts, season, averaging 23.3 points in playoffs for the first time since matchup is the first of four games increasing number of Durant won’t suit up for the with George still recovering from 27.3 minutes per game. GCC Women’s Games: Qatar win two bronze medals THE PENINSULA KUWAIT

Qatar’s women fencing team won the bronze medal on the Qatar’s Ameera opening day of the prestigious sixth edition of GCC Women’s Abo Jobara, bronze Games 2019 which got medal winner at the underway in Kuwait. sixth edition of GCC Team Qatar opened the Women’s Games in campaign with a bronze medal Kuwait. in the foil class (individual) secured by fencer Ameera Abo Jobara, while her teammate, Lina Al Boainin reached the last eight stage. Los Angeles Kings centre On the same track of Jeff Carter (77) chases victory, Team Qatar defeated Bahraini counterparts 74-64 Calgary Flames centre in the basketball event. Mikael Backlund (11) in Qatari duo, Duha and the first period at Staples Zikryat Rashid Al Abdullah Center on Sunday. alongside sisters Sara and Haya Fadi Diyab are due to compete in the Epee and Sabre classes today. While bringing together six GCC Al-Marri, President of Qatar Qatar’s handball team will lock nations who are competing in Women’s Sport Committee , horns against hosts Kuwait on 11 games. accompanied by 132 athletes, Flames end Ducks’ the same day. Team Qatar delegation to administrators and technical The ten-day games are the games is chaired by Lolwa staff members. home unbeaten streak

REUTERS the third time in nine games to 2005-06 season. It was just the NEW YORK start the schedule. 10th victory for the Flames in 55 The Flames pulled off the all-time tries in the Ducks’ Mikael Backlund scored with just victory on their second game in building. over 11 minutes remaining as the consecutive nights after falling After a scoreless first period, Calgary Flames rallied for a 2-1 4-1 to the Los Angeles Kings on Silfverberg gave the Ducks a 1-0 victory over the Ducks on Saturday night. The Flames went lead just 12 seconds into the Sunday, handing Anaheim its 1-1-0 on a brief Southern Cali- second, when he took Hampus first home defeat of the season. fornia road trip and now return Lindholm’s pass from the slot Austin Czarnik forced a home, where they are 3-0-1. and fired a shot from inside the Ducks turnover near center ice Goalie Cam Talbot made 29 left circle and just inside the near and sent a pass to Matthew saves for Calgary, including a post. Silfverberg, who has five Tkachuk, who found Backlund pads stop off a blistering shot goals on the season, scored in his racing toward goal. Backlund from the Ducks’ Nick Ritchie third consecutive game. fired a shot that beat Ducks with six minutes remaining The Flames pulled even at goalie John Gibson to the glove while sliding to his left. Talbot 15:32 of the middle period on a side for his second goal of the stopped one last Ritchie shot one-timer by Stone, his first of season. from just in front of the goal with the season, from near the blue Calgary’s Michael Stone had 11 seconds remaining. line. The puck slid just inside the tied the game 1-1 with a goal late It was just the second road left post and past Gibson, who in the second period. victory in six tries for the Flames. was screened by traffic in front Jakob Silfverberg scored the Calgary won at Anaheim for just of the goal. The members of the Qatar’s women fencing team, winners of the bronze medal at the GCC Women’s lone goal for the Ducks, who fell the second time in its past 28 Gibson finished with 27 Games 2019 pose for a picture. to 4-1-0 at home and lost for just games going back to the saves. TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 09 India on brink of series sweep over SA

AFP RANCHI India tour in doubt as Pace duo Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav claimed five Bangladesh cricketers between them yesterday to put India on the brink of a go on strike series whitewash after South Africa crumbled while following- on in the third Test. AFP DHAKA Unless our demands At the end of the third day in Ranchi, the tourists were on are met we will not 132-8, trailing India by 203 runs, Bangladesh’s professional get involved in any with replacement batsman cricketers -- including several cricketing activities: on 30 and members of the national Anrich Nortje, on five. squad -- went on strike De Bruyn came in under the yesterday to call for better pay new concussion sub rule after and benefits. players, the expansion of Dean Elgar took a nasty hit on The protest, announced by national pay contracts, the helmet from a short national Test and Twenty20 increased match fees in by Yadav and had to retire hurt captain Shakib Al Hasan, domestic four-day and on 16. could also put next month’s 50-over games, and better The impact left the opener tour of India in jeopardy. benefits for groundskeepers. shaken as he lay on the ground “Unless our demands are Al Hasan, the de facto getting physio assistance, and met we will not get involved leader of the revolt, said officials called for early tea with in any cricketing activities,” players called the strike as the Proteas reeling on 26-4. said Al Hasan, flanked by they wanted to “keep a good Events did not improve for former and current national environment for the new gen- South Africa as Shami claimed players, at a press conference eration so that Bangladesh India’s Mohammed Shami (left) celebrates with team-mate Ajinkya Rahane after dismissing South three wickets, including South in Dhaka. cricket can move forward”. Africa’s Zubayr Hamza during the third day of the third and final Test, yesterday. Africa skipper for “It includes everything -- The cricketers also want four, while Yadav struck twice. Wriddhiman Saha suffered a first-class cricket, national franchises to be allowed to SCOREBOARD South Africa’s first innings finger injury in the final session team preparations, (and) run the lucrative Bangladesh India 1st innings 497-9 dec D. Elgar retired hurt ...... 16 ended on 162 earlier as they and Rishabh Pant took over. international cricket.” Premier League. South Africa 1st innings Z. Hamza b Shami ...... 0 chased India’s 497-9 declared. According to new rules, a The industrial action is The BCB last month D. Elgar c Saha b Shami ...... 0 F. du Plessis lbw b Shami ...... 4 The hosts made them bat team is also allowed to replace significant in cricket-mad announced it would drop the Q. de Kock c Saha b Yadav ...... 4 T. Bavuma c Saha b Shami ...... 0 again, and Yadav drew first a keeper. Bangladesh, where national franchises from the upcoming Z. Hamza b Jadeja ...... 62 H. Klaasen lbw b Yadav ...... 5 blood, getting left-hander The South African fell players are idolised. BPL, which kicks off again in F. du Plessis b Yadav ...... 1 G. Linde run out (Nadeem) ...... 27 -- who was flat after starting the day on nine It comes amid increasing early 2020, and take over T. Bavuma st Saha b Nadeem ...... 32 D. Piedt b Jadeja ...... 23 promoted to open the innings -- for two in their first innings with criticism from players that the ownership of the H. Klaasen b Jadeja ...... 6 T. de Bruyn ...... 30 G. Linde c Rohit b Yadav ...... 37 K. Rabada c Jadeja b Ashwin ...... 12 bowled for five. Yadav and Shami sharing five Bangladesh Cricket Board is tournament. D. Piedt lbw b Shami ...... 4 A. Nortje not out ...... 5 Shami took over to get first wickets between them. not sharing its wealth with The decision raised fears K. Rabada run out (Yadav) ...... 0 Extras (b5) ...... 5 innings half-centurion Zubayr Hamza, playing just his those who contribute most to among players that they A. Nortje lbw b Nadeem ...... 4 Total (8 wickets, 46 overs) ...... 132 Hamza for nought with a second Test, scored a battling 62 the game. would have to accept a pay L. Ngidi not out ...... 0 To bat: L. Ngidi delivery that rattled his off to offer some resistance during The strike comes just cut. Extras (b8, lb3, nb1) 12 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (de Kock), 2-10 (Hamza), stump. The pace spearhead then his 91-run fourth-wicket stand weeks before Bangladesh is The governing body said Total (all out, 56.2 overs) ...... 162 3-18 (du Plessis), 4-22 (Bavuma), 4-26 (Elgar, got du Plessis’ prized scalp and with , who made due to play three Twenty20 yesterday it was considering Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Elgar), 2-8 (de Kock), 3-16 retired not out), 5-36 (Klaasen), 6-67 (Linde), Temba Bavuma caught behind 32. internationals and two Tests the players’ demands. (du Plessis), 4-107 (Hamza), 5-107 (Bavuma), 7-98 (Piedt), 8-121 (Rabada) 6-119 (Klaasen), 7-129 (Piedt), 8-130 (Rabada), Bowling: Shami 9-5-10-3, Yadav 9-1-35-2, for nought. Opening batsman Rohit in India. “The players are very 9-162 (Linde) Jadeja 13-5-36-1, Nadeem 5-0-18-0, Ashwin 10- Spinners Ravindra Jadeja Sharma put India in command The cricketers want local important for us. They also Bowling: Shami 10-4-22-2, Yadav 9-1-40-3, 3-28-1 and Ravichandran Ashwin also of the final Test with his maiden players and coaches to be paid made demands in the past and Nadeem 11.2-4-22-2 (nb1), Jadeja 14-3-19-2, Toss: India took a wicket each to force an double century in the five-day more equitably with foreign we always try to accom- Ashwin 12-1-48-0 Umpires: Richard Illingworth, Nigel Llong (ENG) extension of the final session but format on Sunday. He made 212. hires. modate their demands,” said South Africa 2nd innings (follow-on) TV Umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL) de Bruyn and Nortje survived the India won the first two Tests This includes a 50 percent BCB chief executive officer Q. de Kock b Yadav ...... 5 Match referee: Richie Richardson (WIS) final few overs. by big margins in Visakhap- pay hike for first-class Nizamuddin Chowdhury. India’s wicketkeeper atnam and Pune. Gayle and IPL: Aussie Malinga miss Pakistan name young pace McDonald out in The named as Hundred bowlers for Australia tour Rajasthan’s draft head coach AP REUTERS ISLAMABAD Misbah-ul-Haq AFP addresses a press NEW DELHI Pakistan named two rookie fast conference in Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid bowlers for next month’s tour to Lahore, yesterday. You have to have a Former Australian cricketer Khan became the first overseas Australia, and Mohammad surprise package if Andrew McDonald has been player picked for the inaugural Rizwan was brought in to replace appointed as head coach of the ‘The Hundred’ competition next wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed. you want to compete in the Indian year, but Twenty20 stalwarts Musa Khan, who is only 17 against Australia in Premier League (IPL), the fran- Chris Gayle and Lasith Malinga years old, was named in both the Australia and these chise announced yesterday. were among notable omissions Test and Twenty20 squads, while two fast bowlers McDonald has been in the draft. 16-year-old Naseem Shah made appointed for a three-year term, Rashid, the no. 1 Twenty20 it to the Test team. (Musa and Naseem) replacing South African Paddy bowler, was snared by Trent Both fast bowlers have have a very good Upton, after Rajasthan’s dismal Rockets for the top price of impressed chief selector and attitude toward fast campaign in the 2019 season. £125,000. head coach Misbah-ul-Haq with bowling: Misbah The 38-year-old all- Australian players domi- their pace as they team up with rounder, who played four-Test nated the first major player Shaheen Afridi and the experi- matches for the national team, draft in British sport with enced Mohammad Abbas to lead Musa and Naseem, but we know Pakistan’s 16-member Twenty20 against a second-string Sri Lanka was previously associated with batting mainstay the pace attack. that their fresh and attacking squad, too, with the likes of this month. was IPL as a player between 2009 and quick Mitchell Starc picked “You have to have a surprise approach will give us something power hitter and named Twenty20 captain while and 2013. He made a significant up by Welsh Fire for £125,000 package if you want to compete different,” Misbah said. Perth Scorchers leg-spinner Azhar Ali will lead the team in mark as a coach after ending each. against Australia in Australia and “The Australian wickets will , the son of late Test matches. his playing career in 2016. “It’s going to be exciting to these two fast bowlers (Musa and give them the opportunity to Pakistan spinner Abdul Qadir. “There’s no conspiracy He coached Leicestershire be in the first ever hundred-ball Naseem) have a very good express themselves, gain val- “Khushdil Shah has been against Sarfaraz,” Misbah said. in English county cricket and comp,” Smith told Sky Sports attitude toward ,” uable experience and it will help added as he is in-form and has “His comeback is pretty much briefly took the job of bowling via satellite link. Misbah said yesterday. us to take 20 wickets to win the displayed his power-hitting abil- straightforward and my message coach for IPL’s Royal Chal- Team-mate David Warner The selectors have also Tests.” ities, while Usman brings to the to him is ‘just perform in lengers Bangalore last year. joined Southern Brave who also recalled fast bowler Imran Khan The 16-man Test squad also table his experience of playing domestic cricket and regain your This year he won accolades picked explosive West Indies Sr. and middle order batsman includes uncapped opopeninge in Australia. Usman also provides form.’” after helping Victoria win the all-rounder Andre Russell. IfIftikhartikhar Ahmed.Ahmed. ImraImrann batsmanbatsman AAbidbid AAli,li, whwho has cover for Shadab Khan, who is The three Twenty20s will be Sheffield Shield as coach, and Australia’s limited overs plplayedayed hishis lastlast Test performedperformed well inin the on track for reclaiming his match played in Sydney (Nov. 3), Can- powering the Melbourne Ren- captain joined agagainstainst Australia in recentrecent limited-overslimited-o form,” Misbah said. berra (Nov. 5) and Perth (Nov. 8). egades to the Big Bash title. Northern Superchargers while SydneySydney in 2017 whilewhile seriesseries againstagainst Sri The Pakistan Cricket Board Brisbane will host the first “I’m delighted to join the his team-mate Glenn Maxwell Iftikhar’sIftikhar’s onlyonly pre-pre- Lanka.Lanka. removed Sarfaraz from the cap- Test from Nov. 21 to 25, while the Royals family. It’s a great was snared by the London vious TestTest KashifKashif BhattiBhatt is a taincy and also dropped him second Test in Adelaide (Nov. 29 honour to take on this respon- Spirit. appearance ccameame surprisesurprise inclusioninclusio in from the tour to Australia after to Dec. 3) will be a day-night sibility,” McDonald said. New Zealand captain Kane agagainstainst EnglEnglandand in thethe squad afterafter the Pakistan lost a Twenty20 series match. Rajasthan won the inaugural Williamson was the highest- 2016.2016. 33-year-old33-year-old left-armleft title in 2008, but have struggled profile name taken in round “Yes,“Yes, it’s a bravebrave spinnerspinner took 327 PAKISTAN SQUADS FOR AUSTRALIA TOUR since then. Zubin Bharucha, two, heading to Birmingham, anda n d boldb o ld wicketswickets in 8383 first- Head of Cricket for Rajasthan Babar Azam (captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar while the Spirit got Pakistan decdecisionision to classclasclc s mmatchesatches ooverve the Twenty20 Squad: Royals, said McDonald’s suc- paceman Mohammad Amir seselectlect lastl 12 yeayears. Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Ha- cessful coaching stints elsewhere snain, , Mohammad Rizwan, Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir, West Indies opener Chris the Pakistan’s Test ThereTherT e were made him a great choice. Wahab Riaz. Gayle and Sri Lankan quick likellikescaptains of Azhar Ali neww facesfacef in “He is data-focused and an Malinga entered the draft as Test Squad: Azhar Ali (captain), Abid Ali, , Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul- impressive man manager who

two of its most expensive Haq, Imran Khan Sr., Iftikhar Ahmed, , Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad remains well versed with the players at £125,000 but neither Rizwan, Musa Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, , Yasir Shah. rigours of modern-day cricket,” could find a team. Bharucha said. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2019 Al Sadd hope for turnaround as Xavi vows to ‘fight until the end’ in Riyadh

THE PENINSULA DOHA AGCF’s

Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez is optimistic Competition of his side qualifying for the final of the AFC Champions League as they take on Committee Al Hilal in the semi-final second leg away clash in Riyadh today. meets in Doha Buoyed by their 4-1 away win com- placency might be Al Hilal’s biggest QNA obstacle as they host Al Sadd DOHA Three weeks earlier, Al Hilal had come from a goal down to record a famous 4-1 The competition committee of win in Doha. the Arab Gulf Cup Football Bafetimbi Gomis had converted into Federation met in Doha his own net 15 minutes in, but made yesterday and approved that amends in perfect style, bagging a brace, Khalifa International Stadium while Ali Al Bulayhi and Mohammed Al will hhostos the 24th edition of the Shalhoub netted too to put the Saudi side ChampionshipChamp which kicks off in a comfortable position ahead of today’s onon NovemberNov 27. return leg. At itsit meeting yesterday, the Speaking at the pre-match press con- committeecommi also adopted the ference, Xavi said: “The ball is still in the universityuniver stadiums to hold court. We still have a chance and we will teamteam trainingstr and said that a fight until the end. I know that it will be reservereserve stadium next to Khalifa tough to achieve but we will do all that we InternationalInterna Stadium will be can to realize our goal” selectedselected soon. And if turning a three-goal home dis- TheThe meeting was chaired by Al Sadd’s Akram Afif (left) and a team-mates are greeted upon arrival in Riyadh for their advantage was already a complicated task DrDr HuHumaidm Al Shaibani and AFC Champions League second leg semi-final match against Al Hilal yesterday. RIGHT: for Al Sadd, they will have to do so without aattendedttende by the committee’s their star striker Baghdad Bounedjah and Coach Xavi Hernandez. memembersmbe Ahmed Al Harami 2018 AFC Player of the Year Abdelkarim ffromrom Qatar, Hamid bin Hassan. AL SADD VS AL HILAL a difficult game comingg up aagainstgainst Al Hilal. SSulaimanulaim Al Jabri (Oman), Both players are suspended for today’s We will give our best aandnd maintain our ShihabShihab Ahmed Jabara (Iraq) and match. Venue: King Saud University Stadium, hopes.” AliAli HusseinHus Al Mutairi (Kuwait). Asked about the absence of Hassan Riyadh Asked about thehe huge TheT meeting stressed on and Bounedjah, he said: “Of course, the Kick-off: 19:15 (Qatar Time) crowd that is expectedd fforor tthehe contactingcon the local organ- absence of Abdelkarim and Baghdad will game, Akram said: “II havhavee isingisin committee of the Gulf have an effect. But we are one team and played in Belgium and SpainSpain 24 of the Qatar Football we work as one group.” league. We lost because of the mistakes and we had many gamesames AssociationAs (QFA), which Xavi added: “The team is ready to play we committed. The loss to Al Wakrah came with huge attendances,, just isis chaired by QFA Vice- this game. We have many options. There in a practice tournament in the absence as it was in Iran. Everyoneyone PresidentP Saud Al is nothing impossible in football. We of a huge number of players because of hopes to play in this gameame Mohannadi.M reached the semifinal because of our supe- their national team commitments.” because the fans raiseaise It also affirmed the riority. We will work on giving our best in Xavi concluded by saying: “Everyone your spirits when you are holdingho of the tournament tomorrow’s game.”“Yes, we lost by a big only remembers the results of the defeats. on the pitch.” withw the participation of score in the first leg, but we will play for Nobody rememberes the victories. This is Remarkably, thiss is fivefiv teams, the adoption of our chance. We have a great group of how football is at all levels. We must think not the first time in ththee the mechanism of work of players and we will attack until the last about the future and we will never stop 2019 AFC Championsns thethe committee during the minute. I always look at games from a pos- improving and achieving our goals.” League that Al Hilall coursecou of the tournament itive perspective.” Meanwhile, Al Sadd star Akram Afif went into a homee andand the presentation of the As for Al Sadd’s losing successive stated that his team is ready to face Al Hilal, second leg havingg mechanismmec of the tour- games domestically following their Asian in what will be a difficult clash. scored four past theirr namentname draw. The draw will defeat, Xavi said: “Al Hilal was not the Speaking at the pre-match press con- opponents. be hheldel tomorrow in Doha. reason for the defeat to Al Rayyan in the ference in Riyadh, Akram said: “We have Fireworks set to fly once again in Qatar

THE PENINSULA DOHA

After 34 races, 12 rounds, visits to ten countries across five continents, unbelievable come- backs, shattered records, very public rivalries, controversy, the occasional inclement weather, laughs, tears and, most impor- A file picture of the World Supersport action. tantly, some phenomenal racing, has arrived at the final desti- nation. The Motul FIM Superbike World Championship lands in World SSP: Three riders Qatar where fireworks are sure to fly once again between the top A file picture of riders in action at contenders, as they have done Losail International Circuit. in race to be champions nonstop for the past eight months. The Losail International total number of victories from Racing Team WorldSBK), who THE PENINSULA ice for the Swiss star and he’s not from 11 races and six other Circuit will host the races from 2018 – albeit in 37 races rather ended his previous full-time stint DOHA in the greatest of form either. podiums, Caricasulo knows that October 25 and 26. than 25 – and trump his nemesis in WorldSBK with a victory in Coming from his two worst he has a chance of victory this The fierce back-and-forth in the process. Rea has won 14 Qatar. A scintillating World Supersport weekends in 2019, weekend; if he wins then Krum- between Jonathan Rea races, Bautista 16: the rest is Honour is always on the line season is approaching its final Krummenacher knows that menacher must be second, but (Kawasaki Racing Team self-explanatory. in the final showdown of the round and with three riders in if there’s one race he needs to if Caricasulo is second, then WorldSBK) and Álvaro Bautista It remains to be seen which year, but for many riders the the title race, it is set to be an recapture form for, it’s this one. Krummenacher must be some- (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) bike takes best to the Losail stakes are much, much higher electric final outing of the season A win for his teammate Fed- where else in the top four. promises to continue for several International Circuit. 5.360km- than that. in Qatar. erico Caricasulo and a third Against the odds, Jules Cluzel years to come, but for now this long and with a kilometre-plus Just six points separate three After the rollercoaster place for Krummenacher swings comes into the Motul Qatar will be the final time they face start-finish straight, one would riders in the battle for bronze: season that has gripped the FIM the title to the Italian. After Round with an outside hope of off in their current colours. think it would suit the Borgo current Pata Yamaha duo Alex Supersport World Champi- fraught comments following a the title. 22 points back of Krum- Bautista will serve the new Panigale rocket and therefore Lowes and Michael van der onship in 2019, it goes down to disappointing Argentina, it is menacher, Cluzel must win to HRC squad from 2020 onwards, Bautista; but Rea, let’s not forget, Mark, and future Pata Yamaha the wire yet again. For a third now or never for Krummen- even stand a chance. Should he closing a brief yet intense is undefeated here since 2017. star Toprak Razgatlioglu consecutive year, the WorldSSP acher. Having chased Krummen- win, then Krummenacher must chapter in red (whilst perhaps Their respective teammates (Turkish Puccetti Racing). title fight will be sorted out acher hard all year, Caricasulo be 14th or lower and creating one of the biggest ‘what will also be looking to end the Two of them have won races under the floodlights of the (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Caricasulo outside the top ifs’ in WorldSBK history). season on a high. Chaz Davies this season; the other remains Losail International Circuit and Team) is the Swiss’ nearest rival four in the race. It’s unlikely, but While pure dominance led (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) will ahead in the standings. The two Qatar. He’s led the Champi- in the standings. Eight points just two rounds ago, both Rea to at least three of his pre- be sat on the V4 R next year and men in blue hold 15 podium fin- onship since Australia but separate the two and with 25 up Bardahl Yamaha riders crashed vious four world titles, this one seems to be coming to terms ishes between them; Razgat- Randy Krummenacher for grabs, this is a crucial round. out. Cluzel hasn’t taken back-to- has undoubtedly been marked with the package. lioglu has claimed 13 alone yet (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Caricasulo has failed to take back wins in the class since by his consistency, even in It wouldn’t be the first time still trails them on points. It’s Team) has seen his lead slashed more than seven points out of Assen and Imola in 2018 and defeat. the Welshman sits atop of the been a standout season for all from over 20 points to just eight. Krummenacher in one go, some- besides his title rivals, five other Yet the Northern Irishman Losail podium; nor would it be three – but there’s only room for Mistakes in recent rounds thing that he will need to fix riders have outshone Cluzel on still has a chance to match his for Leon Haslam (Kawasaki one on the highlight reel. have put the title celebrations on during the last round. Three wins their day in 2019. TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 11

Study finds footballers Real depleted for crucial 3.5 times more likely to Champions League game die from brain trauma AFP health in this population. AP Coming off a demoralising loss to promoted players like Lionel Messi and LONDON “Our data show that while MADRID Mallorca in the Spanish league, Zidane needs to Luis Suárez among those side- former footballers had higher somehow put together a squad that is missing Luka lined. But with most of the squad A new study carried out by dementia rates, they had Real Madrid is under pressure, Modric and Gareth Bale. Also not making the trip healthy again, Barcelona started Glasgow University has found lower rates of death due to depleted by injuries, and in need thriving, and it will enter tomor- former footballers are other major diseases. of a win in the Champions to Turkey are Lucas Vázquez and , row’s Champions League match approximately three-and-a- “As such, whilst every League. while there are doubts about following at Slavia Prague coming off five half times more likely to die effort must be made to Ahead of the team’s crucial a long injury lay-off. straight wins in all from neurodegenerative identify the factors contrib- match against Galatasaray today, competitions. diseases than the general uting to the increased risk of Real Madrid coach Zinedine Messi, Suárez and Antoine population. neurodegenerative disease to Zidane (pictured)ed) certainly hashas Sunday they have not yet fully Barcelona was the team Griezmann - BarcelonaBarcelona’s s muchmuch-- The report, released yes- allow this risk to be reduced, his work cut outut for him.him. recovered.recovered. facingfacing a wave ofof injuriesinjuries hypedhyped attacattackingking trio - are ffinallyinallyy terday was commissioned by there are also wider potential Madrid hasas yet to wiwinn a If Kroos is indeedindeed aableble to earlyearly in thethe clicking.clicking. TTheyhey eacheach scoredscored in thethe England’s Football Association health benefits of playing match in Groupp A tthishis seasonseason.. A play,play, ZiZidanedane wiwillll likelylikely use him season,season, team’steam’s 3-0 win ooverver EiEibarbar in tthehe and the Professional Foot- football to be considered.” third straight setbacktback could lealeaveve inin the midfield along with wiwitht h Spanish league on Saturday. ballers’ Association to assess Earlier this year, UEFA the team in dangerger of not making CasemiroCasemiro andand youngster “At“At the end, the great players the medical records of 7,676 requested for a change in the it out of the groupoup stagestage of the FedericoFederico Valverde. InIn alwaysalways find one another and can men who played professional game’s laws to reduce the Champions Leagueague for the firfirstst attack,attack, Vinícius JúniorJúnior is feel where the other one will football in between pressure on the medical staff time since the 11989-90989-90 seasoseason.n. likelylikely to replace BaleBale makemake hishis run or a pass,”pass,” Bar-Bar- 1900 and 1976. and give doctors more time to Coming offf a demoralisingdemoralising alongsidealongside Karim BenzemaBenzema celonacelona coaccoachh ErnestoErnesto VValverdealverde Their records were assess head injuries off the loss to promotedd Mallorca in the andand ,Hazard, who said.said. “The“Theyy have worked and matched against more than pitch, so that no concussed Spanish league,, Zidane needs to ddidn’tidn’t play in MalloMallorcarca pplayedlayed well. And this is the 23,000 individuals from the player returns to the field of somehow put togethertogether a squadsquad because of the birthbirth of hishis reward.”reward.” general population, with the play. that is missing LLukauka MoModricdric and son. BarcelonaBarcelona isis ttiedied withwith study led by consultant neu- “The whole game must Gareth Bale. Alsoso not makingmaking the AfterAfter a bigbig loss at Paris BorussiaBorussia DortmunDortmundd at tthehe top ooff ropathologist Dr Willie recognise that this is only the trip to Turkey arere Lucas Vázquez Saint-Germain andand a homehome Group F withwith fourfour points, threethree Stewart of Glasgow start of our understanding and and Marco Asensio,nsio, wwhilehile therethere drawdraw against ClubClub Brugge, moreore thathann SlaviaSlavia Prague andand Inter University. there are many questions that are doubts aboutut TonTonii KroosKroos fofol-l- Madrid is tied with GalatasaGalatasarayray Milan.Milan. His findings report that still need to be answered,” lowing a long injurynjury lay-off. atat the bottom of GroupGroup A with the “risk ranged from a five- said FA chairman Greg Clarke “We have injurednjured players,players, it one point.point. The Turkish team is fold increase in Alzheimer’s said. is what it is,” Zidaneidane said. aheadahead on goalgoal difference. PSG disease, through an approxi- “It is important that the “We can’t cchangehange the sitsitu-u- leadsleads with six points,points, fourfour mately four-fold increase in global football family now ation. That can’tn’t be used as an more than Club Brugge.Brugge. motor neurone disease, to a unites to find the answers and excuse. We haveve other playersplayers WhileWhile MMadridadrid ttriesries to two-fold Parkinson’s disease provide a greater under- in the team andd evereveryoneyone hhasas to avertavert a criscrisis,is, Bar-Bar- in former professional standing of this complex issue. show that they havehave whatwhat it takestakes celona is justjust footballers”. The FA is committed to doing to be here.” starting to hithit its Although footballers had all it can to make that Zidane usedd anan alternativealternative stride.stride. higher risk of death from neu- happen.” squad in Saturday’sday’s lossloss at Mal-Mal- rodegenerative disease, they Outgoing PFA chief exec- lorca, a result thathat cost tthehe teteamam were less likely to die of other utive Gordon Taylor has been the Spanish leaguegue lead. ModricModric common diseases, such as strongly criticised for his lack and Bale didn’tt play and therethere heart disease and some of action on the subject, in was hope they could make it to cancers, including lung particular by the family of Turkey, but thehe club saisaidd on cancer. former West Bromwich Albion The study - titled ‘Foot- striker Jeff Astle, whose 2002 ball’s Influence on Lifelong death from chronic traumatic Health and Dementia Risk’ encephalopathy (CTE) was found that deaths in ex-foot- linked to repeatedly heading City still not clinical enough ballers were lower than heavy leather footballs. expected up to age 70, and Taylor said it was now higher than expected over that “incumbent on football glo- to win CL title, says Guardiola age. bally to come together to Dr Stewart said in a address this issue in a com- AFP the Premier League this season. build-up is bad, when you don’t statement: “An important prehensive and united MANCHESTER “We miss a lot of chances play good, you concede a lot,” aspect of this work has been manner”. in the final third and we have he added. the ability to look across a He added: “Research must Manchester City manager Pep to do that, to be clinical. When “What happens when we range of health outcomes in continue to answer more spe- Guardiola believes the English the people say about the Cham- make our incredible, fluid game former professional foot- cific questions about what champions are still not strong pions League being the target, from the build-up? We concede ballers. This allows us to build needs to be done to identify enough at either end of the we are still not ready,” said few (chances). When our build- a more complete picture of and reduce risk factors.” field to count themselves as Guardiola, whose side have up is wrong, we make mistakes realistic contenders to win the won their opening two Cham- in the first pass, we are nervous The report, released yesterday was commissioned Champions League for the first pions League games and host like what happened against by England’s Football Association and the time. Atalanta at the Etihad today. Wolves...we concede a lot. Professional Footballers’ Association to assess City are the bookmakers’ “In this competition you “That’s why it’s related. It’s the medical records of 7,676 men who played favourites to finally win the have to be strong in the boxes not that you play well in one professional football in Scotland between 1900 biggest prize in European and this season we are not department and it’s enough. football after more than a incredibly strong in the boxes. When our pressing is high, is and 1976. decade of huge investment Of course we have time.” intense, we concede really few from the club’s Abu Dhabi City have been beset by (chances).” Their records were matched against more than owners and in Guardiola’s injuries in defence and suffered Guardiola will at least have 23,000 individuals from the general population, fourth season in charge. shock defeats to Norwich and more defenders to choose from with the study led by consultant neuropathologist However, the Catalan, who Wolves in their opening nine for the visit of the Italians in Dr Willie Stewart of Glasgow University. Pep has won the Champions League Premier League games. midweek with Nicolas Ota- Guardiola twice as a manager and once Guardiola, though, believes mendi and Kyle Walker as a player at Barcelona, thinks the onus is on his side to attack returning to training after Although footballers had higher risk of death from during City will be punished in the well as a unit to mask any missing Saturday’s 2-0 win at training neurodegenerative disease, they were less likely latter stages of the competition defensive failings. Crystal Palace, while John at Etihad to die of other common diseases, such as heart if they continue the inconsistent “When you play good, you Stones could make his first start Stadium disease and some cancers, including lung cancer. form they have shown so far in defend less. When our in five weeks. yesterday.

Klopp criticises VAR after Ronaldo happy with ‘more attacking’ Juve

Liverpool draw with MU AFP club had adopted since Sarri weekend when Juventus beat came on board in the summer. Bologna 2-1 to consolidate top REUTERS clear and obvious error. “I think the team is getting spot in Serie A. MANCHESTER “This is a problem we have Juventus fforwardorward Cristiano better,”better,” saidsaid RonaRonaldoldo on thethe “My role hasn’t changed, to discuss,” the Liverpool boss RonaldoRonaldo ((pictured)pictured) eve ooff Juve’s CChampionshampions We are getting more perhaps I have a bit more Liverpool manager Juergen told reporters. gavegave coach Maurizio LeagueLeague Group D and more confident. freedom,” he said. Klopp criticised the video “I was 100% sure VAR would SarriSarri a vote ooff mmeetingeeting witwithh LoLoko-ko- We are playing a “I am happy because, bit by assistant referee (VAR) system overrule (United’s goal). coconfidencenfiden ce motivmotiv MoscoMoscow.w. different brand bit, we are getting to where after his team’s 1-1 draw at “The referee let the game yyesterdayesterday when “We“We are getting Juventus ought to be. We have a Manchester United on Sunday, run because he has VAR, but the he sasaidid he wwasas more aandnd mormoree cocon-n- of football, more difference coach, a different saying the way the technology VAR says then it was not clear... happhappyy with the fident.fident. We are plaplayingying attacking: Ronaldo system, new players. We is being used in England does This makes not too much sense. ““moremore attacattacking”king” a differentdifferent brandbrand of changed in order to improve.” not make “too much sense”. It is a clear VAR issue in how we aapproachpproach football,football, more Last week, the five-time Klopp was aggrieved Liv- deal with it in the moment. the attacking. I like the way he (Sarri) Ballon d’Or winner scored his erpool were not awarded a free- “I’m not angry or whatever. wants the team to play. We are 700th career goal while playing kick for a “clear foul” on Divock I am sure (referee) Martin creating more opportunities, we for Portugal. Origi in the build-up to Man- Atkinson would have whistled have more confidence in our- “That’s already in the past. I chester United’s first-half goal if there was no VAR but he let it selves, I’m happy with these want to move on, reach new after watching his side drop go.” changes. heights to help the team. I want points in the league for the first Marcus Rashford opening “Maybe we could score a to play and help the team win time this season. the scoring for United, who little more but I’m proud of what trophies. Of course I am proud Premier League rules gov- were pegged back by Liverpool we are doing.” of the individual records but the erning VAR allow the video substitute Adam Lallana’s So far this season, Ronaldo priority is to win games for assistant to overturn a referee’s equaliser about five minutes has scored five goals in nine Juventus and Portugal,” the star decision only in the case of a from time. games and was on target at the said. SPORT PAGE | 09 PAGE | 11 Pakistan name Real Madrid young pace depleted for crucial bowlers for Champions Australia tour League game

Tuesday 22 October 2019 Picturesque Education City Golf Club to host 2020 Qatar Masters THE PENINSULA Exciting new venue DOHA The exciting new Commercial Bank has entered a venue expects to not partnership agreement with only challenge the Qatar Golf Association to continue to be the official title European Tour stars but sponsor for the tournament until to entertain local and 2022. international spectators Education City Golf Club with its unique views (ECGC) will become the newest of the Doha Skyline and Golf Course on the European the 2022 Education City Tour Calendar when it hosts the 23rd edition of the Commercial World Cup Stadium. Bank Qatar Masters in 2020. Designed by two time Major Speaking on behalf of Edu- Champion and World Golf Hall cation City Golf Club, the of Fame 2009 - José Maria General Manager Michael Olazábal, the exciting new venue Braidwood stated: “Education expects to not only challenge the City Golf Club is excited to be European Tour stars but to hosting the 2020 Qatar Masters. entertain local and international We have recently opened our spectators with its unique views golf course and we have been of the Doha Skyline and the 2022 delighted by the response of our Education City World Cup clients on the quality and chal- Stadium. lenge of the course. It will be The highly-anticipated event interesting to see how the is organised by Qatar Golf Asso- European tour stars play the ciation (QGA), the Qatar Olympic course. The event is an ideal Committee (QOC), Education City opportunity for us to further our Golf Club and long-term title goal in growing the game of golf sponsor, Commercial Bank. A general view of the Education City Golf Club here in Qatar and we aim to use The tournament is con- (ECGC) in Doha, with the Education City Stadium in it as a platform to get as many sidered Qatar’s annual ‘must- the backdrop. Picture: Twitter / @Roadto2022 new people engaged in the attend’ sporting and social event, INSET: Hassan Nasser Al Naimi, President of Qatar game.” first held in 1998 and widely Golf Association (centre) poses for a picture with The Commercial Bank Qatar known for bringing together the Hussein Al Abdulla (left) Commercial Bank EGM, Masters was attended by thou- world’s best golf talent; the likes Chief Marketing Officer and Michael Braidwood, sands of spectators in 2019 and of Sergio Garcia, Rory Mcllroy, General Manager at the ECGC in Doha yesterday. broadcast to a global TV Adam Scott, Justin Rose, Ernie Els audience of over 450 million and Henrik Stenson have all viewers. competed in past years. position the Commercial Bank Al Abdulla said: “Our fruitful destination for international of the Education City Golf Club For the 23rd Edition of the Hassan Nasser Al Naimi, Qatar Masters as a significant cooperation with Qatar Golf tournaments. opened.” event, all eyes will be on Doha President of QGA, said: “On world-class golf event. We are Association, the Olympic Com- “We are looking forward to The 2020 event will see Edu- as the biggest names in the sport behalf of the Qatar Golf Associ- also very excited about working mittee and Education city will widen the platform of this coop- cation City support and vie for the Mother of Pearl ation, we are truly grateful for alongside Education City Golf certainly help us combine our eration through supporting more emphasize community and Trophy on one of the newest golf the support of the Qatar Olympic Club for the 23rd Edition and aim effort to showcase to the world sports activities in the future. I family activities as it aims to courses on the Tour. Committee and our long-term to continue its success” the countless opportunities that am positive that our goals will encourage young Qataris to take The 2020 Commercial Bank title sponsor, Commercial Bank Commercial Bank EGM and Qatar can present to the sports become easier to achieve now up the sport and to grow the Qatar Masters will take place of Qatar which has helped us Chief Marketing Officer Hussein industry being a world-class with the new remarkable facility game of golf in Qatar. between March 5 to 8. Unbeaten Qatar top Group A with win over Saudi Arabia

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatar yesterday defeated Saudi Arabia 29-20 to top their Group and march into the semi-finals of the Asian Men’s Handball Olympic Qualification Tournament 2019 at the Al Duhail Stadium. Basketball: The hosts who looked in Qatari women good form since the beginning of yesterday’s final Group A beat Saudi Arabia match, led 13-9 at half time. Qatar, who defeated Hong Qatar national basketball Kong (49-19) and India players in action against (40-10) in their previous Saudi Arabia during the sixth Group matches, have col- GCC Women’s Games 2019 lected six points. in Kuwait, yesterday. Qatar Qatar have scored 118 defeated Saudi women by a goals against their opponents convincing margin of 63-41 in three matches and have to stay unbeaten in the event conceded only 44. which kicked off on Sunday. Their closest rivals, Saudi Earlier, Qatari women defeated Arabia have four points. A Qatari player preparing to Bahrain 74-64 in their opening Earlier, India beat Hong Saudi Arabia make it to the a direct qualification for match on Sunday. The 10-day shoot against Saudi Arabia Kong 32-29 in the other last-four stage. Olympics, the second-placed during their AHF Men’s Asian Games will bring together six Group A fixture to record their Today, Bahrain will take team will have to compete in GCC nations who will compete qualification event for Tokyo first win in the tournament. on South Korea while Iran the play-offs next April. Olympic Games at the Al Duhail in 11 sports. TOP: A Qatari However, despite yester- meet Kuwait in the last two It is the second time in a player goes for the basket Indoor Arena, yesterday. day’s win, India, along with Group B fixtures. row that Qatar is hosting the PICTURE: TWITTER / during their opening match Hong Kong, bow out of the While the champions of Asian Men’s Handball Quali- @QATARHANDBALL against Bahrain. Doha event as Qatar and the tournament will receive fiers for the Olympic Games.