NNBABA | Page 6 FFORMULAORMULA 1 | Page 7 Boston Hamilton streak ends, and Vettel Thunder roll fi xated on past Warriors fi ve titles

Friday, November 24, 2017 CRICKET Rabia I 6, 1439 AH Ashes off to a slow GULF TIMES start as ‘Gabbatoir’ proves damp squib SPORT Page 2 SPOTLIGHT Barshim could steal thunder at IAAF awards

By Sports Reporter tion to win the gold at the IAAF World World Championships in Athletics. The ceremony will also name the Doha Championships in London in August. If This year, he won the 10,000m at winner of the inaugural Athletics world domination is a criterion for the the IAAF World Championships in Photograph of the Year competition. award then the judges needn’t look be- London but had to settle for silver in The 25 shortlisted images will also an Mutaz Barshim upstage yond the Qatari. the 5,000m, fi nishing behind Ethio- form part of a photography exhibition British distance running leg- If Barshim wins the award, it will cap pia’s Muktar Edris. which will be held alongside the IAAF end Sir Mohamed Farah and a dream year for the world high jump Van Niekerk is the current world Athletics Awards from 22-26 Novem- CSouth African 400m and champion who also won the ANOC record holder, world champion and ber. 200m ace Wayde Van Niekerk to win Best Athlete in Asia award last week in Olympic champion in the 400 metres, The week also includes the 212th this year’s IAAF Athlete of the Year Prague. and also holds the world best time IAAF Council Meeting which will take Award? The Qatari is already the world’s in the 300 metres. place on Saturday (25) and Sunday (26). Qatar and the entire Arab world second best high jumper of all time. Nearly 80 of the world’s best ath- The two-day meeting will focus on the would be waiting in anticipation as His best jump 2.43m is the second best letes will gather in Monaco today to day-to-day business of IAAF HQ with the athletics’ world governing body in history, marginally behind Cuban help celebrate the past year and to updates from IAAF departments, IAAF decides on the prestigious honour at a great Javier Sotomayer’s world record meet with members of the media who commissions, working groups and gala ceremony in Monaco today. of 2.45 set almost 25 years ago. will also assemble to cover the numer- taskforces. These will include the latest While it is a tough call to predict who Farah, who was knighted this year, is ous events that will be taking place. report from the IAAF Taskforce con- would walk away with the accolade, the most successful British track ath- The IAAF Athletics Awards 2017 cerning Russia. the genial but thoroughly professional lete in modern Olympic Games his- will take place at the Grimaldi Forum There will be progress reports from Qatari stands a fair chance to etch his tory. He is the 2012 and 2016 Olympic with the ceremonies beginning at the local organising committees of var- name in the pantheon of athletics im- gold medallist in both the 5,000m and 9.30pm Qatar Time. In addition to the ious 2018 IAAF World Athletics Series mortals when the announcement is 10,000m, and is the second athlete in announcement of the men’s and wom- (WAS) events. Council will also decide made. modern Olympic Games history, after en’s Athletes of the Year, the recipi- the hosts for three 2020 WAS events: The trio were shortlisted from an ini- Arguably, it’s a daunting list that out the season. Lasse Virén, to win both the 5,000 and ents of the IAAF Rising Star Awards, the World Indoor Championships, the tial list of 10 athletes announced more would put the judges under extreme The 26-year-old swept the high 10,000m titles at successive Olym- Coaching Achievement Award, Wom- World Half Marathon Championships than a month ago by the IAAF, which pressure but what works in Barshim’s jump at all Diamond League compe- pic Games. Farah also completed the en’s Award and President’s Award will and the World Race Walking Team was later culled to just three. favour is that he was unbeaten through- titions and then routed the competi- ‘distance double’ at the 2013 and 2015 also be revealed. Championships.

FOCUS FOOTBALL Palestine overtake Qatar’s Salmeen and Israel in FIFA Kuwait’s Rakan excel rankings AFP Salmeen leads Qatar’s clean sweep of the podium in the 135cm class Jerusalem

By Sports Reporter Doha alestine’s football team achieved its highest rank- ing in history yesterday, uwait’s Rakan al-Hasawi and rising above Israel in the Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi PFIFA world rankings for the fi rst notched up victories on the time. opening day of the Al Rayyan The head of the Palestinian KInternational Show Jumping Champi- football association labelled it an onship yesterday. “historic achievement” as the At the Qatar Equestrian Federa- team rose two spots to 82nd in tion’s outdoor arena, al-Hasawi, FIFA’s latest rankings. riding under the flag of Fédération Israel fell 16 places to 96th after Equestre Internationale (FEI) piloted a disappointing failed World Cup his nine-year-old bay Dennis to glory qualifi cation campaign. in the 145cm class, the feature event Palestine have recently won of the day. The pair combined flaw- a series of games as they seek to lessly to register a winning time of qualify for the 2019 Asian Cup, 34.26 seconds, which earned al-Ha- including a 10-0 victory over Bhu- sawi €6,150 in prize money. tan. Another Kuwaiti rider Ali al-Kho- The announcement comes as rafi gave his compatriot a scare when the Palestinian football associa- he rode his 10-year-old bay Cheril tion has campaigned to encourage around the course. But he fell short FIFA to take action against six Is- by 0.65 seconds to take the runner-up Qatar’s Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi (centre), Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (left) and raeli clubs located in settlements spot. The third place went to Russia’s Yousuf al-Rumaihi pose with the off icials during the 135cm class podium in the occupied West Bank. Vladimir Tuganov, the 56-year-old ceremony. Settlements are considered il- rider astride Qualidam coming home legal under international law, and in 35.11 secs. a second behind compatriot al-Su- Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. the Palestinians had asked FIFA to Al-Hasawai was pleased with his waidi as he finished runner-up with 238.2.1 | Max. 130/135cm | Prize take action against the Israeli FA. victory and hoped for a similar result S I E C Lonnie in 60.80 seconds. Mu- money: €8,000 Last month, FIFA decided it barak Yousuf al-Rumaihi completed 1. Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi (Qatar) would not intervene in the matter, the all-Qatar podium when he and Guilder’s Empire of The Sun. Time: with the Palestinians accusing the SIEC Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z fin- 59.86 secs. Prize money: €2,000 body of bowing to Israeli pressure. ished third in 62.21 seconds. 2 Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (Qatar) S I E Palestinian FA boss Jibril Rajoub Uzbekistan riders ruled the 120cm C Lonnie. 60.80 secs. €1,600 told AFP yesterday the rankings Kuwait’s Rakan al-Hasawi astride Dennis en route during the Al Rayyan Interna- class, the opening event of the com- 3. Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi (Qatar) rise was an “historic achievement” tional Show Jumping Championship at QEF yesterday. At left, Uzbekistan’s Azam petition. While Azam Tolibbaev SIEC Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z. that came despite restrictions on Tolibbaev, who won the 120cm class with Wyarietus S. PICTURES: Mohamed emerged triumphant his Uzbek com- 62.21 secs. €1,200 football in the Palestinian territo- Tinakicht patriot Okil Sobirjonov came third. Table A, Two Phases FEI Art. 274.5.3 | ries imposed by Israeli forces. Tolibbaev mounting Wyarietus Max. 120cm | Prize money €5,600 “With this classifi cation, we over the next two days of competi- Championship said. S finished fastest in a time of 29.32 1. Azam Tolibbaev (Uzbekistan) have defeated the occupation’s tion. “It’s a good win. We’ve been When the 56-year-old was asked seconds to clinch the top spot, while Wyarietus S. Time: 29.32 secs. Prize measures and its daily harassment, having some unlucky rounds the last about giving the youngsters a run for Sobirjonov and Colijn took the final money: €1,400 from preventing the freedom of week, but this seems like a good be- their money, Tuganov said in a jest: podium place. Qatar’s Obaid Ali al- 2. Obaid Ali al-Sanari (Qatar) Quentin. movement of athletes through to ginning to the weekend here. All the “But I gave youngsters a chance to go Sanari came second with Quentin. 30.83 secs. €1,120 all measures that impede Palestin- best to the other riders too and I hope ahead of me today. Hopefully I should 3. Okil Sobirjonov (Uzbekistan) Colijn. ian sport,” he said. to get some more favourable results,” go on to win the Grand Prix.” Results 31.44 secs. €840 The Israeli Football Association the Kuwaiti rider said. Meanwhile, al-Suwaidi led Qatar’s Table A, Special Two Phases FEI Art. said the country’s sports minis- Tuganov revealed he took a cau- clean sweep of the podium in the 274.5.6 | Max. 145cm | Prize money: Today’s Schedule ter had ordered the formation of a tious approach today, aiming to save 135cm class. The home team rider in €24,600 3pm: Table A, Against the clock with committee to examine the reasons his best for tomorrow’s Grand Prix. “I the company of eight-year-old geld- 1. Rakan al-Hasawi (FEI) Dennis. Time: Jump 120cm for the lack of success. rode quite cautiously today because ing Guilder’s Empire of The Sun was 34.26 secs. Prize money: €6,150 5:25pm: Table A, Against the clock “We wish the Palestinians all I want to reserve my best for tomor- the fastest in the 30-rider field. Their 2. Ali al-Khorafi (FEI) Cheril. 34.91 with Jump Off 135cm the best as always,” a spokesman row and the final day for the Grand winning time of 59.86 seconds made secs. €4,920 7:35pm: Qualifying competition for for the IFA said, adding they were Prix event,” the Russian, who tasted al-Suwaidi richer by €2,000. 3. Vladimir Tuganov (Russia) Quali- the FEI World Cup Table A, Against willing to play a friendly match victory at the Qatar International Hamad Nasser al-Qadi was almost dam. 35.11 secs. €3,690 the clock 145cm against them any time. Gulf Times 2 Friday, November 24, 2017 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Going green: India prepare fast pitches in order to prepare for tough South Africa series

AFP Indian pace attack that took all of the wicketless in Kolkata. “We saw so much Nagpur 17 Sri Lankan wickets that fell during grass at Eden Gardens, this is much less. the rain-hit fi rst Test, which ended in a This looks a good Test pitch. It’s a chal- draw. lenge for us as a team,” Chandimal said. aptain Virat Kohli yesterday Kohli said he wanted his players to get “Of course Rangana Herath is a wily said India had demanded fast, used to the fast and bouncy tracks that old fox. On these wickets he can be green-topped wickets for the await in venues like Johannesburg and handy. We have Dilruwan (Perera) as Test series against Sri Lanka to Cape Town, which will host the open- well in our ranks.”Kohli said India spin- prepareC for their tour of South Africa. ing Test. ners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravin- The hosts laid out a green pitch in the “We thought this is an ample oppor- dra Jadeja would also be invaluable with opening Test in Kolkata, and Nagpur is tunity for us to challenge ourselves, put their all-round abilities. also expected to favour the fast bowlers us in a situation... As I said, we want to The spin duo have delivered 19 fi ve- in the second Test starting today. embrace being in diffi cult conditions,” wicket hauls between them in Asia The three Sri Lanka Tests come be- said Kohli. “I am not saying everyone since the 2015 South Africa series, as fore India, the world’s top-ranked team, will go out and perform immediately well as valuable contributions with the embark on a three-Test tour starting but if we can feel comfortable about it bat. “We count them as all-rounders January in South Africa, where they after one, two or three innings every- because they have proven themselves in have never won a Test series. body will come good and once you come diffi cult situations and they have made Kohli confi rmed reports that team good we will get that confi dence,” he important contributions for the team,” management had ordered fast pitches, Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal (L) warms up with teammates during a training session in Nagpur yesterday. said. he said. “So they are not tail-enders instead of the traditional spin-friendly Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandi- any more, they are proper all-rounders. tracks, to get used to South Africa-style only two days before we fl y to South Af- “So we have no choice but to be in for time, which I think we needed to as- mal called it a “good Test wicket” and (Their) ranking does justice to that. It conditions. rica after this series is over,” Kohli told game situations and think of what’s sess in future as well.” backed his top spinner Rangana Herath gives us good balance when we play “Yes, because unfortunately we get reporters. coming ahead for us... As usual cramped Bhuvneshwar Kumar led an inspired to come good in Nagpur, after he went them both.”

REPORT PROSPECT India see back-up all-rounder in Ashes off to a slow Shankar, says Kohli start as ‘Gabbatoir’ proves damp squib It was supposed to be Bodyline revisited, the local tabloid splashed

By Adam Collins The Guardian

pening days are over- rated. In an Ashes con- text, we happily forget that they are rarely oracularO but it doesn’t stop us ret- rofi tting them to sound as though they were. For every Nasser In- Australia’s fielder Cameron Bancroft (R) Reuters to fi nd more people who have sane there is an Edgbaston 1997, watches as England’s batsman James Vince Nagpur that kind of ability, who we can and ample in between. This Gab- (L) runs on the first day of the first Ashes groom and make a back-up for ba fi rst foray was one of the latter, Test in Brisbane yesterday. the all-rounder’s spot which with all pre-series dreams still in- ndia plan to groom rook- is very crucial when we travel tact. The Gabbatoir it wasn’t. Yet. ie Vijay Shankar as a abroad,” Kohli told reporters. This time around, scrutiny on back-up pace bowling “That’s the whole mindset these fi rst exchanges elevated all-rounder with an eye behind bringing him and keep- because, so went the script, Aus- onI future overseas tours, skip- ing him in the setup, making tralia were going to maim their per Virat Kohli said on the eve him familiar with what’s going opposition at the fi rst available of the second Test against Sri on here, making him under- opportunity. It was to be Bod- Lanka beginning in Nagpur stand what he needs to work yline revisited, the local tabloid today. on and we can look at his game splashed, fuelled by Shane Warne The hosts rested all-rounder as well.” A middle-order bats- and the usual suspects. Hardik Pandya for the ongoing man who can bowl medium Had legendary curator Kevin three-test series against their pace, Shankar could make his Mitchell been listened to a bit neighbours which remains tied international debut today with more carefully or history observed after the drawn series opener Kohli sounding impressed with (or Brisbane’s weather been in Kolkata. the youngster who has played glimpsed at over the last month) With paceman Bhuv- 32 fi rst class matches. it should have been obvious it was neshwar Kumar released from “He’s a pretty balanced never going to be that. Moisture the side over personal reasons, cricketer, pretty composed,” was left in the pitch by design, the team added 26-year-old the India captain said. “He’s Mitchell foreshadowed, meaning Shankar into the squad for the a great fi elder, handy with the vicious bounce was never going to remaining two Tests. ball — will give you 10 spells be instant. “Obviously, Hardik is in over the day — and is very solid First balls of Ashes series carry our scheme of things as the with the bat. It’s a big moment their own mystique, due in re- length with nearly half his deliv- Hayden that he didn’t know who fi rst all-rounder but we need for him and he has earned it.” cent times to Steve Harmison and eries, preventing England’s bats- the England batsman was were an Michael Slater – their moments so men the chance to advance and extra incentive well known that they don’t need attack the way they surely must After tea, his delivery to get Joe detailing beyond their names. But have wanted to following Lyon’s Root was just as impressive, this when Mitchell Starc unfurled to pre-game frolic in the media. time willing the ball the other Unnameables? Vince hits back Alastair Cook at 10am, it was a After play, Pat Cummins ar- way into the right hander’s pads, limp loosener. “That’s the most gued that on another day the off - assessed leg before following a aft er ‘statement’ innings underwhelming fi rst ball I’ve ever spinner would be sitting there review. Given how little support seen” joked Graeme Swann. with a big bag next to his name. “I the pitch gave, it is ominous for AFP, Brisbane: James Vince incentive to go out there and For England, it was clear as said to him he should say some- England what could happen if it says he was motivated to seize try and make a statement. soon as they saw the shine off the thing before every game the way does end up harder a bit later in his new chance in England’s “The first innings is nice to get ball that this was more compara- he bowled,” he said. “He’s one of the match. “It as a bit soft and a team after being written off as some time in the middle, get ble to the green pastures of their those guys who loves getting into little bit slower than we thought” a batting nobody in the Ashes some confidence and if you homeland than the Gabba cari- the contest. The way he bowled in was Cummins’ assessment. “I tour of Australia. didn’t know who we were at cature. the subcontinent he was our best still reckon it might take a day or The Hampshire right-hander, the start of the day then prob- The circumstances elevated bowler and he’s one of the best in so to get back to the really quick playing in only his eighth Test ably (you do) now.” Nathan Lyon, rather than the the world. I don’t know how he Gabba wicket that everyone is ex- match and his first in an Ashes Vince, 26, who admitted to Starc-Cummins-Hazlewood England first innings doesn’t have six-for [today], let pecting.” series, was on track for a dream some feelings of surprise after triumvirate, to the hosts’ most A. Cook c Handscomb b Starc 2 alone one.” It should have been Lyon to end debut century against Australia he was chosen for the Ashes likely threat until deep into the M. Stoneman b Cummins 53 Cummins’ fi rst performance Vince’s day with the ball rather before he was brilliantly run out following 12 months away from day. Where the quicks penetrated J. Vince run out (Lyon) 83 as an Australian Test player was than in the fi eld with a direct hit for 83. Test cricket, said he wanted to the 150kph barrier only twice, it J. Root lbw b Cummins 15 a long time coming, six years this run out 15 runs later, winning his British media have dubbed prove people wrong. was the off -breaker who did far D. Malan not out 28 week since he debuted as a teen. outside edge from around the England ‘The Unnameables’ “I didn’t take too much notice more damage when keeping his M. Ali not out 13 He relished the responsibility to wicket after doing him for fl ight after they embarked on the of it. There’s a bit of chat pace below 90kph. None of the Extras (b1, nb1) 2 break up Vince and Mark Stone- with a gorgeous piece of drift. series with some unfamiliar around and I’ve had stuff since wickets to fall were to his bowling Total (4 wickets; 80.3 overs) 196 man’s controlled union, doing But that chance was put down players, including Vince at I’ve got called up after my last (although he did execute a mag- Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Cook), 2-127 (Stoneman), 3-145 (Vince), so when they had put on 143 in by incoming wicketkeeper Tim number three. eff ort at Test cricket,” he said. nifi cent run out to see off James 4-163 (Root) a partnership that began when Paine moving to his right. A tough Former Australia Test opener “It gives you a bit more inspira- Vince), but his accuracy was im- To bat: J. Bairstow, C. Woakes, S. Broad, J. Ball, J. Anderson the score was two, after Starc chance, for sure, but as the vet- Matt Hayden also raised some tion and bit more fight to go mense and turn acute. Bowling: Starc 19.3-4-45-1 (1nb), Hazlewood 18-4-51-0, Cum- won that initial breakthrough eran of the professional game hackles when he said: “I look out there and prove people Quantifying that, CricViz ana- mins 19-6-59-2, Lyon 24-9-40-0 with early swing. Cummins burst knows, you’re judged on a much down half of the list and I wrong.” lytics showed that 88.5% of Lyon’s Toss: England through Stoneman’s gate from higher curve when wearing the honestly don’t even know who Nathan Lyon threw down the deliveries turned more than 4.5 Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK), Marais Erasmus (RSA) around the wicket with an old- gloves for Australia. The least half of these guys are.” stumps to dismiss Vince as degrees, compared to 17.1% for TV umpire: Chris Gaff aney (NZL) ball beauty. dynamic of the home quicks was But Vince fired back: “I think England finished the first day other fi nger spinners on opening Match referee: Richie Richardson (WIS) After his 83 at the Gabba, James Josh Hazlewood, who did nothing reading comments like that on 196 for four, leaving the days in Brisbane. He landed in the Vince said the comments by the wrong yet was the bowler England almost gives you an extra match delicately poised. shoebox of both a good line and former Australia opener Matthew dealt with most easily. Gulf Times Friday, November 24, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Emery focused on Bayern as Neymar’s Barcelona reach PSG pile up records Paris: Paris Saint-Germain weekend knowing a win will coach Unai Emery urged his move them nine points clear of team to stay focused on com- the reigning champions a the pleting an impressive Champi- top of Ligue 1. The contrast be- ons League group campaign af- tween those sides could hardly ter an “extraordinary” Neymar be greater given Monaco were last 16 as Man Utd led a record-breaking win over dumped out of Europe on Celtic on Wednesday. Tuesday, losing 4-1 at home to PSG came from behind to RB Leipzig. slaughter the Scottish side 7-1 “Sunday’s game away at Mo- at a Parc des Princes in thrall to naco, whom we respect, will be the Brazilian, who scored twice a great test as well but Bayern after Moussa Dembele had put is the big match,” added Emery go down to Basel Celtic ahead. before he sung Neymar’s Edinson Cavani also netted praises. “He was extraordinary. a brace, while Kylian Mbappe, There were a few matches Marco Verratti and Dani Alves where he stopped playing for Lionel Messi was a second-half substitute as Barcelona drew 0-0 against Juventus got the French club’s other diff erent reasons but when he goals to take them to a group- is in form physically and his stage record tally of 24 with mentality is right, he can play.” one Group B match still to play. Neymar enjoys playing Wednesday’s win was also against Celtic and has now PSG’s biggest ever in the com- scored seven times against petition, seeing off the previous the Scottish side, one of which best performance, a 7-2 win came in Barcelona’s 7-0 win last against Rosenborg in October season. That remains Celtic’s 2000 when it was a 21-year-old biggest European defeat, but Nicolas Anelka scoring twice. this was another humbling loss Qualification for the last 16 was for Brendan Rodgers’s side af- already assured before this ter they suff ered their heaviest round of games, and Bayern home loss in continental com- Munich’s 2-1 win at Anderlecht petition to PSG in September, means the Germans could yet losing 5-0. snatch top spot from Paris with In the midst of a British the sides meeting next month. record unbeaten run of 64 But to do that Bayern would games, the Hoops’ limits in need to win at the Allianz Arena Europe continue to be brutally by a bigger margin than their exposed, although they should 3-0 defeat in Paris in Septem- still take third place in the ber, something that seems group ahead of Anderlecht. “In highly unlikely. “The objective a strange way there were lots is to be first in the group and of good moments for us,” said we are not there yet. We still Rodgers. “The lessons for us have to play against Bayern are that we can keep the ball a and we have the advantage of bit better, and secondly you’ve the 3-0, but it will be a great got to defend better, but you match and a very diff icult one,” also have to admire the sheer said Emery. quality of Paris Saint-Germain. The Spanish coach played “It’s a sore one, but I’m certainly down any fears of an embar- not anywhere near as disap- rassing result similar to their pointed as I was against Barce- 6-1 loss in Barcelona in the last lona, funnily enough,” added 16 last season, which came Rodgers, whose team must try after Paris had won the first leg to bounce back in time for a 4-0. But he said: “Bayern are League Cup final against Moth- capable of it. It will be a good erwell on Sunday. test. They are among the sides “Your professional pride is who could win the Champions hurt, because when you lose League.” seven goals you’re not so With Neymar back on song happy, but it’s dovetailed with after a dip in form over the last admiration for a side who I’d Basel’s Michael Lang (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Manchester United in the Champions League in Basel, Switzerland, on Wednesday night. (AFP) six weeks, PSG can head to be very surprised if they don’t Monaco in confident mood this make the final.” AFP The French striker broke the deadlock Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev re- record since 72-year-old Jupp Heynckes Paris with a spectacular acrobatic eff ort on 69 corded a fi rst clean sheet in the group returned for a fourth spell at the club. minutes, before compatriot Kevin Ga- stage since 2006 — ending a stagger- Two goals from Dutch striker Bas Dost meiro added a late second to seal a fi rst ing run of 43 matches conceding a goal propelled Sporting to a 3-1 victory over arcelona and Chelsea progressed win of the campaign for Atletico. — as CSKA condemned Benfi ca to a fi fth Olympiakos, but the Portuguese outfi t to the Champions League last 16 However, they must beat Chelsea at straight loss in Group A. Georgi Schen- must beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night, but Jose Stamford Bridge in their fi nal game and nikov’s cool fi nish steered CSKA into a in their fi nal fi xture to have a chance of Mourinho’s Manchester United hope Roma drop points at home to Qara- 13th-minute lead in Moscow before the overhauling Juventus for a last-16 berth. mustB wait to seal their spot after a last- bag to avoid parachuting into the Europa hosts grabbed a second through an own gasp 1-0 defeat in Basel. League. goal from Brazilian defender Jardel. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde rest- United, who hit the woodwork twice in Paris Saint-Germain dismantled Celt- GROUP A ed Argentina star Lionel Messi in Turin, the fi rst half through Marouane Fellaini ic 7-1 as the French giants registered their At Moscow: CSKA Moscow (RUS) 2 (Schen- later introducing him as a second-half and Marcos Rojo, looked on course to biggest win in the competition, despite nikov 13, Jardel 56-og) Benfica (POR) 0 substitute as a 0-0 draw against Juventus secure the point required to punch their falling behind when Moussa Dembele At Basel, Switzerland: Basel (SUI) 1 (Lang 89) sent the fi ve-time European champions ticket to the last 16 in Switzerland before scored inside the fi rst minute at the Parc Manchester United (ENG) 0 through as winners of Group D. Michael Lang popped up with an 89th- des Princes. A brace from Neymar soon GROUP B Willian scored twice and won a pair minute winner. “It’s like a dream. Right turned the game around, before Edinson At Brussels: Anderlecht (BEL) 1 (Hanni 63) of penalties as Chelsea thrashed 10-man now I can’t believe we won against such Cavani and Kylian Mbappe added goals of Bayern Munich (GER) 2 (Lewandowski 51, Qarabag 4-0 in Baku to guarantee Anto- a strong team,” Swiss international Lang their own before the interval. Tolisso 77) nio Conte’s side a top-two fi nish in Group said. “We always thought we could win Marco Verratti made it fi ve with quar- At Paris: Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) 7 (Ney- C. First-half goals from Eden Hazard and this match and in the end it was a victory ter of an hour left, before Cavani got his mar 9, 22, Cavani 29, 79, Mbappe 35, Verratti Willian put Chelsea in control, with Cesc like I had never seen before.” second and a sensational Dani Alves hit 75, Alves 80) Celtic (SCO) 1 (Dembele 1) Fabregas adding a third before Willian Mourinho blamed United’s inability to wrapped up a record-breaking night as GROUP C netted again to cap the rout and knock convert their fi rst-half dominance into PSG shattered the previous mark of 21 At Baku: Qarabag (AZE) 0 Chelsea (ENG) Qarabag out of the competition. “We did goals after watching his side lose their group-stage goals set last year by Borus- 4 (Hazard 21-pen, Willian 36, 85, Fabregas everything well. We should have scored perfect record in the group. “We lost be- sia Dortmund. 73-pen) more. It is easy to play with these good cause in the fi rst half we should be 5-0 up Unai Emery’s team have now scored 24 At Madrid: Atletico Madrid (ESP) 2 (Griez- players,” Hazard said. but we could not score one goal after be- times in fi ve matches and conceded just mann 69, Gameiro 85) Roma (ITA) 0 Atletico Madrid, runners-up twice in ing so dominant,” Mourinho said. once, although they must avoid a heavy GROUP D the past four years, retained an outside The result left United on 12 points, reverse at Bayern Munich next month to At Turin, Italy: Juventus (ITA) 0 Barcelona chance of pipping Roma to a place in the three ahead of both Basel and CSKA ensure they fi nish top of Group B. Rob- (ESP) 0 knockout stage as Antoine Griezmann Moscow, and still almost certain of ad- ert Lewandowski and Corentin Tolisso At Lisbon: Sporting Lisbon (POR) 3 (Dost 40, Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar leaps in joy after scoring against snapped an eight-match goal drought in vancing, barring a huge defeat against the scored in Brussels as Bayern overcame 66, Cesar 43) Olympiakos (GRE) 1 (Odjidja Celtic in Paris on Wednesday night. (Reuters) a 2-0 win in Spain. Russians at Old Traff ord on December 5. Anderlecht 2-1 to retain their 100% 86)

SPOTLIGHT Griezmann gives Atletico power of positive thinking AFP in spectacular fashion by acrobatically thrash- Madrid ing home Angel Correa’s cross 21 minutes from time. Griezmann had been jeered by some Atletico supporters when he was substituted in iego Simeone refused to be down- Saturday’s 0-0 draw at home to Real Madrid. hearted by Atletico Madrid’s slim However, he was backed throughout as his name chances of making the Champions was chanted before kick-off . “I think the night League last 16 after Antoine Griez- started well with the support from the fans,” mannD returned to form with a stunning over- added Simeone. “We fed off that positive en- head kick and assist for Kevin Gameiro to beat ergy, we found ourselves again and we found an Roma 2-0 on Wednesday night. Antoine who is a special player, and got back to Twice fi nalists in the past four seasons, Sime- playing a great match.” one’s men still need a minor miracle in the fi - Griezmann then turned provider with a fi ne nal two games in Group C on December 5 to through ball for Gameiro to round Alisson in the progress as Atletico need to win away to Chelsea Roma goal and slot into an empty net fi ve min- and hope Roma drop points at home to Qarabag. utes from time. “We are all behind him because “There is still one game to go and, until the scoring goals like that, he makes us win games,” 90 minutes are over, we can’t think negatively,” said Gameiro. “I think he is a little relieved, like said Simeone. “I always have confi dence be- everyone else.” cause I know my players and they will give their Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco admitted maximum until the situation leaves us with no Atletico were deserving winners on the night, chance.” Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann but insisted he would have been delighted with Chelsea swept aside 10-man Qarabag 4-0 in scores a spectacular goal against Roma having Roma’s fate in their own hands going into Baku on Wednesday to secure their place in the in the Champions League. (Reuters) the fi nal game when they were handed a tough knockout phase and move ahead of Roma into draw back in August. “We would all have signed pole position to win the group. However, having up for having to win our last game at home to been held twice by the Azerbaijani champions, Sometimes the ball wants to go in and some- consecutive season is beyond them, Atletico deserved victory over the Italians. Qarabag to go through,” said Di Francesco. “We Simeone believes they can cause an upset in the times not. Today Chelsea attacked once in the did end a fi ve-match winless streak at their new In a story of their season, Los Rojiblancos have to assume that responsibility. Atletico’s Italian capital. “You can’t underestimate any- fi rst half and it was a penalty and a sending-off .” Wanda Metropolitano stadium and guarantee at had lacked inspiration in the fi nal third before hopes are less than ours because they don’t de- one,” added Simeone. “Football is marvellous. Yet, even if progress to the last 16 for a fi fth least a place in the Europa League with a well- Griezmann ended his eight-game goal drought pend just on themselves.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, November 24, 2017 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE Arsenal top group despite Villarreal secure qualification as they edged a defeat to Cologne 3-2 thriller against FC Astana in Kazakhstan

Agencies dad helped them beat Rosenborg 1-0, secure Cologne, Germany qualifi cation and give them a chance to progress as group winners if they beat Russians in the fi nal game. Red Bull Salzburg qualifi ed in style C Cologne kept their chances of quali- with a 3-0 win to ensure they will progress in fying for the knockout stages of the Eu- fi rst place from Group I, while 10-man Mar- ropa League alive with a 1-0 victory over seille, who are second, drew 1-1 with Konyaspor. second-string Arsenal side yesterday. A Athletic Bilbao launched a rousing comeback penaltyF from Sehrou Guirassy on the hour mark against Hertha Berlin in Group J to move second, was the diff erence maker for FC Cologne in a with Inaki Williams’s 82nd minute goal earning match which lacked many clear-cut chances. them a 3-2 win. Leaders Oestersunds ensured Arsenal have qualifi ed for the knockout stage their qualifi cation with a 2-0 win over Zorya, as Group H winners despite yesterday's loss. Ar- who could still qualify if they beat Athletic in senal have 10 points from fi ve games, four ahead the fi nal game. Lazio, already through as Group of Cologne and Red Star Belgrade, who were K winners before this round of fi xtures, drew 1-1 held to a goalless draw by Bate Borisov. with Vitesse, while Nice booked their place in the Of the fi ve defeats Arsene Wenger’s side next round with a 3-1 win over Zulte-Waregem. have endured this season, this was the least Lokomotiv Moscow beat FC Copenhagen 2-1 to damaging after qualifying for the last-16 stage go top of Group F before FC Sheriff host Zlin. Al- with two games to spare. Wenger made eleven ready qualifi ed Group G leaders Steua Bucharest changes from the side that defeated Tottenham failed to seal top spot after losing 2-0 against 2-0 in the North London derby, and it certainly Viktoria Plzen, while Lugano beat Hapoel Beer showed with the already qualifi ed Gunners fail- Sheva 1-0 to keep their own hopes alive. ing to inspire, despite enjoying the majority of possession and chances in the match. EUROPA LEAGUE RESULTS Cologne was content in the fi rst half to sit Group A: Astana (KAZ) 2 (Kabananga 22, Twumasi back and let the visitors take the initiative. Jack 88) Villarreal (ESP) 3 (Raba 40, Bakambu 65, 83) Wilshere who has been a regular in the Europa Group F: Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS) 2 (Farfan 17, 51) League this campaign registered the fi rst chance FC Copenhagen (DEN) 1 (Verbic 31) of note for the Gunners, however, his header was Group G: Lugano (SUI) 1 (Carlinhos 50) Hapoel Beer easily saved by keeper Timo Horn. Sheva (ISR) 0; Viktoria Plzen (CZE) 2 (Petrzela 49, On the half-hour mark, Arsenal came close Kopic 76) FCSB (ROU) 0 again to open the scoring, this time Coquelin Group H: BATE (BLR) 0 Red Star Belgrade (SRB) 0; was denied by the post in what would have been Cologne (GER) 1 (Guirassy 62-pen) Arsenal (ENG) 0 his fi rst ever goal for the Gunners. A minute lat- Group I: Konyaspor (TUR) 1 (Skubic 82-pen) er, Danny Welbeck who came in to replace Theo Marseille (FRA) 1 (Moke 90+3-og); Salzburg (AUT) 3 Walcott saw his cross-come-shot fl ash past the Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere and Cologne’s Sehrou Guirassy (left) vie for the ball during the Europa League match in Cologne, Germany. (Reuters) (Dabbur 26, Ulmer 45+1, Hwang 67) Vitoria Guima- far post. Welbeck was replaced at half-time by raes (POR) 0 Alex Iwobi and Arsenal continued to press the unlikeliest of leads. have now lost their last four games in Germany hosts in the 22nd minute but Daniel Raba equal- Group J: Athletic Bilbao (ESP) 3 (Aduriz 35-pen, 66- German side, who are currently rock bottom of Arsenal shook themselves into life after and will turn their attention to an away encoun- ised six minutes before the break. pen, Williams 82) Hertha Berlin (GER) 2 (Leckie 26, the Bundesliga. On the hour mark, and against conceding and were able to create a couple of ter with Burnley in the Premier League. The lethal Bakambu, on as a substitute, hit Selke 36); Ostersund (SWE) 2 (Grechyshkin 40-og, the run of play Cologne took the lead on a rare chances for an equaliser. The pick of which Arsenal will close out Group H play on Dec. a brace to send Villarreal clear before Patrick Ghoddos 77) Zorya Luhansk (UKR) 0 foray forward. A sharp passing move saw Se- came from 17-year-old substitute Reiss Nelson, 7 against BATE, while Cologne battles Red Star Twumasi netted in the 88th minute, setting up Group K: Lazio (ITA) 1 (Alberto 42) Vitesse Arnhem hrou Guirassy burst into the penalty area be- who skipped through the Cologne defence be- Belgrade for a shot at reaching the Round of 32. a frantic fi nale, but ultimately second place As- (NED) 1 (Linssen 13); Nice (FRA) 3 (Balotelli 5-pen, 31, fore being bundled down by Debuchy, leaving fore seeing his shot pushed away by Timo Horn. Elsewhere, Cedric Bakambu’s double helped tana could not peg back the Group A leaders. Tameze 86) Zulte Waragem (BEL) 1 (Hamalainen 80) the referee little choice but to point to the spot. The full-time whistle was greeted by cheers Villarreal secure qualifi cation as they edged a Group L leaders Zenit St. Petersburg beat Group L: Rosenborg (NOR) 0 Real Sociedad (ESP) 1 The French striker stepped up and thumped his by the FC Cologne fans who have kept their Eu- 3-2 thriller against FC Astana in Kazakhstan. Sardar Skopje 2-1 to stay top, although Mikel (Oyarzabal 90); Zenit St Petersburg (RUS) 2 (Poloz penalty past Ospina to give the Billy Goats the ropa League dreams alive. As for Arsenal, they Junior Kabananga opened the scoring for the Oyarzabal’s 90th minute strike for Real Socie- 16, Rigoni 43) Vardar (MKD) 1 (Blazevski 90+3)

Palace boss says Niasse ban won’t ROUND-UP help team out of basement London: The Football Asso- and he not having to serve a but it is not a penalty and the Robben drops retirement hint ciation’s retrospective ban on two-match suspension. That player has not dived. Everton striker Oumar Niasse would’ve been the ideal scenar- The sympathy has to be with ayern Munich winger Arjen for “diving” against Crystal io but the penalty was given and the referee.” Robben suggested yesterday he Palace will make it harder to get we did — I think — lose points Under a new law introduced could retire at the end of the season the Premier League’s bottom as a result of it and the FA have in May, incidents involving play- when his contract with the Bun- desligaB champions expires. The Dutchman side out of their current predica- seen fit to punish him because ers who deceive a match off icial ment, manager Roy Hodgson obviously they don’t want it to can be reviewed by a three-man called time on his international career last said yesterday. Niasse fell after happen to other teams.” panel. The FA will only impose a month after the Netherlands failed to qual- minimal contact from Palace The former England boss said ban if the panel members — an ify for the 2018 World Cup, but the 33-year- defender Scott Dann to earn a it could be tough to determine ex-match off icial, an ex-manager old remains a key player for Bayern. penalty that Leighton Baines a player’s intentions even and an ex-player — independ- “My future is open. I could stop at the converted in last weekend’s 2-2 with the help of video replays ently arrive at a unanimous end of the season or.. I could play for three draw, and was banned for suc- and expressed sympathy for decision. more years at Bayern,” Robben was quoted cessful deception of a match of- referees because they have to Palace picked up the first of as saying by Kicker magazine. “Anything is ficial on Wednesday. “It doesn’t “pick these things up in the heat their five points only after Hodg- possible for me,” he said. “I’m only looking help us a great deal,” Hodgson of the moment”. son replaced Frank de Boer as ahead to the next match, no further. I want told a news conference ahead “You have to be careful of div- manager in September, and the to try and enjoy it and play at a high level for of tomorrow’s game against ing as there are situations where 70-year-old said the team faced as long as possible.” 15-placed Stoke City. the dive is less pronounced than an uphill battle for survival Robben has been blighted by injury “It would’ve been nicer if the others,” he said. “There are ones because of their poor start to throughout his career and suff ered a small penalty had not been given when players lose their balance the campaign. muscle tear in his left thigh during Wednes- day’s 2-1 victory at Anderlecht in the Champions League. He will miss tomor- row’s Bundesliga match against Borussia SPOTLIGHT Moenchengladbach as a result. Former Chelsea star Robben has won six German titles as well as the 2013 Champions League alongside eight full-time staff . Giggs won Wednesday’s Champions League draw since joining Bayern from Real Madrid in 13 Premier League titles and made a record against Barcelona. How Zaza went from Premier 2009. 963 appearances for United before manag- The 39-year-old Buff on was compet- ing them for four games following the sack- ing for the fi rst time since his emotional HIERRO NAMED SPANISH ing of David Moyes in 2014. The Welshman, international retirement after Italy’s failure League fl op to Liga hotshot FA SPORTING DIRECTOR who also worked as assistant manager to qualify for the World Cup. Barcelona Fernando Hierro returned as the Span- at United under Louis van Gaal, said in advanced to the last 16 after the 0-0 draw Reuters ish football federation’s sporting director October he was interested in the vacant in Turin but Juventus remain second in the Barcelona yesterday six years after leaving the role to managerial position at Everton, who have group and can secure their qualifi cation pursue a coaching career. yet to announce a permanent replacement with victory at Olympiakos on December 5. The Real Madrid great, who ended his for Ronald Koeman. Vietnam currently An exuberant Buff on ran to hug Barce- alencia forward Simone Zaza has over- playing career with Bolton Wanderers, stand 121st in the FIFA world ranking. lona’s Ivan Rakitic after the game following come his Euro 2016 penalty shootout played his part in Spain’s most successful a social media exchange on the eve of the trauma and a disastrous campaign in ever era as sporting director between 2007 MATA WANTS TO MATCH game when the Croatian had said he would the Premier League to become second and 2011 as La Roja won Euro 2008 and GIGGS, PLAY INTO 40S love to tell Italian goalkeeping great to take Vtop scoring striker in La Liga this campaign, only their only World Cup in 2010. Juan Mata wants to follow in the footsteps his place in the 2018 World Cup. trailing Lionel Messi. The Italian has hit nine After leaving the federation in 2011, of Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs After embracing Rakitic, Buff on then goals in 10 Liga starts and scored in six consecu- Hierro had brief spells as Carlo Ancelotti’s and play into his forties at Old Traff ord. pulled off his orange shorts and ran towards tive weeks, fuelling Valencia’s unlikely title bid assistant at Real and in charge of second Manager Jose Mourinho’s arrival in 2016 the tunnel in his Y-fronts to the cheers of which sees them host Messi with leaders Barcelo- division Real Oviedo. However, his return sparked talk that the 29-year-old could be the delighted crowd. Buff on — who earned a na on Sunday with the chance to cut the gap with It was the start of a scoring streak spanning six seven months ahead of next year’s World surplus to requirements because the Portu- record 175 caps for Italy over 20 years — had the Catalans down to one point. games, just one shy of equalling the club record Cup in Russia is seen as an important step guese had let him leave Chelsea in January been targeting a record sixth World Cup It has been quite the turnaround for Zaza, who which has stood for 74 years. in easing tensions between key players in 2014. However, the Spanish playmaker has appearance in Russia. was ridiculed on social media for his miss against The goals included a late winner at Real Socie- the national team and those at the head of become an infl uential fi gure under Mour- He announced his international retire- Germany in the Euro 2016 quarter-fi nals, when dad which lead to coach Marcelino pulling a mus- the federation following the arrest of long- inho, whose side are second in the Premier ment after the 1-0 play-off defeat to he was brought on especially to take a penalty and cle in the celebrations and deadlock-breaking standing president Angel Maria Villar in League table. Mata’s contract at United Sweden which saw Italy miss the World Cup took a long, staggered run up only to balloon the goals against Alaves and Athletic Bilbao, with Va- July on corruption charges. runs out at the end of the season. The club for the fi rst time in 60 years. Playing likely ball over the bar as his team were sent packing. lencia winning every game. hold the option to add a further year and his fi nal season with Juventus, Buff on has Zaza said in an interview with Italian daily Zaza’s consistent form is all the remarkable as MAN UTD GREATS GIGGS, SCHOLES the Spain international is open to discuss- one fi nal ambition: to win the Champions Gazzetta dello Sport that the penalty “trauma- he has been playing through the pain of a knee in- SIGN UP FOR VIETNAM’S WC DRIVE ing a longer stay. League, after fi nishing runner-up twice in tised” him and led to severe weight loss. The anx- jury which, coach Marcelino revealed last week, Manchester United greats Ryan Giggs and Asked if he can see himself fi nishing his the past three years. iety spilled over into his brief and unhappy loan means he has to take occasional three-day breaks Paul Scholes will kick-start plans by Viet- career at United, Mata told ESPN FC: “Why spell at West Ham United, where he failed to score from training. Zaza sat out last week’s 2-0 win at nam to secure World Cup qualifi cation for not? I’m 29 and hopefully I can play football BIELSA SUSPENDED in 11 games, which he said resulted in him “going Espanyol which took Valencia six points ahead the cream of the country’s next generation for some more years. It would be great to BY STRUGGLING LILLE crazy”. Italian coach Cesare Prandelli played a big of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid and is ready of players. The pair, who between them play until I’m 40 like Giggs. But that’s still Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa was role in off ering Zaza an escape route to Valencia to face Barca and Messi, who is the league’s top made close to 1,500 fi rst team appearances a bit far, still 11 years. I’m happy here. The suspended by Lille on Wednesday after although resigned before the player joined up scorer with 12 goals. “It is not a new injury, I’ve for United across three decades, are joining club is massive, the support we have is a dreadful start to the French season, the with the club. He needed fi ve games to open his had it for over a year, it’s common in football and the PVF Academy, opened on Monday and massive. I’ve been settled down in the city struggling Ligue 1 club announced. Lille account with his new club, against Athletic Bilbao we’ll decide what to do at the end of the year, but the focal point of eff orts to reach the 2030 since year one.” are second from bottom after just three and followed up with an opening goal in a 2-0 win now it doesn’t prevent me playing and I’m 100%,” tournament. wins in 13 matches under Bielsa, with the over Real Madrid which he said “was like being he told Fox Sports Italia. “I’m not thinking about Under a two-year deal as director of foot- BUFFON STUNS FAN BY 62-year-old “suspended momentarily as reborn”. catching Messi, I’m just excited about the game ball, Giggs will be responsible for training THROWING HIM HIS SHORTS coach” pending further announcement, Zaza began the season by scoring the only goal which comes as a great time for me and the team. players and local coaches and make several Footballers usually throw their jersey according to a statement. Bielsa was due to in a 1-0 win over Las Palmas but went off the boil We have to enjoy the evening, it will be a very dif- visits to the academy outside Hanoi. to fans at the fi nal whistle but Juventus hold a press conference yesterday ahead of for three games before hitting back with a nine- fi cult challenge but we have already shown that Scholes, who played 499 times for his goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on stunned one tomorrow’s s trip to Montpellier, but there minute hat-trick in the 5-0 thrashing of Malaga. we can compete with anyone.” home town club, will work as a consultant supporter by giving him his shorts after was no confi rmation from the club. Gulf Times Friday, November 24, 2017 5 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE Spain climb two places in rankings, Sadd to host Duhail in Senegal top of Africa

Lausanne: Spain climbed two places to sixth and Swit- zerland were up three spots to eighth in the latest FIFA world rankings released yes- clash of top guns terday. The top five remained unchanged with world champions Germany leading the way from Brazil, Portugal, Duhail are leading the pack with 22 points, while Sadd are one point behind Argentina and Belgium. Switzerland’s victory By Sports Reporter over Northern Ireland in the Doha World Cup play-off s helped them move up, as did similar successes for Denmark and l Sadd will have the home ad- Sweden. Both Scandina- vantage when they take on vian countries moved up leaders Al Duhail in the QNB seven places to 12th and 18th AStars League Round 9 match. respectively after ousting Both teams have won seven games Republic of Ireland and Italy each, with Duhail leading the pack with in the play-off s. 22 points, while Sadd are one point be- Despite their loss to Swe- hind. It is a foregone conclusion that it den denying them a place at will be a humdinger of a match. the World Cup for the first Both sides have an array of stars in time in 60 years, Italy still their ranks. Al Sadd boast of World moved up one place to 14th. Cup and twice European Champion- It wasn’t such good news ship winner Xavi Hernandez, prolifi c for British teams as England scorer Baghdad Bounedjah, Jugurtha dropped three places to 15th Hamroun and Qatar international Has- despite a pair of credible 0-0 san al-Haydous, while Duhail have the draws with Germany and league’s top scorer Youssef El Arabi (14 Brazil recently. Wales paid goals), Youssef Msakni, Nam Tae-Hee, for their failure to reach the Luis Martin Junior and Ismail Mohamed World Cup finals by dropping in their ranks. The result will be crucial five places to 19th. as both teams are title contenders. Meanwhile, Senegal rose Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi said the to a record 23rd place in the match was an important one and they world and first in Africa. The will go all out for a victory. “Our goal ‘Teranga Lions’ achieved is to collect three points, like we wish their highest position thanks from all the games. We need to stay to back-to-back World Cup focused to maintain our lead. Those qualifying victories over who come out on top will get three South Africa this month. points and that’s very important. This Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira (right) and midfielder Hassan al-Haydous address a press conference in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Senegal triumphed 2-0 in match is important, but not that deci- Polokwane to seal a place at sive. There’re still games left in the fi rst out for three weeks with a thigh injury the 2018 World Cup in Russia, phase and many more matches to come he suff ered during the Qatar national then won a dead-rubber 2-1 in the second phase,” said Belmadi. team’s training camp recently. in Dakar four days later. They “In the last seven seasons, we’ve won Both coaches Belmadi and Al Sadd’s climbed nine places in the fi ve league tournaments and the team Jesualdo Ferreira are master tacticians world since October to dis- that wins a lot means it’s at a good level. and that factor could take the game to a place Tunisia as the number We don’t have to prove anything in the great level. one national team in Africa. match against Al Sadd and I don’t want Ferreira was happy after their big win It was a short-lived time at to give it any undue importance. I’m over Umm Salal. “We got a good win. the top for the Tunisians, who preparing my players in the best possi- The number of goals doesn’t matter. moved into first place only ble way,” Duhail coach added What’s important is the three points. last month for the first time Duhail are the only unbeaten side in I’m happy that we scored four goals in 15 years. Tunisia slipped to the championship, having won seven as it hasn’t happened before,” said the second behind Senegal and times and drawn one. “We’ve a large Portuguese, expressing concern that ahead of Egypt having been number of players raring to go. We international commitments were tak- held 0-0 at home by Libya in aren’t really bothered about our rivals’ ing their toll on his players in league a World Cup qualifier. problems, whether they’ve injury wor- matches. The Democratic Republic ries or not. I’m focused only on my “We should know that there’re ex- of Congo remained fourth players’ readiness for the game,” said hausted players who aren’t physi- and Herve Renard-coached Belmadi. cally fi t after playing for their national Morocco climbed two places Duhail have pumped in 33 goals so far, teams recently. I hope the team is at full to fifth after defeating the way ahead of Al Rayyan and Al Sailiya strength before the beginning of second Ivory Coast to book a World (both 23), and Al Sadd (21). Then, they phase,” Ferreira said. Cup slot in Russia. Burkina have Luis Martin Junior and Ismail Mo- Faso, Cup of Nations title- hammed, who gave four assists against TODAY’S FIXTURES holders Cameroon, Nigeria, Al Kharaitiyat. 4pm: Al Markhiya vs Al Arabi, Al Khor Ghana and the Ivory Coast However, they will miss the services vs Al Sailiya complete the top 10. of midfi elder Karim Boudiaf, who is 6:10pm: Al Sadd vs Al Duhail Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi makes a point while talking to reporters yesterday.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS In-form Al Khor, Al Sailiya meet today Socceroos laud By Sports Reporter Postecoglou legacy Doha Reuters Sydney l Khor will take on Al Sailiya today in the ninth round of the QNB Stars League, with both im Cahill led the way sides coming off victories in as a host of Socceroos theirA previous matches. paid tribute to the con- Al Khor’s win over Qatar SC did a world tribution coach Ange of good for them as they not only regis- TPostecoglou made to Austral- tered their second victory, but moved up ian football after his abrupt res- the ladder by three positions to eighth. Al ignation as coach of the national Khor were also playing their fi rst match team seven months before the under Tunisian coach Nassif al-Bayawi, World Cup. The 52-year-old my approach to life as a person who has prior coaching experience in Qa- stood down on Wednesday af- and a footballer,” said defender tar when he assisted Frenchman Bernard ter taking Australia to the 2014 Bailey Wright, who added that Simondi at Al Kharaitiyat. World Cup fi nals, winning the he was “gutted” to see the coach Al-Bayawi said Al Khor, who are cur- 2015 Asian Cup and qualifying resign. “The foundations he has rently occupying eight position in the for the 2018 version of football’s laid down for Australian foot- points table, need to climb up the lad- showpiece event in his four years ball will forever be remembered der. “We’ll go into this match against Al in charge. While Postecoglou’s when we look back at when our Sailiya with the sole aim of winning three fi rst act when he took over was to game changed for the better in valuable points. We had rectifi ed many rejuvenate the squad, it was Ca- our country.” past mistakes and that refl ected on our hill, the sole survivor of the cull Other players that Postec- victory against Qatar SC in the last round. of Australian’s ‘golden genera- oglou brought into international Yet, we aren’t in the top half of the table. tion’, who was among the fi rst to football, such as midfi elders We need to improve on our eighth posi- off er his gratitude. “The last four Aaron Mooy and Massimo Luon- tion,” al-Bayawi said. years have been amazing and he go, took to social media to thank “It was crucial that we got full points has helped create memories that their former coach for believing against Qatar SC. That helped us move will last forever for our country,” in them. “He gave me my shot from 11th to eighth in the ladder. Still, Al Khor coach Nassif al-Bayawi (left) and his Al Sailiya counterpart coach Sami Trabelsi. Australia’s leading international with the national team and I can we’ve three important games in the fi rst scorer with 50 goals said in an never forget that,” added defend- phase, against Al Sailiya, Al Sadd and Al Peregrines will be boosted by the return rectifi ed some mistakes after that match. from the Second Division. However, Instagram post. er Trent Sainsbury. “The belief Arabi, and we should be preparing well from a foot injury of Brazilian playmaker “It happens in football that players get they could not make much progress as “His leadership and beliefs are and confi dence he’s instilled in for it,” he added. Wagner Ribeiro, who was missing in ac- complacent and overconfi dent when you the tournament progressed and are lying infectious and I’m proud that I this team that will keep us on the Al-Bayawi expected a tough encoun- tion in match week 8. keep winning. I’m trying to avoid that second from bottom with fi ve points and had the chance to share his jour- path to great things.” ter against today’s opponents. “Al Sailiya Trabelsi was pleased with his team’s situation. It happened to us last season only one victory. ney with him and witness his An emotional Postecoglou said are a very strong team with many quality performance so far this season. “We’re and that adversely aff ected our campaign. The Oryxes replaced coach Yousef love for our country. The most in his resignation news confer- players, who can make a diff erence at any in a better position in the standings this However, this time around, they’re more Adam with Egyptian Ayman Mansour important part was the belief he ence on Wednesday that he had moment. They’ve a great coach in Tu- season and I’m very happy with my boys’ matured and professional on that front. before reinstating the former. Neverthe- instilled in us to play a style of not told the players of his plans nisian Sami Trabelsi. We’ll bank on our showing. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t “We’re aware that Al Khor can be a less, they are the team that gave most football that could test any team to step down because it would strengths and positives in order to achieve approaching each game seriously. We’re tricky side, especially when they play on chances to youngsters in all four rounds we came up against. This for me have been “too hard”. a good result against them. Every game is now up against an Al Khor side, which has home soil. They’re also a charged-up lot, of the QSL Cup played in between the sets Ange apart as someone that Football Federation Australia unique in its own ways. We’re taking it improved a lot under new coach Nassif so we’re prepared for the game and we league’s two international breaks. stayed strong to his values of (FFA) said on Wednesday there one game at a time and will then decide al-Bayawi. They proved that during their expect a stiff resistance from them,” he Al Arabi are also a struggling side and changing the game in Australia.” would be no hurry to name a re- our future course of action,” he said. victory over Qatar SC last week,” Trabelsi added. are lying 10th in the standings. They too Postecoglou’s determina- placement coach but it was clear Meanwhile, Al Sailiya, who beat Al said. “Even though we defeated Al Ghara- In another match, strugglers Al changed the coach, Croat Luka Bonacic tion to prove to the world that from the player tributes that Gharafa in their last match, are having fa last week, I’m not happy with our per- Markhiya take on Al Arabi. Markhiya replacing Tunisian Qais Yaakoubi. The Australians could play decent Postecoglou had left behind a a creditable run and that should make formance overall. The players didn’t fare started their QNB Stars League campaign Dream Team, however, lost last week too, football clearly rubbed off on his squad with a very strong sense of coach Sami Trabelsi a happy man. The as I had expected them to do. And we’ve with promise after getting promoted in Bonacic’s fi rst match in charge. players. “He completely changed identity. Gulf Times 6 Friday, November 24, 2017 SPORT

NBA CYCLING New UCI chief ‘for salary cap’ Boston streak ends, Grand Tour victory. AFP London Sky’s strength has been one of the major reasons Froome has rarely been challenged for ew International overall Tour glory. Cycling Union (UCI) Lappartient admitted it president David “would not be easy” to im- Lappartient told plement a salary cap but he Westbrook shines NAFP yesterday that he would praised the decision to reduce support a salary cap to help the size of teams from nine to improve competitiveness eight riders in Grand Tours and amongst World Tour teams. eight to seven in other World “We should be able to pay Tour races as a positive step to an athlete as much as we want, improving competitiveness. but if we pay a lot for one rider, According to the UCI, the we have a bit less money and average World Tour team an- as Thunder roll that balances our strengths,” nual budget is around 18 mil- said Lappartient, who de- lion euros ($21mn) with the ‘Those guys didn’t win 16 games for nothing. It was a battle’ feated incumbent Briton Brian biggest spenders forking out Cookson in a vote in Bergen, around 34 million euros. AFP Norway in September. Lappartient also said there Los Angeles “The aim is to have attrac- was more work to do to im- tive races and not that a team prove the participation of has the best riders in the world women in Cycling, at all levels. he Boston Celtics’ 16- and blocks the races,” he add- Pointing to riders he said game winning streak ed in a clear reference to Team that women made up “less came to an end with an Sky’s domination of the Tour than 10 percent” of those upset defeat against the de France in recent years. holding licences around the TMiami Heat on Wednesday as Chris Froome has won the world but that their repre- Russell Westbrook won his duel Tour in four of the last fi ve sentation in governance was with Kevin Durant in Oklahoma years, with Bradley Wiggins even worse. “There are three City’s rout of Golden State. triumphing before that in women presidents out of 190 Goran Dragic and Dion Wait- 2012. national federations and just ers were the stars for Miami as But Sky have come un- one woman on the UCI’s board the Heat claimed a 104-98 win der fi re over the strength of of directors. in front of their home fans to Froome’s support cast, in- “There’s a lot of work to do stun Boston. cluding the likes of Richie in terms of governance in or- Dragic scored 27 points while Porte, Wout Poels and Mikel der to have a female represen- Waiters added 26, including a Landa over the years - all rid- tation in our federation wor- crucial pair of late three-point- ers capable of fi ghting for a thy of such a name,” he added. ers, as the Heat held on the win. “Those guys didn’t win 16 games for nothing,” Waiters said. “It was a battle.” Miami improved to 8-9 with the win while Boston fell to 16- 3. It was the fi rst loss for the Celtics since they succumbed in the opening two games of the season. In-form Celtics star Kyrie Irving meanwhile had an off -night by his recent stand- ards, fi nishing with a relatively modest 23 points. Irving missed all three of his three-point at- tempts and made only 11 of his 22 fi eld goal attempts. “Teams are coming out and giving us their best shots,” Irv- ing said. “They made shots and got into a bit of a rhythm. You UCI president David Lappartient. can tell they were locked into this game. They wanted it and proved it.” Doping ‘doctor’ charged with further off ences Boston had trailed 63-79 at the end of the third quarter but Bernard Sainz, who has already been convicted for inciting stormed back to get within one Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic dribbles the ball against Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving during the first half of their NBA game at the American cyclists to cheat with drugs, was on Wednesday charged with point at 91-90 in the fourth. Airlines Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports further doping off ences, a court source told AFP. However, back-to-back Sainz, nicknamed “Dr. Mabuse” (Dr. I off end) but who claims ot three-pointers from Waiters almost threatened to boil over scoring burst as the Cavaliers “But without my teammates son led the scoring for the Nets be an alternative medicine therapist, was arrested on Monday. gave Miami a seven-point cush- late in the game as Westbrook rolled to their sixth straight setting screens and defending, with 20 points while Joe Harris He was brought to Paris and charged with off ences that include ion which was good enough to and Durant went forehead-to- win in 119-109 victory over the getting the rebounds, cutting, had 18 points. “practising medicine illegally” and “inciting athletes to use see them home. forehead in a heated exchange. Brooklyn Nets. and things of that nature, then banned doping substances or methods”. In both cases he was Golden State were always James scored 23 of his 33 none of that is even possible for RESULTS also accused of being a repeat off ender. Westbrook, Durant duel chasing the game after trailing points in the fourth quarter, a me, so, they get the most credit.” Sacramento 113 LA Lakers 102 In 2016, Sainz was secretly filmed by French TV giving doping Elsewhere Wednesday, there 65-48 at halftime. run which included 18 straight The two sides had been evenly Milwaukee 113 Phoenix 107 (OT) instructions to cyclists. These included instructing his “patients” was little Thanksgiving cheer Westbrook was backed with to break the Nets’ resistance matched at 77-77 heading into Utah 110 Chicago 80 on the use of EPO (a blood-doping agent) and clenbuterol (a on show in Oklahoma City as hefty performances from Car- at QuickenLoans Arena. James the fi nal quarter before James’ Houston 125 Denver 95 steroid). the Thunder gave former hero melo Anthony with 22 points made four three-pointers with scoring spree tipped the game in Dallas 95 Memphis 94 Sainz, 74, is not a qualified doctor but describes himself as “a Durant and the Warriors a rough and Paul George with 20 points. six rebounds and fi ve assists the Cavs favour. Kevin Love had Minnesota 124 Orlando 118 specialist in gentle medicines”. ride in front of their home fans. New Zealander Steven Adams as the Cavs improved to 11-7 18 points with 10 rebounds while Orleans 107 San Antonio 90 He has had repeated brushes with the law. Durant, who left the Thunder had a double-double with 14 to continue their climb up the Dwyane Wade also weighed win Oklahoma 108 Golden State 91 In 2013, he was fined 3,000 euros ($3,500) in a case linked to in 2016 in a blockbuster move, points and 12 rebounds as OKC Eastern Conference standings. with 18 for the Cavs. LA Clippers 116 Atlanta 103 horse doping. The following year, he was sentenced to two years was subdued as former team- improved to 8-9. Stephen Curry “It’s times when you wish you Jae Crowder added 14 points Miami 104 Boston 98 in prison, of which 20 months were suspended, for incitement to mate Westbrook piled on 34 led the scoring for the Warriors can do it and sometimes when while Kyle Korver came off the NY Knicks 108 Toronto 100 dope and practising medicine without a licence. points in a 108-91 win. (13-5) with 24 points. Durant the ball just doesn’t go in,” James bench to chip in with 12 points. Charlotte 129 Washington 124 This September, he was sentenced to nine months in prison for Durant’s entrance to the arena fi nished with 21 points. said. “But I put a lot of work into Brooklyn, who fell to 6-11 with (OT) inciting amateur and semi-professional riders to cheat, a convic- before the game was greeted In Cleveland, LeBron James my craft and I believe that every the loss, had four players in dou- Cleveland 119 Brooklyn 109 tion he is appealing, said his lawyer Stephane Mesones. with a hail of boos, and tensions produced a devastating late shot I take is going to go in. ble digits. Rondae Hollis-Jeff er- Philadelphia 101 Portland 81

NHL Loss to Jets drops Kings out of division lead By Curtis Zupke Honestly, I think our off ense ed it into an open net when Asked who Elaine would be Los Angeles Times tonight didn’t score as many Quick dropped down early and rooting for on Wednesday, he goals, but we were creating a lot. couldn’t slide over in time. The said, “You’ll have to ask her Again, we can’t give up goals like goal, with eight seconds left, ne- that. I know that I’m not a very t would be inaccurate to say we did tonight.” gated a better start to the game happy person when I lose hock- that the grip the Los Ange- The Kings pulled to 2-1 on than Sunday. ey games, so she’ll probably be les Kings have held on fi rst Tyler Toff oli’s tip of Oscar Fan- “It’s defl ating,” Kopitar said. cheering for the home team.” place in the Pacifi c Division tenberg’s shot on the power play “You go into a locker room Ifi nally gave way. early in the third period. Toff oli thinking about that. You kill all CAMPBELL EXTENSION The Kings have slid down a screened Jets goalie Steve Mason the momentum that you had go- Jack Campbell signed a two- greased pole lately in trying to and executed the defl ection for ing for you.” year contract extension with an hold on to fi rst, and they relin- his team-leading 10th goal. annual value of $675,000 at the quished it in excruciatingly close But the rally stopped there. FAMILY REUNION NHL level, the Kings announced. ways in a 2-1 loss Wednesday The Kings couldn’t conjure Lowry’s goal happened in The fi rst year of the extension is to the Winnipeg Jets at Staples many quality chances in the sec- front of his father, Kings as- a two-way contract and the sec- Center. ond period, and paid for the sec- sistant coach Dave Lowry, in a ond is one-way. Winnipeg scored in the fi - ond of back-to-back penalties game that represented a father Campbell was impressive in nal minute in each of the fi rst with Patrik Laine’s power-play coaching against his son for the the preseason and has revived two periods and kicked open goal. fi rst time in the NHL. Accord- his career to give the Kings depth the door for the Kings by taking Nikolaj Ehlers spun away from ing to Dave Lowry, his son had at goalie behind Quick and Darcy three off ensive-zone penalties Drew Doughty behind the goal Wednesday marked on the cal- Kuemper. in the third period that the Kings line and fl icked a backhand pass endar well in advance. couldn’t capitalise on. They fell that Laine buried with 59 sec- “I think he reminded me early RESULTS out of fi rst place after the Ana- onds left in the period. on when he was coming and we Golden Knights 4 Ducks 2 heim Ducks’ loss to the Vegas Jonathan Quick played for the had to make sure that he would Jets 2 Kings 1 Golden Knights and have lost six fi rst time since perhaps his worst get a home-cooked meal,” Dave Sharks 3 Coyotes 1 of seven games since their 11-2-2 game of the season, a loss Sun- Lowry said. Avalanche 3 Stars 0 start. They are 1-5-1 in their past day to the Golden Knights, and Lowry and his wife, Elaine, Predators 3 Canadiens 2 (SO) seven home games. made 25 saves. provided that with a dinner in a Capitals 5 Senators 2 “It doesn’t matter about His best save came with his rare in-season family gathering Lightning 3 Blackhawks 2 (OT) standings,” Anze Kopitar said. outstretched glove on a wrapa- Tuesday night. Canucks 5 Penguins 2 “We’ve got to obviously stop the round attempt by Kyle Connor Dave Lowry said beforehand Islanders 4 Flyers 3 (OT) bleeding, turn the ship around in the fi rst period. But Quick he is able to take the emotional Bruins 3 Devils 2 (SO) and get it going again. Right now couldn’t track the puck cleanly part out of it, but he was also a Rangers 6 Hurricanes 1 it looks like we’re going to have on Winnipeg’s fi rst goal. proud father who only coached Oilers 6 Red Wings 2 to win a 2-1 game and really get Adam Lowry collected the against Adam once before, in Wild 5 Sabres 4 The Winnipeg Jets celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 in their NHL game at Staples Centre. our checking game in order. puck in traffi c and backhand- junior hockey. Panthers 2 Maple Leafs 1 (SO) PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Friday, November 24, 2017 7 SPORT

FORMULA 1 Hamilton and Vettel already fi xated on fi ve Reuters Ferrari’s challenge fi zzled out with A question about the best over- Abu Dhabi collisions and engine failures. taking move also triggered laughter. Vettel said the experience of “I have a very bad memory,” con- 2017, after the team failed to win a fessed Hamilton, before Vettel in- ormula One’s four-times race in 2016, fi lled him with confi - terjected: “Not much to remember world champions Lewis dence. – you didn’t have to pass that many Hamilton and Sebastian “I think if we can do a similar people. Vettel engaged in some step for next year...then it should “I passed you a couple of times,” light-heartedF end-of-season ban- be a walk in the park,” he declared retorted Hamilton. ter yesterday, already looking be- with a smile while appearing with Vettel also had a dig at his own yond the fi nal race of the season and Hamilton in a news conference behaviour when, asked whether the ahead to the next big battle in 2018. at the season-ending Abu Dhabi sport should have a fair play award, For the fi rst time, next year will Grand Prix. he singled himself out for honours. see two quadruple champions start “I think the step that we’ve done “I should get the ‘move of the the season in search of a fi fth title. this year was incredible. We learned year’, ‘personality of the year’ and Mercedes driver Hamilton won our lessons so I believe that also what was the last one? fair play? his fourth in Mexico last month those will help us next year. We are oh, fair play maybe not,” he said, as while Ferrari’s Vettel became a completely fi red up.” Hamilton laughed. “But those two four-times champion with Red Bull Asked for a particular highlight for Baku for sure.” in 2013 after Michael Schumacher of the 2017 season, Vettel grinned. Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, odd- had retired with seven to his name. “Shall we start with Baku? Break man out among the champions at Only Schumacher and the late the ice?,” he asked as Hamilton the news conference, joined in the Argentine great Juan Manuel Fan- chuckled. end-of-term mood by setting out gio, who was dominant in the The pair clashed famously in his own stall for next season. 1950s, have won fi ve champion- Azerbaijan in June, with Vettel “Between us all we’ve got eight ships. running into the back of the Mer- world titles so it’s pretty good,” Hamilton has won nine races this cedes while behind the safety car joked the Australian. “But obvious- season and Vettel fi ve with the pair and then pulling alongside to bang ly we want nine. I’ve been pretty looking at one stage like taking their wheels in what was seen by some as pleased with the year but I’ve still (L to R ) Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel, Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo title battle down to the wire before a ‘road rage’ incident. got some improvements to make.” attend the drivers press conference ahead of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina circuit yesterday. (AFP)

GOLF RUGBY Jones eyes World Cup ahead of Davis soars, Day Samoa clash

AFP Bagshot, United Kingdom

ngland coach Ed- lurks, Spieth falters die Jones believes a Test against Samoa at Twickenham tomor- rowE will be a “fantastic dress rehearsal” for the 2019 World Cup in Japan. England’s Coach Eddie Jones Jones has made nine chang- laughs during a press conference es to the side that beat his na- in Bagshot, London, yesterday. in Australian wind tive Australia by a record 30-6 at Twickenham last weekend week and this is a great oppor- ‘I made a couple of mistakes out there with some swings, but made, I think, eight for what will be England’s fi nal tunity to show the depth in the international of 2017. squad and the depth of leader- birdies, which was nice and finished at five-under, which is a good start to the week’ Having coached Australia to ship,” Jones said at England’s a 2003 World Cup fi nal defeat training base in Bagshot, AFP by England and guided Japan southwest of London, after Sydney to a shock win over South Af- naming his side to play Samoa. rica at the 2015 edition, Jones “We have a four-day turna- is convinced squad depth is round (against Tonga and the ason Day made a spectac- the key to winning rugby un- United States) in the World ular return to the Austral- ion’s biggest prize. Cup and this game is a fantas- ian Open yesterday, fi n- To that end Jones, who has tic dress rehearsal for that.” ishing the fi rst round just won 21 of his 22 Tests as Eng- Jones, who has made no threeJ shots off the lead as the de- land coach, has benched regu- secret that his ultimate goal fending champion Jordan Spieth lar captain Dylan Hartley for with England is to win the next struggled in tricky conditions. the Samoa match, while fi rst- World Cup, added: “At the end Day, playing his national open choice goalkicker Owen Farrell of the day, the World Cup isn’t for the fi rst time in four years, is not even in the matchday 23. going to be won by 23 players. made the most of his early morn- Meanwhile the team will be The World Cup will be won by ing tee time, rolling in eight bird- co-captained by fl y-half George a squad of 31 players. ies in perfect sunshine for a su- Ford and back-row Chris Rob- “The ability of a squad to perb round of fi ve-under-par 66. shaw, England’s full-time cap- adjust and adapt while putting The former world number one tain before Jones took over fol- in cohesive performances is fi nished the opening day tied for lowing the hosts’ fi rst-round going to be so important.” third place with Nick Cullen, as exit at the 2015 World Cup. Turning to his change of Cameron Davis set the pace with British and Irish Lions hooker hooker, Jones said: “Dylan a blistering round of 63 to lead by Jamie George, all of whose 19 has been doing a recondi- two strokes from Taylor Macdon- previous England appearances tioning programme this week ald at The Australian Golf Club. have come off the bench, fi- and wasn’t training with the Spieth, playing in the after- nally starts now that Hartley is squad. Jamie has sat on the noon when the wind had picked among the replacements. bench behind Dylan and now up, battled his way to an up- “We want to play better this it’s his time to start.” and-down round of one-under- par 70 to end the day seven shots off the lead on a heavily congest- ed leaderboard. Unable to build Read out of All Blacks any momentum after making bogey at his fi rst two holes, the finale against Wales American dropped three more Captain Kieran Read will miss the All Blacks’ final match of the shots but brightened up his card season, a back injury ruling the 108-times capped forward out. with six birdies, including a 20- Read’s place will be taken by Luke Whitelock, with his brother foot putt at the fi nal hole that fell Jason Day of Australia tees off during the first round of the Australian Open at the Australian Golf Club course in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) Samuel skippering the side from lock ahead of normal vice- into the cup. captain Beauden Barrett. There is one other injury-enforced Playing the back nine fi rst, Davis, who turned profession- India’s Chawrasia aims to win abroad aft er Hong Kong Open lead change to the matchday 23 which beat Scotland 22-17 last Day dropped a shot at the par- al after winning the 2015 Aus- weekend, Patrick Tuipulotu coming in for Luke Romano in the three 15th hole, then double bo- tralian Amateur title, and then Long pigeon-holed as a player who could only win I’m not playing any Majors so that’s my target second row. Liam Squire will start at blindside flanker, and lock geyed the eighth hole, his second helping Australia win the Ei- on home soil, India’s SSP Chawrasia believes he hopefully. I’m playing Singapore, first event [in the] Scott Barrett comes onto the bench. last, but was otherwise pleased senhower Trophy in 2016, could has finally found the form to take on the world’s Asian Tour next year, and there are top four spots Team (15-1): Damian McKenzie; Waisake Naholo, Ryan Crotty, with his as he chases his fi rst hardly contain his excitement best on foreign fairways. going to the British Open.” Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane; Beauden Barrett, Aaron Australian Open title in a rare after chipping in for birdie at the Chawrasia posted the leading opening round score “Every week I’m playing better, but I don’t think Smith; Luke Whitelock, Sam Cane, Liam Squire; Samuel outing in his homeland. seventh to get to six-under. The in the Hong Kong Open yesterday, scoring an about ‘He’s world number one’ ... I respect but I’m Whitlock (capt), Patrick Tuipulotu; Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, 22-year-old made his only bogey impressive 65 in blustery conditions to head a field not looking. Kane Hames. Replacements: Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, ‘Good start to the week’ of the day at the ninth but re- including some of golf’s most in-form players such “When I’m playing, I’m just focusing on my game. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Lima “I made a couple of mistakes gained his composure and played as Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia and Tommy Fleet- If I’m looking at someone’s world ranking or some- Sopoaga, Anton Lienert-Brown. Coach: Steve Hansen (NZL). out there with some swings, the back nine in three-under to wood. It is all a long way from the Royal Calcutta one’s scoring, I’m losing my confidence.” but made, I think, eight birdies, claim the early outright lead. Golf Club, Asia’s oldest course, where his father The highlight of Chawrasia’s opening round was which was nice and fi nished at “To be able to play the back nine worked as greenskeeper and Chowrasia first learnt a remarkable recovery pitching wedge out of the fi ve-under, which is a good start without any bogeys, just keep the sport as a caddie before picking up the clubs in rough and over tall trees approaching the par-five Gasquet, Herbert double up for France to the week,” Day said. “I think on making a couple of birdies, I his own right. third hole, which he landed three feet from the pin. it would have been a little bit felt like that kind of shows that I “My father was working there in Kolkata and he “That shot was really great because I hit the tee France captain Yannick Noah selected Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, disappointing if I came out this was able to not get too far ahead said ‘You can’t play golf, it’s too expensive’,” said shot a little bit left of the rough, and got a lay?up Lucas Pouille, Richard Gasquet and Pierre-Hugues Herbert to morning and shot an even-par of myself, which has defi nitely Chawrasia, now 39. “But I said ‘No, I have to play!’ from there, and third shot was like 115 yards short face Belgium in the Davis Cup final in Lille this weekend. The round. I think it’s defi nitely out happened in the past,” he said. Now he’s been retired 20 years but he’s very happy into the wind ... my shot of the day today,” he said. France team was announced by the French Tennis Federation there to shoot a deep one. – and I’m making money!” “It’s good. I’m five?under today and very happy ... on Twitter ahead of Thursday’s draw for the Friday to Sunday “That’s kind of the thing, you First round leading scores Chawrasia has enjoyed an impressive run of form but it’s the first round, so not much pressure!” face-off against a Belgian team led by David Goff in. Goff in, ranked almost need to come out and 63 - Cameron Davis (AUS) at home of late, making history – and EUR275,000 seventh in the world, faces 18th-ranked Pouille in today’s opening capitalise when there’s no wind, 65 - Taylor Macdonald (AUS) ($325,000) – in March by retaining his title at the Scores after opening round match. Despite his elevated position in the ATP charts Goff in has because it’s very warm in the 66 - Jason Day (AUS), Nick Cul- Hero Indian Open with a seven-stroke win in New 65 - SSP Chawrasia (IND) never beaten Pouille in three previous meetings. Tsonga then morning, the ball’s starting to go len (AUS), Alex Edge (AUS) Delhi. 66 - Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG), Shubhankar takes to the court against Steve Durcis in the second rubber at a lot further in the mornings and 67 - Ben Campbell (NZL), That feat made Chawrasia the first Indian to suc- Sharma (IND) the 27,500 capacity Stade Pierre Mauroy. Gasquet, ranked 31st there’s no wind.” Stephen Leaney (AUS), Anthony cessfully defend a European Tour title, and the first 67 - Thomas Detry (BEL), Jamie Donaldson in the world, comes in for Nicolas Mahut, who with Herbert com- Davis, also playing in the Quayle (AUS) player to win their first four events on the tour all (WAL), Keith Horne (RSA), Marcus Kinhult (SWE), bined to win the 2015 US Open and the 2016 Wimbledon doubles morning, birdied six of his fi rst 68 - Jonas Blixt (SWE), Jamie Ar- in their home country. Micah Lauren Shin (USA), Angelo Que (PHI), titles. Herbert was included despite the 26-year-old suff ering a seven holes before the wind nold (AUS), Rod Pampling (AUS), But Chawrasia added a potentially more significant Poom Saksansin (THA) back injury which caused the doubles pair to forfeit their last gusts put a halt to his phenom- Matthew Guyatt (AUS), Steven victory at the Philippines’ Manila Masters last year, 68 - Danny Chia (MAL), Tommy Fleetwood (ENG), group match at ATP Finals in London last week. In consequence enal start and he eventually Jeff ress (AUS), Andrew Mar- his first professional win abroad, and has his sights Thongchai Jaidee (THA), Li Haotong (CHI), Wade Gasquet and Herbert will be making their debut in doubles. Julien signed for a 63, enough to grab tin (AUS), Jason Norris (AUS), set on further victories on foreign soil. Ormsby (AUS), Terry Pilkadaris (AUS), Justin Rose Benneteau, a former French Open doubles winner who is back to a two-stroke lead over Macdon- a-Dylan Perry (AUS), Austin “I won already last year in Manila ... I’m trying. Still (ENG), Julian Suri (USA). his best at the age of 35, was named by Noah as a reserve. ald, ranked 1,809th in the world. Bautista (AUS)

Friday, November 24, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Courtofversailles wins Barzan Cup; Ladjadj rides 4 winners ‘It was the first race for him today and I had thought that he wasn’t ready for this, but well he proved me wrong’

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

Getting into the gates was the main thing,” Stephan Ladjadj said about his ride Courtofversailles. The fi“ ve-year-old horse had taken his time before he lined up for the Barzan Cup (Gr3) at the Qa- tar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. Out of Gate 8, and a mile later, the favourite, trained by Rashid Mohamed al-Jehani, went past the post two lengths ahead of the rest of the fi eld for a hat-trick of wins going back to April this year even as Ladjadj himself grabbed four wins on the day. The win saw Ladjadj’s ride fi n- ish ahead of Ibrahim al-Malki’s wards Topsy Turvy and Pazeer. “It’s been a long time since this has happened to me. It’s a nice feeling. I was quite keen today when I came to racing. I knew I Ali Khalfan al-Suwaidi (left) receives the owner’s trophy from QREC had some good rides today, but GM Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi after Asaaf won the Ras Laff an Cup at you know you are under pressure QREC yesterday. some times. You have to concen- trate a lot, especially in the last race. The pressure was at its peak and we did a good job of it,” Lad- Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi and deputy-chief steward Abdullah Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) with the jadj added. winners of the Barzan Cup (Gr3) after Courtofversailles won the mile-long race at QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim In the penultimate race of the day, Zuhair Mohsen-trained Asaaf showed he has improved a lot since last season beating some seasoned rivals, includ- ing favourites Sraab and Foot- printinthesand, both trained by Ahmed Kobeissi, in the Ras Laf- fan Cup for local Thoroughbreds. The Qatar Derby winner, rid- den yesterday by Marvin Suer- land, just about managed to edge forward at the post to win by a neck as Saleem Golam-ridden Sraab beat stablemate Foot- printinthesand, helmed by Al- berto Sanna. “It was the fi rst race for him today and I had thought that he wasn’t ready for this, but well he proved me wrong. He beat some quality horses in the race,” trainer Mohsen said after the race. Alban de Mieulle (left) receives the trainer’s trophy from QREC “Keep in mind he was three deputy-chief steward Abdullah Rashid al-Kubaisi after Samaa won years old last year. With age he the Umm Salal Oaks Trials for four-year-old Purebred Arabian fillies is growing stronger and I expect yesterday. much better things from him in the coming races.” (Pier Convertino), 3. Botanica Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohamed bin Ladjadj’s three other winners (Harry Bentley), 4. Rasheeda Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Pierre were with Umm Qarn and trainer Stephan Ladjadj rides Courtofversailles to victory in the Barzan Cup (Gr3) at QREC yesterday. (Darren Williams). Won by: 1 ¼, Deymonaz. Alban de Mieulle. Nk, 2 ¼. Time: 1:25.61. Owner: Race 6: 1. Samaa (Stephan Lad- The famous maroon colours ahead of a fast-closing Damsah, “Being part of the Umm Qarn az-trained Sharesa. year-old got back to her winning Al Thumama Racing. Trainer: jadj), 2. Humam (Jean Baptiste topped two of the four Umm Salal saddled by al-Malki, for her fi rst team is a big step for me,” Ladjadj In the Oaks Trials for four- ways yesterday with Eduardo Mohamed Hussain. Hamel), 3. Djumana KB (Tomas Oaks Trials races, with Samaa career victory. said. year-old local Purebred Arabian Pedroza riding the Al Thumama Race 3: 1. Walaa (Stephan Ladj- Lukasek), 4. Deebaj (Alberto leading a one-two in the Trials Walaa, also ridden by Ladjadj, “I have waited for long for such fi llies, Sharesa, ridden by Carlo Racing owned mare to victory in adj), 2. Damsah (Saleem Golam), Sanna). Won by: 6, 3 ¼, 2 ¾. Time: for four-year-old Purebred Ara- had stayed in the front of the an opportunity. It’s a dream as- Fiocchi in the colours of Sheikh the Class 2 Thoroughbreds event 3. Abha (Tomas Lukasek), 4. 2:07.96. Owner: Umm Qarn. bian fi llies, and Walaa winning pack throughout the race, but signment. It’s been 10 years since Khalifa bin Mohamed bin Kha- for fi llies and mares. Khoud (Darren Williams). Won Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. the Trials for three-year-old lo- Damsah went past the entire fi eld I fi rst started riding in Qatar and lifa al-Thani, jostled with Za- Mohamed Jassim Ghazali’s Bo- by: 1 ¾, ¼, 34. Time: 1:41.39. Race 7: 1. Asaaf (Marvin Suer- cal Thoroughbred fi llies. in the fi nal two furlongs but per- now it’s all coming together.” hwa, helmed by Pier Convertino, tanica, ridden by Harry Bentley, Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: land), 2. Sraab (Saleem Golam), Samaa showed fantastic pace haps Golam left it for too late as After having stayed away from in the fi nal furlong after Umm and Rasheeda, helmed by Darren Alban de Mieulle. 3. Footprintinthesand (Alberto in the fi nal two furlongs to fi nish the run was good enough only for the winner’s enclosure for long in Qarn’s Afra had weakened having Williams for Majed Seifeddine, Race 4: 1. Scudding (Pier Con- Sanna), 4. Salman Bu Thaila an impressive six lengths ahead a second, ahead of Abha, ridden Qatar, Scudding fi nally walked in stayed ahead for the bulk of the completed the top three. vertino), 2. Al Muraqabah (Harry (Carlo Fiocchi). Won by: Nk, 1, ½. of stablemate Humam, ridden by Tomas Lukasek. yesterday, with Pier Convertino 1850m race. Bentley), 3. Flower Festival (Marc Time: 2:10.70. Owner: Ali Khalfan by Jean Baptiste Hamel, in the Umm Qarn’s Al Kabeer had astride, as an ecstatic Mohamed Sharesa, having impressively RESULTS Lerner), 4. Dariga (Eduardo Mohamed al-Suwaidi. Trainer: 1850m race. shown quality when he had fi n- Jassim Ghazali celebrated a one- stepped up from seven furlongs Race 1: 1. Al Kabeer (Stephan Pedroza). Won by: Nk, 4, 1 ¼. Zuhair Mohsen. “She proved she was one of the ished third on his Qatar debut two with Champion Jockey Harry on her debut, edged out Zahwa Ladjadj), 2. Konouz (Marvin Time: 1:57.28. Owner: Sheail Race 8: 1. Courtofversailles best three year olds in France. She three weeks ago. Yesterday, the Bentley guiding Al Muraqabah to by a nose, while Julian Smart’s Suerland), 3. AJS Dhabi (Alberto bin Khalifa al-Kuwari. Trainer: (Stephan Ladjadj), 2. Topsy came here last season but not like Alban de Mieulle-trained colt a close second in the Oaks Trials Majnona went past Afra to com- Sanna), 4. Ghazi Al Jeryan (Sal- Mohamed Jassim Ghazali. Turvy (Saleem Golam), 3. Pazeer we expected her to. She has come shed his maiden status under for three-year-old Thorough- plete the top three. Three weeks eem Golam). Won by: 2 ¾, ½, ¾. Race 5: 1. Sharesa (Carlo Fioc- (Eduardo Pedroza), 4. Vedevani back and won today, which is nice Ladjadj in the opening race of bred fi llies. ago, Mohamed Hussain-trained Time: 1:49.94. Owner: Umm Qarn. chi), 2. Zahwa (Pier Convertino), (Pier Convertino). Won by: 2, ¾, to see, but let’s see how the next the card, topping the Purebred Ghazali almost had another Bronze Maquette had fi nished Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. 3. Majnona (Alberto Sanna), 4. Nk. Time: 1:37.10. Owner: Khalid few races go,” De Mieulle said. Arabian Maiden Plate event for winner in Zahwa on the day in the outside the top two for the fi rst Race 2: 1. Bronze Maquette (Edu- Afra (Stephan Ladjadj). Won by: Rashid al-Mohannadi. Trainer: Earlier, Walaa did well to stay three-year-olds. next race but for Pierre Deymon- time since April 2016. The fi ve- ardo Pedroza), 2. Stars N Angels No, ¾, Shd. Time: 2:11.26. Owner: Rashid Mohamed al-Jehani.

IBSF WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP Qatar’s Bashar makes it to last 32; Asif bows out By Sports Reporter Ko Htet in the Last-32 stage tomorrow, frames to outclass Akhtar. Doha with a rest day today. Pakistan, however, still has Muba- In a big blow to Pakistan’s campaign, shir Raza and Asjad Iqbal in the fi eld. as the 2012 world champion Mohamed Another high profi le casualty of the atar’s Bashar Abdulmajeed is Asif and 2017 world U18 champion day was Brazil’s Igor Figueiredo, who the lone player from the host Mohamed Naseem Akhtar suff ered de- fell to Austria’s Andreas Ploner 3-4 in nation left in the men’s draw feats yesterday. a scrappy aff air. of the IBSF World Snooker Asif, a strong title contender, lost to Ploner started very well with two ChampionshipQ at Al Arabi Sports Club Malaysia’s Moh Keen Hoo 1-4, while clinical breaks of 55 and 77, taking a Indoor Hall yesterday. 16-year-old Akhtar was blanked by 2-0 lead. However, Igor fought back in The 35-year-old beat Poland’s Grze- Hong Kong’s Lee Chun Wai. third frame but fell short by 4 points gorz Biernadski 4-2 in their last 64 The Malaysian gave Asif no chance and the defi cit rose to 3. match, even as compatriots Ahmed whatsoever early on to go into a 3-0 The Brazilian 40-year-old then Saif and Ali al-Obaidli crashed out. lead, before Asif pulled one back in made a brilliant comeback to level the Bashar started well, securing fi rst the fourth. In the fi fth frame, Moh game 3-3, but Ploner beat him by 29 two frames with a 51-point break in dominated again, and armed with points in the fi nal frame to secure his fi rst frame. Though he lost the next a 40-point break, wrapped up the berth in Last-32. two frames, he stood strong in next two match. Two-time champion Pankaj Advani frames to beat the Polish challenge 4-2. Lee too was in commanding form of India had little trouble brushing Al-Obaidli lost to Ross Bulman of since the start, starting with a 61-point aside the challenge of Yemen’s Ahmed Ireland 1-4, while Saif stretched Kevin break to secure the fi rst frame. Further Saloomi 4-0. Hanssens of Belgium till the deciding ahead, he comfortably won second Also remaining in the fi eld are Iran’s frame before bowing down 3-4. frame also and then sent two contri- Amir Sarkhosh and last year’s runner- Bashar will now take on Myanmar’s butions of 54 and 53 breaks in next two up Andrew Pagett. Qatar’s Bashar Abdulmajeed in action yesterday.