SPORT

Sunday 19 November 2017

PAGE | 22 PAGE | 24-25 PAGE | 27 EPL: Arsenal win derbyrby Australia confused NBA:NBA: Brilliant James as De Bruyne keeps ahead of Ashes, says leadslea Cavaliers to City flying Shane Warne victory In-form Al Sailiya down Al Gharafa in thriller

Fawad Hussain The Peninsula

l Sailiya consolidated their fourth spot at the QNB Stars Paris Saint-Germain’s Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani League (QSL) after overcoming a spir- (left) celebrates with his team-mate Neymar after scoring itedA Al Gharafa side 3-2 in a his team’s fourth goal during the Ligue 1 match against thrilling battle at Al Gharafa Sta- Nantes at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris yesterday. dium yesterday. A goal in the first minute of Al Ahli’s stoppage time by substitute Mashel Abdulla Ligue 1: Cavani scores Mohmad Mdether Rajeb sepa- (foreground) rated the two teams in the takes the nail-biting contest, which saw ball past Al a brace as ruthless five goals being scored in the last Markhiya’s 30 minutes. Salih Mohamed There were no goals in the during their first half but the foundation of PSG pummel Nantes QSL match the thrilling action was laid in the opening session which saw at Al Arabi Paris Nakulma reduced the quick pace from both teams as Stadium Reuters arrears on the hour mark from they exchanged plenty of yesterday. close range but Nantes’ hopes attacks. Pic: Kammutty VP/ aris St Germain’s unstop- were short lived. The Peninsula A foul by Al Gharafa’s goal- pable march towards the Five minutes later, Pastore keeper Qasem Abdulhamed PLigue 1 title continued restored a two-goal advantage against Valentin Marius inside when Edinson Cavani’s double for the hosts with a powerful the penalty area saw the referee Temurkhuja Abdukholikov kick on his left for the first goal. impressive a 1-0 victory over inspired them to a 4-1 home shot after being set up by Marco awarding a spot kick in the 61st made no mistake by beating The opening goal by Al Al Markhiya. win against Nantes yesterday. Verratti’s through ball. minute. Abdulhamed with an accurate Sailiya accelerated pace of the In last match of the opening Cavani netted either side of Cavani put the game to bed game further, prompting Al day of Round 8 yesterday, Al half-time as Javier Pastore and 11 minutes from time, poking Gharafa to speed up efforts to Khor defeated Qatar SC 2-1 to Angel Di Maria also scored to the ball home from a packed Qatar SC’s Mahamodou Bezannier find the leveler. claim maximum points at Qatar put the unbeaten capital side goal-mouth. (left) and Al Khor’s Castan Luciana vie Cheetahs did not have to SC Stadium. on 35 points from 13 games, six On Friday night, Monaco for the ball possession during their wait for long as just five minutes Big teams will be in action ahead of second-placed were held to a 1-1 draw at QSL match at Qatar SC Stadium. later Othman Alawi Al Yahri today with points leaders Al Monaco after the champions newly-promoted Amiens on found the target in a 66th minute Duhail taking on Al Kharaitiyat were held to a 1-1 at Amiens on Friday despite an equaliser move. in their own backyard. Friday. from Stevan Jovetic to drop two A clinical finish from just Al Sadd will also be looking Nantes, who are fifth on 23 points in the Ligue 1 title race. inside the circle in 72nd minute to extend their winning run points, scored through Prejuce Christophe Pelissier’s home by Nadir Belhadj regained the when they will meet Umm Salal Nakoulma as Claudio Ranieri’s side took a shock 31st-minute lead for Al Sailiya which was at their home ground. team faltered under pressure. lead through Serge Gakpe, but again leveled by Al Gharafa The other match will be The visitors got off to a solid Jovetic came off the bench in through Ahmed Alaa in 85th played between Al Rayyan and start but cracked before the second half to equalise. minute. Al Arabi at Al Arabi Stadium. half-time. The Stade de la Licorne Rajeb scored the all-impor- Cavani opened the scoring burst into life just after the half- tant goal when his attempt to QNB STARS LEAGUE with a clinical finish from inside hour mark as Togo right of the post landed in the the box after being perfectly set international Gakpe surged cage after taking Abdulhamed’s Yesterday’s Results up by Pastore. It was the Uru- through on goal and confidently touch, sealing a hard-fought 3-2 Al Sailiya bt Al Gharafa 3-2 guay striker’s 14th goal after 13 slotted into the corner to score victory. Al Ahli bt Al Markhiya 1-0 games in the league, the best his first Amiens goal. The victory took Al Sailiya’s Al Khor bt Qatar SC 2-1 tally in the French champion- Amiens started the second tally to 18 points with Al Duhail Today’s fixtures ship since Dick van Dijk with period brightly and almost (19 points), Al Rayyan (18) and Al 4pm: Al Sadd vs Umm Salal at Nice in the 1972-73 season. moved further ahead, but Sadd (18) are the only sides Al Sadd Stadium Di Maria doubled the striker Moussa Konate headed ahead of them. 6:10pm: Al Arabi vs Al Rayyan at advantage three minutes later over when he was totally At Al Arabi Stadium, a goal Al Arabi Stadium with a curled cross that nobody unmarked just a few yards from

in the 68th minute by seasoned 6:10pm: Al Duhail vs Al Kharaitiyat could connect with and ended goal. Monaco will now turn Mashel Abdulla was enough for at Al Duhail Stadium up in the back of the net at the their attention to Tuesday’s Al Ahli to impose an far post. clash with RB Leipzig. Turkey’s ‘pocket Hercules’ Basketball: Qatar and Oman sign cooperation agreement Suleymanoglu dies at 50

Istanbul September been admitted to Erdogan, who had visited AFP intensive care after suffering Suleymanoglu in hospital and liver failure, died in hospital in received the news while deliv- urkey’s legendary triple Istanbul, the Anadolu news ering a speech to supporters, Olympic gold-medal agency said. expressed his condolences on Twinning weightlifter The weightlifter had been live television over Suleyma- Naim Suleymanoglu, the given a liver transplant earlier noglu’s death. diminutive “pocket Hercules,” this month after a suitable “Turkish weightlifting has has died aged 50, state media donor was found and initial suffered a great loss,” the head said. reports had said that the sur- of the Turkish weightlifting Suleymanoglu, was only gery was successful. federation Tamer Taspinar 1.47 metres (4.8 feet) tall, Suleymanoglu’s exploits told Anadolu. Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Muftah, President of Qatar Basketball Federation (second scored a historic hat-trick of made him a national hero in “He was the ‘pocket Her- left), giving a memento to Fareed bin Khamis Al Zedjali, President of Oman Basketball consecutive Olympic titles Turkey, where he is regarded cules’ who broke 46 records. Association, after the signing ceremony of cooperation agreement between the two starting in Seoul in 1988 then as one of the greatest sports He was a sportsman who won bodies at QBF head office yesterday. Ali Saeed Al Malki, (right) Secretary General of Barcelona in 1992 and Atlanta personalities in the country’s the hearts not just of the Turk- Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), and Asad Mubarak Al Hasani, Board Secretary of in 1996. The Bulgarian-born history. ish people but the world,” (OBA), can also be seen. Picture by Abdul Basit/The Peninsula Suleymanoglu, who had in late President Recep Tayyip Taspinar added. 22 SPORT SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017

Griffiths magic maintains EPL: Arsenal win derby as De Celtic’s perfect record in SPL Bruyne keeps Man City flying Glasgow AFP

London eltic kept their 100 per- AFP cent away record in the CScottish Premiership anchester City intact as super sub Leigh Grif- retained control of fiths’ sensational free-kick the Premier handed the champions a 1-0 League title race victory at Ross County after fine goals by yesterday. MGabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bru- Celtic struggled to over- yne secured a 2-0 win at come a stubborn County Leicester City yesterday. defence and failed to register Jesus and De Bruyne struck a shot in the first half. either side of half-time at the Griffiths came to the res- King Power Stadium as Pep cue in the 78th minute as he Guardiola’s ruthless side regis- curled a free-kick into the top tered a 16th successive victory corner to make it seven away in all competitions. wins out of seven in the Champions Chelsea climbed league. to second place with a 4-0 win Celtic extended their at West Bromwich Albion in unbeaten domestic run to 64 which Eden Hazard scored twice, matches ahead of a midweek while Arsenal engineered an visit to Paris Saint-Germain impressive 2-0 win over derby in Champions Group B. rivals Tottenham Hotspur. “It was a very good win City provisionally moved for us on the back of the inter- nine points clear at the top of the national break against a team table, although Manchester who were buoyant following United can trim their lead back their good result against to eight points if they beat New- Motherwell last time out,” castle United in the day’s late Celtic manager Brendan game. Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne scores their second goal during their English Premier League match against Leicester City Rodgers said. City captain Vincent Kom- at King Power Stadium in Leicester, Britain, yesterday. “Defensively we were pany made his first league start very strong and it was a since August following his latest moment of magic that wins calf injury, but fellow centre- hamstring problem. Jesus tapped double the visitors’ advantage six Mustafi’s goal should not have goals, with Philippe Coutinho the game.” back John Stones was forced off in David Silva’s pass on the minutes later. been awarded and that Mustafi adding a third. Ross County manager in the first half with an apparent stroke of half-time after a slick Marcos Alonso slammed had been offside. High-flying Burnley also sit Owen Coyle felt disappointed ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE move involving De Bruyne and home at the back post from Cesc “You saw what happened on 22 points after Jack Cork and not to get something from the Raheem Sterling. Fabregas’s free-kick in the 38th during the game,” Pochettino Ashley Barnes scored in a 2-0 game. English Premier League results yesterday: De Bruyne added a brilliant minute and Hazard completed told Sky Sports at the Emirates home win over second-bottom “We performed ever so Arsenal 2 (Mustafi 36, Sanchez 41) Tottenham second four minutes into the sec- the scoring just after the hour. Stadium. Swansea City. well in the game and tacti- Hotspur 0 ond half when he completed an Quick-fire first-half goals by “I’m disappointed because Bottom club Crystal Palace cally we were very Bournemouth 4 (Wilson 26, 31, 84, Arter 70) electrifying break by rifling a Shkodran Mustafi and Alexis the small details were against us, were twice pegged back in a disciplined,” Coyle said. Huddersfield 0 glorious left-foot shot into the Sanchez earned Arsenal a richly which makes it difficult to win.” lively 2-2 home draw with Ever- “They are a wonderful Burnley 2 (Cork 29, Barnes 40) Swansea 0 top-left corner from outside the deserved victory over Tottenham It was Arsenal’s first league ton, for whom David Unsworth team but we had a very good Crystal Palace 2 (McArthur 1, Zaha 35) Everton 2 area. in the north London derby. victory over Spurs since March remains in charge on a caretaker shape and when we broke out (Baines 6-pen, Niasse 45+1) Chelsea piled the pressure on “They had the urgency, the 2014 and left them a point below basis. James McArthur’s opener we carried a threat.” Leicester 0 Manchester City 2 (Jesus 45, De Bru- West Brom manager Tony Pulis desire and the focus,” Arsenal their local rivals in sixth place. after 48 seconds was cancelled Despite facing a tough trip yne 49) with a breezy win at The Haw- manager Arsene Wenger said of Liverpool are level on points out by a Leighton Baines penalty to the French capital, Rodg- Liverpool 3 (Salah 31, 41, Coutinho 68) South- ampton 0 thorns, where Antonio Conte’s his players. with Arsenal in fifth after a rou- and although Wilfried Zaha ers named an unchanged side West Bromwich Albion 0 Chelsea 4 (Morata 17, side secured the title last “In a derby like that, that tine 3-0 home win over restored Palace’s lead, Oumar with Jozo Simunovic and Grif- Hazard 23, 62, Alonso 38) season. plays a part. We didn’t lose the Southampton at Anfield. Niasse levelled again on the cusp fiths recovering from injury Playing today (1600 GMT) Alvaro Morata put Chelsea defensive focus for 90 Egyptian forward Mohamed of half-time. Callum Wilson net- to take their places on the Watford vs West Ham ahead in the 17th minute after minutes.” Salah scored two first-half goals ted a hat-trick as Bournemouth bench.

Playing Monday (2000 GMT) Ben Foster saved from Hazard Spurs manager Mauricio -- the first a magnificent curler moved clear of the relegation Celtic started the match Brighton vs Stoke and the Spaniard’s flick freed Pochettino felt, with justification, -- to become the Premier zone by beating Huddersfield confidently, spraying passes Hazard to round Foster and that the free-kick that led to League’s leading scorer on nine Town 4-0. across the pitch with Ross County struggling to get near the ball. However, the champions struggled to get in behind a well-organised County Suarez brace stretches defence with Callum McGre- gor’s pace posing the home team their only real problems. The Scotland midfielder Barcelona La Liga lead felt he should have had a penalty midway through the first half as he burst into the Madrid Suarez was refreshed after sitting out opening half hour was box and evaded a couple of AFP international duty with Uruguay over the undone by a goalkeep- challenges before going past fortnight and had the ball in the net ing error when Ivan down following a last-gasp uis Suarez ended a five-game goal after just four minutes, but Jordi Alba had Cuellar limply palmed tackle from Christopher drought with a double as Barcelona already been flagged for offside as he sup- Paco Alcacer’s driven Routis. Lextend their lead at the top of La Liga plied the cross for the former Liverpool cross into the path of the McGregor claimed the with a flattering 3-0 win at Leganes striker. grateful Suarez to smash County defender clipped his yesterday. Leganes have enjoyed a fine start to home his first goal for a heels as he prepared to shoot, Barca now lead second-placed Valen- just their second ever season in the Span- month. but referee Nick Walsh waved cia by seven points ahead of their trip to ish top flight and a repeat of the 5-0 Barca were ruth- away the appeals. Barcelona forward Luis Suarez celebrates after Mestalla next weekend, with both Real thrashing Barca dished out on their visit lessly efficient in front of With time running out, it Madrid and Atletico Madrid 11 points adrift to Butarque last season was never likely goal to double their lead scoring a goal during the Spanish League match was Griffiths who came up before they face off in the Madrid derby. as the hosts went onto enjoy the better of on the hour mark. against Leganes at the Butarque Stadium in Leganes with a moment of magic to However, two simple Suarez finishes the opening half. Lionel Messi’s yesterday. open the scoring. from close range either side of half-time The busy Nordin Ambrabat fired a dinked pass released The Celtic striker lifted his and Paulinho’s late tap-in glossed over shot over a positive run at the Barca Alcacer and after Cuellar parried his first ahead of the Madrid derby and rubbed free-kick up and over the wall another under-par performance from defence before Gabriel Pires also dragged effort, Suarez drilled home the rebound salt into Leganes’ wounds when with pace and it landed right Ernesto Valverde’s men, who were again an effort wide when well-placed at the for his second of the afternoon. Paulinho rolled into an empty net in the top corner giving thankful to a fine display from goalkeeper edge of the box. However, Barca piled more pres- when a loose ball broke off Messi in County ‘keeper Aaron McCa- Marc-Andre ter Stegen. However, Leganes’ good work in the sure on the chasing Atletico and Real stoppage time. rey no chance. Lewandowski double puts Bayern six-points clear

Berlin his hair silver, underlined his sta- Allianz Arena. Vidal struck after minutes when he converted penalty, but the hosts equalised Leipzig’s lead after Benjamin AFP tus as the Bundesliga’s top scorer the ball ricocheted around Augs- Joshua Kimmich’s pinpoint cross. when Jamaica midfielder Leon Henrichs was sent off for using by netting either side of the break burg’s penalty area as The victory was a good Bailey got in behind the defence his hand to save a shot on the obert Lewandowski has in Munich to leave him with 13 Lewandowski, then Mats Hum- warm-up for Wednesday’s and fired home a minute before line. now netted 17 goals for goals in 12 league games this mels failed to get their shots Champions League match at the break. But a wonderful Kevin Vol- RBayern Munich this season season. away before the Chile midfielder Anderlecht and increases Bay- Leipzig were furious as the land volley on 74 minutes put after his double left the Bundes- Bayern looked impressive hit the back of the net. ern’s lead over second-placed equaliser came even their mid- Leverkusen level despite the liga leaders six points clear with with Lewandowski showing off Lewandowski grabbed his Leipzig who drew 2-2 at ten- fielder Naby Keita was down numerical disadvantage. A draw a 3-0 thumping of Augsburg his finishing skills after Arturo first by firing home Vidal’s final man Bayer Leverkusen. injured. was not the best result for Leip- yesterday. Vidal gave the hosts a deserved pass just before the break, then Germany striker Timo Emil Forsberg converted a zig before Tuesday’s Champions Lewandowski, who has dyed lead after 31 minutes at the grabbed his second on 49 Werner converted an early penalty on 54 minutes to restore League match at Monaco. SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 SPORT 23

Qatari driver Nasser Al Kuwari competes in the official practice session of the Qatar Touring Car Championship (QTTC) at Losail International Circuit (LIC). Al Kuwari emerged as the fastest driver with a lap time of 2:27.028.

Stage set for QTTC round under lights at LIC

The Peninsula LIC for two days this weekend finished in third place in a time to assist the participating driv- of 2:27.807. round of the new ers fine tune their cars. Defending QTCC champion Qatar Touring Car During the two days of prac- Abdullah Al Khelaifi is looking Championship tice, Qatari driver Nasser Al forward to start a new season (QTTC) will be held Kuwari with a GT86 emerged as together with the FIA World between November the fastest driver with a lap time Touring Car Championship. 30A and December 1, it was of 2:27.028. “I am very excited to be back. announced yesterday. “Overall I am happy with the This is where it all started for me The new support race will be performance during these two and I am planning to defend my staged during the forthcoming days as it will be my first time I title and give a good show to FIA World Touring Car Champi- enter to this type of competition WTCC drivers and audience as onship (WTTC) leg to be held as I have racing in rallies before. our race will be held with WTCC under lights at Losail Interna- I want to thank to my father all race of Qatar,” an excited Al tional Circuit (LIC), organisers his support with this car in order Khelaifi said yesterday. have confirmed following prac- to compete in the QTCC,” Al “Regarding the official prac- tice sessions completed by home Kuwari said. tice, it went well as I gathered entries over the weekend. The second fastest driver was enough information to modify The official practice for the Saadon Al Kuwari with a lap time and find the correct setup for our QTCC support race took place at of 2:27.394. Abdullah Al Khelaifi race. I wish all the best for all the drivers and hope that the new drivers enjoy this champion- ship,” Al Khelaifi said. The runners-up of 2016/2017 QTCC season Mansour Al Hajri I am very excited to be back. This is couldn’t feature in the official where it all started for me and I am practice but he will take part in the new season although he will The podium winners at the ‘Losail Time Attack’ session pose with their trophies at the Losail planning to defend my title and give a miss some rounds. Also, on Friday, organisers International Circuit. good show to WTCC drivers and safely completed another edition audience as our race will be held with of ‘Losail Time Attack’ session. Qatari driver Mohamad Al my category and the competi- The Argentinian driver Juan Divided into 3 different Kaiat on his McLaren MP4 12C tion is more challenging. Overall Pablo Pinto was the winner in WTCC race of Qatar: QTCC defending groups depending on the speci- was the fastest driver in A cate- the event was very good, every- group B and Mohammed Al fications of the car, each driver gory followed by Makram body enjoyed a lot. I give my Khayarin was the fastest in champion Abdullah Al Khelaifi was able to drive for two 20 min- Bouchacra from Lebanon and thanks to Losail Circuit Sports group C. Al Kaiat also got the utes to get the best time they Martin Staffel from Germany. Club (LCSC) for organising this trophy for the fastest lap dur- could and the drivers with the “It was amazing but I hope event,” Al Kaiat said at the end ing the event with a time of best lap time entered the final. next time faster cars can enter in of the podium ceremony. 2:16.985. FIFA critic Lineker picked to host the Juve’s Allegri 2018 World Cup draw in Moscow coy on Italy job Zurich World Cup 2018: AP Qualifiers Rome known as tactically astute. AFP “I still have major objectives ormer England forward Europe: to attain with Juventus, build- (pictured) Gary Lineker , a Belgium, England, Germany, uventus coach Massimiliano ing a team for the future.” long-standing critic of FIFA, Allegri distanced himself “As for the national team F Iceland, Poland, Russia (as will present the World Cup draw Jfrom taking up the vacant we can talk about that in a few hosts), Serbia, Spain, France, alongside Russian sports jour- post as Italy coach yesterday, years time, if indeed I ever get nalist Maria Komandnaya at the Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia, but left the door open to even- offered the job,” said Allegri, State Kremlin Palace in Moscow Sweden, Denmark tually accepting the job. who took over Juventus in 2014. on December 1. Italy are still reeling from Italy is still floundering in Lineker has often questioned Africa: their historic failure to qualify disbelief after 75,000 stunned the conduct of FIFA to his 6.7 Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, for the 2018 World Cup finals fans in Milan’s San Siro Stadium million followers on Twitter — Morocco, Tunisia after Sweden beat them in the and 14.8 million horrified Ital- particularly the integrity of the Asked Friday on Twitter the semifinals in 1990. He is now play-offs on Monday. ians watched their national fall bidding process for the 2018 about being a critic of FIFA, a respected broadcaster for Brit- Heartbroken Italians are from grace at the hands of Swe- World Cup that England lost. Lineker replied: “And still will be ish networks. FIFA deputy Asia: looking for some immediate den on Monday. “FIFA bidding process cre- when necessary. I’m hosting the secretary general Zvonimir Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South positive response, and Allegri, Italy had only failed once ated a murky world where draw for a World Cup that I’ve Boban said Lineker’s “honest and Korea, Australia who won the Italian title in 2011 before to make the cut, at the favours/bribes were just thrown watched all my life, played in open views together with his in- at AC Milan and the last three Sweden finals of 1958. The Ital- around. Stinks,” Lineker tweeted twice, won its Golden boot and depth knowledge of the game North, Central America at Juventus, would fit the bill. ian football federation called in June after the investigation will present for @BBCSport for greatly enrich the world of foot- “Coaching the national crisis talks on Wednesday and was published that cleared Rus- the 6th time next summer. I just ball journalism.” and Caribbean: team is one of my ambitions, sacked the 69-year-old Gian sia of wrongdoing. wish I could still play in it. Komandnaya has worked for Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama but not right now,” the 50-year- Piero Ventura. In 2016, Lineker highlighted Doesn’t make it a political Fox Sports for more than a dec- old told a press conference With his avuncular touch “FIFA’s basket of deplorables” endorsement.” ade as one of Russia’s best South America: ahead of Juventus’s game at the former Bayern Munich, Real and separately tweeted that Lineker won the Golden Boot known sports journalists. Sampdoria today. Madrid, AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG “FIFA is awash with corruption as top scorer at the 1986 World Russia hosts the 32-team Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, “In a few years,” said the and Juventus coach Carlo Ance- and self serving practices.” Cup, and helped England reach World Cup from June 14-July 15. Colombia, Peru man who made his name as lotti is the favourite to take over coach at Cagliari and who is and rebuild the Azzurri. 24 SPORT SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 SPORT 25 Marsh eager to make the Australia confused ahead of best out of his ‘last chance’ Sydney Reuters

atsman Shaun Marsh (pictured) is deter- Ashes, says spin legend Warne Bmined to grasp what he admits is probably a final chance to establish himself as a regular mem- Sydney “England no longer fear Australia far as pace is concerned,” he said. AUSTRALIA SQUAD FOR ASHES ber of the Australia Test AFP and haven’t for a long time and hence “They’re all good bowlers but side after earning an Ashes that’s why they can beat Australia. they’re not going to frighten you.” (Captain), David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Jack- recall. pin legend Shane Warne says Aus- “England, I thinkhink at the moment,moment, Former Test captain sonsos n BirdBird,, Pat CumminsCummins,, Peter HandscombHandscomb,, ,Hazlewood, The 34-year-old, who tralia are in a state of “confusion” are just going alongng nicelnicely.y. TheThey’rey’re jjustust MichaelMichael ClClarkearke saisaidd ththee AusAus-- UsmanUsman Khawaja, , SShaunhaun Marsh, has played 23 Tests since Sheading into the Ashes series, with doing their business.ess. traliantralian team was unsure his debut in 2011, was one England primed for a first Gabba Test “Australia lookok con-con- about their playing style TTimim Paine, ChaddChadd Sayers,Sayers, .Starc. of a couple of surprise boilover. fused. They’re pickingcking headingheading into the five-Test inclusions in the Australia Even amid the massive distraction wicketkeepers that series.series. squad named on Friday for of the Ben Stokes assault saga, Warne aren’t even keepingping WarneWarne is predicting next week’s opener against believes it’s the tourists who no longer for their state. thethe AshesAshes seriesseries toto be thethe England in Brisbane. hold any fears about an unsettled Aus- “To me, I thinkhink hardest-foughthardest-foughth aandnd mmostost Marsh secured his tralian team. England are in a betterbetter dramaticdrd amatticc sincesinnce thethhe iconiciconic England no longer fear eighth recall to the Test The Australian leg-spin great says situation going inintonto tthathat 2005200050 campaign,campaign, whichwhiichh Australia and haven’t for a side with some solid form Australia are in a shambles with wick- first Test match thanthhan whatwhat AustraliaAustralia EnglandEngllaannd famouslyfaamouslly won inin for Western Australia but etkeeper Tim Paine’s surprise selection are.” a fififth-Testifthh-Test ddecider.ecider. long time and hence conceded that failure on pointing to a lack of direction from Television commentatingmmentating veteran TheThe leg-spinningleg-spinning that’s why they can Australian cricket’s biggest selectors. Bill Lawry agreed withwith Warne that Aus- greatgreat sayssays bothboth sides araree beat Australia. stage could end his Test Paine, chosen for his first Test in tralia is missingsing a MitchellMitchell weakwweak becausebeccause theythey relyrely Australia look confused. career. Sri Lanka’s Angelo seven years, and 34-year-old Shaun Johnston-styled intimidator,intimidator, despitedespite tootoo mumuchch oonn twtwoo plplayersayers “I’m not trying to think Marsh recalled to the Test side for the Mitchell Starc and PatPat CumminsCummim ns capa-caapa------AAustraliaustraliia oonn DaDavidvid about it that way, it’s Mathews (left) and Lahiru They’re picking eighth time, were the controversial ble of bowling fast.t.t WarnerWaarner aandnd SteSteveve SSmithmithh another opportunity for me Thirimanne run between wicketkeepers that aren’t selections announced on Friday for “I think the bigigg keykey toto thisthis AshesAshes andannd EnglandEngland on AlastairAlastaiir CookCCook to get out there and play the wickets during the next week’s first Test in Brisbane. series is Mitchell Johnsonohnsonn andand he’she’e s not andand JoeJoe Root.Roooto . even keeping for their some good cricket for Aus- third day of the first Pundits say Australia’s Gabba for- playing,” Lawry said.aid. “It“It wiwwillll ggeteet ddownown to hhowow state: Shane Warne tralia,” Marsh, who Test against India at the tress, where the home side is unbeaten “If I was an openingopeenningg batsmanbatsmann I thosethosse guguysys bbat,”ata ,” averages 36 in Tests, told Eden Gardens Stadium in in almost 30 years, is now under threat wouldn’t be losingngg ttooooo mmuchuuch slssleepeeep saidssaid WWarne.ararne. reporters in Brisbane. Kolkata yesterday. from an England squad missing their facing the Australianalian pacepacce attackatttack ass “I know I’ve got some best player all-rounder Stokes, back at runs in me still to go, so I’ve home and under investigation over a just got to prepare well and just enjoy it, left with just one prevailing emotion. nightclub brawl. have a lot of fun and bat myself in.” “It’s just excitement,” Marsh added. “At the moment, where the biggest Marsh has been opening for his state “I hadn’t really thought about it much shift has come over the last few years but is likely to bat in the number six spot over the last two or three of months. I just India restricted to 172 as is they don’t fear Australia anymore,” against England having seen off the claims thought if I played good cricket for WA Warne told reporters on Friday. of brother Mitchell, team mate Hilton then I might have a sniff. I just can’t wait Cartwright and the incumbent Glenn to get out there and have a crack. Maxwell. “An Ashes series in Australia, it doesn’t ASHES SERIES: FIXTURES After playing in all four Tests on the get any better than that, I’m going to give S ri Lanka eye handy lead tour of India earlier this year Marsh was it a red hot crack.” First Test: dumped for the following tour of Bang- Injury has also played a significant Kolkata Gabba, November 23-27 ladesh in what was quite a blow given he role in Marsh’s stop-start career but he Reuters SCOREBOARD was considered something of subconti- said he was in good shape going into the India (I innings): Bowling: Lakmal 19-12-26-4, Gamage 17.3-5-59-2, Shanaka Second Test: nent specialist. five-match series. ifties from Lahiru Thirimanne and L Rahul c Dickwella b Lakmal ...... 0 12-4-36-2, Karunaratne 2-0-17-0, Herath 2-0-5-0, Perera His recall did not cause as much “My body’s in really good condition Angelo Mathews kept Sri Lanka S Dhawan b Lakmal ...... 8 7-1-19-2 Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night) surprise at that of 32-year-old wick- at the moment,” he said. “I feel like I’m Ffirmly on course for a handy first- C Pujara b Gamage ...... 52 Sri Lanka (I innings): Third Test: etkeeper Tim Paine, a pick criticised hitting the ball the best I have done for a innings lead against India on day three V Kohli lbw b Lakmal ...... 0 S Samarawickrama c Saha b Kumar ...... 23 as “confused” by spin bowling great long while so I’ll go in with plenty of of the rain-hit first Test yesterday. A Rahane c Dickwella b Shanaka ...... 4 D Karunaratne lbw b Kumar ...... 8 Perth TBC, December 14-18 Shane Warne, and Marsh himself was confidence.” The islanders, bidding for their first R Ashwin c Karunaratne b Shanaka ...... 4 L Thirimanne c Kohli b Yadav ...... 51 Fourth Test: Test victory in India, dismissed the hosts W Saha c Mathews b Perera ...... 29 A Mathews c Rahul b Yadav ...... 52 for 172 and closed on 165-4, as the rain R Jadeja lbw b Perera ...... 22 D Chandimal () ...... 13 MCG, December 26-30 B Kumar c Dickwella b Lakmal ...... 13 N Dickwella(batting) ...... 14 stayed away after allowing only 32.5 M Shami c Shanaka b Gamage ...... 24 Extras (LB4) ...... 4 Fifth Test: overs to be bowled in the first two days. U Yadav () ...... 6 Total (4 wkts) ...... 165 SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test) England bowlers struggle Niroshan Dickwella was batting on Extras (LB4, B6) ...... 10 Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-34, 3-133, 4-138 14 when bad light stopped play and skip- Total (all out) ...... 172 Still to bat: D Shanaka, D Perera, R Herath, S Lakmal, L Gamage

per Dinesh Chandimal was on 13 with the Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-13, 3-17, 4-30, 5-50, 6-79, 7-127, 8-128, Bowling: Kumar 14.4-2-49-2, Shami 13.5-5-53-0, Yadav 13-1- tourists seven runs behind. 9-146, 10-172 50-2, Ashwin 4-0-9-0, Kohli 0.1-0-0-0 against novice pair in After India resumed on a precarious 74-5, the bottom half of their order con- tributed 98 runs in the morning session final Ashes warm-up to lend respectability to their total on a green Eden Gardens track. Cheteshwar Pujara brought up his Bangladesh raids stadiums to tackle illegal betting Townsville, Australia Sangha was dropped by Mark Stone- 16th Test fifty but was clean bowled by AFP man on 43 but England’s bowlers created Lahiru Gamage for 52, a patient knock in Mathews calls on Sri Lanka to few other chances. trying conditions that included 10 Dhaka ovices and Matt England comfortably defeated a sim- boundaries. AFP In this file photograph taken on August 27, 2017, Bangladeshi ground staff cover the pitch as rain approaches Short scored their maiden first- ilar CA XI in Adelaide last week and for Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra during the first day of the first Test cricket match between Bangladesh and Australia at the Sher-e-Bangla Nclass centuries for a Cricket two days in north Queensland they had Jadeja refused to retreat into a defensive turn half-tons into big centuries angladesh has launched a series National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Bangladesh has launched a series of police raids to crack down on Australia XI to frustrate England on the looked set to do so again. shell, though they were not entirely con- of police raids to crack down on illegal betting in cricket stadiums that has gripped the country's main competition, tournament last day of their final Ashes warm-up The CA XI ended the third day on 121 vincing during their 48-run Billegal betting in cricket stadiums officials said yesterday. Some 77 people have been thrown out of two cricket grounds in the cities of Dhaka game yesterday. for three, trailing England by 144 and partnership. Kolkata The left-right batting rama, for 23, as the visitors overnight batsman that has gripped the country’s main and Sylhet in the past few days after being suspected of betting during the Bangladesh Premier League Eighteen-year old Sangha and team short of a batsman because of an injury Wicketkeeper-batsman Saha, who AFP combination of Thirimanne slipped to 34-2 before bounc- Cheteshwar Pujara fell early Twenty20 competition, tournament (BPL), a lucrative competition modelled on the Indian Premier League, officials said. skipper Short -- with only seven first- to Nick Larkin. made 29, was lucky to get a reprieve four and Mathews mixed caution ing back. on 52, vital contributions from officials said yesterday. class matches between them -- shared But Sangha and Short made the most runs before his dismissal when Dickwella ngelo Mathews called and aggression against a per- “In the last few years the Wriddhiman Saha (29), Ravin- Some 77 people have been thrown in a 263-run fourth-wicket stand to draw of the benign conditions to ensure Eng- missed an easy stumping off Dilruwan on Sri Lanka’s batsmen sistent Indian pace attack. Indians have been producing dra Jadeja (22) and 24 from out of two cricket grounds in the cities the four-day game ahead of next week’s land spent the fourth day toiling in the Perera. Ato convert their half- Indian quicks Bhuv- some superb fast bowlers. number-10 Shami frustrated of Dhaka and Sylhet in the past few first Brisbane Test. tropical heat. Jadeja, who made 22, hit Perera for a centuries into big hundreds to neshwar Kumar and Umesh Mohammad Shami, Bhuv- the Sri Lankan bowling. days after being suspected of betting Sangha hit 133 off 226 balls with 13 Pace bowler Craig Overton was six over long-on but the off-spinner secure victory against India Yadav claimed two wickets neshwar Kumar and Umesh “At this stage we are very during the Bangladesh Premier League fours and a six, while Short remained treated with disdain, going wicketless responded by removing both batsmen in in the rain-hit opening Test each on a day when almost Yadav are world class,” said much in the game. Obviously (BPL), a lucrative competition modelled unbeaten on 134 off 264 balls when the for 65 off 15 overs. the same over. yesterday. three full sessions were Mathews. wicket has got a little better. on the Indian Premier League, officials game was called off late on the final day Off-spinner Moeen Ali, in his first Suranga Lakmal dismissed Bhuv- Mathews, who made 52 on played. “We need to be mentally We had got 170 odd runs and said. in Townsville. game of the tour after a side injury, neshwar Kumar to claim his fourth wicket, his return from injury, put Only 31.5 overs were prepared and be ready to then picked four wickets,” Betting is illegal in Bangladesh, but Sangha is the second-youngest bowled a total of 48 overs in the match. his tidy 19 overs including 12 maidens. together a crucial 99-run bowled on the first two days score runs off them. I think we Pujara said. the alleged offenders -- 10 of whom player to score a century against Eng- But fellow spinner Crane was loose, fin- Mohammed Shami made a breezy 24 third-wicket stand with because of rain and bad light. can.” “I think we are confident were Indian nationals -- used their land behind India great Sachin ishing the second innings with two for down the order but India still fell short Lahiru Thirimanne, who made Thirimanne, who was In the morning session, a that if weather permits, we mobile phones to place live bets before Tendulkar. 97 from 30 overs. of the 175-run mark. 51, to make Sri Lanka end day dropped on 27,, edged a mov- lower-order push will try and make a game out scores were broadcast on television and He was finally caught off leg-spin- By the end, England were using part- Sadeera Samarawickrama’s 23 off 22 three on 165-4 in Kolkata. ing delivery byy Yadav soon byby Indian bats- of it.” online, BPL secretary Ismail Haider ner Mason Crane, allowing the tourists time spinners Joe Root and Dawid Malan balls gave Sri Lanka a fast start but Kumar The visitors trail India by after registeringng hhisis ffifthifth Test menmen saw tthehe Pujara aalsolso aaddeddded tthathat Mallick told reporters. to avoid the indignity of going wicket- to protect the frontliners and hasten the exploited the conditions well to peg back seven runs with skipper Dinesh fifty, and skipperper Virat KoKohlihli hostshosts post pparticipatingarticipating iinn county “Matches go on air four to five sec- less on the final day. finish. the tourists. Chandimal not out on 13 and made no mistakeake at secondsecond 172,172, a score ccricket,ricket, for his side Not-Not- onds or in some cases nine seconds “It’s not really damaging to us,” Eng- “It was good to spend some time in The paceman dismissed Dimuth Kar- Niroshan Dickwella on 14. slip. thatthat llookedooked tinghamshire,tinghamshire, gave himhim after the original actions take place (on land coach Trevor Bayliss said. the field. I’m sure there will be times dur- unaratne lbw for eight and had “We have to go out there Yadav struckck again in his unlikely at valuablevaluable “exposure” of the ground). Gamblers were using the “Obviously we’d like to take 10 wick- ing the Test series where we’re out in Samarawickrama caught behind in his and take responsibility and try next over to sendend MatMathews,hews, 128-8.128-8. playingplaying on many challeng-challeng- time gap to do betting,” he said. ets for 90 runs in every game, but this is the field all day,” Bayliss said. next over. and score as many runs as making a 50 inin an impres-impres- AfterA f ter inging wickets.wickets. The bettors were monitored at the reported last week that betting has But Mallick said cricket authorities Last year the Bangladesh Telecommu- what can happen in cricket. “There were two young guys out Despite their occasional discomfort possible,” Mathews told sive comebackk from injury, venues, before being caught and evicted become common in cities and remote alone could not stop illegal gambling. nication Regulatory Commission “A number of guys spent time in the there that batted very, very well. All against the moving ball, Thirimanne and reporters. back to the ppavilionavilion aafterfter Angelo Mathews with assistance from special branch towns during BPL matches. “We are trying to create awareness blocked 12 betting websites in an middle with the bat and the bowlers got credit to them. They looked good. It’s Mathews thwarted the hosts with a “Fifties are not going to do giving away a simple catch police, Bangladesh Cricket Board Tea stalls, restaurants and auto- ... but we can’t stop betting around the attempt to curb gambling during cricket a lot of overs under their belts. good for Australian cricket.” match-high 99-run stand. any good to anyone. Not for to Lokesh Rahulahul at sshorthort spokesman Jalal Yunus told AFP. rickshaw garages have all become country. It entirely depends on the law- matches. “Hopefully everyone now has got Dropped by Shikhar Dhawan on 27, me and not for my team. If we cover. The BPL has been dogged by bet- venues for fans to place their bets dur- enforcing agencies,” he said. Nearly 50 foreign cricketers, includ- their rhythms right and they can come Brief Scores: Thirimanne went on to make 51, while get a start we need to go onto Kumar struckruck early to ting allegations since its first two ing the matches, the newspaper said. The cricket board has tried similar ing Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga, the West out next week and go from ball one.” Cricket Australia XI: 250 & 364-4 Mathews, playing as a specialist batsman get a big one. It was a chal- remove openersners DimutDimuthh editions in 2011 and 2012 were blighted A university student was allegedly tactics to curb betting in the past -- at Indies’ Chris Gayle, New Zealand’s Bren- The inexperienced CA XI finished on (Matt Short 134 n.o., Jason Sangha 133, on his return from injury, made 52 before lenging wicket,” the former Karunaratne, foror eight, anandd by a match-fixing scandal involving murdered following an argument over least four suspected bookmakers were don McCullum and England’s Jos Buttler 364 for four off 110 overs to lead by 99 Moeen Ali 2-88, Crane 2-97) Umesh Yadav dismissed both in succes- captain said. Sadeera Samarawick-marawick- players and team owners. a bet during a BPL match in Dhaka on thrown out of cricket stadiums in 2015 are taking part in the seven-team BPL runs when the rival captains agreed a England: 515 (Mark Stoneman 111, sive overs. Top Bengali daily Prothom Alo November 6. -- but that has not stopped the gamblers. tournament this year. draw. Dawid Malan 109, Joe Root 83) 26 SPORT SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 SPORT 27 James leads Cavaliers to victory

Los Angeles with a new group then that def- NBA RESULTS in the second quarter but fought AFP initely can help us in the long back to claim a 104-101 victory run, so we can’t say that we wish Denver 146 New Orleans 114 at the AT&T Center in Texas. eBron James produced we wouldn’t do that, but it is Phoenix 122 LA Lakers 113 LaMarcus Aldridge was the Cleveland a 39-point masterclass what it is. Sacramento 86 Portland 82 talisman for San Antonio, scor- Cavaliers forward as the Cleveland Cava- “That’s the way the game is Minnesota 111 Dallas 87 ing 26 points including a crucial LeBron James liers rallied to overhaul being played and we got to adjust basket in the final minute as the Chicago 123 Charlotte 120 (23) dunks the the Los Angeles Clip- to it.” Spurs improved to 10-6. Okla- ball past Los Lpers in an overtime thriller on The Clippers were unable to San Antonio 104 Oklahoma City 101 homa City fell to 7-8 after the Angeles Clippers Friday. ram home their advantage after Brooklyn 118 Utah 107 loss. The Thunder had trailed by guard Austin James added 14 rebounds leading 92-82 with 8:51 left in the Cleveland 118 LA Clippers 113 six points in the final quarter but Rivers during and six assists to his 39 point tally fourth and 101-93 with just under Toronto 107 NY Knicks 84 came back to 100-99 with 45 while Kevin Love grabbed 25 five minutes on the clock. seconds left after a free throw by

their NBA game Indiana 107 Detroit 100

points to power the Cavs to a 118- The Clippers had also led by Paul George. at Quicken Loans 113 overtime victory at the 81-66 with 3:14 remaining in the Miami 91 Washington 88 Aldridge scored to put San Arena on Friday Quicken Loans Arena. third quarter only to see the lead Antonio up by three at 102-99 The win helped cement evaporate after James’ com- not gotten it done,” Clippers only for Carmelo Anthony’s score Cleveland’s climb in the Eastern manding performance. coach Doc Rivers said. to make it 102-101. Pau Gasol Conference standings, with the Dwyane Wade was the only “It tells you that you’re closer then hit two free throws to 2016 NBA champions now at 9-7 other Cleveland player to crack than you think you are, no mat- extend San Antonio’s lead before after four straight wins. double digits, with 23 points, 11 ter what your record is.” a wild effort by Westbrook on the But the Cavs did it the hard rebounds and five assists. Griffin meanwhile took no buzzer missed the rim. way, repeatedly allowing the Los Angeles meanwhile solace from another narrow Spurs coach Gregg Popovich Clippers to open up sizeable spread their scoring more evenly, defeat. praised the way his side had fought leads before reeling them in. with Blake Griffin leading with “Ultimately, being close back from its early deficit. It was the second time this 23 and DeAndre Jordan adding doesn’t really help you win “They pounded the rock, kept week the Cavs had been forced 20. games (in the future),” Griffin a great attitude, kept their minds to dig themselves out of a hole Four other Clippers players said. “Being close is not what we on playing basic basketball and after recovering from a 23-point also reached double figures for want.” things turned their way,” Popo- deficit against the Knicks in New the night, but it was not enough. Elsewhere on Friday, the San vich said. York. The Clippers now have lost Antonio Spurs produced another “The effort was great and we “That’s how the game is seven straight, a dip in form that fightback to topple Russell West- played a lot smarter in the sec- being played for us at this point has seen them slump to 5-9 for brook and the Oklahoma City ond half, took care of the ball and in the season,” said James. the season. Thunder in an absorbing clash showed a lot of courage. A lot of “It’s good to know that we’re “This is about the fourth between the Western Conference good performances from a lot of building character and building game to me that we had a chance rivals. guys, but overall a great team resiliency and you can do that to win it at the end we just have The Spurs trailed by 23 points win.”= Rugby: Fiji stun New Zealand; Tonga survive Lebanon scare

Christchurch LEAGUE WORLD CUP take a handy shot at goal AFP when Jordan Rapana was Fiji shock New Zealand sent to the sin bin. ijian players wept for The win pitches Fiji into a semi-final against holders Australia But when that did not joy after pulling off a for the third successive World Cup and dumps New Zealand, pay off they did not hesitate Fstunning 4-2 victory to take the kick when Badminton: over New Zealand in a try- the 2008 World champions, out of the tournament at the awarded another penalty less World Cup encounter in quarter-final stage with 20 minutes remaining, Blue Jackets Wellington yesterday, to and Taane Milne put the Axelsen sets book a semi-final berth Tonga rally to win islanders ahead 4-2. against Australia. Tonga fended off a desperate finish by Lebanon to claim a As the match ticked blank Rangers

In an error-riddled thrilling 24-22 win in an intense quarter-final in Christchurch.. down to the final whistle up China Open quarter-final, in which both New Zealand attacked the sides were plagued by han- Fiji line but to no avail. as Reds Wings final with Long dling errors and struggled to With 90 seconds complete their sets, tier-two other semi-final. New Zea- dominating possession. remaining, Rapana chipped down Sabres Fiji outscored former cham- land were looking for As Fiji piled on the early towards the line for Brad Shanghai pions New Zealand by two redemption after being top- pressure, fullback Roger Takairangi to run on to. But AFP penalties to one. pled by another tier-two Tuivasa-Sheck was twice the kick went too far and Fiji New York The win pitches Fiji into side, Tonga, last week. But called upon to make try-sav- were able to run the clock Agencies orld number one Viktor a semi-final against holders instead they had to take a ing tackles. The islanders down. Axelsen (pictured above) Australia for the third suc- back seat for a second time. were denied another scor- In Christchurch, Tonga ach Werenski (pictured above) Wof Denmark will play the cessive World Cup and They were humbled by ing opportunity when led 22-16 at half-time and and Artemi Panarin each scored reigning Olympic champion and dumps New Zealand, the Jarryd Hayne’s Fijians, who Brayden Wiliame lost the the telling two-point differ- Za goal, Sergei Bobrovsky posted home hope Chen Long in today’s 2008 World champions, out showed considerably more ball over the line. ence at the end was achieved his second shutout of the season and mouth-watering final of the China of the tournament at the desire and flair to win in the The only points in the early in the second half the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated Open. quarter-final stage. first-ever rugby league first spell came from an Api- when Ata Hingano landed a the New York Rangers 2-0 at Nation- In the women’s draw in Fuzhou, Earlier, Tonga fended off international between the sai Koroisau penalty goal in pressure penalty goal. wide Arena. the Japanese fifth seed Akane a desperate finish by Leba- two countries. the 13th minute. New Zea- The Pacific Islanders The Blue Jackets (12-7-1) won Yamaguchi takes on the Chinese non to claim a thrilling 24-22 From the opening whis- land equalised through a were making the play-offs their third straight game and qualifier Gao Fangjie, who had pre- victory in an intense quar- tle the Fijians rocked the Shaun Johnson penalty three for the first time, but largely Bobrovsky has been in goal for all viously never made it past the first ter-final in Christchurch. Kiwis and never eased the minutes into the second half. part-time Lebanon had three three, allowing a combined two round of a Superseries event. They will face either England pressure in the first half to Minutes later, Fiji opted close try-scoring attempts goals. The 23-year-old Axelsen, the cur- or Papua New Guinea in the turn with a 2-0 lead after to run the ball rather than disallowed by the referee. Bobrovsky finished with 36 saves rent world champion and top seed, against the Rangers for his 11th win needed just 39 minutes to defeat Fiji’s Eloni Vunakece (centre) of the season. Henrik Lundqvist made unseeded Angus Ng Ka-long of Hong celebrates their win with team- 40 stops for New York. Kong 21-12, 21-17 in their one-sided mates after the Rugby League World Brandon Dubinsky, Boone Jen- semi-final on Saturday. Cup quarter-final against New ner and Oliver Bjorkstrand each had The imperious Axelsen is just one Zealand in Wellington yesterday. an assist for the Blue Jackets. win away from his maiden China Meanwhile, Tomas Tatar’s fifth Open triumph. But first he must see goal of the season, 8:36 into the third off the sixth seed Chen, who booked period, snapped a 1-1 tie and pro- his ticket for the final with a topsy- pelled the Detroit Red Wings a 3-1 turvy 21-17, 10-21, 21-7 victory over victory over the Buffalo Sabres. South Korea’s second seed Son Wan- With Wings forward Justin Ho in 71 minutes. Chen, 28, holds a Abdelkader screening Sabres goalie strong advantage in his meetings with Robin Lehner, Tatar’s long wrist shot Axelsen, beating the Dane seven times from just inside the blue line banked and losing to him just once. off the top of Lehner’s pad and into The home crowd will also have the net. another Chinese to roar in Sunday’s Dylan Larkin added an insurance women’s final in the form of 19-year- goal when he knocked the rebound old surprise-package Gao. of a Xavier Ouellet shot past Lehner The teenager stunned current with 4:06 to play in the third period. Olympic champion Carolina Marin Luke Glendening also scored for of Spain 21-19, 21-19 in one hour. the Wings (10-8-2) while Ryan Gao’s opponent in the decider will O’Reilly replied for the Sabres be the Japanese Yamaguchi, who (5-10-4). defeated Thailand’s Ratchanok The victory ended Detroit’s four- Intanon, seeded eight, 21-14, 21-18. game losing streak against Buffalo. 28 SPORT SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 Sheikh Ali prevails with First Devision as Qatari riders bag major honours

Rizwan Rehmat The Peninsula

eteran rider Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani yesterday produced a controlled routine with First Devision to win theV Grand Prix title on day three of the QNB Qatar International Show Jumping Championship. The 35-year-old Qatari sailed through the 160cm class - part of the FEI World Cup qualifying leg - to complete a memorable win in the four-rider jump-off. Sheikh Ali’s win - that came in 55.77 seconds - completed a dom- inating show for home riders who won two out of the three feature competitions at the CSI4* championship. Veteran Australian rider Edwina Tops-Alexander finished in second spot with Inca Boy Vant T Viahanof in a time of 63.09 seconds. Ali Al Khorafi, riding under the FEI flag, secured the third spot with Cheril (53.57 seconds) but got penal- ised for four faults. Popular Turkish rider Derin Demirsoy (Harry K), finished in fourth place in a time of 51.23 sec- onds (12 faults). Sheikh Ali won €22,975 while Tops-Alexander got €18,785. Third- placed Al Khorafi picked up €13,785 while Demirsoy got richer by €9,190. “It’s a good win as it will give Qatari rider Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani celebrates on First me confidence for next week also,” Devision during the 160cm class - part of the FEI World Cup Sheikh Ali said. “This was very good qualifying leg on day-three of the QNB Qatar International Show practice for future events. My horse Jumping Championship at QEF’s Outdoor Arena yesterday. has won three times before and he was sixth in the Olympics,” he added. picked up the top prize of €6,150. Sheikh Jooan bin Hamad Al Thani, “It seemed too easy for him but Tops-Alexander, astride eight- then everything is possible,” he said. QNB Qatar International Show Jumping Championship: Results to win is always special,” the Qatari year-old Veronese Teamjoy, Turkish rider Demirsoy (Dad- said. “It is very important for me to finished in second spot in a time of jak Ter Puttenen, 57.95 seconds, (Class. 7) Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 - Max. 130/135cm make my country happy. We did 57.37 seconds. The 43-year-old €2,460) and Rakan Al Hasawi (Den- Rank Horse Rider (Country) Time Prize that today. We dominated at this Australian won €4,920. nis, 57.97 seconds, €1,722) 1: DAYDREAMER EC Saeed Nasser Al Qadi (Qatar) 66.36 secs. €1,750 championship because we have a Greek rider Athina Onassis completed the top five. 2: GERLIN VD WATERKANT Cyrine Cherif (France) 73.05 secs. €1,400 good team now. We have good guided Vannan to a third-place fin- Earlier in competition 7 yester- horses and good trainers. ish in a time of 77.06 following a day, Qatari rider Saeed Al Qadi 3: DINKY TOY VAN DE CASTERSHOEVE Yara Al Hunaidi (FEI) 79.32 secs. €1,050 “We work hard (for the wins) couple of faults. Onassis won emerged a runaway winner with 4: FIJI Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi (Qatar) 84.46 secs. €700 and you can see that every year. €3,690. Daydreamer EC as he won the 5: DENVER Rakan Al Hasawi (FEI) 63.80 secs. €490 Hopefully we will have the best “It is a really nice feeling since 130/135cm class at QEF’s Outdoor team in the future also,” the popu- the Toymaker has just come back Arena. (Class. 8) Table A, One Round + Winning Round FEI Art. 276.2.1, 2.3 - Max. 145 cm lar Qatari rider added. for competition after a rest,” Daydreamer EC clocked a time Rank Horse Rider (Country) 1st Phase 2nd Phase Prize Tops-Alexander said: “I am very Bassem said after the event. “Today of 66.36 seconds as Al Qadi picked 1: THE TOYMAKER Bassem Mohammed 74.88 secs. 54.75 secs. €6,150 happy. This was the first time he was his day, thank God. I am just so up €1,750 after claiming the top 2: VERONESE TEAMJOY Edwina Tops-Alexander 80.63 secs. 57.37 secs. €4,920 went out for this Grand Prix. I happy that he jumped so well. spot in a field of 25 riders. 3: VANNAN Athina Onassis 85.03 secs. 77.06 secs. €3,690 couldn’t be happier, I am also happy “I know that this event is not French rider Cyrine Cherif that Ali won. It was a very good win like LGCT but still we got to deliver. guided Gerlin VD Waterkant to the 4: DADJAK TER PUTTENEN Derin Demirsoy 77.48 secs. 57.95 secs. €2,460 by him.” But I feel you have to respect the second spot in a time of 73.05 sec- 5: DENNIS Rakan Al Hasawi 79.44 secs. 57.97 secs. €1,722 Continuing from where he left riders and horses at each class,” onds. Cherif won €1,400. off at the LGCT final round last Bassem said. Yara Al Hunaidi, riding under (Class. 9) GRAND PRIX - World Cup Competition week, Qatar’s Bassem Mohammed “Last week’s win at Global the FEI flag, produced a neat but Two Rounds FEI Art. 273.3.3.1 & 273.4.3 + 273.2.2 + Annex D FEI World Cup Arab League rules + yesterday returned to the podium Champions Tour was the biggest slow ride with Dinky Toy Van De Annex VIII art 6 - 140-160cm with a resounding win with Toy- win of my career. To win especially Castershoeve who clocked a time Rank Horse Rider (Country) 1st Phase 2nd Phase Prize maker, edging veteran rider here in Doha, I am so happy. I am of 79.32 seconds. Al Hunaidi won 1: FIRST DEVISION Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani 86.65 secs. 55.77 secs. €22,975 Tops-Alexander to the top spot. motivated for the coming shows. €1.050. Bassem sailed to his win in a “I just need to stay focus and Qatar’s Khalid Mohammed Al 2: INCA BOY VAN T VIANAHOF Edwina Tops-Alexander (Australia) 88.90 secs. 63.09 secs. €18,380 time of 54.75 seconds in the 145cm follow the plan from trainers. When Emadi (Fiji, 84.46 seconds, €700) 3: CHERIL Ali Al Khorafi (FEI) 82.54 secs. 53.57 secs. €13,785 class under lights at the QEF’s Out- you have the support of the Emir H and Rakan 4: HARRY K Derin Demirsoy (Turkey) 79.02 secs. 51.23 secs. €9,190 door Arena. H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Al Hasawi (Denver, 63.80 sec- 5: GUNDER Bassem Mohammed 83.33 secs. €6,433 Winner of the Doha Grand Prix Thani, the Father Emir H H Sheikh onds, 4 faults, €490) completed the 6: SUSPENS FLOREVAL Vladimir Tuganov (Russia) 84.44 secs. €5,054 at Al Shaqab last week, Bassem Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, H E top five. 7: CHARIELLE Alexandra Thornton (GBR) 85.51 secs. €3,676 Most of the riders will feature 8: CANTARO Salmeen Sultan Al Suwaidi 87.66 secs. €2,757 Qatar’s Bassem in the QNB Al Rayyan International 9: CLINTON Hamad Al Attiyah 82.21 secs. €2,757 Mohammed guides Show Jumping Championship to be 10: QUEL HOMME Nasser Al Ghazali 87.49 secs. €2,297 Toymaker over an held from Nov 23-25 at QEF’s Out- obstacle during the door Arena. 145cm class under lights at the QEF’s Future riders Outdoor Arena yesterday. The podium winners and participants of the National Show Jumping competition - Class Future Riders (75cm) event pose for a photograph on the final day of the QNB Qatar International Show Jumping Championship at Qatar Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) main arena in Al Rayyan yesterday. Kanz Azzam Abdulla Saleh guided Wendefi VD Rashoev to win the event. Sita, ridden by Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani clocked the second fastest time while Abdulrahman Eisa Al Bukhari who guided Funny Thing was placed third.