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Wednesday, November 14, 2018 TENNIS Rabia I 6, 1440 AH Anderson hammers GULF TIMES ‘terrible’ Nishikori in ATP Finals SPORT Page 4 MOTOR SPORT Rooney says he’s honoured Qatar International to make fi nal appearance Rally route changed for England DRIVERS TO CARRY OUT THEIR RECONNAISSANCE OF THE REVISED ROUTE TODAY

File photo of Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah in action in the recent Jordan Rally.

AFP, Washington: Wayne Rooney says he is honoured to make a final appearance for Eng- land and happy for manager Gareth Southgate to decide his playing time tomorrow against the United States. Former Manchester United star Rooney, in video comments released Monday by his Major League Soccer club DC United, detailed his excitement at earning his 120th cap for England in his farewell match, a friendly against the Americans at Wembley Stadium. “Playing on the squad for this game and see some old teammates, see Gareth and the coaching staff , and then obviously to play at Wembley for the last time will be a great mo- ment,” Rooney said. “To see old teammates, coaches and be around them for a few days, but also to see the fans — it’ll be great to pull on the England shirt again in front of the fans in almost a way of me saying thank you to the fans for the support you’ve shown me over my time playing for England.” England’s all-time men’s goals leader came to MLS in July, lifting DC United from the bottom of the table to the playoff s in his first campaign. United were ousted by Columbus in their post- season opener earlier this month. England’s Football Association set up the Rooney tribute with proceeds going to youth charities. By Sports Reporter day. and four of them have been modifi ed. That included two runs through a new northerly “Obviously it’s a huge honour for the FA to Doha Clerk of the course Pedro Almeida and his has resulted in shorter stages, but safer stag- Al Khor special, Al Ghariyah and the Al Ru- grant me this game. It’s an important game, ob- Portuguese assistant Jaime Santos have been es. We have made short cuts to avoid muddy wais timed test. viously. The money will be raised for children’s out in the northern deserts checking the con- sections and areas where the cars would get Rain and adverse weather have aff ected charities, which I think is really important,” reak weather conditions and heavy dition of the tracks and making any necessary stuck. There are lakes in the desert. Some the event in the past and route modifi ca- Rooney said. rain have inundated parts of north- changes to enable the event to run smoothly. tracks disappeared into the water. It would tions have taken place on several occasions. Rooney, 33, has scored 53 goals in 119 England ern Qatar forcing the Qatar Motor Speaking from the QMMF’s new offi ces at have been impossible, even for a 4x4 vehicle, The worst weather in the history of the event appearances since making his debut for the Fand Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) the Qatar Handball Sports Arena, Almeida to cross them. occurred back in 1993 when the area was in- Three Lions on February 12, 2003. He has not to make last-minute changes to the route for said: “We have had exceptional weather con- “We have done a big job to prepare a sec- undated when the event ran out of the former played for England since a 3-0 victory over this weekend’s Manateq International Rally ditions in Qatar and this resulted in fl ooding ond rally in one week. Competitors will re- Ramada Renaissance Hotel in downtown Scotland at Wembley on November 11, 2016. of Qatar, the fi nal round of the FIA Middle and damage to the stages. We were obliged to ceive a bulletin with the changes when they Doha. That event was synonymous with “I have to admit I don’t know how much I’m East Rally Championship (MERC). modify the route in order to avoid any diffi - complete their registration.” large areas of standing water and small lakes going to play, whether that’s from the start or Twenty cars and 40 competitors from nine cult situations. We did that to avoid any pos- Rally offi cials had hoped to run 203.40 on many stages and was eventually won by whether that’s the last few minutes,” Rooney nations are making their fi nal preparations sible cancellation of stages. competitive kilometres in a total route of Nasser Khalifa al-Attiyah and Mubarak al- said. for the three-day event, which gets under- “If the rain continues, then we may have to 832.75km before the late modifi cations. Fri- Hajri in a Toyota Celica GT4. “I’ll speak to Gareth before we meet up. What- way with a ceremonial start at Souq Waqif do more changes. In fact, we have now done day’s action is scheduled to be fought out This year’s event will start and fi nish at ever he wants me then to play I’m happy to do tomorrow afternoon. They will carry out two rallies. We had rally A and now we have over two runs through the Eraida and Al Souq Waqif in downtown Doha with the cer- so.” their reconnaissance of the revised route to- rally B. The rally still has fi ve diff erent stages Dhakira stages, while Saturday’s timetable emonial start planned for 19.05hrs tomorrow.

BOTTOMLINE Qatar hope to impress in Switzerland friendly

By Sports Reporter Qatar captain Hassan al-Haydos ‘Switzerland and Iceland the Faroe Islands and one above intentions is to get an idea about Doha and coach Felix Sanchez both played in the World India. “Switzerland and Iceland the players and their fi tness lev- (background) speak to the Swiss Cup in Russia recently, so both played in the World Cup els ahead of the Asian cup,” he media in Lugano yesterday. they obviously are good in Russia recently, so they ob- said. atar captain Has- teams. But we hope to give viously are good teams. But we Qatar have been quite impres- san al-Haydos said them a good fi ght’ hope to give them a good fi ght,” sive in their recent friendlies, friendlies against said al-Haydos, who represents beating China and Ecuador and QSwitzerland and Ice- play international friendlies. Al Sadd domestically. drawing with Iceland. land would help the national “The match against Switzer- Interest for the game in Swit- Switzerland coach Vladimir team assess their strengths and land is important for us. We will zerland is high as they are also Petkovic has retained the core of weaknesses as they prepare for try to make the best use of it and playing in the Nations League his squad who played the World the prestigious Asian Cup in try to learn as much as possible,” and would be treating the Qatar Cup but would also give a lot January. al-Haydos told journalists at a match as a serious tune-up. of younger players a chance to Qatar take on Switzerland to- press conference in Lugano. Meanwhile, coach Felix showcase their skills. day in Lugano and Iceland on Switzerland are ranked eighth Sanchez said he would use the Captain Granit Shaka and Monday as domestic leagues in the world and would provide matches to fi ne tune his side for Xherdan Shaqiri are the main- across the world take a break for a tough test for Qatar who are the Asian Cup. stays of the Swiss side and are a week to allow national teams ranked 96th, one spot below “Of course one of our main expected to play a big role today. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Stage set for third round of QSL Cup this weekend The tournament is also a great platform for clubs to unearth new talents and give opportunities to U-23 players

By Sports Reporter Doha

he 2018-19 season QSL Cup’s Round 3 matches will be played on Friday, 16th November, and Saturday, 17th November, with Tthree matches on each day. Fixtures are scheduled during international breaks when the QNB Stars League is halted. The tournament is also a great plat- form for clubs to unearth new talents and they give opportunities to as many Under-23 players as possible. Group B matches will be played on Friday and Group A on Saturday. The fi xtures on Friday are Al Sailiya vs Al Sadd (16:00) at Al Ahli Stadium, Al Khor vs Al Ahli (18:10) at Al Ahli Sta- dium and Al Rayyan VS Al Shahania (18:10) at Al Khor Stadium. On Saturday, it will be Umm Salal vs Al Duhail (16:00), at Qatar SC Stadium, Al Arabi vs Qatar SC (18:10) at Qatar SC Stadium and Al Gharafa vs Al Kharaiti- yat (18:10) at Al Gharafa Stadium. Al Duhail are leading the Group A standings with four points (one vic- tory and a draw). Umm Salal also have four points and same goal diff erence (+1), but Al Duhail occupy the top spot having scored more number of goals (three as against Umm Salal’s one). Al Kharaitiyat and Al Gharafa are third and fourth with three and two points respectively. Qatar SC also have two points, but are placed fi fth having scored less number of goals compared to Al Ghara- fa (one against two). Al Arabi have yet to open their account. Al Rayyan and Al Khor are the fi rst and second-placed team respectively Al Arabi players train ahead of their QSL Cup third round match against Qatar SC. in Group B. They both have six points with an Al Sailiya and Al Shahania have not All players — except Abdulla Ma- Al Arabi are last in the QSL Cup the players go through their paces fol- san Waleed, Andrea Agus, Amro Seraj, all-win record, but Al Rayyan topped opened their account and are placed rafi h (cruciate ligament injury), Ahmed Group A standings without any point lowing three days’ rest after their 2-0 Ilyas Ahmed and Hammam al-Amin the table on better goal diff erence (+11 fi fth and sixth respectively, the former Fathy (Qatar national team), Ahmed after losing both their games, to Umm victory over Qatar SC in Week 12 of the (Olympic team). Slovakian Vladimir as against Al Khor’s (+2). Al Rayyan having a goal diff erence of -3 as against Ibrahim (Iraq national team) and Mudir Salal and Al Kharaitiyat. QNB Stars League. Weiss and Iranian Mehdi Taremi also scored 11 goals conceding none, while Al Shahania’s -4. Abdrabbo (Yemen national team) — at- Meanwhile, Al Gharafa are get- Some players, who are on national joined their teams for international Al Khor scored four and conceded two. tended the training session. ting ready for their QSL Cup third- duty, were absent from the training duty. Similarly, Al Ahli and Al Sadd are on AL ARABI BRACE FOR QATAR SC Tunisian coach Hatem al-Moaddeb round Group A home game against Al session. Al Gharafa are fourth in Group A of three points each, but the former oc- Al Arabi are bracing for their QSL Cup and his men are eager to build on their Kharaitiyat, scheduled for Saturday. They were Abdulaziz Hatem, Yousef QSL Cup table with two points from as cupy the third position with a goal dif- third-round Group A fi xture against 1-0 win over Al Khor in the QNB Stars The team’s technical staff , led by Hassan, Ahmed Alaaeldin (all Qatar na- many draws, against Qatar SC and Al ference of -1 compared to Al Sadd’s -5. Qatar SC on Saturday. League last week. French coach Christian Gourcuff , made tional team), Mohammed Ismail, Has- Duhail.

REHAB FOCUS Aspetar plans comprehensive QFA president meets ambassadors healing programme for Dembele of Argentina and Paraguay to overcome ankle injury heikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, president of Qatar Football team of world-leading Association (QFA), received in his experts at Aspetar, the offi ce yesterday morning the Argen- orthopaedic and sports Stinean ambassador Carlos Hernandez, and medicine hospital, have Paraguayan ambassador Angel Ramon Bar- embarkedA on an intensive treat- chini. The meeting was also attended by Saud ment programme for Tottenham al-Mohannadi, Vice President of QFA and Hotspur midfi elder Mousa Dem- Mansoor al-Ansari, general secretary of QFA. bele following a recent ankle in- During the meeting, the offi cials discussed jury. topics of mutual concern, especially those The Premier League club has related to football, and ways to strengthen chosen to send Dembele to Qa- the bonds of friendship between QFA and the tar to work with some of the very two South American federations. best sports medicine practition- The QFA president stressed to the two ers and benefi t from the leading ambassadors Qatar’s intentions to build QFA president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani with Argentinean ambassador sports medicine expertise, treat- bridges using football in particular and Carlos Hernandez and Paraguayan ambassador Angel Ramon Barchini. ment and care that the hospital sports in general. The two ambassadors off ers to elite athletes playing in thanked the QFA chief for the hospitality. The QFA president signed two co-operation recent visit to South America. top leagues all over the world. The offi cials also reiterated Argentina’s agreements with CONMEBOL, which in- Earlier this year Qatar accepted the CON- Over the past few years, Asp- and Paraguay’s intention of extending all cludes 10 football federations, as well as the MEBOL invite to take part in 2019 Copa etar has become the destination help to develop football around the world. Argentine Football Association during his America which will be held next year in June. of choice for treating many of the best-known fi gures in the game including several Spurs players such as midfi elder Harry Winks as well as winger Lucas Moura QATAR PLAYERS GEAR UP FOR SWISS SHOWDOWN and defender Serge Aurier when they played for former Club Paris Saint-Germain. They join a long list of players from leading teams around the world who have also travelled to Aspetar. Commenting on his visit, Mousa Dembele said: “The facili- ties and environment provided at Aspetar allow me to concentrate and focus on my rehabilitation so I can make a strong comeback.” In parallel with Qatar’s emer- gence as a sports medicine hub, Aspetar has in recent years es- tablished a leading role in the treatment and prevention of injuries to local, regional and international athletes across all sports to deliver its mission and assist athletes to achieve their Aspetar is the region’s fi rst the State of Qatar and has be- maximum performance and full Sports Medicine Centre to re- come a preferred destination for potential. ceive such an honour and joins athletes to experience world- Aspetar was offi cially accred- a prestigious list of 49 medical class medical service. Shaped by ited as an International Fed- centres and clinics worldwide its vision to be a global leader in eration of Association Football who have also been accredited to sports medicine and exercise sci- (FIFA) Medical Centre of Excel- this high standard. ence by 2020, Aspetar welcomes lence (F-MARC) by FIFA Chief Aspetar plays an essential role elite athletes from around the Qatar players train yesterday on the eve of their international friendly football match against the hosts Switzerland in Lugano. Medical Offi cer in 2009. in the development of sports in world for treatment purposes. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Injured Reus sits out of Germany training

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus was forced to sit out with a foot injury as Germany were put through their paces in training yesterday ahead of an upcoming friendly against Russia. Despite the superlatives, The 29-year-old playmaker bruised his foot on his way to scoring a brace for Dortmund in a 3-2 Bundesliga win over Bayern Munich on Saturday. Reus has a history of sitting out Germany duty due to injury. Torn ankle ligaments ruled him out of their 2014 World Cup hype and awards, Messi triumph in Brazil and a groin injury sidelined him for Euro 2016 in France. For the match against 2018 World Cup hosts Russia, Germany coach Joachim Loew is already without Schalke striker Mark Uth, who has a leg injury, and PSG winger Julian Draxler, who drops out is still underrated because of a family bereavement.

He may have won five Ballons d’Or New injury woe for since he made his debut 15 years Atletico front man Costa Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has ago this week but the Argentinian been sidelined with a foot injury that could leave him in a race for full fitness superstar is underappreciated ahead of a crucial league clash with Bar- celona. Costa hobbled off during a 3-2 By Sean Ingle Omar Chaudhuri, the head of football league win over Athletic Bilbao on Sat- The Guardian intelligence for the leading consul- urday, which saw the capital side close tancy 21st Club, points out that Messi to within a point of leaders Barcelona. has averaged 1.44 goals and assists for Atletico defender Diego Godin hit a n his new book, Nothing is Real, every 90 minutes he has played in La brace in that win but has been sidelined a collection of essays that stretch Liga since 2009-10 (excluding penal- after he, too, hobbled off before the end and soar across a career spanning ties) – a contribution of nearly three with a thigh injury that could rule him fi ve decades, the acclaimed music goals every two games. out for up to a month. Ijournalist David Hepworth starts with For those counting, Cristiano Ro- Now Costa has joined the Uruguayan on an essay that tickles and provokes. The naldo is next best (1.21), based on his the sidelines after suff ering “an injury Beatles, he suggests, were underrated. performances in Spain and Italy, with to his foot,” according to a statement Yes, you read that right. Underrated. Luis Suárez (1.12), Zlatan Ibrahimovic by Atletico. “The striker will go through You may have raised an eyebrow, (0.98) and Neymar (0.97) making up adapted training sessions and undergo given that barely a month goes by the top fi ve. Incredibly Messi has also physiotherapy and medical treatment,” without the Fab Four topping some either created or scored 46% of Barce- it added. poll or other. But Hepworth maintains lona’s goals in La Liga in the past dec- that “the richness of their golden pe- ade (excluding penalties). That speaks riod has never been equalled”, with both for Messi’s unbelievable goal Tite calls up Rafi nha, “listeners ricocheting from one hook production and for his longevity and Augusto and Sandro to another like a metal ball in one of ability to stay fi t. In the big fi ve leagues Bally’s machines”. And he insists that during the same time only Antonio Di Brazil coach Tite was forced into some for all the “garlands that posterity has Natale comes close (45%, all for Udi- late changes to the squad that will face placed upon their brow” their genius is nese) before a drop-off to Suárez and Uruguay and Cameroon in friendlies underappreciated. Ronaldo (39%). in England after Barcelona’s Philippe It’s time to acknowledge that ap- Note the gap between Messi and Ro- Coutinho and Real Madrid pair Marcelo plies to Leo Messi, too. Despite all the naldo. For more than a decade we have and Casemiro pulled out through injury. strikes and superlatives, the countless been fortunate to watch the Beatles Tite called up Barcelona midfielder displays of brilliance and the fi ve Bal- and the Rolling Stones of modern Rafinha Alcantara on Monday to replace lons d’Or since he made his debut as a football at the height of their powers. Casemiro, who is suff ering from a runty teen in a friendly against Porto Yet this data suggests that while Ron- sprained ankle that could sideline him 15 years ago this week, Messi is under- aldo is a worldy, Messi veers towards for several weeks. He also added Beijing rated. the extraterrestrial. Guoan midfielder Renato Augusto and In Take The Ball, Pass The Ball, a Messi’s passing is underrated, too. Juventus full-back Alex Sandro. fascinating new documentary about Since Opta started collecting such Coutinho’s absence was expected after how Barcelona became the best team data in 2008, no attacking player in Barca announced Thursday he had a in the world, Xavi makes a good fi st the big fi ve leagues who attempts as hamstring problem that would keep of explaining why Messi is ahead of many forward passes as Messi has a him out for two weeks. his peers. “He’s better than you with better pass completion rate. In other his right foot, left foot and his head,” words, as Chaudhuri explains, “not he says. “He’s better at defending and only does he attempt a high number of New Celta Vigo coach attacking. He’s faster. Better at drib- diffi cult passes, he pulls them off bet- slips up at his unveiling bling, better at passing.” ter than anyone else in his position”. There’s a shrug and a silence as Xavi And it doesn’t matter where you New Celta Vigo manager Miguel Car- is temporarily lost for words. “What play him. One of the best scenes in doso made one of the worst mistakes about goalkeeper,” the questioner Take The Ball, Pass The Ball is when possible as he was unveiled as the asks. “We haven’t put him in goal yet,” Xavi uses red and white plastic cups club’s new coach yesterday. comes the reply. “But watch out if he and tortilla chips to explain how Messi As Cardoso was introduced as Antonio tries that too.” was employed as a false nine to dev- Lionel Messi has contributed nearly three goals per two games in La Liga since 2009-10 and added another couple Mohamed’s replacement the Portug- In the documentary Samuel Eto’o astating eff ect against Real Madrid in against Real Betis in the La Liga on Sunday. (Reuters) ese boss said “A big thank you to the explains that he warned Patrick Vieira 2009. As Xavi points out, it was the president, a big thank you to the sport before the Gamper pre-season tour- fi rst time Messi had played in the posi- managed by Diego Maradona, whose recording legacy was not disfi gured by halfway against Getafe. But he still management staff for believing in me nament in 2005 that he was facing a tion. Naturally he was brilliant in a 6-2 leadership philosophy would have the inevitable years of decline. “You sees the game at a diff erent speed to and my technical staff in starting a new kid who would change history. “I told mauling. “Messi’s unstoppable,” Xavi raised eyebrows in a banana republic, never regret leaving a party early but anyone else. project at Club Deportivo... Celta Vigo.” him one day it would seem like every says. “It’s a natural talent that’s only while in 2014 and 2018 Argentina lost you often regret staying too late,” he And for as long as he continues to The ‘Club Deportivo’ slip-up by Cardoso player who came before Messi was given to the chosen ones. Maybe in 20 against the eventual winners. Football says. Given Messi has barely put a step score so many goals – there were an- refers to Celta’s long-standing local playing a diff erent sport,” adds Eto’o, or 30 years there will be another one. remains a team game, no matter how wrong, why would he err now? other two against Real Betis on Sunday rivals in Deportivo La Coruna. To add to who surely joins the great prophets. But right now it’s Messi.” great the individual. He may not be as quick as he once – and create so many divine oratorios, the situation the 46-year-old is a former Yet who would deny Eto’o was right? The knock against him, of course, In his essay Hepworth reminds us was back in the days when he could the answer to who is the world’s best member of Deportivo’s coaching staff , Once upon a time the mark of a top is that he has never led Argentina that the Beatles were smart enough to create his own personal homage to player will remain the same as it has working with his current club’s bitterest striker was a goal every two games. Yet to a World Cup. But in 2010 he was know when to stop, which meant their Maradona with a mazy dribble from been for a decade: Messi. of enemies during the 2012-13 season.

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Arsenal’s Welbeck undergoes two Ex-England and Chelsea operations on broken ankle midfi elder Joe Cole retires The Guardian AFP London London

rsenal forward Danny Welbeck ormer England midfi eld- has had two successful opera- er Joe Cole announced tions to repair his broken ankle, his retirement yesterday the Premier League club have an- after making more than nounced.A The 27-year-old faces a long spell 700F appearances for seven clubs on the sidelines after suff ering what the club including West Ham and Chel- described as a “signifi cant” injury in last sea. Cole, who turned 37 last week’s goalless Europa League draw against week, said his career had been Sporting. “a dream come true” and he now “Further to sustaining an injury last hopes to move into coaching. Thursday against Sporting, Danny has un- His fi nal club was Tampa Bay dergone a second planned operation on his Rowdies in the United Soccer right ankle,” Arsenal said in a statement League, the second tier in the US. on their offi cial website. “Both procedures Cole made 716 professional ap- went well, without complications. Danny pearances, scoring 104 goals for will now recuperate and start his rehabilita- seven clubs and his 56 England tion. It’s too early to say how long this will caps spanned across three World the next two decades are as spe- Champions League fi nal. take. Everyone at the club will now be pro- Cup tournaments. cial as my last 20 years as a pro- The appearances dried up viding Danny with the best possible treat- He made his international fessional have been.” when he joined Liverpool as he ment and support in order to make him fi t debut aged 19 when he was ear- Cole joined West Ham aged played just 42 times in two and a again as soon as possible.” marked as one of England’s eight and made 187 appearances, half years. Unai Emery and his squad spoke to Wel- brightest young talents at the scoring 18 goals, in two spells He was loaned to French Ligue beck on FaceTime before their game against Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck broke an ankle against Sporting Lisbon last week. Hammers. Cole was part of Eng- with the club, from 1998 to 2003 1 side Lille in 2011-2012. He add- Wolves on Sunday, Bernd Leno has revealed. land’s so-called “Golden Gen- and 2013-14. He burst onto the ed: “I’ve been incredibly fortu- The goalkeeper said the squad got in touch room. I think this meeting was very moti- ‘stronger than ever before’ and thanked Ar- eration”, playing alongside David scene aged 17 in January 1999 nate to have played with some with the striker during their team meeting vating for us and for every player to play for senal fans for their support. The England Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Rio and quickly became captain. of the very best players of my era and Welbeck “looked very happy”. Arsenal Danny, because everybody likes him.” international broken his silence on social Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, Michael He only left for Chelsea after and even more fortunate to call a were motivated to beat Wolves by Welbeck’s Welbeck’s mood was described as up- media. Welbeck is expected to be out for the Owen and Steven Gerrard, plus the Hammers’ relegation from lot of them friends. plight, Leno said, though they ended up beat. “He looked very happy and I think he remainder of the season but is ready to get his Chelsea teammates John Ter- the Premier League. Cole helped “Winning trophies at Chelsea drawing 1-1. was happy to talk to us because he is still a to work on his recovery after returning from ry and Frank Lampard. Chelsea win their fi rst champi- was particularly special for me. “We had a FaceTime session with him,” big part of our team and we will support him hospital. Cole said in a statement: “Af- onship in 50 years in 2004-05 Those memories will live with Leno said. “It was very good; we wanted to when he is injured,” Leno said. ‘Back home… Thanks for all the love and ter 20 years as a professional, the under Jose Mourinho. He was me forever, as will the chance I win for him. We all are sorry for him and Manager Emery said on Sunday that he support,’ he told his followers on Twitter. time has come for me to hang up less fortunate in European com- had to share them with my fam- hope he will have a good recovery and to see did not know if the England striker will re- ‘No doubt I will be back stronger than ever my boots. petitions — he was in the Chel- ily. Looking to the future, I want him on the pitch, because he’s an important turn this season. before. Recovery grind starts now.’ It has been a dream come true. sea side beaten by Manchester to stay involved in the game. I feel player for the team and also in the dressing Welbeck yesterday as promised to return All of it. Whatever is next, I hope United on penalties in the 2008 I can off er a lot as a coach.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 SPORT

MOTOR SPORT SPOTLIGHT Haile quits as Verstappen, Ocon give Ethiopia’s athletics glimpse of F1’s future chief

The highly-rated stars collided in an incident that cost Dutchman Verstappen his lead in Brazil

AFP Sao Paulo

steban Ocon and Max Verstappen (right) supplied a glimpse of Formula One’s future with their impassioned bat- Etle on and off the track at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The two young and highly-rated stars collided in an incident that cost Dutchman Verstappen of Red Bull his lead in the race — a setback that caused him to lose his temper afterwards in a violent confrontation with the Frenchman in the post-race drivers’ weighing room. AFP The collision handed a 10th victory of the sea- Addis Ababa son to new fi ve-time champion Lewis Hamilton — whose triumph confi rmed Mercedes retained the constructors’ title for a record-equalling fi fth thiopian running legend consecutive season — Verstappen, who three Haile Gebrselassie has times pushed Ocon forcibly and threatened to resigned as president of strike him, was ordered to carry out two days of the country’s athletics community service under the direction of the bodyE two years into his four-year sport’s ruling body, the International Motoring mandate after an unspecifi ed Federation (FIA). “incident”, state media reported. Their collision was a result of several years as ri- The retired 45-year-old Ge- vals in junior formulae, in which both were identi- brselassie cited an incident at fi ed as potential champions, as much as a fi ght for a weekend competition for his position in Sunday’s race. decision to step down from the Ocon, who was attempting to un-lap himself, Ethiopian Athletics Federation, was given a 10-seconds stop-go penalty for caus- according to a resignation let- ing the crash, but he was backed afterwards by ter published by state-affi liated his Force India team, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff Fana Broadcasting Corporate. and Hamilton, who had a grandstand view of the “What happened yesterday incident and said Verstappen was 60 per cent to was unprofessional and harmful blame. to Ethiopian athletics. Instead of The Mercedes driver pointed out immediate- getting myself into an unneces- ly after the race that the impetuous Dutchman sary argument, I decide to resign should have left more room because Ocon had from my position,” Haile wrote, “nothing to lose” and had every right to try and without elaborating. un-lap himself. The federation’s vice presi- “I thought that it was fair game for him to try dent, Olympic long-distance to un-lap himself,” said Hamilton. “Of course, you gold medal winner Derartu Tulu, don’t want to cause an incident, but in those sce- will take his place, he said. narios you give each other space. A 10,000 metres double Ol- “It’s so simple to give each other space. You can was punished. He said the Frenchman was “abso- expect Red Bull to say ‘Ocon has got the pace, let punch. However, Whiting added that it made no ympic gold medallist and mul- never assume that the person’s not up your inside lutely” allowed to un-lap himself, but pointed out him through’ or that sort of thing...It seemed he diff erence that Verstappen was the race leader. tiple marathon champion, Ge- because he’s a backmarker and he’s going to back that it was the manner in which he attempted to just went for it. “It makes it worse in a lot of people’s eyes, but brselassie was elected in 2016 to off . do so that was wrong. He pointed out that Ocon, It was just a bit unfortunate that he decided to as far as the stewards are concerned, that doesn’t the federation’s helm after ac- “You’ve got to acknowledge the fact that he on fresher tyres, could have waited until Turn Four fi ght for it, which was wholly unacceptable.” matter.” The post-race fracas overshadowed a cusing its leaders of “incompe- may be there...(and think) I’m going to leave extra where Verstappen would have been more vulner- It was the fi rst fl ashpoint clash between a back- dramatic nail-biting fi nish to a thrilling contest, tence” during the preparations space because actually he’s in a diff erent race to able to him. “It’s happened many times in the marker and a race leader since the 2001 Brazilian which confi rmed another title double for Mer- for the Rio Olympics. me. That’s my opinion about it. So, from my seat, past,” said Whiting.”But, of course, you expect it race in which Verstappen’s father Jos took out Juan cedes and a hot drivers’ rivalry for the future with Ethiopian athletes took home it felt like it wasn’t 100 % one side. More like may- to be done safely and, more to the point, it should Pablo Montoya and a reminder of the infamous Ocon, expected to be in a Mercedes from 2020, en- only eight medals in Rio to come be it’s 60-40...” Formula One’s offi cial race di- be done cleanly and absolutely without fi ghting. 1993 Japanese Grand Prix after which an enraged joying many more fi ghts with Red Bull’s Verstap- in 44th place, well below neigh- rector Charlie Whiting later explained why Ocon “If he’s got the pace then, normally, one would Ayrton Senna knocked Eddie Irvine down with a pen. bour and historic rival Kenya.

TENNIS FOCUS Federer deserves Anderson hammers ‘terrible’ special treatment, Nishikori in ATP Finals says Djokovic Reuters London AFP The 28-year-old had climbed back to London ninth in the world thanks to a strong sec- South Africa’s Kevin ond half of a campaign, featuring a semi- orld number one Anderson in action fi nal appearance at the US Open. Novak Djokovic evin Anderson handed Japan’s during his group His renaissance peaked when he hand- leapt to the defence Kei Nishikori a humiliating 6-0, stage match against ed former ATP Finals champion Federer of great rival Roger 6-1 thrashing at the ATP Finals his fi rst straight sets defeat in the group WFederer after claims that the Japan’s Kei Nishikori as the South African moved to in London stage of the tournament. Swiss enjoys preferential treat- theK brink of a semi-fi nal berth yesterday But Nishikori seemed to have nothing ment on Tour. yesterday. Anderson won the fi rst 11 games and left after that eff ort. Frenchman Julien Benneteau needed only 64 minutes to demolish the Anderson is back in London just four caused a stir during an interview woeful Nishikori in a remarkably one- months after losing his fi rst Wimbledon on French radio station RMC sided group stage clash at London’s O2 fi nal against Novak Djokovic, and this Sport on Sunday in which he said Arena. was the kind of dominant display that tournament referees were often Having also won his opening match carried him to the title match at the All kinder to Federer when it came against Dominic Thiem in his debut at the England Club. to scheduling his matches. prestigious season-ending event, Ander- It took Anderson just 31 minutes to Benneteau was particularly son is close to becoming the fi rst African to complete his fi rst set masterclass against referring to the Australian Open qualify for the last four at the ATP Finals. Nishikori and he didn’t take his foot off where he said 20-time Grand The 32-year-old’s place will be secure the gas. Slam champion Federer played “I understand Julien’s point if Thiem beats Roger Federer, or if Federer Aided by 24 unforced errors from “12 or 13” of his 14 matches at because sometimes it does seem defeats Thiem in three sets later. Nishikori, Anderson dropped just a soli- Melbourne in the past two years that maybe certain players get It was a landmark moment for Wimble- tary game in the second set as this be- at night, so avoiding the often more favoured year after year don fi nalist Anderson, who has set a new leaguered opponent narrowly avoided scorching temperatures. in certain tournaments. On the career-high of 47 victories in a calendar becoming only the second player to lose He also suggested Federer’s other side, you have to under- year. 6-0, 6-0 at the ATP Finals. Laver Cup project, an exhibition stand that Federer is a driving He will rarely have had such an easy On Monday night, Djokovic sent out team event in which Australian force of tennis in terms of rev- outing as this one throughout his memo- a warning to his rivals at the ATP Finals Open tournament director Craig enue, in terms of attention. rable 2018. on Monday, brushing aside big-serving Tiley is also involved, represent- “Julien and guys like him are “It’s amongst the best I’ve played. I did John Isner 6-4, 6-3 to launch his bid for a ed a confl ict of interest. also benefi ting from tennis, be- a really good job constantly applying the record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title in Asked for his thoughts after cause of Roger, because of what pressure and not letting up,” Anderson style. Earlier, in the same Guga Kuerten his round-robin victory over he has done for the sport.” said. group, Alexander Zverev made it six con- American John Isner at the ATP Isner went even further, say- “I just felt I returned really well, made secutive wins against Marin Cilic in a con- Finals on Monday, Djokovic said ing the likes of Federer, Djokovic him hit a lot of shots off his serve. He test at London’s O2 Arena featuring scores Federer had earned the right for and Rafael Nadal should get even wasn’t getting too many free points. of unforced errors. special treatment. more privileges. “I was growing in confi dence and he World number one Djokovic, though, “In the end of the day, in a way “If anything, maybe they sort of probably was going a little the other was playing a diff erent game, appearing he deserves the special treat- should get more special treat- way. So, from my side, I did a fantastic job little troubled by the howitzers coming off ment because he’s six-time ment because those guys, the top throughout really.” Nishikori was at a loss to explain his Anderson’s fi nal group match is against the giant Isner’s racquet — breaking his champion of Australian Open players, have made other players Anderson won the Vienna fi nal at performance, saying: “I played one of the Federer on Thursday, while Nishikori opponent three times and not conceding a and arguably the best player below them a lot of money,” the Nishikori’s expense in October before los- worst matches this year. Today was a ter- faces Thiem. single break point on his own serve. ever,” Djokovic told reporters. American said after his 6-4 6-3 ing to the Japanese star in the Paris Mas- rible match. It has been a curious year for Nishikori In stark contrast to second seed Federer, “If he doesn’t have it, who is defeat. ters four days later. “I don’t even know why I didn’t play as the former US Open fi nalist, troubled who produced an error-strewn perform- going to have it? People want to “It is like the Tiger Woods ef- But the close nature of those matches well. I was lost a little bit. I just didn’t feel by a wrist injury, started 2018 losing to ance in defeat to Kei Nishikori on Sunday, see him play on the centre court, fect in golf. So that is how you was a distant memory as Nishikori, who the ball. the world number 238 in a Challenger Djokovic hit just six unforced errors and and they want to see him play in can look at a guy like Roger. He is had beaten Federer in straight sets on “He played well, but something was event in January and crashed to 39th in won 86 % of points on his serve, making a showtime, the best hours, which men’s tennis in my opinion. He Sunday, put his hopes of a semi-fi nal spot wrong. I’ve got to fi x it and try to be posi- the ATP rankings in April after a pro- mockery of the apparent challenging na- is 7:30 at night in Rod Laver deserves everything and more in jeopardy with this tame surrender. tive for next one.” longed slump. ture of the playing surface. Arena. that he’s ever had.” Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Bullying and backstabbing: the Ottawa Senators are pro sport’s biggest mess The NHL franchise has drifted away from its fans and into another reality as the team’s owner has alienated fans

By Colin Horgan Senators fans responded to Melnyk’s The Guardian suggestion of relocation by creating a #MelnykOut hashtag and, in clas- sic Canadian fashion, crowd-funded arlier this month, a handful of to erect a handful of strongly-worded players from the NHL’s Ottawa billboards around Ottawa – a message Senators were recorded surrep- of disappointment delivered from afar titiously during an Uber ride in (Melnyk has since said he doesn’t in- Phoenix.E The video of their conversa- tend to move the team). Spencer Cal- tion was later published online, report- laghan, who organized the GoFundMe edly by the driver who was unhappy that raised $10,000 to create the bill- about the tip they left him, tweeting boards, told the Citizen that its mes- they were “cheap, entitled kids”. sage was simple: “We love the team and The leak was bad enough as an inva- are willing to go through the ups and sion of privacy. Worse, was what the downs. What we are not willing to do players were caught saying: trashing is support an organisation that has lost members of their coaching staff and la- touch with the fan base and the com- menting some of their on-ice play. “Do munity.” you notice that when [assistant coach By the end of last season – one in Martin Raymond] runs the video, if you which the Senators, who a year prior actually do pay attention, he doesn’t had made their surprising playoff run, ever teach you anything?” defenseman fi nished second-to-last in the Eastern Chris Wideman asked the group. Fol- Conference – even the team’s former lowing the leak, the players apologized. captain, Daniel Alfredsson, had joined Uber apologized. Pundits sympathised. the anti-Melnyk bandwagon. “We hope Meanwhile, everyone else seemed to we get a new owner,” he told one jour- quietly understand. The players might nalist – a remark Alfredsson later said have reason to complain, after all – if he believed to have been, much like a not about their coaches or their skills, certain recorded rideshare conversa- then at least about the fact they happen tion, off the record. to be members of the Ottawa Senators, When the popular Karlsson was who appear to be the most dysfunc- traded, the dumpster that had been tional team in professional sports. smoldering was set ablaze. No amount The clues had already been there for of Uber deals or concession stand price a while. In June, news broke that the cuts could fi ll the rink for the home fi ancee of Sens’ centre Mike Hoff man, opener – an estimated 6,000 or so seats Monika Caryk, stood accused of har- stood empty that night. assing Erik Karlsson’s wife, Melinda The 2018-19 season is still young, (Karlsson, at that point, was the team’s and the Sens sit a handful of points out captain and only legitimate star). of a wildcard spot in the East. Need- Melinda Karlsson had fi led for a peace less to say, the criticisms levelled by the bond against Caryk, accusing her of Ottawa Senators’ head coach Guy Boucher and players looks on during the loss to Florida Panthers in the NHL match on Sunday. (AFP( Senators in the backseat of that Phoe- posting hundreds of hateful messages nix Uber were, dare we say, accurate. about her and her husband on social Senators’ owner, Eugene Melnyk, was early October that shows the team’s people trickle in late to games, and 15 years, many of which he’s spent liv- Following the Uber tape leak, the media, including “numerous state- dismal. In September, Melnyk appeared problems. At the time, the Senators that third periods are times of exodus, ing far away from Ottawa, in the hockey Senators asked the Citizen to remove ments wishing my unborn child dead”. in a pre-season lookahead interview. reached a partnership with the plat- as fans scramble out of the building to hotbed of Barbados, and nearly as many the video from its website. The paper (This seemed especially awful, given Melnyk opined that “right now, we’re form to off er fans $10 discounts on beat the traffi c home. of which he’s also spent annoying Sens refused. In apparent retaliation, a Citi- that, in March, the Karlsson’s fi rst child kind of in the dumpster;” mentioned rides to the stadium. The deal was, in But, recently, distance has morphed fans. It’s diffi cult to nail down exactly zen sports reporter was denied access had arrived stillborn.) Karlsson’s name exactly never; and, as reality, just one move among many the from merely a geographic problem to a when the latest surge of anger at Mel- to the team’s charter fl ight to Tampa Caryk and Hoff man denied every- if to remind fans of his overall detach- Sens made, including lowering the cost more metaphorical one. Over the last nyk began, but it escalated last Decem- Bay. Some Twitter users responded to thing and neither were charged un- ment, wore a Sens jersey that was two of parking and food “in a bid to bet- few months, in the aftermath of a dis- ber, in the run-up to the Winter Clas- the story by comparing the move, as- der any laws, but the Senators quickly seasons out of date. Two days later, ter attract fans” for the home opener. astrous season, fans are growing weary sic in Ottawa when Melnyk suggested sumed to have been at Melnyk’s di- shipped him (and her, presumably) far Karlsson was traded to the San Jose The fact that the team were worrying of an organisation that, in many ways, he might move the team even further rection, to something another man away, to San Jose, where he was imme- Sharks. He appeared unable to explain about attendance before the season seems to have separated itself from its away. He also fl oated the idea of total criticised for being disconnected from diately sent packing again, this time to the reasoning behind the trade. “I don’t had even started did not bode well. But fans and its city. Sometimes, it feels as relocation if attendance didn’t improve reality – Donald Trump – might do. the Florida Panthers. think that I’ve ever, in my wildest im- then again, location has always been a though the team is barely even real, but or if a proposal for a new downtown The two men certainly appear to share While the team can’t be blamed for agination, ever thought that I would sore spot for the Senators. Having their rather an unending and bizarre dream. arena fell through, and a fresh bout of a dislike for leaked information. As for how its players – and their families – leave this place,” he told reporters. home ice in Kanata – a suburb about At the centre of it all is one man: febrile tension has developed between reality, Senators fans surely hope Mel- behave in public, the response of the Uber crops up in another story from 25km from Ottawa – has always meant Melnyk. He has owned the Senators for fans and the organisation. nyk returns to it soon.

FOCUS NBA NHL’s fi rst black player O’Ree still breaking barriers Butler to make Reuters Toronto Sixers debut today Reuters s the fi rst black player in the Philadelphia NHL, Willie O’Ree’s impact on the sport cannot be measured in goals and assists, his contribu- ith his trade to Phil- Ations by many yardsticks eclipsing those adelphia offi cially of the hockey legends he will join in the fi nalised on Mon- shrine on Monday. day, four-time All- Wayne Gretzky, the NHL’s record WStar Jimmy Butler is expected scorer, and Bobby Orr, who twice led the to make his 76ers debut tonight league in scoring as he revolutionised at Orlando. The Minnesota Tim- the role of the defenseman, may have berwolves sent Butler and centre changed the way the game was played, Justin Patton to Philadelphia for but on January 18, 1958 O’Ree changed forwards Robert Covington and the face of hockey when he suited up for Dario Saric, guard Jared Bayless the Boston Bruins to face the Montreal and a 2022 second-round draft Canadiens. pick. The NBA approved the deal O’Ree’s moment came 11 years after on Monday. Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s colour Butler was not expected to is a “new injury for him.” “He’s barrier and it would take another 16 years be with the 76ers for Monday never had a groin strain before,” after he stepped onto the ice at the Mon- night’s game in Miami. He was the coach said. treal Forum before another black player introduced with his new team followed his path. While his fi rst game at a news conference yesterday. REPS WORKING ON LANDING has become a cultural cornerstone for the Philadelphia general manager PLACE FOR ANTHONY NHL, O’Ree swears he was blind to the Hall of Fame inductee Willie O’Ree was honoured prior to the Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Classic Game in Toronto. (AFP) Elton Brand said pairing Butler With Carmelo Anthony’s depar- signifi cance until he read about it in the with All-Star forward Joel Embi- ture from the Houston Rockets newspaper the following day. At a time when racial tension in the professional hockey career. rough and tumble minor leagues before id and 2017-18 Rookie of the Year seemingly imminent, ESPN’s As an athlete O’Ree’s focus was on United States is on the rise, O’Ree said the While he could not see out of his right retiring in 1979 at the age of 43. “When I Ben Simmons puts the Sixers in Adrian Wojnarowski reports performance not politics, wins on the ice need for tolerance has never been greater. eye, he could hear everything, the racial was 14 I made two goals for myself — play contention for an NBA title. Anthony’s representatives spent mattered more than victories away from “I think it is more important now than taunts and slurs spewed at him from the professional hockey and hopefully one Monday contacting NBA front the rink. His four goals and 10 assists in it ever was,” he said after receiving his stands and by other players. “I said: ‘Wil- day play in the NHL,” recalled O’Ree, who CURRY TO MISS TWO offi ces regarding a potential new 45 games over two seasons are not the Hall of Fame ring. “I think a lot of kids are lie, forget about what you can’t see and enters the Hall in the Builders category. MORE MATCHES home for the 10-time All-Star numbers that gain a player entry into the realising now that boys and girls can make focus on what you can see’,” said O’Ree. “When I accomplished those two it State star Stephen Curry will forward. Hockey Hall of Fame however. By con- a diff erence. It is entirely up to them. “You can do anything you set your mind was kind of the end. I had no idea that miss at least two more games Anthony will not travel with trast, Gretzky potted fi ve goals in a single “I stress on them to stay in school, get to do if you feel strongly about it within there would be the possibility of getting with a groin strain, Warriors the team for game against the game four times. an education and believe in yourself. your heart.” into the Hall of Fame. coach Steve Kerr confi rmed. Denver Nuggets, marking his But 60 year’s later O’Ree has a deep “There is no substitute for hard work, While dedication and a single-minded “I think we are three individuals within The two-time NBA Most Val- third straight missed game with unvarnished understanding of his mo- you only get out of it what you put into it.” determination carried O’Ree to the NHL, ourselves. I think we are the person we uable Player has been sidelined the Rockets. The organisation ment in history, embracing it and turning O’Ree lived what he preached. they were not enough to keep in the six- think we are, the person other people since Friday and will not play in says he out with an illness. Gen- it into a life-long calling. As the NHL’s His journey to the NHL was all the team league. After playing 43 games with think we are and the person who we re- Monday’s road game against the eral manager Daryl Morey called Diversity Ambassador for the “Hockey is more remarkable considering that after the Bruins during the 1960-61 season ally are. And to fi nd the real person within Los Angeles Clippers home game speculation about Anthony’s fu- for Everyone’ initiative, the 83-year-old being struck in the face by a puck he was there would be no more call-ups. yourself that’s the goal, working towards against the Atlanta Hawks. ture as “unfair,” but ESPN notes still criss-crosses North America knock- left blind in one eye, an impairment that Instead O’Ree would spend nearly two what you believe in and making things Kerr said the Warriors were the Rockets could place Anthony ing down barriers and opening doors. alone should have disqualifi ed him from a decades scratching out a career in the happen.” being extra careful because this on waivers as soon as Monday. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 SPORT

NBA NHL Aho caps Canes’ Lou sparks Clippers comeback in OT

Reuters in the last fi ve games. New York Ryan Getzlaf scored Anaheim’s lone regulation goal. Fiala scored for Nashville, which had a fi ve- over Warriors in arolina centre Sebastian game winning streak snapped Aho scored the game- and lost for the fi rst time in nine winning goal just 76 road games this season. seconds into overtime, Cspoiling the return of former RANGERS 2, CANUCKS 1 teammate Cam Ward as the Hur- Brett Howden scored the tie- ricanes defeated the Chicago breaking goal a little bit beyond overtime upset Blackhawks 3-2 on Monday night the midway point of the third in Raleigh, North Carolina. period as host New York edged Aho was patient on the game- Vancouver. Warriors remain on top of the West after suff ering their third loss of the season winning sequence as he waited Filip Chytil also scored for out Ward, who played the pre- the Rangers, who have won two AFP vious 13 seasons for Carolina, to straight and six of seven (6-0-1). Los Angeles deliver the winning shot and help Goalie Henrik Lundqvist made 25 the Hurricanes complete a rally saves and earned his 437th career from a two-goal defi cit. win to tie Jacques Plante for sev- ou Williams scored 25 points from Teuvo Teravainen and Micheal enth place on the NHL’s all-time the bench as the Los Angeles Ferland scored rapid-fi re goals list. Clippers upset the league-leading in the second period as the Hur- Nikolay Goldobin scored for Golden State Warriors 121-116 ricanes, who won for only the the Canucks, who had their six- Lin a wild overtime thriller at the Staples second time in an eight-game game point streak snapped. Van- Center on Monday. stretch (2-4-2), wiped out a two- couver has dropped three of four Williams reeled off 10 of his points in goal hole in a matter of 66 sec- (1-1-2) to begin a six-game road overtime to secure victory after the Clip- onds. Carolina’s Scott Darling, trip. Goalie Jacob Markstrom re- pers squandered a 14-point fourth quar- who is a former Chicago goalie, corded 25 saves. ter lead before digging in for the win. made 33 saves. The 32-year-old veteran was support- The outcome prevented the fi rst BLUE JACKETS 2, STARS 1 ed by 23 points from the bench by Mon- NHL victory for new Blackhawks Pierre-Luc Dubois scored the trezl Harrell as the Clippers improved to coach Jeremy Colliton, who took deciding goal midway through 8-5 in the Western Conference standings. over last week after Joel Quennev- the third period despite getting The Warriors remain on top of the West ille was fi red. Jonathan Toews and hit in the face with a stick while after suff ering only their third loss of the Alex DeBrincat scored for Chica- in the crease as visiting Colum- season. The NBA champions are 11-3 fol- go, and Ward made 37 saves. bus defeated Dallas. lowing the defeat. Cam Atkinson scored the Blue Kevin Durant led the scoring with 33 DUCKS 2, PREDATORS 1 (SO) Jackets’ fi rst goal, and netminder points while Klay Thompson had 31, in- Rickard Rakell scored the game- Sergei Bobrovsky turned away 26 cluding fi ve three-pointers. winner in the fourth round of the of the 27 shots he faced to earn The Warriors had trailed for much of shootout to give Anaheim the the win, which granted Colum- the game, and appeared to be sliding to- victory over visiting Nashville. bus the sweep of the season se- ward a loss before a determined fourth Rakell, who also had an assist ries between the two teams. quarter rally transformed the contest. in regulation, weaved his way in Alexander Radulov, who re- A Williams three-pointer had put the and beat Pekka Rinne (29 saves) turned to action after missing 10 Clippers ahead by 101-87 with 6min 36 on his glove side. Anaheim goal- of Dallas’ previous 11 games with remaining before the Warriors came ie John Gibson (34 saves) then a lower-body injury, scored for roaring back. made a pad save on Kevin Fiala’s the Stars, and Anton Khudobin Thompson tied the game at 106-106 try to clinch the Ducks’ third win stopped 26 shots. with 1:27 left on the clock but neither side were able to take a decisive advantage, sending the game into overtime. Williams then took over with 10 points as the Clippers completed a morale- boosting victory. Earlier Monday, the Warriors’ loss was mirrored by a defeat for their Eastern Conference counterparts, the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors suff ered only their second defeat of the season in a 126-110 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in Toronto. Anthony Davis had 25 points and 20 rebounds to lead a superb all-round of- fensive performance from the Pelicans, who saw four starters crack double digits. New Orleans improved to 7-6 with the win, which was another sign the Pelicans are back on track after a six-game los- ing streak which jolted their early season progress.

SENDING A MESSAGE The Pelicans have now won three straight to move up in the Western Conference Carolina Hurricanes’ Sebastian Aho (left) celebrates his goal with standings. Teuvo Teravainen during the game against Chicago Blackhawks in Davis said New Orleans had been de- Los Angeles Clippers’ Lou Williams (left) drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson tries to defend in overtime Raleigh, North Carolina, on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) termined to send a message after their during the NBA game at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) six-game slump. “We just had to get back to it,” Davis while Holiday poured on 29 points with trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves FOCUS said. “We lost fi ve in a row on the road and 14 assists to hush the Raptors’ home earlier Monday, is not expected to make RESULTS we’re a better road team than that. crowd at the Scotiabank Arena. his fi rst appearance for the Sixers until “We just have to be dominant on the The Pelicans defense successfully Wednesday. LA Clippers 121-116 Golden State road again and this was our next road kept Toronto’s dangermen in check, with Even without Butler, however, the Philadelphia 124-114 Miami Ohtani, Acuna voted game, so we had it in our mind. Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam re- Sixers had too much fi repower for the New Orleans 126-110 Toronto “It was a good test for us; best team in stricted to 20 and 22 points, respectively. Heat, who rapidly wilted in the face of a the East and we’re on the road, so we just Point guard Kyle Lowry was held to just 35-point display from Joel Embiid. Sacramento 104-99 San Antonio top MLB rookies made a conscious eff ort to get this one.” four points from 33 minutes on court as The Cameroon star also pulled down 18 Dallas 103-98 Chicago Davis was given support from across the Raptors fell to 12-2. rebounds in a dominant performance. JJ Utah 96-88 Memphis AFP since Ruth in 1919 with Boston, a the Pelicans line-up on Monday, with Elsewhere Monday, the Philadelphia Redick had 25 points while Ben Simmons New York starting spot in the pitching ro- E’Twaun Moore, Jrue Holiday and Julius 76ers celebrated the capture of Jimmy added 13. Minnesota 120-113 Brooklyn tation and as a full-time batter, Randle all making signifi cant scoring Butler with a 124-114 win over the Miami Landry Shamet, Mike Muscala and Oklahoma City 118-101 Phoenix serving as the Angels’ designated contributions. Heat. Furkan Korkmaz all had double-digit Washington 117-109 Orlando os Angeles Angels pitch- hitter. Moore led the scoring with 30 points Butler, who completed his acrimonious points tallies off the bench for the Sixers. ing and hitting star A torn ligament in his right Shohei Ohtani and At- elbow in June cut short dreams lanta Braves outfi elder of a full season in both roles, but LRonald Acuna Jr. were named the work he produced before NFL Major League Baseball’s Rookies the injury and in a late-season of the Year on Monday. comeback as a hitter with a brief Ohtani, a 24-year-old Japa- mound return showed his amaz- Manning silences critics to spark Giants comeback nese sensation, became the ing dual role skill. fi rst player in major league his- Ohtani went 4-2 with a 3.31 AFP Aldrick Rosas fi eld goal to tie it tory with 20 home runs and 50 earned-run average and 63 San Francisco at 10-10. strikeouts as a pitcher in the strikeouts over 51 2/3 innings in 10 Gould’s second fi eld goal same season, a two-way eff ort right-handed pitching starts while put San Francisco 13-10 ahead unseen since iconic Babe Ruth a batting .285 with 22 homers, 10 li Manning shrugged at half-time, and the 49ers century ago. stolen bases and 61 runs batted in. off speculation about his stretched their lead midway Acuna, a 20-year-old Ven- In September, doctors said future to lead the New through the third quarter with a ezuelan who became the young- Ohtani needed Tommy John ten- York Giants to a come- second touchdown from Breida. est major leaguer when he joined don replacement surgery and he from-behindE 27-23 victory over This time the running back Atlanta in April, hit .293 with 26 underwent the operation to re- the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s turned receiver, collecting an homers and drove in 64 runs over pair his right arm, knowing that Stadium on Monday. 11-yard completion from back- 111 games to win the National it might cause him to miss the Giants quarterback Manning, up quarterback Nick Mullens to League award. entire 2019 major league season. who has faced mounting calls cap a 60-yard drive and make it Ohtani captured the American Only Ohtani and Ruth in 1919 to be benched in recent weeks, 20-10. League rookie award over New have had 10 pitching appear- held his nerve to conjure a late But just when San Francisco York Yankees infi elders Miguel ances and 20 homers in the same game-winning drive and give appeared to be taking control, Andujar and Gleyber Torres season. New York only its second win of the Giants off ense fi nally man- while Washington outfi elder Acuna also came from another the season. aged to string a scoring drive Juan Soto and Los Angeles Dodg- continent to enjoy a magical de- The two-time Super Bowl together. ers right-handed pitcher Walker but run, helping the Braves reach winner found Sterling Shepard Beckham grabbed his second Buehler lost out in the National. the playoff s for the first time for a three-yard touchdown pass touchdown of the night on a Attention was upon Ohtani since 2013. He’s among only fi ve to seal a nine-play 75-yard drive “I’m just happy to be playing opened the scoring for the 49ers ever, and was back in front in the 20-yard pass from Manning and from the moment he arrived in players in major league history which put the Giants ahead with football,” Manning said after- with a 53-yard fi eld goal before opening minutes of the second then Rosas added a fi eld goal to the Angels’ pre-season train- with 26 homers before his 21st just 53 seconds remaining. ward when asked about recent the Giants took the lead near quarter when running back Matt tie it at 20-20. ing camp after fi ve seasons with birthday and just the 10th player Manning fi nished with three criticism. the end of the fi rst quarter when Breida crashed over from three Gould’s third fi eld goal of the Japan’s Hokkaido Nippon Ham with 25 homers and 15 stolen bas- touchdowns and 188 yards from “This is what I love to do. I Manning connected with Odell yards out for a touchdown. night put San Francisco ahead Fighters, helping them with the es as a rookie. 19 completions as the Giants im- have great teammates, great Beckham Jr. for a 10-yard touch- Once again however, the Gi- 23-20 with 2:46 remaining, but 2016 Japan Series crown before Ohtani and Acuna were the proved to 2-7 in the NFC East. San support. Hopefully we can keep down. ants off ense struggled to turn Manning produced an ice-cold leaving after the 2017 campaign. only major league rookies with Francisco fell to 2-8 and remain at this feeling going.” San Francisco did not have to possession into touchdowns fi nal drive to hand New York the Ohtani was attempting some- at least 20 homers and 10 stolen the bottom of the NFC West. Earlier, Robbie Gould had wait long to regain the lead how- and had to be content with an win. thing unseen in the major leagues bases each this year. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 7 SPORT

CHESS Carlsen and Caruana still deadlocked aft er tidy Game 4 draw

By Bryan Armen Graham Caruana, who had struggled with began with controversy yester- a terrible blunder by Caruana’s The Guardian time in earlier games, immedi- day morning when a two-minute club – one that would cost him ately struck back with 11. ... Bd6. clip showing details of Caruana’s months of preparation – or a The world No 1 created a queen- top-secret preparation was up- deliberate misinformation cam- agnus Carlsen and side weakness over the next few loaded to the Saint Louis Chess paign intended to spread false Fabiano Caruana are moves, but he eschewed any risk Club’s YouTube channel before it intelligence to the Carlsen camp. no closer to a deci- in exploiting it and the game ap- was quickly taken down, but not Caruana was polite but terse sion in their world peared bound for a draw after the before a crucial screen shot was in declining to comment dur- Mchampionship match after play- exchange of queens and bishops. captured and disseminated on ing yesterday’s post-game press ing to a straightforward 34-move A series of moves during the social media. conference, though Carlsen’s re- draw in Game 4 yesterday after- fi nal hour exposed vulnerabilities The footage included a shot sponse was somewhat more glib. noon in London. on the b4 and c6 squares that bal- of an open laptop with a list of “Well, I’ll have a look at the Carlsen, playing with the anced each other out and before openings allegedly researched by video and then make up my white pieces, off ered a surprise long the players agreed to a draw, Caruana along with the names mind,” the Norwegian champion to onlookers with the geographi- their fourth in as many matches, of three grandmasters – Leinier said with a wry smile, prompting cally appropriate English Open- after less than three hours. Domínguez, Alejandro Ramírez laughter from the press gallery. ing, a choice he’d played only “He seems to have out-pre- and Ioan-Cristian Chirila – who “We’ll see then.” once in 37 all-time meetings with pared me with the black pieces could potentially be working as Both players will look for- his American rival. A predictable so far so I’ll have to try harder,” seconds in the American’s camp. ward to today’s rest day before line followed through 10 moves Carlsen said. The apparently accidental the best-of-12-games match until the Norwegian champion An uncomplicated day on the release immediately prompted resumes with Caruana playing as Reigning world chess champion Norway’s Magnus Carlsen (right) and his US challenger Fabiano Caruana off ered a novelty with 11. b4, yet board at the College in Holborn speculation as to whether it was white in tomorrow’s Game 5. (left) are locked at 2-2 with the fifth game scheduled for tomorrow. (AFP)

FOCUS Kosovo boxer caught up in visa debacle ahead of Delhi event

AFP alone, it’s a much larger issue,” New Delhi he said. Despite its diplomatic woes, Women boxers wear Kosovo became a full member professional boxer of the International Olympic from Kosovo has been Committee in 2014 and its A denied entry to India to athletes made their Olympic compete in the women’s world debut two years later at the championships because the Rio Games. foreign ministry does not rec- Still, their athletes were prohib- masks to beat smog ognise her country, an off icial ited from competing under said yesterday. Kosovo’s flag at the Karate Donjeta Sadiku has until World Championships in Spain Thursday to scrape together earlier this year. an entry permit before the The incident brought IOC contest begins but Indian box- pressure on Spain and India ing off icials say her chances is understood to fear a similar at Worlds in India are slim. backlash if the Kosovo contin- The Republic of Kosovo gent does not acquire visas. declared independence from A senior Indian IOC off icial, ‘Some parents of players are worried and we tell our players to restrict time outside’ Serbia in 2008 but many speaking on condition of countries, including India, still anonymity, told AFP that the Reuters bronze medallist MC Mary Kom do not recognise the self- foreign ministry had asked New Delhi is among those taking part. proclaimed Balkan state. how it could give a visa to a Sadiku also holds an Albanian person “whose nation they do WORRIED PARENTS passport and was expected, not recognise”. omen boxers train- French coach Anthony Veni- along with her two coaches, “So we might also get a letter ing for a world ant said he had asked for the to receive an entry visa to from the IOC soon, and will be championship tournament to be moved out of compete in the AIBA Women’s in danger of losing big events. starting in the In- Delhi but his request was turned World Boxing Championships. But that’s how it stands at the Wdian capital this week are wearing down. India’s boxing federation presi- moment,” the off icial said. surgical masks, scarves and even “We feel the air is no good. dent Ajay Singh said they were Kosovo is one of nine debu- T-shirts across their mouths as Some of the parents of these in talks with foreign ministry tants at the world champion- the level of air pollution rises sev- players are worried and we tell off icials in Delhi but they were ship. Seventy three nations are eral times beyond the safe limit. our players to restrict their time dealing with a “sensitive issue”. set to participate in the 10th The AIBA Women’s World outside,” Veniant said. “This is not about boxing edition of the championship. Boxing Championships is taking Prolonged exposure to high place in an indoor stadium from levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10, an- tomorrow through to Nov 24 but other pollutant, leads to respira- teams are complaining about a tory illnesses. Doctors in Delhi toxic smog hanging over the city, have reported an increase in the Kearney, Ringrose fi t as Ireland rev caused by seasonal burning of number of patients with respi- up for All Blacks clash crop stubble and emissions from ratory problems. vehicles and industry. Jay Kowli, secretary-general Reuters are also fit — offering some The weather, with no wind to of the Boxing Federation of In- Dublin consolation after key players blow the pollution away, has ag- dia, said the air quality was be- Robbie Henshaw, Conor Mur- gravated the problem in one of ing monitored but ruled out any ray, and Sean O’Brien were the world’s most polluted cities. change of location. ob Kearney and Garry ruled out. “My family is worried. We “Shifting the venue is impos- Ringrose returned “We had a full session and know it is not good for our body,” sible. Delhi has the best sports fa- Rto full training with obviously we’ll take stock of said 27-year old Bulgarian Stan- France’s Mona Mestiaen removes a mask after her practice session ahead of AIBA Women’s World Boxing cilities in the country,” Kowli said. Ireland yesterday , putting that over the next 24 hours imira Petrova, a gold-medallist Championships at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, India, on Monday. (Reuters) Teams have been hard at themselves in the frame but they’re on the right track,” in the bantamweight category in training this week. to face New Zealand this Ireland defence coach Andy the championships in 2014. entry of heavy vehicles into the Their coaches said they were are let off , clogging the air with Daniel Nash, the coach for the weekend in what promises Farrell said of centre Aki and “It’s diffi cult. I wear a scarf city and ordered construction advised about the poor air but smoke — were wearing off . Swedish team, said pollution to be a mouthwatering clash scrum-half Marmion. but I have to get accustomed.” work to stop and sprinklers to organisers had not given them “I’m confi dent there will was a problem, but he had asked between the world’s two top- Injury had kept Kearney and Yesterday, the level of deadly keep down the dust. But the air any protective gear. not be any problems faced by the boxers to focus on the com- ranked sides. Ringrose out of contention particulate matter PM 2.5 that quality remains in the severe Ajay Singh, president of the the boxers especially with the petition. “I’m telling my players Their fellow backs Bundee for the Argentina game, lodge deep in the lungs was at zone. Boxing Federation of India, said championship being held in- to not let this issue aff ect their Aki and Kieran Marmion, though both had returned to 407, about eight times the safe Seven European boxers whom Delhi’s air quality was improv- doors. We have all the necessary game,” Nash said. who picked up ankle injuries training by the time coach limit, according to a reading by Reuters spoke to complained ing as the eff ects of last week’s standards maintained and pre- Contestants just have to deal in last Saturday’s laboured Joe Schmidt named his team the pollution control board. that the air left a bad taste and Hindu festival of Diwali — when cautions taken.” with it, said Abdul Fkiri, the 28-17 win against Argentina, last Thursday. Authorities have banned the irritated their eyes. tens of thousands of fi recrackers Indian Olympic fl yweight coach of the Dutch team.

BOTTOMLINE Kurdish women pedal, dunk, spike as Iraq’s top athletes

AFP Rafi q, who trains in the re- to every training session. said Bashir. Arbil, Iraq gion’s capital, Arbil, credits her “I was advised not to exercise victory to “the support of society six months after giving birth DUNKING ACROSS SPORTS and our parents”. but I told the whole world that I The numbers speak for them- hen Iraq’s female Decades ago, all of Iraq’s 18 would start again,” she said. selves. cycling team provinces had thriving female Najeeb and fellow Akad play- This year’s national volleyball snatched bronze athletic scenes, with active clubs ers are regularly called up to championship brought together and silver medals in diff erent sports. Iraq’s national team to compete “11 female Kurdish teams against Wat a landmark pan-Arab race, it But the 1980s saw a string of internationally. four other female teams from the was thanks to athletes from the violent confl icts begin, followed “A player has everything rest of Iraq — all of them from autonomous Kurdish region. by an international embargo that here — modern training facili- Baghdad,” he said. The country’s toughest female brought development projects to ties, interested clubs, and great Women’s basketball, too, has competitors, its best-equipped a screeching halt and the rise of coaches,” she told AFP. become a hit sport in Iraq thanks facilities and most experienced militias. The clubs also enjoy wide- to Kurdish athletes — including coaches are not in the capital Those factors, combined with spread public support and are all-girl teams in Dohuk, Halabja Baghdad, but in the Kurdish- growing conservatism in parts of popular meeting places. and Arbil. majority northern region. Iraqi society, all chipped away at “The fact that they have res- The relative calm enjoyed by And the three medals won sports culture for women. taurants and recreational spaces the region has contributed to by the Iraqi female cyclists in However in the north, encourages families to come their advancement, said the head September at the tournament in relatively insulated from these support the female athletes,” of Iraq’s Basketball Federation, Algeria were seen as proof of this trends, Kurdish women have said Khaled Bashir, a member of Hussein al-Omeidi. sporting prowess in a region that enjoyed an athletic awakening — Iraq’s Volleyball Federation. “That stability in the region’s has governed itself since 1991. one that Iraq’s clubs and national That popularity often trans- towns when it comes to daily The team earned a bronze in teams are making use of now. lates into material support for life and to security is vital to the the relay race, where three of local clubs, allowing them to athletic excellence of our female its four cyclists were Kurdish, ‘MORE OPEN’ pursue more training and keep teams,” Omeidi told AFP. and also scooped a bronze and a A female cycling team in the Iraqi Kurdish women play volleyball at a gym in Arbil, the capital of the Kurdish autonomous region in improving. Out of Iraq’s seven female silver in individual events. southern conservative city of northern Iraq, on Monday. (AFP) Elsewhere in Iraq, teams rely basketball clubs, three of them The silver-winning athlete, Diwaniyah regularly poaches on funds from the ministry of are from the Kurdish region Mazda Rafi q, hails from the two Kurdish athletes from better score,” said Sajed Salim, of coach Randy Metti. the home. youth and sports, which barely — a source of pride for female Kurdish region’s second city, Sulaimaniyah — more than 500 Iraq’s Cycling Federation. “Kurdistan is more open Metti coaches the Akad Ain- cover basic expenses. basketball federation member Sulaimaniyah. kilometres (300 miles) to the One reason for the success of to women’s sports than the kawa women’s volleyball team “There are talented athletes Wassen Hanoun. “Since I was a little girl, I’ve north — for national and regional Kurdish female athletes may be provinces of the south,” he said, in Arbil three times per week, all everywhere, but they do not “It’s an important proportion wanted to represent Iraq in a competitions. the relatively lax social norms in where traditions and tribal year long. emerge in the other provinces that really shows how much fe- cycling race, and today I was able “They are better, and the club the autonomous region, said Iraq customs restrict how much Player Mirna Najeeb brings because the structures are not male Kurdish sports dominate,” to do that,” said the 20-year-old. knows they’ll help them get a volleyball champion and club women and girls can do outside her seven-month-old daughter the same as those in Kurdistan,” she said.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SECOND TEST SPOTLIGHT England captain Taijul’s fi ve-for Root sides with Sri Lanka’s puts hosts on top suspect spinner

AFP STOKES BOOSTED Kandy, Sri Lanka “There are no ICC rules saying he cannot play,” said Suranga Lak- mal, who will captain Sri Lanka ngland captain Joe Root in the absence of injured Dinesh had words of sympathy Chandimal. despite Taylor ton for Sri Lanka spinner Ak- “He can still play and he’s in a ila Dananjaya who will go good mentality, he will still play intoE the second Test today with the next match and correct his Bangladesh bowl out Zimbabwe for 304 in the first innings to take a 218-run lead his bowling action under inves- mistake.” tigation by cricket’s world body. England’s unchanged team Root was questioned about may mean Root and coach Trevor Dananjaya as it was announced Bayliss want Ben Stokes to estab- that England would keep the lish himself as a regular number same team that hammered Sri three — a troublesome position Lanka in the fi rst Test with Ben for England. Stokes playing as number three Stokes, who batted number batsman and Jonny Bairstow fi ve in the fi rst Test, had been in kept out despite being fi t again. competition with Jos Buttler for Sri Lanka has insisted that the a boost up the order. Moeen Ali 25-year-old off -spinner Danan- has fallen out of contention after jaya is ready to play despite the scoring just three runs in two in- International Cricket Council nings in the fi rst Test. reporting him for his bowling in Stokes has played 64 of his 85 the fi rst Test. Test knocks at number six. The “It is an unfortunate thing he England coaching staff believe has to deal with,” said Root. however that his technique is “Ultimately for us we played suited to a higher position. him at Galle pretty well through- Bairstow, England’s fi rst- out the last game. choice wicketkeeper-batsman “If you see anyone with a for the past three years, was be- question mark by their action, lieved to have recovered from you hope they get through and it ankle ligament damage suff ered doesn’t hamper their career. It is in the one-day series. But Ben never nice to see.” Foakes’ stunning debut as stand- Root said the suspect action in made a change diffi cult. had not shocked him. Speaking before the line-up “It didn’t really stand out to was announced, Root highlight- me personally,” he added. ed the need for the team to re- “It doesn’t matter what his main fl exible. action is like, it’s how we play “I think you have to adjust, to him. It’s how it comes down to be as adaptable as possible,” said us playing the ball, being skilful Root. enough to react to the delivery on “You obviously want some the surface.” sort of consistency in your top The match umpires reported order but in tours in this part Dananjaya’s action after the fi rst of the world, on surfaces where Test, which England won by 211 conditions are so extreme at runs. He took two wickets for 184 times, there will be times you runs. might want to change things Under ICC rules Dananjaya round,” he said. must undergo testing at an ap- “I want us to take the posi- proved ICC centre within two tive option if we’re unsure at any weeks and he is expected to fl y to stage. I want us to continue keep Australia as soon as the second taking the game to the opposi- Test ends. tion.”

Sri Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya takes Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah (right), Mushfiqur Rahim (second from left) and Taijul Islam (second from right) celebrate a Zimbabwe wicket during the second Test in Dhaka. (AFP) part in a practice session in Kandy on AFP Scorecard injury. in control. Monday. (AFP) Dhaka, Bangladesh Zimbabwe edged towards Taijul took a stunning catch at avoiding the follow-on once square leg to end the fi ne innings BANGLADESH 1st inn 522-7 dec T. Chatara absent hurt Taylor hit 110 off 194 balls and off Taylor, who hit 10 fours in his Peter Moor added a career-best fi fth Test century — his fi rst ever eft-arm spinner Taijul SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings Extras (5b, 1lb) 6 Islam claimed his third 83 to rescue the side from a pre- away from home. Bangladesh consecutive fi ve-wicket H. Masakadza c Hasan b Islam 14 Total (all out, 105.3 overs) 304 carious 131-5 in the fi nal session. also dominated the opening two haul yesterday to put B. Chari c M. Haque b Hasan 53 Fall of Wickets: 1-20 (Masa- Bangladesh had occasional sessions of the day after Zimba- LBangladesh in command in the medium pacer Ariful Haque to bwe resumed play on 25-1. D. Tiripano c Hasan b Islam 8kadza), 2-40 (Tiripano), 3-96 second Test against Zimbabwe (Chari), 4-129 (Williams), 5-131 thank for breaking Moor’s 139- Brian Chari led Zimbabwe’s despite a defi ant century by B. Taylor c Islam b Hasan 110 (Raza) , 6-270 (Moor), 7-290 run sixth-wicket partnership initial resistance, hitting 53 off Brendon Taylor in Dhaka. S. Williams b Islam 11 (Taylor), 8-290 (Mavuta), 9-304 with Taylor when he trapped the 128 balls before he was snared by The home side bowled out S. Raza b Islam 0(Chakabva) right-hander leg before in his Mehidy on the stroke of lunch. Zimbabwe for 304 runs in the fi rst fi rst over. Mominul Haque took the P. Moor lbw A. Haque 83 Bowling: Rahman 21-8-58-0, innings to take a 218-run lead af- Ahmed 18-7-48-0, Islam 40.3- Moor, who was dropped on 75 catch at short leg that was con- R. Chakabva c M. Haque b Islam 10 ter they had declared their own 10-107-5, Hasan 20-3-61-3, Mah- by substitute fi elder Nazmul Is- fi rmed by television replay after innings for a mammoth 522-7 the B. Mavuta c A. Haque b Hasan 0 mudullah 2-0-14-0, A. Haque lam at cover off Mustfi zur Rah- Bangladesh reviewed the initial previous afternoon. man, hit 12 fours and a six in his not out decision. K. Jarvis not out 9 4-2-10-1 Zimbabwe need only a draw to fi fth Test 50, his second succes- Taijul dismissed nightwatch- win their fi rst Test series in sev- sive half-century in the series. man Donald Tiripano for eight en years, with the visitors having Taylor brought up his hun- early in the morning but Chari won the opening match in Sylhet Taijul dismissed Regis Chaka- immediately, 19 short of the fol- dred off Taijul but off -spinner provided some counter-punch, FOCUS by 151 runs, their fi rst Test win bva for 10 to complete his haul low-on mark as last man Tendai Mehedy Hasan soon ended his hitting six fours and two sixes in away in almost two decades. and Zimbabwe’s innings ended Chatara was unable to bat due to innings to put Bangladesh back his second Test fi fty. Former SL player Rohit Sharma rested from India A squad Lokuhettige charged IANS der his captaincy, star batsman “Rohit, who was originally India Senior Selection Commit- Australia on Friday. Mumbai Rohit Sharma’s recent workload named in India A’s squad for tee,” a BCCI statement read. The three-match T20I rubber was taken into consideration as the first four-day match against “The decision was taken keep- against the Kangaroos com- with corruption the BCCI yesterday decided to New Zealand A, has been ad- ing in mind his recent work- mences November 21, which resh from a 3-0 mauling of rest him from the India A squad vised rest by the BCCI medical load,” it added. will be followed by four Tests Reuters ing or encouraging a player to do the West Indies in the T20 for the first four-day match team in consultation with the Rohit will now travel with India’s and three One-day Internation- New Delhi the same. FInternational rubber un- against New Zealand A. team management and the All- T20 squad that will leave for als. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been grappling with a series of ormer Sri Lanka interna- corruption cases and Lokuhet- tional Dilhara Lokuhet- tige is the latest name to be added ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP tige has been charged to the list of those involved. under an anti-corruption Former paceman and bowling codeF relating to a 10-over league coach Nuwan Zoysa was provi- in the United Arab Emirates last sionally suspended on Oct. 31 af- year, the International Cricket ter being charged by the ICC with South Africa, England pick up big wins Council (ICC) said yesterday. match-fi xing. The 38-year-old, who played Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) nine one-dayers and two Twen- promptly sent Zoysa on “com- espite the rain inter- resistance, before Dilani Man- reach the target in 18.3 overs. ing away for most of Monday, spinners, fi nishing with 3 for 16. ty20 internationals for Sri Lan- pulsory leave”. ruptions, South Africa odara’s cameo of 20 off 12 balls South Africa, for whom this the match at the Daren Sammy Salma Khatun, the Bangladesh ka, has been charged with three Former captain Sanath Jayas- and Sri Lanka played pushed Sri Lanka to 99 for 8, giv- was the fi rst game of the ICC National Cricket Stadium began captain, sent back Danni Wyatt counts of breaching the anti- uriya was last month charged out a full match at ing them a fair total to defend. Women’s World T20 2018, next only 15 minutes after the sched- lbw the fi rst ball, and got Tammy corruption code of the Emirates with two counts of breaching the DarenD Sammy National Cricket With rain at the innings play the Windies today, while uled start. Conditions were Beaumont early as well, but a use- Cricket Board (ECB), the global ICC’s anti-corruption code. He Stadium, Gros Islet, on Monday break, there was a chance that Sri Lanka meet Bangladesh in tricky to bat, and the England ful 38-run stand between Nat governing body said. denied any wrongdoing. with the South Africans emerg- DLS might come into play, and the early game the same day. pacers made the most of it, with Sciver and Amy Jones knocked off “Mr Lokuhettige has been Also in October, SLC’s chief ing victors by seven wickets. losing two quick wickets at the Bangladesh lost their match to a booming full in-swinger from the bulk of the runs. Rain caused a provisionally suspended with fi nancial offi cer Wimal Nandika Once Dane van Niekerk chose start of their innings to be 6 for England by six wickets on Mon- Anya Shrubsole starting Bang- stoppage at nine overs with Eng- immediate eff ect,” the ICC said Dissanayake was remanded in to bowl with rain expected, 2 themselves didn’t fl atter South day. Kirstie Gordon picked up ladesh’s downfall. land 55 for 3; when the teams re- in a statement. custody for suspected fi nancial Shabnim Ismail (3 for 10) and Africa’s par score. three wickets and Linsey Smith Ayasha Rahman struck three turned with a revised target, the Lokuhettige had 14 days to re- misappropriation linked with Marizanne Kapp (1 for 13) proved But Kapp, promoted to No.3, chipped in with one on England sixes in her 39 runs, but took 50-over champions needed just spond to the charges, it added. awarding telecast rights to Sony why they make for such a potent survived when the ball hit her debut as a disciplined bowling 52 balls for it as she found lit- nine more runs. The charges against the bowl- TV. attack, reducing the Sri Lankans stumps but the bails didn’t get performance from the side kept tle support from the rest of the England, who had their fi rst ing all-rounder include being The T10 league was launched to 5 for 2. dislodged, and anchored the Bangladesh to 76 for 9 and set up line-up. Gordon, the former match washed out, next play party to an eff ort to fi x the result last year and the 2018 edition will Shashikala Siriwardene, the chase with van Niekerk. Their a seven-wicket win. Scotland international, was the South Africa on November 16. or progress of a match, and di- be contested by eight teams from former captain, off ered the main 67-run stand helped the side With the rain mercifully stay- pick of England’s three left-arm (ICC) rectly soliciting, inducing, entic- November 21-December 2.