SPORT Thursday 1 December 2016 PAGE | 28 PAGE | 29 Swing king Hamilton one of AkramAk to train the best but no Sri LankanLa pacers friend: Rosberg

LaLiga to use Soccerex Asian Forum to showcase international development

The Peninsula the Champions League, where they reached the quarter-finals occerex institutional part- and kept consistency to achieve ners LaLiga will use the mid-table LaLiga finishes. S upcoming Soccerex Asian Jose will speak during a ses- Forum to showcase their activi- sion about sponsorship ties in the Middle East and the activation, and will give his growth of LaLiga across the thoughts on what is required to region and the rest of Asia. successfully activate sponsorship A delegation from the LaLiga across multiple territories. Barshim named international office in Dubai Both Jose and Fernando Sanz including Managing Director of have been instrumental in the International Development, growth of LaLiga in the region Vicente Casado, Head of Business during recent years, and will Development - Middle East and share their insight into the North Africa (MENA), Jose Maria progress of development for Athlete of the Year Arrabal and General Director for delegates. MENA and International Projects, Also present at the Asian Fernando Sanz will all be attend- Forum will be Malaga owner and ing at the event. President Sheikh Abdullah Bin LaLiga will also sponsor the Nasser Al Thani, who took con- Soccerex VIP Lounge, rebranded trol of the club back in 2011. Since The Peninsula the more it drives me towards to the LaLiga Lounge, as well as then, he has invested heavily in Barshim excels achieving higher. The experi- taking a stand on the exhibitor the squad and helped the club atar's most cherished Qatar's most ences I have been through in life floor to better engage with the establish area close connection track and field athlete cherished track and have been the driving force Awards are like a delegates in attendance. with the Middle East. Mutaz Essa Barshim field athlete received behind me. I’ve been though a fuel to me. The Vicente will deliver an exclu- Hosted with the support of reached another level the Athlete of the lot and getting this far has not sive presentation on the success the Supreme Committee for Q in his career when he been easy, but these encounters more I win the of LaLiga and the future of Span- Delivery and Legacy and the Year award at the received the Athlete of the Year and events have definitely made more it drives me ish football, in terms of growth Aspire Zone Foundation, the award, at the Esquire Man At His Esquire Man At His me who I am today." and development. Forum will feature expert Best Awards 2016 ceremony, in Best Awards 2016 “I draw inspiration from towards achieving With previous success at the insights from the top of the foot- Dubai on Tuesday. ceremony, in Dubai. everything around me. There’s higher: Mutaz Essa Spanish Football Federation ball industry alongside high-level The Red Bull athlete, so much to learn. My word of starting in 2005, Vicente also has networking opportunities for Barshim was honoured for his Mutaz became the advice to young people looking Barshim experience working for LaLiga delegates, giving them a chance triumph at the 2016 Summer first Qatari to win the for a future in high jumping is: club Malaga as Head of Devel- to connect and mix with some of Olympics in Rio de Janeiro this award given away by train wisely and keep in mind opment and Business from 2011 the key decision makers in the year, when also brought in Esquire Middle East. three important points - Victory where he managed to restruc- business. Qatar’s first-ever Olympic sil- is the result of hard work, ded- ture the club, helping wipe out The Forum will be held in ver medal. high-achieving individuals who ication and patience. There are history by beating Javier all debt and guiding the team into Doha on December 5 and 6. Besides this glorious win, were recognized by Esquire no shortcuts. I am deeply moti- Sotomayor’s record of 2.45m, the nation's most cherished ath- Middle East, the men’s lifestyle vated by my fans and in turn, I to become the highest jumper lete has also gone down the magazine, at a glittering cere- am honoured to inspire them. I of all time. annals of history as the Asian mony studded with prominent want to thank all those who By winning this award, record holder with a best mark people and regional cultural support me; my family, friends, Barshim joins the ranks of illus- of 2.43m. icons. fans and supporters always trious businessmen, outstanding He is also the reigning The awards were pre- motivate me to aim higher," the humanitarian leaders and cul- World Indoor champion. The sented to highly proficient gravity defying high jumper tural stars from the region - true recent honour at the sixth individuals who have not only said. role models who are among the annual Esquire Man At His Best achieved exceptional triumphs Mutaz who is currently the winners of the award, every Awards marked another proud and accomplishments, but highest active jumper in the year. moment, as Mutaz became the have also been an inspiration world, with a record of 2.43m, Awards were given out in first recipient from Qatar to win to society. is a true inspiration and role various categories ranging from the prize given away by Esquire Referring to his win a jubi- model for commitment, deter- fashion, comedy, humanitarian Middle East. lant Barshim said, “Awards are mination and hard work. He is services, athletics, and culinary Barshim was among 19 like a fuel to me. The more I win on a mission to rewrite world abilities. Qatar team leaves for Dubai 7's

The Peninsula QATAR SQUAD FOR DUBAI 7'S are expected over the course of the tournament. Entertaining he Qatar National Rugby Abdulaziz Al Dosari, Abdulkarem Al Mu- the crowds will be the world’s Sevens Team left for hannadi, Saad Al Abdulla, Ibrahim Has- finest international sevens T United Arab Emirates to san, Iliesa Rakabu, Isireli Biumaiwai, teams including reigning cham- take part in the Emirates Dubai Jope Tikoilepanoni, Orisi Sareki, Pita Be- pions Fiji. 7's rugby tournament The Dubai Sevens isn’t just racibi, Rakan Al Mutawaa, Sandisiwe Dy-

yesterday. the World Rugby Series, on the The Camels will compete in wili, Ahmed Al Masry, Talal Mujali pitches surrounding the sta- the Men’s Open International dium, 250 teams from around Division - the third toughest years the Dubai Sevens has the world compete in invita- category in Pool D. gained reputation as one of the tional, open, veterans and The prestigious Dubai 7's is highlights of the UAE’s sport- women’s competitions. an annual rugby union sevens ing calendar. There's also the Rugby Vil- tournament and will host the The Sevens stadiums can lage, where fans can expect to first leg of the World Rugby host over 40,000 fans per day find an array of shops, bars, Sevens Series. Over the past 40 and crowds of over 100,000 cafes and children activities. SPORT 1 DECEMBER 2016 THURSDAY 27 Antetokounmpo leads night of NBA upsets

Los Angeles NBA missed seven straight shots in a score- AFP less four minute, 10 second spell in the The star of the night was fourth quarter. iannis Antetokounmpo led a Antetokounmpo, who is one It was Orlando's first win over San night of upsets in the NBA on of the highest paid players in Antonio in 11 meetings dating back to Tuesday with 34 points as the the NBA with $25m per 2010. Milwaukee Bucks stunned season salary. Spurs star Kawhi Leonard led the LeBron James and the Cleve- scoring for the home side with 21 points Gland Cavaliers. Sean Kilpatrick was the hero with LaMarcus Aldridge adding 16 points Antetokounmpo, 21, also grabbed 12 for the Nets, finishing with a and Manu Ginobili chipping in with 13. rebounds and contributed five assists as career-high 38 points as The Los Angeles Clippers fell to 14-5 a Cavs side featuring both James and Brooklyn defeated Clippers. against the Brooklyn Nets in New York, Kyrie Irving failed to fire. with the underdogs improving their Greek international Antetokounmpo "We let our guard down a little bit," record to 5-12 after a wild 127-122 win was ably supported by Jabari Parker (18 James said. "They pushed up the tempo in double overtime. points) and Michael Beasley (17) as the and we didn't get stops. I came out of the Sean Kilpatrick was the hero for the Bucks scored a win which improves their game when we were up 10 and we let Nets, finishing with a career-high 38 points season to 8-8. them go on a quick run to end the quar- -- 31 of them coming after the third quar- The Cavs loss saw the champions fall ter. From that point on they got into a ter -- as Brooklyn reeled in the Clippers to 13-3 for the season. James finished with rhythm and they're a rhythm team." who at one stage had led by 18 points. 22 points to lead the scoring for the Cavs, The Bucks' upset win was the biggest A stormy contest saw Clippers coach ahead of Irving with 20 points at the BMO shock of the day as various in-form teams Doc Rivers ejected after an angry out- Harris Bradley Center. ended up losing to unheralded burst at referee crew chief Ken Mauer. NBA But the star of the night was Antetok- opposition. Rivers needed to be restrained by play- ounmpo, who became one of the highest San Antonio's nine-game winning ers before leaving the court in disgust. Utah 120 - 101 Houston paid players in the NBA earlier this year streak came to an abrupt halt when the In New Orleans, Anthony Davis main- Orlando 95 - 83 San Antonio when he inked a $100m four-year deal Western Conference giants crashed to a tained his prolific start to the season with Milwaukee 118 - 101 Cleveland worth around $25m a season. 95-83 defeat against the Orlando Magic. 41 points as the Pelicans dismantled the

New Orleans 105 - 88 LA Lakers Last season the giant forward aver- Serge Ibaka scored 18 points while Los Angeles Lakers 105-88.

Brooklyn 127 - 122 LA Clippers Detroit 112 - 89 Charlotte aged 16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds. 4.3 assists Nikola Vucevic added 12 points and 10 Davis also plucked 16 rebounds as and 1.4 blocks in 80 games. So far this rebounds as the Magic silenced the Spurs the Pelicans snapped a two-game losing season Antetokounmpo is averaging 22 fans at the AT&T Center. streak with their fifth straight home vic- points per game, suggesting the Bucks The victory ended a four-game los- tory at the Smoothie King Center. were wise to invest in the 6ft 11in son of ing streak for Orlando, who improved to The win saw the Pelicans improve to Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (left) drives for the Nigerian immigrants who was born in 7-11 with the win. San Antonio slipped to 7-12 while the Lakers fell to 9-10. basket as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert defends during Athens in 1994. 14-4 after the loss. Davis's tally marked the seventh time their NBA match at BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, James said the Cavs have been caught The Spurs saw any chance of victory this season he has finished with at least US, yesterday. napping. slip away in the fourth quarter when they 35 points and 10 rebounds in a game.

Ageless Carter leads NBA's elder statesmen Porcello named

New York "Not being able to play. Everybody who burst into the league with every- Carter, who will turn 40 on Jan. 26 and League Comeback AP can play basketball, but learning the thing but a reliable jumper and left it ranks in the top 25 in career points and ins and outs of the game is what has at 40 ranked third in career games played, does the same in Mem- Player of the Year ince Carter is no longer the kept me around." 3-pointers. phis — where he surpassed Jordan this NBA's highest flyer, though he's Same with Manu Ginobili in San "As I got older, the speed limit season as the oldest player to score 20 V certainly not ready to be Antonio, Jason Terry in Milwaukee, started coming into effect. Instead of points off the bench. Boston grounded. Paul Pierce in Los Angeles and Dirk going 55, I could only go 45," Kidd said. Like Jordan, he played at North Agencies Once one of basketball's most fero- Nowitzki in Dallas, who follow Carter "But, you know, when things started Carolina for "the mastermind, Dean cious dunkers who put opponents on as the oldest players in the NBA this to go a little bit slower, you got to see Smith," as Carter called him, where oston Red Sox right-hander Rick posters long before there were inter- season. things a lot better. For me, things were even as a teenager he was being pre- Porcello added to his offseason net Vines, he can no longer rely just on "Basketball is a game a lot of peo- a lot clearer. As you get older, that's pared for how he would need to play Bhaul of honors when he was his athleticism. Nearing 40 years old, ple don't understand," Terry said. the best time to get better at the game. 20 years later. named American League Comeback the guy who famously put his arm "When you are not as athletically You can always learn, you can always "So he taught us how to learn the Player of the Year. through the rim while winning a dunk gifted, you still have your brain. I do something different. For me it was game, how to take your abilities and Porcello won his first Cy Young contest now often plays below it. learned from none other than Jason shooting the ball. If I wanted to play dominate to the best of your ability," Award earlier this month after going Like everyone who wants to keep Kidd." for a while I needed to make an out- Carter said. "And with that being said, 22-4 with a 3.15 ERA. Porcello wasn't playing toward middle age, it's about Terry plays for Kidd now but they side shot." as I've gotten older, just the little things coming off an injury-marred 2015 sea- the mind now as much as the legs. were teammates in Dallas when the Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant that we tend to not want to do as a son. Porcello was 9-15 with a 4.92 ERA "That's how I was able to stay Mavericks won the 2011 NBA title. Kidd made similar transitions, outworking young guy stuck with me, as far as just in 2015 before finding his form and around this long, is just, I learned the by then was well past his dynamic days and outsmarting opponents when they the little things that we say a lot of guys leading the majors in victories in 2016. game," Carter said. as a nightly triple-double threat, a guy could no longer just outplay them. Now make mistakes on." Washington Nationals third base- man Anthony Rendon was the National League winner after batting .270 with 20 homers and 85 RBIs. It was a nice New York Mets’ centre fielder bounce-back campaign for Rendon, Yoenis Cespedes completes a Cespedes seals $110m who batted .264 with five homers while home run against the Atlanta being limited to 80 games in 2015 due Braves in this file photo. to three different injuries. Cespedes, 31, yesterday deal to stay with Mets agreed to a four-year, $110m contract to stay with the New New York the Mets last winter, and Los Angeles York Mets on a record deal. Agencies Dodgers were expected to lead the bidding for Cespedes. Thames signs fter opting out of his contract Last winter, Cespedes' market with the New York Mets and never fully developed and as spring for the Brewers A walking away from $47m guar- training approached, only the Balti- anteed, Yoenis Cespedes will not more Orioles appeared to be a realistic change uniforms, agreeing to a four- landing spot. Cespedes ultimately rea- year, $110m contract to stay with the ligned with the Mets, with whom he New York team on a record deal that includes a was a central offensive figure in the Agencies full no-trade clause. 2015 World Series run. Cespedes, 31, waded into free Playing through a right quad he Milwaukee Brewers announced agency in November for the second injury that impacted him in the field the signing of first baseman/out- consecutive seasons after using his and on the bases for parts of the sea- Tfielder Eric Thames to a opt-out clause to return to the open son, Cespedes hit 31 home runs and three-year contract. market. drove in 86 runs in 132 games. Thames will receive more than $15 The Mets, who acquired left- The Mets re-signed second base- million in guaranteed money and the handed outfielder Jay Bruce from the man Neil Walker to the one-year contract includes a club option for Cincinnati Reds last season, were not qualifying offer earlier this month. 2020, ESPN reports. considered the frontrunners to land Bruce might not be back. He's In a related move, the Brewers des- Cespedes entering the 2016 Winter relatively affordable at $13m for ignated slugging first baseman Chris Meetings. 2017 and general manager Sandy Carter for assignment and are report- But the drama was short-circuited Alderson said the right fielder could edly trying to trade him. yesterday when the slugger accepted be used to add a bullpen arm. Carter, whose salary is expected to a deal that makes him the highest- The Mets might hold onto Bruce increase dramatically from the $2.5 mil- paid outfielder -- based on average if they can't find more offense lion he made last season, was tied for annual value -- in baseball. elsewhere. the National League lead with 41 hom- The Washington Nationals, New Bruce was acquired August 1, ers last season, but also struck out a York's National League East rival and 2016, in a deal that sent hotshot sec- franchise-record 206 times while bat- the foe that lured free agent second ond base prospect Dilson Herrera to ting .222 and totaling 94 RBIs. baseman Daniel Murphy away from the Reds. 28 SPORT THURSDAY 1 DECEMBER 2016

ICC clears Hafeez's bowling Selectors make changes as action

Islamabad AP weary England head to Dubai ohammad Hafeez's bowling action was M cleared by the Inter- Mohali national Cricket Council AFP yesterday, and the Pakistan offspinner can resume bowl- ncapped opener ing in internationals. Keaton Jennings and The India we played Hafeez was reassessed in all-rounder Liam in 2012 was different, Brisbane on November 17, Dawson will join the when it was revealed that the England squad as probably an ageing amount of elbow extension U replacements for the remaining team compared to for all of his offspin deliver- two Test matches against India, now. In 2012, we ies was within the allowed the team management said 15-degree level of tolerance. yesterday. were a lot more He was first suspended Jennings, 24, will replace experienced, says from bowling in November Haseeb Hameed, who has been skipper Alaistair Cook 2014, and reassessed and per- ruled out of the remainder of the mitted to resume bowling in series after fracturing a finger April 2015. during the third Mohali Test He was reported again in which England lost by eight June 2015 during a test wickets to trail the five-match against Sri Lanka at Galle, and rubber 2-0. was subsequently suspended Dawson was called up to from bowling for 12 months replace left-arm spinner Zafar India captain Virat Kohli (left) and England skipper Alaistair Cook at in July 2015 after an inde- Ansari, who is still struggling the end of the third Test in Mohali on Monday. pendent assessment revealed with the back injury he sustained he employed an illegal bowl- in the second Test in ing action for the second time Visakhapatnam. medical support in India before eight wickets to take an unas- birth. "We have this week off and we haven't done it in the other in 24 months. "Ansari will stay with the returning to England on Decem- sailable 2-0 lead in the five-Test I think, most people going to two," said Cook. The ICC said in a state- squad and continue to receive ber 8," the England team series. Dubai," said Cook. "Mentally it Cook said it was difficult to ment that umpires were still management said in a statement. But England's players are will be break from cricket. We compare with the 2012 tour, able to report Hafeez if they Depressing times Dawson, 26, made his one-day looking to unwind with some will come back little bit more because the two teams have believe he was displaying a international and T20 debuts this welcome down time in Dubai refreshed." changed character since. suspect action. To assist the year. before making the short trip Cook's team has endured "The India we played in 2012 umpires, they will be pro- Jennings and Dawson would from the Gulf resort city to Mum- tough couple of months after los- was different, probably an age- vided with images and video 2-0 join the squad next week in bai for the fourth Test, which ing a Test to Bangladesh for the ing team compared to now," footage of the bowler's England trail hosts India Mumbai which is set to host the begins on December 8. first time and are now staring at Cook said, adding that his cur- remodeled legal bowling fourth Test from December 8. "The break comes at a very a series defeat against top- rent side were still learning how 2-0 after the first three of action. The first Test in Rajkot ended good time, obviously, after three ranked India. But Cook to tackle unfamiliar sub-conti- the five-match Test series. Hafeez has 52 wickets in in a draw before India won the back-to-back Test matches," remembered that four years ago nent conditions with low, turning tests, 129 in ODIs, and 46 in Visakhapatnam game by 246 Cook told reporters after the in India England came back from pitches. "In 2012 we were a lot T20s. runs. The Test series will be fol- defeat. Some of the England 1-0 down to win the four-Test more experienced and had lowed by three ODIs and three squad have been on duty since series 2-1 and said that if they played a lot more in the sub-con- T20 games. landing in Bangladesh on Sep- show greater consistency they tinent over the three years before Bangladesh Dec 8 Meanwhile, England captain tember 30 for three one-day can still save the series. that. This side, only two in the The 4th Test starts on Alastair Cook is looking forward internationals followed by the "The challenge is try and put top order (Joe Root and Cook players fined, December 8 as England to a rare week-long break in a 1-1 draw in the Test series there. in that performance in which himself) have played more than plan a short getaway to the hectic playing schedule after the Cook himself has spent just consistently, over five days, we one or two games in the sub- say reports United Arab Emirates. heavy third Test defeat against 18 hours with his new-born play well. continent before we played in India in Mohali Tuesday. daughter after dashing home "We have done it in one Bangladesh. That's probably the Virat Kohli's side won by from the Bangladesh tour for her game (the first Test in Rajkot), difference." Dhaka AFP

he Bangladesh Cricket Board has levied a Trecord fine on two Boult set to return for ODI national team players for what it called "serious" breaches of discipline after opener against Australia they reportedly entertained female guests in their hotel rooms. Pace bowler Al-Amin Auckland Chappell-Hadlee series having side, means that it is a separate Hossain and batsman Sabbir Reuters passed a fitness test. challenge. It is important you Rahman were both fined "He's recovered. I think bring yourself back to the chal- around $15,000 for "serious rent Boult is expected to when you know you've only got lenges that are in front of you." off-field disciplinary be fit for New Zealand's to bowl 10 overs, it's a lot easier Hesson added that New Zea- breaches" during the ongo- T opening one-day interna- than obviously the demands of land could also take confidence ing Bangladesh Premier tional against Australia in the Test match," Hesson told from their consistent perform- League (BPL) Twenty20 tour- Sydney on Sunday after the reporters before the team left ances in the shorter versions of nament, said the BCB in a strike bowler missed the second for Australia yesterday. the game over the last two to statement late on Tuesday. Test win over Pakistan due to Boult's return would be a three years. It gave no details of the knee discomfort. boost for Hesson's side as they "We're a reliable white-ball charges against the players, Boult sustained a knee make the quick transition from side," he said. "A lot of these guys but the Prothom Alo daily injury on New Zealand's tour of test matches to one-day cricket, have never played in Australia. reported online that they had Swing king Akram to India and he felt some discom- though captain Kane William- There'll be some good crowds, taken female guests to their fort when he slipped during the son said the confidence from I'm sure, over there, plenty of hotel rooms during the tour. first Test against Pakistan in their victory over Pakistan hostility, and for any New Zea- "The players have been train Lankan pacers Christchurch earlier this month. would help. land team going over there it's reminded of their responsi- Colombo He was ruled out of the sec- "One thing I do know is win- an exciting time, so we're look- bility as national cricketers AFP ond match in Hamilton, which ning's a lot better than losing, so ing forward to it." and have been warned that New Zealand won by 138 runs I guess it's nice coming away The first match is at the Syd- any repetition of similar acts ri Lanka yesterday said it has roped in legendary Pakistan to clinch their first series win with a series win, having played ney Cricket Ground on Sunday of indiscretion in the future paceman Wasim Akram (pictured) as a mentor ahead of over Pakistan since 1985. very good cricket as a unit," Wil- before the two sides clash in will result in harsher penalty," S the team's gruelling tour of South Africa next month. Coach Mike Hesson said liamson said. Canberra on December 6 and the BCB said. Akram, 50, will conduct a day-long coaching clinic in Boult was tracking "very well" "In saying that, the change finish the series in Melbourne The BPL is modelled on Colombo yesterday, Sri Lanka Cricket said, in what would be for Sunday's opener in the in format, also the change in on December 9. the glitzy Indian Cricket the first of a series of programmes involving foreign experts. League and has been blighted "We are honoured that Mr. Akram has accepted our invi- Hong Kong Dragons players and their kit is seen during a game in Hong Kong. Elite cricket by match-fixing scandals, tation to be a part of this initiative," Sri Lanka Cricket chief is a tough game but spare a thought for the sport's minnows, who have to contend with prompting authorities to sus- Thilanga Sumathipala said.Sumathipala also said the 2019 World makeshift facilities, scant funding and the chronic threat of financial ruin. At a small pend the meet for two years. Cup could be within the grasp of Sri Lanka if the team is given ground in the heart of bustling Hong Kong, the soothing sight of an afternoon's play Seven franchises are the right guidance. Sri Lanka won the World Cup in 1996 but belies the very real risks facing cricket's associate, or second-tier, nations. playing in the current edition, choked twice in the finals of the 2007 and 2011 editions. which includes such major The latest coaching session comes as the victorious team names as Pakistan's Shahid returned home Tuesday after beating Zimbabwe in a two-Test Afridi, West Indies' Chris series in Harare and lifting a triangular tournament that also Gayle and Sri Lanka's Kumar involved the West Indies. Sangakkara. Regarded as one of the best left-arm pacemen ever to grace The fines are the highest the game, Akram took 414 Test wickets and 502 in 356 one- ever imposed on a Bangla- day internationals -- both still a Pakistan record. deshi player on disciplinary Sri Lanka are set to tour South Africa for three Tests, three grounds. T20 matches and five ODIs starting December 26, with national Al-Amin's amounts to 50 coach Graham Ford warning of a tough challenge against the percent of his BPL contract formidable Proteas. Sri Lanka, who also won a three-Test home money for playing for the series against Australia in August, are ranked seventh in Test Barisal Bulls while Sabbir's is ratings behind South Africa on fifth. Akram retired from the equal to 30 percent of his pay sport in 2003. from the Rajshahi Kings. THURSDAY 1 DECEMBER 2016 SPORT 29

Golf: Woods is back and only Hamilton one of the best but he knows for how long

Nassau, Bahamas no friend, says world champ AP eturning to golf was always going to be an Hamilton is 'best' Reasier decision for Tiger Woods than knowing Formula One bosses when to leave. have voted Lewis One week in the Bahamas Hamilton as the Lewis is one of the best of all time. He sets a high is not going to determine that. 'sport's best driver', standard. It will always be difficult between us. Woods turns 41 at the end according to of next month, and for the Autopsort magazine. We are in the same team and race against each first time since he started this other for titles. It is virtually impossible to have a holiday tournament, he is the The Briton won 10 out good relationship. -Nico Rosberg oldest player in the field. Age is not the issue, though. It of 21 Grands Prix in never is in golf. One of the the 2016 season that greatest aspects of this sport ended last week in is that it can be played a few Abu Dhabi. years short of forever. At the elite level, how- Wiesbaden, ever, that's also its greatest Reuters burden. Golf rarely offers a graceful exit. ormula One world While it didn't cross his champion Nico Ros- mind Monday when Woods berg hailed Mercedes played nine holes with Derek team mate Lewis Ham- Jeter in a breezy atmosphere ilton as one of the punctuated by the occasional F greatest drivers of all time yes- needle, it was a reminder of terday but ruled out forging any how difficult it will be for friendly ties with the Briton as Woods to leave at the right long as they raced each other. time, on his own terms. Rosberg, who lost out to Jeter knew when it was Hamilton in the previous two time to go, and his departure years, made it third time lucky New Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg poses for was right out of a movie when he clinched his maiden selfies with fans during a press event at his home town of script. He hit a game-winning title with a second-place finish Wiesbaden, western Germany, yesterday. single in the bottom of the behind the triple world cham- ninth in his final game at Yan- pion at the season finale in Abu kee Stadium, and then he hit Dhabi on Sunday. another RBI single in the final The pair have been at log- reporters during a visit to his virtually impossible to have a for him to process this," Rosberg a driver has won more than at-bat of his career and gerheads all season and their Wiesbaden birthplace in Ger- good relationship. We used to be said. seven and not ended up as received a standing ovation frosty relationship had been many. The tense atmosphere best friends when we were Meanwhile Formula One champion -to Rosberg's nine. at Fenway Park. compared by Mercedes boss Toto between the childhood friends young so at least we have this team bosses voted Hamilton the The triple world champion Ted Williams hit a home Wolff as a volcano ready to as they waited for Sunday's respect for each other. This helps sport's best driver, despite the also ended up with 12 pole posi- run in his final at-bat. Peyton erupt. podium ceremony spoke vol- somewhat," he added. Briton losing his title to Rosberg, tions but lost out by five points Manning walked off the field Hamilton compounded mat- umes, with Rosberg hoisting the "I do not know how he feels in an annual Autosport magazine to Rosberg, who enjoyed greater for the last time as a Super ters further when he deliberately sport's 86-year-old commercial at the moment but I know how poll. Germany's Rosberg, who car reliability and was consist- Bowl champion. Kobe Bryant slowed the pace from the front supremo Bernie Ecclestone into I felt in 2014 and 2015." won his first world championship ently on the podium. scored 60 points in his last in Abu Dhabi, hoping to back the air but choosing to ignore Rosberg lost any hope of in a tense Abu Dhabi season- Hamilton got more points in game with the Los Angeles Rosberg into a position where Hamilton. claiming the 2014 title with an ender last Sunday, was third in the 2016 Autosport poll, which Lakers. rival drivers could overtake the There was minimal eye con- engine problem at the final race the secret vote behind Red Bull's asks bosses to name their top 10 What would be a compa- German in a last-ditch effort to tact, let alone a handshake. of the season but he has be free 19-year-old Dutch sensation Max and awards points to each driver rable ending for Woods, or overhaul his 12-point deficit. "It will always be difficult of such reliability issues this year. Verstappen. Red Bull's Austral- according to F1's scoring system, any golfer? "Lewis is one of the best of between us. We are in the same "For me it was difficult to ian Daniel Ricciardo was fourth. than he did in 2015 when he won "I don't know," Woods all time. He sets a high standard," team and race against each other stomach. In 2015 I lost to him Hamilton won 10 out of 21 the title with 3 rounds to spare. said with emphasis on the the 31-year-old Rosberg told for titles," Rosberg said. "It is again. It will now take some time races this season - the first time final word. He paused for a brief moment before adding, "You can't." Arnold Palmer had the tearful farewell from the US Open at Oakmont in 1994, the grand crossing of the Swilcan Pakistan prepare for Davis Cup ties Bridge at St Andrews a year later, an entire week devoted to his departure at the Mas- Karachi ters in 2004. His final time AFP playing Bay Hill, he hit driver off the deck to the front of the akistan said yesterday it 18th green and made par. has received the green light But the King quit keeping P to host its first Davis Cup score well before that. At the tennis tie at home for 12 years, 2001 Pennsylvania Classic at after being forced to play at neu- Laurel Valley, the standard tral venues due to security fears. bearer removed his score International sporting events from the sign and Palmer did have been rarely held in the not turn in a card (he would country which has fought a have shot 90). Gary Player homegrown Islamist insurgency played the Masters for the for years, with foreign teams cit- 52nd time at age 74. ing security fears ever since the "You would think that win 9/11 attacks on the United States. a major and you're done," A 2009 militant attack on the Woods said. "But if you win a Sri Lankan cricket team bus in major, you're going to want Lahore effectively sealed Paki- to come back and play." stan's fate, with no international Woods isn't ready to think cricket fixtures played in the about retirement or he would country for a further six years have left when he had the until Zimbabwe visited in 2015 chance. for a low-profile tour that failed Woods waited 15 months to create a breakthrough. Argentinian President Mauricio Macri (centre) posing with a jersey signed by to heal. He has said his health Instead, Pakistan has been Argentina's Davis Cup team, Argentinian Vice-President Gabriela Michetti and is no longer an issue, and the playing all major sports at neu- players during a celebration at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires, after final measure will be this tral venues, with cricket in Argentina clinched a first Davis Cup title with Sunday's stunning fightback week at the Hero World Chal- United Arab Emirates and ten- against Croatia in Zagreb. lenge. His body has aged and nis in their opponent's his swing has changed. The countries. Zealand which they lost 5-0 in The Pakistan Cricket Board led a spectacular final day come- at the Rio Olympics in August golf landscape has become But yesterday Pakistan Ten- September this year. has announced it will host the back against the hosts that and played through the pain bar- even more crowded with nis Federation secretary Khalid Rehmani hoped security will final of their Twenty20 league, delighted the massed ranks of rier as he rallied from two sets younger, disciplined players Rehmani said the International not be an issue. the Pakistan Super League, in Argentine fans, including soccer down with a broken finger to who grew up in awe of him. Tennis Federation (ITF) has given "Security has improved," he Lahore in March next year. The legend Diego Maradona, who level the tie in Zagreb on They work just as hard, hit the them the go-ahead to host a said, adding that the PTF has inaugural season of the league witnessed the final at Arena Sunday. ball farther and make putts Davis Cup tie against Iran in arranged the same level of secu- this year was hosted in the UAE. Zagreb. "I have achieved things Federico Delbonis then went that Woods once did. Islamabad in February next year. rity as would be given to a Meanwhile in Buenos Aires, throughout my career that have on to complete an emotional vic- Can he win again? Maybe "We welcome the decision visiting foreign president. Argentina's Davis Cup champi- filled me with pride and my tory with a straight sets triumph not this week, but it would be which will help tennis in the "Pakistan has recently hosted ons returned to a heroes' dreams came true but with this over Ivo Karlovic in the final foolish to count him out, country," said Rehmani. three international squash welcome on Tuesday after beautiful cup, I will sleep well," rubber. majors included. All it takes Pakistan last hosted a Davis events in Islamabad so the situ- clinching their maiden title with Del Potro told a news conference Argentine fans cheered the is one week when everything Cup tie in Islamabad against New ation is conducive now," he said. a stunning 3-2 win over Croatia in the Argentine capital. team captained by Daniel goes right. That doesn't apply Zealand in 2004, and were The Group II tie with Iran at the weekend. Del Potro, whose career has Orsanic as they made their way only to Woods; that has been forced to play its Group I play- will be played from 3-5 Injury-prone 2009 US Open been blighted by a number of through the streets of Buenos proven with plenty of play- off tie in Christchurch, New February. champion Juan Martin Del Potro wrist injuries, won a silver medal Aires on an open-top bus. ers over the years. 30 SPORT THURSDAY 1 DECEMBER 2016 Qatar promise a 'unique' World Cup in 2022

The Peninsula

atar is celebrating it's sixth anniversary of winning the 2022 FIFA This will be one of World Cup bid by the most unique Qrenewing their pledge World Cups ever, to delivering 'one of the most unique World Cups ever'. not just because of On December 2, 2010, Qatar the compact beat bids from Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United nature of the States in a historic FIFA vote held tournament, but in Zurich. because of what Nasser Al Khater, the Assist- Nasser Al Khater ant Secretary General for the region has to Tournament Affairs at the offer what kind of facilities they feel Supreme Committee for Deliv- are necessary, what kind of serv- ery & Legacy (SC), said, "Just as ices they need. we imagined and said from day "We have been able to pro- one, the first World Cup in the vide a lot of what they requested Middle East and the Arab world into the stadiums and precincts. will allow a lot of fans to witness training sites and all the require- Regionally we’ve engaged a lot the region for the first time. Peo- ments for the World Cup," Al A computer-generated image of the Khalifa International Stadium. A key venue for the 2022 of fans through football tourna- ple will be introduced to a new Khater said in an interview FIFA World Cup, this accomplished 40,000-seat arena already has an illustrious hosting history, ments, as a way of using football culture, new traditions, an area posted on the SC website. having previously welcomed the Asian Games, the Gulf Cup and the AFC Asian Cup, among as a platform to pass on the mes- of the world which is vibrant and "But we’re also very proud other events. sages of this regional World rich in culture. of our stakeholders, the public Cup," he said. Al Khater added, "This will works authority that are deliv- faced and dealt with challenges to us. I think that in 2022, when Qatar had helped the SC teams Al Khater said workers’ be one of the most unique World ering all of the highways and the in the last six years. the world descends on Qatar to plan better. welfare remained a topic of top Cups ever, not just because of the roads that are going to be nec- "Challenges have been there watch the World Cup here, our "It is imperative to have the priority to the SC. He said, compact nature of the tourna- essary for an incredible and from the beginning. As with any critics will be proven wrong. All support of the local and regional "Progress on workers’ welfare, ment, but because of what the successful World Cup. World Cup organisers, there will mega events attract criticism. communities. We believe this not just in the Supreme Com- region has to offer." "Also our partners for the always be challenges. If you talk "Have I been surprised at World Cup is for them, this World mittee but within the country Al Khater said careful plan- Doha Metro at Qatar Rail, our about critics, there have been times at the severity? Yes. But it Cup is not only for Qatar, it is for as a whole, has taken great ning has allowed SC to make partners at Hamad International critics from the day we were bid- doesn’t concern me what the the football community and foot- strides forward. We’ve seen the smooth progress in all areas of Airport, who will be building the ding, and there were critics from motive is, what concerns me is ball lovers and fans of the benefits that our workers’ wel- preparations. expansion to the beautiful air- the day we won," Al Khater said. that we deliver on our promises region," Al Khater said. fare standards have had for "We’re very proud of where port, all of us together are "Qataris by nature are resil- and ensure that we deliver a "We’ve continuously had workers, and other organisa- we are in terms of stadium prep- building the requirements for the ient and can endure. We’ve unique and enjoyable World programmes engaging them. We tions have recognised these arations as the Supreme World Cup, and we’re very proud listened to our critics and we’ve Cup," he said. make sure the communities benefits by instituting similar Committee, responsible for of where we are," he said. answered our critics. I think it’s Al Khater said the decision which have stadiums nearby are standards into their delivering all of the stadiums and Al Khater admitted SC has time now for our critics to listen to engage communities living in engaged, and we asked them contracts."

Liverpool's Ben Woodburn celebrates Woodburn makes history as FA expected scoring their second goal against Leeds to confirm United during their League Cup match at Liverpool move into semis Southgate as Anfield, in Liverpool, England boss England on Tuesday. London Under-19 international, but he still starts to teenagers Trent Alexan- AFP remains eligible to play for Eng- der-Arnold and Ovie Ejaria as the land at senior level. Reds boss selected a team featur- London iverpool starlet Ben Wood- While it's far too early to say ing eight changes. AFP burn made history as the a star was born on Tuesday, In the day's other quarter- Lteenage striker became the Woodburn's impressive pedigree final, Premier League strugglers areth Southgate is club's youngest ever goalscorer at youth level and his fairytale first Hull beat second tier Newcastle expected to be in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Leeds goal for the Reds suggest he is one 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw Gapproved as the in the League Cup to watch. to reach the last four for the first new England manager quarter-finals. Klopp's side are through to the time. by Football Association Aged 17 years and 45 days, League Cup semi-finals for the Both sides made a host of chiefs yesterday, accord- Woodburn enjoyed a moment to third successive year thanks to changes and a drab game didn't ing to British media remember forever in the 81st Woodburn and Divock Origi come to life until the 89th minute reports. minute at Anfield when he fired Klopp has now won seven of when Hull's Dieumerci Mbokani Southgate has been home in front of the famous Kop his nine League Cup games with was sent off after lunging forward in interim charge since End to eclipse the previous record Liverpool, who hope to lift the tro- with his head at Jamaal replacing Sam Allardyce set by Michael Owen, who was 17 phy for the ninth time after losing Lascelles. in September after he years and 143 days old when he to Manchester City in the final last Newcastle took the lead eight was forced out just 67 scored against Wimbledon in May term. minutes into extra-time when days into his reign fol- 1997. Before kick-off, Liverpool's former Hull midfielder Mohamed lowing a Daily Telegraph Woodburn only made his sen- Brazilian captain Lucas and his Diame stabbed in, but Robert investigation into cor- ior debut for Liverpool on team-mates, all wearing black Snodgrass equalised 60 seconds ruption in football. Saturday as a late substitute in a armbands, stood for a minutes' later. The 46-years-old Premier League win over Sunder- silence following the plane crash In the shoot-out, Hull goal- Southgate, has made it land -- an appearance that made that killed 71 people, including keeper Eldin Jakupovic saved clear he wants the job him the club's third youngest ever members of the Brazilian from Jonjo Shelvey and Dwight and, given the lack of first-team player. Chapecoense team. Gayle hit the crossbar before other quality candidates, Cheshire-born Woodburn, With Philippe Coutinho side- Jakupovic turned away Yoan is believed to have done who recently signed a long-term lined for five weeks with ankle Gouffran's kick to clinch the win enough during his four contract with Liverpool, is a Wales ligament damage, Klopp gave for the Hull. games in charge to con- vince the FA to hand him the post on a permanent basis. Southgate's position Ex-coach Bennell charged with child abuse should be ratified during an FA board meeting on Wednesday, although an London statement from the Crown Pros- and dad were next door and he leading lawyer Kate Gallafent, report on Tuesday claimed Chel- official announcement is AFP ecution Service (CPS). was performing these sexual an expert in child protection, to sea made a secret payment to a unlikely to be Bennell, who it was revealed acts. He had groomed us for a head it up. former youth team player who immediate. ormer coach Barry Bennell, on Monday had to be hospital- couple of years and he thought Clarke, who took over as FA accused a talent scout, the late The former Middles- who is at the centre of a ised when he was found it was normal," Bell said. chairman in August, said it was Eddie Heath, of sexually assault- brough bossspoke to a Fscandal rocking English unconscious in a hotel near Lon- "Deep down in my mind I time to finally deal with the ing him during the 1970s. five-man panel at St football, was on Tuesday charged don, will appear in court on knew it wasn't normal, but I was issues after they had been An undisclosed sum was George's Park last Mon- with eight counts of child abuse, December 14. so scared to speak and come out ignored. given to the unnamed former day after the end of his prosecutors said. The latest charges stem from and say it wasn't right." "It's certainly the biggest (cri- player on the condition the interim reign. Bennell, who has already Cheshire Police but six other Former Northern Ireland sis) I can remember," said Clarke. alleged abuse would not be made FA chairman Greg served three jail terms for pre- police forces are investigating international Mark Williams "I think the moral conse- public, The Telegraph reported, Clarke, chief executive vious child sex offences, has accusations made against Bennell spoke out, with Sky News reveal- quences of failing to deal with citing a source. Martin Glenn, technical faced a slew of new allegations in a scandal Football Association ing he had waived his anonymity some of these issues in the past The player went to the club director Dan Ashworth, by at least 20 former footballers Chairman Greg Clarke has called to describe his torment. we must get to the bottom of." around three years ago and has former England player spanning three decades begin- "the greatest crisis" in English foot- "My life has been affected Clarke doesn't know if the FA also spoken to the Metropoli- Graeme Le Saux and ning in the 1970s when he was ball he could recall. irreversibly both personally and at the time deliberately turned a tan Police, the newspaper League Managers' Asso- working for Crewe Alexandra, Former Newcastle player professionally and it has been blind eye to the goings on added. ciation chairman Manchester City and Stoke City. Derek Bell, who waived his soul-destroying to carry this bur- although a reporter who made Ahead of the report being Howard Wilkinson were "Following a review of the anonymity to the Guardian, den for 30 years," he said. a documentary about sex abuse published Chelsea announced all involved. evidence, in accordance with the claimed he was subjected to Police Scotland have also in football for Channel Four in they have retained an external Glenn had previously Code for Crown Prosecutors, Mr "horrendous" sexual abuse at confirmed they have launched 1997 has claimed there is a FA law firm to carry out an inves- confirmed Southgate Bennell, 62, has today been his local boys football club in a probe following abuse allega- report from 2005 detailing 250 tigation concerning an was in a strong position charged with eight offences of the 1970s. tions north of the border. victims and spread over a individual employed by the and the former England sexual assault against a boy "It was pure, unbelievable The FA has also launched its number of clubs. club in the 1970s, who is now defender wanted the job. under the age of 14," said a heartache. Thinking my mam own internal review appointing Meanwhile, a newspaper dead. THURSDAY 1 DECEMBER 2016 SPORT 31 QSL offers Lekhwiya looking for full condolences to points against Al Sailiya Chapecoense The Peninsula

The Peninsula he Qatar Stars League (QSL) has formally offered it’s condolences to Brazilian side ekhwiya Club will T Chapecoense who tragically lost members be looking to of their playing and coaching staff in an airplane maintain their disaster that took the lives of 77 people aboard. unbeaten streak in Two members of the Chapecoense team had the current Qatar close links with Qatar, in the form of head coach L Stars League Season and Caio Junior who enjoyed a stint in charge of Al gain full points against the Gharafa and striker Bruno Rangel who played for visiting Al Sailiya today. Al Arabi. Having gained eighteen Saad Al Shammari deputy head of football at points and sitting third in the Gharafa was a player under Caio Junior when the points table behind leaders Brazilian took charge of the Cheetahs, leading El Jaish and Al Sadd. them to the QSL title during the 2009-2010 sea- With Al Sailiya side cur- son in what was the first of three stints in the Gulf. rently hovering in the “It’s a sad moment for the players at Al Gharafa relegation zone, today's club, Caio Junior was a fantastic coach for the club game is expected to be an and more importantly a good man. He was always easy kill for the strong such a positive person in the club, and without his Lekhwiya outfit. guidance we would have not won the league title However, Djamel Bel- that season. Everyone at Al Gharafa club offers madi is not ready to take their thoughts and prayers to everyone connected things easy. The head coach with Chapecoense at this time,” QSL said in a of Lekhwiya believes that statement. Sailiya will be looking to Al Arabi also took to their official website on bounce back. Tuesday evening to offer condolences on the pass- “The game is against ing of former player Bruno Rangel who Sailiya, a team that doesn't represented The Dream Team during the have the best attack right Players of Lekhwiya celebrate a goal during their Qatar Stars League (QSL) match 2013/2014 season. now. Last year they had against Al Sadd at Lekhwiya Stadium in this May, 2016 file photo. "From everyone at the Qatar Stars League we good results and this year offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone con- they are struggling. It will be nected with Chapecoense during this difficult difficult to play against them matches and we need to the league. The technical have two different matches. QATAR STARS LEAGUE time," it added. as four teams are going make some corrections. We value of the team is high. One was the derby against Today’s fixtures down, so no one wants to are facing the best attack in They are facing some trou- Al Sadd and now we have Al lose points. All the big teams the league and they have the bles and we will try to Wakrah, two very different Lekhwiya vs Al Sailiya are finding it hard to get best scorer in Yusef El Arabi. benefit from their teams which require two dif- At Lekhwiya Club, 4.00pm. Goalkeeper who results. It’s not easy as we They have a problem in mistakes.” ferent approaches. Now we Muaither SC vs Umm Salal saw last week teams like Al defence and I hope we can Al Arabi is heading into will focus in this match on At Al Gharafa Club, 6.10pm. Sadd, El Jaish and Al Rayyan take advantage of that.” the game off the back off five the balance of defence and Al Wakrah vs Al Arabi survived crash had tough matches,” Bel- “We are still not happy straight losses and are in the attack.” At Al Wakrah Club, 6.10pm. madi said. or satisfied, we can still do drop zone at the moment. At Al Gharafa Stadium, Tomorrow's fixtures Speaking about his better. Efoulou is a good The Dream team will be Muaither lock horns with has leg removed team’s defensive issues, Bel- player and game by game looking to get back to the Umm Salal. Al Sadd vs Al Khor madi added, “It’s a mental he gets better. He has the glory days with a win against Muaither put up a good At Al Sadd Club, 4.00pm. thing, we score first then we talent and can do a lot of Al Wakrah. fight against the champions, Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Shahania Bogota concede. It’s frustrating but things. The best thing from Edison Aguirre, the head Al Rayyan, but suffered a At Al Khor Club, 4.00pm. AP I think it's something easy to our team is that even if the coach of Al Arabi gave his narrow 1-0 loss last week Al Ahli vs El Jaish correct. In the game against referee makes mistakes we thoughts on his first matches and are currently placed At Al Ahli Club, 6.10pm. octors in Colombia have amputated the right Umm Salal we had 65% pos- continue our game and in charge, “Since I came to eighth in the table. Saturday's fixture leg of a goalkeeper for a Brazilian soccer session and many more don’t show reaction,” added be the coach of the team we Philip Birrol, the head club whose charter plane crashed in Al Gharafa vs Al Rayyan D shots but just because we the Tunisian head coach at coach of Muaither had this Colombia. At Al Gharafa Club, 5.40pm. were switching of often we a press conference held to say about his opponents, Jakson Follmann of the Chapecoense club was were conceding. We need to yesterday. “Umm Salal are a solid one of six people who survived the crash. be switched on and be Elsewhere, Al Wakrah team, they are sixth in the are coming off a loss against Doctors at the hospital where Follmann is being concentrating.” will go head to head against league. They play compact Lekhwiya. They will be treated say the player is in an intensive care unit “I don’t see any connec- Al Arabi. "All the big like us so this will be a tac- looking to bounce back and in stable condition. The hospital said in a state- tion between last season and The match will take teams are tical game. They attack very against promoted side ment that Follmann's family wanted to make public this season. Like every game place at the Al Wakrah sta- finding it hard to well and they defend well. Muaither. the news of his amputation. it will be a difficult as they dium with a 6.10pm We are looking forward to Bulent Uygun, the head Meanwhile, Brazilian President Michel Temer have a good coach and good kick-off. get results. It’s it.” coach of Umm Salal will do declared three days of official mourning for vic- players. I don't think about Al Wakrah is in a tough not easy as we Speaking about the his best to win this match, tims of the airplane. He also says Brazilian Air Force last year,” added the Alge- situation as they are bottom saw last week game plan, Birrol added, “We need to win this match. planes have been made available for relatives of rian tactician. of the league with only three “We know not to concede We will attack and we will the victims to travel to Colombia and for the trans- Al Sailiya are struggling points from eight games. The teams like Al goals. We can’t score three not give priority to defend- fer of the bodies to Brazil. for form in the league as they Blue Waves will be looking Sadd, El Jaish or four goals in one game. ing. We will go for the goals France's top two soccer leagues marked a only have six points from to get maximum points The important thing for us in order to get the three minute's silence at games on Tuesday night in hon- eight games. The Peregrines against Al Arabi to keep their and Al Rayyan is the result. I ask my team points.” our of the team. will be aiming for a positive survival hopes alive. had tough to concentrate because Speaking about his France's defending League One champion Paris result in order to turn their Kais Yaakoubi, the head matches,” says Umm Salal often takes team’s ambitions this sea- Saint-Germain also tweeted a photo of its players season around. coach of Al Wakrah believes advantage of opponents son, Uygun added, “We are and staff observing a minute's silence, standing in Sami Trabelsi, the head it will be a tough game, “Al coach Belmadi. errors, I think both teams not focused on the top four a circle with heads bowed and arms linked, at the coach of Al Sailiya thinks Arabi is a team that lost more are on the same level so it spots, we are focused on club's training ground. that Lekhwiya have the best than three games. However, will be a very close game.” maintaining our position The United States also conveyed condolences attack in the league, “It’s a on the individual level, they Umm Salal are sixth in and playing to the best of to the relatives and loves ones of the people who short time between two are one of the best teams in the table with ten points and our abilities.” died in the crash. Chapecoense vow to rebuild after airline tragedy

Sao Paulo restructure the club, sign new century but battled back to rise Reuters players, hold lots of meetings and from the fourth to the first divi- have lots of patience to keep sion in just five years, including he vice-president of Bra- going in the Brasileiro, a tourna- two consecutive promotions in zilian top flight side ment that is very important to seasons 2012 and 2013. TChapecoense has vowed to us," Tozzo said. The small club from Chapeco get the club back on its feet and "We intend on continuing in southern Brazil will be aided playing again next year after a next year." in their comeback by other sen- plane crash in Colombia wiped The BAe 146 charter plane ior teams, a group of whom out almost the entire squad. went down about 10:15 p.m. on called for the club to be exempt Colombia's worst air disas- Monday night with 68 passen- from relegation for three years. ter in two decades killed all but gers and a crew of nine on board. Only three of the players who five people as the team flew to The aircraft had reported elec- flew north for the Copa Suda- face Atletico Nacional of Medel- trical problems and declared an mericana final against Atletico lin in the first leg of the Copa emergency minutes earlier as it Nacional survived the crash in Sudamericana final, South Amer- neared its destination, Medellin the mountains outside ica's equivalent of the Europa airport officials said. Medellin. League. While talk of football has The offer to help came as A flower is Club vice president Ivan been muted as fans, players and clubs across Brazil put aside old pictured over Globoesporte Tozzo told Brazil's officials come to terms with the rivalries to show their solidarity a Chapecoense website he was determined to tragedy, starting afresh would with the stricken side. soccer team logo in rebuild Chapecoense and play in not be a new experience for the Even teams whose most tribute to their players the Brazilian league again next club. hated rivals play in green turned in front of the Arena Conda year. Chapecoense almost went to their stadiums and their web "We are going to have to the wall at the start of the sites green on Tuesday night. Stadium in Chapeco , Brazil yesterday.