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Wednesday, November 29, 2017 Rabia I 11, 1439 AH Kohli leads GULF TIMES pay rise call for India players SPORT Page 3 QATAR CIRCUIT SQUASH FORMAT Al-Tamimi sees No change in ACL format, off El Hammamy says AFC Qatar, Saudi and UAE Clubs will have to play tournament on a home-and-away basis as was the case in previous years to pocket title ready sees games featuring clubs from Reuters Bangkok Saudi Arabia and Iran played in neutral ‘I am extremely proud of how I performed at this event in front of my home crowd’ venues due to a diplomatic disagree- ment between those countries. Qatar, By Sports Reporter atches between clubs along with Oman and the United Arab Doha from Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, hosted some of those games United Arab Emirates and this season. MQatar will continue to be Meanwhile, the AFC has said it atar’s Abdulla Mohamed al- played on a home-and-away basis in will begin the tender process for the Tamimi has warmed up for next year’s Asian Champions League confederation’s commercial rights in the PSA World Champion- despite an on-going diplomatic dis- February of next year, with the aim to ship in style by winning the pute between the Gulf states, the Asian fi nalise the procedure by May or June QatarQ Circuit squash tournament yes- Football Confederation said yesterday. 2018. terday. The AFC’s executive committee de- The rights are currently held by La- At Khalifa International Tennis and cided to maintain the current format gardere Sports and Entertainment with Squash Complex, al-Tamimi complete- of its fl agship club event in the face of a the existing contract, which started in ly outclassed Egypt’s Karim El Ham- ban imposed on travel in and out of Qa- 2014 and is worth $1 billion, due to ex- mamy 3-0 in just 27 minutes in front tar by a Saudi Arabia-led coalition that pire at the end of 2021. of a home crowd which included his is backed by the United Arab Emirates. “The AFC will ensure that transpar- father and elder brother. Clubs from the three nations regu- ent and fair procedures are followed Al-Tamimi said later the title was a larly play each other in the Asian and that the views of the Member As- special one for him. Champions League, although this sociations are taken into considera- “I am extremely proud of how I per- year’s competition was not aff ected by tion,” AFC President Shaikh Salman formed at this event in front of my the standoff as Qatari teams had been bin Ebrahim al-Khalifah said. home crowd,” al-Tamimi said after his eliminated before the action was taken The AFC Executive Committee also fourth win this season. in early June. reiterated their support for the Pal- “It is always a delight to win before The confederation said in a state- estine FA who will present their case your home crowd. I am happy I have ment it would send a “high-level del- to prevent Israeli teams playing in the lived up to their expectations. Playing at egation to the concerned countries to disputed territory to the Court of Ar- home brings a certain amount of pres- try and mediate the situation with the bitration for Sport in January and their sure but today I overcame that to win concerned (member associations) and continued opposition to government the title,” the world No 43 said. governments to fi nd a solution for the interference, which has led to the sus- The top-seed al-Tamimi had things matches”. pension of the Kuwait Football Associ- very much his way as he drubbed his The dispute has already led to com- ation and Pakistan Football Federation seventh-seeded Egyptian opponent 11- plications for Qatar’s hosting of the by FIFA. 2, 11-5, 11-4. Qatar’s Abdulla Mohamed al-Tamimi receives his winner’s trophy from Qatar Tennis and Squash Federation’s assistant regional Gulf Cup competition, with On the eve of AFC Annual Awards The 22-year-old Aspire Academy secretary-general Tareq Darwish Zainal while tournament director Saad Saleh al-Mohannadi looks on. At bottom, Saudi, UAE and close ally Bahrain re- 2017 in Bangkok, the AFC Executive graduate was happy with his consist- al-Tamimi plays a shot against El Hammamy. fusing to confi rm their participation in Committee accepted the proposal for ency in the tournament. next month’s tournament. Qatar is also the 2018 celebration of Asian football “I have had some bad tournaments self-imposed do’s and don’ts ahead of due to host the World Cup in 2022. to be held in Muscat in the Sultanate of and bad matches. I have not been con- the tournament. “I stopped using so- The Asian Champions League al- Oman. sistent enough. I am happy that I was cial media and cut off from my friends consistent in this tournament and I to focus on the tournament.” The Qa- wish to carry the consistency in the tari aims to celebrate his title win with second half of the season. his friends for the next couple of days Ex-Barca chief Raul Sanllehi joins Arsenal “I think the tournament was an ideal before getting down to serious busi- preparation for next month’s World ness of preparing for the World Cham- rsenal have appointed the lead role in future signings Championship,” he said. pionship. former Barcelona director but, significantly, he has not been Al-Tamimi defeated Egypt’s Youssef “I will celebrate the win today and of football Raul Sanllehi appointed director of football, a po- Soliman in a tough semi-fi nal on Mon- tomorrow as I have one and half week as head of football rela- sition Wenger has criticised in the day, which lasted an hour. to go before I leave for the World Cham- A tions, the club announced yester- past. Arsenal chief executive Ivan Talking about the fi nal, al-Tamimi pionship. I will be leaving for England day. Sanllehi will start in February Gazidis said: “Raul has extensive said it was a good match. on December 7, so till then it’s time for after 14 years at Barcelona, working contacts across the football world “The fi nal was a good one. Though more hard work,” Australian Squash alongside manager Arsene Wenger and has been directly involved in it fi nished fast, I was ready for a tough Open 2016 winner said. in a further sign of restructuring at some of the biggest transfers in one like semi-fi nal, considering my The PSA World Championship will the Premier League side. in recent years. We look for- previous matches against Karim and be held at National Squash Centre in Sanllehi, who is credited with ward to him bringing that expertise Youssef which went to the distance,” Manchester from December 9 to 13. sistant secretary general of Qatar Ten- wish Zainal and tournament director bringing Neymar to Barca, will take to Arsenal.” he said. Al-Tamimi said he had some The prizes were distributed by as- nis and Squash Federation Tareq Dar- Saad Saleh al-Mohannadi.

HONOUR Aspire Zone Foundation named best Arab sports organisation

spire Zone Foundation (AZF) was The award is a further milestone productivity. AZF has continued to pioneer the ad- named the Best Sports Organisa- as AZF continues to cement The award is a further milestone as vancement sporting outcomes in Qatar. tion 2017 by the General Secre- its reputation as world-class in AZF continues to cement its reputation The foundation provides a range of inte- tariat and Experts Committee at as world-class in pursuance of it vision grated academic services, access to state- A pursuance of it vision to become the second annual Arab Best Award cer- to become “the reference in sports excel- of-the-art facilities, advanced laboratories emony in Marrakesh, Morocco. “the reference in sports lence worldwide by 2020.” Furthermore, it and international experts who are working Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi, the Chief excellence worldwide by 2020” acknowledges the combined eff orts of its together to cultivate the development of Executive Offi cer of Aspire Zone Founda- member organisations - Aspire Logistics, talented young athletes, working with and tion, received the award in front of an au- committed to the highest levels of contin- Aspire Academy, and Aspetar, the ortho- empowering them to fulfi l their potential dience of high-profi le representatives from ued improvement, transparency, profes- paedic and sports medicine hospital – in and realise their dreams. regional and international organisations. sionalism, dedication and neutrality.” delivering signifi cant value to the sporting Aspire Zone is home to some of the The General Secretariat and Experts Award categories were highly com- community around the world. world’s fi nest sport facilities and services, Committee commended AZF’s “distin- petitive, with winners selected based on The accolade is testament to ‘The Aspire off ering an impressive integrated mix of guished leadership of the organisation a merit system that includes 17 criteria, WAY,’ a mantra which champions superhu- sport, sports medicine and research, and which has spared no eff ort to advance its including leadership style, alignment to man eff ort in the pursuit of tangible results sport education. It is also a perfect setting Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi, AZF’s CEO, receiving the award on holistic performance while remaining strategic business goals and administrative across the foundation. to combine sports and leisure pursuits. behalf of his organisation. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, November 29, 2017 CRICKET

ASHES England could backdate Stokes’ suspension to aid Ashes return All-rounder, who has flown to New Zealand to get match-fit, could be fast-tracked for Perth if cleared by police

By Ali Martin in Adelaide then kick in over the following 48 hours. Strauss The Guardian stated on Monday that certain procedural ele- ments have already taken place. Were this chain of events to begin in the next en Stokes is readying himself to make week – Stokes has already given his fi nal state- an astonishing England return during ment to Avon and Somerset Police – with no the ongoing Ashes series in the event police charge, a cricketing ban that covers the that he is cleared by police following his two ODIs and two Tests he has sat out already arrestB over a late-night incident in Bristol two would mean a return for the third Test, starting months ago. in Perth on 14 December, could be possible. Though the all-rounder is still waiting to dis- While a heavier ban would quash any hopes cover this – and is currently unavailable to play of a recall, fi tness also remains a hurdle. Stokes for the national team while doing so – there is is on the mend from a broken fi nger suff ered on a growing belief that, if given the all-clear, a the night in question and though he has been backdated cricketing suspension covering the batting and at Durham’s indoor school matches he has already missed could result and in recent weeks (and posting videos of the ses- he would be allowed to join the embattled tour. sions on social media) it has been more than two Stokes has fl own to Christchurch in New Zea- months since his last match. land in order to get match-fi t and ultimately Picking Stokes for the Ashes would also gen- give himself the best possible chance of a Test erate a huge off -fi eld distraction for England, return if this path opens up, with talks over a with a media frenzy that would far exceed that deal to play for Canterbury already under way. which followed Jonny Bairstow’s bizarre but Originally described as a “private trip” to visit non-malicious “head-butt” on Cameron Ban- family by the England and Wales Cricket Board croft that came to light during the fi rst Test. – his parents live there – it later emerged that Having taken place in a bar on the fi rst night the 26-year-old was issued with a “no objection of the tour, and in light of the late night arrest of certifi cate” last Friday by the national team’s di- Stokes, it prompted Strauss to place a midnight rector Andrew Strauss. curfew on the players for the tour. Strauss is said to be surprised how fast Stokes But the coaching staff and the , Joe has since moved, however, having only been in- Root, consider the benefi ts to far outweigh the formed of the New Zealand trip hours before the inevitable outcry, both for the all-round skills all-rounder was spotted at Heathrow airport on that would see Stokes balance the side and the Monday night with his cricket gear among the injection of his personality in the face of an ag- luggage. Nevertheless, Stokes is now poised to gressive Australian side that, after three days of play for Canterbury and could make his cricket- tight cricket, ended up hammering them by 10 ing comeback as soon as this Sunday’s 50-over at the Gabba. Ford Trophy match against Otago in Rangiora. The hosts’ head coach, , His England teammates, who fl ew to Adelaide was asked about the subject of Stokes when his yesterday after their fi rst Ashes Test defeat at squad landed in Adelaide. “I think he is a class the Gabba, will be into day two of the pink-ball player but I can’t really comment too much second Test against Australia in what would be about it, until the ECB decide what they are do- an odd look for English cricket. ing,” he said. Stokes was, however, only ever stood down Whatever transpires from here, Canterbury Ben Stokes is suspended by from international selection while being inves- will believe they have pulled off a coup if they England and not with the team in tigated by the police. There remain many move- bring Stokes back to the city of his birth, with Australia after being arrested in able parts that fi rst hinge on both the timing their chief executive, Jeremy Curwin, telling September on suspicion of causing and the outcome of the police investigation into local media that “someone of his profi le would actual bodily harm in an incident events in Bristol on 25 September, with a recent do amazing things not just for (us) but for New outside a Bristol nightclub. delay understood to have arisen due to a new Zealand cricket as well.” witness coming forward. While Canterbury engaged in talks with Once the outcome is known, the ECB’s disci- Stokes, the young batsman Ken McClure stood plinary hearing for both Stokes and Alex Hales, down from their squad after he pleaded guilty to who is also suspended from internationals, will an assault on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Curfew as chief Strauss says Lehmann predicts more England players not ‘thugs’ short-pitched barrage Reuters ent in Australia than England And it does quicken up at night Brisbane where grounds are smaller and — probably the fastest you can’t really get away with it, around Australia at night, so on bigger grounds you can. So that’s going to be interesting, ustralia’s fast bowlers that’s one for us that we see as how it plays. You’re more com- will one again pepper an advantage. fortable in your preparation, England’s middle and “They did it quite a lot to us you know what you have to do to lower order batsmen as well, it’s a ploy a lot of people get ready. So the lead-in is a lot withA short-pitched deliver- do now. At the back end when more normal for us than other ies on a lively track in the day- the wicket quickened up and we teams having done it twice. This night second Ashes Test in Ad- could go after them a bit harder is the third time so we’re pretty elaide, coach Darren Lehmann was helpful. That’s the blue- comfortable where it sits.” said yesterday. print, it’s no secret we’re going The 47-year-old Lehmann, The Australian pacemen tor- to attack their middle and lower who played 27 tests for Austral- mented England’s lower order order like that.” ia, lauded off -spinner Nathan with bouncers on the fourth day Mitchell Starc had asked for Lyon who bagged fi ve wickets in Brisbane to set up the hosts’ a bit more pace from the wick- in a key contribution towards 10-wicket win in the series ets after the Gabba served up a the hosts’ victory. “He kept us opener. The barrage was remi- docile surface in the fi rst test in the game day one, he was niscent of the preceding home and according to Lehmann his fantastic. He’s just grown with series in 2013/14, when the wish could get fulfi lled with the confi dence and success breeds -led pace bat- pink ball at the . that,” Lehmann said. tery mowed through England’s “It’s a fascinating test match, “For him he’s actually come tail repeatedly to help secure a there’s a lot of talk about it’ll out of his shell a lot as well, he 5-0 whitewash for the hosts. seam and it’ll swing,” Lehmann wants the ball day in, day out, “(Bowling short) certainly said, adding that Australia’s ex- a bit like Warney (former leg- hasn’t changed from four years perience of playing day-night spinner ) did when ago,” Lehmann told reporters tests in the past would come he played. He’s not as confi dent at the Adelaide airport ahead handy. “The ball stays pretty as Warney was, but he’s just re- of the second Test beginning good, but you can make runs ally starting to lead and help the Jonny Bairstow’s headbutt of Cameron Bancroft in a Perth bar late last month, came to light only last weekend. (Reuters) on Saturday. “It’s a bit diff er- if you play well as per normal. bowlers out, which is great.”

AFP calling his behaviour “dumb” on smarter”. “That’s the reality, they to take steps to make sure that Sydney Monday, accusing him of hand- are adults, intelligent adults, and reality is what people perceive ing Australia “ammunition”. at times they are not using that of the England cricket team, not Director of cricket Strauss said intelligence in the right way. It something diff erent.” ngland cricket chief An- Bairstow “bumped” heads with is a distraction to the team and Asked whether the team had drew Strauss says his Bancroft in what he described none of us want that distraction.” a drinking problem, Strauss an- players are not “thugs” as an innocent greeting “that Both cricket.com.au and swered: “I think it is unrealistic and there is no drinking he does with his mates”. But in a The Telegraph said Strauss had to say to someone you’re going on cultureE in the team, as he slapped meeting with the players at the banned any player from being out a fi ve-month tour and you can’t a midnight curfew on the Ashes team hotel in Brisbane on Mon- after midnight for the rest of the have a drop of alcohol. There was tour, reports said yesterday. day after they lost the fi rst Test fi ve-Test tour. Given the Stokes no curfew on that night,” he add- The move followed Jonny by 10 wickets, he laid down the controversy and the Bairstow ed of the Bairstow incident. Bairstow’s headbutt of Cameron law, cricket.com.au and Britain’s incident, the England boss was “But it is worth saying that Bancroft in a Perth bar late last Daily Telegraph said. keen to dismiss any perceptions they had security with them. month, which only came to light “There is no way that you can that the team was out of control, Nothing untoward happened at over the weekend and has domi- or should be putting yourself or it was reported. any time. They were all well- nated headlines. the team or the ECB or the game “These guys are not thugs. behaved, they weren’t inebriat- There is sensitivity within the of cricket in a position where These are good, honest, hard- ed, they’d had a couple of beers. England camp about off -fi eld people are making judgements working cricketers who sacrifi ce That’s why it wasn’t an issue for behaviour after the controversy about the sport on the back of a lot to play for England,” he said. us. That’s why I didn’t hear about surrounding suspended star all- what you’re doing on a night “They’ve done some great things it. That is the reason it has been rounder Ben Stokes, who is fac- out,” Strauss was quoted as say- in an England shirt and I will back a complete non-event up until ing a police inquiry into a fi ght ing. “And that’s what the players them on that to the hilt because I now. No one knew about it be- outside a Bristol nightclub in need to understand. They have know them. But the perception cause they didn’t do anything September. Head coach Trevor been told about this before.” of them and the reality is diff er- wrong and this situation has Bayliss was furious at Bairstow, He said they “need to be ent at the moment and we’ve got somewhat surprised all of us.” Australia's coach Darren Lehmann (right) with opening batsman David Warner. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 29, 2017 3 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Sri Lanka rule Herath out of crucial 3rd Test Nagpur, India: Sri Lanka have “We were hoping that lost key spinner Rangana will feel okay Ishant’s resurgence Herath for the crucial third for . But having spoken to Test against India starting on him and physio we feel that he Saturday because of recurrent should come back,” Labrooy back problems. The tourists said. “We have got lot of cricket yesterday called up Jeff rey ahead and he is important for Vandersay to replace the us. Our plan was to fly in Malin- welcome news for 39-year-old for the New Delhi da Pushpakumara, but he has Test, which Sri Lanka must win failed a fitness test. Vandersay to avoid another series defeat. will now be the replacement,” “We have recalled Herath he added. and he will return immediately Herath had to be rested as we decided to rest him”, during Sri Lanka’s home series India’s pace stocks selectors’ chairman Graeme against India this year with the Labrooy told reporters. “Herath same problem. Sri Lanka lost will be replaced by Jeff rey all nine Tests, one day games Ishant’s match haul of 5-80 was described by Kohli as the standout performance Vandersay”, Labrooy added. and T20 matches in that series. The veteran Herath bowled Vandersay has played 11 one- Reuters 39 overs of his left-arm spin in day internationals and seven Mumbai the second Test in Nagpur that Twenty20 matches for Sri ended with India thrashing the Lanka but has yet to make his visitors by an innings and 239 Test debut. Sri Lanka trail the ndia’s batsmen plundered runs and runs. “Rangana complained of series 1-0 after the first rain-hit spin spearhead Ravichandran Ash- stiff ness in his back during the Test in Kolkata ended in a draw. win got among the wickets against match. This happens to him Sri Lanka squad: Dinesh Sri Lanka in the second Test but it whenever he tries to bowl a Chandimal (Captain), Dimuth Iwas the resurgence of paceman Ishant little faster,” said team manager Karunaratne, Sadeera Samara- Sharma that probably pleased captain Asanka Gurusinha. wickrama, , most ahead of their tour of Left-arm spinner Malinda Niroshan Dickwella (WK), South Africa. Pushpakumara was Sri Lanka Dilruwan Perera, , Sri Lanka had lost 9-0 to India across Cricket’s first choice to replace Lahiru Gamage, Dhananjaya de all formats a few months back and were Herath but the 30-year-old Silva, , Lakshan therefore never expected to provide failed the fitness test. Mean- Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando, the ideal preparation for what will be a while, Herath is due to fly home Dasun Shanaka and Roshen Silva, challenging trip to South Africa for the tomorrow. Jeff rey Vandersay. world’s top-ranked Test team. After the rain-curtailed opening match at Kolkata’s ended in a draw, Kohli’s men crushed the visitors RANKINGS by an innings and 239 runs in the sec- ond test, matching their biggest winning margin in the longest format. India’s batsmen compiled up a mam- moth fi rst-innings total against Sri Lan- Pujara reclaims ka’s toothless attack, while the spin duo of and combined to pick up 13 of the tour- ing side’s 20 wickets in Nagpur. But it No. 2 spot in Tests was Ishant’s match haul of 5-80 that the skipper described as the standout bowl- IANS gust, after scoring 133 against Sri ing performance of the match. Dubai Lanka in Colombo. “Even on this wicket, to have that kind Pujara has been rewarded of bounce and trouble the batsmen regu- with 22 points, which have lifted larly, I think Ishant was outstanding,” ndia’s Test specialist him from fourth to second on a Kohli said at the post-match presenta- Cheteshwar Pujara has re- career-high 888 points. On the tion on Monday. “Although the spinners claimed the No. 2 Test spot other hand, Kohli, who struck obviously did a good job for us, I think while skipper Virat Kohli his fi fth Test double-hundred Ishant was the standout bowler in this Istood static at No. 5 in the latest in Nagpur, added 60 points to game.” ICC rankings, released yesterday. take his tally to 877 points. India India’s biggest victory margin until Pujara, who stroked a brilliant opener and middle- Monday’s win was against Bangladesh 143 in the second Test against Sri order batsman , in Dhaka in 2007, a test in which Ishant Lanka in the Nagpur Test, leap- who were the other centurions made his debut as a 18-year-old. The frogged England captain Joe Root in the just-concluded Test, have lanky right-arm paceman was marked as and New Zealand captain Kane also made impressive gains. Vi- the future leader of India’s Williamson in the batting chart jay has risen eight places to 28th attack and while he has gone on to play led by Australia skipper Steven position, while Rohit has shot up 78 Tests he has failed to live up to those India's fast bowler Ishant Sharma (C) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Sri Lanka batsman Niroshan Dickwella Smith. Smith fi red a magnifi - seven places to 46th spot. lofty expectations. After falling behind during the fourth day of the second Test in Nagpur on Monday. (AFP) cent unbeaten 141, his 21st cen- Among the bowlers, India and tury in his 57th Test, which was left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja in the pecking order, the emergence of Lanka in July-August, though he kept tracted good bounce and movement from deserved to get a chance before me,” Is- the cornerstone of Australia’s has reclaimed the second spot, as a swing bowler himself fi t and in form by picking up 20 a batting-friendly track, which could hant said after Monday’s win. 10-wicket victory over England while Australia’s Mitchell Starc has only made it tougher for Ishant and wickets in four matches for Delhi in the prove crucial in South Africa with India “The problem for me was the wicket in the Ashes opener in Brisbane. has returned to the top 10 in 10th his chances have largely come due to the Ranji Trophy. set to face wickets that are expected to aid column was always empty. But now I am For Pujara, this is the third time position after his match fi gures unavailability of other fast bowlers. Ishant would probably not have played the faster bowlers. getting wickets, I am feeling pretty good the Saurashtra right-hander has of 6/128 helped him gain three He played three out of four Tests in Nagpur had Kumar not withdrawn “The way Umesh and Shami and even about myself. It’s a healthy competition claimed the second rank, having places. Ravichandran Ashwin, against Australia earlier this year after from the fi nal two Tests to get married Bhuvi were bowling was tremendous. the way everyone is performing. When fi rst reached the position after who got the fastest 300 wickets Shami was ruled out with a knee injury and Shami was not ruled out due to a I didn’t take much wickets in the last 12 you get an opportunity you have to take the Ranchi Test against Australia in Tests, has consolidated his but played no part in three Tests in Sri slight injury concern. In Nagpur, he ex- Tests I played, specially in India. They wickets.” in March, and then again in Au- fourth position.

FOCUS BOTTOMLINE Captain Kohli leads pay rise Australia’s three surprise Ashes call for India cricketers AFP trying to be. Kohli and the players are always wel- picks reward selectors’ faith Nagpur come to put their point across,” the offi cial said. Rai heads a committee of administrators ap- Reuters pointed by India’s Supreme Court to run BCCI af- Brisbane ational team skipper Virat Kohli has de- fairs and reform the world’s wealthiest cricket gov- manded a greater share of India’s grow- erning body. Currently the national squad has three Cameron Bancroft’s 82 ing cricket wealth for players ahead of salary grades, with Kohli and other senior players ustralia’s selectors endured a bar- was the highest score by contract talks this week, offi cials said. at the top.”We have modifi ed it and have started a rage of criticism for a trio of sur- an Australian debutant NTop players saw their annual basic deals doubled to process where we consult the players,” said Rai. prising picks in the Ashes squad in a fourth innings, $300,000 this year. “We had two rounds of consultation and we will but the hosts’ dominant 10-wicket replacing Norm O’Neil’s But the Indian squad, who are due to hold talks do another one just before the Delhi Test,” Rai, winA over England in the series-opener at the 71 from 1958. (AFP) with the Board of Control for Cricket in India former Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Gabba may have left them feeling more than (BCCI) in New Delhi on Friday, want more after the added. India start the third Test against Sri Lanka a little vindicated. The selection of opener governing body struck a huge new television deal in on Saturday. Cameron Bancroft, wicketkeeper Tim Paine September. The BCCI will get $2.5 bn from Rupert Rai has backed Kohli’s criticism of the scheduling and number six Shaun Marsh all looked to Murdoch’s Star India channel to show the Indian of tours and the issue is expected to be discussed at have backfi red early in the series-opener Premier League from 2018 to 2022. the meeting. Kohli had hit out at BCCI, ahead of the but all three fi nished strongly in Brisbane Player contracts expired on September 30 and second Test in Nagpur, for better planning of tours, to help Australia to victory and boost their salaries are one of the key negotiating points. A especially ahead of an important series in South Af- confi dence ahead of the second test in Ad- senior board offi cial, speaking on condition of ano- rica starting in January. elaide starting on Saturday. nymity, said that “the players want a raise” and that India will fi nish their home series against Sri Having replaced hometown favourite Kohli will lead the talks with former captain Ma- Lanka on December 24 with the third Twenty20 be- Matt Renshaw, Western Australian Bancroft hendra Singh Dhoni and current coach Ravi Shastri. fore leaving for South Africa on December 28. Kohli had a nervous start to his test debut at the They will meet BCCI administrator Vinod Rai in is to be rested for the one-day games against Sri Gabba and was out for fi ve after fi shing at a New Delhi to discuss pay and the packed cricket Lanka. They are to play a two-day warm-up natch in the fi rst innings. calendar which Kohli has also criticised. “It’s always starting December 30 before taking on the Proteas The 25-year-old batted superbly in his healthy to be transparent and that’s what BCCI is in the fi rst Test from January 5. second chance, however, putting on a record unbeaten opening partnership in a success- ful fourth-innings victory chase with David Warner, as they mowed down the 170-run target. Bancroft’s 82 was also the highest score by an Australian debutant in a fourth innings, replacing Norm O’Neil’s 71 from 1958. He later endeared himself to the Aus- tralian media with his humorous account of being “headbutted” in a “weird” greeting by England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow at a Perth nightspot after the tourists’ arrival four, a wicket that triggered a middle order to a maiden double-century for Victoria in Down Under. The decision to bring in Paine collapse and hastened England’s dismissal the Sheffi eld Shield. for Matthew Wade left plenty bewildered, for 195. Marsh’s selection saw spin bowl- The 34-year-old Marsh later dropped a given he was not even keeping for state side ing all-rounder Glenn Maxwell discarded very gettable catch in the deep and was un- Tasmania in the Sheffi eld Shield when he and the Western Australian batsman had a der huge scrutiny when he joined captain was recalled for his fi rst test in seven years. nightmare start to his eighth recall in tests. in the middle with their team Paine’s fi rst day at the Gabba was largely He clattered into pace spearhead Mitchell teetering at 76 for four in their fi rst innings. forgettable as he grassed a nick behind from Starc in a fi elding mishap, a clash that gave Marsh survived a number of nervy play- England number three James Vince off the the Gabba crowd a scare when the bowler and-misses but remained to score 51, his bowling of spinner . came off for treatment with a hole in his eighth half-century, in a crucial 99-run He recovered well, however, with smart trousers and a cut on his knee. stand with Smith that dug Australia out of work to stump all-rounder Moeen Ali on day At the time, Maxwell was well on the way trouble. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, November 29, 2017 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Ranieri set for Monaco reunion as Conte backs PSG look to power on Hazard to take central role in Chelsea charge The Italian feels Hazard’s flexibility brings a new dimension to the team

AFP “There is a good link with Alvaro London and for me also it’s a great opportunity to play with two diff erent systems.” Although Chelsea are unbeaten helsea manager Antonio Con- in their last fi ve league games, it has te has challenged Eden Haz- been a turbulent season for Blues boss ard to take a central role in his Conte. side’s bid to close the gap on Frustrated by Chelsea’s failure to ManchesterC City when the champions land his top transfer targets in the face Swansea City today. close-season, Conte has cut a tetchy Forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Liv- fi gure as the pressure of defending the erpool on Saturday, Chelsea are lag- title and challenging for the Champi- ging 11 points behind runaway leaders ons League starts to mount. City. The Italian’s mood hasn’t been If Conte’s side are to have any helped by City boss Pep Guardiola change of catching the Premier League masterminding a major transfer over- pace-setters, they must reel off the haul and watching his spending pay kind of lengthy winning streak that rich dividends. Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar controls the ball during a catapulted them to the title last sea- City look unstoppable at present training session in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, west of Paris, yesterday. son. after taking their winning run in the Key to Chelsea’s hopes of emulat- league to 11 matches with a victory at AFP vinced that they will fi ght for second ing that burst is the form of Belgium Huddersfi eld Town at the weekend. Paris place with Lyon and Marseille.” Hazard, who looks back to “I think Manchester City in this Nantes are currently fi fth having his best after an injury-hit start to the season is a strong team. Also last sea- lost three of their last four matches, campaign. son, Manchester City was a fantastic laudio Ranieri admits he while Lyon have moved above Monaco Hazard was outstanding playing team. Then, after the transfer market, has “fantastic memories” into second on a run of eight league alongside Alvaro Morata at Anfi eld they bought their fi rst targets and then of coaching Monaco as his games without defeat. and Liverpool found it impossible to they have improved a lot. CNantes side prepare to host Bruno Genesio’s Lyon have won 5-0 subdue him. “They can do this also in January the faltering reigning champions in a in each of their last three away games The 26-year-old often dropped into maybe, in the future. For this reason midweek round of games in Ligue 1. and haven’t conceded a league goal in midfi eld to control possession and we must be worried,” Conte said. The Italian was appointed by Mo- nearly eight-and-a-half hours, and Conte feels his fl exibility brings a new While Conte frets about Chel- naco in 2012 and lasted two seasons in next up they host crisis club Lille, dimension to the team. sea’s prospects, the club’s goalkeeper the principality, winning Ligue 2 and in the relegation zone and without a “The start of this season was full Thibaut Courtois takes a more opti- leading them to promotion in his fi rst coach after Marcelo Bielsa was sus- of trouble with Eden because he had mistic view. campaign before taking them to second pended by the club. an injury with the national team and “December is a very tough month. place on their return to Ligue 1. Nobody can keep up with Neymar’s we started the season without him,” Maybe they drop some points,” he The disappointment of his departure PSG, who are still unbeaten this sea- Conte said. said. “We have to be there to keep on was soon forgotten as he led Leicester son and would have won by a far great- “Now I think Eden is in really good Chelsea’s Eden Hazard. winning and hopefully close down on City to their historic Premier League er margin in Monaco if they had taken form and I think he likes to play as a them, then towards the end of the sea- title triumph in 2016 before returning half the chances that fell their way. striker. son maybe overtake them.” to the French game with Nantes in the Coach Unai Emery may be tempted summer. to rotate his squad for today’s home “I have fantastic memories. We were meeting with Troyes and again at Ligue 2 champions then second in Strasbourg at the weekend with a Wenger rules out Sanchez and Ozil exits in January Ligue 1. I often went to see them in the Champions League trip to Bayern Mu- Champions League last year and their nich to follow. AFP the plug when they failed to land when asked about potential depar- today because I don’t know. They project has not changed,” said the Ital- The likes of Angel Di Maria, Javier London Monaco’s Thomas Lemar as his re- tures. have a contract until the end of the ian, who still has a home in the prin- Pastore, Thomas Meunier and Presnel placement. “I do not think about that every season. cipality. Monaco head to the Stade de Kimpembe can hope to get a run-out Wenger says he has no concerns day. At the moment, as long as they “I am not the only one who can la Beaujoire in need of a boost after a against Troyes, who sit in mid-table rsene Wenger has ruled out over the commitment of the pair, are here, they have to give their best decide that. They have a part to play week which saw them eliminated from with the South Korean Suk Hyun-Jun January departures for Ar- with Sanchez scoring a last-gasp for the team and for the club. in that as well. If it’s my decision, yes Europe following a 4-1 home defeat to impressing on loan from FC Porto. senal pair Alexis Sanchez penalty as the Gunners won 1-0 at “In my head, they stay until the (they would stay longer).” RB Leipzig and then lose 2-1 at home There will be a strange atmosphere and Mesut Ozil unless Burnley on Sunday to move into end of the season and that’s a deci- Another player whose contract to Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday. at the Parc des Princes as the end of the “somethingA unbelievable” happens the Premier League top four. sion that was taken at the start of the expires at the end of the season is That result left Leonardo Jardim’s stadium where the club’s most boister- even as the clock ticks down on their Arsenal host Huddersfi eld on season. Unless something unbeliev- England midfi elder Jack Wilshere, side nine points behind the unbeaten ous fans gather will be closed. contracts. Wednesday, with Ozil likely to be able happens, I can’t see why that who has been restricted to just three leaders. Today The players are out of contract at missing because of the illness that would change.” substitute appearances in the Pre- “We know it’s very diffi cult against Angers v Rennes, Guingamp v the end of the season as both have so ruled him out at Turf Moor but However, Wenger could not off er mier League. Paris,” said Ranieri, whose team lost Montpellier, Lyon v Lille, Metz v far refused to sign new deals at the Wenger believes the infl uential pair Arsenal supporters assurances that “He’s a football man and I will 4-1 at PSG recently. Marseille, Nantes v Monaco, Toulouse Emirates. will not be sold in January — even either player would be tempted to always decide what is best for him. “They (Monaco) are rebuilding after v Nice, Paris Saint-Germain v Troyes Ozil has been linked with a move though they could then walk away sign new deals and extend their stays That is my fi rst priority no mat- selling a lot of players. But I am con- (2000 GMT) to Barcelona while Sanchez almost from the club for free six months beyond 2018. ter what kind of decision I make,” joined Manchester City on the fi- later. “They’re into the fi nal year of their Wenger said. “I have to consider the nal day of the summer transfer “Yes, I rule it out,” Wenger said contract,” he said. “Will they stay interests of Jack Wilshere and Arse- OPTIMISM window, only for Arsenal to pull at his pre-match press conference longer? That’s impossible to answer nal Football Club together.” Klopp not giving up HONOUR hope of EPL title Goalkeeper Buff on wins ’s best player award AFP six-match unbeaten run in all com- London petitions at Stoke City on Wednesday, where they have won on their past AFP appointment of my life,” he told Sky three visits. Milan Sports Italia. “But we need to move on, iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp Key men Sadio Mane and Roberto the season must end in the best way is refusing to admit his side are Firmino are set to return to the side and with Juventus there are so many out of the running for the Pre- after being left out of Saturday’s 1-1 taly’s veteran goalkeeper Gian- goals to be achieved.” Buff on won a mier League title but admits draw with Chelsea in favour of Alex luigi Buff on has eased some of his tenth title with Juventus and Lnobody will catch Manchester City un- Oxlade-Chamberlain and Daniel World Cup heartache by winning helped the Turin-based side reach the less they suff er a dip in form. Sturridge, but Klopp believes their the Serie A Best Player of the Year Champions League fi nal for the sec- At the weekend Tottenham Hotspur replacements proved an important Iaward. ond time in three years. coach Mauricio Pochettino eff ectively point for his longer-term thinking in “I’m happy and proud. I never He also won a third Italian Cup said his side could not catch City, who their absence. thought I’d get this kind of trophy, with the Juve. Despite the World are 13 points ahead of his side, but “We had to make a few changes and and I’ll hold on tight to it because I Cup setback, he has left the door Klopp, whose team are a point behind it makes absolute sense in this part of never won best youngster!” said the open on a future return for the na- Spurs, would not follow suit. the season to use the strength of the 39-year-old Juventus goalkeeper at tional side. “We are close enough to see it (the squad,” added the German, who also Monday night’s ceremony. “I’ve taken a period of rest, I’m title race),” Klopp said at Liverpool’s has midfi elder Emre Can fi t again and “The failure to participate in the getting on, I’ve always been a soldier Melwood training ground yesterday. will make a late decision on whether World is the biggest disappointment signed up for the national side and Ju- “They won (against Huddersfi eld) Dejan Lovren can return to the squad. in my career together with some (lost) ventus, so I can’t desert,” he said. and as long as they win no one else has “So if you use a few players you have Champions League fi nals.” “Even at the age of 60, if there was a chance. If they stop winning and our to leave out a few others and that’s what Napoli’s Maurizio Sarri was named a dearth of goalkeepers I’d be avail- team is then in a good moment then it is we did but it is not completely unlikely the best coach in the Italian football able because that’s how I conceive the possible you can still get them. they (Mane and Firmino) will start. awards, voted for by the players, for idea of a nation.” It is the sixth straight “We want to have the next three “By the way we don’t ‘rest’, we use competing for the title with a smaller year that a Juventus player has won (points) and then the next three and our players. We thought against Chel- budget than Juventus. the award with Buff on following in the then the next three because if anyone sea maybe we needed fresh legs and I Buff on quit international football footsteps of Andrea Pirlo (2012- 014), struggles we need to be there. thought it worked quite well. last month as four-time champions Carlos Tevez (2015) and Leonardo Bo- “But for us at the moment they (City) “It is a very important sign for the Italy sensationally missed out on their Juventus’ Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on (L) poses with AIC President nucci (2016). are too far above us and if they keep on squad from my side that I show the fi rst World Cup fi nals in 60 years after Damiano Tommasi after receiving the “Best player 2017” award at the “Gran Buff on has said he will retire at the going like this no one has a chance and faith in all the boys and it was very im- a playoff defeat to Sweden. Gala del Calcio” Italian Football Association (Associazione Italiana end of this season, unless Juventus it is already decided.” portant for me that the boys showed me “Italy-Sweden was the biggest dis- Calciatori - IAC) awards ceremony on Monday night in Milan. win the Champions League title. Liverpool will look to extend their they were 100 % ready.” Gulf Times Wednesday, November 29, 2017 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOOTBALL All eyes turn to Russia as World Cup Qatar duo to fi nals draw nears

DPA ence, and taking part in the fi nal draw Moscow is an incredible way of feeling closer to the excitement of that tournament again,” Blanc said in a statement car- take part in Jet he eyes of the world will turn ried by FIFA. to Moscow’s Kremlin Palace The World Cup trophy has been on Friday for the group stage travelling throughout the host country Tdraw for the 2018 World Cup. giving more than 220,000 people the The teams, almost half of which are chance to see it with their own eyes, European, will be spread out into eight FIFA has said. Next month the golden groups after being drawn from four trophy will begin its global tour, head- pots of seeds based on the FIFA world ing to about 50 countries before re- Ski World Cup rankings from October. turning for the tournament, played The exception to that order is Rus- from June 14 to July 15. sia, who are seeded in the fi rst pot as Eleven Russian cities are hosting, The duo will compete against some top riders from about 35 countries hosts despite their lowly ranking. Sus- with two stadiums used in the capi- pense surrounds which teams will be tal Moscow. The country’s budget for paired as the countries battle it out for building or modernising the facilities football’s most prestigious title. has amounted to about 11bn dollars, England’s Gary Lineker, a legendary averaging a billion dollars for each host striker and 1986’s top scorer, will host city. The host cities will be represented the fi nal draw at the Kremlin Palace, at the fi nal draw by superfans proud to often used as a concert hall with ca- show support for their hometowns. pacity for 6,000 spectators. Lineker The youngest of them is six-year- will be assisted by popular Russian old Misha Smolin from Moscow, “who sports journalist Maria Komandnaya has been a passionate football sup- and eight other stars whom FIFA has porter for as long as he can remember.” described as footballing royalty, in- He “simply cannot wait for the World cluding 91-year-old Russian football Cup to get under way so he can wear legend Nikita Simonyan. some of the more than 300 football Simonyan, fi rst vice president of scarves that his family has been col- the Russian Football Union, holds the lecting for generations,” FIFA said in a scoring record with Moscow’s illustri- statement. ous Spartak club, with 160 goals. The oldest superfan is 75-year- France’s Laurent Blanc, a star de- old Viktor Pautov, a trombonist from fender who scored a on Saransk with decades of experience home turf en route to their 1998 World playing at football matches. He is Cup triumph, was ecstatic about par- “looking forward to playing the na- ticipating in Friday’s fi nal draw. tional anthems of every national team” “It has been almost 20 years since that comes to his city for the World my unforgettable World Cup experi- Cup.

FORMULA ONE Kubica in good shape aft er 100 laps with Williams

Waleed al-Sharshani and Ali al-Naimi pose with Sheikh Jassim bin Nasser al-Thani, Chairman, Speed Marine, Saleh Ibrahim al-Mannai, Vice Chairman, Doha Marine Sports Club and Hossam Khatib, General Manager, Speed Marine, at the press conference.

By Sports Reporter the Thai resort city in the three-day peting in the Pro Runabout Grand staff, is being sponsored by Speed Doha event beginning on December 7. Prix, added that barring a techni- Marine. “The competition will be very cal problem or a mishap he stands a Sheikh Jassim bin Nasser al-Tha- tough at the event with many good chance of finishing on the po- ni, Chairman, Speed Marine, wished atar’s Waleed al-Sharshani top riders participating, but I dium. the participants well for the event. and Ali al-Naimi will head have been training hard for sev- “I have been competing in sev- “They have been working hard and to Thailand early next eral weeks now and am confident eral events and have gained lots of I am confident they will do well. We month to take part in the of putting put a good show,” al- experience over the past few years. wish them the very best,” said Sheikh QKing’s Cup-Jet Ski World Cup to be Sharshani told reporters at a press Therefore I think I have a good Jassim bin Nasser. Saleh Ibrahim al- held at the Jomtein Beach in Pattaya. conference at the Doha Marine chance of finishing at the top,” he Mannai, Vice-Chariman, Doha Ma- The duo will compete against some Sports Club. added. The Qatari delegation, which rine Sports Club, was also present at top riders from about 35 countries at Al-Sharshani, who will be com- includes officials and supporting the press conference.

BOTTOMLINE Formula One’s owners have plenty of work to do Robert Kubica of Poland. Reuters Abu Dhabi Fur fl ies as cheetah races electric Formula E car Reuters northern Italy that he had entered for Abu Dhabi fun. A steel guardrail penetrated both car he Formula One season ended at the week- Reuters: The cheetah is renowned for being the taking a lead off the line but eventually losing nar- and driver, leaving the Pole fi ghting for end with even some drivers stifl ing a yawn world’s fastest mammal, but is also one of its most rowly to the car, which has a top speed of 225kph obert Kubica completed 100 his life and facing extensive surgery. but the sport’s new owners remained upbeat endangered species. (139 mph) compared to the animal’s maximum of laps of Abu Dhabi’s Yas Ma- His arm remains atrophied, leading about their investment and future prospects. Organisers of the environmentally friendly Formula about 112kpm (70mph). rina circuit yesterday and said to fears about his ability to cope with T“I feel good about where we’re at,” chairman he was in better shape than racing situations and tight, twisty cir- E racing series recently set up a race between one According to the World Wildlife Fund the cheetah Chase Carey told reporters at the Abu Dhabi circuit everR as the Pole pushes for a remarkable cuits, but he said that was not the major of their cars and a tame cheetah to highlight the is endangered due to a loss of habitat, reduced ahead of Sunday’s dull fi nale. impact of climate change on the African predator. prey and direct persecution. It is listed as ‘vulner- Formula One comeback with Williams obstacle some might suspect. “I think we’ve made headway this year. It’s early With an acceleration of 0-100kph (62 mph) the able’ in the International Union for Conservation of next year. “There is someone saying I’m driv- days so we’re not declaring victory. But I feel good cheetah is about as quick off the line as the Techee- Nature’s Red List of threatened species, which says The 32-year-old Polish driver, who ing one-handed. I’m not driving one- about the momentum we’ve got.” tah team’s racing car, and their French driver only about 6,700 remain in the wild. partially severed his right arm in a rally handed,” he said yesterday. There may be storm clouds brewing and battles to Jean-Eric Vergne — winner of July’s Montreal E-Prix A graphic at the end of the short film, which was crash before the start of the 2011 sea- “I think it’s impossible to drive a For- be fought but the fl amboyantly moustachioed boss, — agreed to take on an apparently tame four-footed shot on a landing strip in a remote part of South son, is the favourite to replace retired mula One car with one hand.” who replaced former supremo Bernie Ecclestone in opponent in a drag race. Africa’s Western Cape, assures viewers no animals Brazilian Felipe Massa at the former Kubica, who tested with Williams in January when Liberty Media completed their takeo- Video provided by Formula E shows the cheetah were abused or mistreated in the production. champions. October and Renault before then, said ver, sounded optimistic. Kubica covered more than 500km he felt more at home every time he got A new logo presented on Sunday heralds an exten- in the morning session, a day after the into a Formula One car. sive re-branding of the global series, with a big push going to get a compromise.” erty can expect stiff resistance with several compet- season-ending race at the same circuit, “What the future will bring I don’t into digital platforms, and there is plenty more to The American and his team — including ex-Mer- ing interests at play. before handing over to 19-year-old know, but defi nitively if you look at the come even if details remain scarce. cedes team boss Ross Brawn and former ESPN exec- Ferrari, the sport’s oldest and most successful Canadian Lance Stroll for the rest of overall picture, where I was 12 months Work on the more complex issues, such as imple- utive Sean Bratches — have plenty to keep them busy. team, have already warned they could quit if they do the day. ago and where I am now, it has been a menting a cost-, rebalancing revenues distrib- Making the racing more exciting and competitive not like what the future holds. “Probably, I’m in physically my best good 12 months,” said the Pole. uted to teams and a rules blueprint for the future, is is a priority, with the season fi zzling out in the later “You’ve got a long list of parties so this is a game shape, by far a better shape than I was Kubica was ninth fastest of the 12 just getting started. stages after Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and eventual of three-dimensional chess in fi nding the right bal- when I was racing in 2010,” he told re- drivers on track but the main focus was “The initiatives that we have underway — whether champion Lewis Hamilton had looked like battling ance,” said Carey. porters, while recognising he had some more on a pre-set programme than it’s cost, revenues, engines — the reality is that there down to the wire earlier in the year. “What you try to fi nd is compromises that really limitations with his arm. “So motiva- speed. is broad-based support for the broad direction of Sunday’s race under the Abu Dhabi fl oodlights are at the end of the day in the best interests of the tion is there and the body is reacting in Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen was top of where we’re going,” said Carey. was so processional that Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, sport and ultimately the fans.” a good way. the timesheets with Australian Daniel “As you get into the specifi cs there are always go- one of the most exciting drivers on the grid, did not Liberty has ramped up investment in the sport, “Of course I’m starting nearly from Ricciardo second fastest for Red Bull ing to be diff erences, that’s just the reality of life. attempt to hide his boredom. spending on infrastructure and putting a marketing, scratch because Formula One has and four-times world champion Lewis What we need to do is fi nd the right compromises. “If I had a pillow in the car I could have fallen research and digital operation in place. changed so much in the last seven years Hamilton, completing 136 laps, third in “Nobody gets everything they want but every- asleep,” declared the 20-year-old. That has led to a drop in earnings which has hit that it’s like nearly starting from zero.” his Mercedes. body’s better off than they were before. Creating a more level playing fi eld and fairer rev- revenue payouts to the 10 teams with payments, at Kubica’s last F1 race was with Re- Raikkonen’s best time of one minute “So I think our goal would be to try and fi nd those enue distribution to teams after current commercial $273mn in the third quarter, 14 % lower than the nault in 2010 and his career appeared 37.7687 seconds was considerably compromises and I think we honestly believe we’re agreements expire in 2020 is high on the list but Lib- same period last year. over when he crashed during a rally in quicker than Kubica’s 1:41.296. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, November 29, 2017 SPORT

NFL Ravens in playoff position aft er topping Texans The Sports Xchange passes for 125 yards. The Ravens had three takeaways, Baltimore Baltimore is 12-1 in night games giving them an NFL-leading 26. at home since coach John Harbaugh Savage, fi lling for the injured De- took over the team in 2008. The shaun Watson, was 22 of 37 for 252 he Ravens executed a fake Ravens have also won 10 consecu- yards with two interceptions. punt that led to a Javorius tive prime-time matchups at M&T The Ravens’ defense had three “Buck” Allen touchdown, Bank Stadium, the longest streak in penalties for 39 yards on the Tex- and Alex Collins ran for the NFL. ans’ opening drive. That helped set Tanother score in Baltimore’s 23-16 Houston (4-7) pulled to within up a four-yard touchdown run by victory over the Houston Texans on 20-16 on a 37-yard fi eld goal by Lamar Miller. Monday night. Ka’imi Fairbairn with 8:36 remain- Baltimore got a spark when Sam Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs ing in the game. The Texans were Koch threw a 22-yard pass to Chris also came up with huge play, a driving again on their next posses- Moore on a fake punt early in the strip-sack of Texans quarterback sion, but Suggs’ strip-sack led to a second quarter. Two plays later, Al- Tom Savage late in the fourth quar- 49-yard fi eld goal by Justin Tucker len tied the game on a 10-yard run. ter. The fumble was recovered by that gave Baltimore the 23-16 mar- An interception by safety Tony Baltimore defensive tackle Willie gin. Jeff erson and a 29-yard run by Col- Henry. The Ravens (6-5) have con- Ravens safety Anthony Levine lins on a fourth-and-1 set up the secutive wins for the fi rst time since sealed the win with the fi rst inter- Ravens’ next score. Collins capped the opening two weeks of the sea- ception of his career with just over the drive with an 8-yard run, and son, and they retook the sixth and two minutes left. Baltimore had its fi rst lead, 14-7, fi nal AFC playoff spot. Baltimore’s Joe Flacco completed with 6:44 left in the half. Baltimore overcame a huge per- 20 of 32 passes for 141 yards and had Fairbairn and Tucker traded fi eld formance by Texans receiver De- a key 25-yard run on the game’s fi - goals in the fi nal two minutes, and Andre Hopkins, who caught seven nal possession. the Ravens led 17-10 at the break. Baltimore Ravens’ back Alex Collins (right) rushes during their NFL game against Houston Texans. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NBA NHL DeBrincat nets hat-trick as Hawks Pistons snap Celtics defeat Ducks 7-3 By Chris Hine Center held its breath as Kane Chicago Tribune held onto the puck and De- Brincat raced to the corner of the net. Kane sent a perfect he questions about pass to DeBrincat’s tape and home winning streak Alex DeBrincat enter- DeBrincat lifted the puck into ing the season seem the net at 14:14. The hats came ‘We really wanted to beat these guys. We gave them our best shot and came out with a great win’ antiquated less than fl ying as DeBrincat stood with twoT months into the season. his arms out soaking in the AFP At 5-foot-7, would he be big adoration. Los Angeles enough to play in the NHL or Continuing a positive trend would he get squashed like a of late, the Hawks raced out bug when he played physical to a strong start against the obias Harris tallied 31 teams? At 19, would he need Ducks. After Patrick Kane, points as the Detroit some seasoning in the AHL Brandon Saad and Jonathan Pistons halted the Bos- before getting a call up at some Toews recently snapped out of ton Celtics’ eight-game point? goal droughts, Patrick Sharp Thome win streak with a 118-108 DeBrincat gave his big- decided it was time to end his. victory in a battle between the gest fi gurative laugh at those After Gibson stoned him two top teams in the Eastern notions on Monday night, on a prime chance early in the Conference. his breakout game, when he period, Sharp scored from the Andre Drummond posted earned his fi rst career hat trick lower left circle off a feed from 26 points, a season-high 22 re- as the Hawks beat the Ducks Hartman 8:57 seconds into the bounds and six assists as the 7-3 at the United Center. game. It was his fi rst goal since Pistons went on a late 13-3 surge DeBrincat scored three October 14. The Hawks kept the to seal the victory and spoil times before the second pe- pressure on the Ducks through- the start of Boston’s fi ve-game riod had ended on a breeze of out the period and pinned them homestand. a night for the Hawks against in their own zone for a good “Tonight was just a great night the short-staff ed Ducks, who portion of the 20 minutes. overall for all of us,” said Drum- were missing four key con- That resulted in DeBrincat’s mond. “We really wanted to beat tributors to injury or illness. fi rst goal while Brandon Saad these guys. We gave them our The Ducks were without cap- got in on the fun at 18:11 when best shot and came out with a tain Ryan Getzlaf (facial sur- he rifl ed in a shot from the slot great win.” gery), center Ryan Kesler (hip for his second goal in as many It was the fi rst meeting of the surgery), winger Patrick Eaves games. teams since the Celtics traded (illness) and center Rickard The challenge for the Hawks Avery Bradley to Detroit along Rakell (upper body). has been carrying their strong with a second-round pick in ex- It was a good time to be fac- starts over into other period. change for Marcus Morris during ing the Ducks and DeBrincat They did that in a 4-1 victory the off season. and the Hawks showed no over the Panthers on Satur- Bradley, who heard cheers mercy. DeBrincat got on the day and they were able to do from the Boston Garden crowd, board 16 minutes, 22 seconds it again Monday. Artem Ani- and Morris both scored 13 points. into the fi rst period thanks in smiov scored his 11th goal of Bradley also had fi ve assists. part to a smooth pass from the season when he followed For Drummond, it was his Nick Schmaltz. Schmaltz his own blocked shot toward fourth game of 22 rebounds in 10 shuffl ed the puck from behind the end of a power play at 4:15. career contests in the Garden. the net and through the slot Then DeBrincat scored his Detroit guard Reggie Jackson to DeBrincat at the right cir- second of the night when he fi nished with 20 points and sev- cle and DeBrincat one-timed followed Hartman rebound a en assists in the win. the shot past Ducks goaltender 7:49 to make the score 5-1. Elsewhere, LeBron James tal- John Gibson. In the second pe- After Chris Wagner made it lied 30 points, 13 rebounds and riod, DeBrincat was in perfect 5-2 for the Ducks, DeBrincat six assists as the Cleveland Cav- position to take advantage of got his chance for the hat trick aliers defeated the Philadelphia a Ryan Hartman rebound. De- – and he wasn’t about to miss. 76ers 113-91. Brincat just touched the puck Wagner added a second goal Dwyane Wade came off the and the puck glided across the in the third period. bench to score 15 points for goal line for goal No. 2. Cleveland, who won their eighth Before goal No. 3, the crowd RESULTS straight contest to improve to could sense the hat trick com- Panthers ...... 3 Devils ...... 2 13-7 on the season. Cleveland ing. The Hawks were on a Canadiens ...... 3 Blue Jackets ...1 owned a 57-30 advantage in 4-on-3 power play and De- Penguins ...... 5 Flyers ...... 4 (OT) points from non-starters and Brincat had a 2-on-1 with Jets ...... 7 Wild ...... 2 held the Sixers to 37.5 percent Patrick Kane. The United Blackhawks .... 7 Ducks ...... 3 shooting, including three- for-28 from beyond the arc. Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (right) guards Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris during their NBA game. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Cleveland shot 48.2 percent, including 40.5 percent from the Grizzlies and City of Mem- cess, and for that, we are grate- posted a 37-34 mark as an in- RESULTS three-point range. phis proudly, and we wish him ful. We wish him and his family terim coach with the Houston Kings ...... 110 Warriors ...... 106 Joel Embiid led Philadel- well as he continues his career.” all the best in the future,” Griz- Rockets in 2015-16. Pistons ...... 118 Celtics ...... 108 phia, which saw a three-game Fizdale has recorded a 50-51 zlies controlling owner Robert J. Bickerstaff , who spent fi ve Cavaliers ...... 113 76ers ...... 91 winning streak halted, with 30 mark since being named the 13th Pera said. “We remain focused seasons with the Rockets (2011- Rockets ...... 117 Nets ...... 103 points and 11 rebounds. head coach in franchise history on achieving sustainable, long- 16), also served as an assistant Pacers ...... 121 Magic ...... 109 Rookie sensation Ben Sim- on May 29, 2016. term success.” coach with the Charlotte Bob- Trail Blazers ..103 Knicks ...... 91 mons, of Australia, was limited “Coach Fizdale worked tire- Bickerstaff , who served as cats (2004-07) and Minnesota Spurs ...... 115 Mavericks ....108 to 10 points and eight rebounds lessly to achieve on-court suc- Memphis’ associate head coach, Timberwolves (2007-11). Clippers ...... 120 Lakers ...... 115 before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a sprained Kaepernick protests ‘touched a nerve’, says Durant right ankle. Kevin Durant says Colin Kaepernick’s were ridiculous. Kaepernick inspired many NFL players to Grizzlies sacks coach protests during the US national anthem “So he kind of touched a nerve and the kneel in protest during renditions of the Fizdale after 8 straight losses “touched a nerve” in society and sparked a outrage from it made me a fan of him just national anthem, most notably in September The Memphis Grizzlies fi red national conversation about issues such as because he decided to take all that on...” after US President Donald Trump said kneel- coach David Fizdale on Monday racial equality, the Golden State player told Kaepernick has been unemployed this sea- ing players should be fired for disrespecting and named J.B. Bickerstaff as the the San Jose Mercury News. son despite injuries at other teams that have the country. interim head coach. Memphis is In an interview published on Monday, Durant created job openings. Some experts attribute Durant, 29, who moved to the NBA champion mired in an eight-game losing said he admired the former San Francisco his political activism as the key reason teams Warriors last year after eight seasons with streak and owns a 7-12 mark this 49ers quarterback for taking the stance, de- are wary of signing him. the Oklahoma City Thunder, said his focus season after advancing to the spite the backlash it provoked. “It definitely He opted out of his contract with the 49ers in on basketball had helped insulate him from playoff s in 2016-17. put me in a diff erent place because we just the off season but has said his agent reached trouble when he was growing up. “After a thorough evaluation, started talking about stuff that’s always been out to all 32 teams to make sure they were “I kind of grew up in this basketball world, I decided a change in course was going on,” Durant said. “It was really out of aware of his interest in playing this season. whereas my talent kind of overrides what I necessary to move forward and nowhere... He shocked everybody by doing The protests began in 2016 when Kaepernick look like,” said the 2014 NBA Most Valuable provide the team and organiza- that. began sitting and later kneeling during the Player. tion its best chance at success “You just see he touched something in anthem to call attention to the killing by po- “I didn’t have it as rough when it comes to this season and beyond,” Griz- people that we didn’t know was there,” lice of unarmed black men and boys across that, as far as social or systematic oppression zlies general manager Chris Wal- Durant said. “I posted a picture of him on my the United States, as well as racial disparities or any social issues. They didn’t really apply Alex DeBrincat of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates his second lace said. Instagram, and the comments under that in the criminal justice system. to me because I could put a ball in a basket.” goal of the NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks at the United “Coach Fizdale represented Centre in Chicago. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, November 29, 2017 7 SPORT

INTERVIEW Wiggins could make Olympic eight, says Hunter Reuters like a watt bike and he has a big can be balanced for you and there London engine and he is super fi t so I think are people who can help you. It he will get some good results and would be great to see him race at go below six minutes for 2,000 the Henley Regatta and try to win ormer Tour de France metres.” that and work up.” champion Bradley Wig- “On the water? That’s a diff er- Hunter has no doubt Wiggins is gins could fulfi l his aim ent challenge being able to take serious. “Why would he put him- of becoming an Olympic that strength and power and the self through it?” he said. “I think rowerF after swapping a bike for engine he has and put that on a he’s looking for a new challenge. a boat, according to Beijing gold boat. It’s a diff erent skill set. We’ve seen others go the other medallist Mark Hunter. “There are moving parts as a way from the boast to the bike like Wiggins, Britain’s fi rst Tour de rower. You have to work with oth- Rebecca Romero. But going from France winner in 2012 who also er people and train day in and day cycling to rowing. This has never won fi ve Olympic cycling golds, out in a system. That’s maybe a been done before.” has taken up rowing after an- culture that he hasn’t been in. Hunter also thinks the relative nouncing his retirement last year. “I’ve seen others try and weakness of the current British The 37-year-old is in train- fail. But hats off to Bradley. He squad off ers a chance for Wiggins. ing for the British Indoor Rowing wouldn’t be doing this unless he “It’s the perfect window for Championships on December 9 at believed he could do it.” Bradley because the team is not the London Olympic velodrome strong at the moment. Lots of where he will test himself against BEST CHANCE people retired, there are more the country’s best oarsmen. Hunter believes the eight- seats, it’s a development phase.” With double Olympic gold man boat off ers Wiggins the best And in Cracknell, Hunter be- medallist James Cracknell coach- chance of a shot at the 2020 Ol- lieves Wiggins has the right men- ing him, Hunter would not be sur- ympics. tor. prised if Wiggins makes the tran- “I think he would be more suit- “I think it’s great. I know James sition from rowing machine to the ed in the sweep side of the sport, Cracknell is giving him some water. the rowing side not the sculling,” coaching and James is crazy as “I think it’s great for the sport said Hunter, who won the light- well so it will be interesting. He’s because he is a phenomenal ath- weight double sculls in Beijing. an endurance beast,” Hunter said. lete and it’s exciting to see what “Sweep is a lot easier to learn “I think he and Bradley are he can do,” Hunter told Reuters than sculling which is more tech- probably of a similar mindset. You at a Sports Analytics Conference nical. It’s easier learning to use might not want them in a boat to- hosted by KPMG in London. one blade than two. gether but James is the ideal guy to Sky Procycling rider and leader’s yellow jersey Bradley Wiggins of Britain celebrates with a British national flag on the Champs Elysees after “The rowing machine is just “And the eight is a big boat that give Bradley some insight.” winning the 99th Tour de France cycling race in Paris, France, July 22, 2012. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT GOLF Atwal backs young Asia team for IOC bans fi ve more EurAsia Cup

Reuters pan and Malaysian Nicholas Kuala Lumpur Fung. The 12-man team boasts 58 titles won worldwide, with six ndian duo SSP Chawrasia of the players still in their 20s. Russians for life and Anirban Lahiri were “I’m proud to announce my named alongside current team which is predominantly Asian Tour Order of Merit represented by young players,” Ileader Gavin Green in a young India’s Atwal said in a state- Asian team led by Arjun At- ment. wal for January’s EurAsia Cup “Seven players in my team against Europe. are ranked inside the top-100 Thai duo Phachara Khong- on the Offi cial World Golf over Sochi doping watmai and Poom Saksansin, Ranking and this underlines Malaysia’s Green and Chawrasia the strength of Team Asia. The disciplinary commission has come to the conclusion that, whatever his motivation may make up the leading four Asian This is a strong team and it will players who qualifi ed for Team be our goal to win the EurAsia be and whichever wrongdoing he may have committed in the past, Dr Rodchenkov was Asia in the biennial event set to Cup.” be played at Glenmarie Golf and ’s Zhang Lianwei has telling the truth when he provided explanations of the cover-up scheme that he managed’ Country Club in Selangor, Ma- been picked as the vice-cap- laysia from Jan. 12-14. tain to help Atwal lead Team ’s Yuta Ikeda, ranked Asia against Thomase Bjorn’s 37th the world, Li Haotong of Team Europe in the “Ryder China, Lahiri and Thai Kira- Cup of the East”. dech Aphibarnrat all booked The visiting team will fea- their spots as leading available ture Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Paul Asians on the world rankings. Casey, Paul Dunne, Ross Fish- South Korean An Byeong- er, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Tom- hun will make his return to the my Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, team as a captain’s pick along Alex Levy, Alex Noren, Tho- with compatriot Kang Sung- mas Pieters, Henrik Stenson hoon, Hideto Tanihara of Ja- and Bernd Wiesberger.

FOCUS Oosthuizen ready for Mauritius Open

Agencies at the venue alongside Pe- Heritage Resorts, Mauritius ter Matkovich at Matkovich Group, which is behind more than 50 designs throughout ajor champion Africa. Louis Oosthuizen The world number 22 is will make his debut aiming to seal his ninth Eu- appearance at the ropean Tour title and his fi rst MAfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open since the 2016 ISPS Handa tomorrow. Perth International, but he’ll The South African world No face a strong challenge from a This file photo taken on February 23, 2014 shows Gold Medallist, Russia-1 four-man bobsleigh, pilot Alexander Zubkov, pushman Alexey Negodaylo, pushman Dmitry Trunenkov 22 is ready to make his mark at host his countrymen, includ- and brakeman Alexey Voevoda competing in the Bobsleigh Four-man Heat 4 and final run at the Sanki Sliding Centre during the Sochi Winter Olympics. (AFP) Heritage Resorts in more ways ing Dean Burmester, Darren than one. Fichardt, Dylan Frittelli and Reuters reasoning behind the lifetime conclusion that, whatever his Russia accuses Rodchenkov of distributing drugs The 2010 Open Champion- Haydn Porteous, who are all Berlin ban of the fi rst Russian to be motivation may be and which- ship winner is feeling relaxed aiming to start the 2018 sea- sanctioned as part of its investi- ever wrongdoing he may have Russian investigators yesterday accused a whistleblower, who has as he aims to follow country- son in style by adding to their gation, cross country gold med- committed in the past, Dr Rod- spoken out about Moscow’s doping cover-up at the Sochi Winter man and 2015 winner George 2017 victories. ive more Russian com- allist Alexander Legkov. chenkov was telling the truth Olympics, of personally supplying athletes and coaches with per- Coetzee by lifting the trophy Also teeing it up in an ex- petitors from the 2014 The IOC said it was proven when he provided explanations formance-enhancing drugs. The claims about Grigory Rodchenkov on the island paradise, in the citing fi eld this week are 2011 Sochi Olympics were that Legkov was part of a scheme of the cover-up scheme that he come ahead of a crucial meeting next week when the International tournament which is co-sanc- Open Champion and 2016 Fbanned for life over anti- to tamper with the samples of managed,” it said in its decision. Olympic Committee is to decide whether Russia can compete at tioned by the European Tour, European Ryder Cup Captain doping rule violations yesterday Russians at Sochi. “The Disciplinary Commis- next year’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, . Asian Tour and Sunshine Tour. Darren Clarke, Ryder Cup with the International Olym- The Olympic body is re-test- sion would have preferred... to Russia’s state committee of inquiry said Rodchenkov had supplied “It’s a diff erent vibe this players Nicolas Colsaerts and pic Committee saying Russia’s ing all Russian athletes’ samples be able to hear Dr Rodchenkov in the country’s athletes with doping products and eliminated the week. The resort is in such a Jamie Donaldson and multi- former anti-doping chief- from those Games following rev- person. However, this does not samples given for testing to conceal the evidence of his crime. nice spot, a lot of people have ple European Tour winners turned-whistleblower was tell- elations by Grigory Rodchenkov, alter its conviction that Dr Rod- “It was established that Rodchenkov personally supplied the their family here. It’s just a Australia’s Scott Hend and ing the truth. the former head of Moscow’s chenkov is a truthful witness and athletes and coaches with medicines whose proven features were very relaxed week. By Thurs- SSP Chawrasia of India – who The banned athletes include discredited anti-doping labo- that his statements refl ect the not known to them but which later were established to constitute day it’s all about the golf. But came agonisingly close to a Dmitrii Trunenkov and Aleksei ratory, of a scheme to cover up reality and can be used as valid performance-enhancing drugs,” the Investigative Committee said in it’s nice after the round to fi rst victory in the UBS Hong Negodailo, both in the gold- home competitors’ positive evidence.” a statement. He then destroyed the athletes’ samples and accused spend a bit of time with the Kong Open last week after medal winning four-man bob- samples. The Sochi scandal, triggered Russia of implementing of “a certain doping programme” and con- kids by the pool and enjoying leading for three rounds. sleigh team, plus biathlon relay The IOC launched two inves- by revelations made by Rod- cealed “the results of his criminal activities,” the statement on the the views,” Oosthuizen said. “This is my fi rst year here. silver medallists Yana Romanova tigations following Rodchenk- chenkov, is part of a broader committee’s off icial website added. In September, Moscow’s court “So far it’s been really windy It’s a really beautiful golf and Olga Vilukhina, who also ov’s claims with one focusing on doping aff air that has led to the issued an arrest warrant for Rodchenkov, who helped orchestrate so you need to work out your course with some nice beaches won silver in the 7.5km event. the Sochi Games re-tests and the suspension of Russia’s anti- the country’s state-sponsored Olympic doping programme and has ball trajectory. It’ a good golf that I saw so I’m enjoying the The latest bans bring the to- other looking at allegations of doping agency RUSADA, its ath- since fled to the US. Earlier this month the World Anti-Doping Agen- course. You’ve got to drive it week to be honest,” Chawrasia tal number of Russian athletes systematic state-backed doping. letics federation and Paralympic cy (WADA) said it had obtained an “enormous” internal database straight and around the greens said. suspended from the Games for The IOC on Monday said that Committee. of Russian drug test results from 2012-2015. Russia’s investigators, you can get a bit of an iff y lie “It’s a little bit diff erent be- life to 19 this month, with the in Legkov’s case, evidence pro- The IOC has said it will decide who have previously off ered WADA to jointly examine the database, with your chipping so hitting cause you’re in the middle of IOC annulling results following vided by Rodchenkov, now living during its executive board meet- expressed their concerns over its vulnerability. The Investigative greens is going to be key. the ocean, it’s a beautiful place widespread doping and tamper- in the United States, was used ing next month on the participa- Committee said it had received “evidence of the vulnerability of the However, the South African but it’s diff erent because it’s ing with samples of Russian ath- and deemed credible. tion of Russian competitors at database,” adding that Rodchenkov and his assistants had remote also has one eye on the future, very windy and will play very letes during the Sochi Games. “The (IOC) Disciplinary the Pyeongchang Winter Olym- access to it after they fled to the United States. as he works on the design of tough this week I’m sure,” he The IOC also published its Commission has come to the pics in South Korea in February. a second 18-hole golf course said.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Epic night time duel at Losail Circuit to decide WTCC titles The third WTCC Race of Qatar this Friday will conclude a thrilling year of high-speed action and intense competition Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander he most wide-open FIA World Touring astride Veronese Teamjoy en route Car Championship season in a decade to their win in the QNB Al Rayyan will go down to the wire at the Losail Show Jumping Championship at International Circuit on Friday when the QEF’s outdoor arena yesterday. Tthree coveted titles are decided at Qatar’s spec- PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi tacular fl oodlit showdown. After 18 races over nine weekends in four continents, it all comes down to the duel in the desert when the FIA World Touring Car Cham- pionship for Drivers and Manufacturers, plus the WTCC Trophy for independent racers are settled. The third WTCC Race of Qatar will conclude a thrilling year of high-speed action and intense competition with 10 drivers having taken race wins and seven still in mathematical contention for the overall crown prior to some classic Friday night fever touring car style. However, with 6.5 points separating the ti- tle top two, Polestar Cyan Racing’s Thed Bjork and Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team’s Norbert Michelisz, Volvo Polestar 12.5 points in front of Honda and Tom Chilton a mere half a point ahead of Mehdi Bennani in the WTCC Trophy and Rob Huff only seven points behind Chilton, the 2017 season closer at the Losail In- ternational Circuit will be the ultimate winner- takes-all battle.

WHO’S IN CONTENTION? With 60 points up for grabs, Thed Björk (255.5 points), Norbert Michelisz (249), Mehdi Ben- nani (216), Nicky Catsburg (211.5), Tom Chilton (210.5) and Esteban Guerrieri (205) can all take world title glory for the fi rst time. Tiago Mon- teiro’s total of 200 would also have been enough Qatar’s Losail International Circuit will host the final round of the 2017 FIA World Touring Car Championship tomorrow and on Friday. to keep him in the fi ght but the Portuguese will be in Qatar in a supporting role only while he positions than his rivals, Michelisz might have we’ll know. But everything we’ve done this year continues his recovery from injuries sustained the edge. The Hungarian will also take heart I will just try to put it together for the last days, in a testing crash in September. from the fact he won the WTCC Trophy title in focus on myself and just go as fast as I can and Qatar two years ago. But Björk was second on his see if this is enough to win. I already feel after HOW DID IT COME TO THIS? Qatar debut last season and knows what it takes Macau I’m one of them that can win it, one of Guerrieri, Monteiro, Catsburg and, latterly, to win championships: he’s claimed the Scandi- the top guys and I would rather be in the front Björk have all topped the standings at one stage navian touring car crown four times. door than in the back.” or another during the season. After leading by Having run 10 kilograms lighter than the Vol- Norbert Michelisz: “It’s all up for grabs in Qa- 12 points following the trip to Argentina in July, vo S60s in Macau, the Honda Civics will be at tar and I’m confi dent. We were strong in Qatar Monteiro appeared to be in the ascendency on the same 80-kilogram maximum compensation last year and I will really try to do my best not the back of a stellar start to his campaign. weight in Qatar, meaning no driver will have a to do any mistakes, to get the most out of my- But having not raced since (see above), Björk weight advantage. self and the car. And in the end if it works out for – who was second in the table prior to the sum- The role of Björk and Michelisz’s team-mates sure I’ll be really happy. But the most important mer break – was quick to take advantage, mov- could be a factor, however, after Esteban Guerri- thing is to have the feeling that I’ve done every- ing in front in China and starting WTCC Race eri provided the perfect support to Michelisz in thing I can to be champion and this is my goal. of Japan 32.5 points ahead of Michelisz on the Macau by holding the pursuing Tom Chilton at Of course it’s getting more and more diffi cult the back of the disqualifi cation of all Hondas from bay for much of the Main Race as Michelisz kept closer we get to the last race but I really try not the results of the China races due to a technical hold of a vital second place. Polestar Cyan Rac- to think about the championship, just try to do infringement. By out-scoring Bjork to the tune ing pair Nicky Catsburg and Néstor Girolami are my best.” of 16 points in Japan, Michelisz arrived in Macau more than capable of taking points away from 16.5 points behind his rival where he took an- Michelisz, which will add another intriguing di- CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS REFRESHER other 10 points away from the Swede to narrow mension to the championship shootout. A maximum of 60 points will be on the table in the gap to 6.5 points with two races left. Qatar with all scores counting. The top fi ve in WHAT THE CONTENDERS SAY Qualifying Q3 score points as follows: 5-4-3-2- WHAT COULD HAPPEN? Thed Bjork: “When I was young I wanted to be 1. The top 10 in the Opening Race score points as With the Losail International Circuit not awash Formula One world champion but now this is follows: 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1. The top 10 with overtaking opportunities, the results of just as good. I feel relaxed. Obviously I’m ex- in the Main Race score points as follows: 30-23- Honda’s Norbert Michelisz (right) lies just 6.5 points away from leader Polestar Cyan Racing’s Thed qualifying could be key. Having taken more pole cited because in a little bite more than one week 19-16-13-10-7-4-2-1. Bjork in the Drivers’ Championship, with 60 available at the season finale in Qatar.

Schools Olympic Program QNB STARS LEAGUE starting to fl ourish: Al-Muft ah Team’s victory is what matters to Doha: Executive Director of Qatar School Sports four of which are team sports (football, handball, Association (QSSA) Abdulrahman al-Muftah has volleyball and basketball) and the rest individual said Qatar has started to see the results of the sport (gymnastics, swimming, athletics, table ten- me: Al Gharafa captain Jimenez Schools Olympic Program (SOP). The SOP was nis, fencing, tennis and shooting). launched 10 years ago with an aim that goes Al-Muftah said the competition is open to all espite the fact that Al Gharafa has beyond sports and to achieve social integration Arab and foreign nationalities, which has achieved many quality players, their results amongst all in the Qatari society. social integration amongst all nationalities in Qa- so far in the QNB Stars League is Al-Muftah, who supervises the programme, said tar, where through sports, the Olympic principles not up to the mark. The Cheetahs areD placed ninth with seven points and have the 11th edition of the programme will achieve a will be learned and will develop the performance number of set goals after an increase in the par- of younger generations. been able to record just one victory. ticipation numbers from school students. There “The programmeoff icials have set two main In an with QSL Online, ahead of their are currently 214 boys’ schools (119 government goals; making sports for all and discovering talent. much-awaited game against Al Arabi, Al and 95 private schools) and 186 girls’ schools (105 The sports associations began to see the results Gharafa captain Luis Jimenez spoke about government and 81 private schools) who partici- of the eff orts made in the past years and gained various topics. pating in the event he revealed. a large number of athletes who achieved good Al-Muftah said the idea of the programme was results in Asian and Arab tournaments,” al-Muftah Your take on the game against Al Arabi? unique to Qatar in the beginning. But the success said. “This year’s edition will achieve the set Both teams will be looking to win and earn of it was recognised when it was adopted by a goals through the increase of sports participants three valuable points. On our part, we’ll put number of other Gulf countries. in diff erent sports, thus the selection process in our best eff orts in order to win the game. The QSSA executive director added that the among coaches and trainers in diff erent clubs will number of participants in the first edition of the constantly expand to select the best for clubs and What’s your expectation as far as the aspects that emerged against Al Rayyan and What matters to me more is the team’s programme did not exceed 5,000 students, who national teams. The Qatar Olympic Committee result is concerned? avoiding mistakes. We don’t have enough victory and not scoring goals. I always try competed in eight Olympic sports. In the current widely supports the programme after the QSSA I won’t talk about the result. The most time to think much about that defeat. to give assists and contribute to the team’s edition, students competing in 11 disciplines, came under its supervision,” he added. (QNA) important thing for us as a team is winning cause. by any means. What were the reasons behind that loss? We always play to win. Sometimes, the What’s your ambition this season? You played for Al Arabi in the previ- match ends in a tie or even defeat. Al Rayyan Having reached the semifi nals of QSL FOCUS ous season. Now you’re in Al Gharafa… were strong opponents and title contenders. Cup, we’re looking forward to winning the What’re the diff erences you feel? title. As for the league, we aren’t satisfi ed Both Al Arabi and Al Gharafa are big teams Are you satisfi ed as a professional? with our position despite the fact that our in Qatar with many titles to their credit. I can’t say that I’m satisfi ed with my per- main objective is build a strong team for the They’re trying to regain their lost glory formance as I always look for improvement. future. We aren’t under pressure to win the Al Duhail beat Al Ahli to by breaking into the top four in the league However, I’m happy with my contribution league, but we seek to reach higher position. alongside Al Duhail, Al Rayyan and Al Sadd. to the team. I prefer talking about the team I understand that football fans wish to see as a whole and not about individuals. We’ve Can Al Gharafa win titles again? Al Arabi and Al Gharafa regain their repu- faced some challenges and diffi culties at the The team is in the process of building af- reach Asian handball fi nal tation. I’m so glad to have played for both beginning of the league campaign as the new ter undergoing many changes this season. teams. recruits took time to gel well. Many young players came in. We need time QNA yesterday. Al Ahli took a 4-2 lead goals in front and secure a place Now, we’ve made much progress with the to prepare a strong team for the future. You Hyderabad before Al Duhail came back and in tomorrow’s fi nal. Which player has grabbed your attention continuous work and positive eff orts. I’m can’t focus on the process of building up a drew level, with the score 6-6 on Al Duhail will take on Bahraini in Al Arabi? sure positive results will follow. strong squad and winning titles at the same 17 minutes. Al Duhail managed to side Al Najma in the fi nal after Al Arabi too have a number distinguished time. I know that Al Gharafa have a long his- l Duhail have quali- take the lead and fi nish the fi rst they narrowly beat Al Sharjah players. I truly like the performance of mid- What’ll be your main role with Al tory of winning titles. We just need time. fi ed for the fi nal of half with a four-goal lead and a 29-27 in the semi-fi nal. Al Ahli, fi elder Ahmed Khalfan. Abdulla Maarafi e is Gharafa this season? the 20th Asian Men’s score of 13-9. which beat Club of India in group also a good player, but couldn’t play much I always help my teammates. We’re all one What would you like to tell Gharafa fans? AClub League Handball In the second half, Al Ahli tried stage, will play the third place due to injury. team with one target. I know that the fans I would like to thank and appreciate their Championship, currently under- to come back to the game but Al play-off against Al Sharjah. The are expecting me to score goals continu- support towards the players. Of course, way in the Indian city of Hydera- Duhail were too strong for them tournament is a qualifi er for the Will the loss to Al Rayyan have an ously, but I’m a playmaker and not a number we’re sad over the negative results. We bad, after beating compatriots and were able to maintain their club world championship – IHF impact on your team? (9) striker. Still, I can score. But I focus more promise them that we’ll do our best in order Al Ahli 31-26 in the semi-fi nals lead and fi nish the match fi ve Super Globe. What we’ve to do is build on all the positive on the team work. to please them.