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Saturday, November 17, 2018 TENNIS Rabia I 9, 1440 AH Zverev sets up GULF TIMES Federer clash in ATP Finals semis SPORT Page 4 RALLYING FOOTBALL Al-Attiyah storms Swiss win augurs well to lead, poised for for 2022 World Cup another Qatar title hosts Qatar ‘It is better to make a good start now because tomorrow will not be easy. We did our best. The stages have dried completely now after the rain last week’

By Sports Reporter Losail

asser Saleh al-Attiyah and Matthieu Baumel held a com- fortable lead of 2min 00.1sec Nover Czech rival Vojtch Štajf and his female navigator Veronica Havelkova after the opening four special stages of the Manateq International Rally of Qatar yesterday. Al-Attiyah said: “It was a good start and we are quite happy. It is better to make a good start now because tomor- row will not be easy. We did our best. The stages have dried completely now after the rain last week.” The Ford Fiesta R5 driver won all four shortened timed specials, but there was a fascinating battle for supremacy in the Star in the making: Akram Afif MERC 2 category behind third-placed Adel Abdulla and his Lebanese naviga- AFP players into the national team tor Ziad Chebab in the third of the more Doha and try and develop Qatari-born powerful R5 cars. players rather than “natural- Making his debut in an R5 car, Adel ised” foreign stars. Abdulla said: “The fi rst two stages were atar’s eye-catching The average age of Qatar’s very diffi cult for me. I was learning the victory over Swit- starting line-up in Switzerland speed of the gear ratios and my speed in zerland in an inter- was 24 years and 195 days, two the corners. We only tested for a short national friendly on years younger than the Swiss time the same day as scrutineering for WednesdayQ has made the foot- team, according to pan-Arab half an hour. We are close behind second ball community sit up and take statistics platform, Mundial11. position. I will push a bit tomorrow if I notice. The country’s still all-time feel more comfortable in the car.” It may only have been a top scorer, Sebastian Soria may Kuwait’s Saleh bin Eidan laid down the friendly, but undeniably the 1-0 have been born in Uruguay, but gauntlet with the fastest MERC 2 time win — in Lugano, Switzerland as many as nine of those players in the opening stage but he was over- — was a landmark and symbolic who started in Lugano were born taken by Abdullah al-Kuwari on the sec- result in many ways for the Qa- in Qatar. ond special that saw the end of MERC 2 tari team. And 13 of the 23 players in champion Meshari al-Thefi ri’s challenge It was the fi rst time Qatar had Wednesday’s squad were Aspire after navigator Saff ah al-Thefi ri felt un- Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah powers through the Qatar desert during the Manateq International Rally of Qatar yesterday. beaten a European team in their graduates. well. own country. Promoting younger players Bin Eidan suff ered transmission issues to snatch third place in MERC 2 and sixth with a time of 10min 37.1sec. ceremonial fi nish at Souq Waqif from Switzerland, who reached the was helped by making Spaniard of his own, however, and completed the overall. Al-Thefi ri’s troubles cost him a fur- 17.35hrs. last 16 of the 2014 World Cup Sanchez the national coach. last of the stages with fi fth gear. Over- MERC 3 champion Henry Kahy duly ther minute to his rivals in the showroom and are currently eighth in FIFA’s He has worked at the Acad- night MERC 2 leader and fourth-placed reached the end of the day in seventh category, although all 10 FIA cars sur- Positions rankings, are also the highest- emy, and with the Qatari U-19, Abdullah al-Kuwari said: “I have a prob- overall with Rashed al-Mohannadi vived the opening challenge. Oman’s Saif 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu ranked side ever beaten by Al- U-20 and U-23 teams. lem on the fi rst stage. I had new brakes rounding off the FIA survivors in eighth Abdullah al-Harthy topped the times Baumel (FRA) Ford Fiesta R5 31min 51.6sec 2. Annabi (the maroons), ranked 88 It’s been a good few weeks for and I forgot. The second stage was better, position. amongst the National runners on a stage Vojtĕch Štajf (CZE)/Veronica Havelkova (CZE) places lower. Aspire, as Qatar’s U-20 team but I had no power really for the next two Oman’s Saif Abdullah al-Harthy held where the 1993 MERC champion Sheikh Škoda Fabia R5 33min 51.7sec 3. Adel Hussein And for good measure the have just qualifi ed for next year’s stages. I think there is a problem with a a lead of 7min 44sec over Oman-based Hamed bin Eid al-Thani retired with tur- Abdulla (QAT)/Ziad Chehab (LEB) Ford Fiesta 86th-minute winner was scored World Cup. pipe or something with the turbo. In the Shaun McGonigal in the National cat- bo charger issues. R5 35min 16.9sec 4. Abdullah al-Kuwari (QAT)/ by Akram Afi f, the fi rst Qatari Sanchez, 42, is a friendly yet slow corners there was no power. We will egory. The event concludes today with two Nasser al-Kuwari (QAT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo to play in Spain’s La Liga and a shy person, who appears to want work on the car now so it is ready. Action began with the 15.87km of the runs through three special stages in the X 38min 43.6sec 5. Saleh bin Eidan (KWT)/Alexei product of Aspire Academy, an to do his work out of the media “I get a problem with the gearbox and revised Eraida special stage on the north- northern deserts. Action starts in the Kuzmich (RUS) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX 39min expensively-built Doha training spotlight, which suits Qatar. I only have one gear, fi fth,” said bin Eidan eastern coastline. Al-Attiyah clocked north with a shortened stage of 13.20km 49.4sec 6. Mohamed al-Meer (QAT)/Ahmad centre which seeks to hothouse Many expect him to be re- at the end of the leg. “It was diffi cult at the target time of 8min 59.6sec and that at Al Khor and this precedes the un- al-Fares (KWT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 42min local talent. placed by a “big name” come the starts and in the hairpins and into the pushed the Qatari into a lead of 48.9 sec- changed 21.16km of the Al Ghariyah 42.6sec 7. Henry Kahy (LBN)/Musa Djiyerian The victory, almost four years 2022, possibly Xavi, who has 90s (corners), everywhere, but we have a onds over Štajf. Co-driver illness before special and the modifi ed 14.22km of Al (JOR) Škoda Fabia 1.6 46min 39.6sec 8. Rashid to the day before the 2022 World admitted he would be “open” to spare ‘box. Tomorrow is a long day and the start meant that al-Thefi ri was run- Ruwais. al-Mohannadi (QAT)/Yousef Juma (JOR) Mitsubi- Cup begins, is a sign that Qatar taking charge. we hope to have it back in one piece.” ning eight minutes late for his due start After a return to the Qatar Handball shi Lancer Evo IX 56min 52.8sec is catching up with more estab- And 2019 is a big year for Oman’s Abdullah al-Rawahi was the best time and was awarded 1min 20sec in road Stadium for a service and regrouping, the 2018 Manateq Qatar National cars: 1. Saif lished football powers. Sanchez and his team. of the rest in MERC 2 until he stopped his penalties, as Adel Abdulla completed his stages are repeated in the early afternoon Abdullah al-Harthy (OMN)/Salim Al-Abri (OMN) “We are in a good way,” Xavi In January they play in the Subaru Impreza WRX before the third fi rst ever stage in an R5 car in a time of with the last stage at Al Ruwais scheduled Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 40min 04.8sec 2. Hernandez, who earned 133 caps Asian Cup, a sensitive assign- stage with engine problems. That opened 10.14.6sec and Kuwait’s Saleh bin Eidan to start at 14.14hrs. Teams will then head Shaun McGonigal (OMN)/Nathan Marriott (OMN) and a World Cup winners’ medal ment for Qatar given that it is the door for Qatar’s Mohammed al-Meer moved to the front of the MERC 2 section into downtown Doha for the televised Subaru Impreza WRX STi 47min 48.8sec with Spain, told AFP referring to hosted by the United Arab Emir- Qatar, where he now plays. ates, one of the Gulf countries “We have many talented play- currently locked in a bitter dip- ers and it means that [coach] Fe- lomatic dispute with Doha. lix Sanchez is doing a really good Next summer they will take job. on the might of Argentina and “We must keep going like that. Brazil, as well as others, as Qa- It’s a big win, of course.” tar improbably plays in the Copa Sanchez said the result would America. make the country “very proud”. These tournaments — and a After Qatar failed to qualify friendly against Iceland on No- for the 2018 World Cup in Rus- vember 19 — will determine just sia, Critics predicted they would how far Qatar is progressing. become the fi rst host nation not And if the Swiss victory ul- to win a game at their own World timately means little for 2022, Cup. at least Qatar can fall back on The Qatar football Associa- history — the Italians won the tion was alarmed as well. World Cup at their fi rst attempt Adel Abdulla (L) and Abdullah al-Kuwari of Qatar in action during the opening stages of the Manateq International Rally of Qatar yesterday. It decided to bring younger in 1934. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, November 17, 2018 FOOTBALL

NATIONS LEAGUE Swiss prosecutor quits aft er cleared in corruption probe

A Swiss federal prosecutor suspended last month in connection with cor- ruption investigations in the world of football has been cleared of wrongdo- ing and quit his job, authorities said. The criminal probe into the head of the Jedvaj double gives Swiss federal prosecution’s economic crimes division, Olivier Thormann, has been dropped, the attorney general’s off ice (OAG) said in a statement. The OAG announced last week Thormann’s temporary suspension in connection with “investigations into football and FIFA”, but did not specify Croatia dramatic win which probes the prosecutor had been working on or the nature of the charges Victory avenges Croatia’s 6-0 drubbing by Spain in the reverse fixture against him. Japan remain undefeated under new boss

Japan drew with Venezuela 1-1 in a home friendly with defender Hiroki Sakai netting his first goal for the Blue Samurai, who stay undefeated under their new coach. The draw in Oita came as Japan are gearing towards an at- tempt at a record-extending fifth title in the Asian Cup starting in January. Japan made it three wins and one draw from Hajime Moriyasu’s first four games fol- lowing their surprise run to the last 16 of the World Cup under Akira Nishino. Last month Japan stunned Uruguay 4-3 as Takumi Minamino netted twice against the World Cup quarter-finalists.

Roma to donate €150,000 for injured Liverpool fan

AS Roma will donate €150,000 towards the medical and rehabilitation costs of a Liverpool fan, who was injured in an attack outside Anfield in April, the Ital- ian club said. Sean Cox, 53, from Ireland, suff ered a brain injury in the incident, which took place before the Champi- ons League semi-final first-leg match between Liverpool and Roma. Roma said they will donate €100,000 through their Roma Cares foundation, while their president Jim Pallotta will make a personal donation of €50,000. The club have also agreed to work with Cox’s wife on further fundraising initia- tives to help cover the ongoing costs of Croatia’s Tin Jedvaj celebrates after scoring the winner as teammates rush in to join him during the UEFA Nations League League match against Spain at Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb. (Reuters) his recovery.

Reuters Victory avenged Croatia’s 6-0 with his second after Spain had twice six metres after good work by Isco and bar, and football has been unfair to Zagreb drubbing by Spain in the reverse fi x- come from behind. Striker Andrej Iago Aspas. us,” Enrique said. “In their fi rst goal Man City’s Mendy ture and their coach Zlatko Dalic feels Kramaric fi red the hosts ahead in the Jedvaj, playing in an unfamiliar po- we made a mistake, their second came undergoes knee surgery confi dent his World Cup runners-up 56th minute, only for Dani Ceballos sition as he is normally deployed on from a set-piece and they were lucky roatia kept alive their hopes of can win the group. “We have to enjoy to equalise with his fi rst goal for Spain the opposite fl ank, made it 2-1 with a at the end. In the second half we de- Manchester City defender Benjamin reaching the Nations League it and give it our best shot as I am sure barely two minutes later. far-post header after an inch-perfect served a lot more, we certainly didn’t Mendy underwent knee surgery, the fi nals after a stoppage-time we have it in us to beat England,” he Jedvaj restored Croatia’s advantage cross by Luka Modric. deserve defeat but this is football and Premier League champions announced. winner by left back Tin Jedvaj said. with a close-range header before Ser- Spain equalised after Sime Vrsaljko we need to accept it.” The 24-year-old was operated on after gaveC them a 3-2 win over Spain in an “It was a great match. Five goals, a gio Ramos converted a penalty to bring twice handled the ball and Ramos sent Enrique appeared resigned to his pulling out of the France squad for electrifying Group 4 clash on Thurs- roller-coaster and in the end we de- Spain level again 12 minutes from time. goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic the wrong side not making it through, turning his Friday’s Nations League game with the day night. served to win. The lads went all out Croatia started fast and missed two way from the spot. Croatia forced the attention to the qualifying campaign Netherlands. Mendy missed the major- Spain stayed top of the group with for a win, they all went forward in the good chances while Isco went close for fi nal twist when De Gea could only for Euro 2020. “I would love to qualify ity of last season after rupturing the an- six points from four games but their dying minutes and the gamble paid Spain with a fi erce shot. parry substitute Josip Brekalo’s low for the fi nal four but our top objec- terior cruciate ligament in his right knee fate is no longer in their own hands off handsomely. The best of this new- Spain fell behind after a calamitous shot and Jedvaj popped up again to tive is the European Championships,” against Crystal Palace in September as England and Croatia, who have look team is yet to come,” said Dalic, error by Sergi Roberto, who gave the hammer in the rebound. he said. “We knew we were in a group 2017. He returned from injury in April four each from three matches, clash who oversaw Croatia’s 2-1 World Cup ball away to Ivan Perisic and the wing- Spain coach Luis Enrique said foot- with two of the best teams in the world this year and has started nine of City’s at Wembley tomorrow. The winners semi-fi nal win over England in July. er released Kramaric to beat David ball had been unfair to the defeat. “We but I’m not worried about my team. I 12 Premier League games this season. would fi nish top and reach the 2019 Jedvaj emerged as Croatia’s hero de Gea with a crisp fi nish from eight created a lot of chances, some of them can see areas we need to improve in, The Frenchman played the full 90 min- fi nal four while only a draw would see with his fi rst two international goals, metres. Croatia’s joy was short-lived where it looked impossible that the but I think today’s result is completely utes in last weekend’s 3-1 win over rivals the Spaniards retain top spot. sending the home crowd into raptures as Ceballos swept the ball home from ball would not go in, we hit the cross- unfair.” Manchester United.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Pressure mounts on De Gea Batshuayi brace gives Belgium easy win Reuters as Kepa waits in the wings Brussels Reuters his goal for their fi rst two — this is a guy who is Madrid two metres tall! He could have even pushed the tand-in striker Michy ball away for a corner for the third instead of Batshuayi scored twice as straight to their player.” Belgium laboured to a 2-0 ressure is mounting on Spain goalkeeper De Gea, 28, has been named in the Premier victory over Iceland on David de Gea with fans and media call- League Team of the Year for the last four seasons ThursdayS to propel them to the ing for him to be dropped following a by his peers and is United’s reining player of the top of their UEFA Nations League surprise 3-2 loss to Croatia in Thursday season but he, like others in the red half of Man- pool. The hosts, number one Pnight’s Nations League meeting. chester, have struggled this season. in FIFA’s world rankings, were De Gea has been Spain’s number one since Euro United are eighth in the table on 20 points, 12 missing several players due to in- 2016 but he has struggled to consistently repli- behind leaders and rivals Manchester City, having jury, with striker Romelu Lukaku cate his impressive Manchester United club form conceded 21 goals in 12 Premier League games so ruled out a day before the match and was criticised for not closing down Croatia far. Last season, De Gea conceded 28 times in 37 to bring Batshuayi into the start- forward Andrej Kramaric, who scored the opener league appearances. ing line-up. in Zagreb. The dip in form comes as his international Belgium had the vast major- “The Croat did what most people who have backup Kepa Arrizabalaga has made a strong ity of possession, but struggled taken a shot at De Gea have done in the past year: start to his Chelsea career following a 80mn Euro for over an hour to break through found the back of the net,” Spanish journalist ($90mn) transfer from Athletico Bilbao — a world a dogged and organised Iceland Diego Torres wrote in El Pais. Tomas Roncero of record fee for a goalkeeper. back line in a game shrouded most sports daily AS has been critical of De Gea since Kepa has conceding eight times in his fi rst 12 of the time by thick mist. Eden Spain’s disappointing last 16 exit at the World Premier League appearances as Chelsea remain Hazard, who played alongside Cup in July and said it was time for a change. unbeaten in the league. The 24-year-old has his brother Thorgan on the left, “We all saw what happened at the World Cup made two appearances for Spain, the last com- fi nally unpicked the visitors’ de- and nothing’s changed,” Roncero wrote. ing in a 4-1 win over Wales last month. Spain host fence in the 65th minute when his “He just stands there, he doesn’t come out of Bosnia in a friendly tomorrow. perfectly-weighted cross found Thomas Meunier, who only had to stroke the ball across to Batshuayi in front of an open goal. Iceland, who knew they were relegated before Thursday’s match, showed more intent in the second half and might have equalised, but Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois saved Albert Gudmundsson’s shot with his Belgium’s Michy Batshuayi (left) and Iceland’s Kari Arnason vie for the ball during the UEFA Nations legs. Batshuayi guaranteed the League group match at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday night. (Reuters) victory in the 81st minute when he pounced for a tap-in after behind defender Jan Vertonghen. maining unbeaten in the group Stanislav Dragun struck twice Iceland keeper Hannes Halldors- Though far from a sell-out, phase. Marko Arnautovic might for Belarus in a 2-0 win at Lux- son, who normally plays in the one notable spectator was Man- have earned Austria a win in Vi- embourg that sent his side top Azerbaijan premier league, let chester United manager Jose enna, but he fi red over late during of Group D2, stopping the hosts slip a shot from substitute Hans Mourinho, watching from the a tight clash. from sealing promotion which Vanaken. stands even though none of his Greece beat Finland by one they would have achieved with Belgium will travel to Switzer- Belgium players were fi t. Mar- goal in Group C2, but thanks to a win. Moldova beat San Marino land for their fi nal pool match to- ouane Fellaini was also injured. a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fi xture 1-0 in the other game to maintain morrow, knowing a draw would Meanwhile Bosnia-Herze- they cannot overtake their op- a slim hope of winning the group. ensure they reach the Nations govina sealed promotion from ponents at the top of the group In Group D1, already-promot- League fi nals in June. The match Group B3 after a 0-0 draw at in the fi nal game. Hungary swept ed Georgia drew 1-1 at Andorra was also notable for a 100th in- Austria. Bosnia-Herzegovina past Estonia 2-0 with goals from while earlier Latvia earned their ternational for Axel Witsel, the will play in the top bracket of Willi Orban and Adam Szalai rel- fi rst Nations League point on the Spain’s David De Gea is dejected after the UEFA Nations League loss to Croatia on Thursday. (Reuters) second most-capped Belgian teams next time around after re- egating their opponents. road in a 1-1 draw at Kazakhstan. Gulf Times Saturday, November 17, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT New-look Germany ease past Russians 3-0 in friendly Rooney says farewell Leipzig: A new-look Germany comfortably beat Russia 3-0 in a friendly on Thursday with all the goals coming in the first half. Leroy Sane, Niklas Suele and Serge Gnabry secured the victory for a side with just two 2014 World Cup as England beat US winners in the starting lineup — goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Matthias Ginter. Germany were soon off the England’s all-time top scorer Rooney came on as a 58th-minute substitute to roars from crowd mark with Gnabry sending the speedy Sane through and Reuters the Manchester City winger London grabbed his first international goal in the eighth minute. Sane was left out of the here was no farewell goal but squad for the 2018 World Cup plenty of pride and apprecia- as Joachim Low’s side, win- tion as Wayne Rooney made ners in 2014, failed to make it his 120th and fi nal appear- out of the group phase. anceT for England in a 3-0 win over the Defender Suele also got his United States in a friendly at Wembley first Germany goal when he on Thursday night. England’s all-time was left unmarked in the box top scorer Rooney came on as a 58th- to slot home from a corner in minute substitute, to roars from the the 25th. crowd, with the team 2-0 up thanks to The Russians, World Cup excellent fi rst-half strikes from Jesse hosts this year, were missing Lingard and Trent Alexander-Arnold several players through injury with his fi rst goal for his country. and rarely ventured forward. The game, played in front of a well- Gnabry then turned scored in below capacity crowd of 68,155, had the 40th, firing in from a su- been billed as a tribute match to Rooney perb Kai Havertz through ball, and he was given a guard of honour by to cap a strong first period by both sets of players and received a pres- the hosts. entation from the Football Association In a subdued second half before kick-off . Rooney retired from play was constantly inter- England duty in August, 2017 but the FA rupted by a dozen substitu- decided to turn the friendly into a trib- tions in total. Germany coach ute game for the Liverpool-born player. Joachim Loew fielded a The 33-year-old former Manches- young starting 11, leaving the ter United and Everton forward, who experienced Mats Hummels now plays in the US for Major League and Thomas Mueller on the Soccer team DC United, did not have a bench while fellow World Cup major impact on the game but forced winner Jerome Boateng was goalkeeper Brad Guzan into a save in not called up and Toni Kroos stoppage time. A 54th goal for England was given a break. would have been the perfect way to bow The 19-year-old Havertz out but it was typical of Rooney’s mod- and Sane, 22, were a constant est approach to the match that he never headache for the Russian tried to create chances for himself, in- defence, with 23-year-old stead showcasing, for a fi nal time at Gnabry also confirming his Wembley, his passing ability. fine form this season. “Tonight was great, a great way to “We can be pleased with fi nish my international career, I thought that, we were in top form in the lads played great. Unfortunately I the first half,” said Gnabry. couldn’t get a goal but I’ll remember it “We were a bit too passive for a long time,” Rooney said. “I’ve had after the break, but we will my time, I can sit back and watch them take the win. It doesn’t matter now and it’s my opinion that England how old this team is, look at are in very safe hands from what I’ve someone like Kai (Havertz), seen this week”. England’s Wayne Rooney shoots at goal during a friendly match against the United States at Wembley Stadium in London on Thursday night. (Reuters) he’s only 19, but played really Callum Wilson, the Bournemouth well.” The Germans, who play striker making his England debut, made striker Harry Kane. England can top future. Jadon Sancho, the 18-year-old put paid to the fears that Rooney would goal showed real quality. their last Nations League it 3-0 in the 77th minute to complete a Group 1 in League A with a victory over Borussia Dortmund winger, impressed upset the balance of Southgate’s project Alexander-Arnold is England’s third group match against the fi ne night for the debut starters. Jadon the Croatians that would take them with his light-footed and clever work — the manager himself noted how choice right back, behind Kyle Walker Netherlands on Monday, had Sancho, the 18-year-old Borussia Dort- above Spain into top spot and secure a on the right fl ank and linked up promis- Rooney had been a positive infl uence and Kieran Trippier, but the 20-year- a terrible year, crashing out of mund winger, was impressive in his fi rst place in the four-team fi nal tournament ingly with Dele Alli and Lingard. “I real- in the build-up. “He spoke to them at old marked his fi rst international at the World Cup in their earliest start, setting up Alexander-Arnold with next June. ly did enjoy that, playing in front of my the end and they would have noticed his Wembley with his debut goal — a fi ne exit in 80 years. a well-timed weighted pass for the Liv- England manager Gareth Southgate family and in front of the England fans,” humility. He mucked in with the group, low strike past Brad Guzan. They managed one point erpool full-back, who drilled home with said he was pleased with his team’s dis- said Sancho, who moved to Germany in trained the same as everyone else, he “A dream come true, fi rst game at from three Nations League a fi ne low shot. Lingard, one of the few play and with the send-off for Rooney. search of playing time having emerged worked in the fi ve-a-sides and wanted Wembley and (fi rst goal) for my coun- matches and could be rele- England regulars to start, put in a good “From our point of view, we are talk- from Manchester City’s youth system. to win everything he was involved in,” try. Jadon Sancho did well to see the gated from Group 1 in League performance and his 25th minute goal, a ing about respecting the shirt and “Playing with Rooney was a dream Southgate said. “In the game, he was vision of me making the run,” said the A, while they also suff ered a perfect curling shot into the top corner, those who have gone before and all come true because obviously he is a big tracking back and he showed what a top Liverpool defender. total of six defeats in a year was a carbon copy of his strike against of the players did that this week. We legend and a role model to me. I was a player mentality he has,” he added. “It’s been exciting, looking back on for the first time. Panama at this year’s World Cup. gave Wayne a week that he deserved. bit nervous ahead of the game and he Southgate highlighted Sancho’s deci- Wayne Rooney’s career, he was one of If France win then Germany England, who face Croatia in a win- “It would have been perfect for him to came over to me and told me to just ex- sion-making as an area the “raw” wing- the best players for the country and it would still need to beat the ner-takes-all shootout in the Nations score but we saw some moments of real press myself because I had nothing to er had to improve on but his awareness was good to share the pitch with him. As Dutch in a match played at League at Wembley tomorrow, rested quality from him.” lose,” he added. for his perfectly-weighted pass to Trent a local Liverpool lad, it is good to show Schalke’s Veltins Arena. a number of regular starters such as England fans also got a glimpse of the It was not just Sancho’s words that Alexander-Arnold for England’s second people in Liverpool that it is possible.”

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS New boss Ranieri confi dent of pulling Trophies will defi ne Liverpool’s ‘quality’ Fulham out of the mire season, not stats: Wijnaldum AFP Reuters London London

laudio Ranieri said yesterday that iverpool’s Premier League he was confi dent that he can drag statistics this season rock bottom Fulham out of relega- make for impressive read- tion danger after taking over at the ing but the focus should newly-prC omoted Premier League side this Lbe on delivering trophies at An- week. Ranieri, the manager behind Leices- fi eld, according to midfi elder ter’s incredible 2016 league title win, took Georginio Wijnaldum. The over from sacked Slavisa Jokanovic on Merseyside club are second in Wednesday after his Serb predecessor only the league after 12 matches with managed one win in 12 matches in his debut 30 points, two behind defending season as a coach in England’s top fl ight. champions Manchester City. Fulham have lost nine times on their way It is Liverpool’s joint best start to gaining just fi ve points, but Ranieri be- to a league season since the in- lieves there is still hope for a team bolstered ception of the Premier League in with around 100mn euros ($114mn) of sum- 1992 and their unbeaten run has mer signings after winning promotion from been built on solid foundations at the Championship last season. the back. The team has conceded “When I watched some matches I said fi ve league goals — the joint-best this team has enough quality to be safe... I defensive record in the competi- need fi ghting spirit,” said Ranieri to report- tion alongside Manchester City. ers yesterday. Wijnaldum, however, wants The Italian wants to combine that talent Liverpool, who have not won the — owner Shahid Khan splashed out on Jean league title since 1990 and whose Michael Seri ,Andre Schuerrle, Aleksandar last silverware came when they Mitrovic and Alfi e Mawson — with the grit lifted the League Cup in 2012, something about our defensive Dijk was signed for £75 million that saw his Leicester team overcome all the New Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri poses at Craven Cottage in London. (Reuters) to convert these milestones into qualities, particularly at home, ($96m) in January to address the odds two years ago. tangible success. but we have to make sure that issues at centre-back and has “Quality with fi ghting spirit we can do a pay his respects to Foxes owner Vichai Sri- ham players with pizza when they kept clean “It is good to hear, of course, we continue that now and go on made an impressive fi st of jus- good job. If there is only quality, without or- vaddhanaprabha and the four others killed sheets like he did at Leicester, Ranieri joked: but we are not playing for sta- a new run.” tifying the outlay, which was a ganisation, defensive tactics, it’s diffi cult to in a helicopter crash last month. “Pizza is not enough now. Better everybody tistics — we are playing to win Wijnaldum has hailed fel- world-record fee for a defender. help the players to maintain the clean sheet,” However Ranieri played down sugges- to McDonald’s.” games and at the end of the sea- low Dutchman Virgil van Dijk “I think Virgil has made a dif- added Ranieri. “Now for me it’s important tions of creating another miracle by winning He will face two of his former clubs in his son, we hope we can win some- for marshalling the defensive ference in the last line because to put in the brain of my players this phi- the title with Fulham. “Forget what hap- fi rst three games, with the December 2 trip thing,” he told the club website. unit, which has kept seven clean he is a good defender, a big de- losophy. Play football, play well, but when pened yesterday, that was a bonus. A fairy- to Chelsea followed by what will be an emo- “Of course it is something sheets this season. fender. He is an extra man who you lose the ball I want to see you with an tale I forget,” the 67-year-old said of his and tional return to Leicester three days later. good when you don’t concede Jurgen Klopp's side have con- can defend set-pieces as well,” anchor, like pirates.” Leicester’s fi rst ever league title win. “Now He said: “I think only of Southampton. goals because that makes it easi- ceded just fi ve times in the Pre- he said. “He is a leader in the last Ranieri returns to England as a coach for it’s important, don’t think about the mira- In this moment it’s important. Don’t think er to win games and also suggests mier League this term, a vast line who not only helps himself the fi rst time since being sacked by Leices- cle. It’s important there will be a lot of bat- about other things, Southampton, South- that we have defended well but I improvement on the 17 they had with his quality but also the play- ter in February 2017 after a disastrous title tles and it’s important to be ready together.” ampton. And then after Southampton, think you also need a little bit of shipped by the same stage last ers next to him and so he really defence. He was in Leicester last weekend to Asked whether he would reward his Ful- Chelsea.” luck. Of course, those fi gures say season. Netherlands skipper Van helps the team.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, November 17, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS GOLF Wallace takes narrow lead in Zverev sets up Dubai, Fleetwood Federer last-four stays in contention clash at ATP Finals ‘I AM UNBELIEVABLY HAPPY TO BE THROUGH TO THE SEMI-FINALS’

Matt Wallace of England prepares to play a shot during day two of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai yesterday.

Reuters “I’ve been in this situation be- Dubai fore, just not in this sort of tour- nament. The best players are out there in the world and I just want ngland’s Matt Wallace to compete and see where my carded a blemish-free game is at against them.” seven-under-par 65 Fleetwood’s hopes of fi nishing to take a one-shot lead at the top of the European Tour’s intoE the weekend at the season- money list were bolstered with Germany’s Alexander Zverev in action during his group stage match against John Isner of the US in London yesterday. ending DP World Tour Champi- a round of 67, which saw him onship yesterday, while Tommy move up to tied sixth on the lea- Fleetwood improved his hopes of derboard alongside former world winning the Race to Dubai title. number one Rory McIlroy. Wallace, chasing a fourth Eu- Race To Dubai leader Frances- ropean Tour title victory of a re- co Molinari stumbled home with markable season, started the day three bogeys on the back nine to with back-to-back birdies to sign for a 73, leaving the Italian grab a share of the lead alongside eight shots off the lead. overnight pace setters Adrian British Open champion Moli- Otaegui and Jordan Smith. nari will secure the Race to Dubai The Made in Denmark cham- title if he fi nishes in a two-way pion looked in complete control tie for fi fth or better this week- when he sank three birdies in end, while Fleetwood must win four holes from the 11th to set the title to have any chance of the clubhouse target at 11-under defending his season-long Euro- AFP Zverev is the youngest semi- crowd roaring their approval. overall at the halfway stage. pean crown. London fi nalist at the ATP Finals since Anderson double-faulted A win tomorrow could make England’s Danny Willett Juan Martin del Potro in 2009. twice in the next game to drop Wallace the 14th player to win started the day with a dropped Second-seed Federer, chasing serve but Federer wobbled, four events in a single European shot but four straight birdies his 100th title, beat Anderson in sending a forehand wide to hand Tour season and the fi rst since from the sixth ensured he fi n- lexander Zverev set straight sets to top the Lleyton the break back. Alex Noren in 2016. ished with 67 to move up to sec- up a last-four clash Hewitt Group on Thursday but The Swiss immediately broke “I’m playing with freedom ond spot at 10-under alongside against Roger Fed- both players progressed, mean- again though and switched on now and trying to place as high as compatriot Smith and Spaniard Aerer in the ATP Finals ing early exits for Kei Nishikori the afterburners to clinch the set I possibly can come the back nine Otaegui. after seeing off John Isner 7-6 and Dominic Thiem. in the next game from 0-40. holes on Sunday,” Wallace said. Otaegui was another player (7/5), 6-3 yesterday while Novak The Swiss once again brushed Federer pounced in the sev- “That’s when I normally will to start with a bogey but recov- Djokovic will take on Kevin An- aside the passing of time with a enth game of the second set try and kick in and want to win ered well for his 68, which was derson. vintage display, beating Ander- and claimed victory on his third a tournament, depending on matched by Smith following a Zverev played American giant son 6-4 6-3 to reach the semi- match point. where I am. mixed round. John Isner at London’s O2 Arena fi nals for the 15th time in 16 ap- Anderson’s consolation is knowing a win by any scoreline pearances at the event. that he becomes the fi rst South would take him through to the Federer walked out into a jam- African to reach the semis in the SPOTLIGHT semi-fi nals of the season-end- packed O2 Arena knowing any tournament’s 48-year history. ing tournament. repeat of his insipid perform- “These round-robin formats The turning point in the ance on Sunday against Japan’s are not straightforward,” Fed- round-robin match came at the Kei Nishikori could result in an erer said. “Normally, you lose, Ace high An end of the 12th game, when the ignominious early exit. you leave. 21-year-old German saved a Displaying the old swagger, I think it was also diffi cult for set point on his own serve with Switzerland’s Roger Federer goes for a backhand against South however, Federer turned on the Kevin because he knew he had retains share of an ace, going on to force a tie- Africa’s Kevin Anderson in Thursday’s late match. style to avenge this year’s shock already qualifi ed.” break. Wimbledon quarter-fi nal defeat The day began at the O2 The players swapped mini be through to the semi-fi nals,” yesterday as Cilic cannot math- by Anderson in which he squan- Arena with a news conference lead in Australia breaks but the giant Isner then he told Sky Sports. “John is such ematically reach the semi-fi - dered a match point. to launch the new ATP Cup — faltered again on his own serve to a tough opponent. The last two nals. The tournament has so far a team event that will begin in Reuters Asian to lift the famed Stone- hand the set to Zverev — mean- matches for him against (Marin) Third seed Zverev has won lacked thrills but a Sunday Australia in January 2020, just Sydney haven Cup. ing he no longer had any chance Cilic and me could have gone ei- three titles this year, includ- showdown between old warriors six weeks after tennis’s govern- “I hit it good, everything to qualify for the last four. ther way. The fi rst set was unbe- ing the Madrid Masters, but al- Federer and Djokovic is still on. ing body the ITF’s revamped was perfect,” An said of his ace, In the second set a single lievably tight. I am just happy to though he is often talked about A confi dent Anderson pushed Davis Cup fi nals. n Byeong-hun hit a which he admitted was not his break of serve in the eighth game be through. I will prepare myself as the leader of the next genera- hard early on and had a glimmer While the 118-year-old Davis hole-in-one on his way only slice of good fortune. proved decisive as Zverev served the best for tomorrow.” tion, his record in Grand Slams of a chance in the sixth game Cup faces the squeeze from to a three-under-par “I got so lucky this week with a out the match. Djokovic was scheduled to is poor and he will be desperate but Federer held with a sublime a new rival, Federer, at least, 69 for a share of a one- couple breaks here and there, and “I am unbelievably happy to play Cilic in a dead rubber later to make a statement in London. backhand winner that had the marches on. Astroke lead at the halfway point then especially with the tee time of the 104th Australian Open I think I got really lucky. yesterday. “It was nice, but I do think I BOTTOMLINE Australian Max McArdle got lucky, and the next two days I joined the South Korean on think it will be the same for eve- eight-under late in the day af- ryone.” ter fi ring a fl awless 66 in almost Kuchar was one of the un- perfect golfi ng weather at The fortunates who started late on Lakes Golf Club. Thursday but he sprayed seven American Matt Kuchar, who birdies in his round, which would McIlroy shrugs off Ryder Cup battled wind and rain to post have been even better had he not an opening round 70, had ear- found the water at the 17th. lier made the most of much im- “Today felt easy compared proved conditions with a 67 to to yesterday,” said the world take the early clubhouse lead number 29, the highest-ranked captaincy concerns with amateur David Micheluzzi player in the fi eld and the win- (69) on seven-under. ner of last weekend’s Mayakoba Reuters ‘I’m trying to do what’s round at the European Tour’s season- US Open — will all be played between Overnight leader An was a late Classic. London ending DP World Tour Championship in April and June. starter and had just got back to “To end up under par yester- best for me to help get Dubai on Thursday. McIlroy has won four majors, but none within one shot of the lead after day I thought was a great score, back to the best player “I didn’t say that it was a defi nite. It’s since 2014, and at age 29 knows the next a birdie at the 14th when he ap- that certainly helped with get- ory McIlroy has dismissed con- in the world and try up in the air. I don’t have to make a deci- few years are critical to adding to that proached the tee at the 180-me- ting me in good position to have cerns that quitting the European sion till May. We’ll see how it goes. tally. tre 15th, a par three. a nice day today.” Tour could one day cost him the to win majors again’ “I’m trying to do what’s best for me The European Tour has revamped its The 27-year-old selected a Australian Jake McLeod Ryder Cup captaincy with it un- one who declines membership or fails to to help get back to the best player in the 2019 schedule with a focus on staging seven iron and hit his tee shot (67) later joined Kuchar and likelyR to be an issue for about 20 years. fulfi l their minimum event obligation of world and try to win majors again.” most of its big tournaments in the second high towards fl ag with the ball Micheluzzi in a share of third McIlroy raised eyebrows earlier this at least four regular tournaments in any Florida-based McIlroy’s decision to half of the year. landing softly on the front of the place on seven-under. week when he said he would focus pri- season from 2018 onwards will be ineligi- focus on the PGA Tour in the fi rst half of It is still probable that McIlroy will green before spinning forward Keegan Bradley, playing the marily on tournaments in the United ble for future Ryder Cup captaincy. 2019 is a result of a change in the date of eventually add a handful of tournaments six feet and into the hole. back nine fi rst, went one better States next year and that he might not “Look, everyone has to look out for the PGA Championship, which is moving to his 2019 schedule and his comments That gave the former US Ama- than his compatriot Kuchar with meet the European Tour’s minimum themselves and next year I’m looking from August to May. in Dubai will turn out to be a storm in a teur champion the lead and he a blemish-free 66 that he sealed event requirement. out for me,” McIlroy told reporters after This means the three American majors teacup, especially in terms of potentially parred the fi nal three holes to re- with his fi fth and sixth birdies at The European Tour has a rule that any- shooting three-under-par 69 in the fi rst — the Masters, PGA Championship and leading the European Ryder Cup team. main on track to become the fi rst his last two holes. Gulf Times Saturday, November 17, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Short-handed Surging Clippers goal helps hold off slumping Coyotes trip Clippers have now won five of their last six games, Predators Reuters the league. including consecutive home victories over the Golden New York Predators goalie Pekka Rinne made 21 saves. Rinne was 3-0-1 State Warriors, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Spurs in his four previous games since Spurs ichael Grabner returning from an undisclosed scored his league- injury and entered the game Reuters leading fourth short- with a league-leading 1.47 goals- New York handed goal and Jas- against average. Mon Demers scored his fi rst goal of Nashville outshot the Coyotes the season as the Arizona Coyo- 45-24. ou Williams scored 23 tes opened a fi ve-game home- Nashville forward Austin points off the bench, stand with a 2-1 victory over the Watson had an assist while play- including nine over the league-leading Nashville Preda- ing 11:41 in his fi rst game of the fi nal four minutes, and tors on Thursday in Glendale, season after serving a league- LDanilo Gallinari added 19 as the Arizona. imposed 18-game suspension for Los Angeles Clippers held off The Coyotes (9-8-1) have a a domestic violence incident last the visiting San Antonio Spurs league-leading 10 short-handed summer. The suspension was down the stretch to continue goals and are on pace to break originally 27 games before being their winning ways with a 116- the NHL record for season goals reduced by an independent arbi- 111 victory Thursday. in that category. The Edmon- trator. The Clippers have now won fi ve ton Oilers had 36 short-handed Predators defenseman P.K. of their last six games, including goals in 1983-84, 12 by Wayne Subban missed the game after consecutive home victories over Gretzky. The Arizona franchise being placed on the injured list the Golden State Warriors, the record is 14, set in 1999-2000. with an upper body injury. Sub- Milwaukee Bucks and the Spurs. Nick Bonino scored his fi rst ban, who has two goals and 10 Los Angeles also has won its past goal of the season at 12:09 of assists, left in the second period seven home games. the third period for the Preda- of a 5-4 loss at San Jose on Tues- The Spurs tied the game 107- tors (13-5-1), who were 3-1-1 on a day. 107 with 1:13 left on a pair of free fi ve-game road trip that ended in throws from LaMarcus Aldridge, Arizona. They play eight of their RESULTS but Williams made a 3-pointer next nine games at home. with 41.4 seconds remaining Coyotes goalie Darcy Kuemper NY Islanders 7-5 NY Rangers after an off ensive rebound from made a career-high 44 saves in New Jersey 3-0 Philadelphia Tobias Harris. The Spurs had his sixth consecutive start while Tampa Bay 4-3 Pittsburgh trailed the entire second half be- Antti Raanta deals with a lower fore Aldridge’s free throws. body injury. Kuemper was pulled Columbus 7-3 Florida Gallinari sealed the victory in the third period of a 6-1 loss to Ottawa 2-1 Detroit with four free throws over the Detroit on Tuesday. Minnesota 6-2 Vancouver fi nal 27.2 seconds. He entered Arizona killed fi ve Nashville leading the NBA in free-throw power plays and has given up Montreal 3-2 Calgary percentage at 95.7 percent, and only fi ve goals in 58 short-hand- Arizona 2-1 Nashville he made 9 of 10 on Thursday. ed situations, the fewest goals al- Toronto 5-3 San Jose Los Angeles-area native De- lowed and the best percentage in Mar DeRozan scored 34 points for San Antonio, the ninth time in 14 games he has scored at least 25 points. Rudy Gay added 19 Bruins send Chara back to points for the Spurs in his sec- ond game since returning from Boston aft er leg injury a sore heel. He did not play in a loss Wednesday at Phoenix. The Bruins will continue their 41, is in his 21st season in the The Spurs lost their third con- San Antonio Spurs’ Bryn Forbes (left) defends Los Angeles Clippers’ Lou Williams as he drives to the basket in the second half of the game at road trip without Zdeno Chara, NHL and 13th with the Bruins. secutive game, all on the road, Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) who returned to Boston after He has three goals and one and have dropped fi ve of their suff ering a leg injury in a 6-3 assist in 18 games this season. past six. San Antonio, which has ing bench team in the NBA. Har- high 16 rebounds. Patty Mills and taking a 91-84 advantage loss to the Colorado Avalanche For his career, Chara has spent just 48 days with a record ris had 18 points for the Clip- had 12 points for San Antonio. into the fi nal quarter. RESULTS on Wednesday night. The played in 1,441 games and tal- pers, the 14th consecutive game After a back-and-forth fi rst The Clippers improved to 8-5 under.500 over the last 21 years, Rockets 107-86 Warriors defenseman left the game in lied 198 goals and 434 assists. fell to 7-7 after the defeat. he has scored at least 15. half, the Clippers held a 61-60 in their past 13 games against the first period after a collision The Bruins’ road trip continues Montrezl Harrell had 14 points Bryn Forbes scored 17 points lead at halftime. They turned it the Spurs and are now 5-1 in Nuggets 138-93 Hawks with Avs forward Carl Soder- with a game against the Dallas off the bench for the Clippers, for the Spurs while Aldridge on in the third quarter, going 12 their past six meetings at home Clippers 116-111 Spurs berg and did not return. Chara, Stars on Friday night. who entered as the highest scor- scored 10 and grabbed a game- of 21 from the fi eld (57.1 percent) against San Antonio.

Warriors not going to ‘crumble’ over Durant dust-up: Green MLB

Reuters A late-game exchange between Green for one game and he sat the best of me” and that he and beat us,” he said. “You think you New York the two All-Stars reportedly car- out Tuesday night as Golden Durant are moving forward. saw something before? Good Betts, Yelich crowned ried over into the locker room State earned a 110-103 victory Green apologised to reporters luck with us now. We’re not going Monday night after Golden against the Atlanta Hawks. The for “ruining their stories” about to crumble off of an argument. ddressing the confron- State’s 121-116 overtime loss to suspension cost him $120,480 the potential demise of the We’re going to move forward.” AL and NL MVP tation with teammate the Los Angeles Clippers. and sparked speculation about dynasty. After the Warriors lost 107-86 AKevin Durant that With Durant open under the deeper problems with the team, “Nobody in this organisation... to the Rockets, Durant reacted Reuters 9-day-old daughter, Kinley, who earned him a one-game team basket and calling for the ball in winners of three of the last four not myself, not Kevin, not testily when queried about the New York slept through the cheering that suspension, Golden State the final seconds of regulation, NBA championships. anybody else is going to beat state of his relationship with went up when Betts’ name was forward Draymond Green said Green lost control of his dribble Speaking to reporters before us. If you’re one of the other 29 Green. announced as the winner. The the Warriors are not “going to and turned it over. Thursday’s game in Houston, teams in this league, you’ve got “Don’t ask me about that ookie Betts added baby’s birth came days after the crumble off of an argument.” The Warriors suspended Green said his emotions “got to beat us. We’re not going to again,” he said. an American League Red Sox beat the Los Angeles Most Valuable Player Dodgers in fi ve games to win the trophy to his World World Series. MSeries championship, while “It’s been a pretty good 2018,” NFL Milwaukee Brewers outfi elder he said. Christian Yelich was selected the “I’ll enjoy these moments National League’s Most Valuable while I can. In 2019, hopefully we Player , the fi rst such honour of can make it better.” the outfi elder’s career. Yelich earned 29 of 30 fi rst- Betts, the Boston Red Sox right place votes and 415 total points Wilson, Seahawks drive past Packers fi elder, was a runaway MVP win- in winning over Chicago Cubs ner in voting by the Baseball shortstop Javier Baez and Colo- Reuters Jones on a 24-yard scoring strike Writers’ Association of America, rado Rockies third baseman New York with 44 seconds left in the second beating runner-up Mike Trout Nolan Arenado. He became the quarter. It was the fi rst time the of the Los Angeles Angels and fourth player in Brewers history Seahawks allowed points in the fi - third-place fi nisher Jose Ramirez to win an MVP. ussell Wilson hit tight nal two minutes of a half this sea- of the Cleveland Indians. “It’s unbelievable,” Yelich said. end Ed Dickson for a son. Jones had three receptions Betts garnered 28 of the 30 “It’s really hard to put into words 15-yard touchdown for 61 yards on the drive. fi rst-place votes, with the oth- right now. You never dream of pass with 5:08 remain- The Seahawks scored two ers going to Trout and to fourth- winning an award like this.” ingR as the Seattle Seahawks ral- touchdowns in a span of 4:41 in place fi nisher J.D. Martinez of The only fi rst-place vote lied from an early double-digit the second quarter to overcome a the Red Sox. Yelich didn’t get went to New defi cit to defeat the visiting 14-3 defi cit. Wilson found Doug Betts, who was listed second York Mets Cy Young Award win- Green Bay Packers 27-24 Thurs- Baldwin in the back corner of the on the two ballots in which he ner Jacob deGrom. day night. end zone for a 6-yard touchdown wasn’t listed fi rst, wound up In his debut season with the The Seahawks (5-5) snapped pass and Carson then ran for a with 410 points in the voting. team, Yelich led the Brewers to a two-game losing streak. The score from 1 yard out. The fi rst Trout, who got 24 second-place a 96-win season and a spot in Packers (4-5-1) remained winless drive covered 77 yards in 14 plays votes, had 265 points. Ramirez, the NL playoff s for the fi rst time in fi ve road games this season. and took 7:31 off the clock. The who got one second-place vote, since 2011. Wilson completed 21 of 31 second march was three plays for 10 third-place votes and 11 third- Yelich hit .326 in his fi rst sea- passes for 225 yards and two 70 yards in 1:25. place votes, had 208 points. son with the Brewers, becoming touchdowns. The Seahawks, The Packers dominated the Betts, 26, led the AL with a the fi rst player in franchise his- who have the best rushing of- fi rst quarter, taking a 14-3 lead. .346 batting average, a .640 tory to win the NL batting title. fense in the NFL, added 173 Carson fumbled on the Sea- slugging percentage and 129 The 26-year-old belted 36 yards on the ground. Chris Car- hawks’ fi rst play from scrim- runs. His .438 on-base percent- home runs and drove in 110 son, who missed the previous mage, giving the Packers the ball age ranked second to Trout’s runs, totals that put him in con- game due to a hip injury, led the at the Seattle 29-yard line. Jones .460 mark. He displayed power tention for the Triple Crown. way with 17 carries for 83 yards capped the three-play drive and speed, hitting 32 home runs Yelich finished tied for third in and a touchdown. with an 8-yard touchdown run. and stealing 30 bases. home runs and tied for second Green Bay’s Aaron Rodg- A 39-yard fi eld goal by Sebas- “It means a lot,” Betts said on in RBIs. ers amassed 332 yards and two Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (left) throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers during tian Janikowski cut the margin MLB Network of winning his fi rst Yelich’s .770 slugging percent- touchdowns on 21-of-30 pass- the first half in Seattle, Washington, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) to 7-3 before Rodgers scram- MVP honour. “Defi nitely a spe- age after the All-Star break rated ing. However, Rodgers was bled to his right to avoid a sack cial award. Something I’ll cher- as baseball’s best in 14 years, ac- sacked four times on third down Packers receiver Davante Ad- seven-play, 75-yard drive. tle was able to run out the clock. and found fourth-string tight ish. The most important thing is cording to MLB.com. Yelich also in the second half as the Packers ams made 10 receptions for 166 The Seahawks’ defense forced The Packers took a 21-17 half- end Robert Tonyan for a 54- we won a World Series and got to hit .367 with 25 home runs and 67 managed just three points after yards. Green Bay into a three-and-out time lead, jumping on top when yard touchdown pass. It was the bring a trophy back to Boston.” RBIs in his fi nal 65 games of the the intermission. Dickson’s TD catch capped a on its next possession, and Seat- Rodgers hit running back Aaron rookie’s fi rst career catch. He spoke while holding his regular season. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, November 17, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY FOCUS France aim to Ireland have to be ‘on avoid another mauling by Pumas

AFP the money’ against Paris rance welcome Argentina to Lille today seeking to avoid an 11th defeat by the Pumas since the turn Fof the century. As bogey teams go, Argentina All Blacks: Best give France an itch like no other, and have done so for more than 36-year-old hooker led the Irish to a historic win over the All Blacks in 2016 two decades. In 20 years, under fi ve diff erent AFP coaches, various French sides, Dublin featuring stars such as Frederic Michalak, Sebastien Chabal and Thierry Dusautoir, have only ix Nations Grand Slam managed seven victories over the France coach Jacques Brunel. champions Ireland will South Americans. pay dearly if they switch Two of the most notable meet- Toulon and will join Stade after off for even a second ings came at the 2007 Rugby the November internationals. againstS world champions New World Cup in France. Second-row Tomas Lavanini Zealand today, said captain Rory In the opening game, with spent the 2014-2015 season with Best. French fans expecting a positive Racing 92. The grizzled 36-year-old start to the tournament, Agus- Brunel said the familiarity hooker captained the Irish to an tin Pichot’s Pumas silenced the gives Argentina an advantage but historic win over the All Blacks 79,000 crowd at Stade de France it will not be the deciding fac- in Chicago in 2016 and was at with a 17-12 win. tor heading into the clash at the the helm again in last season’s Three weeks later, they upset Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Grand Slam-winning Six Na- the locals once again to claim “Clearly they know our play- tions triumph. third place with a thumping 34- ers better than we know theirs,” But Best said Ireland need to 10 victory across Paris at the Parc he said. be “on the money” if they are des Princes. “It has an implication, but I to prevent being turned over in Twelve years on the sides will don’t think it will determine the what he believes will be a very meet again in their opening fi x- outcome of the match.” physical encounter. ture at the World Cup in Japan. Brunel praised the work As evidence of the All Blacks’ France coach Jacques Brunel Ledesma has done since he took world-beating ability, Best doesn’t think this weekend’s over from Daniel Hourcade, who highlighted how they turned the result will have any bearing on stepped down from his position game around against England what happens next September. in June. last Saturday. “Whatever the result, it will “It’s a team which has evolved Trailing 15-0 heading towards have very little eff ect on the over the years. They have played half-time, New Zealand scored World Cup match, even if we with much more ambition since 10 points to change the com- think it could have a psychologi- the new coach took over,” Brunel plexion of the match — eventu- cal impact,” he said said. ally winning 16-15. “We’re in completely diff er- “They’re a quality side, which “New Zealand showed why ent circumstances, for me that they’ve showed throughout their they are the best in the world match will be diff erent to the one games in the Southern Hemi- and how you must not switch on the weekend.” sphere.” off for a second,” said Best at his Ledesma’s side have lost three eve of match press conference in FAMILIAR FOES successive matches and Brunel’s Lansdowne Road. “We have got Today’s visitors have a French outfi t haven’t won since March’s to be on the money.” feel, on and off the field. Three Six Nations victory over Eng- Best will win his 113th cap to- members of the Argentine land. day amid questions over his role coaching staff — Mario Ledes- The Pumas lost 28-17 to Ire- as Ireland’s number one hooker ma, Martin Gaitan and Gonzalo land in Dublin last weekend and heading towards next year’s Quesada — have all played and France fell 29-26 to South Africa. World Cup due to both his age coached in France’s Top 14. Que- The focus in Lille will be on and his lineout throwing, which sada coached Stade Francais to ending those losing runs, but came under pressure from the the title in 2015. that date next autumn will be Argentinians in last week’s 28- Fly-half Nicolas Sanchez has in the back of the two coaches’ 17 victory for the hosts. played for Bordeaux-Begles and minds.

‘PEOPLE INTO SPACE’ He does not dismiss the All Blacks lineout jumpers but says In March 17, 2018, picture, Ireland’s Rob Kearney, Rory Best and teammates celebrate their third try during the Six Nations Championship Japan will have ‘point to prove’, says they are easier to plan for than match against England at Twickenham Stadium in London, Britain. (Reuters) England’s Hatley the Pumas, claiming nerves be- gan to dig in and caused him to fairly strong over the course of game that doesn’t get as much AFP assistant coach Neal Hatley, become a “bit edgy” as the Ar- the last six to 12 months,” said credit is their physicality. They London with Japan looking to secure a gentinians nicked the ball at his Read. “There are always oppor- are incredibly physical in the place among rugby’s elite. lineouts last week. tunities. tackle area and the carry and at “They’ve put in some really “The diff erence is New Zea- “For us, we’ll just pride our- the breakdown. ngland are readying good performances and this is land will try and read and when selves on getting in the air, and “So you know that if you themselves to face a Ja- the next step in their journey, so a team tries to read you can for- hopefully trying to disrupt as don’t match that, with the tal- Epan side with a point to we’re expecting a tough game.” mulate plans,” said Best. much as we can,” added the ent they’ve got across the pitch, prove when they face the 2019 England head coach Eddie “New Zealand have some fan- 32-year-old. it’s going to be tough.” World Cup hosts at Twicken- Jones was in charge of the tastic lineout forwards. Best, who missed the 2-1 test Read, for his part, said he was ham today. Brave Blossoms when they “You saw that last week what series win in Australia in the looking forward to an “awesome The last edition of the global stunned the Springboks. they did to an English lineout summer due to a hamstring in- Test”. showpiece in 2015 saw Japan Hatley added: “We’re expect- which, since Steve Borthwick jury, said the New Zealanders “The Irish are undoubtedly produce the great rugby union ing lots of endeavour and took charge, has been one of the have another facet to their game the best side up here (Northern shock of all-time when they eff ort from Japan. best in the world. You know how apart from sublime ball-carry- hemisphere) at the moment and beat South Africa 34-32 in “Eddie said in the week devastating they can be. ing skills. for us to challenge ourselves in Brighton. they’ve improved massively “We’ve just got to put a plan “New Zealand are renowned their conditions, it’s an exciting “I think they’ll be ready to play and believes that since the together and implement it on Ireland’s Rory Best. for the style of rugby they play, time,” he said. unbelievably hard to prove a World Cup they have got bet- the pitch and if they nick one and one to 15 they can all play “We’re going to need the best point to World Rugby and that ter again. There’s obviously a you have got to move on to the Kieran Read said the Irish lin- not on their display against the and put people into space and performance of our season, I is that they’re ready to com- very healthy respect for the next play.” eout should be judged on how it Pumas. through holes,” said Best. think, the way the Irish have pete in tier one,” said England Japanese players.” His All Blacks counterpart performed throughout the year, “To be honest, they’ve been “But probably the area of their been playing.”

BADMINTON Hard-working Momota into Hong Kong semis

AFP lenge by winning a lightning- kanth, a loss the Indian blamed er with some masterful feints at Hong Kong quick rally at the net, clawing on poor fi tness. the net. back to within three points of Seventh seed Nozomi Oku- Tai responded by upping her Cristie at 17-20. hara progressed in the wom- own aggression, sealing a 5-0 op-ranked Kento Mo- Momota won four of the next en’s tournament but Akane lead after the interval with a bold mota knocked out Asian fi ve points before conceding the Yamaguchi was sent home by drop shot. Games champion Jona- game, but the Indonesian’s con- former world champion Ratch- A short serve from Marin at tan Christie to reach the fi dence was shaken. anok Intanon. 16-4 snapped the Spaniard back THong Kong Open semi-fi nals Christie quickly fell behind in Intanon slipped for a moment into focus, but too late to gain the yesterday after being stretched to the second game after some mis- in the closing minutes of the 21- upper hand in her sixth straight three games for the third match judged taps into the net, before 9, 21-16 showdown but had al- loss to the world number one. in a row. overcompensating on his fore- ready built an unassailable lead. Eighth-ranked He Bingjiao The reigning world champion hand and sending several shots “I think it was tough for me. was the last Chinese player to found extra reserves of strength wide. She has a good standard,” the crash out of the singles draw af- for his 22-24, 21-9, 21-9 win over The top seed was dominating Thai told AFP. ter retiring in her second game Indonesia’s Christie, who fell by the time the second game was “But I just tried to play the way against Sung Ji-hyun, who beat away after winning a close fi rst over, and he wrapped up the de- I wanted to play and take her to India’s P V Sindhu on Thursday. game. cider in 15 minutes. play my games.” Du Yue and Li Yinhui seventh- “I want to play for the specta- “Since (Christie) looked ex- ranked Koreans Lee So-hee and tors,” said Japan’s Momota, who hausted, I focused on my foot- MARIN SENT PACKING Shin Seung-Chan turned the beat Chinese great Lin Dan in work,” he told reporters. Tai Tzu Ying looks a strong tables on Thai duo Puttita Supa- the fi rst round and also went the Momota will next face sixth chance to win her third consecu- jirakul and Sapsiree Taerattan- distance with countryman Kanta seed Son Wan-ho, who beat fel- tive Hong Kong tournament after achai, fending off a late-match Tsuneyama on Thursday. low South Korean Lee Dong-ke- sending Carolina Marin packing fi ghtback to progress 13-21, 21-17, “I can’t show a cool perform- un 21-16, 21-14. in the evening session 18-21, 21- 21-18. ance. My play is not spectacular, Japanese players fared well 9, 21-14. Taerattanachai returned in but I want to show my hard- elsewhere in the tournament, Marin took the lead midway the evening to advance with working attitude.” with eighth seed Kenta Nishi- through the fi rst game by tem- Dechapol Puavaranukroh over The Japanese star started moto building early leads to win pering her usual combative style, their Indonesian challengers in slowly before igniting his chal- 21-17, 21-13 against Kidambi Sri- confounding the Taiwanese play- the mixed draw. Gulf Times Saturday, November 17, 2018 7 SPORT

SHOWJUMPING Al-Rumaihi storms to third win at Al Rayyan Championship The Qatari rider once again teamed up with his 16-year-old gelding Vivaldi K for a convincing win

By Sports Reporter Doha

ubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi’s red-hot form continued at the Al Rayyan International Showjumping Champi- Monship yesterday. The Qatari rider, who had won two events on Thursday, cruised to another victory on day two at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s out- door arena. Al-Rumaihi once again teamed up with his 16-year-old gelding Vivaldi K, as the pair stormed to victory in the Table A, Against the clock 145cm speed class, which also served as the qualify- ing competition for the FEI World Cup. Al-Rumaihi and Vivaldi K completed their round in 70 seconds, which was more than three seconds clear of rest of the fi eld. Rashid Towaim al-Marri, came home second with Anyway II, while Cyrine Cherif of France prevent- ed a podium sweep for Qatar, as she fi n- Winner Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi (centre), runner-up Rashid Towaim al-Marri (left) and third-placed Cyrine Cherif pose ished third with Gerlin VD Waterkant. with their trophies. at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena. Qatar Equestrian Federation presi- dent Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Atti- yah praised al-Rumaih for his brilliant In the 130cm class, Jaber Rashid show and hoped that the rider will con- al-Amri astride Canavaro De Muze tinue to improve. secured a narrow win. “Mubarak is one of the most promi- nent Qatari riders and he had done well in the past too. He is hard working and has shown his talent in the previous tournaments also. If he continues to do well then he can become a part of the Qatar team in the future. I hope Mu- barak will win many more events,” al- Attiyah said. The QEF chief was pleased Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi rides Vivaldi K to victory at the Al Rayyan Interna- with the success of Al Rayyan champi- tional Showjumping Championship yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi onship, and hoped that event will re- turn to four star status after dropping Morocco are battling for the top hon- Off FEI Art. 238.2.2 | Max. 130cm | Prize down to two star. ours. Money €6,000 In the 130cm class, Jaber Rashid al- The tournament comes less than a 1. Jaber Rashid al-Amri (QAT) Canavaro Amri astride Canavaro De Muze se- week after the end of the fi nal round of De Muze (ET). 47.28 secs. €1,500 cured a narrow win. The pair’s time the Global Champions Tour, which was 2. Salman Mohammed al-Emadi (QAT) of 47.28 seconds was just 0.20 better staged at Al Shaqab. Eglantine Du Castelet. 47.48 secs. than runner-up Salman Mohammed €1,200 al-Emadi and Eglantine Du Castelet. Results Saeed Nasser al-Qadi fi nished third 3. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (QAT) Day- Table A, Against the clock | Max. dreamer EC. 49.78 secs. €900 with Daydreamer EC in 49.78. 145cm | 2 Horses per athlete | 350m/ The championship will concluded min | Prize money: €8,000 Table A, Against the clock | Max. 115cm today with the Grand Prix, which will | 2 Horses per athlete | 350m/min | serve as one of the qualifying rounds 1. Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi (QAT) €5,000 of the Arab League for the 2018 World Vivaldi K. Time: 70 secs. Prize money: 1. Hussain Said Haidan (QAT) Belucci Van Cup. The total prize money for the €2,000 ‘T Vleminkhof. Time: 47.99 secs. Prize Grand Prix is €12,000. 2. Rashid Towaim al-Marri (QAT) Anyway money: €1,250 The two-star €60,000 competition, II 73.38 secs. €1,600 which was launched in 2014, is organ- 2 Mohammed Nasser al-Qadi (QAT) Today’s Schedule 4pm: Accumulator Competition with petition | Two Rounds World Cup Arab 3. Cyrine Cherif (FRA) Gerlin VD Water- ised by the QEF in co-operation with Al Vlacido. 48.26 secs. €1,000 Joker | Max. 135cm | 2 Horse per athlete | League rules | Min 145 – Max. 160cm | 1 kant. 73.50 secs. €1,200 1:30pm: Table A, Against the clock | Max. Shaqab. Fifty six riders and 100 horses 3. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi (QAT) Jalieny 120cm | 2 Horses per athlete | 350m/min 375m/min | €8,000 Horse per athlete | 350m/min | €12,000 | from Qatar, Canada, France, Jordan and Table A, Against the clock with Jump Diamant Z. 48.70 secs. €750 | €6,000 6pm: GRAND PRIX – World Cup Com- LR (Group E)

QSL CUP SPOTLIGHT Sailiya hold Al Sadd; Rayyan, Al Khor win IOC faces 2026 Winter Games conundrum

Reuters payer funding. The whole situ- Zurich ation leaves the IOC, which will elect the winner in 2019, strug- gling to understand what has gone he International Olym- wrong after reforms in recent pic Committee (IOC) is years under the ‘Agenda 2020’ and facing its most serious ‘The New Norm’ banners. bidding crisis in dec- Those programmes were Tades as cities drop out of the aimed at making bidding and 2026 Winter Games bid race en staging the Games cheaper and masse, leaving a fi eld of just two easier but have failed to attract candidates. The Canadian city new cities. Instead, the exodus of Calgary on Tuesday became has increased, piling pressure on the latest to pull the plug on its the IOC and its President Tho- 2026 Games candidacy after mas Bach to stem the fl ow. more than 56% of citizens voted “There is no Plan B,” Bach said against the project in a plebiscite, last month when asked what unconvinced the benefi ts of the would happen if Calgary dropped Olympics were worth the multi- out and if the IOC would consid- billion dollar investment. er other cities stepping in. Salt Of an original list of seven Lake City, hosts in 2002, is often cities, only Stockholm and an mentioned as a potential quick Italian bid remain and both of solution for 2026. While the those are struggling for local and IOC has played down the exits, governmental support. Calgary, blaming the political climate in which hosted the 1988 Winter some countries or “outdated in- Games, became the fourth city formation” about the cost of the to drop out of bidding in mid- Games given to voters at refer- Al Sadd’s Xavi in action during the QSL Cup third round match against Al Sailiya. Al Rayyan players celebrate after their win over Al Shahania. race, after Austria’s Graz, Japan’s endums, there is concern among Sapporo and Switzerland’s Sion. some of the international winter By Sports Reporter with a powerful shot from the edge of the alty in stoppage time (90+3) after he was slotted the ball into the net. Turkey’s Erzurum was cut by the sports federations. Doha box. Earlier, Mohamed Rajab scored two brought down by Al Ahli keeper with a In the last match of the day, Al Rayyan IOC last month. This is not the fi rst bid process goals to lift Al Sailiya in the tense clash. rough tackle. picked up full points from their one-sid- The two remaining bidders marred by cities pulling out. Just For his fi rst goal, Rajab tapped one in from Earlier, Helal curled in a David Beck- ed clash against Al Shahania. Lucca Borg- are Stockholm, which pulled out two out of the six original bid- l Sadd were held to a draw 3-3 close range to score Al Sailiya’s third goal ham-like direct free-kick that sailed into es opened the scoring for Al Rayyan in of the 2022 bidding process af- ders were left for the 2022 Win- by Al Sailiya, while Al Khor and in the 63rd minute. the net in the 90th minute as Al Khor the 14th minute when he tapped the ball ter baulking at the Games’ cost, ter Games vote back in 2015, with Al Rayyan won by an identical Rajab, after a defensive lapse from Al picked up three points. into the net following a cross from Mo- and the fragile combined Italian Beijing eventually winning the 3-1 margin against Al Ahli and Sailiya, found the net in the 38th minute Some 10 minutes earlier, Said Brahmi hamed Juma. In the 59th minute, skipper candidacy of Milan and Cor- prize. Some have pointed the fi n- AlA Shahania respectively in the QSL Cup of the exciting match. For their fi rst goal, made the most of a defensive lapse by Al Rodrigo Tabata headed home on a loopy tina D’Ampezzo. The Italian bid, ger at Russia’s Sochi 2014 Games Group B third round matches yesterday. Al Sailiya saw Abdul Rauf fi nd the net Ahli to tap the ball into the net from close cross from the fl ank to double the lead for which at one point included Tori- and its staggering $51bn price tag A late goal by Ali Asad, in the 88th from close range in the 31st minute. In range to provide the equaliser for the visi- Al Rayyan. In the 73rd minute, Sultan al- no before the city pulled out after as the reason for the cities’ lack minute, helped Al Sadd share points with the fi fth minute of the match, Al Sadd tors. In the fi rst half, Al Ahli opened the Kuwari made it 2-1 for Al Shahania with a disagreement with the other of interest in the Games. Al Sailiya. Ali, who scored a goal in the took the lead when Hamed Ismail showed scoring when inspirational striker Me- a well-placed, yet powerful right-footed two, is far from guaranteed the The IOC directly awarded 43rd minute also, produced a left-footed alertness from close range, tapping the shaal Abdulla found the net with an easy drive from the edge of the box. necessary political support amid the 2024 and the 2028 Summer drive from close range to fi re Al Sadd’s ball into the net following a cross that conversion from close range after a cross South Korean international Koh the country’s fi nancial woes. Games to Paris and Los Angeles third goal of the match at the Al Ahli Sta- landed at his feet. from Ali Ferydoon. Myong-Jin, after a neat cross from Lucca, Stockholm is facing opposi- respectively at the same time af- dium. Later, A double by Helal Mohamed After tapping the ball in the Al Khor slotted his team’s third goal from close tion from a new city government ter several other cities, including For his fi rst goal, Ali drilled one past sealed a 3-1 win for Al Khor over hosts box, Ferydoon slipped a neat cross to Ab- range to complete Al Rayyan’s convinc- which said last month it will be Rome, Boston, Hamburg and Bu- Al Sailiya goalkeeper Abdulrahman Aziz Al Ahli. Helal converted an easy pen- dulla who was unmarked. Abdulla easily ing win. against any bid that includes tax- dapest withdrew.

Saturday, November 17, 2018 GULF TIMES CRICKET

FIRST TEST SECOND TEST Pakistan hold Brilliant Root ton puts England on top

Reuters edge aft er NZ Pallekele ngland captain Joe Root hit a brilliant century to put his team in a strong posi- tion in their quest for a se- ries-clinchingE victory on the third day of the second Test against Sri crumble for 153 Lanka yesterday. Opener Rory Burns had earlier Yasir Shah takes 3-54 before Pakistan close first day at 59-2 struck his maiden fi fty as England, who lead the three-match series 1-0 after last week’s win in Galle, reached 324 for nine in their sec- ond innings at stumps, a lead of 278 on a pitch off ering plenty of turn. Wicketkeeper Ben Foakes, England’s captain Joe Root celebrates his century on the third day of the playing his second Test, further second Test against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, yesterday. (Reuters) stretched England’s lead after the dismissal of Root for 124 and was unbeaten on 51 with James Ander- Scorecard son four not out when bad light and rain brought an end to the ENGLAND 1st innings 290 all out S. Curran b Dananjaya 0 day’s play. SRI LANKA 1st innings 336 all out A. Rashid lbw b Dananjaya 2 Root and Foakes added 82 for the seventh wicket, dampening Sri ENGLAND 2nd innings (o/n 0-0) J. Anderson batting 4 Lanka’s hopes of restricting Eng- J. Leach lbw b Perera 1 Extras (b4, lb9) 13 land’s lead to a manageable target R. Burns lbw b Pushpakumara 59 Total (9 wickets, 76 overs) 324 at Pallekele after reducing them to 219-6 at one stage. K. Jennings c de Silva b Dananjaya 26 FoW: 1-4 (Leach), 2-77 (Jennings), Akila Dananjaya, who was re- J. Root lbw b Dananjaya 124 3-108 (Burns), 4-109 (Stokes), 5-183 (Buttler), 6-219 (Ali), 7-301 (Root), ported for a suspect bowling ac- B. Stokes lbw b Perera 0 tion after the GalleTest but is free 8-301 (Curran), 9-305 (Rashid) J. Buttler b Dananjaya 34 to play, notched up career-best Bowling: Perera 19-2-87-2, Push- fi gures of 6-106 but his third-fi ve M. Ali lbw b Dananjaya 10 pakumara 26-1-97-1, Dananjaya 23- wicket haul in only his fi fth Test B. Foakes batting 51 0-106-6, De Silva 4-0-7-0, Lakmal might still prove inadequate. 4-0-14-0 When play resumed in the morning, the tourists lost night- trying to sweep the left-arm spin- jaya on to his stumps with an at- watchman Jack Leach for one in ner. The batsman reviewed the de- tempted reverse sweep. the second over of the day, bring- cision but was unsuccessful. Moeen Ali also did not last long ing regular openers Burns and England suff ered a further jolt and was out leg before to Danan- Keaton Jennings together. in the next over when all-rounder jaya, but Root appeared unmoved While Burns looked at ease Ben Stokes also fell leg before, for a by the fall of wickets around him. against Sri Lanka’s spinners with duck, missing a sweep against off - He brought up a deserving 15th his nimble footwork, Jennings spinner Dilruwan Perera. test hundred with 10 fours and two opted to utilise the reverse sweep Stokes, who faced just two de- sixes in his knock, using the sweep to thwart the threat. liveries, also opted to go for a re- shot to good eff ect against Sri The duo added 73 before Jen- view but lost it. Lanka’s slow bowling attack. nings’ most productive shot Root, who received a reprimand Root leapt for joy and punched brought an end to his knock for and one demerit point from the the air after reaching the three-fi g- Pakistani spinner Yasir Shah (right) celebrates the wicket of New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel with a teammate on the first day of the first Test at 26, the ball clipping the batsman’s International Cricket Council on ure mark with a streaky boundary. the Sheikh Zayed International Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (AFP) glove before carrying to the slip Thursday for a show of dissent, Dananjaya removed Root and fi elder Dhananjaya de Silva for a and Jos Buttler looked to attack Sam Curran, who smashed 64 in AFP simple catch. the spinners during their stand of the fi rst innings, in consecutive Abu Dhabi Scorecard Burns, playing in his second 74 to give England the upper hand. deliveries and also dismissed Adil Test, hit seven boundaries in his Buttler’s entertaining knock of Rashid, who was unfortunate to be NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 6-123 (de Grandhomme), 7-128 (Sodhi), knock and was out leg before for 59 34 came to a premature end when given out lbw as replays showed he eg-spinner Yasir Shah led a 8-133 (Watling), 9-149 (Wagner) to Malinda Pushpakumara while he dragged spinner Akila Danan- had got an edge. double-barrelled attack of spin J. Raval c Ahmed b Abbas 7 and pace to leave Pakistan sit- T. Latham c Hafeez b Shah 13 Bowling: Abbas 12-7-13-2, H. Ali 16-6-38-2, Asif 13-1-33-1, Shah 16.3-2-54-2, Sohail 8-2-11- ting comfortably on the opening K. Williamson c Sarfraz b H. Ali 63 ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP Lday of the first Test against New Zealand 2, Hafeez 1-1-0-0 R. Taylor c Ahmed b Shah 2 No more chopping, yesterday. Yasir spearheaded Pakistan’s wicket- H. Nicholls c Ahmed b Abbas 28 PAKISTAN 1st innings changing in ODIs for taking with 3-54 as New Zealand, who won B.J. Watling lbw b Sohail 10 Imam-ul-Haq c Williamson b de Watkin wraps India: Shastri the toss and batted on a grassless Sheikh C. de Grandhomme lbw b H. Ali 0Grandhomme 6 Zayed Stadium pitch, were bowled out for Reuters I. Sodhi lbw b Sohail 4 M. Hafeez c Williamson b Boult 20 a below-par 153 in 66.3 overs at the stroke up consolation Mumbai of tea. N. Wagner c Shafiq b Asif 12 A. Ali batting 10 The day saw 12 wickets fall as Pakistan A. Patel lbw b Shah 6H. Sohail batting 22 closed at 59-2, having lost both their open- win for NZ ndia’s period of experimenting with their ers, Imam-ul-Haq (six) and Mohamed Ha- T. Boult not out 4Extras (lb 1) 1 one-day international side is over with a lit- feez (20), before Haris Sohail and Azhar Ali Extras (lb 4) 4 Total (for two wkts; 23 overs) 59 ew Zealand lost four wickets in eight balls Itle over six months before the World Cup in stopped the rot. Total (all out; 66.3 overs) 153 FoW: 1-27 (Imam), 2-27 (Hafeez) towards the end of their innings, yet their England, head coach Ravi Shastri has said. Pakistan need 94 more to take a lead. 144 for 6 was big enough a target for their India have tried to manage the workload of FoW: 1-20 (Raval), 2-35 (Latham), 3-39 Imam was fi rst to go as he edged Colin de Bowling: Boult 6-2-20-1, de Grandhomme bowlers to defend against Pakistan in Match key players like Virat Kohli and their front- Grandhomme’s delivery to the slip while (Taylor), 4-111 (Nicholls), 5-123 (Williamson), 8-4-17-1, Patel 6-2-13-0, Wagner 3-0-8-0 N14 of the ICC Women’s World T20 2018 on Thursday. line fast bowlers by resting them for their Hafeez miscued a pull straight to short Choosing to bowl at the Guyana National Stadium, previous ODI series. mid-wicket — both caught by Kane Wil- Watling (four) — both were trapped leg- will not be tough.” Providence, Pakistan came up against the opening With the top three spots in the batting order liamson. before. New Zealand openers Jeet Raval and pair of Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates. Devine was locked in and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh New Zealand skipper Williamson, de- Mohamed Abbas, who has fi gures of Latham survived some anxious moments especially looking in good fl ow when she was ex- Dhoni a floating option, a number of players clared fi t after missing last Sunday’s third 2-13, had removed Nicholls, caught behind before pace spearhead Mohamed Abbas pertly caught by Nashra Sandhu, who maintained her have been given the chance to audition for the one-day international due to a groin injury, by Sarfraz soon after lunch. had Raval edging to wicketkeeper Sarfraz balance by the ropes. middle order over the last couple of years. top-scored with 63 before falling softly to Pakistan dominated the fi rst session as Ahmed after scoring seven. All of New Zealand’s top four got starts, but with “We will try and play close to a 15 that will go medium pacer Hasan Ali, who fi nished New Zealand were 81-3 at lunch, with leg- Yasir, who had to endure a tough last Sana Mir and Aliya Riaz triggering a collapse, the to- to the World Cup,” he told reporters before with 2-38. spinner Yasir Shah taking the fi rst of his week due to the death of his mother, had tal was kept to under 150. India’s departure for Australia. “Chopping, Hasan removed Williamson with a two wickets in his opening overs. Latham caught at mid-wicket off a loose Pakistan’s openers raced to 31 in three overs, with changing over now, rest period over. Now is slower delivery as the New Zealand skip- Yasir had derailed New Zealand’s drive with the fourth ball of his fi rst over. the in-form Javeria Khan taking on the bowling. But the time to really get focused, play as a unit. per went for a hook and gloved the ball progress in the fi rst session with the wick- In his fourth over Yasir had Taylor once Leigh Kasperek benefi ted from a successful “And hopefully not have too many injuries for wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed’s fourth ets of opener Tom Latham (13) and Ross caught behind with a sharp leg-break, review of caught behind to send back Ayesha Zafar, where we have to look elsewhere and take it catch of the innings. Taylor (two) in his fi rst spell. leaving New Zealand at 39-3. Khan found little support from the rest of the line- from there.” Williamson’s 112-ball knock had fi ve Yasir said he changed his strategy. New Zealand handed Test debut to up. India will play a three-match Twenty20 boundaries and he added 72 for the fourth “I was just trying to bowl a bit slower 30-year-old left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, Lea Tahuhu hit speeds of 126kmph, while Jess series before the first Test starts in Adelaide wicket with Henry Nicholls who made 28 and with fl ight,” said Yasir. “I was not get- leaving out experienced pacer Tim South- Watkin ran through the middle order. New Zealand on Dec. 6 with Perth, Melbourne and Sydney with four boundaries. ting wickets after coming back from injury ee. had no chance of reaching the semi-fi nal, but they hosting the remainder of the Tests before a In the same over Hasan trapped De so all went well for me. The second Test is in Dubai (November could take pride in a win. three-match one-day international series in Grandhomme for a fi rst-ball duck before “Now we should build a big lead as, I 24-28) and third in Abu Dhabi (December This was Pakistan’s last match of the tournament; January. Sohail dismissed Ish Sodhi (four) and BJ believe, the pitch was ease out and batting 3-7). they fi nish with one win from four matches. (ICC)

OFFBEAT Boycott still her hero as May bats on Brexit sticky wicket AFP “One of my cricket heroes was most menacing. LET DOWN BY HIS OWN SIDE 1978 Test match in New Zealand Party, than May. London always Geoff rey Boycott,” May Boycott, now a cricket pundit, It is easy to see how these quali- because it was felt his slow- There were repeated moves to replied. “And what do you know took the responsibility seriously, ties might have appealed to May, scoring was endangering the sack and reinstate Boycott. about Geoff rey Boycott? Geof- not least because he had grown trying to secure a Brexit deal on side’s chances of victory. May’s foes will hope they need t says something about Brit- frey Boycott stuck to it and he up in the cricket heartland of a “sticky wicket” — a popular Conservative MP Greg Hands just the one attempt to force her ain’s fondness for a sport got the runs in the end.” Yorkshire, representing the cricketing metaphor in Britain tweeted a passage from Boy- from offi ce. continental Europeans often May emphasised the point in a northern county throughout his used to describe diffi cult cir- cott’s biography referring to the She does though retain an fi nd baffl ing that as There- radio interview yesterday: “The entire career. cumstances. incident. ally in Boycott when it comes to Isa May battles with Brexit, the thing about Geoff rey Boycott Openers who got out to a reck- Boycott’s career, however, Asked by the Press Associa- rejecting calls for a second Brexit prime minister has compared was he was absolutely steady. less shot were not so much guilty was also hugely controversial, tion news agency if he was draw- referendum. herself to England cricket great He kept there at the crease, he of a mistake as moral degeneracy including a three-year period of ing a parallel with the current In a September television Geoff rey Boycott. carried on. He, if you like, just in the eyes of Yorkshire’s most self-imposed exile from England situation in the Conservative interview, Boycott said of those At a press conference on relentlessly went for his goal and ardent followers. duty and repeated accusations Party, he replied: “I’m just a keen campaigning for another ballot: Thursday, after the resigna- I think that’s important.” Batsmen lower down the he was a “selfi sh” batsman, more student of 1980s cricket.” “They just want to keep having tion of four ministers including During an England career that order could play the more concerned with his own fi gures In Yorkshire, Boycott com- a new vote until they get what Brexit secretary Dominic Raab ran from the mid 1960s to the attractive, fl ashy and crowd- than the team’s success. manded both fi erce loyalty and they want. and calls from within her own early 1980s, Boycott piled up the As an opener, Boycott had the pleasing strokes, yet it was often Indeed the low point of his bitter dislike in a manner more “They’re like a spoilt child in party for her to resign, a reporter runs and became known as one diffi cult task of taking on the a solid, unspectacular hundred brief time as England captain akin to the passions generated the playground where in the old asked May if she should quit as of the best defensive batsmen of opposition’s fast bowlers when by Boycott that put his team in a came when he was deliberately by Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of days the teacher would’ve given “captain”. his generation. they were at their freshest and winning position. run-out by Ian Botham during a Britain’s main opposition Labour them a smack.”