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Tuesday, October 29, 2019 FORMULA 1 Rabia I 1, 1441 AH Hamilton wins in GULF TIMES Mexico, on brink of sixth title of career SPORT Page 6 Bashair wins gold, Maryam silver at GCC Games GOLF Tiger roars to 82nd title with victory

Qatar’s Maryam Farid poses with her silver medal she won in the 400m hurdles during the 6th GCC Women’s Games in Kuwait City yesterday. in Japan His first came 23 years ago this month in Las Vegas

AFP time,” Woods said of tying bunker shot fl ew past the fl ag Inzai, Japan Snead, who died in 2002 four and when he missed the long days before his 90th birthday. putt back his brave challenge “Sam did it into his fi fties and ended at 16-under for the tour- iger Woods made golf I’m in my early to mid-forties. nament after a fi nal-round 67. history yesterday when I’ve been very fortunate to have “This was big,” said a smiling he won the Zozo Cham- had the career I’ve had so far.” Woods. “Hideki made it tight. It pionship in Japan for his US PGA Tour Commissioner was a lot closer than what peo- T82nd US PGA Tour victory — Jay Monahan was watching at ple probably thought. equalling Sam Snead’s 54-year- home in the US. “It was just one “It was a very long week be- old record and adding to his of those ‘wow’ moments,” he cause I was tied for the lead for long list of achievements. told AFP by telephone. the better part of fi ve days. I The 15-time major winner “He doesn’t fancy ties too made a mistake right away at 11 held off the challenge of home much. So he’s already on to: and it became a pretty good ball Qatar’s Bashair Obaid in action en route to winning gold in the favourite Hideki Matsuyama to ‘How do I get to 83?’” game.” triple jump at the 6th GCC Women’s Games in Kuwait City. Qatar’s para athletes celebrate with their medals. win by three shots at the weath- Woods said it was “cool” Playing partner Gary Wood- er-delayed tournament, his fi rst that, with the addition of his land said he had been privileged outing since arthroscopic left latest title in Japan, he had now to have a front-row seat for the knee surgery in August. won US PGA Tour events in sev- last two rounds as Woods played Woods broke into a huge en diff erent countries. “unbelievable” golf. smile after he birdied the 18th “I’ve always been a global “Obviously the majors to complete a three-under fi nal player, I’ve always played all speak for themselves, but 82’s round of 67 and fi nish 19-under around the world and to tie the just a crazy number,” said the par at Accordia Golf Narashino record outside the United States 35-year-old US Open champion Country Club. is pretty cool,” Woods told re- who himself has won four times “It’s just crazy. It’s a lot,” the porters. on the PGA Tour. 43-year-old Woods said of his Woods resumed his fi nal “You look at the guys that 82nd offi cial PGA Tour victory. round, suspended due to dark- have won 10 times and it’s pret- His fi rst came 23 years ago this ness on Sunday, at 7:30 am on ty special, let alone to come out month in Las Vegas, when he the long par-12th but saw his here and win 82 times. was 20. overnight three-shot cushion “To battle through the inju- “It’s been a long week, fi ve over Matsuyama immediately ries he’s dealt with, gosh, he’s days at the top of the board is cut to two. young and he’s playing unbe- a long time. It was defi nitely Matsuyama inexplicably lievable. stressful,” said Woods, who spurned an easy opportunity “The ball-striking exhibition pocketed a cheque for £1.755mn. to reduce the defi cit to one as I’ve seen the last two days is a Woods led from gun to tape he missed a four-foot birdie joke. So I don’t see him stopping in the inaugural US PGA Tour putt on 14, but Woods made anytime soon. Eighty-two’s Qatar’s para athlete Sarah Masoud (third right) poses with her gold medal after she won the women’s shot put event. event in Japan, which saw no mistake on the same green pretty special. I think there’s a Friday’s play washed out by from 20 feet. Woods missed a lot more in store.” the fringes of a typhoon that further birdie chance, from 10 World number two Rory dumped almost 10 inches feet, at the 15th and was watch- McIlroy fi nished birdie-birdie FOOTBALL (25cm) of rain on the course 50 ing from the 16th tee 181 yards for a 67 and a share of third place miles (80km) from Tokyo, forc- away as Matsuyama walked in a on 13-under par with South Ko- ing play into an extra day. 20-footer to get to 16-under. rea’s PGA Tour Rookie of the “It’s about consistency and Matsuyama kept up the pres- Year Im Sung-jae who carded a Icardi, Mbappe shine as PSG thrash OM doing it for a long period of sure but on the fi nal hole his fi ne fi ve-under 65.

Reuters ternational keeper was beaten Paris by Icardi again in the 27th minute, the striker heading home from Marco Verratti’s auro Icardi and through ball. Kylian Mbappe Mbappe made it 3-0 five scored twice each minutes later, tapping in from as Paris St Germain Di Maria’s cross. Mextended their lead at the top The Frenchman was at it of Ligue 1 to eight points with again one minute from the a 4-0 crushing of bitter rivals break, collecting a defence- Olympique de Marseille at the splitting pass from Di Maria Parc des Princes on Sunday. before curling a 16-metre shot Argentine striker Icardi and Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe (L) celebrates past Mandanda. France forward Mbappe net- with Presnel Kimpembe after scoring against Olympique de PSG took a more casual ap- ted all the goals in the opening Marseille (OM) at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Sunday. proach in the second half but half to put PSG on 27 points came close to adding another, from 11 games and leave OM in “We have been hammering after struggling with injuries. Mbappe missing a sitter from seventh place on 16 points. you for eight years and it’s not The 20-year-old, who Icardi’s pass and the opportu- Icardi has now scored seven over,” a banner in the Auteuil scored a hat-trick after com- nity to become the first play- goals in his last seven games curve of the Parc des Princes ing on as a second-half sub- er to score a hat trick in the while Mbappe has struck five read. The banner was spot- stitute against Club Brugge French “classic”. times in two matches for PSG, on as PSG overwhelmed the in the Champions League this He was replaced by Edinson who were without the injured visitors, their attacking trio of week, threatened early on but Cavani as the Uruguay striker Neymar. OM have not won Mbappe, Icardi and Angel Di it was Icardi who found the made his comeback after a against PSG in all competi- Maria proving impossible to back of the net first. Steve two-month injury layoff . tions in their last 20 meetings handle. Mandanda parried the Argen- Earlier, Yann Gboho’s last- since 2011 — the year Qatar Marseille’s Dimitri Payet tine’s header for Icardi to fire gap goal earned Stade Rennais Sports Investment took over made his return after a four- home from point-blank range a 3-2 home victory over Tou- in the capital before investing match ban for insulting a refe- shortly after Valere Germain louse which ended the Brit- more than a bn euros in trans- ree while Mbappe was handed had missed a great chance for tany side’s 10-game winless Tiger Woods of the US receives his winner’s trophy from Yusaku Maezawa, the founder of Zozo, at the fers. his first start in two months the visitors. The French in- run in all competitions. Narashino Country Club in Inzai, Japan, yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, October 29, 2019 SPORT

GOLF CRICKET Pakistan teen Naseem could be Nicklaus leads ‘surprise package’ tributes to ‘living in Australia — coach legend’ Tiger ‘For a number of years, all we wanted was to see Tiger healthy again’

Reuters and bounce from these wickets. Sydney “Everybody is excited to just get him in the team also. “We’re looking forward that akistan coach Misbah- if he can just put the ball in the ul-Haq is eager to see right areas with that kind of what schoolboy pace- pace, (he) could be a surprise man Naseem Shah package.” Pcan produce on Australia’s fast Misbah has placed a premi- pitches despite concerns over um on youth in the upcoming the 16-year-old’s readiness for Twenty20 and Test series, se- the rigours of Test cricket. lecting 19-year-old Musa Khan Naseem, who has played only in both his squads, with a third fi ve fi rst class matches since his teenage quick in Shaheen Afridi 2018 debut for Zarai Taraqiati also picked for the Tests. Bank Limited, was named in Pa- Pakistan have never won a kistan’s squad for the two-test test series in Australia in over series against Tim Paine’s Aus- six decades of trying and the tralia which begins in Brisbane Misbah-captained team that last next month. toured in 2016/17 was white- With Naseem to lock horns washed 3-0. with Steve Smith, the world’s While Pakistan have long been top-ranked batsman, if selected, described as unpredictable for critics in Pakistan fear the callow their seesawing performances in cricketer could be in for a har- all formats, Misbah said he was rowing debut Down Under. seeking more consistency from However, former Pakistan his team. captain Misbah, also the side’s “Obviously we want to use chief selector, said his team were that unpredictability in a good keen to throw him in the deep manner, in a positive manner,” end. he said. “In all spells he’s bowling “We don’t want to just go quick and his control with the there and sometimes fail. ball is also good,” Misban told “We need to be more consist- reporters in Sydney yesterday. ent with our good performances Tiger Woods of the US tees off at the 6th hole during the fourth round of the PGA Zozo Championship golf tournament at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai, Japan. “So we’re looking forward and that’s what we are trying to that he can just bowl well here in do at the moment.” AFP again, but for his quality of life. gery in August. World number two Rory McIl- guys that have won 10 times and Australia where the conditions Pakistan play the fi rst of three Inzai, Japan “But it’s very obvious that World number 14 Tony Finau, roy who tied third, a distant six it’s pretty special. may just give him some sort of T20 matches against Australia in the surgery and the hard work who was also in the fi eld in Ja- strokes behind Woods, said he’d “To battle through the injuries assistance and getting some pace Sydney on Sunday. Tiger put in resulted in quality pan, called Woods a “Living leg- quickly done the maths and said he’s dealt with, gosh, he’s young ack Nicklaus led the trib- of golf!” Nicklaus added after end!” on Twitter. “Congrats on he would have to win “six times a and he’s playing unbelievable. I utes to Tiger Woods yes- Woods tied Sam Snead’s all- No. 82 @TigerWoods!” he added year for the next 10 years” to get think there’s a lot more in store.” SPOTLIGHT terday after the golfi ng time mark for PGA Tour wins. as social media lit up on the news close to Woods. The last word belonged to great secured a record Woods carded a fi nal-round of yet another career comeback US Open champion Gary Monahan, who said it was fi tting 82ndJ US PGA Tour win at the three-under 67 for a three- milestone. Woodland had a front-row seat that he should tie Hall-of-Fam- weather-disrupted Zozo Cham- stroke victory over home fa- PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan as Woods’s playing partner for er Snead in an overseas event. Bangladesh players pionship. vourite Hideki Matsuyama after was watching from home in the the last two rounds and said it “To be our inaugural event “Incredibly happy for @Ti- play spilt over into Monday after US and told AFP by phone: “It’s had been a privilege to watch. and to have Tiger win it, when gerWoods — and for game of golf Friday was washed out. just one of those ‘wow’ mo- “I think it’s a lot harder to win you think of Tiger, you think earn pay rise — on his 82nd @PGATOUR win,” Woods had been one victory ments. When you see something week-in and week-out out here, of his global reach and his glo- tweeted Nicklaus, who has won short of Snead since winning his happen in sport that you didn’t “ he said. bal relevancy,” said Monahan as AFP Other expenses were also in- 18 majors. 15th major at the US Masters in think was possible, it’s just a re- “Obviously the majors speak Woods notched up a PGA Tour Dhaka creased as part of the deal, which “For a number of years, all we April and had not played for nine ally historic and special moment for themselves, but 82’s just a win in a record seventh diff erent ended a three-day strike started wanted was to see Tiger healthy weeks after having left knee sur- for our sport.” crazy number. You look at the country. by players last week. ricketers in Bangladesh’s Payments for the second-tier main domestic league of the competition were in- will see match payments creased to 50,000 Taka. almost double under Players had demanded at least Ca new deal that ended a player 100,000 taka per match when strike last week, the sport’s rul- they called the strike. ing body said yesterday. The action was called off after Players in the top-tier of the the BCB accepted most of their National Cricket League will demands. Career timeline of Tiger Woods, who from a tournament at Torrey Pines an- receive 60,000 taka ($705) in- The strike had cast doubt on a won the Zozo Championship in Japan nounces another extended break from stead of 35,000 taka per four- tour of India starting November yesterday for a record-equalling 82nd US competition day match, a Bangladesh Cricket 3, but the national squad is now PGA Tour victory: — September 2015: Woods has back Board (BCB) statement said. due to leave on Wednesday. — August 1996: Turns professional after surgery to remove spinal disc fragments an outstanding amateur career and is pressing on a nerve named PGA Rookie of the Year. Wins first — February 2017: Returns from FOCUS US PGA Tour event in October 16-month layoff only for back spasms — April 1997: At the age of 21 wins the to force him to pull out of Dubai Desert first of 15 majors at the US Masters and Classic becomes the youngest to wear the Green — April 2017: Unable to play in Masters Emotions spill over Jacket and announces more surgery to alleviate — June 1997: Rises to world number one back and leg pain for the first time — May 2017: Arrested on suspicion of as PNG qualify for — June 2000: Wins US Open at Pebble driving under the influence in Jupiter, Beach by a record 15 strokes Florida — July 2000: Becomes fifth player to — January 2018: Returns to the US PGA T20 World Cup complete career Grand Slam by winning Tour with tied 23rd at Torry Pines the Open Championship at St Andrews — April 2018: Finishes tied 32nd at the Reuters The PNG players celebrated — April 2001: Wins second US Masters Masters, his first major since the 2015 US Melbourne wildly in the stadium’s terraces at Augusta National to complete “Tiger PGA Championship and their Australian coach Joe Slam” and hold all four majors simultane- — June 2018: Misses cut at the US Open Dawes was overwhelmed. ously at Shinnecock Hills with rounds of 78-72 lobal cricketers hailed “I am feeling a little emotion- — April 2002: Defends successfully at — July 2018: Bounces back at the Open one of the sport’s “feel al,” former Queensland bowler Augusta for third Green Jacket Championship at Carnoustie, finishing good” stories of the Dawes told the global governing — June 2002: Wins his second US in a three-way tie for sixth three shots year yesterday after Pa- body ICC. “It’s been a pretty big Gpua New Guinea dug themselves two years, for them to achieve Open at Bethpage Black and becomes of 30 at Hoylake. “It just came pouring side his Florida home unearths infideli- behind winner Francesco Molinari youngest in history to win seven out of me, all the things my dad meant ties that wreck his marriage. Takes an — August 2018: Finishes second to out of a huge hole at a Dubai this is pretty special.” majors to me, and the game of golf,” he said. “I “indefinite break from professional golf” Brooks Koepka at US PGA Championship qualifi er to book their maiden Dawes said planning for next — September 2004: Loses top ranking just wish he could have seen it one more in the aftermath at Bellerive appearance at the T20 World year’s tournament could wait. to Vijay Singh after a record 264 weeks time.” — April 2010: Returns to action at the — September 2018: Returns to winner’s Cup in Australia next year. “We are just going to enjoy the as number one in world — August 2006: Wins third US PGA US Masters where he finishes fourth but circle at the season-ending Tour Cham- Emerging cricket nation PNG moment. For them to achieve — April 2005: After two seasons without Championship at Medinah, Illinois, and mounting injuries take their toll and his pionship in Atlanta, his first victory since were 19 for six against Kenya this is a great thing for us and for a major wins fourth Masters, defeating a year later repeats the feat at Southern ranking starts to plummet the Bridgestone Invitational in August after an early collapse at Dubai the nation,” he added. Chris DiMarco in a playoff Hills, Oklahoma — March 2013: After a return to form 2013 International Stadium but ended PNG’s automatic qualifi cation — July 2005: Lifts the Claret Jug at St — June 2008: Two months after knee and fitness in 2012, victory at the Arnold — April 2019: Woods wins his fifth US up thrashing the Africans by 45 came at the expense of the Neth- Andrews for his second Open Champion- surgery, wins US Open and 14th major. Palmer Invitational elevates him once Masters at Augusta National 14 years runs on Sunday. erlands, who defeated Scotland ship and 10th major. Joins Jack Nicklaus Plays through intense pain to win at more to world number one after his fourth. Ends an 11-year wait for PNG then had a nervous wait but will have to take the playoff s as only players to win all four majors first sudden-death hole after an 18-hole — March 2014: Injures himself during his 15th major for the result of the Netherlands’ route to reach Australia. twice Monday playoff against Rocco Mediate. the Honda Classic and skips the Masters — October 2019: Wins inaugural Zozo game against Scotland, but they Cricket was introduced into — May 2006: Father and mentor Earl Ends his season and heads back to the for first time to undergo back surgery Championship in Japan on return from ultimately topped their group at PNG in the early 1900s by Brit- dies aged 74 operating theatre for more repairs to — May 2014: Loses world number one latest knee surgery to equal all-time the tournament due to a higher ish missionaries but the national — July 2006: Breaks down in tears after left knee spot to Australia’s Adam Scott record of 82 US PGA Tour wins set by net run rate and qualify directly teams have struggled to make an winning third Open and 11th major at age — November 2009: A car accident out- — February 2015: Withdraws injured legend Sam Snead 54 years ago for Australia, their fi rst World impression on the world stage Cup in any format. until recently. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 29, 2019 3 SPORT

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Salah’s ankle not Bellerin calls for unity to worry about, says aft er Xhaka tantrum Klopp AFP Coach Emery says he will talk to Xhaka before deciding whether to strip the Swiss of the captaincy London

AFP urgen Klopp moved to al- London lay fears over Mohamed Salah’s left ankle problem saying his departure fi ve ector Bellerin has called for minutesJ before the end of Pre- everyone at Arsenal to come mier League leaders Liverpool’s together following club cap- 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur tain Granit Xhaka’s tantrum was a precautionary measure. Hon being substituted on Sunday during The 27-year-old Egyptian star the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. Bel- — who had missed the previous lerin, who is the Gunners third captain match with Manchester United after Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Au- due to the injury — scored the bameyang, is sidelined through injury decisive goal to bring up his but he took to Twitter to urge under- half century of goals at Anfi eld. standing and the team to unite. Salah, who reached the land- Manger Unai Emery has said he will mark in 58 matches with only talk to Xhaka before he decides whether Roger Hunt getting there faster, to strip the Swiss international mid- has a few days to rest up before fi elder of the captaincy. The 27-year- Saturday’s away game at Aston old – who was made captain in the close Villa as he was highly unlikely season following a secret ballot of the to feature in tomorrow’s League players – exploded with fury when he Cup clash with Arsenal. was replaced in the second half of the “It’s the ankle, the ankle he Palace game. has struggled with since the He trudged slowly to the touchline Leicester game,” said Klopp. “It’s while petulantly gesticulating to the good but the longer the game fans who had cheered his substitu- goes the muscles get a bit tired, tion and were angrily urging him to get stuff like this, (and) if you get a off the pitch quicker. Xhaka’s melt- knock on it then you feel it more. down climaxed when he ripped off his It makes no sense to try to push shirt, appeared to shout a obscenity at it through because we had other supporters and stormed past Emery players, still options to change, straight down the tunnel to more deri- and that’s what we did. No, sion from the stands. nothing serious.” “We are all humans, we all have emo- Klopp, whose side maintained tions, and sometimes it’s not easy deal- their six point lead over champi- ing with them,” tweeted Bellerin. “It’s ons Manchester City, said con- time to lift each other up, not to push ceding an early goal to the team each other away. We only win when we they beat in last season’s Cham- are together.” pions League fi nal had helped Others have been less forgiving such concentrate their minds. as Arsenal legend Ian Wright especially The charismatic German — with the club struggling for form with who took Liverpool agonisingly only two wins in their last eight Premier close to their fi rst Premier league League matches. “He’s the captain,” he title last term only to lose out to told the BBC. “He’s got the responsibil- City by a point — was delighted ity of being able to take that on board in the manner in which his play- because he’s been voted in. You can’t go ers had responded. like that. The amount of stick someone Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka reacts after being substituted during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in London on Sunday. (Reuters) “I am absolutely pleased, but like Mesut Ozil has got I could under- to be honest, I expect it as well,” stand if (he) throws his shirt down. He’s taincy. “He was wrong, he was wrong,” ability as captain, a role that was be- speak with him and speak with the club, should have been given a spot-kick in added Klopp. “An early goal is the captain. The manager has got faith Emery said. “But I think now (we) stay stowed upon him on a full-time basis and we want to stay calm.” the defeat at Sheffi eld United on Mon- obviously not the best thing in him. He should be apologising. He calm and also speak with him, speak in September, Emery said he could off er Much of Emery’s post-match energy day. “In our last home league match that can happen, but sometimes should have apologised already. That’s inside around that. His reaction was nothing concrete until internal discus- was spent lamenting the VAR decisions against Bournemouth we had a more it makes one thing clear: game the guy they’ve chosen as captain and wrong. We are here because we have sions had been held. This was not the that went against his team, awarding clear penalty on Nicolas Pepe and they on. The counter-press was ex- that’s not captain’s behaviour. Arsenal supporters. In football we are the work- fi rst time the Emirates Stadium crowd Crystal Palace a penalty and then disal- didn’t check,” he said. ceptional, it was kind of back. I fans have shown a lot of patience with ers inside (the pitch) but we play for had taken badly to Xhaka, who was also lowing what seemed a good late winner “Last week in Sheffi eld we deserved loved that, that was really good. him and the performances he has put in. them. We need to have respect for them jeered off – albeit not to this extent – in by Sokratis Papastathopoulos. He is a a clear penalty at 0-0 and they didn’t I told the boys at half-time; ‘The He owes them a lot more than that.” when they are applauding us and also the win against Aston Villa fi ve weeks longtime advocate of the technology check. For me VAR is positive and we only problem in this game so far Meanwhile, Unai mery refused to rule when they are criticising us.” ago. “It’s not the moment to speak but frustrations have crept in of late, need VAR. But we need to manage it in is the result — apart from that, out stripping Xhaka of the Arsenal cap- Asked about Xhaka’s future suit- about that,” he said. “First I want to with Emery also feeling that Sokratis the right way.” it’s good’.”

ROUND-UP SPOTLIGHT United’s results have hurt, says Solskjaer Pulisic relieved at fi nally AFP London making his mark for Chelsea AFP start since August — the other and have an easy route and start le Gunnar Solskjaer’s relief at London being the League Cup clash with every game. It’s not always that Manchester United securing their lower league Grimsby — and his easy. So I came in had to work for fi rst Premier League away win fi rst goals for the club in nine ap- my spot just like everyone does. in eight months over struggling helsea’s Christian pearances. “Of course there is I’m proud of the journey I’ve had NorwichO has been tempered by the “hurt” Pulisic says he felt a a sense of relief,” he said. “You so far.” he has felt over their results this season. “sense of relief” after could see that in my emotions Pulisic said the important The 46-year-old Norwegian has enjoyed he netted a hat-trick after the fi rst goal, that relief of thing was that Chelsea manager a rare week of good results beginning with againstC Burnley on Saturday af- getting my fi rst goal and being Frank Lampard — who was not a draw against Premier League leaders Liv- ter a diffi cult start to his time at able to help my team at this level. in charge when the club bought erpool — the fi rst side to take points from the Premier League club. The It’s really good for me.” him — had faith in him. Lampard the Champions League holders in the league 21-year-old American inter- Pulisic, who in November 2018 had said he deserved a chance af- this season. They subsequently beat mod- national — who cost the club in the friendly with Italy became ter he came off the bench in mid- est Serbian outfi t Partizan Belgrade away in £58mn ($74mn) when they aged 20 years and 63 days old week to set up Michy Batshuayi’s the Europa League and then rounded if off signed him from Borussia Dort- the youngest player to captain late winner in the 1-0 victory with the 3-1 victory over hapless Norwich mund last season — became the the United States, said he had over Ajax in Wednesday’s Cham- on Sunday. youngest Chelsea player to score expected to have to battle for a pions League match. Victory saw them rise from a lowly 15th in a hat-trick in the 4-2 win. starting place despite his huge “(Lampard) believes in me and the standings to seventh, albeit 15 points off Pulisic has ostensibly been transfer fee. he’s told me that,” he said. “You Liverpool and nine adrift of city rivals and signed to replace outstanding “I wanted to be on the fi eld as have to keep working hard in champions Manchester City, who are sec- playmaker Eden Hazard, who left much as I could right from the training and earn my spot, that’s ond. Solskjaer made a bright start as care- for Real Madrid in the close sea- start,” he said. “That is every- how it is at the highest level. I’m taker manager when he replaced the sacked son, but has taken time to settle one’s goal. But I didn’t come here going to continue to do so. This is Jose Mourinho last December but since be- in. Saturday was just his second expecting everything to be easy hopefully just the start.” ing given the job permanently has seen the results and performances fall away. How- Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. (Reuters) ever, he claimed he had not read the increas- ingly critical press about him. very good goal and a class fi nish. It is great Friday’s rout equalled Manchester Unit- “The ones that need to trust me and the for Martial to score a goal like that. We could ed’s 9-0 demolition of Ipswich at Old Traf- ones that matter, they don’t mind,” he said and should have had a few more goals.” ford in March 1995 for the biggest win in following the Norwich match. Premier League history. “I have been hurt by the results, I don’t POGBA RETURN DELAYED Saints manager Ralph Hassenhuttl, who know what has been said. I do not care about UNTIL DECEMBER accepted the blame for the humiliation, has that, anyone can have their opinion and that Pogba will remain sidelined until Decem- the daunting task of rebuilding his players is none of my business to comment on, I am ber, Solskjaer admitted. The 26-year-old morale ahead of two trips to Manchester not hurting because of what someone says French World Cup winner has not played for City this week. Southampton play League about me.” the club since September 30 due to an ankle Cup holders City in the fourth round of the Solskjaer was especially pleased to have injury. “I don’t think we’ll see him maybe competition today and are back there on Frenchman Anthony Martial back in the side before December,” said Solskjaer. Saturday for a Premier League clash. — he scored and missed a penalty, one of two “He’ll be out for a while. He needs time “Southampton Football Club’s fi rst-team United squandered — saying he was pivotal to fully, fully recover, so don’t think he’ll players and coaching staff have announced to the style he wanted the team to play. “This be back... maybe Sheffi eld United (on No- they will be donating their wages from last had been a good week for us,” said Solskjaer. vember 24) after the international break but Friday to Saints Foundation,” the club said “It started with a decent performance probably December before you can see him.” in a statement. “The squad has been in at against Liverpool and now two wins away Staplewood Campus throughout the week- from home. It gives the players confi dence SAINTS PLAYERS AND STAFF end, working on putting things right for the and momentum. We have missed Anthony, DONATE TO CHARITY club’s supporters. Chelsea’s midfielder Christian Pulisic he is a very important player for us, the way Southampton’s players and coaching staff “As the fi rst step towards that, the group celebrates after scoring a hat-trick we play and today Marcus Rashford was ex- are to donate their wages from last Friday to has decided that they wish to donate their against Burnley on Saturday. (AFP) cellent down the sides and in the middle. the Saints Foundation in a fi rst step towards wages from the day of the Leicester game to “A great response to missing the penalty, redeeming themselves following the 9-0 Saints Foundation, in order to help the vital chasing back and scoring. The third was a thrashing by Leicester City. work that is conducted by the charity.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, October 29, 2019 FOOTBALL

SERIE A GRANADA GO TOP TO CONTINUE LA LIGA FAIRYTALE

Madrid: Granada moved top of their third straight win in all La Liga on Sunday night with a competitions. 1-0 victory over Real Betis that Javier Hernandez got the Ronaldo set for continues a magical start to the ball rolling in the 69th minute season while Sevilla and Real with his first league goal for his Sociedad joined a group of four new club when he latched on teams just a point behind the to Franco Vazquez’s through surprise leaders. ball and slammed home a Alvaro Vadillo’s smart finish powerful finish. Nine minutes in the 61st minute was enough later Lucas Ocampos sealed recall as Atalanta to give Granada a sixth win of the three points, assisted by a the season and take advantage huge gap in the Getafe defence of Barcelona not playing this and Jesus Navas’ through ball, week to take first place, while which left him with the easy fellow Andalusians Betis stay in task of rounding David Soria the relegation zone. and rolling home his third of The win was also their third the season. boss cools title talk in their last four matches, all of “Getafe are a very tough which have been single-goal team and the game was getting victories. Vadillo’s strike was his very complicated,” said Hern- Ronaldo sat out Saturday’s 1-1 draw at promoted Lecce with fatigue second of the season after he andez. “It felt great to score at scored the second in his side’s that time and that we rounded shock 2-0 win over Barca last it up with Ocampos’ good goal.” month. “I’m very proud of the Real Madrid are a point fur- players, you know that we’re ther back having also played a not looking at the table, the game less than their rivals after only thing we see is 20 points,” the cancellation of their clash said Granada coach Diego Mar- with fierce rivals Barca, whose tinez. “Hopefully we will win Catalonia region has been more games and we continue struck by a wave of demonstra- improving, but we are enjoying tions following the jailing of this ride and the fans are enjoy- nine regional leaders. ing it with us.” On Sunday tens of thousands The four sides trailing of people marched for Spanish Granada are led by Barca, who unity in Barcelona, a day after did not play this weekend after 350,000 Catalan separatists their ‘El Clasico’ against Real held a protest. The match has Madrid was postponed amid been rescheduled for Decem- mass protests in Catalonia. Real ber 18 but on Thursday La Liga Sociedad meanwhile are third revealed they will appeal the after winning 1-0 at Celta Vigo Spanish Football Federation’s earlier on Sunday thanks to decision, saying that they want Swedish substitute Alexander the match played two weeks Isak scoring the only goal with before on December 4. eight minutes left. They cited among the rea- Sevilla joined the pair and sons for their appeal that the Atletico Madrid, who are in league holds the responsibility fourth after beating Athletic Bil- for setting dates due to broad- bao 2-0 on Saturday night, on casting considerations, while 19 points thanks to a 2-0 home December 18 also clashes with win over Getafe that gave them the Copa del Rey.

PENALISED Ribery banned three matches for Juventus battled to a 1-1 stalemate at lowly Lecce on Saturday, but the defending champions still stay top in Serie A as nearest rivals Inter Milan drew 2-2 with Parma. (Reuters) pushing linesman AFP important points,” said Bonucci. “That’s where all three of his team’s substitutes trip to fourth-place Napoli off ers another Milan what happened (Saturday). Luckily we scored, a fi rst in Serie A history. “The lads chance to prove their mettle. Reuters Describing Ribery’s conduct have a chance to get straight back to win- were extraordinary from the fi rst to the “The Scudetto is Juventus’s to lose, Milan as “seriously disrespectful”, Se- ning ways on Wednesday.” last minute,” said Motta, who spent the then there are Inter and Napoli as well rie A’s disciplinary tribunal said ristiano Ronaldo is in line to re- Dybala admitted the frenzied specula- 2008-09 season at Genoa before winning as other teams that have signifi cant pos- that Ribery had approached the turn from a brief rest tomorrow tion over his future made for an unset- the treble under Jose Mourinho with Inter sibilities,” said Gasperini. “We’re not de- iorentina’s veteran for- linesman with “threatening be- as Serie A leaders Juventus host tling summer, but the Argentina forward Milan the following campaign. luding ourselves. It is very early days, only ward Franck Ribery has haviour” and pushed him twice. a Genoa side reinvigorated by has shown his worth to Juve this month. Inter remained a point behind Juve fol- nine rounds.” been suspended for three Earlier, Ribery — who was also theC appointment as coach of former Italy The 25-year-old wanted to stay put but lowing a 2-2 home draw against Parma. AC Milan, who are struggling in 12th matches by Serie A’s dis- fi ned 20,000 euros ($22,196) midfi elder Thiago Motta. Ronaldo sat out was heavily linked with moves to Totten- Antonio Conte’s side could replace the and desperate for a fi rst win under new ciplinaryF tribunal for pushing a — apologised to fans and his Saturday’s 1-1 draw at promoted Lecce ham and Manchester United. defending champions at the top after coach Stefano Pioli, visit second-bottom linesman following his side’s 2-1 teammates on Twitter for his with fatigue, although coach Maurizio He eventually got his wish although he today’s visit to lowly Brescia. While Ata- SPAL on Thursday. home defeat by Lazio on Sunday. behaviour, saying that he was Sarri refused to blame Ronaldo’s absence was limited to a bit-part role in the open- lanta’s maiden Champions League voyage Video footage showed the “agitated” after the controversial for the dropped points. ing weeks of this season. He has earned has run aground, Gian Piero Gasperini’s FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) 36-year-old, who had been sub- fi nish. Juve will face city rivals Torino this the trust of Sarri and scored four goals in free-scoring team is muscling its way into Today: Parma v Verona (1800), Brescia v stituted in the 74th minute, re- Fiorentina asserted that the weekend before a trip to Lokomotiv Mos- his last three starts — converting a penal- contention at the top. Inter Milan (2000) monstrating with match offi cials move which led to Lazio’s 89th- cow in the Champions League on No- ty in the draw at Lecce. With Gonzalo Hi- Last year’s third-place fi nish repre- after the fi nal whistle as Fioren- minute goal began with a foul by vember 6, and defender Leonardo Bonuc- guain nursing a head injury that required sented the highest in the club’s 112-year Tomorrow: Napoli v Atalanta (1800), tina protested about Lazio’s win- Jordan Lukaku on Riccardo Sotil ci urged his team-mates to swiftly move stitches this past weekend, Dybala can history, and their 28 goals through the Cagliari v Bologna, Juventus v Genoa, ning goal. and were baffl ed as to why the on from the Lecce disappointment. likely expect another shot to extend his fi rst nine games is the best return since Lazio v Torino, Sampdoria v Lecce, Sas- He then pushed one of the referee did not review the inci- “We have to roll up our sleeves and be run of goalscoring form this week. AC Milan in 1992-93. A 7-1 demolition suolo v Fiorentina, Udinese v Roma (all linesman before being restrained dent on the pitchside monitor — even more determined — and learn quick- Motta’s debut as Genoa coach end- of Udinese pushed Atalanta to within 2000) by teammates and was shown the instead relying on a silent check ly too, otherwise we can end up dropping ed in a 3-1 win over Brescia — a match three points of Juve, and Wednesday’s On Thursday: AC Milan v SPAL (2000) red card. by the VAR offi cial.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Qatar Airways launches travel Yaya Toure says FIFA ‘don’t care’ about racism

AFP packages for Arabian Gulf Cup Shanghai atar Airways has announced the launch Qatar Airways was recently named ‘Airline of travel packages to bring football fans of the Year’ for the fi fth time by the 2019 World aya Toure says FIFA to Qatar to be part of the 24th Arabian Airline Awards, managed by international air is not doing enough to Gulf Cup Qatar 2019. The award-win- transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also stamp out racism and ningQ airline is a partner of the Arabian Gulf Cup named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘Best Busi- that England should Qatar 2019, which will be hosted at the Khalifa ness Class Seat’, and ‘Best Airline in the Middle Yhave walked off the pitch in the International Stadium from 24 November to 6 East’. face of monkey chants during December. their Euro 2020 qualifi er in Bul- Great value packages, including hotel stays and SCHEDULE garia. The 36-year-old former airport transfers, are available to book through November 24: Qatar vs Yemen; Iraq vs Oman Barcelona and Manchester City Qatar Airways Holidays. For more information, midfi elder made the comments fans cans visit qatarairways.com/AGC2019 November 27: Yemen vs Kuwait; Oman vs Qatar to AFP after helping Qingdao Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE Ak- November 30: Kuwait vs Iraq; Oman vs Yemen Huanghai clinch promotion to bar al-Baker, said: “We are proud to be off ering the Chinese Super League at the December 3: Kuwait vs Oman; Iraq vs Qatar football fans the opportunity to travel with our weekend. fi ve-star airline to enjoy top-level international December 6: Yemen vs Iraq; Qatar vs Kuwait England’s 6-0 victory in Sofi a football in Qatar. The Arabian Gulf Cup Qatar earlier this month was marred 2019 will bring together pas- by racist chants and Nazi salutes sionate supporters from the from a section of Bulgarian fans. region and marks the start of The game was halted twice dur- an exciting winter of football ing the fi rst half, but England in Qatar with the FIFA Club players opted to complete the World Cup Qatar 2019 kicking match instead of walking off the and Manchester City forward, In response, FIFA said that or January, then go, have another off in December. We are ready pitch. “This is a shame, why are has been widely praised for play- “the fi ght against racism is of challenge,” he said, vowing to to show the world our warm you playing for England?” Toure, ing a prominent role in calling out utmost importance” to football’s play on until he is 40. “People are hospitality, cultural delights who has been outspoken on foot- the racists at home and abroad. world governing body. In the af- thinking that I’m done, but I’m and readiness ahead of the FIFA ball’s racism problem, said of the But Toure, his former teammate termath of the Bulgaria match, not done yet,” he said. World Cup Qatar 2022.” decision. “They are always talk- at City, said that was “not good FIFA president Gianni Infantino Toure has enjoyed his spell in The Arabian Gulf Cup was ing, ‘Blah, blah, blah’, and what? enough”. said that racists must be “kicked Chinese football and stressed established in 1970 by the Arab Nothing changes.” Toure, whose trophy haul in- out” of stadiums. that he has never experienced Gulf Cup Football Federation. Turning his real fi re on foot- cludes three Premier League ti- Toure was speaking after he any form of discrimination in the This will be the fourth time Qa- ball’s decision-makers, the four- tles with City and a UEFA Cham- played a pivotal role for Qingdao country. “It’s been a nice expe- tar has hosted the tournament, time African player of the year pions League with Barcelona, in a 2-0 win on Saturday at rience because I’ve seen people having previously hosted the said: “People from FIFA don’t believes it is time the players Shanghai Shenxin, attended by with a diff erent mentality from 1976, 1992 and 2004 editions. care anyway because we’ve been took more decisive action. “They just a few hundred spectators. Europe — the way to play football, Qatar has taken home the title talking about this, but it’s still have to be serious about it, play- Victory ensured promotion to the the way they feel and their behav- on three occasions (1992, 2004 continuing. I don’t want to say ers need to make serious moves top-tier Chinese Super League iour on the fi eld,” he said. “When and 2014). Kuwait is the most that I’m not concerned, I’m con- about it otherwise they (the rac- for the team that Toure joined in I play in the stadiums, nobody successful team in tournament cerned,” said the former Ivory ists) will continue to do that,” he July, but he is unlikely to make boos me because I’m black, it’s a history, winning ten titles out Coast international. said. “They have to get the play- the move up with them next year. diff erent culture, they respect. In of 23. Raheem Sterling, the England ers out of the fi eld.” “I think I’ll fi nish in December Europe, they respect nobody.” Gulf Times Tuesday, October 29, 2019 5 SPORT

BASEBALL NBA Nightmare before Halloween as Astros rout Nats Warriors crash again to reach brink of World Series title ‘IF WE WIN IN FRONT OF OUR FANS, IT’S GOING TO BE SO SPECIAL’

AFP Washington

masterful pitching performance from Houston ace Ger- rit Cole sparked the AstrosA to a 7-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Sun- day, lifting them to the brink of their second World Series title in three seasons. Yordan Alvarez, Carlos Cor- rea and George Springer each smacked two-run homers as the Astros seized a 3-2 lead in Major League Baseball’s best-of-seven fi nal. “If we win in front of our fans, it’s going to be so special,” Cor- rea said. “I think I’ll black out for the fi rst time in my life.” Cole struck out nine and surrendered only one run on three hits over seven innings as the Nationals dropped a third straight home game, having bat- ted only.175 in the span. But after dropping the fi rst two games of the series at home, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dennis Schroder (17) shoots against the Astros are far from overcon- the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Chesapeake fi dent. Energy Arena. Oklahoma City won 120-92. PICTURE: Alonzo “These next 27 outs we’re Adams-USA TODAY Sports going to have to get to wrap this thing up are going to be AFP Meanwhile, Jae Crowder the hardest we’ve had to get all Los Angeles drained a 3-pointer as time ex- year,” Cole said. Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) turns a double play over Washington Nationals first baseman Howie Kendrick (47) during pired in overtime to lift the host Game six is set for Tuesday in the second inning in game five of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park in Washington. PICTURE: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports Memphis Grizzlies to a 134-133 Houston, where a seventh game he Golden State Warri- victory over the Brooklyn Nets would be played Wednesday if two games left. Let’s worry for strikes with only Juan Soto’s Cuban-born 22-year-old Al- seventh, trimming Houston’s ors suff ered their second on Sunday. necessary. about Tuesday,” Martinez said. solo homer in the seventh spoil- varez, who went 3-for-3 at the lead to 4-1. mauling of the season Brooklyn appeared poised to “We’ve got a lot of fi ght in us “I like our chances.” ing a shutout eff ort. plate, smashed a two-run hom- But the Astros answered in the yesterday, crashing to a record its second win in three left. I know we do,” Nationals The Astros could become “The stuff was crisper,” Cole er into the centerfi eld stands off eighth as Springer doubled, took T120-92 defeat against a rampant outings after Memphis rookie Ja manager Dave Martinez said. only the third team in World Se- said. “I thought we executed Ross in the second inning after third on Jose Altuve’s ground out Oklahoma City Thunder. Morant failed to connect with “We’re going to fi ght. We’re go- ries history to lose the fi rst two more pitches.” Yuli Gurriel had hit an infi eld and scored on a Gurriel single. As Americans began gearing Kyle Anderson on an inbounds ing to fi nish this thing.” games at home and win the ti- The Nationals suff ered a ma- single. Soto singled and took Springer blasted a two-run up to celebrate Halloween, War- pass with 8.1 seconds left. The Astros can secure a sec- tle, the fi rst since the 1996 New jor setback hours before the third on Howie Kendrick’s sin- homer to left fi eld in the ninth riors coach Steve Kerr was left Spencer Dinwiddie made one ond title in three seasons today York Yankees. In sweeping three start when scheduled starter gle in the second but Cole struck after a Martin Maldonado single digesting another horror story of two free throws to push the when Justin Verlander takes the games at Washington, where the Max Scherzer was pulled due out Ryan Zimmerman and in- to complete the scoring. from his depleted squad. Nets’ lead to 133-131, but Morant mound against Washington’s World Series hadn’t been played to neck and trapezius muscle duced a double play to end the Astros relievers Joe Smith and The Warriors had been routed set up Crowder for the game- Stephen Strasburg. since 1933, the Astros outscored spasms, leaving 26-year-old threat. Ryan Pressly allowed Washing- emphatically 141-122 by the Los winning shot at the top of the The Nationals must win twice the Nationals by a combined right-hander Joe Ross to pitch Correa followed an Alvarez ton only one hit after Cole’s de- Angeles Clippers in their season arc. in Texas, as they did in the fi rst 19-3 after falling twice by a on short notice. single in the fourth with a two- parture. opener on Thursday. Morant scored 17 of his 30 two games of the series, to cap- combined 17-7 in Houston. Doctors say Scherzer might be run homer off Ross to left field, US President Donald Trump But that defeat was surpassed points in the fourth quarter and ture the fi rst title in the fran- Cole allowed fi ve runs on available for Washington if the lifting the Astros ahead 4-0. received a chorus of boos from on Sunday as the Thunder out- pushed the game into overtime chise’s 50-year history and the eight hits over seven innings Nats can force a seventh game. Soto snapped a hitless streak the crowd of 43,910 when his played the Warriors in every de- with a well-timed block of Kyrie fi rst for Washington since 1924. in a game-one loss but mysti- “He’s going to try to fi gure of 5 1/3 innings for the Nationals image appeared on the stadium partment to win by 28 points. Irving as time expired. “It has been pretty even this fi ed Nationals batters Sunday, something out,” Martinez said. by smashing a solo homer just videoscreen just after the third “In the fi rst half we didn’t Dillon Brooks made 9 of 15 series. They are a game up with throwing 71 of his 110 pitches “He wants to get himself ready.” over the centerfi eld wall in the inning. come out ready to play and Okla- shots from the fi eld for 21 points homa City just took it to us right as the Grizzlies overcame an from the beginning,” a dejected eight-point defi cit with 3:20 re- NHL Kerr said afterwards. maining in the fourth quarter to “I was really pleased with the record their fi rst win of the sea- eff ort of everyone in the second son. half. Bruins top Rangers with Bergeron’s hat trick But we needed to start the ELSEWHERE... game with that kind of attention Trail Blazers 121, NHL stormed back after blowing a to detail. Mavericks 119 New York two-goal lead to hand host De- I mean we had 12 turnovers in Carried by 35 points from CJ troit its eighth consecutive loss. the fi rst half. McCollum, 28 from Damian Lil- Ryan O’Reilly had two goals “We were throwing the ball lard and 20 from Rodney Hood, atrice Bergeron net- and two assists to lead the Blues. all over the yard and our defense Portland Trail Blazers overcame ted a hat trick, and Schenn and Zach Sanford also was breaking down.” a sluggish fi rst half to pull out a Brad Marchand added scored for St. Louis, while Jor- The Warriors’ ragged fi rst-half clutch victory at Dallas Maver- two goals and three as- dan Binnington made 29 saves. performance saw them in trouble icks. Psists as the Boston Bruins won Tyler Bertuzzi and Dylan Larkin from the outset, quickly falling Lillard’s lefty layup with 26.8 7-4 on Sunday in the New York each had a goal and an assist for behind 35-20 by the end of the seconds to go — after a Maver- Rangers’ 2,000th regular-sea- Detroit. Filip Hronek and Valtteri fi rst quarter. icks shot-clock violation — put son NHL game at the current Filppula also scored. By half-time, the Thunder had the Blazers ahead for good. Madison Square Garden, which With the Blues leading 3-1 af- opened up a monstrous 70-37 Kristaps Porzingis led Dal- opened in 1968. ter two periods, Detroit scored lead, all but guaranteeing victory las with 32 points, adding nine David Pastrnak had a fi ve- three times before the 12-minute for coach Billy Donovan’s team. rebounds and fi ve assists, while game goal streak snapped but mark in the third to take a lead. Dennis Schroder led the scor- Luka Doncic had 29 points, 12 re- contributed fi ve assists as Bos- O’Reilly tied the game at 15:42 to ing from the bench for OKC, bounds and nine assists. ton’s top line accounted for 13 force the extra period. fi nishing with 22 points, eight points. Charlie Coyle and Zdeno rebounds and six assists. TIMBERWOLVES Chara also had goals for the Bru- BLACKHAWKS 5, KINGS 1 Four other Thunder players 116, HEAT 109 ins, who have at least a point in Dylan Strome tallied two goals made double fi gures, with power Andrew Wiggins scored 16 of seven straight games (5-0-2). and an assist, and Chicago pulled forward Danilo Gallinari adding his 25 points in the fourth quar- Goaltender Jaroslav Halak made away for a win over visiting Los 21 points and Shai Gilgeous-Al- ter — including three straight 25 saves. Micheal Haley, Pavel Angeles. exander fi nishing with 19. 3-pointers at one point — to lead Buchnevich, Chris Kreider and Alex DeBrincat also enjoyed a Golden State responded with Minnesota past Miami in Min- Brady Skjei scored for the Rang- three-point night with a goal and 23 from Stephen Curry but their neapolis. ers, who dropped to 1-5-1 in their two assists for the Blackhawks, off ense was all too often bullied In a span of just over four min- last seven. Goalie Henrik Lun- who snapped a four-game losing by the Thunder defense. utes, Wiggins scored 16 of Min- dqvist stopped 27 shots before streak. David Kampf and Drake Nevertheless Kerr said he saw nesota’s 17 points, as the Wolves being relieved with New York Caggiula scored one goal apiece signs of improvement in the sec- went from a 96-93 defi cit to a trailing 4-1 after two periods. for Chicago. ond half, describing it as a “ma- 110-101 lead. The Bruins were coming off an Jacob Trouba (8) of the New York Rangers and Patrice Bergeron (37) of the Boston Bruins battle for Sean Walker scored the lone jor step forward”. Prior to that stretch, he had emotional 3-0 victory Saturday the puck during the first period of their NHL game at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday. goal for Los Angeles, which has “I know that sounds crazy be- been 0-for-5 on 3-pointers in at home against St. Louis, the dropped three in a row and six of cause we lost by however many the game. team that defeated them in Game Philadelphia in Uniondale, NY, kub Voracek, Travis Konecny span of 125 seconds near the start its past eight games. points it was, but we’re looking Then, he made fi ve straight 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last stretching the Isles’ winning and Claude Giroux scored a goal of the second period for a 3-0 for incremental improvement shots, including four threes, dur- spring. After trailing 1-0 through streak to seven. Mathew Barzal, apiece for the Flyers, who had lead for the Panthers, who last SENATORS 5, SHARKS 2 and I saw some of that in the sec- ing the 17-5 run. the fi rst period, Boston came out Derick Brassard, Ross Johnston their three-game winning streak failed to get a point in a 6-3 loss Nick Paul had two goals and an ond half,” Kerr said. T-Wolves big man Karl-An- strong in the second with two and Ryan Pulock each contrib- snapped. to Carolina on Oct. 8. assist for the fi rst-multi-point The Warriors have reached the thony Towns had 23 points and 11 goals in the opening 1:08 and two uted a goal for the hot Island- Leon Draisaitl contributed a game of his NHL career in his NBA Finals for the past fi ve sea- rebounds. more later in the period while ers, who set a season-high for PANTHERS 6, OILERS 2 goal and an assist, and James Neal 62nd game as host Ottawa beat sons, winning three of them. But he was fairly quiet after a outshooting New York 21-5 in the goals scored. New York started Florida scored on its fi rst three also scored for Edmonton, which San Jose. However Kerr warned after 15-point fi rst quarter. frame. the season 1-3-0 but hasn’t lost shots of the second period and lost for the fi rst time at home af- Brady Tkachuk fi nished with Thursday’s loss to the Clippers Miami was led by rookie guard since, matching the franchise’s recorded at least one point for ter opening with fi ve wins. a goal and two assists, Connor that the franchise would need to Kendrick Nunn, who scored 25 ISLANDERS 5, FLYERS 3 longest single-season winning the eighth straight game with an Brown had a goal and an assist, adjust to a new “reality” as they points. Anders Lee had a goal and an streak since 1990. easy win in Edmonton. BLUES 5, RED WINGS 4 (OT) Anthony Duclair also scored, and attempt to manage a period of He is off to the best three- assist, and fi ve diff erent New Islanders goaltender Semyon Aaron Ekblad, Brian Boyle and David Perron scored at 1:28 Craig Anderson made 34 saves transition that saw Kevin Durant game rookie scoring start in Heat York skaters scored in a win over Varlamov made 28 saves. Ja- Noel Acciari netted markers in a of overtime as St. Louis Blues for the Senators. leave in the summer. history. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, October 29, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS/WTA FINALS SPOTLIGHT Barty, Stosur spearhead Australia Halep registers in Fed Cup fi nal

AFP “We have a lot of experience, Sydney and we’ll go about our business the same way, not feeling like we need to change anything because orld number one it will be the spectacle of a fi nal,” stunning comeback Ashleigh Barty and said Molik. veteran Samantha “Hosting a Fed Cup fi nal in Stosur spearhead your home country is a rare and WAustralia’s team announced precious opportunity,” she add- yesterday for the Fed Cup fi nal ed. “I know our team will not against France, as the country only embrace the challenge, but targets a fi rst title since 1974. feed off the support of the fans.” Seven-time champions Aus- Australia holds a 5-1 record against Andreescu tralia powered into their fi rst over two-time Fed Cup champi- decider in 26 years by beating ons France, although the French ‘I’m happy that I could fight with a girl who is 10 years younger than me’ Belarus in April, while France won the most recent tie between booked their berth with victory the two nations in 2000, when over Romania. Molik was on the team. The Western Australia capital Current French Open cham- Perth hosts the fi nal on hard- pion Barty and former US Open courts on November 9-10. winner Stosur played both sin- Along with Barty and Stosur, gles and doubles in their semi- Australian captain Alicia Molik fi nal win, but Molik gave no in- handed a debut to Ajla Toml- dication on how she will deploy janovic, who has spent most of them against France. 2019 inside the top 50, hitting a Barty, though, will almost career-high of 39. She eff ectively certainly play both singles and replaces the injured Daria Ga- doubles again. She is unbeaten vrilova. in Fed Cup play this year, win- Young guns Astra Sharma and ning all four of her singles Priscilla Hon round out the team. matches plus two decisive dou- France are yet to name their lineup. bles rubbers.

Simona Halep of Romania in action during her first round match against Bianca Andreescu of Canada in the WTA Finals in Shenzhen yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP convert and fell away after that. baseline and ruthlessly pounced Pliskova to start her title defence It was a tense contest extend- Shenzhen, China Halep moved on top of Pur- on Halep’s tentative serve to impressively. It was Svitolina’s ing into a nerve-jangling tie- ple Group alongside defending break three times in a dominant fourth straight victory over a breaker with Pliskova’s bold ap- champion Elina Svitolina who opening set. misfi ring Pliskova who had 42 proach saving six set points, but imbledon cham- earlier beat No.2 seed Karolina It was a see-saw in the second unforced errors. she miscued on the seventh as pion Simona Halep Pliskova 7-6 (14/12), 6-4 in one set with both players struggling The 25-year-old is hoping to the Ukrainian fi nally drew fi rst saved a match point hour and 53 minutes. to hold serve before Halep pro- end a barren season on a high blood. A frustrated Pliskova was in the second set “I love playing under pres- duced her best when it mattered having not captured a title since broken immediately to open the Wand then powered to a rousing sure,” Halep said after the most to force a deciding set. last year’s WTA Finals triumph. second set and never seriously comeback victory over Canadian match. “I’m happy that I could Andreescu received medi- “This is my last chance (this threatened to stage a comeback Ashleigh Barty of Australia in action. (AFP) sensation Bianca Andreescu at fi ght with a girl who is 10 years cal attention on her lower back season),” Svitolina told report- against an increasingly confi - the WTA Finals yesterday. younger than me.” between sets and she appeared ers. “That’s the biggest motiva- dent Svitolina. The No.5 seed prevailed with a There has been much atten- lethargic in the deciding set as a tion for me. I always try to bring Pliskova, who has a tour- Berrettini reaches Top 10 for the fi rst time gruelling 3-6,7-6 (8/6), 6-3 win tion on Andreescu since she beat rejuvenated Halep took full ad- my best game.” leading four titles this season, in two hours and 34 minutes at Serena Williams in the US Open vantage. It was a disappointing result rued the marathon tiebreaker The Italian Matteo Berrettini the Race to London and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Cen- fi nal and she started confi dently The No.4 seed lost for just the for Pliskova who started well, where she failed to convert a set moved into the Top 10 for the will secure his place at the tre. in her fi rst appearance at the sixth time in 54 matches this mixing trademark hard-hitting point “I think that decided the first time in his career when year-ending ATP Finals if he Andreescu, who at 19 is the season-ending showpiece. season, where she started the blows from the baseline with match,” she said. “Even though I the ATP rankings were released reaches the final of this week’s youngest player in the draw, had In a matchup of the past two year ranked 178. softer touch, but Svitolina slow- had some chances in the second yesterday. Paris Masters. The Russian a match point in the 12th game of Grand Slam champions, An- Earlier, Svitolina continued ly clawed her way back into the set, the fi rst set was a big part of The 23-year-old, who reached Karen Khachanov moves the second set but was unable to dreescu dictated early from the her dominance over Karolina match. the match.” the semi-finals in Vienna last up one place to eight while week before losing to eventual Kei Nishikori, who has not winner Dominic Thiem, climbs played since the US Open and Federer withdraws from Paris Masters two places to number nine. underwent surgery on his right Berrettini was ranked 53 a year elbow last week, slips out of World number three Roger Fed- ters,” he said in a statement. Tournament director Guy Forget “My fitness is fine, I’m happy with semi-finals where he lost a three- ago but has climbed steadily in the Top 10, down three places erer announced yesterday that he “I have to pace myself since I want said he was “disappointed” how I feel,” he said. set semi-final thriller to Novak 2019, winning two ATP events to 11. was withdrawing from this week’s to play as long as possible on the with Federer’s late decision to “I just don’t know if I should play Djokovic, who is top seed ahead in Budapest and Stuttgart and Novak Djokovic stays at Paris Masters in order to “pace” ATP Tour. withdraw. The 38-year-old Federer next week. I’ll figure it out with the of Rafael Nadal in the French progressing to the semi-finals number one, the 275th week himself for the next year. “I am sorry for my French fans warned on Sunday after winning team.” Federer returned to the capital this year. of the US Open where he lost in his career that he holds the “I am extremely disappointed to who I will see next year at Roland his 10th Basel title that he may Paris Masters last year for the first Federer will be replaced by a lucky to Rafael Nadal. top spot, but is set to lose the have to pull out of the Paris Mas- Garros.” skip the trip to Paris. time since 2015 and reached the loser in the main draw. He is currently eighth in position next week to Nadal.

MOTORSPORT Hamilton all set for a sixth celebration in Texas Reuters he has never fi nished higher than Mexico City fi fth. The only one of the remain- ing three races that the Finn has ewis Hamilton has a week won previously is Abu Dhabi, in to wait for his sixth Formula 2017 when Hamilton had already One championship and the clinched the title and still came sport’s US owners could second. As the late Muhammad Ali Lhardly have wished for a better famously said of rival Joe Frazier, backdrop to the celebrations. the only chances are slim and none. The Mercedes driver is a racing And, after Bottas fi nished third in certainty to wrap things up at the Mexico to fall further behind his Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in team mate, slim has defi nitely left Austin, Texas, next Sunday. town. The US market is seen as a major Hamilton has won fi ve of the growth area for commercial rights seven US Grands Prix held in Aus- holder Liberty Media, with an- tin since the circuit’s debut in 2012 other race in Miami in the planning and has yet to fi nish lower than stages and talk also of Las Vegas, fourth there. while Hamilton is a regular visitor He is also on a run of 30 succes- to what has become home from sive points scoring fi nishes and has home. stood on the podium in 14 of the 18 “I’ve obviously done quite a few Lewis Hamilton powers his car during the Mexico Grand Prix at the Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack in races so far in 2019. (television) shows out there and Mexico City on Sunday. (AFP) Sunday’s win was his 10th of the am defi nitely becoming more and season, taking him to a career tally more known in the States,” the can relate to,” added the grand- to go there and who knows whether teri Bottas with three races to go, of 83 with Michael Schumacher’s 34-year-old Briton said after win- son of Caribbean immigrants who we can get the job done.” which means the Briton needs only all-time record of 91 in his sights. ning Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix has risen from an underprivileged It does not take a lot of number four points — an eighth place — to Hamilton will be joining the to all but secure the crown. background to fame and fortune. crunching to fi gure out the chanc- put the championship to bed. great German, who racked up sev- “I think my story and my fam- “The (Texas) track is fantas- es. Bottas must meanwhile win all en titles, as the only drivers to have Lewis Hamilton celebrates at the podium after winning the Mexico ily’s story is something that a lot tic and it’s been a good hunting Hamilton has a 74 point advan- of the last three races to have any won six since the world champion- Grand Prix at the Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack in Mexico City on of people in diff erent countries ground for me, so I’m very excited tage over Finnish team mate Valt- hope — starting at a circuit where ship started in 1950. Sunday. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, October 29, 2019 7 RUGBY WORLD CUP

FOCUS PREVIEW South Africa expect Ford-Farrell Semi post-mortem axis in fi nal

Reuters “It doesn’t get much better than Tokyo that but we’ll see in the week.” Pollard was equally infl uential in his own side’s 19-16 victory over outh Africa are expecting Wales in the second semi-fi nal on brutal, says All George Ford to play fl yhalf Sunday as he also slotted four pen- again in the Rugby World alties. Cup fi nal with England While the Springboks backs and captainS Owen Farrell outside him loose forwards would look at the after the pair were impressive in infl uence Ford and Farrell, they their demolition of New Zealand were only a small part of the ap- in the semi-fi nals, according to proach they would need to con- Handre Pollard. sider on Saturday in Yokohama, Blacks’ Williams England coach Eddie Jones Pollard added. “We won’t prepare had surprisingly dropped Ford to around that (combination), we’ll ‘We want to go out and show we’re better than that, and start this process’ the bench for their quarter-fi nal prepare around the bigger picture,” against Australia, then reinstated Pollard added. AFP his 10-12 partnership with Farrell “They played unbelievably well. Tokyo for the semi-fi nal against the All Physically they stepped it up to a Blacks in Yokohama on Saturday. new level. We’re going to have to Ford was increasingly infl uential stop them. ew Zealand icon Son- in the second half as he kept New “Its going to be another gain- ny Bill Williams said Zealand pinned inside their own line battle and its two sides that yesterday that the All territory before England ended the pride themselves on a good kicking Blacks players needed All Blacks 18-match World Cup game as well. N“bulletproof vests” during a winning streak with a superb 19-7 “It’s going to be a good chess brutal analysis of their devas- victory. match.” tating 19-7 World Cup semi- The 26-year-old also took over South Africa coach Rassie Eras- fi nal defeat by England. the goal kicking from Farrell, who mus was also impressed with the The treble-chasing All Blacks was injured early in the game, and way England had “dismantled” suff ered only their second loss slotted four penalties, and Pollard New Zealand in the semi-fi nal and in 17 games against the Eng- was impressed with what he saw. he was certain they were a diff er- lish, who also snapped New “They’ll probably go Ford-Far- ent side from that which beat the Zealand’s remarkable 18-match rell again, its a pretty good combo,” Springboks 12-11 at Twickenham unbeaten run in the competi- South Africa’s fl yhalf Pollard said. last November. tion, one which had dated back to 2007. Williams, who has two win- ner’s medals, revealed that combing through the wreck- age of Saturday’s upset by a pumped-up England in Yoko- hama had stung and that the coaching staff had pulled no punches in a grim post-mortem. “We went through the review this morning and some of the boys had their bulletproof vests on,” said the hulking centre, set to bow out as an All Black after this week’s third-place playoff with Wales. “Now we’ve just got to get on with it. South Africa’s Handre Pollard in action during their semi-final match “It was a little more stressful against Wales at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, yesterday with my little one,” Japan, on Sunday. (Reuters) added Williams, noting the ef- fect a rare New Zealand failure had on his children. “Didn’t sleep well, she was out of New Zealand boss rules out whack.” New Zealand, who had not Gatland for All Blacks coach lost at the World Cup since New Zealand Rugby (NZR) boss the Lions in a four-year period France stunned them in the Steve Tew has poured cold water would be impossible,” outgoing 2007 quarter-fi nals, face Wales New Zealand’s centre Sonny Bill Williams reacts after losing their semi-final match against England at the International Stadium Yokohama on the prospect of Warren Gatland NZR chief executive Tew told New in Tokyo on Friday after the Six in Yokohama, Japan, on Saturday. (AFP) coaching the All Blacks due to his Zealand’s Radio Sport yesterday. Nations champions were beaten commitment to the British and NZR will set up a four-member 19-16 by South Africa on Sun- “Straight after the game, I Kieran Read, it felt like the end selves,” he said. “We have play- ing set-up. Irish Lions. panel to interview candidates day. didn’t really want to play this of an era for what England boss ers and management that are “There are going to be a few Gatland, who will step down as after the World Cup and hope to It is a match that nobody real- week — but fi ve or 10 minutes Eddie Jones described as the hurting and we want to go out guys putting their hands up,” Wales coach after the Rugby World announce Hansen’s replacement ly wants to play — but Williams later I fl ipped the script and “greatest team in sport”. and show we’re better than that, said Williams, who is of Samoan Cup, has signed to coach the Lions by Christmas, added Tew, who will insisted it could prove cathartic thought how good it would be to But assistant coach Ian Fos- and start this process. heritage. in South Africa in 2021 and is also be succeeded by Mark Robinson at for the wounded All Blacks. get through this, play again next ter, tipped to take over from “Energy levels might be low “I’d like to see a Pacifi c Is- returning to New Zealand to coach the end of the year. “It was a tough night, but week and put those lessons into Hansen before their crushing with the quick turnaround but lander or a Maori in the coach- the Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby. The All Blacks’ semi-final defeat to there were some lessons,” said practice.” defeat, echoed the sentiments there are players jumping out of ing system that would have a bit Current All Blacks coach Steve England has been a tough pill to the 34-year-old, who has also of Williams as he promised this their skin (to play).” of infl uence,” he added. Hansen is set to step down after swallow for NZ fans accustomed won a pair of titles in Australia’s HEALING PROCESS week’s clash with Wales would Williams, meanwhile, called “There’s a lot of Island boys, the bronze match against Wales in to success after back-to-back WC National Rugby League and a With All Blacks head coach Ste- mark the start of a healing proc- for a candidate with Pacifi c is- a lot of Maori boys playing for Tokyo on Friday. wins in 2011 and 2015, but Tew WBA international heavyweight ve Hansen stepping down after ess for the All Blacks. land or Maori blood to be con- the All Blacks — there’s a lot of “I think to coach the All Blacks and urged the nation to move on. boxing crown. seven years, along with captain “It’s a chance to redeem our- sidered for the All Blacks coach- space there for that growth.”

SPOTLIGHT ‘Enjoy the play-off ’ — Jones hits back at Gatland jibe AFP fore leaving the fi eld with a fresh ing hamstring injury suff ered Tokyo fi tness problem. against New Zealand. But a smiling Jones insisted Jones picked just two special- yesterday: “We had a walk- ist scrum-halves in his 31-man ddie Jones has responded through this morning and we squad for Japan. in typically sharp fashion had to tell Jonny to slow down a Ben Spencer arrived in Tokyo after Wales coach War- bit. on Monday as cover for fi rst- ren Gatland questioned “He’s probably in better con- choice number nine Ben Youngs, whetherE England had played dition than he was last week at with the Saracens scrum-half their World Cup fi nal a week ear- this stage.” now having just a few days to ly with a stunning victory over England captain Owen Farrell prepare for a World Cup fi nal. champions New Zealand. also suff ered a dead leg during “It’s tough for Willi, he’s a Gatland was speaking after an impressive win but fi nished very well-liked member of the Wales had been edged out 19- the game, albeit his injury saw squad and he was in tears in the 16 in the second semi-fi nal by George Ford took over the goal- dressing room,” said Jones. South Africa, who will now face kicking duties. “But he’s collected himself, he England in Yokohama on Satur- “Owen’s a bit sore but he’ll be now knows he’s got another role day in a repeat of the 2007 fi nal. fi ne,” said Jones. “We’ve got a to play for us.” The Welsh play the All Blacks few others carrying bumps and Jones added: “The great thing in the bronze fi nal 24 hours ear- bruises because it was a tough is Willi wanted to stay and we lier, with Gatland’s last match old game.” wanted him to stay so it wasn’t a after 12 years in charge coming Meanwhile Jones said England hard discussion. against his native New Zealand. could continue to lift the mood “It’s like when you want to get “Well, guys, can you just send of the nation by taking attention married mate. If the lady wants my best wishes to Warren to away from Brexit with a win over to marry you and you off er to make sure he enjoys the third the Springboks. marry, it’s a pretty easy conver- and fourth place play-off ,” Eng- sation. land coach Jones told reporters BREXIT BLUES “He works hard for the team, when Gatland’s comments were “It’s great — you give the coun- Ben (Youngs) and him have got a put to him yesterday. try something to cheer about really good relationship and even Meanwhile the Australian, and with Brexit at the moment now he’s already started to men- in charge of the Wallabies side they probably need something to tor Ben Spencer. He’s a really that lost to England in the 2003 cheer about,” Jones said. great team man.” World Cup fi nal, delivered a “It’s the job of a team to make Spencer’s three replacement boost to Red Rose hopes of a sec- the country happy and we’ve caps amount to just over 20 ond global crown by declaring made the country happy. Not minutes of Test rugby in total Jonny May had recovered well as happy as they can be because but Jones said: “Ben has been in from the dead leg the wing suf- there is still a game to go as we’ve and around the squad consist- fered in a superb 19-7 semi-fi nal said.” ently for the last couple of years win over New Zealand. Meanwhile Jones paid tribute so he knows the game, he knows The Leicester fl yer had been a to Willi Heinz after the back- the players. doubt coming into the All Blacks up scrum-half saw his dreams “We always said to those guys match because of a hamstring of playing in a World Cup fi nal outside the 31 that they need to England’s head coach Eddie Jones looks on prior to the semi-final match against New Zealand at the International Stadium Yokohama in injury and played 45 minutes be- crushed by a tournament-end- be ready, and he is ready to go.” Yokohama, Japan, on Saturday. (Reuters)

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT 13th edition of Schools Olympic Program begins The competition is held annually as a collaborative eff ort of Qatar School Sports Association and Ministry of Education and Higher Education

By Sports Reporter programme, namely the Ministry of Doha Education and Higher Education and Aspire Academy. The event was attended by 70 tal- he 13th Schools Olympic Pro- ented students who were discovered gram (SOP) began at the As- through the previous edition of the pire Zone yesterday. The SOP, championships and had represented which is a national programme several schools, namely: Khalifa Model Tthat covers all the Qatari schools, will Independent School, Al Khor Model be held over six months. School, Newton International Academy The competition is held annually as Barwa City, Muaz Bin Jabal Independ- a collaborative eff ort of Qatar School ent Primary School, Jaber Bin Hayyan Sports Association (QSSA) and Min- School, Simaisma School, Othman Bin istry of Education and Higher Educa- Aff an Boys School, Kamal Nagy School, tion. The SOP aims to spread a culture Abdullah Al Misnad School and Al of sports throughout the schools and Qadisiyah Model School. engage the entire community in active Al-Buainain said: “What we saw to- and healthy lifestyles while retaining day was a pool of students who had tak- local values and traditions. en part in the previous editions of the Last year’s edition featured 12 sports SOP. The talented players have joined — football, basketball, volleyball, hand- a number of clubs and thus achieved ball, tennis, table tennis, fencing, gym- one of the most important objectives of nastics, athletics, swimming, chess SOP, which is to provide talents to clubs and taekwondo. This year’s events will who in turn will represent national feature students compete in 12 sports in team. There is co-operation between the boys section and 13 in the girl’s. clubs, federations and schools, and The SOP goes in line with other ini- that they consider the education sector tiatives undertaken by Qatar as part of as an important sector in the sporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. Last career. There’s many sporting talents Students from various schools of Qatar take part in the 13th Schools Olympic Program at the Aspire Zone yesterday. year, 333 schools took part in various discovered by the programme and may school competitions and saw 14,700 be used in the future. However, it isn’t students taking part in the various the only goal, and there are other goals disciplines. At the Opening Ceremony such as creating awareness of sports yesterday, Qatar Olympic Committee and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.” (QOC) Secretary-General Jassim Rash- The Chairman of the SOP Organising id al-Buainain said that the continuity Committee Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid of SOP shows objectives achieved so far al-Thani said that new edition of the through the event. SOP will aim to be better than the pre- Al-Buainain joined at the opening vious editions. He added that the event ceremony by Chairman of the SOP Or- has generated a good response, with a ganising Committee Sheikh Khalifa bin record participation among students, Khalid al-Thani and members of the as well as schools, which serves its goal committee, Chairman of Qatar School of sports in all schools in order to in- Sports Association (QSSA) Rabia Mo- crease sports awareness. hamed al-Kaabi and the Chief Execu- He added that the organising com- tive Offi cer of Aspire Zone Foundation mittee will spare no eff ort in achieving Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi. the objectives of the programme and Al-Buainain stressed on the impor- that the committee will expand the tance of SOP and pointed out that the base of participants in the programme programme is under the auspices of to diff erent schools, noting that the President of Qatar Olympic Committee programme will serve as a strong tribu- HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, tary for the various clubs and sports and that there’s also considerable in- federations to benefi t from the talent Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary-General Jassim terest from the IOC partners in the services provided by it. Rashid al-Buainain at the opening ceremony of SOP. Off icials pose during the opening ceremony of the SOP at the Aspire Zone yesterday.

QNB STARS LEAGUE FOCUS Blockbuster Duhail vs Sadd Stage set for FINA Swimming World Cup By Sports Reporter of the FINA Swimming World Cup 2019 stops in Budapest (HUN) and Berlin (GER). clash set for this weekend Doha series, involving seven cities. It will be the The stop in Berlin, which was held from eighth consecutive year for Doha to host a October 11 to 13, witnessed Dutchman Arno FINA Swimming World Cup event. Kamminga surpassing Russia’s Vladimir he Qatar Swimming Association Qatari capital, home to the FINA World Morozov to win the second cluster. In the (QSA) stepped up its preparations Swimming Championships in 2014, will also women’s events, Australia’s Cate Camp- for the seventh round of FINA host the FINA World Aquatics Champion- bell surpassed Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu Swimming World Cup 2019 to be ships in 2023 – the sport’s spotlight event. to win the cluster, taking an overall lead in Theld at the Hamad Aquatic Centre, Aspire The FINA Swimming World Cup 2019 series the series. Swimmers will come to Doha Zone next month. started in Tokyo (JPN) while Jinan (CHN) after competing in the Kazan (RUS) meet – The competition, which will take place and Singapore (SGP) hosted the next two the fi rst stop of the third and fi nal cluster – from November 7 to 9, will be the last meet meets, forming cluster 1. Cluster 2 involved which will take place from November 1 to 3.

ATHLETICS Sprint legend Johnson urges quick return to training for Tokyo Olympics aspirants

Reuters London

s athletics’ elite rest up from the latest IAAF World Championships on record, 12 times global gold medallist Michael Johnson has someA advice for Tokyo medal seekers: don’t Al Duhail are top of the table with 20 points, while reigning champions Al Sadd are third with 15 points, but have played two games less. stray too far from the track or exercise room. “If you take too much time off , that’s just he mouth-watering less as their matches against Al form. Al Sailiya are sixth with 11 going to extend the amount of time you have clash between Al Duhail Arabi and Al Khor were deferred points. Both Al Ahli and Umm got to take to get back into training shape,” and Al Sadd is the signa- due to their AFC Champions Salal lost in the last round, so the former 200 and 400 metres world ture match in the 2019- League commitments. they will be desperate to collect record holder told Reuters in a telephone T20 QNB Stars League’s Week 9 Qatar SC vs Al Shahania will points when they face off . interview. “And there’s not going to be that fi xtures, to be held this weekend. be the week’s opening action on Al Arabi face Al Wakrah, who kind of time.” Duhail vs Sadd, the encounter Thursday. Both teams had good were held goalless by Al Khor last Track and fi eld athletes had 348 days from between last two editions’ cham- results last week. Qatar SC, ninth week. Al Arabi are now fi fth in the end of the 2015 Beijing World Champi- pions of the QNB Stars League, with six points, had scored a big the table with 13 points, so they onships to the start of the 2016 Rio Olym- will be another keenly-fought win over Umm Salal, while Al are sure to go all out against Al pics (August 30, 2015 to August 12, 2016). contest and is sure to be a crowd- Shahania held Al Sailiya goalless. Wakrah, eighth with eight points, This time the diff erence is 299 days with puller. It is also a clash between Al Shahania still stood at the in their bid to be back among the the Doha championships concluding on Qatar football’s two titans, who bottom with three points. It will top four. Oct. 6 and athletics at the 2020 Tokyo Ol- athletes in sports ranging from global ath- have already made plans to signifi cantly are the strongest contenders for be followed by the Al Sailiya vs Al Khor take on Al Gharafa in ympics starting on July 31, 2020. letics to the National Football League come shorten, if not pretty much eliminate the the coveted league shield. Al Rayyan game. Al Rayyan are the other fi xture. Al Khor, 10th “If it were me, I would probably not take to enhance their athletic development. traditional off -season break,” the 52-year- Al Duhail are topping the table second in the standings with 18 with fi ve points, badly need more than a week completely off after the While sitting on the beach or spending old Texan said. “Maintain as much (fi tness) with 20 points, while reigning points. points to stay away from the season,” said Johnson, now a BBC analyst. time with family after a strenuous 2019 sea- as you can. I wouldn’t let the type of condi- champions Al Sadd are third with The Lions, who are unbeaten danger zone, whereas Al Ghara- He off ers the advice not only as one of the son no doubt would be the preferred option, tioning get all the way down to zero. If you 15 points. so far along with Al Duhail, de- fa, fourth with 14 points, will be world’s top all-time sprinters but using the athletes are understanding that long breaks do, things will go much smoother when However, Al Sadd have the feated Al Arabi in a high-profi le satisfi ed with nothing less than a experience of his staff at Michael Johnson will not be forthcoming this year, Johnson those rapidly approaching November days advantage of playing two games game last week and are in good victory. Performance in Dallas, where hundreds of said. “Many of the athletes I’ve spoken with of training return.”