SPORT Wednesday 31 October 2018 PAGE | 30 PAGE | 31 Federer arrives in Qatar’s Al Attiyah set Paris as Sousa lines up to defend regional Djokovic at the Masters title in Kuwait Team USA storms to 4th straight world title FAWAD HUSSAIN The victorious US women’s team members and an official celebrate on the podium during 48th THE PENINSULA World Championships Doha 2018 at the Aspire Dome yesterday. PICS: SYED OMAR

DOHA: When it comes to women’s team battle in artistic gymnastics, there is no match for the United States. The Americans showed that to the world once again in Doha yesterday, as they comfortably clinched their fourth straight women’s team title by a record margin at the 48th edition of Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. Led by a superb performance by superstar Simone Biles at Aspire Dome, team USA never fell behind and looked like the winners right from the start. On Monday, the margin of victory for Chinese men over in men’s team final was “We are very happy with the STANDINGS Brazil (159.830), who finished less than half point but it was not victory,” delighted Biles said yes- 7th ahead of bottom-placed the case in the women’s team terday after guiding her team to 1: USA - 171.629 (159.428), had a first- final. USA won the title with a first gold medal at Doha Worlds. 2: Russia - 162.863 ever team medal at Worlds in lead of 8.766 points, the biggest “We as a team are doing a very 3: China - 162.396 their sights after they replaced margin of their six world team good job. It is a result of teamwork,” 4: Canada - 161.644 China following the third rotation. titles. she said. 5: - 161.294 But their gymnasts failed to cope They amassed 171.629 points Biles, who went to hospital 6: Japan - 160.262 up with the pressure as China with Russia winning a silver with a kidney stone just hours 7: Brazil - 159.830 came back strongly. medal with a tally of 162.863. before women qualifiers on Friday, 8: Germany - 159.428 Canada finished fourth with China completed the podium was hoping to bag maximum a total of 161.644 points while with a bronze medal scoring number of gold medals in Doha. France (161.294) and Japan 162.396 points. All the top three “There is lot of nerves, hope- rotations, made a great comeback (160.262) finished on 5th and 6th teams confirmed their team fully I will do my best and see USA’s Simone Biles in action at in the final rotation to win bronze positions respectively. berths in 2020 Tokyo Olympics. where we stand (in the remaining the Aspire Dome yesterday. medal, after slipping to 7th in the Today, the title in men’s all- USA, which started with the events),” she said. penultimate rotation. around will be decided with and uneven bars led in all “It’s very exciting to be in Doha China’s Liu Tingting said her China’s world champion Xiao the four rotations at the final. and may be we’ll go out to explore making an international return medal. All the team members and team did not panic after falling Ruoteng and Russia’s Nagornyy Biles, a ten-time World places and communities,” she said. after 16 months, was amazing coaching staff put in a lot of behind. Nikita starting as favourites. The Championships and three-time Russia, which secured their particularly in uneven bars in effort,” said Mustafina. “I was confident that we can duo finished on the top two posi- Olympic gold medallist, gave USA 5th team medal at the Worlds which she scored 14.500, and Commenting on her Tokyo manage to fight back in the final,” tions respectively in the quali- a superb start tallying a whopping yesterday were also impressive received a well deserved Games plans, she said: “I am 65 Tingting said at a post-final press fying round. 15.50 in the vault. through the final. After they fin- applause from spectators. to 70 percent right now. Olympics conference. America’s Mikulak Samuel, She continued her consistent ished the first rotation on third Team Russia players were are very far and I would continue “We were banking on the who took third position in the performance marking - 14.866 position, they continued to happy to seize the silver medal to do my training and strength and confidence. I am preliminary round, will also start (uneven bars), 13.733 (balance occupy second spot till the final despite injury setbacks ahead of preparations.” happy that we have achieved among the top contenders as a beam) and (14.766) - in the routine. the World Championships. China, who ensured third third position and a berth in total of 24 gymnasts will compete remaining three routines. Star, Aliia Mustafina, who is “We are happy to win a position after the first two Olympics,” she added. in the final. Top seed El Shorbagy in Doha quarters ARMSTRONG VAS Egyptian world number one Mohamed El Shorbagy challenge yourself so I’ll be ready THE PENINSULA (left) in action against England’s Adrian Waller YESTERDAY’S RESULTS for it.” Rösner, the World No.5, during their third round match of the Qatar Classic saw off the threat of England’s DOHA: Egyptian Mohamed El yesterday. El Shorbagy won 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-7). Tom Richards to book his place Shorbagy will face Diego Elias of [8] Paul Coll (NZL) beat Borja Golan (ESP) 3-0 in the quarter-finals. Peru while German Simon Rösner (11-3, 12-10, 3-0 rtd) Rösner, who reached the will take on Paul Coll of New semi-final stage here twelve Zealand, in the quarter-finals of [4] Simon Rosner (GER) beat Tom Richards months ago in what was a break- the Qatar Classic here today. (ENG) 3-1 (11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7) through result for him, was at Also making it to the last eight time sluggish on court, but were three other Egyptians Tarek Diego Elias (PER) beat Mazen Hesham (EGY) managed to find enough in his Momen, Ali Farag and Karim 3-0 (11-7, 11-6, 11-5) locker to prevail 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, Abdel Gawad while Welshman 11-7 and set up a last eight Joel Makin continued his [1] Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY) beat Adrian encounter with Paul Coll of New impressive run in Qatar. Waller (ENG) 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-7) Zealand. At the Khalifa International Coll breezed into the last Tennis and Complex, top eight at the 2018 Qatar Classic for [3] Tarek Momen (EGY) beat seed and World No.1 Shorbagy’s the first time in his career fol- (ENG) 3-1 (7-11, 11-0, 11-1, 11-7) march towards the retention of lowing the withdrawal of his third the PSA World Tour Platinum round opponent Borja Golan of Qatar Classic title continued una- Joel Makin (WAL) beat Mathieu Castagnet Spain. bated yesterday as he dispatched (FRA) 3-1 (11-4, 11-7, 7-11, 8-3 rtd) Coll had been in complete England’s Adrian Waller in control of their clash, taking a two straight-games to cruise into the [7] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) beat Declan game lead against little quarter-finals. James (ENG) 3-2 (8-11, 11-9, 13-11, 7-11, 11-2) resistance, but injury forced The Egyptian took just 31 Golan to concede the match in minutes to end the challenge of [2] Ali Farag (EGY) beat Saurav Ghosal (IND) the early stages of the third game, Englishman Adrian Waller in 3-0 (12-10, 11-4, 11-6) gifting Coll safe passage through straight games 11-8, 11-5, 11-7. to the quarter-finals to face Waller had ruthlessly dis- Rösner. patched former World No.3 Omar In the other matches, Momen Mosaad in the previous round for defeated James Willstrop of the loss of just seven points in aren’t a great player and he physically strong and mentally begun to find his form again in from the start because he’s the England while Mathieu Castagnet total, but he was unable to deal showed that he is a great player fresh.” Peruvian former World recent months and showed signs kind of player who can send you of France retired hurt going down with the pace and power of with the way he played this Junior Champion Elias, the Lima- of returning to his best as he five directions in one rally,” said 11-4, 11-7, 7-11, 8-3 to Makin. ElShorbagy as the Egyptian, week,” said ElShorbagy. based World No.13, sailed into the swept aside Hesham – one of the Elias, who will play World No.1 Gawad managed to win the based in Bristol, England, showed “He put me under a lot of quarter-finals with a straight- most gifted players on the PSA El Shorbagy in the next round. cliff hanger against why he’s the favourite to triumph pressure throughout the whole games demolition of Egypt’s World Tour – with ease, pre- “Last season, I got injured and of England 3-2 (8-11, 11-9, 13-11, again in Doha this week. match but the most important Mazen Hesham. vailing 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 in just lost in the first round of nearly 7-11, 11-2), while second seed “The way he played against thing is that you don’t let it get to Elias, a quarter-finalist here 36-minutes. every tournament. But now, I’m Farag ended the challenge of Mosaad was unbelievable – you you. I feel like I had good prepa- last year, endured an injury- “The key today was the warm feeling fine and it is always good India’s Saurav Ghosal in don’t beat Mosaad like that if you ration for this event – I feel good, ravaged start to 2018 but has up – I had to be ready for him to play the World No.1 and straight-games. 28 SPORT WEDNESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2018

Boston Red Sox players hoist the CAS clears Konakbayev to Commissioner’s Trophy after winning the fifth game of the run for AIBA Presidency 2018 World Series against the Los REUTERS Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. BERLIN: The Court of Arbitration for Sport yesterday upheld an appeal by hopeful Serik Konakbayev (pictured) against his exclusion from next month’s vote to elect the new Pres- ident of international boxing association AIBA. AIBA has been beset by serious financial and governance problems which have put its spot The Panel years. Its former pres- at the 2020 Olympics in acknowledged that ident Wu Ching-kuo was jeopardy with the Inter- Serik Konakbayev suspended in 2017 national Olympic Com- reached the threshold before stepping down mittee telling it to fix the of 20 nominations over governance and current problems by next supporting his finance issues and was month or face an briefly replaced by Olympic exit. candidature for the Franco Falcinelli before CAS ordered AIBA to AIBA Presidency Uzbek businessman include Konakbayev, an within the relevant Rahimov became AIBA Vice-President who time limit: The Court of interim president in Champions Red Sox return to had been banned from Arbitration for Sport January. running against the only Rahimov, however, candidate -- interim is on the United States president Gafur Rahimov “Therefore, the Panel Department of the Treas- Boston with World Series trophy -- in the list of those acknowledged that Serik ury’s sanctions list “for standing for election at Konakbayev reached the providing material AP were waiting for the team. his head, walking down the street the next congress, on threshold of 20 nomina- support” to a criminal Fans started cheering when briefly unnoticed before he was fol- Nov. 2-3 in Moscow. tions supporting his can- organisation, according BOSTON: The World Series the buses arrived and roared lowed and surrounded by about a Konakbayev, a Kazakh, didature for the AIBA to the US body. champion Boston Red Sox have when catcher Christian Vazquez dozen fans. He stopped a couple who also heads the Asian Presidency within the Rahimov strongly returned to Fenway Park, carrying got off the second bus holding the of times to sign autographs. boxing confederation, relevant time limit,” it denies the claim but the the championship trophy they won trophy. He was asked, “How does it feel had been told by the said in a statement. IOC has told AIBA it is not a night earlier. Manager Alex Cora got off the to be a world champion?” AIBA election committee “In conclusion, the happy with the choice of A caravan of buses arrived at first bus and held his index finger “Different,” Cora said before he at the time that he had CAS Panel came to the the Uzbek at the helm of Fenway on Monday night, less than aloft to acknowledge the crowd. strolled away. not acquired the nec- conclusion that the the organisation. 24 hours after the Red Sox beat The players grabbed their The city of Boston has planned essary 20 letters of appeal should be upheld The IOC also warned the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 to win luggage and left in their vehicles - a parade of Duck Boats for support from and that Serik Konak- AIBA in October that the World Series in five games, with Brock Holt tooting his horn as Wednesday. federations. bayev should be allowed failure to settle the giving the organization its fourth he drove off. Many waved to the Steve Pearce hit two homers CAS said the election to participate in the dispute by next month’s title since 2004. crowd, but none spoke. and drove in three runs in the committee had wrongly election for the role of congress could result in A couple hundred fans and Cora left the park wearing a clincher, earning World Series MVP refused to consider some AIBA President.” the sport losing its about a half-dozen TV cameras grey sweat shirt with a hood over honors. nominations of support AIBA has been in Olympic spot at the 2020 for Konakbayev. turmoil for several Tokyo Games.

Klay Thompson of the Golden NFL to play four State Warriors Warriors’ Thompson breaks puts up a three regular-season point shot on his way to a game- games in London high 52 points Curry’s three-pointer record against the AP Chicago Bulls in AGENCIES Chicago, Illinois Thompson, 28, entered the night everyone else that was out there on LONDON: The NFL says it will play on Monday. averaging 15.1 points, 4.1 rebounds the floor trying to find me and give four regular-season games in CHICAGO: Warriors guard Klay and 1.3 assists per game this season. me good looks. London next year, two at Wembley Thompson set an NBA record with Part of three championship teams “I might have forced a few bad Stadium and two at the new 14 3-pointers on Monday in Golden with the Warriors, he has career shots, but I was so anxious because stadium being built for Premier State’s 149-124 road win over the averages of 19.2 points, 3.4 rebounds any time there’s an NBA record at League team Tottenham. Chicago Bulls. and 2.3 assists. stake, you kind of get a little nervous. The NFL did not say which Thompson surpassed the mark “I don’t know if I would be able I’m just so blessed to play with the teams would be making the trip, set by teammate Steph Curry, who to break these records... without the guys that I do. It was an amazing or when the games will be played. had 13 3-pointers on Nov. 8, 2016, system I play in or the team I’m with night I’ll hopefully never forget.” The league played three games against the New Orleans Pelicans. or the guys I play with” Thompson Golden State had 92 points at in London this year in three straight The Washington State product said. halftime, which was the most ever weeks. All three games were at sank 14 of 24 3-point attempt. “They knew even before I went by a road team and the second most Wembley. One game had been Thompson hit 18 of 29 shots from the out for the second half, Steph looked of all time behind the Phoenix Suns scheduled for Tottenham but it was floor overall and finished with 52 at the box score and said, ‘Go get it.’ (107) in 1990. moved because the stadium is not points and five rebounds in 26 That just shows you the unselfishness The Warriors were on top 92-50 ready. minutes of action. that is within him. The same with... at the break. Butler shoots Timberwolves past Lakers

AP but we can’t have reoccurrence of NBA RESULTS aren’t going to fall. But we have to doing the same things over and over have that energy every single night, MINNEAPOLIS: After a lethargic loss and over again and expecting a dif- San Antonio 113 Dallas 108 and that’s what’s going to get us in their last game, the Minnesota ferent result,” said James, who added through those humps,” said Okogie, Miami 113 Sacramento 123 Timberwolves came to life. 10 rebounds and seven assists on the who added four rebounds, three New York 115 Brooklyn 96 LeBron James and the Los 15th anniversary of his professional assists and three steals in 30 minutes. Angeles Lakers served as their spark debut. “That’s insanity.” Indiana 93 Portland 103 Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau plug. Brandon Ingram came back Philadelphia 113 Atlanta 92 remained noncommittal on keeping Jimmy Butler hit five of Minne- strong from his four-game sus- Denver 116 New Orleans 111 Okogie as part of the rotation when sota’s eight 3-pointers in the fourth pension with 24 points for the Chicago 124 Golden State 149 Wiggins is back. quarter to finish with 32 points on Lakers. Kyle Kuzma, after scoring 11 Milwaukee 124 Toronto 109 “He makes things happen,” Thi- 12-for-20 shooting and help the Tim- points in the first five minutes, had Minnesota 124 LA Lakers 120 bodeau said. “He’s not perfect, but berwolves hang on to beat the Lakers only eight more over the rest of the he’s learning, he’s eager and every 124-120 on Monday. night. The Lakers let the Wolves grab day he comes in with a great attitude, “They were playing fast, which a season-high 20 offensive rebounds “We’ve got to get better at the and I like that he’s taking advantage made us play with a lot of energy, so and committed 18 turnovers. little things. One of those things is of when he does play.” I guess their energy kind of helped Anthony Tolliver was perfect on paying attention to details, following The Lakers went with a new ours,” Butler said. four shots from the floor for the Tim- game plans. The game plan tonight: starting lineup to maximize their Karl-Anthony Towns pitched in berwolves, including a 3-pointer to Keep them off the free throw line, length, sliding the 6-foot-9 Ingram 25 points, a season-high 16 rebounds start the fourth quarter for a 96-94 and defensive rebounding,” Lakers back to the shooting guard spot and and four blocks for the Timberwolves lead. Butler’s back-to-back swishes coach Luke Walton said. “They hurt flanking James with the sharp- (3-4), who played some clutch from behind the arc pushed the lead us with both of those.” shooting Kuzma at power forward. defense just in time to fend off a late to 114-107. He added one more, his Rookie Josh Okogie, starting at They entered the night with a league- push from James. The four-time MVP fifth in as many attempts in the final shooting guard for the Wolves in leading 22 percent of their points had 10 of his 29 points in the fourth period, to make it 122-117. place of the injured Andrew Wiggins, coming on fast breaks, but the quarter after missing his first five That preceded a corner miss with had a career-high 17 points. The Wolves outscored them 21-15 in shots of the night, but the Lakers 16.3 seconds left by James, who had defensive-minded Okogie was one transition. (2-5) went back to Los Angeles with a costly turnover with 1:43 remaining of the catalysts for a team that lost Ingram was 9 for 18 from the another uneven performance. when he lost the ball at the top of the at home to Milwaukee by 30 points floor. “We’ve got to get better. We key and let it drift into the on Friday night. “I didn’t feel tired out there,” know that. We talk about patience, backcourt. “Shots are going to fall. Shots Ingram said. “That was surprising.” WEDNESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 29

England cricketer England cricketers warned Stuart Broad Ngidi expects (left) delivers the over Sri Lanka upheaval ball during the two-day practice COLOMBO: England’s stars have been told to stiff task against match against the stay away from political demonstrations while touring Sri Lanka Board Sri Lanka, which is in the grip of a constitutional XI in Colombo power struggle. yesterday. Finch-led Aussie One man has been killed in upheaval after President England’s cricket Maithripala Sirisena sacked the country’s prime stars have been minister and replaced him with former strongman told to stay away line-up leader Mahinda Rajapaksa. from political “We are exercising vigilance and avoiding all demonstrations REUTERS demonstrations or large political gatherings,” England while touring Sri spokesman Danny Reuben told AFP. Lanka, which is “We are aware of a political demonstration PERTH: Young South Africa speedster has singled out in the grip of a today, but for us it is all about preparations for the Australia’s newly-appointed 50-over Aaron Finch as a constitutional first Test.” major threat to his side’s chances in the three match one-day inter- power struggle. Reuben said a four-day practice match in Colombo national series, which begins in Perth on Sunday. would go ahead as planned, despite the troubles The 22-year-old has quickly adapted to the rigours of bowling in the capital. on the international stage since making his South Africa debut in England take on Sri Lanka in the first Test at a match against Sri Lanka in January, 2017. Galle, in the south of the country, on November 6. With 22 from his first 10 ODIs at an average of 20.45, England are due to stay in Sri Lanka until November and a similarly impressive haul in Tests, the Durban-born quick 27 when the third Test ends. has emerged as one of the team’s strike bowlers. The dispute between sacked prime minister Ngidi believes Australia’s batting unit is replete with big hitters, Ranil Wickremesinghe and Rajapakse has already while Finch is particularly ‘dangerous’ and will provide the tourists hit Sri Lanka’s cricket establishment. with stiff competition upfront. “They come hard at the bowlers, they’re very confident players and that’s really exciting to see as a bowler,” Ngidi said in an interview. “You’ve always got to be up for the challenge, you know they’re not going to back down, they’re not going to give you their wickets.” Luminaries call for Cricket Explosive opening batsman Finch, 31, leads Australia in the shortest Twenty20 format and last week replaced Tim Paine as the leader in the 50-over format. He has scored 11 centuries in 93 ODIs with a strike-rate of over 90. Australia chairman to resign Speaking after a training session at Optus Stadium - Perth’s iconic new 60,000 seat venue where he is likely to play his first REUTERS international match in Australia - Ngidi said keeping his nerves in check would be a challenge. Australian Cricketers’ SYDNEY: Pressure was building on Cricket “As a youngster coming into the team (a big crowd) can be a Association (ACA) President Australia chairman David Peever to resign little bit intimidating but I’m going to try and keep a level head, yesterday in the wake of the release of a Greg Dyer speaks during try to keep it as cool as possible,” he said. scathing independent review into the culture a press conference in “I’m always excited to play international cricket, I’m always of the game. Melbourne yesterday. The excited to get out on to the pitch... the stadiums, it’s a new envi- Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and ACA renewed calls to reduce ronment for me, I’ve never been here. So that would probably be former ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed the sentences of players the most nerve-wracking thing for me.” were among those calling for him to be involved in the ball-tampering Also exciting the youngster is the prospect of bowling on Aus- replaced after Monday’s release of the review scandal, as pressure mounts tralia’s renowned fast and bouncy pitches. commissioned in the wake of March’s ball- on Cricket Australia chairman “On quick wickets, you’ve got to be able to have variation as tampering scandal. David Peever after a damning well,” Ngidi said while standing on the $1.3bn stadium’s vast The report said the governing body was review of the governing body. outfield. perceived as “arrogant” and “controlling” “So you’ve got to be able to nail your yorkers, slower balls as and treated its elite players like commod- well - you’ve got to be able to use the field as best as possible. ities, allowing “alpha-male” egos to develop “I can see there’s pretty big boundaries here. (You) have to use a win-at-all-costs approach. that as best as you can.” Peever, who was awarded a second five- Earlier this year, when South Africa hosted Australia for a Test year term last week, embarked on a series series - infamously remembered for the ball-tampering scandal of media interviews defending the leadership which saw Steven Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft of Cricket Australia on Monday, including suspended by Cricket Australia - Ngidi was competing with the one in which he described the ball-tampering now-retired Morne Morkel for a place in the side. incident as a “hiccup”. (international) image of our national game. - but I think that’s missing at the moment, Ngidi picked up five wickets in the second Test against Aus- Speed said that interview had convinced But Peever gets re-appointed as chair last that the dyed-in-the-wool cricket people tralia at Port Elizabeth, including the key of Warner. He is him that the former mining executive was wk, 3 days before release of damning report? need to stand up and take back their sport.” aware that short-pitched bowling is going to be a potent weapon not the right man to take Cricket Australia #PeeverShouldResign.” Peever was also faced with blanket con- on the pitches in Australia. forward and that somebody with a back- With the review also suggesting that the demnation in the pages of Australia’s news- With the 50-over World Cup scheduled next year, Ngidi rec- ground in the game needed to take over. culture CA fostered had contributed to the papers yesterday, the main charge being that ognises that one-dayers have added context now as teams begin “It’s not a hiccup, it’s much more than ball-tampering scandal, there were calls for he had extended his reign as chairman after to settle their squads and finalise their best combinations. that,” Speed, who was chief executive of the the suspensions imposed on Steve Smith, the ball-tampering scandal while heads “There’s always been a good competition between South Africa Australian cricket board from 1997 until 2001 David Warner and Cameron Bancroft to be around him rolled. and Australia in terms of cricket, but there is that hint of World before serving a similar role at the global lifted. Former captain and vice-captain Smith Cup preparation,” he said. governing body, told ABC radio. Speed suggested that former Australia and Warner are serving one-year bans, “As well as two great teams competing against each other I “My response when I saw that interview test captain and Cricket Australia board former coach Darren Lehmann and chief think this is going to be one of the best chances (for the teams) to and I saw that comment, I thought Australian member Mark Taylor would fit the bill as executive James Sutherland have since stood look at their World Cup preparation.” cricket can do better in choosing its chairman chairman in place of Peever. down, while high performance chief Pat For Ngidi, playing for South Africa on the world stage instils and the game deserves better “I’d like to see Mark Taylor stand up as Howard has announced his departure. in him a great sense of pride. governance.” chairman of Cricket Australia,” he said. In The Australian newspaper, cricket “There’s a few million there that would love to be in the position Former Prime Minister Rudd joined a “David is the first to have come out of writer Gideon Haigh pinpointed a line in the that I’m in,” the fast bowler said. “I’m out here in Australia with growing chorus of discontent at Peever’s the corporate world rather than out of the review that spoke of people in leadership the opportunity to represent them. reaction to the review on social media, cricket world and I think in this crisis that’s roles having to take responsibility for matters “So I’m flying the South African flag high and that makes me posting his comments on Twitter. what’s shown here,” Speed added. “over which they do not exercise direct very proud as a cricketer and as a person.” “So let’s get this straight,” he wrote. “It’s good to see some diversity on the control”. “Cricket Australia, under David Peever, has board - some women, some people who “David Peever is lost,” he wrote. “Cricket Australia vs South Africa overseen the destruction of the aren’t from the cricket family so to speak needs to find another guide.” Oct 31, Wed Prime Ministers XI vs South Africa, One-day Practice match at Manuka Oval, Canberra Nov 04, Australia vs SA, 1st ODI at Perth Stadium, Perth Union leads calls for end Rayudu promises to Nov 09, Australia vs SA, 2nd ODI at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide end India’s No. 4 woes Nov 11, Australia vs SA, 3rd ODI at Bellerive Oval, Hobart at to Smith, Warner bans Nov 17, Australia vs SA, Only T20I at Carrara Oval, Queensland REUTERS REUTERS South Africa’s Lungi review on Monday, made it clear that NEW DELHI: struck yet another ‘daddy Ngidi celebrates SYDNEY: The Australian Cricketers’ the board had handed out the sanc- hundred’ but it was probably Ambati Rayudu’s relatively after taking the Association (ACA) called yesterday for tions after “full and thoughtful process” modest century on Monday which pleased India captain wicket of Sri Lanka’s the immediate lifting of lengthy bans and that they would remain in place. more as he seeks an end to a pesky problem Kusal Mendis (not imposed on Steve Smith, David Warner Former Australia coach Darren seven months before next year’s World Cup. pictured) in this file and Cameron Bancroft after the release Lehmann, who stood down in the wake India’s problem of late has been acute at number four photo taken of a scathing report into the culture of of the scandal, also joined calls to have with , Manish Pandey, Lokesh Rahul and in Dambulla, Australian cricket. the bans set aside and allow the trio being trialled at the crucial spot and found Sri Lanka on Greg Dyer, the head of the Aus- to return to state and international inadequate. Rayudu’s second 50-plus score in four August 1, 2018. tralian players’ union, said all three cricket. matches against West Indies has filled Kohli with optimism players had been punished enough. “I think they should be back but he may not need to fret over the issue anymore. “Given there is now independent it’s up to the board to make that “Rayudu has taken his opportunity with both hands,” verification that CA’s system and culture decision, not me,” Lehmann told the Kohli said after the team’s victory in the fourth one-dayer were contributory factors, the ACA calls Sydney Morning Herald. “I think the against West Indies in Mumbai. for the lifting of the board-imposed general feeling around Australia, cer- “We need to back him till the World Cup and give him penalties on Steve Smith, David Warner tainly the people I talk to, is they want more confidence. He is feeling good about his game and and Cameron Bancroft,” ACA chief Dyer them playing again, at worst domestic he is a very confident man.” told a news conference in Melbourne. cricket. Now the findings have come Rayudu exhibited both sides of his batting in his “The players have already lost time down they should be reviewing the 211-run stand with Rohit on Monday, first playing second in the game, lost chances to play for sanctions on the three players.” fiddle to his partner and then using the long handle to Australia, endured public humiliation While Lehmann’s view of the mood good effect in his brilliantly paced knock of 100. and faced massive financial penalties. of the Australian public might be In the end, he matched Rohit’s four sixes and also “My message to Cricket Australia is reflective of the “bubble” the review reached the 50 and 100 marks in fewer balls than his this: these contrite men have suffered said surrounded top players, Test greats partner. “He reads the game really well, so we are happy enough. Let them play.” Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and Doug that someone with intelligence is batting at number four,” Cricket Australia (CA) Chairman Walters have also called for a reduction Kohli said. Rohit was equally impressed with the ability David Peever, in his reaction to the to the bans. of Rayudu, who registered his third ODI century on Monday, to play according to the situation. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2018 Sabalenka Sabalenka says Madrid goes edges out after new Barty in ‘sorry’ to ball boy coach to save Zhuhai opener for on-court its season AFP tantrum AP ZHUHAI: Big-hitting Aryna MADRID: The search is on for Sabalenka was too strong for a new coach at Real Madrid. Ashleigh Barty in the opening With the team reeling singles clash of the WTA Elite from a demoralizing loss to Trophy in China yesterday, Barcelona and far from the taking the match 6-4, 6-4. top in the Spanish league The tournament’s standings, Madrid is looking youngest player produced for someone who can turn some typically aggressive things around and save the tennis in Zhuhai, showing the season. form that has seen her shoot Former player Santiago up the world rankings from Solari, coach of Madrid B, was 39th to 12th place in just three in charge of practice yes- months. Aryna Sabalenka of terday, but the club was in a Belarus’s Sabalenka, 20, hits a return against Ashleigh hurry to find a replacement. made the most of breaking Barty of Australia in their first- Madrid fired Julen Australian Barty, 22, in the round match of the Zhuhai Lopetegui on Monday, saying very first game of the match, Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, in south it was time to “change the seeing out a nip-and-tuck China’s Guangdong province, team’s dynamic while all of opening set. yesterday. its objectives for the season In-form Sabalenka were still reachable.” looked the more confident of The club said the team AFP the two in the early stages, bringing his sweaty towel quickly enough In 2015 Novak Djokovic, now a 14-time deserved better results with and the third seed held her during a semi-final defeat by Yoshihito Grand Slam winner, apologised to a Wim- the quality of players it has. nerve to pull out her first two ZHUHAI: World number 12 Aryna Nishioka at the Shenzhen Open. bledon ball girl after he screamed in her Under Lopetegui, Madrid won aces to clinch the set. Sabalenka has apologised for an on-court Footage went viral on social media and direction, leaving her looking shaken. six matches, lost six and drew Ninth seed Barty took the tantrum in which she shook an empty bottle saw Verdasco heavily criticised. Following Sabalenka’s actions in two. The team is ninth, seven initiative in the second set, in the direction of a ball boy before tossing Judy Murray, the former British Fed Cup Beijing, Anne Keothavong, Britain’s Fed Cup points behind leader Bar- breaking in the fourth game, it on the floor. captain and mother of three-time Grand captain, tweeted: “I don’t care how good a celona after 10 matches. only for Sabalenka to break The big-hitting Belarusian faced crit- Slam winner Andy, tweeted: “What about tennis player you are but this type of “Ultimately, the way a back in Barty’s two following icism after footage of the episode during a rule that makes players get their own behaviour needs to STOP.” dressing room is managed is service games. her quarter-final defeat to Wang Qiang at towels?” An apologetic Sabalenka said: “It was sometimes more important The pair produced some the China Open in early October was shared At the Shanghai Masters, Roger Federer bad of me and now I will never do it again, than a coach’s technical thrilling base-line battles for widely on social media. said tennis sets the standard for many sports and I will try and be nice with the ball boys, knowledge,” Real Madrid the spectators at the Hengqin But following a winning start at the when it comes to respectful behaviour -- even if they’re sometimes so slow! captain Sergio Ramos said International Tennis Center, WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, the 20-year- and that must extend to the treatment of “They’re just small kids, and you can’t after the Barcelona loss at but Sabalenka turned the old vowed to “never do it again”. ball boys and girls. do anything to them. Yea, I’m so sorry for Camp Nou. screw to see out the match in “Well, I’m so sorry,” she said at her post- “The ball kids are really important to that guy and hopefully he’s not pissed with It wasn’t exactly clear one hour, 26 minutes. match press conference after beating Ash- us because they are also maybe the future me.” what type of coach Madrid Their clash was their first leigh Barty 6-4, 6-4. “It was emotional and of our game, like I was,” said the Swiss Sabalenka has shot up the world was looking for, whether it round robin match, with both I was losing my mind and after that I saw player, a ball boy before going on to become rankings from 39th to 12th place in just was a hardliner like Antonio yet to play eighth seed and it on Twitter and I was just like ‘Oh my god, a 20-time Grand Slam champion. You don’t three months and was recently named WTA Conte or a more compro- world number 18 Caroline what did you mean?’. I didn’t even want to have them leaving with feeling, oh Newcomer of the Year. mising figure like Roberto Garcia from France. remember this, and I was just like ‘Wow, my God, I was not appreciated or I was not Asked about her strong finish to the Martinez. The team’s recent “I think I played well in I’m sorry for this guy’.” liked or it was a horrible thing.” season, she said: “I didn’t expect to do this success came with the calm- the first set, and in the second The controversy came ahead of a But Federer pointed out that emotions well, but now I am just enjoying it and trying mannered Zinedine Zidane. set I probably started to rush similar incident in which Spain’s Fernando run high in the heat of a match and that to improve more and more. It’s a really good Then again, he had Cristiano a little bit and make a lot of Verdasco ranted at a ball boy for not tennis is more intense now than in the past. feeling.” Ronaldo. Both departed in the mistakes, and kind of stupid off-season. mistakes,” Sabalenka said Madrid can go with the after the match. home solution again. Solari “But I think the game was ATP Rankings WTA Rankings Federer arrives in Paris has been following the same quite good, just a few a stupid 1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7660 pts 1. Simona Halep (ROU) 6921 pts path as Zidane, his former moments.” 2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 7445 2. Angelique Kerber (GER) 5875 teammate and also a former Barty said: “I’m disap- 3. Roger Federer (SUI) 6260 3. C Wozniacki (DEN) 5586 as Sousa lines up coach of Madrid’s B squad. pointed not to come away 4. J Martin Del Potro (ARG) 5460 4. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 5350 “Nobody can be com- with the win, but I’ll have 5. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5115 5. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 5115 Djokovic at the Masters pared to Zidane,” Solari said another opportunity in the yesterday. “We can leave him 6. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4230 6. Sloane Stephens (USA) 5023 AFP next few days to try and finish 7. Marin Cilic (CRO) 4050 7. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4630 and his greatness alone. He my season on a real high.” 8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3825 8. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 4465 was one of the greatest we Asked about the strength 9. John Isner (USA) 3425 9. Kiki Bertens (NED) 4335 PARIS: Roger Federer is poised to seek his 100th have ever had at Madrid.” ATP title at the Paris Masters this week with the of the field in Zhuhai, the 2017 10. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 3335 10. Daria Kasatkina (RUS) 3315 Solari will be in charge semi-finalist said: “It’s phe- Swiss great attending his first training session. today when Madrid faces 11. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 3210 11. A Sevastova (LAT) 3185 nomenal. I think last year was The 20 Grand Slam titles has lined up at Bercy third-division club Melilla in 12. David Goffin (BEL) 2675 12. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3145 good, but this year’s another for his first appearance at the last Masters event the Copa del Rey. The team level. 13. Borna Coric (CRO) 2460 13. Elise Mertens (BEL) 3065 of the season since 2015. then plays on Saturday at “It’s really exciting for the 14. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2315 14. Julia Goerges (GER) 2995 The 37-year-old Swiss star won his 99th career home against Valladolid in women’s game. We have the 15. Kyle Edmund (GBR) 2195 15. Serena Williams (USA) 2976 title at the weekend in Basel but hasn’t played in the Spanish league. top 20 players in the world 16. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 2175 16. Madison Keys (USA) 2817 Paris in three years due to injury and selective Here’s a look at the top this year who are fighting 17. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 1977 17. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 2725 scheduling. coaches considered candi- right until the end of the 18. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 1845 18. Caroline Garcia (FRA) 2600 Federer “arrives tomorrow” organisers tweeted dates to take over Madrid: season, which is really 19. D Schwartzman (ARG) 1835 19. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 2420 on Monday. Federer landed right on cue along with ANTONIO CONTE positive.” 20. Marco Cecchinato (ITA) 1829 20. Anett Kontaveit (EST) 2375 coach Ivan Ljubicic. The Italian is touted by He faces either Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or Milos Spanish media as the Raonic on Wednesday. front-runner. Portugal’s Joao Sousa will meet Novak Djokovic He carries the experience in the second round after defeating Marco Cecch- of having coached Chelsea inato 7-5, 6-3 in his opening match. and Italy, but against him is Cecchinato stunned Djokovic in the quarter- the fact that his authoritarian finals of the French Open in June, but the Italian style may not bode well with missed out on a rematch with Djokovic as he fell a Madrid squad filled with apart after losing his serve at 5-5 in the opening strong-minded veterans. set. ROBERTO MARTINEZ Second seed Djokovic is a four-time champion The Spaniard gained in Paris and is bidding to reclaim the world number prominence after leading one ranking from Rafael Nadal this week. Belgium to a third-place The Spaniard, who has never won the indoor finish at the World Cup, and tournament, is making his return from the knee many back him over Conte injury that scuppered his US Open chances. because of his calmer Filip Krajinovic, last year’s runner-up in Paris, demeanor. slid to a first-round defeat by Karen Khachanov SANTIAGO SOLARI that will send the Serb spiralling down the rankings. Solari is the interim coach The 34th-ranked Krajinovic served for the first and hasn’t been ruled out as set but rapidly came unstuck and suffered a 7-5, a candidate for the per- 6-2 loss that will see him tumble outside the top manent position. 90. Also on Monday Frenchman Nicoals Mahut went The 42-year-old former out 7-6 (7/1), 6-2 to American Frances Taifoe. Argentina midfielder played Meanwhile home favourite Richard Gasquet for Real Madrid in the early Switzerland’s Roger Federer punished an erratic display from Canadian teenager 2000s. arrives to attend a training Denis Shapovalov to progress to the second round OTHERS session during the ATP World of the Paris Masters with a 6-4 7-6(3) victory. Others considered long- Tour Masters 1000 - Rolex Shapovalov made a brisk start and raced to a shots but can’t be fully ruled Paris Masters - indoor tennis 3-0 lead before Gasquet responded with a mix of out include Arsene Wenger, tournament at The AccorHotels aggressive backhands and clever drop shots to Jose Mourinho, the former Arena in Paris, yesterday. Federer. reel off five consecutive games. Madrid coach who is strug- The 19-year-old Canadian struggled to settle holder of 20 Grand Slam titles, gling with Manchester United, into a serving rhythm as he made 18 unforced won his 99th career title last and Tottenham manager errors, including five double faults, allowing week in Basel. Mauricio Pochettino. Gasquet to clinch the opening set in 44 minutes. WEDNESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 31

Russian men’s team looks the part despite painful defeat

THE PENINSULA current quintet appear golden. just short, meaning the Soviet strong, and by competing with he landed that he had “won it” Russians are starting to make From Dmitrii Lankin on Still Union’s triumph in 1991 is still each other we are becoming he actually recorded 13.733 – the success a habit once again. DOHA: It may now be 22 years to and the last time a Russian men’s stronger and stronger.” fact they came so close and “As sportsmen we know that since a Russian men’s team stood on Vault; Russia team topped the podium at a “Each athlete in our team is secured their spot at the Tokyo we won’t know the final results atop the gymnastics world, but, had heroes all over the Aspire World Championships. But, even a leader and can compete indi- 2020 points to until the very last routine but we having agonisingly lost out on Arena during the men’s Team in the pain of defeat, rising star vidually and as a team.” an ever brighter future. also kept all of you guessing,” top spot to China by just 0.049 Final at the Doha 2018 World Nagornyy acknowledged that his There is no denying the truth Remarkably, the silver was coach Valery Alfosov joked with points in Doha on Monday, the Championships. team is very much on the right of the 21-year-old’s words. Even the Russian men’s first world the press after the competition. long-term prospects for the Ultimately the quintet fell track. with several significant mistakes championship team medal of any Despite not being at their “There are two ways of – including an uncharacteristic colour since 2006. The team won best Russia did score highest on Artur Dalaloyan of making a team,” Nagornyy said early slip off the by gold at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics Still Rings and Vault – on which Russia competes after Russia finished on a team 2018 European champion Dala- and bronze four years later, but Dalaloyan recorded 15.066 and in the Men’s total of 256.585, just 0.049 loyan – Russia still came to the finished out of the medals for the Nagornyy hit 15.033. On the back behind gold medallists China. very final routine of a thrilling next three Olympics in Athens, of such performances it was left during the Men’s “The first is to make a team competition with the gold firmly Beijing and London. But having to seven-time world veteran Team final of the based on one leader. The second in their grasp. now won European champi- Nikolai Kuksenkov to aptly sum 2018 FIG Artistic way is to make a team based on While Nagornyy was not onship team gold and a World up his team’s trajectory. Gymnastics a number of leaders where all quite able to score the 13.783 silver in the last two months, as It is a comforting thought for Championships the athletes are very strong. In Russia needed from him on Hor- well as claiming team silver at the Russians and perhaps a wor- at Aspire Dome in our team the competition is very izontal Bar – despite thinking as the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the rying one for their competitors. Doha on Monday. We need to work hard for 2020 Olympics: Uchimura

THE PENINSULA Japan’s Kohei Uchimura in action in the men’s rings during the Men’s Team Final on Monday. DOHA: Six-time world All- around champion Kohei Uchimura felt that Japan team need to put in a lot of efforts before the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games after his side fell to bronze medal in Doha. Defending champions Japan finished third in the MAG Team final behind China and Russia at the 48th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships on Monday which also handed the legend Uchimura his 20th Worlds medal. “The five of us did our best, but found out there are many things we need to work on. We can work together and win the gold in the Olympics. not happy about that,” said Uch- for the gold medal On his fall from horizontal Hopefully, that’s what we imura, who also missed last performance. bar as the last Chinese com- want to do,” Uchimura said. year’s edition in Montreal, “We’re really happy because petitor in the last rotation on In our team the competition The five of us did our Japan, who collected 253.744 Canada, due to ankle injury on some of our gymnasts are in the Monday, he said: “I really regret points, finished behind China vault landing during the World Championships for the that. I was totally ready for this is very strong, and by best, but found out there (256.634) and Russian Feder- qualifications. first time, and they are already competition, but we are a team competing with each other are many things we need ation (256.585). On not competing on all six the champions,” he said. and everyone encouraged me.” we are becoming stronger to work on. We can work The 29-year-old felt that this apparatus in the team final “We are a young team but “We are a team. The atmos- and stronger. Each athlete together and win the ankle injury a month before the here, he added, “Until the last we are a strong team. We believe phere on our team is really Doha Worlds restricted his minute, I thought I could do it. in ourselves, but we can do even great.” in our team is a leader and gold in the Olympics. performances. However, it wasn’t possible. As better. We have to teach our- “We are so happy that we can compete individually Hopefully, that’s what we “I feel very bad for my team- a result, I had 50-50 feelings.” selves how to (cope with) the qualified to Tokyo, because it and as a team: Nagornyy want to do: Uchimura mates because I had injuries Meanwhile, China’s Xiao pressure, and we to come back was our (main) goal and we from the beginning, and I was Ruoteng praised young gymnast better, training harder at home.” made every effort to do that.”

Overage youth Al Attiyah set to defend regional team footballers title as FIA event returns to Kuwait jailed in Benin THE PENINSULA Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al AFP Qatar’s Nasser Saleh circuit facilities to host off-road Attiyah holds the record Al Attiyah rally events. ARIFJAN, KUWAIT: Qatari for the most number of Jordanian motorcycle COTONOU: Ten Benin youth team players rally driver Nasser Saleh Al victories at the Kuwait enduro rider Ata Al Hmoud were jailed yesterday for lying about their age after they were kicked out of quali- Attiyah will be looking to International Rally. won his category at the recent defend his regional rally crown Jordan Baja and is in Kuwait for fying for next year’s under-17 Africa Cup in Kuwait City this weekend the rally. of Nations finals. with the record for the most Kuwait’s flagship motor “I have been very A court in the country’s commercial number of victories at the sporting event will impressed. The circuit, the capital, Cotonou, handed down one-month Kuwait International Rally make a return to the set-up, the pits, the facilities, sentences to the players, who were (KIR). FIA calendar at the new they are all state-of-the-art,” detained in September following their expulsion. Charges were dropped against The three-day Kuwait Kuwait Motor Town Race Ata said. International Rally begins Competitors carried out other people involved in the case, including tomorrow. Circuit (KMTRC) facility. their first day of route recon- a policeman and local politicians, on the It is the fourth round of the naissance yesterday and will “benefit of the doubt”. 2018 FIA Middle East Rally be permitted a second day to The case was followed closely in the Championship (MERC) and been used to host an FIA event. check the route today before tiny West African nation and the court was Kuwait’s flagship motor Kuwait Motor Town Race the competitive action gets packed with football insiders and fans. sporting event will make a Circuit was inaugurated under underway with a timed super Althanase Soton, who heads a fans’ return to the FIA calendar at the patronage and attendance special at 4.00pm tomorrow association, told the sentence was “lenient the new Kuwait Motor Town of the Emir Sheikh Sabah Al to reality by renowned German facilities, 32 pit facilities and after the ceremonial start at the but educational”. Race Circuit (KMTRC) facility. Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah on engineer and circuit designer parking for around 3,300 Kuwait Motor Town Race Benin were kicked out of the tour- The Qatari star, Al Attiyah, March 28 this year. The KIR is Herman Tilke. vehicles. The race track itself Circuit. nament after 10 players from the junior has been impressed with the based there this week with the The site holds seven dif- was laid by the Arizona This year’s event is being team were discovered to have lied about new start location in Kuwait. fourth round of the regional ferent race tracks, including an National Company in associ- organised by the Basil Salem their age with the help of federation offi- “This is an excellent facility rally series taking place over FIA grade one main race circuit ation with Trimble, the Al Sabah Motor Racing Club cials. At the same hearing, the former pres- and I am sure it will have a very 13 timed desert special stages of 5.61km, and also features machine control technologies (BMRC) under the chair- ident of Benin’s football federation, Anjorin exciting future in world motor The new KMTRC is situated facilities for drag racing, company. manship of Sheikh Athbi Nayef Moucharafou, was sentenced to two sport,” said the visiting MERC in the area of Arifjan, 52km karting, motocross, rally and The KIR started at the Sirbb Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah and months in jail. series leader, who starts as top south of Kuwait City, and was dune racing. karting track, near Kuwait City, in conjunction with the General Football’s world governing body FIFA seed this weekend. constructed in 14 months. The There is sufficient seating in 2016 but has followed its Authority for Sport and the suspended Benin completely in 2004 and This will also mark the first project was the vision of the and space for around 8,000 neighbours in Qatar and Abu Kuwait International Auto- threatened the country with a ban several time that the facility has ever Amiri Dirwan and was brought spectators, VIP halls, media Dhabi to utilise excellent race mobile Club (KIAC). times again between 2010 and 2013. WEDNESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2018 27

They (New Zealand) have a SPORT strong team with ideal batsmen for T20 and a bal- FOOTBALL CRICKET anced bowling attack so we Sarfraz Ahmed Arsenal vs Blackpool New Zealand vs Pakistan need to set the tone from the Pakistan cricket West Ham vs Tottenham Twenty20 first game by winning it. Chelsea vs Derby captain ACTION at Abu Dhabi TODAY’S

We are committed to AIPS’ objectives: Al Boainin

QSPC obvious that we members of is but obvious that we 2018 World Artistic Gym- Qatar Sports Press Committee board the Qatar Sports Press Com- welcome such a Meet in nastics Championships”. member, Mubarak Al Boainin speaking DOHA: Qatar Sports Press mittee are playing host to Qatar”. “The tour also intends to to a journalist at the AIPS Executive Committee board member, this prestigious event.” Speaking about the highlight the development Committee & Jury Meet, in Doha yesterday. Mubarak Al Boainin, high- “As AIPS President Mr. schedule for the meet, made by Qatar in all walks lighted the importance of Gianni Merlo, yesterday Mubarak added, “The event of life, rather than just sports. hosting the AIPS Executive pointed out that, they have is spread across four days The thing he noticed the Committee & Jury Meet, here received 1276 submissions in starting today. The first two most is its development. “ yesterday. eight different categories; it days the Executive Com- “Also such events like the He was speaking to means that the journalists mittee Meeting will take AIPS Executive Committee / reporters on the sidelines on from across the world are place and the next two days Jury Meet, provides a the Meet that is focusing on following it. To be precise the the Jurors will meet.” platform for developing the ‘AIPS Sport Media submissions have come from “We also intend to take technologies in sports jour- Awards’ scheduled for 119 countries,” said Mubarak, the members of the AIPS nalism to come to the fore as Lausanne, Switzerland, in about the importance of the Executive Committee, to the premier journalists and pho- January 2019. event for journalists across Supreme Committee for tographers get recognised for “Qatar today is the the world. & Legacy, a trip to their work. When that sought after destination in “We at Qatar Sports Qatar Foundation is also happens, they innovate and terms of sports and pro- Press Committee are com- planned. These apart they that builds upon the sports moting sporting culture. In mitted towards the ideol- would also go to Aspire culture and that’s what we such a scenario, it is but ogies of fair journalism, so it Done, which is hosting the want,” he said.

Leicester Mahrez seals points for City to see REUTERS action on Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez shoots at goal during LONDON: Manchester City the English Premier League match against Tottenham Saturday returned to the Premier League summit on goal difference with Hotspur at the Wembley Stadium, London, Britain on AP a 1-0 victory over fifth-placed Monday. Tottenham Hotspur courtesy of an early goal by Riyad Mahrez LEICESTER: Leicester’s at a subdued Wembley Stadium Premier League fixture on Monday. against Cardiff is going ahead It was not the free-rolling as planned on Saturday, the City of late and Tottenham will team’s first game since the rue missing some good oppor- death of its owner and four tunities to salvage something other people in a helicopter from a rather disjointed affair on crash. a patchwork pitch. Leicester’s players have Mahrez caught Tottenham been visibly affected by the cold in the sixth minute after a tragedy and have spent defensive mistake but despite Monday and yesterday City’s dominance they were attending commemorative missing their usual clinical edge events to pay tribute to Vichai on a surface looking more Srivaddhanaprabha, the suitable for gridiron football club’s popular Thai owner after an NFL fixture a day earlier. whose helicopter spiraled out David Silva and Mahrez both of control as it left the King could have put the game beyond Power Stadium following a Tottenham but the hosts, who Premier League game on Sat- were on a four-match winning urday. Leicester’s English run in the league and could have League Cup match against gone above City into second with Southampton, scheduled for a victory, always posed a threat. yesterday, was canceled, Dele Alli returned from a while games involving the hamstring injury for Tottenham club’s women’s team were and his arrival as a substitute points while Tottenham have it was fitting that Mahrez, a Spurs right back Kieran Trippier arms towards the heavens. also called off in wake of the sparked some late pressure in 21. Leicester hero during their 2016 made a mess of his clearing “I am very, very sad. That crash. There will be a minute’s which Erik Lamela spurned a After the tragic events of Sat- title success, was the one who header and it was then turned is why when I scored I put my silence before kickoff in the glorious late chance to equalise. urday in which Leicester City scored. too easily by Raheem Sterling hands in the sky for him,” Cardiff-Leicester match in the City held form for a sixth owner Vichai Srivaddhana- The game was only six who squared for Mahrez to fire Mahrez, who was voted PFA Welsh capital, as there will be consecutive Premier League prabha died alongside four other minutes old when City keeper into the net past Hugo Lloris. Player of the Year after at games throughout Eng- clean sheet to knock Liverpool people in a helicopter crash Ederson launched the ball The Algerian celebrated in Leicester’s stunning 2016 title, land’s top division this off top spot. They both have 26 outside the King Power Stadium, forward, quarterback style, and poignant fashion by raising both said. weekend. Burhan attends QFA-backed QSL: AL DUHAIL DOWN AL SAILIYA 1-0 goalkeeper’s workshop THE PENINSULA

DOHA: A total of 29 young coaches featured in the QFA- backed Goalkeeper’s Workshop including Qatar national team keeper Qassim Burhan. The closing ceremony of the workshop - conducted by QFA’s Development Department - saw the presence of Mohammed Al Hashemi, Strategic Planning Coaches who took part in the Football Workshop pose for a picture. Advisor, Development Department. Al Hashemi dis- any football side at any level. Department for goalkeeping working to organize workshops tributed the certificates. “The goalkeeping coach is coaches, saying early mentoring and training courses for goal- Also present were lecturer responsible for developing the helped young kids pick up the keepers under the umbrella of Maher Berkdar, and assistants leadership abilities of their right lessons on way to reaching the AFC. Fawzi Mayer and Bashir Bin defenders,” Al Hashemi said. national squads. He thanked the participants Amer. He named Mohammed For his part, Maher said that for their cooperation and com- Al Hashemi addressed the Wafa, Yousef Ahmed as Ahmed QFA’s Development Department mitment during the workshop. students in which he stressed the Trabelsi as some of the top is making a huge effort at all “They showed a great deal importance of the role of a goal- names in goalkeeping in the levels to boost the game even of hard work to make the most Al Duhail goal scorer Yusuf Al Arabi celebrates after scoring keeping coach in the modern region. from a goalkeeper’s of their participation in the a goal against Al Sailiya during the QNB Stars League in world. He said a goalkeeper Al Hashemi confirmed the perspective. workshop. It was good to see remained the best defense for support of QFA’s Development He added that QFA is always that,” he said. Doha yesterday.