FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER 2016 21

IOC strips three gold medallists for doping

AFP a doping test but the medal was not Beijing and London after a new anal- the stakes as the World Anti-Doping taken away because he died in 2013. ysis was carried out on more than Agency (WADA) pursues its investi- Chinshanlo, now 30, Maneza, 1,240 samples using improved equip- gation into alleged state-sponsored 30, and Podobedova, 29, all tested ment. About 10 gold medalists from doping in Russia. LAUSANNE: The International positive for the steroid stanozol. London have now lost their titles or More than 110 Russians were Olympic Committee yesterday Chinshanlo was also found to have are at risk of losing them because banned from taking part in the Rio stripped three Kazakh weightlifters taken oxandrolone, another steroid. of doping - four are athletes from Olympics after an inquiry by Cana- of gold medals won at the London Both substances promote muscle Belarus. dian lawyer Richard McLaren gave 2012 Games for doping. growth. Chinshanlo won the 53kg Three Chinese weightlifting gold details of the Russia scandal. Zulfiya Chinshanlo, Maiya Man- category in London, Maneza won medal winners from Beijing have McLaren announced on Wednes- eza and were the 63kg gold and Podobedova the been stripped of their titles because day that the final part of his report all caught in new testing of hun- 75kg contest. of doping. would be released in early December. dreds of samples from the London Marina Shkermankova of Bela- The doping scandal is a new blow IOC leader Thomas Bach has and 2008 Beijing Olympics. rus who took bronze in the women’s to weightlifting. The International called for a major reform of WADA A weightlifter from Belarus 69kg category was also among eight Weightlifting Federation has said and the anti-doping system. WADA ’s Svetlana Podobedova competing to win the gold medal who won a bronze medal was also new doping cheats announced by the it wants to ban Kazakhstan, Rus- is to discuss proposals on who should disqualified by the IOC. Russian IOC. sia, Belarus and other nations for 12 carry out tests and sanctions at a during the women’s 75kg group A weightlifting event of the London weightlifter Besik Kudokov who The IOC has said that at least 98 months over doping. meeting in Glasgow, Scotland on 2012 Olympic Games at the Excel Centre in London, England in this file won a silver in London also failed competitors failed drug tests from But the scandal also heightens November 20. photo taken on August 3, 2012.

Ecclestone Rossi and Lorenzo battle for keen to add to the risk factor

Reuters second spot at Sepang Circuit MEXICO CITY: Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, no stranger to controversial com- ments, has suggested building to hasten rain runoff and improve walls on racetrack corners to add No one has been more tyre grip. a greater sense of danger. “Sepang is always a fantastic The remarks are unlikely to sit successful at Sepang track and I like it a lot. The big prob- well with, or be treated seriously than Rossi who calls it lem is the temperature. It’s a great by, drivers and the governing FIA, challenge. It’s the toughest race of the who have worked for decades to ‘the toughest race of season, and also the track is new. We improve safety in a sport whose the season’ have new asphalt. That is always a past is littered with fatalities. big question mark, especially for the “In those (the old) days, and it tyres,” Rossi said can’t happen again, people would Rossi’s last world title came come to a race and think some- AFP in 2010, which was also the most body could get killed,” Ecclestone, recent year in which he won at who turned 86 today, told report- Sepang. The track saw the tragic ers in Austin before Formula One death in 2011 of Italian rider Marco headed to Mexico for this week- SEPANG, MALAYSIA: Valentino Simoncelli in a crash that also end’s round. Rossi and Yamaha team-mate Jorge involved Rossi and resulted in the However, he suggested races Lorenzo reprise their battle for sec- race’s cancellation. were now in danger of appearing ond place in the MotoGP season Last year’s victor in Malaysia, too safe, with drivers exceeding championship in Malaysia this week- Dani Pedrosa, will miss the race after track limits without suffering any end, with memories of last year’s breaking his collarbone in a horrific consequences. acrimonious race still fresh. crash in Japan. “I’ve been criticized probably Spain’s Marc Marquez of Rep- The final race of the season at by everybody because I wanted sol Honda clinched his third world Valencia is set for November 13. to build 40cm walls around the title in four years in Japan a fortnight Malaysian police on Wednesday corners. They keep saying they ago, shifting the focus to nine-time warned race spectators to behave, mustn’t go off the road, I prom- champion Rossi and his team-mate Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Italian rider Valentino Rossi (left) looks on as Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider hoping to prevent a recurrence of ise they won’t,” added Ecclestone. and rival Lorenzo. Marc Marquez addresses a press conference ahead of the 2016 MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang an incident at Sepang during last Ecclestone said Formula One’s They return to Malaysia’s steamy International Circuit in Sepang, Malaysia, yesterday. month’s Malaysia F1 race that saw street races in Baku, Monaco and Sepang circuit where Rossi last year nine Australian fans arrested. , with walls and metal was accused of sending Marquez Rossi) has changed a little bit,” Mar- strong podium last weekend at the race of the season.” The Australians fans were imme- fences, concentrated the minds sliding out of the race with a kick, quez said yesterday, referring to the Australian Grand Prix. The Sepang track is one of the diately detained on suspicion of and the racing was still good. earning the Italian legend a back-of- fallout from Sepang. Rossi fought back at Phillip Island trickiest, especially when Malay- public indecency after they stripped He said the current crop of the-grid start in the season decider “Now we have a professional from 15th on the grid to take second sia’s tropical weather comes into play. down to skimpy swimwear embla- quieter, turbo-hybrid cars also at Valencia. relationship, nothing else.” place behind Cal Crutchlow. Track temperatures can top 50 zoned with Malaysia’s flag while looked easier to drive than the Rossi later suggested that the Asked to respond, Rossi said With two races left, that gave degrees centigrade (122 Fahrenheit) celebrating countryman Daniel noisy beasts of old times. penalty -- and what he called col- coolly: “I agree with Marc.” him a 24-point lead over Lorenzo, -- putting strain on both man and Ricciardo’s win. Displays of pub- Formula One is still feeling the lusion between fellow Spaniards Rossi, 37, blew his hopes of catch- who put in a relatively lacklustre machine -- and the humidity and lic indecency are frowned upon in pain from the death of Frenchman Lorenzo and Marquez to thwart ing Marquez this year to secure a 10th sixth-place showing in Australia. sudden heavy downpours can pose Muslim-majority Malaysia, as are Jules Bianchi, who crashed into a him in Valencia -- cost him the world title when he fell in Japan. No one has been more successful at control issues. insults to the nation’s flag, but the recovery tractor at a wet Japanese championship. But he rides into the Malaysia Sepang than Rossi, who has six wins An additional wild card this Australians were eventually released race in 2014 and died in hospital of “Of course the relationship (with Grand Prix with momentum after a here, yet he called it the “toughest year is a track resurfacing designed without charge. his head injuries last year.

Kenya to host first Record-breaker Bairstow still hungry for runs international cricket AFP During the first Test in Chit- England’s Jonny Bairstow tagong, Bairstow surged past Flower’s in four years tally of 1,045 runs in a calendar year as he plays a shot during during a match-winning partnership the third day of the AFP DHAKA: He’s already become the with Ben Stokes. first Test cricket match most prolific wicketkeeping batsman It leaves him just 390 runs short against Bangladesh at in a calendar year and with six Tests of Michael Vaughan’s tally of 1,481 Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury NAIROBI: Kenya is set to play its first interna- still to go, Jonny Bairstow has the runs in 2002, the record for the most Cricket Stadium in tional cricket at home in four years against Hong opportunity to set a record beyond runs by any Englishman from Jan- Chittagong, Bangladesh Kong in a World Cricket League qualifier in Nai- reach -- and silence his critics once uary to December. With England in this file photo taken on robi next month. and for all. due to embark on a five-Test tour of October 22, 2016. The 50-overs Nov 18-20 match at Nairobi “It’s a pretty amazing feel- India straight after the second Bang- Gymmkana club ground will be the first since ing,” said England’s Bairstow as he ladesh Test, Bairstow should have a series of attacks blamed on terrorists hit the reflected on his achievement in shat- ample opportunity to chase down capital in 2012 following the country’s decision tering Andy Flower’s 16-year record that record. to send troops to Somalia to battle the Shabaab for most runs by a gloveman in Test The volume of cricket means militant group. match cricket. selectors are likely to rotate players “Through joint efforts of the Kenyan gov- “There were a few mumbles but Bairstow will resist any offer of a ernment, the International Cricket Council (ICC) floating around that I wasn’t good rest, especially given how hard he has was impressed with the assurance from the gov- enough,” he admitted ahead of the fought to regain his place after being ernment and the local cricket body that it will be second Test against Bangladesh which dropped following England’s disas- safe to host a world class event,” Cricket Kenya begins today. trous tour to Australia three winters said in a statement. “You go back maybe two years ago. Bairstow has also taken 53 dis- “The hosting of top flight cricket matches and there are people writing you off missals in his 11 Tests behind the in Kenya will greatly contribute to the devel- to never play Test cricket again, (so) stumps so far this year, more than opment of the game in Kenya.” to then come back and prove a few any of his peers. Kenya and Hong Kong have each played six people wrong with the way that I’ve “Having missed out for 18 months matches in the World Cricket League champi- been playing...” after the Ashes and going away and onships, which also involves Scotland, Namibia, The sentence was left unfinished working on my game and playing for The Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Nepal and but the normally self-effacing York- Yorkshire and earning your place the United Arab Emirates. The top four coun- shireman is understandably proud of back, you want to play as many games tries will qualify to play in the 2019 World Cup his achievements since the turn of the as you can for England in every single in England and Wales.Kenya will play Nepal year, both with the bat and the gloves. format going,” said Bairstow. after Hong Kong in the series. 22 FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER 2016 SPORT

Violence returns to haunt English football matches Mata sinks City, noisy

Reuters ground built with wide gangways for 80,000 athletics fans cannot safely be adapted to keep warring football fans apart. West Ham stun Chelsea LONDON: Snarling football sup- “The fans were very close to porters pelted each other with each other. The ground is mak- ripped-up seats and coins at West ing it easier for those who want to and with City, Chelsea and Tot- “Congratulations to United, Ham United’s game with Chelsea on make trouble to do so,” he said on Jose Mourinho tenham Hotspur all falling by the they made a good performance. Wednesday. Sky Sports. “It’s going to take a hel- wayside in the fourth round, his We had chances on the counter- The eruption of hooliganism, luva lot of money to police that place triumphs at the path to the final is clearing once attack. I am happy with the young a phenomenon the English game because it is so so big.” Manchester derby again. players. No regrets (about his team hoped it had consigned to history, The situation has been compli- While City remain top of the selection),” said Guardiola. has worried the Football Association cated by the fact that West Ham, as Pep Guardiola league, on goal difference, and West Ham pulled off the big- enough to launch an investigation. It which pays £2.5m per season rent, fails to win in seven although Guardiola selected gest shock of the round with will ask whether the scenes reflect does not own the stadium, which a much weaker team than victory over Chelsea in the first a problem with the former Olympic remains the property of the London consecutive matches Mourinho, their early season local derby at their new London stadium itself or are indicative of a Legacy Development Corporation momentum has deserted them. Stadium. wider malaise. and Newham council. AFP Mourinho used his programme Chelsea manager Antonio The trouble was not on the scale As anchor tenants, West Ham notes to say “sorry” to United’s fans Conte made seven changes from of the violence that scarred English is not in charge of security. That is for the result at Chelsea and his his side’s win over United and saw football in the last century, but its handled by London Stadium 185, the decision to make only four changes his team fall behind to Cheikhou location is particularly sensitive company in charge of stewarding. MANCHESTER: Juan Mata’s sec- to his starting XI showed his eager- Kouyate’s superb 11th-minute for a sport keen to brand itself as The club has complained that ond-half strike earned Manchester ness to make amends. header. Edimilson Fernandes forward-thinking and open to the too few stewards were employed United a 1-0 win over holders Guardiola, in contrast, made added a second early in the sec- whole family. at earlier games. London Stadium Manchester City on Wednesday nine changes, notably handing ond half and although Gary Cahill After years of negotiation, West 185 said around 1,000 were on duty as Jose Mourinho’s resurgent starts to youngsters Pablo Maffeo reduced the arrears in stoppage Ham finally moved into the £701m on Wednesday, more than double side reached the English Football and Aleix Garcia. time, after substitute Eden Hazard stadium at the start of the season, the level recommended for Premier League Cup quarter-finals. His side should have gone had hit the post, it came too late. leaving their traditional home, the League games. Humiliated 4-0 by Mourinho’s ahead in the second minute when There was a heavy police pres- Boleyn Ground, after 112 years. The stadium has also been hit former club Chelsea at the week- Kelechi Iheanacho headed over ence inside and outside the former Their sign-off game last May had by radio problems, with the system end, United got back to winning from Jesus Navas’s cross and they Olympic Stadium, where there has also been marked by violence, when used by police to communicate not ways and claimed a measure of might have had a penalty when been trouble involving West Ham Manchester United’s team bus was due to be fully operational until revenge for their 2-1 loss to Pep Michael Carrick caught Garcia fans in previous games. pelted by missiles outside the sta- February, 2017. Guardiola’s City in last month’s near the byline. But rival supporters clashed dium, but the scenes were largely That led to a refusal by the Met- league derby. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic and at the end of the game, with some dismissed as stemming from the ropolitan Police to deploy officers The result at Old Trafford gave Paul Pogba both wasteful, United throwing chairs and bottles. emotion of the occasion. inside the stadium on health and Mourinho only his third victory in struggled to establish a foothold “I noticed it, but I wasn’t While most supporters wel- safety grounds, although riot 13 encounters with Guardiola, who in City territory and when they watching it so I really don’t know comed the move to the 60,000-seat police were sent in at the height of has gone six games without victory did, the visitors’ defenders were what happened,” said West Ham stadium, a minority remained Wednesday’s trouble. for the first time in his glittering on hand to block. manager Slaven Bilic. unhappy at what they saw as a sani- As the club, company and foot- managerial career. Had Marcos Rojo not rushed Southampton beat Sunder- tised new environment far removed ball authorities sought to come up “The players did everything across to block from Iheanacho, land at St Mary’s courtesy of a fine from their traditional home three with a strategy to prevent a repeat, and deserved to win. We are meanwhile, United would have 20-yard curler from former Lille miles down the road. one lawmaker suggested on Thurs- happy. In the last week everything trailed at the interval. winger Sofiane Boufal, who was Sporadic violence has also bro- day that West Ham should play went against us, but we are pro- But Mourinho’s half-time making his full debut. ken out at home games against without a crowd. fessionals and today was a good team talk had the desired effect Watford, Middlesbrough and Sun- “If there is a repeat of the vio- chance to clear that feeling,” said and after City goalkeeper Willy English Football derland this season, sometimes lence, the next two or three home Mourinho. Caballero had touched a shot from League caused by arguments among West games for West Ham should be United will now entertain Pogba onto the post, the hosts took The EFL (English Football League Ham’s own supporters over standing played behind closed doors.” Lon- West Ham United, who claimed a a 54th-minute lead. Manchester United’s Spanish midfielder Cup) quarter-final draw will be at the all-seater stadium, a conten- don and Westminster Conservative 2-1 upset win over Chelsea, while Leaving Nicolas Otamendi on Juan Mata celebrates after scoring a played on November 28 Liverpool tious issue at many grounds. MP Mark Field, vice-chairman of Southampton’s reward for over- his back in an aerial challenge, vs Leeds, goal against Manchester City during Segregation of rival support- the all-party parliamentary football coming Sunderland 1-0 is a trip Ibrahimovic crossed from the left Manchester United vs West Ham ers lies at the heart of the problem. group, told the Evening Standard. their English Football League Cup match to Arsenal. and with Ander Herrera and Fern- Hull vs Newcastle Former West Ham player Tony Gale West Ham’s next home game is at Old Trafford in Manchester, England Mourinho previously won the ando colliding at the near post, is among those suggesting that a against Stoke City on November 5. on Wednesday. competition three times at Chelsea Mata popped up to sweep home. Arsenal vs Southampton

Bayern Munich’s FIFA parts David Alaba Higuain adds even more spice to and Arturo with CEO of its Vidal react after scoring a goal against FC Juventus-Napoli rivalry in Serie-A $140m soccer Augsburg during their match in German Cup museum (DFB Pokal) Reuters How will I greet him tomorrow? In at Allianz AP Arena, Munich, the same way that a father would Germany on with a son who made him angry,” he Wednesday. said after Wednesday’s 2-0 win over MILAN: Gonzalo Higuain (pictured) Empoli. ZURICH: FIFA says the CEO of its will face former club Napoli for the Napoli fans, however, have been $140m soccer museum in Zurich first time tomorrow since his acrimo- less forgiving, clearly feeling betrayed is leaving amid reports of poor nious departure for Juventus, adding by a player who in May said how much visitor numbers since opening in even more spice to the fierce rivalry he enjoyed playing for their club. February. between the two sides. When news of his move first FIFA agreed with Stefan Jost The brooding Argentine scored a emerged, supporters gathered in the “to part company by the end of Bayern march on in record 36 league goals for Napoli last city centre to tear up pictures of the October 2016 due to contrasting season as he led them to the runners- Argentine and set fire to replicas views on future plans for the FIFA up spot behind Juventus who won a of his number nine shirt. A banner World Football Museum.” Cup, Dortmund survive fifth successive Serie A title. bearing his photograph was tied to Jost leaves as FIFA leaders But instead of staying on to lead a dustcart. reevaluate how they spend more another attempt by Napoli to end Juventus go into tomorrow’s match than $5bn income from each Juve’s recent domination, he triggered as Serie A leaders and are four points World Cup. AFP Bayern went ahead with a €90m ($98.31m) buyout clause in ahead of third-placed Napoli. More The museum opening was the two minutes gone when Tho- his contract, which had two years still than any other fixture in Italian foot- first official duty of FIFA Presi- mas Mueller fed Lahm and the to run, and moved to the Turin club. ball, Juventus against Napoli has come dent Gianni Infantino two days Bayern captain drilled home Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri, who to be seen as a clash between the rich, after his election. The project — BERLIN: Holders Bayern his shot. brought out the best in Higuain last industrial wealth of the north and the a museum on three floors, sports Munich reached the third round Mueller then floated in the season, gave a light-hearted answer much poorer south. bar and apartments for rent — was of the German Cup with a 3-1 cross which Green headed home when asked about the meeting with The city government of Turin is so a favorite of former FIFA President win over Augsburg on Wednes- to make it 2-0 on 41 minutes. his former marksman, who has scored worried about possible trouble that it Sepp Blatter. It was projected to day while second-division Augsburg pulled a goal back six league goals for Juventus so far. has banned the sales of tickets in the attract 250,000 visitors annually. Union Berlin took injury-hit on the counter attack when Ji “Higuain did well with me and Naples region for the second time in FIFA also spent $27 million Borussia Dortmund to penalties. Dong-Won cut in and blasted was always hard working in training. a row. buying a neighboring hotel. Goals by Philipp Lahm, his shot home from a tight angle Julian Green and David Alaba on 69 minutes. But Alaba came sealed Bayern’s win at the Alli- on with five minutes to go and anz Arena, while Borussia, last rifled home Bayern’s third in the season’s finalists, endured nerv- 94th minute to settle the result. Real run riot in 7-1 Spanish Cup win ous moments before beating Dortmund, missing a host of Union 3-0 in a shoot-out after injured stars like Pierre-Emer- it finished 1-1 in Dortmund. ick Aubameyang and Marco AFP Coentrao made his return following seven In Munich, Bayern coach Reus, went through after a months out injured on a routine evening for Carlo Ancelotti rested a host of scare. Dortmund took the lead the Champions League winners. stars for tomorrow’s away Bun- thanks to a first-half own goal “I’m very pleased with the match. We desliga clash -- also against from ex-Dortmund defender LEÓN, SPAIN: A much-weakened Real started strongly and took the game seri- Augsburg -- and next Tuesday’s Michael Parensen, but Union Madrid went goal crazy in the Copa del ously. That’s the most important thing for Champions League clash at PSV striker Steven Skrzybski lev- Rey on Wednesday, smashing third-divi- me, taking it seriously and respecting the Eindhoven. elled with nine minutes left sion minnows Cultural Leonesa 7-1 away opponent,” said Real coach Zinedine Zidane. Alaba, Holger Badstu- Goalkeeper Roman Wei- from home in the first leg of their last-32 “But we haven’t won anything, we’re ber, Arjen Robben, Arturo denfeller was Dortmund’s hero encounter. going to keep going because this is a Vidal, Xabi Alonso and Robert with two saves in the shoot-out, Marco Asensio and Alvaro Morata long-term thing, in the Copa del Rey, Lewandowski were all on the while Ousmane Dembele, Mat- each struck twice in a one-sided match, the Champions League or any other bench while US striker Green thias Ginter and Mario Goetze but Spanish international Morata should competition.” made a rare start. netted their spot-kicks. Real Madrid’s forward Mariano Diaz celebrates after scoring a goal have had at least a hat-trick as Real ran Real, who have won the Copa del Rey 19 Bastuber came on for the Schalke also scrapped into riot, ensuring the return leg at the San- times, were thrown out of last season’s com- against Cultural Leonesa during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King’s last ten minutes for his first the third round with a nervy tiago Bernabeu is effectively a dead rubber. petition after fielding the ineligible Denis Cup) round of 32 first match at the Reino de Leon Stadium in Leon, appearance in nearly nine 3-2 win over second-division Real Madrid’s forgotten man Fabio Cheryshev in a tie with Cadiz. Spain on Wednesday. months after injury. Nuremberg. SPORT FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER 2016 23

Riders taking the first corner at the Losail International Circuit during last year’s FIM Superbike World Championship in this file photo. Racing fans in for a treat at Losail Circuit

Khalid Al Remaihi says new-look paddock area ready to welcome fans during FIM WorldSBK Championship Round

Rizwan Rehmat The Peninsula The re-developed paddock area inside the state-of-the-art Losail DOHA: The massively re-developed International Circuit. paddock area inside the state-of-the- art Losail International Circuit is ready Khalid Al Remaihi, Vice Chairman to welcome fans for the final round of the FIM Superbike World Championship, a and Secretary-General of Losail top official has said. Circuit Sports Club (LCSC). Khalid Al Remaihi, Vice Chairman Top riders visit Souq Waqif, Paddock Show and Secretary General of Losail Cir- cuit Sports Club (LCSC), said the recent enjoy a spectacular week of fun and pose with expensive falcons upgrade will allow fans more space to speed,” he said. at Losail to bring roam about the paddock area where bike Al Remaihi said the LCSC has also enthusiasts catch up with riders for pho- enhanced its safety measures around the tos or take autographs. circuit, meeting the requirements set by The Peninsula had already been sold except for the one they fans closer to “A vast area has been revamped from the world racing body. were holding. Torres was the first to jump at the look you saw earlier. Our prepara- “We have our organising commit- the opportunity to hold the Falcon, petting tions started long back. We are ready to tees working tirelessly to ensure a great the wild creature in front of the media and welcome the fans. When they (the fans) week of racing. This is a top event fol- D O H A : The stage is set for the final show- onlookers. A nervous looking Fores was next SBK stars walk in over the weekend, they will lowed by millions around the world. We down of the 2016 MOTUL FIM Superbike World to hold the wild hunter and was relieved when enjoy the new look,” Al Remaihi said in are ready,” Al Remaihi said in an inter- Championship and all stars have already Camier asked to take it next. The Brit took The Peninsula an interview. view with Al Sharq newspaper. arrived in Qatar ahead of the action filled the opportunity to get a selfie with the Fal- “The first 2,000 fans get special “The presence of international media weekend. con before all the riders gathered together to treatment this time,” he said. - print and TV - adds to the last leg of Saeed Al Sulaiti (Pedercini Racing) took get a photo with the amazing bird. DOHA: As part of the WorldSBK event pro- “Those fans can enter the paddock this year’s world championship,” he said. the opportunity to guide his racing counter- They then strolled through the winding gramme at Losail International Circuit, all the area and see their heroes up close. The “The Losail International Circuit is parts Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), narrow pathways of the traditional Souq, tak- fans can enjoy and get closer to the riders and ones who love this sport, that is a spe- the heart of the bike racing in the region. Jordi Torres (Althea BMW Racing Team), Xavi ing in the sweet scents of spice and perfumes teams in the Paddock Show activities organised cial moment to cherish,” Al Remaihi said. Qatar continues to promote the sport and Fores (Barni Racing Team), Leon Camier (MV filling the air. Al Sulaiti directed the riders to by WorldSBK during the weekend. “I urge the racing fans to come and we are thrilled to be part of the world Agusta Reparto Corse) and Michael van der a traditional coffee shop where they settled Today, the Paddock Show runs from 10.30pm relive the sensation. I am sure they will calendar,” he said. Mark (Honda World Superbike Team) through for a quick pit stop. They drank Arabic coffee to 11.00pm with the WorldSSP top 3 riders and Al Remaihi said the 2016 Motul FIM the snaking labyrinth of the incredible Souq with dried dates and the customary Tahania the WorldSBK top 3 riders together with the local 2016 MOTUL FIM WSBK Superbike World Championship prize Waqif in Doha. dip. Once refreshed and refuelled, they contin- hero Saeed Al Sulaiti on the Opening Day show. Gaerne Qatar Round Schedule giving ceremony will be held at the Pad- Their first stop was the Falcon Centre ued on their Middle Eastern journey through The Paddock Show runs from 9.00pm to dock once the race podium show of the where the riders admired the regal hunting Qatari culture. 10.00pm tomorrow with the WorldSSP Quali- Today WorldSBK Race 2 ends. birds perched on display. Al Sulaiti explained The final stop was a small shop hidden in fying show, the WorldSSP meet ‘n’ greet and the WorldSSP - FP1 16:30 - 17:30 He said the first 2,000 guests with that the wild falcons were trained to hunt from the shadows of the bazaar selling traditional WorldSBK Race 1 Qualifying show. WorldSBK - FP1 17:45 - 18:45 grandstand tickets will have special a young age and that all the birds on display men’s headwear. On Sunday, the fans can meet the riders in WorldSSP - FP2 19:45- 20:45 access to the ceremony. the WorldSBK meet ‘n’ greet at 18:45 with com- Al Remaihi said the ticket prices have petitions and chat shows. WorldSBK - FP2 21:00-22:00 been set keeping affordability in mind. In the giant screen located at the Paddock Tomorrow Last week, the organisers said the Show, the races, free practices and super poles WorldSBK - FP3 15:30-15:45 grandstand ticket is priced at QR 100 for will be shown live with commentary. WorldSSP - FP3 16:00-16:15 the 3-day event. The three-day ticket will In the Paddock area there will be motobikes WorldSBK - SP1 17:30-17:45 give access to the Paddock for the first stands from Alfardan Motorcycles and Al Badi 2,000 guests. The WorldSBK VIP Lounge Bikes, a food corner with Amazing Waffles, Arnag WorldSBK - SP2 17:55-18:10 ticket is priced at QR 1,200 for tomorrow and also the presence of Red Bull Qatar. WorldSSP - SP1 18:30-18:45 and Sunday and QR 700 for Sunday only. As partners of WorldSBK, there will be stands WorldSSP - SP2 18:55-19:10 “If you get to the hospitality area of Fassi Crane, Pirelli Tyres and Milwaukee Tools WorldSBK – Race1 20:00 - above the pit garages - the fans will Qatar. Sunday get an excellent view of the pit lane and There will be an exclusive motorbike parking starting grid in the terrace of the lounge,” inside the Paddock for all the bikers that come to WorldSSP – Warm Up 17:0017:15 Al Remaihi said. the event with any ticket of the event. WorldSBK – Warm up 17:30 -17:45 Tickets can be purchased at www. For those wanting an adrenaline rush and fun WorldSSP – Race 19:15 lcsc.qa, www.worldsbk.com www.q- with friends, the Go Karting track will be open tickets.com and during the event at the during the 3-day event with a price of QR 100 for WorldSBK - Race 21:00 A rider holding pose for a photo with a falcon at the Falcon Centre at Souq Waqif. ticket booths of the circuit. a 15-minute session from 4.00 to 8.00. Perfect Kerber, Cibulkova reach semi-finals in Singapore

Reuters Kerber has enjoyed a breakout Kerber staved off WTA SINGAPORE second to open a showdown against White Group win- foothold in the contest and Cibulk- season with grand slam victories at another break RESULTS 2-0 lead with an ner Svetlana Kuznetsova. ova rode the confidence of a 13-point the Australian and US Opens, and point in eighth early break. After losing round robin matches streak to build a 5-2 lead before seal- her baseline hustling and resilient game to edge 5-3 Round-robin stage - Red Group Her revival to Kerber and Keys, the Slovak needed ing the opening set with a big serve SINGAPORE: Angelique Kerber defence proved far too strong for an ahead and the Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x7) bt was short-lived, a straight-sets win to have any chance that her opponent returned long. eased into the last four of the WTA erratic Keys, who was broken six German claimed however, as the of advancing. She stayed alive with a The world number eight started Finals with an unbeaten record when times in nine service games. the first set when Simona Halep (ROM x3) tenacious Ker- determined display before the Ger- the second set as she had the first but the world number one thrashed Mad- “It’s always tough to play against Keys was unable 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) ber stepped up man world number one completed a Halep stood firm and recovered an ison Keys 6-3, 6-3 in the Red Group Madison so I was focused on play- to hold serve for Angelique Kerber (GER x1) bt another level perfect day for Cibulkova. early break to prevent her opponent finale at the Singapore Indoor Sta- ing my best and going for it when a fourth straight Madison Keys (USA x6) to reel off five In the early match, the busy from running away with the match. dium yesterday. I had the chance,” Kerber said. “I time. straight games Cibulkova came out all guns blazing, Cibulkova, however, was still on The 28-year-old German won all moved and returned well and it feels The Ameri- 6-3, 6-3 and set up an ulti- looking far more composed than her the front foot and calling the shots three of her round robin matches and incredible to be in the semi-finals can’s high-risk mately routine opponent, harrying Halep on every but after breaking her opponent her straight sets triumph over Keys for a first time.” aggressive game is vulnerable victory. Kerber will face either defend- point and breaking to love at the first twice in a row towards the end of ensured Dominika Cibulkova would The first set featured five con- against a defensive master like ing champion Agnieszka Radwanska opportunity as she raced to a 3-0 lead the set, the hobbling Halep came join her in the semi-finals after the secutive service breaks before the Kerber but after hitting too many or Karolina Pliskova, a rematch of last in less than 10 minutes. storming back but was unable to Slovak had earlier ground out a 6-3, German took control by neutral- unforced errors in the first set, Keys month’s US Open final, in Saturday’s Halep, whose left knee was heav- contain the hyperactive Slovak in 7-6(5) victory over Simona Halep. ising Keys’s powerful forehand. found her range at the start of the semi-finals while Cibulkova is set for a ily taped, was struggling to get a the tiebreak. www.thepeninsulaqatar.comw PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 Rossi and Lorenzo Mata sinks City, battle for second noisy West Ham spot at Sepang stun Chelsea

FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER 2016 • 27 MOHARRAM 1438 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar IAAF Chief Coe, Asian officials discuss proposals

“Athletics is a very nice and pop- Top athletics officials ular sport that can flourish even more in the future,” Sheikh Saoud from more than 40 bin Ali Al Thani said in his welcome Asian nations meet message. In his opening statement at 85th AAA Council addressing the delegates, Lord Coe summit and IAAF’s recalled his first visit in Doha 20 years ago: “I still remember the hos- Roadshow Workshop pitality, the kindness, the friendship of the Qatari people.” “I see now the buildings that The Peninsula were the only ones standing at the time, surrounded by recent con- struction: this is a constant reminder of the extraordinary change that DOHA: The 85th Asian Athletics took place here in all levels in a few Association’s (AAA) Council Meet- years time and has shaped modern ing was officially declared open by Qatar. Qatar Olympic Committee Vice- “Here in our Asian family we President Sheikh Saoud bin Ali Al mourn for two loses, in Doha (former Officials of IAAF and Asian Athletics Association pose for a photograph with representatives of athletics associations from participating countries. Thani yesterday. Emir H H Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Asia’s top athletics officials, rep- Al Thani) and in (King resenting more than 40 nations, Bhumibol Adulyadej). I would like the preparation of the athletes and along with IAAF President Lord to express my sympathy to both spend time with the member federa- Sebastian Coe are taking part in the countries. tions. Your decisions will strengthen two-day event as well as the IAAF’s “Allow me also to thank Dahlan my hand when I will further attempt Roadshow Workshop which runs Al Hamad for waiting to welcome to enrich our role in society, in gov- simultaneously. me at 5 am in the airport. This is way ernance, for the health and the Crucial discussions to make beyond the duties of the role of the safety of the young people,” added decisions upon important matters president of an area, beyond what is Lord Coe. related not only to Asian Athletics written in any organisation’s consti- Al Hamad expressed the con- but also to the future of the sport, tution. I am thankful!” dolences on behalf of the Asian following Sebastian Coe’s recent It is the fourth time in a less Federations to the governments and proposal for governance structure than a month Coe attends an area the people of Qatar and Thailand for reforms, will be carried out during session in an attempt to pass his the loss of two great leaders. the event. reform proposal as a whole at a Spe- He also thanked Lord Coe for The Council Meeting is chaired cial Congress to be held in Monaco coming to Doha for the third time by AAA and Qatar Athletics Fed- on December 3, 2016. in eight months: “I honestly wish that (From left) Qatar Olympic Committee Vice-President Sheikh Saoud bin Ali Al Thani, Asian Athletics Association eration (QAF) President Dahlan “It has been an extraordinary under President Coe’s guidance and Al Hamad who was also the main journey that brought me back to the leadership the sport will get into a and Qatar Athletics Federation President Dahlan Al Hamad and IAAF President Lord Sebastian Coe speak speaker in yesterday’s session. two things I like the most: to watch new era!” during the opening day of the 85th AAA Council meeting in Doha yesterday Newcomers Al Shahaniya Qatar to meet Russia in friendly stun Al Sailiyah 2-1 The Peninsula Sadd Stadium,” QFA said in a statement Stanislav Cherchesov, Russia are currently yesterday. targeting a semi-finals spot at the 2018 FIFA The Russia clash comes five days ahead World Cup. The Peninsula of Qatar’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying Cherchesov was appointed coach after DOHA: The Qatar Football Association game against on November 15, QFA his predecessor Leonid Slutsky stepped (QFA) yesterday confirmed an international added. down following a disappointing campaign friendly with Russia. The fixture is set to take Coached by Jorge Fossati, Qatar have at UEFA EURO 2016 Qatar, hosts of the 2022 DOHA: Qatar Stars League (QSL) newcomers place in Doha on November 10. played four Asian Zone qualifying fixtures FIFA World Cup, are aiming to reach the Al Shahaniya yesterday stunned Al Sailiyah 2-1 The match will be of great significance in September and October. finals of the next edition to be held in Russia. in a round-five clash. for both teams since Russia and Qatar are Their last game was against Syria which Fossati has been seen at Qatar Stars Goals by Mohamed Tiaiba (65) and Abdulla preparing to host the 2018 and 2022 FIFA Qatar won at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. League (QSL) games recently, indicating Khalid (70) sealed the deal for Al Sailiyah at World Cup editions respectively. Currently Russia are ranked 53 while Qatar that he is busy planning for the game against Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium. “The international will be played at Al are 91 on the FIFA computer. Coached by China on November 15. Al Sailiyah’s Mohmad Mudather reduced the deficit with a goal in injury time (90 + 3). It was Al Shahaniya’s second win of the season. After a cagey start to the tense clash, Al Sha- QSL giants look to extend domination haniya’s eventual goal hero Khalid produced a moment of excitement for his team inside the Al Sailiyah box. Al Shahaniya’s Abdulla Khalid (right) Lurking inside the box, Khalid tapped a lob The Peninsula QATAR STARS LEAGUE Gerardo Pelusso, head coach of Al ball in front of him and quickly swiveled before celebrates after scoring his team’s second Arabi said, “All matches are important YESTERDAY’S RESULTS letting go a ferocious shot towards Al Sailiyah goal against Al Sailiyah in their Qatar and we admit we didn’t give a good game goalmouth. Stars League match at Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Sailiya 1 - Al Shahaniya 2 against Al Ahli.” The ball beat Al Sailiyah goalkeeper Gre- Stadium yesterday. Later, Al Khor beat Al DOHA: Qatar Stars League (QSL) giants Al Ahli 3 - Al Khor 1 “We are prepared for a good perform- gory Gomis but narrowly missed the crossbar Ahli 3-1 at the same venue. Lekhwiya and El Jaish will be looking to FIXTURES ance against Lekhwiya and to get the three in the 22nd minute. dominate proceedings when they meet Al Today points,” he added. Seconds later Al Shahaniya’s Tiaiba fired a Seconds later, Al Sailiyah’s Mohmad Mde- Arabi and Umm Salal respectively in their El Jaish vs Umm Salal at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Later, at the same venue, El Jaish will long-range shot but his ball was deflected by a ther Rajeb brought down Nabeel Mohammad QSL fifth round clashes today. Stadium, 5.20pm. be looking for a boost against Umm Salal. diving Gomis, Al Sailiyah’s last line of defence. Anwar with a rough tackle and got booked by Having placed second and third respec- Lekhwiya vs Al Arabi at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Sabri Lamouchi, The head coach of El A minute later, Al Shahaniya’s Maaz Yousif the referee. Al Shahniya, playing all-red, broke tively in the QSL standings this season, Stadium, 7.30pm. Jaish believes that Umm Salal always gives Adam produced a similar effort and once again the deadlock in the 65th minute when Tiaiba Lekhwiya and El Jaish clearly have the edge Tomorrow his side a challenge, “We are ready to play Gomis thwarted the dangerous move. easily converted a spot kick. over their opponents in today’s games. Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd at Thani Bin Jassim tomorrow against Umm Salal. Every team Four minutes later, Al Sailiyah’s Mirgani Tiaiba lofted the ball into the top right side Al Arabi, who have had mixed for- Stadium, 5.20pm. is a different game but every time Umm Alzain Babiker unleashed a long-range mis- of the net as Al Shahaniya fans celebrated a tunes so far in the new season, will meet Muaither vs Al Wakrah at Thani Bin Jassim Salal is always tough.” sile from 40 yards out but his shot was superbly rare burst of pure ecstasy. Five minutes later, a Lekhwiya at the Lekhwiya Stadium. Stadium, 7.30pm. Umm Salal has shown resilient per- tipped over the bar by Al Sailiyah goalkeeper solo effort by Khalid saw Al Shahaniya go 2-0 Lekhwiya have ten points from four Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Rayyan at Al Khor Stadium, formances over the course of the season. Khalifa Nasser Al Dosari for a corner kick. up. Khalid sprinted from the half-line before games. The Cops are one of the title favour- 7.30pm. They are undefeated and are currently In a moment of madness, Al Sailiyah’s receiving a ball some 60 yards from the goal- ites this year. ranked sixth in the table with six points Mohamed Bader trampled on Raoul Cedric line. Khalid - despite being shadowed by Cedric Djamel Belmadi, the head coach have at least two more points because they from four games. Loe’s right foot resulting in a stoppage in play - charged ahead before producing a deft touch of Lekhwiya had this to say about his could have drawn those games.” Umm Salal coach Bulent Uygun said; as the player received medical attention in the into the goal with Al Sailiyah goalkeeper fall- opponents, “Al Arabi started this season Al Arabi have earned six points from “we are playing against a strong team 32nd minute. ing to the floor anticipating a shot to his right. with great ambition and they have great four games and currently sit seventh in who are one of the favourites for the title. At the one-hour mark, Al Shahaniya’s Just seconds before the end, Mudather fired players.” the table. They will look to get some points Sagbo, Anderson and Geddo are injured. I Gourmi Khaled was benched as Eduardo a bullet from the edge of the Al Shahaniya box “If you saw their game against El Jaish off Lekhwiya as they bid to make it into believe this will be a good game for foot- Luciano Santos ran in as replacement. for his side’s consolation goal. and Al Ahli you could say that they could the top four. ball lovers.”