India’s cricket Kohli draws flak for ‘leave India’ remark PAGE 14

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018

Cancer-hit Lee Chong Wei announces QNB STARS LEAGUE PAGE 14 badminton comeback bid AL AHLI VS AL RAYYAN Bassem matches Julien for tied 1st finish in opening LGCT class Close CSI5* contest sees a rare finish London Knights crank up pressure

VINAY NAYUDU with ‘perfect start’ to GCL final DOHA

QATAR’S Bassem Hassan Doha Fursan Qatar Mohammed made a winning in third place start to the Doha finale leg of the Longines Global Cham- pions Tour (LGCT) finishing TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK jointly on top with French- DOHA man Julien Epaillard in the CSI5* 1.45 m (Two Phases: A LONDON KNIGHTS threw + A, Both Phases Against the down the gauntlet to their Clock) class at the brilliant closest rivals on Thursday, Al Shaqab equestrian centre executing powerful double on Thursday. clears in the opening round The local hero was just of the high pressure finals of flawless, elegant and matched the 2018 Global Champions Epaillard in speed in the out- League (GCL) Team Champi- ings awesomely, to finish with onship at Al Shaqab. a matched time of 24.85secs. Nerves were clearly on edge Both the riders won Euros Qatar’s Bassem Mohammed, astride Argelith Squid, clears a double barrier during the CSI5* Against the in the high stakes competition 6625 each in prize. Clock Two Phases class competition of the Longines Global Champions Tour at the Al Shaqab Equestrian ahead of Saturday’s showdown Applauded by the home Centre in Doha on Thursday. to decide which teams go to the The London Knights GCL team at Al Shaqab on Thursday. crowd for his top show, Bas- GCL Super Cup at the new GC sem later said, “It’s very nice Playoffs with over €10 million them down the order. 8th position in the ranking to start the weekend with the in prize money. The clock is now ticking ensures qualification for win. I know Julien is fast and CSI5* Two Phases 1.45m Doha Fursan Qatar, led by and the teams have less than the Playoffs. I saw him before I went in. I 1. Julien Epaillard (FRA); Safari d Auge (Horse); Time: ace rider Sheikh Ali bin Khalid 48 hours to make strategic Ranking leaders Lon- 24.85secs; Prize; €6625 tried my best and ended up 1. Bassem Mohammed (QAT); Argelith Squid; al Ali, finished third, while Mi- decisions on which riders and don Knights faced down with the win.” 24.85secs; €6625 ami Celtics maintained their horses they will field in the that pressure in emphatic Bassem’s show was com- 3. Bertram Allen (IRE); GK Casper; 25.16; €3750. form to come in fourth. Calcu- GCL Round 2 on Saturday. style. Nicola Philippaerts mendable, coming against a lations were rife as GCL team The impressive Al Shaqab and H&M Chilli Willi pow- field of 51 top riders of the world. riders, managers and owners arena was brilliantly floodlight ered round the course with Riding grey gelding gleaned from their fellow rid- worked out where they need- and the vast 120m x 80m sand perfect strides for a brilliant Argelith Squid, the 31-year- er’s performances. There was ed to finish to achieve the best arena was set with Uliano Vez- clear. And Ben Maher and old astonished everyone by drama at fence 11 for Great possible shot at the Playoffs zani’s deceptively challenging the acrobatic Explosion W matching Epaillard’s time to Britian’s Emily Moffitt. Known on Saturday. course including some sub- sealed their lead on the day perfection – considered rare for their class and speed, Don The top teams had their stantial overs and several tall with a masterful clear round. in showjumping. Vito decided today wasn’t the sights on finishing in the top and delicate verticals. With four GCL wins under Bertram Allen from Ireland day leaving Emily to gracious- four ensuring they are fast- First in were the Prague their belts this season Nicola astride GK Casper perfected ly exit the arena on two feet. tracked to the semi-finals of Lions lying in 10th place on said: “The Knights team was his second round of the day to Geir Gulliksen (NOR), the the Playoffs avoiding the quar- the overall ranking. But it was great again today. Ben finished grab the third-place finish with 40th rider to enter the ring, ter final stage. Only 16 out of a hugely unexpected disap- it off again with his great horse a time of 25.16 seconds. knocked Ben back to second 19 teams go to the Playoffs and pointment for Peder Fredric- and hopefully we do good This year’s champion Ben place by setting a snappy time there was a desperate battle to son and Hansson WL, one of again on Saturday.” Maher of Britain astride on of 25.45 seconds on VDL Groep avoid the relegation zone. the top performing horses in Shanghai Swans’ Daniel Madame X was slowed down Quatro. Geir would soon be The Knights’ formidable the GCL season. Deusser and Shane Sweet- by the tight course and saw beaten by French speed demon duo of Ben Maher and Nicola They finished on 8 faults nam finished on a combined himself getting pushed down Julien Epaillard and Safari d Philippaerts ended on a clean and team mate Niels Bruyn- score of 5 faults keeping them to sixth. Auge who edged infront by suc- score sheet in the fastest com- seels and Delux van T & L in contention at the top of the “I definitely think every- cessfully completing the last bined time to put them into clocked up 5 putting them on grid along with Monaco Aces’ one will try to come inside line in 8 strides passing the fin- pole position for Saturday’s a total of 13. Julien Epaillard and Jerome this jump (fence 5) to this one Bassem Mohammed of Qatar with Julien Epaillard of France during ish line at 24.85 seconds. major contest. Chantilly Pegasus are on Guery also on 5 faults. There (fence 11),” explained Maher. the prize-presentation ceremony. The return of the LGCT They have been leading the the edge of the relegation zone were disappointing scores for First up, Gerco Schroder’s and the Global Champions season ranking consistently and every point was crucial. Berlin Eagles, Montreal Dia- (NED) performance on Glock’s League (GCL) Tour to Al and are currently 23 points Roger-Yves Bost had 9 faults monds, New York Empire and Cognac Champblanc demon- Shaqab saw a study flow of ahead of Valkenswaard United. on Castleforbes Talitha, but Cannes Stars, with Madrid in strated the technicality of the showjumping aficianados to Ben said: “It was a perfect team mate Carlos Lopez on Motion and Scandinavian Vi- track produced by course de- the glorious venue. start to the weekend. It was Hooligan de Laubry pulled off kings living to fight another signer Uilano Vezzani. “High, Familes and kids enjoyed quite a big course today for a much-needed clear round day in the middle of the grid. wide and handsome”, was a their outing at the kids zone that first round, but we had a with one time penalty for a to- Miami Celtics’ Jessica commentator’s praise after and at the Al Shaqab Bazaar good plan and we have great tal of 10. Springsteen on RMF Swinny Gerco perfected a clear round. which has some top of the horses in the team.” Paris Panthers, in 14th du Parc rode a superb clear Marc Houtzager (NED) line boutiques selling wom- Rome Gladiators were the place on the overall ranking, round and with team mate Mi- on board Sterrehof’s Baccarat en wear, perfumes and local only other team to achieve benefitted from a superb clear chael Duffy on Egalini riding took an early lead with a hand- food produce. double clears with no time round from Gregory Wathe- clear but with one time penalty some time of 30.33 seconds penalties thanks to high cali- let on Qualido 3 followed by they are well placed for Satur- only to be beaten three rid- FRIDAY SCHEDULE bre performances from Laura Yuri’s Mansur on four faults. day’s big contest. ers later by Ben Maher (GBR) Kraut and Lorenzo de Luca It was to be a disappointing The focus will now be and Madame X whose time of NATIONAL SERIES HATHAB putting them in second spot outing for Athina Onassis of on which teams will change 26.22 seconds was challenged Event Director Ali al Rumaihi gifts an iphone following a lucky draw on 09:00hrs: Class C (1.15/1.25m) QR10,000 on the grid. St Tropez Pirates after her tal- horses or riders ahead of Sat- the opening day of the Longine Global Champions Tour Doha leg at Al 13.45: Class B Invidual + teams (1.20/1.30m) by Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) and QR20,000each event Fortunes rose and fell ented ride MHS Going Global urday’s showdown, the last Jeunesse van T Paradijs. Shaqab on Thursday. LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR for the GCL teams. Valk- put in a dramatic refusal leav- chance for the teams to move Unfortunately it wasn’t 16:30: Class 3: CSI5* (1.50m) €50,000 enswaard United’s Marcus ing her on 15 faults and team up, or down, the overall rank- Lorenzo’s day because taking cost him a rail despite a record The second half brought 18:30: Class 4: CSI5* (1.55m) €145,000 Ehning and Alberto Zorzi suf- mate Edwina Tops-Alexander ings for 2018. (sourced from one stride out to the last fence time of 24.62 seconds. most of the action as riders fered 4 faults each pushing on 5 faults. But their current gcglobalchampions.com)

Almuheet claims Losail Cup; Khataaf wins Wathnan Cup; Al Ghariya Cup for Wayside Flower

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE Ahmed Mohamad Kob- eissi trained Almuheet from Belgium, and saddled by jock- ey Saleem Golam emerged on top winning the QR100,000 Losail Cup for purebred Arabian horses at the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) racecourse in Al Rayy- an on Thursday. Almuheet– trained by Mo- hammed Ghazali Jahromi and Khataaf owner Ibrahim Saeed al ridden by Harry Bentley – fin- Maliki receives the trophy. ished ahead of Qatar’s Rassan. Almuheet owner Hassan al Malik receiving the trophy. Lucky Sand from the US, Vona, also trained by Jas- trained by Hamad Ahmed al Ibrahim al Malki. front, ridden by Harry Bentley sim Mohammed Ghazali Jah- Malki al Jehani, and guided by Ridden by jockey Jimmy was third. romi, and saddled by JP Guil- Jean Baptiste Hamel settled Quinn, Khataaf pipped Tamih Earlier, Bentley had guid- lambert, was the runner-up. for the third place. – trained by Georges Mikhal- ed Wayside Flower of trainer Izghawa, from the US, The QR100,000 Wathnan ides and which was ridden by Jassim Mohammed Ghazali under trainer Ibrahim Saeed Cup for thoroughbreds was Jean Baptiste Hamel. Jahromi to victory in the Ibrahim al Malki, was guided Jockey Harry Bentley, who guided clinched by Khataaf, which Almuheet on way to winning Losail Cup at the Qatar Racing & Eques- Trainer Jassim Moham- Al Ghariya Cup run over a to a third-placed finish by Wayside Flower to Al Ghariya Cup is trained by Ibrahim Saeed trian Club racecourse on Thursday. med Ghazali Jahromi’s Dom- distance of 1400. Jimmy Quinn. win, receives his trophy. 14 Friday, November 9, 2018 Sports Jennings ton helps England put Sri Lanka on the ropes The 26-year-old batsman records first century since making his debut for England in 2016 AFP SCOREBOARD returned against Pakistan in GALLE, SRI LANKA May this year. England first innings 342 (B. Foakes 107, After stumps on Thursday KEATON Jennings’s first S. Curran 48; S. Lakmal 3-18, D. Perera the 26-year-old conceded that 5-31) Sri Lanka first innings 203 (A. century since his 2016 debut Mathews 52; M. Ali 4-66) the past 18 months had been helped England put Sri Lanka England second innings “really tough”. on the ropes in the first Test on R. Burns run out 23 “I’ve faced some things in Thursday, setting the hosts a K. Jennings 146 my cricketing life I’ve had to M. Ali c Herath b Perera 3 daunting 462 to win at notori- J. Root c Dickwella b Herath 3 learn from. I’ve had to develop ously low-scoring Galle. B. Stokes b Perera 62 myself,” Jennings said. The visitors declared at J. Buttler c Silva b Herath 35 “It’s just really pleasing and India captain Kohli 322 for six on day three with B. Foakes c Mendis b Dananjaya 37 a big thank you to the people S. Curran not out 0 Jennings 146 not out after a Extras (b4, lb7, nb2) 13 who have stuck with me over patient innings that saw the Total (6 , 93 overs) 322 the last 18 months, backed me draws flak for ‘leave under-pressure opener deal Did not bat: A. Rashid, J. Leach, J. Anderson through some tough times, deftly with the hosts’ spin at- Bowling: Perera 30-3-94-2, Lakmal 9-2-30- waking in the night panicking tack. 0, Herath 23-1-59-2, Dananjaya 18.5-2-87- and stressing,” he said. 1, de Silva 12.1-2-41-0 Fall of wickets India’ remark At the close, Sri Lanka 1-60 (Burns), 2-67 (Ali), 3-74 (Root), “When you’re waking up were 15 without loss after 4-181 (Stokes), 5-258 (Buttler), 6-319 at 6.30 in the morning and and (Foakes) reading about your technical REUTERS Kaushal Silva hung on for sev- Toss: England deficiencies it’s not human to NEW DELHI Flashback! en overs, leaving a further 447 say it wouldn’t affect you,” he to make at a ground where no added. INDIAN cricket captain Vi- O Kohli’s comments evoked team has successfully chased off 93 balls that saw three “I have only watched Kea- rat Kohli was in the eye of sharp reactions as people more than 99. sixes, including one back over ton Jennings live in two test a storm on social media on on social media pulled out England, with a 139-run Perera’s head and an almighty matches and he has got a Thursday after he suggested a 2008 video, in which first-innings lead and 38-0 sweep high over midwicket off hundred in both I must be his a local cricket fan relocate to Kohli, then captain of the overnight, lost a somewhat Dhananjaya de Silva to bring lucky charm !!!,” former Eng- another country for preferring India under-19 team, shaky Rory Burns, brought up the 300. land great Allan Lamb said on to watch English or Australian described South African in to fill the huge shoes of Shortly before tea he be- Twitter. batsmen. Herschelle Gibbs as his the retired Alastair Cook, in came Perera’s second scalp, a “Well played fantastic and The 30-year-old was read- favourite batsman. the morning session, run out demon of a ball pitching out- thoroughly deserved by the ing out tweets when he came for 23. side leg and angling back to hard work.” across one which described Moeen Ali, out first ball in take the Durham all-rounder’s Sri Lanka’s spin bowling Kohli, currently the top is the biggest name in Indian the first innings, fared little off stump. coach Piyal Wijetunge said ranked test batsman, as “over- cricket and his face is plas- better in the second, driving Jos Buttler smashed a however that the hosts still rated” and that Australian and tered on billboards across the straight to at quick 35 before being caught have a chance to win, in part English batsmen were more cricket-obsessed country of mid-on off Dilruwan Perera off Herath while Ben Foakes, because the notorious Galle pleasing to watch than “these 1.3 billion. for three. the centurion hero of the first is behaving differently Indians”. A highly successful crick- Herath, in his last game innings, belted out 37 before this time. “I don’t think you should eter with a penchant to get before retiring having got his falling to spinner Akila Dan- “There is a big challenge, live in India then,” Kohli, who under an opponent’s skin, landmark 100th wicket at Gal- anjaya. but it’s not the kind of wicket has 27.1 million followers on Kohli is the sole Indian in the le, then got England captain Jennings’s performance we usually see in Galle. If the Twitter, said in a video posted Forbes magazine’s 2018 list of Joe Root out for the second will go some way to silencing batsmen do their duty, the on his new app to sell exclu- the world’s 100 highest-paid time in the match, caught be- his critics -- many of whom 440-odd that we need will be sive merchandise. athletes. hind for three. were calling for him to be tough, but it’s not impossi- “You should go and live He endorses foreign But Jennings looked com- dropped after a poor series ble,” he said. somewhere else, you know. brands including Puma, Audi, fortable against the spin of against India this summer Sri Lanka’s best hope Why are you living in our Tissot and Uber. One critic Perera and the others. An LBW when he averaged just 18. though is the weather, with country and loving other posted a picture of Kohli pos- appeal when Jennings was on Having scored 112 at rain playing havoc with the se- countries? I don’t mind you ing with an Audi and suggest- England’s Keaton Jennings raises his bat and helmet in celebration 58 was turned down and Sri Mumbai in December 2016 ries so far and thunderstorms not liking me but I don’t think ing he move to Germany since after scoring a century (100 runs) during the third day of the open- Lanka chose -- erroneously it on his debut, he was axed af- forecast for Galle on Friday you should live in our coun- he loved foreign cars. ing Test match against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket turned out -- not to review. ter a disastrous tour of his na- and on Saturday -- should the try... Get your priorities right,” Criticism came from In- Stadium in Galle on Thursday. (AFP) Ben Stokes hit a brisk 62 tive South Africa in 2017. He hosts survive day four. he added with a wry smile. dia’s movie industry as well. Kohli’s comments evoked “If you want to remain sharp reactions as people #KingKohli it may be time to on social media pulled out a teach yourself to think ‘What 2008 video, in which Kohli, would Dravid say?’ before Aspire hosts training camp for Canada’s national women’s boxing team then captain of the India un- speaking in future,” actor Sid- der-19 team, described South dharth tweeted, referring to QNA vantage of the facilities and ahead of a fight, to sharpen African Herschelle Gibbs as former captain Rahul Dravid DOHA expertise on offer at Aspire their skills and ensure maxi- his favourite batsman. who was famous for his bat- Zone Foundation that has mum fitness. And with a Also resurfaced his 2016 ting technique and his econo- ASPIRE Zone Foundation become the preferred desti- comprehensive, week-long tweet in which he had con- my of words. (AZF) welcomed Canada’s nation for large numbers of training programme mapped gratulated Angelique Kerber “What an idiotic set of National Women’s Boxing international teams compet- out for us here at Aspire, we on her Australian Open vic- words to come from an #India team as they prepare for the ing in a wide range of sports. really do have everything we tory, declaring the German as #captain!” the actor added. AIBA Women’s World Box- Assistant Coach Samir need.” his favourite women’s tennis The cricketer took to Twit- ing Championship 2018, El Mais explained the objec- During their stay, the player. ter later on Thursday to play scheduled to begin on No- tives of the training camp Canadian national boxing “Virat Kohli’s statement is down the episode. vember 15 in New Delhi, In- at Aspire saying: “We have team will benefit from an a reflection of the bubble that “I guess trolling isn’t for dia. travelled here from Canada intensive programme that most famous people either me guys, I’ll stick to getting The travelling party was to help acclimatise to the integrates strength train- slip into or are forced into,” trolled,” Kohli tweeted. comprised of six female heat and adjust to different ing, traction stretches, fight cricket commentator Harsha “I spoke about how “these fighters and coaches who will time zones. This marks the fi- practice and cardio work- Bhogle tweeted. Indians” was mentioned in be based in Aspire to under- nal stage of our preparations outs in Aspire Park. “The voices within it are the comment and that’s all. take a comprehensive train- for the World Championship Hosting training camps frequently those that they I’m all for freedom of choice. ing programme, with their and we are very impressed by for national teams is a key wish to hear. It is a comfort- Keep it light guys and enjoy sights set on a podium finish the world-class facilities and component in fulfilling As- able bubble and that is why fa- the festive season. Love and at the Championships. expertise that Aspire has to pire Zone Foundation’s vi- mous people must try hard to peace to all.” During the training camp, offer athletes. sion, which aims to be the prevent it from forming.” One fan said Kohli may which runs until November “Training and prepara- Canadian national women’s boxing team during a training session at Reference in Sports Excel- Married to Bollywood ac- have had a brain fade moment 11, the team will take full ad- tion are critical for any boxer the Aspire Academy in Doha. lence World-wide by 2020. tress Anushka Sharma, Kohli and should not be attacked. Cancer-hit Lee announces Hamilton pays tribute to Bottas badminton comeback bid as Mercedes bid for teams’ title AFP cancer, forcing him to pull out KUALA LUMPUR of the Asian Games and world AFP by 13 in Brazil, it will maintain championships. SAO PAULO their title bid. Much will de- MALAYSIAN star Lee Chong The father of two said that pend on Hamilton’s mindset Wei on Thursday said he plans when he found out about the LEWIS Hamilton has paid trib- after clinching his fifth title. to return to badminton after illness, “I was crying for a week, ute to his Mercedes team-mate In the two seasons in which successful treatment for nose couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep”. Valtteri Bottas and described he clinched the drivers’ title be- cancer, insisting he had no in- On the advice of his doctors their pairing as “the greatest” in fore the season ended, he failed tention of retiring. he travelled to Taiwan for treat- Formula One history. to win another race - so the The ex-world number one ment, during which he lost five Speaking ahead of this presence of Bottas could be a said he could resume training kilos (11 pounds). weekend’s Brazilian Grand critical factor for the team. as early as next month and was “This is the toughest period Prix, where Mercedes hope to Since replacing 2016 world targeting a competitive come- of my life,” said Lee, who has clinch a fifth consecutive con- champion Nico Rosberg, Bottas back at the All England Open in slipped to eighth in the world structors’ title, the new five- has helped the team to win 21 March. rankings. “But I had the support time champion added that Bot- races overall and gained total “I finished all my treat- of my loved ones to continue tas had been fundamental to respect and trust from his Brit- ment... and have recovered very fighting.” his successes. ish team-mate. well,” a cheerful and healthy- Lee said that he underwent “It’s the greatest partner- Hamilton has acknowl- looking Lee, 36, told a press Malaysian badminton player Lee over 30 sessions of treatment ship in terms of respect and edged that and also the impor- conference in Kuala Lumpur. Chong Wei poses for photographs at the hands of seven doctors. teamwork from drivers that I’m tance of sealing another success “I want to come back to after a press conference in Kuala He said they have given him a sure has ever existed in Formu- for Mercedes. court,” he said, adding: “As of Lumpur, on Thursday. Lee spoke clean bill of health. Nose cancer la One - probably. “We have such a huge re- now, I am not retiring.” to the media for the first time is perhaps the biggest blow suf- “This year definitely there spect for each other,” he said. “I The three-time Olympic after he was diagnosed with nose fered by Lee, who was banned have been times when he has see how hard he works. He sees silver medallist was making his cancer in July. (EPA) after testing positive for a pro- been fundamental in us win- how hard I work. We don’t play first public appearance since scribed anti-inflammatory at ning races.” games in between. In actual his shock diagnosis was an- “I just try my very best be- the 2014 world championships. Hamilton and Bottas need fact, we work together. There nounced in September. Lee, cause I love my country... and I Lee returned to the sport in to score 31 points between are times where I’ve figured who returned from treatment in love badminton,” he said. 2015, after authorities accepted them to end Ferrari’s chal- Mercedes’ Bristish driver Lewis Hamilton arrives at the Interlagos something out in my set-up and Taiwan last month, said it was The player however conced- he took the drug inadvertently. lenge for the team title at In- racetrack in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Thursday. (AFP) I’ll tell him and there are times his “dream” to play in the Tokyo ed that if his health does not im- His unsuccessful attempts terlagos where they have only that I can talk to him.” 2020 Olympics, which would be prove enough, he may have to to capture Malaysia’s first ever a modest record. will seek to regain the initia- continue recent form they have Bottas is winless this year his fifth Summer Games. hang up his racquet: “If my con- Olympic gold medal at three Hamilton has had pole and tive from rivals Sebastian Vettel a chance to keep the champion- and has played a significant “I think qualifying (for the dition is good, I will continue. If consecutive Summer Games won once in Brazil and Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen. ship alive into the final race in number two role in Hamilton’s Tokyo Olympics) should be no I can’t, I will stop.” were followed avidly back secured pole position last year. If one driver wins and the Abu Dhabi. title triumph. problem for me,” he said, but Lee, who enjoys superstar home, as was his long-running After being out-performed other finishes in the top seven, Ferrari outscored Mercedes “Ultimately, the team added that his health was his status in Malaysia, was diag- rivalry with Chinese superstar by a revived Ferrari in Texas Mercedes will triumph again, by 12 points in Texas and by 11 don’t care which driver wins,” current priority. nosed with early-stage nose Lin Dan. and Mexico, the Mercedes pair but if the scarlet scuderia can in Mexico. If they can beat them said Hamilton. Sports Friday, November 9, 2018 15 Qatar drawn in balanced AFC U-23 Asian Cup group TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK 16-team DOHA tournament QATAR will take on Oman, Nepal and Afghanistan in O The 11 group winners the qualifying group for the and four best second- AFC U-23 Championship. The Draw divided the placed teams will qualify for 44 participating teams into the Finals, with the host two zones of WEST (West nation of the Finals + South + Central) with 24 receiving automatic teams, and EAST (East + qualification. ASEAN) with 20 teams. Qatar will host Group A reach the Finals but they are as they aim to make their determined to impress when third appearance in the AFC they welcome Korea Repub- U23 Championship Finals. lic, Australia and Chinese Group B host Bahrain Taipei in Group H. will attempt qualifying for After missing out on two the Finals for the fourth editions, Group I host Myan- time, as they go up against mar will play against 2016 Palestine, Bangladesh and winners Japan, Timor-Lest- Sri Lanka. er and Macau. Al Sadd players celebrate a goal ahainst Al Kharaitiyat during their QNB Stars League match at Jassim Bin Hmad Stadium in Doha on Thuirsday. The Islamic Republic Group J host Malaysia, of Iran, the host nation for who reached the quarter- Group C, will test their met- finals of the competition for tle against Iraq, Turkmeni- the first time in their history stan and Yemen. in January, are set to host Bounedjah, El Arabi score Saudi Arabia, the 2013 China PR, Laos and Philip- runners-up, will be aiming pines. to better their previous best Vietnam, who finished result after failing to pro- runners-up in the 2018 edi- gress past the group stage in tion, will host Group K, hat-trick in style for clubs January. They host the Unit- where they will meet Thai- ed Arab Emirates, Lebanon land, Indonesia and Brunei and Maldives in Group D. Darussalam. Kuwait were among the The 11 group winners Al Sadd SC pummel Kharaitiyat 7-1; Duhail score five past Shahania; Sneijder hits brace for Gharafa first teams to participate and four best second-placed in the first-ever AFC U23 teams will qualify for the IKOLI VICTOR the Wolves the perfect start Championship in 2013, and Finals, with the host nation DOHA as Bounedjah tapped in from Results will bid to reach the Finals of the Finals receiving auto- close range and Hamid Is- Al Duhail 5 - 1 Al Shahaniya again when they face Jordan, matic qualification. FEARSOME strikers Bagh- mail pounced on a loose ball Syria and Kyrgyzstan Repub- In the event that the host dad Bounedjah and Youssef inside the box to slot home. Qatar SC 0 - 2 Al Gharafa lic in Group E. of the Finals, Thailand, finish El Arabi scored hat-tricks for Abdelkarim Hassan struck Al Sadd 7 - 1 Al Kharitiyath Reigning champions and among the qualified teams to their respective club as the beautifully from Bounedjah’s Group F hosts Uzbekistan the Finals (either top of the second stanza of the 2018 pass to make it 3-0 in the 37th will begin their title defence group or one of the four best QNB Stars League got under- minute as the half time ended Duhail claimed the fifth win against Tajikistan, India and second-placed teams), the way on Thursday. with Sadd having a three-goal over their less illustrious op- Pakistan in Group F. next (fifth) second-placed Al Sadd pummelled Al lead. ponent. Mongolia will be count- team in the ranking among Kharaitiyat 7-1 while defend- A minute into the sec- El Arabi scored two goals ing on home support when all groups will qualify to the ing champions Al Duhail put ond half, Akram Afif teed the in the first half and another in they host Group G, going up Finals instead. Al Shahania to the sword with ball for Bounedjah to make it the second as the defending against DPR Korea, Hong The 2020 Qualifiers will a 5-1 thumping. Meanwhile, 4-0. Afif got his goal from the champions marched to their Kong and Singapore. be held on March 22-26, the Netherlands’ most capped penalty spot, his eleventh of 10th win of the season. Cambodia has yet to 2019. international player Wesley the season. Bounedjah was El Arabi broke the dead- Sneijder scored a brace for on hand to complete his hat- lock in the 24th, his second in Gharafa as they defeated Qa- trick in the 85th minute before the 41st and third in the 67th tar SC 2-0. Youssef El Arabi celebrates his goal against Al Shahania during a QNB Ahmed Sayyar completed the minute. He was well supported Duhail remain untouch- Stars League match at Al Duhail stadium on Thursday. rout in regulation time. by Paulo Edmilson (46th) and able at the top of the league Al Duhail extended their Nam Tae-Hee (90+3) as The standings with 31 points, Bounedjah maintains his scored in the 2007-08 season unbeaten run to eleven games Red Knights eased to an easy eight points ahead of their ri- goal-scoring spree with a hat- by Brazilian Clemerson de in the league with a compre- victory. val Al Sadd with a game still trick to take his tally to 19 for Araújo of Al Gharafa. hensive victory. It could have Shahania’s consolation to play. While the Wolves the season. He is closely fol- Jesualdo Ferreira’s men been more for The Red Knights goal came from Ramin Semes- continue to bang in the goals, lowed by El Arabi with 14. If continued their return to but for seven saves by goal- kandi’s long-range free-kick in with 45 scored in 10 matches, both continue at this pace, form with a seven-star per- keeper Khalifa al Dosari. It was the 87th minute that Al Duhail Duhail are behind with 13 one of the two will break the formance. Two goals in the the sixth meeting between the goalkeeper Khalifa Abooback- adrift. national record of 27 goals 17th and 28th minutes gave two sides in the top division as er failed to stop.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AGCFF Holds Extraordinary Mourinho hails ‘fantastic’ comeback as General Assembly in Oman QNA 24 tops the first item in the ex- DOHA traordinary General Assembly. Manchester United steal Ronaldo thunder He noted that the meeting will SECRETARY-GENERAL of discuss the announcement of AFP ventus with two matches to Arab Gulf Cup Football Fed- the hosting country of the next TURIN, ITALY play in Group H. eration (AGCFF) Jassim Al edition on the championship “It’s a fantastic victory for Rumaihi announced the hold- as well as setting the dates of JOSE Mourinho hailed a “fan- us, a victory that is not just ing of an extraordinary General its launch and the timetable of tastic victory” after Manches- about the points we lost at Assembly of AGCFF in the Sul- the organization which will be- ter United stole the thunder of home but the feeling of how tanate of Oman on the 28th of gin with forming a committee Cristiano Ronaldo and a domi- well we played,” said Mour- November. He pointed out that to inspect stadiums and other nant Juventus with a 2-1 win inho. the recent contacts with Oman committees that oversee the in the Champions League on “And I think even if this Football Association (OFA) re- administrative and technical Wednesday. game hadn’t ended with victory sulted in the agreement on the aspects of the competition. A jubilant Mourinho made I would have the same feeling Sultanate hosting the extraor- AGCFF members are due the most of the last-gasp vic- that the team played really, re- dinary General Assembly. to head to Oman on November tory, going onto the pitch at ally well from the first minute Al Rumaihi told Qatar 26th to hold a meeting under full-time and cupping his ear to against a super team.” News Agency (QNA) that the chairmanship Secretary- jeers from the crowd, who had - ‘Heroics’ -Juventus had AGCFF General Secretariat, in General AGCFF Jassim Al earlier cheered former Juven- dominated the match for long cooperation with OFA, invited Rumaihi, Assistant Secretary- tus player Paul Pogba on his periods with Sami Khedira and the members of the Board of General of AGCFF Ahmed Al return to Turin. Dybala both rattling the wood- Directors of AGCFF to partici- Nuaimi, and AGCFF’s chair- Juventus players Leonardo work, only for the hosts to get pate in the Assembly. man of the finance committee Bonucci and Paulo Dybala con- distracted after Ronaldo’s goal. He explained that the an- and financial advisor Ahmed Al fronted Mourinho with United “We dominated for the 90 nouncement of Qatar’s hosting Buainain to prepare for the ex- captain Ashley Young interven- minutes. We had two or three of the next edition of Gulf Cup traordinary General Assembly. ing as Mourinho was led off the clear chances and we should pitch by a UEFA official. have been able to put the game “They insulted me for 90 to bed with ease, but we paid minutes. I came here to do my for switching off,” said Ronaldo job, nothing more,” said former after his team’s first defeat this UEFA president Ceferin sole Inter Milan coach Mourinho. season. “It’s never nice to lose, Manchester United’s Juan Mata (right) celebrates after scoring a free kick, during the UEFA Champions “I didn’t offend anyone at but maybe this defeat comes League match at the Allianz stadium in Turin on Wednesday. (AFP) candidate for new 4-year term the end, I just made a gesture at the best possible time. We that I wanted to hear them have a great team, we’re top of DPA president, UEFA said following louder. I probably shouldn’t the group and I’m sure we’ll go Mourinho BERLIN the Wednesday deadline for have done it, with a cool head I through as group winners.” candidates. wouldn’t have.” Mourinho’s decision to taunts fans UEFA president Aleksand- German Football Federa- Ronaldo’s superb volley bring on Mata and Marouane er Ceferin is set for a further tion (DFB) president Reinhard -- his first European goal for Fellaini in place of Ander Her- O “I didn’t offend anyone at four years as head of the Grindel is meanwhile con- Juventus -- had put the Italian rera and Alexis Sanchez on 79 the end, I just made a European football body after he firmed as seeking a new term champions in control after 65 minutes paid off. gesture that I wanted to was confirmed Thursday as the on the executive council of minutes, two weeks after Dy- And the Portuguese coach hear them louder. I probably only candidate for re-election. football’s world governing body bala scored in the only goal at recalled bygone days going back shouldn’t have done it, with The 51-year-old Slovenian FIFA. He was first elected by Old Trafford. to United’s time under Alex Fer- a cool head I wouldn’t is set to be elected for a further UEFA into the FIFA Council in But substitute Juan Ma- guson. have.” period between 2019 and 2023 2017 to complete the final two ta’s free-kick on 86 minutes “Probably when Manches- Manchester United’s manager Jose Mourinho gestures at the end of at the UEFA Congress in Rome years of Wolfgang Niersbach’s sparked a stunning revival that ter United had heroics here (in the Champions League match in Turin on Wednesday. (AFP) on February 7. four-year mandate. Niersbach breathed new life into the visi- the past) Manchester United Ceferin has been resigned in connection with the tors’ Champions League cam- was the best team and they (Ju- Champions League.” away, the two best teams that “We want to play well, we UEFA president since Septem- Germany 2006 World Cup af- paign. Juve were then left in ventus) are a top team for many The victory also gave the we face this season and we want to go to every stadium, ber 2016 when he completed fair. shock as Ashley Young’s free- years now,” said Mourinho. United coach optimism before played very well in both,” said and it doesn’t matter the team. the four-year term of Michel Grindel is now a UEFA kick from the left bounced in “They bought that player next week’s Premier League Mourinho. “I want the feeling (that) it Platini, who was banned by candidate for a four-year term off a combination of Bonucci (Ronaldo), they want to win clash against table-toppers “Here we were lucky to win doesn’t matter where we go, we FIFA over an improper pay- on the FIFA body. Two others, and Alex Sandro after a frantic everything, they can win every- Manchester City at Etihad Sta- in last minute, against Chelsea go to compete and this is the ments affair. Fernando Gomes of Portu- scramble in front of goal. thing and we are a team where dium. unlucky not to win in last min- feeling the Manchester United Hungarian Sandor Csanyi gal and Georgios Koumas, are It left Mourinho’s side just many of the players didn’t play “We played this season ute but we played very, very supporters around the world is meanwhile the sole candidate standing for two positions on two points behind leaders Ju- big matches like this in the against Chelsea and Juventus well and this is what we want. want.” standing for re-election as vice- two-year terms.